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[ January’ 17, 1878,

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE,
COTTAGE GARDENER,

AND

COUNTRY GENTLEMAN.

A CHRONICLE OF THE HOMESTEAD, POULTRY-YARD, APIARY, & DOVECOTE.

CONDUCTED BY

GEORGE W. JOHNSON, F.R.H.S., ayxp ROBERT HOGG, LL.D.

THE FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. Murr; and FLORISTS’ FLOWERS AND FLORICULTURE, by the Rev. H. H.
Mr. J. TayLor, The Gardens, Longleat. Domsrain, Mr. J. Dovcas, and Rev. J. B. M. Camm.
THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. T. Recor, Vinters Park, Maidstone; ‘5 N yb: : E.H Esq.
and Mr. E. LG Old Lands, Uokfold, ’ 5 POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. Barby; and EWITT, Esq
S PIGEONS, AVIARY BIRDS, &c., by ‘“ WintsHrRE Rectror;” Mr.
STOVE, SERENDOUSE: and WINDOW GARDEN, by Mr. G. ABBEY, Bannespy,andothers. :
VILLA AND SUBURBAN GARDENING, by Mr. J. W. Moorman. BEE-KEEPING, by “B.& W.,” Mr. A. PETTIGREW, and Mr. J. HUNTER.
GARDENING CALENDAR, by Mr. J: Dovenas, Loxford Hall. HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by several Ladies.

LIBRARY
NEW YORK
BOTANICAL

GARDEN.

VOLUME XXXIII., NHW SERIES.
VOL. LVIII., OLD SERIES.

LONDON: :
PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, 171, FLEET STREET.
1877.

LONDON:
PRINTED AT THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE,
171, FLEET STREET.

January 17, 1878. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. iii

TO OUR READERS.

Tak year now closed has been to us in every sense of the adjective a Rosey year, for the dictionary
defines that word as applicable to what is blooming, healthy, and cheery, and also to whatever
is connected with the Rose. Now we say, without any reservation, that our pages during the
past year have been enriched by our contributors with more aids to those who were in difficulties
in the culture and exhibition of the Rose than were ever published before by any horticultural
journal. Moreover, continuing still to refer to the term Rosey, we gratefully add that our
progress merits the term.

To afford information needed by a numerous class of our subscribers we shall add a
department ‘The Home Farm,” which we know will be enriched by the meritorious writings
of our contributors; and to them, with the Spanish wish, ‘‘ May their shadows never grow less,”

once more thanks are given sincerely by

THE EDITORS.

etnias a HHZVIOD. G24 TALI

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CATCADA AUO OP

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aorilioitih ai sie odw oeodt of 2bic exon sii eroiudixtims sno yd hedotins sood ove

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au lonosnie natig ans

January 17, 1878. ]

ABNEY Hat, 272

Abutilons, 213

Acacia lophantha wintering, 333

Accrington Poultry Show, 22

Adiantum, farleyense, 849, 890; Lud-
demannianum, 475

Adulteration of seed, 425

Z£chmea Veitchii, 401

Ageratums, hardy, 478 P

Agricultural Hall, Floral decorations
at, 183; plants, 213; Poultry Show,
295; Show, 461

Air-giving, 81

Air-temperatures at
vations, 460

Alexandra Palace, International Fruit
Show, 115, 231; Poultry Show, 314;
Rose Show, 4

Allamanda Wardleana, 497

Allium unifolium, 290

Alloplectus peltatus, 478

Aloe chinensis, 100

Aloe tricolor, 307

Alternantheras, wintering, 257

Altrincham Poultry Show, 221

Amary!lids, 382; after flowering, 890

Amaryllis, in pots, 428; longifolia not
flowering, 203

Amesbary Free Grammer
43

Amateur’s garden and greenhouse,
471

Amies’ manure, 497

Ammonia v. slugs, 352

Anemone japonica alba, 252

Anerley Nursery, 201

Animals, our duty to, 279 ¢

Annuals, 487 ; for spring bedding 112

Anthropodium neo-caledonicum, 807

Antirrhinum, seedlings, 277; orna-
tum, 488

Ants, banishing, 42;

exterminating, 257

Aphelexes, potting, 443

Aphides and tobacco powder, 8

Apple, bark cankered, 428; crop, 54;
culture, 98; election, 283, 844, 357,
450; gathering, 240

Apples, for cider, 131; Fox-whelp, 182,
160; Striped Quarrenden, 1386; suc-
cession of dessert, 165; for north of
England, 181; a new. summer va-
riety, 191: Hereford cider, 217;
hardy, 266; imported, 293; late-keep-
ing, 882; jottings about, 387; Lod-
dingten Seedling, 361; Worcester
Pearmain, 398; for market, 496; fer-
menting, 497

Aquarium, Alexandra, and Agricultu-
ral Hall poultry schedules, 242

Caueaes Carnation and Rose Show,

5
ED 75, 108; culture, 12; new,

Aralia filicifolia, 421

Araucaria seedless, 242

Arbor-Vitz, 408

Arbutus, 489

Ardisia crenulata, 460

Areca purpurea, 489

Arnoti’s portable stoves, 428

Ashante hammock for gardens, 109

Ashes as Manure, 852

Ash, variegated, 278

Asparagus, culture, 295; forcing, 400,
849; grubs on, 61; neglected, 481;
v. rheumatism, 72

Aspasia variegata, 29

Asphalt walks and roads, 203

Asters, exhibiting, 103

Auricula, aphis, 90, 118; culture, 10,
105; notes, 190, 898, 408; Yellow
Alpine, 251

Auriculas, 352 :

Australian gardening, 134

Autumn, flower shows, 216; Roseless,

different ele-

£chool,

excluding, 21];

SES eae shrubbery perennials, 888

zalea leaves injured, 220
Azaleas, Ghent, 292; hardy, 449, 491;
watering, 463

UCT 19

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER. v

INDEX.

BaRHAM Court, 844

Barnstaple Poultry Show, 48

Basil, Holy, 154

Bassia latifolia, 185

Bastard Balm, 121

Bath Poultry Show, 221

Battersea Park, 199

Bean sowing, 888

Beans, Dwarf Kidney and Runners,
134; for seed, 166

Bedding-plant house, 366

Bedding plants, 184; cuttings, 164;
rain-proof, 433; sheltering, 266; re-
moying in winter, 278

Bedding-out at Mr. Ralli’s, 5

Bedford Poultry Show, 84

eee ot crop, 269; dying, 142; nuts,

Bees—apiarian notes, 53; utilising
condemned stocks, management,
driving, clustering, straw hives, 24;
piping, 45; turning out, honey in
cells, artificial swarming, 46; ex-
perience in 1877, 63; casting out
drones, 64; drumming, artificial
comb foundations, 85; feeding,
comb-building, keeping, driving and
treatment, 86; present season in
Stafford, 106; in large hives, driv-
ing, 125; removing to the moors,
Swarming without drones, 126; 1877
experiences, 145, 205, 206: pleasures
and profits of, 145; foul brood, driv-
ing, feeding, chloroforming, supers
not filled, 146; preparing stocks
for winter, 167; feeding, taking
honey, pasturage, 168; feed, Italian
v. British, under floor, driving, unit-
ing, 188; at flower shows, uniting

' stocks, 28); season in Herts, 297;
in Northumberland, 298; perforated
zine for supers, 317; in 1877, 317;
gossip, 318; Ligurians, 835; and
pollen, 886; artificial foundations,
335; food, empty comb on supers,
224; gossip, 248; under a floor,
honey; fermenting, 244; united
swarms, 261; wasps in hive, weak
hive, 262; Pettigrew’s keeping, 855;
gossip, bar-framed hives, 3565
Stewarton-hive system, 875; comb
foundations, keeping experience,
376; chloroforming, 394; killed by
Tritoma. 407; Norfolk honey hat-
vest, size and shape of hives, ma-
nagement, 411; management of bar-
framed hives, 430; three honey
harvests, 447; large hives, 448;
large v. small hives, 465; enlarge-
ment of hives, take of honey, 466;
hive trials, 483; in towns, 484; bar-
framed hives and their manage-
ment, 501; in London, 502

Beet, Silver, 349

Begonias, tubereus-rooted, 208; win-
tering tuberous-rooted, 500

Berkeley, Rev. M. J., photo of, 8

Berkhampstead Cottage Garden So-
ciety’s Show, 255

Berkshire Root Show, 418

Birds friends of the garden, 807

Birmingham Poultry Show, 21, 384,
429, 443; Columbarian, 430

Blue in gardens, 103

Bocconia japonica, 363

Bollea Lalindei, 401

Bones dust for flowers, 814; manure,

Border flowers, 95, 121, 186, 200, 292,
311, 324, 871, 882, 421, 488, 495 ; herba-
ceous, 169, 202

Boronia elatior, 275

Boston Poultry Show, 104

Botanic (Royal) Society’s aquatic
house, plants in, 72

Bougainvillea spectabilis not flower-
ing, 814

Bougainvilleas, 185

Bourg-la-Reine Rosery, 198

Bouquet, 325

Bouvardia culture, 463

Box edging, 407

Bradford Poultry Show, 104

Brahma vulture-hocked, 244

Brahmas, management of, 262

Brassicas bolting, 82

Briar Stocks, 82

Briars, culture of seedling, 373 ; seed-
lings, 257, 408

Brighton Horticultural Show, 240

Brisbane Botanic Garden, 825

co eae Industries — Horticulture,”

British plants for gardens, 454

Broccoh, Veitch’s New Autumn, 358

Buckwheat, 188; cultare, 852

Budding, 81

Buddlea asiatica, 807; globosa, 813

Bulbs, planting, 383; in water, 814

Bugworts, 488

Burnell’s poultry, 499

Butterfly, Colias edusa, 288

CaBBAGE Sowrne, 141
Cabbagewort culture, 102, 1(3
Cairnsmore, 326
Calanthes, 3382
Calceolaria, cuttings, 293; lobata,
401; sowing, 186
ASOT ES culture of herbaceous,
0

Calla ethiopica seed, 887

Camellias, buds falling, 441; culture,
886, 418; fimbriata, 452; scale on,
295; thrips on, 428; under Vines,
852; white, 481; wintering, 135

Campanula, culture, 138; Medium
calycanthema, 183 ; rotundifolia, 202

Canaries, breeding, 125; high colour-
ed, 466; moulting, 224; notes on,
429; teaching to sing, 63; traffic in,
85; unhealthy, 126

Canary asthmaed, 3855;
855; treatment, 316

Candytutts, 452

Cannas, 201

Canterbury Poultry Show, 464

Cape Jasmines, 441

Cape plants, 351

Caper Plant, 54

Carbolic acid v. mice, 19

Cardiff Castle, 252

Cardoons, earthing, 219

Carissa grandiflora, 275

Carlisle, 198; Bee Show, 224; Inter-
national Horticultural Show, 71, 134,
177, 194, 209, 230

Carmarthen Poultry Show, 482

Cernafon and Picotee Show, 32, 41, 52,

y 10!

Carnation and Picotees—at Slough
and Clapham, 114; National Show
of, 118; for forcing, 122

Carnation: culture, 220, 379; layering,

longevity,

Carnations, 49; in beds, 419; winter-
flowering, 267

Carpet bedding, 307

Carter's Root Show, 844, 388, 406

Castle Coch Vineyard, 95

Cat Show, Aquarium, 22_

Cauliflower, Autumn Giant, 425; ard
Broccoli defined, 497; Veitch’s Au-
tumn, 269

Cauliflowers, protecting, 381

Ceanothus azureus, 213, 292

Cedronellas, 292 _

Celery, 443; earthing, 219,872; winter-
ape 382; worm-eaten, short-stalked,

Celosia culture, 60

Cement walks and edgings, 271
Ceropegia Barkleyi, 275

Ceterach officinarum culture, 428
Chalcidida ignita, 166

Charcoal for flowers, 314
Checking growth, 426
Chelmsford Poultry Show, 48

Cherries, protecting, 451
Cherry, trees untruitful, 165. 277;
Cava Schmidt’s Bigarreau,

Cheshunt, a morning at, 86

Chicken feeding, 297

Chickens, cramped, 188; maggots in
crop, 146; paralysed, 106

Chicory culture, 872

Christmas decorations, 468, 471, 479

Christmas Roses, 897

Chili Pine, 232

Chrysanthemum culture, 312, 818, 890;
management, 219; potting, 41;
shows, 844, 405, 461

Chrysanthemums, for exhibition, 828 ;
in London, 864; at Crystal Palace,
888; at Slough, 404; select, 428, 443,
462; early-flowering, 479; setting,
203; White, 407

Cider fruits of Hereford, 15)

epee culture, 103; leaf diseased,

Cinerarias not expanding, 481

Cirencester Poultry Show, 898

Citron leaves blotched, 220

Clarkias, double, 94

Claycross Flower Show, 158

Claytonia virginica, 116

Cleckheaton Poultry Show, 84

“ Clematis as a Garden Flower,’ 274

Clematis propagation, 220

Clematises, 434

Clerodendron, 480; Bal‘ouri culture,
874; fallax, 201

Cleveland House, 292; carpet bedding,
182; sale of plants at, 344

Clifton Rose Show, 59

Climber, evergreen for unheated con-
servatory, 203; for south aspect.
890; stove, 102 ; sweet-scented, 66

OR AOES plants, management
25

Coal ashes a8 manure, 374

Cockerel’s tail, 394

Coleus, not coloured, 42; culture, 184

Colletia horrida, 844

Colorado beetle, 82, 54, 94, 199; de-
Biroved by Paris green,9; model,

34

“ Colorado Potato Beetle,” 184

Committeemen exhibiting, 221

Conifer at Mells Park, 458

Conifers, pruning and renovating,
361; transplanting, 255

Conservatory, heating, 295;
lation, 277

Coombe Cottage, 34; garden, 426

Corchorus japonica variegated, 278

Comicy gardens, 177, 217, 288, 346, 419,

Coronilla Emerus, 426

Cotoneaster buxifolia, 286

Cottagers’ Show, 181

Cottingham Poultry Show, 205

Covent Garden Market, 24, 46, 64, 86,
106, 126, 146, 168, 188, 206, 224, 244, 262,
280, 298, 818, 886, 356, 376, 894, 412, 430,
448, 466, 471, 484, 502

Coventry Show, Pigeons, &c., 355

Creeping Jenny, 72

Creosote for garden nets, 123

Crinum capense planting, 352

Crowfoots, 371 =

Croydon Horticultural Show, 423

Cryptogamic Society of Scotland,
232

Crystal Palace, 213; arrangement, 227 ;
Horticultural Show, 248 ; Show, 184;
Poultry Show, 391, 4C9; poultry sche-
dule, 333

Cucumber, culture, 60, 164, 887, 427
management, 241 x

Cucumbers, 813, 480; culinary, 103;
disease of, 115; for winter forcing,
142; Sooly Qua, 108; select, 283; im-
pregnating, 42; roots diseased,
diseased, 463; at Eastnor, 889; bot-
tom heat, 873; raising plants, 481 ;
winter culture, 190; withering, $2

of,

venti-

vi JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Cupressus for small lawn, 257
Cuscuta Cephalanthi, 437

Cut flowers, arrangement of, 121
Cuttings, propagating by, 77
Cyclamen culture, 203, 368
Cypripedium Haynaldianum, 80
Cypripediums, hardy, 390
Cytisus repotting, 399

DAHLIA CULTURE, 276

Dablias, single, 306

Daphne indica rubra, 479

Darley Dale Nurseries, 400

Dartford Chrysanthemum Show, 423
Day Lily, 95

December flowers at Veitch’s, 472

pe eciauods trees, silver variegated,

Decorations, room, 271

Dendrobium crystallinum, 290

Derby Poultry Show, 892

Dianthuses, 201

Didsbury Horticultural Show, 423

Digging among plants, 462

Dionza museipula, 418, 338, 878

Dipladenia culture, 141, 480

Dodder, 479; American, 437

Dominique fowls, 448

Doncaster Poultry Show, 22

Dorking and Brahma cross, 448

Dorking Poultry Show, 447 u

Dorkings, diarrheaed, 484; prize for
pu ver Greys: 244; Mrs. Arkwright’s,

Dormice, 376

Doronicum altaicum, 231

Dorset Poultry Show, 430

Douglas, Mr. D., 96

Dracena, Goldieana, 306; reflexa, 401 ;
unhealthy, 20

Draining, 479

Drighlington Poultry Show, 143

Drumlanrig, 195

Drammond, Mr. P., 54 (

Duele management, Aylesbury points,

Ducks, breeding, 836; Cayugas, 224,
261; prolific, 261 ,

Dundee Horticultural Society’s meet-
ing, 344 ‘ f
Durham Horticultural Society's din-

ner, 478
Durham Poultry Show, 167
Dyckia frigida, 80

EFartTHworm, 481

Edelweiss, 38

Eggs, imported, 64, 835; preserving,
188; mis-shapen, 448; in winter, 856

Elder, Golden, 93

Endive culture, 91

Epacrises, 462; potting, 443

Epidendrum Sophronitis, 275

Epitaph for gardener, 232

Eranthemum laxiflorum, 478

Escallonia, transplanting large, 42

muehans amazonica, 479; propagat-
ing, 4!

Eupatorium gracile odoratum, 128

Euphorbias in pinery, 806

Evergreen cuttings, 443

Evergreens, clipping, 83

FaLtmoutH FLowek SHovw, 139

Farnworth Poultry Show, 243

« Fern World,’ 370

Fern, collecting, 370; culture, 373;
Maidenhar, 373; a new, 388

“ Ferns, British and Foreign,” 161

Ferns, in common soil, 16; culture
of stove, 141; development, 27;
scale on, 165; soil for, 277; Trades-
cant’s, 201 i

Fertilisers, artificial, 36, 93; and their
application, 48, 135 bp

Figs, culture, 22l, in pots, 122; fail-
ing, 142; iu pots, 41; on west wall,

2

Filbert culture, 823

Flies in room, 46

Flora’s domain, 101

Floral concert, 154

Florida fruits, 154

Flower basket, 304

Flower, borders in winter, 482; farm-
ing in France, 16); gardening in
1826, 286; garden notes, 321, 305;
pot, Tebb’s travelling, 171; shows,
general and special, 423 Y

Flowers, analyses of, 242; falling pre-
maturely, 833 ; for winter and spring,
142; wrapping for cut, 31

Forest tree pruning, 42

Forking, 871

Fowl’s foot swollen, 106

Foewls, breeding pure, 43°; hard-crop-
ped, 5)2; for confined space, 168,
836; declining, 448; marking, 168,
336; profitable, 83; stock, 502

Fraser, John, 156

etn dasyphylla and acmopetala,

Fruit, tree culture, 17; prospects, 823
erop, North Wilts, 68; Derby, 71;
crop, Yorkshire, 133; trees, prepar-
ing for forcing, 189; culture of
hardy, 189; prospect of crops, 198;
trees, planting, 202 ; barkbound, 202;

- Gloucestershire

{ January 17, 1878.

Frurt—Continued.
gathering, 218; tree, autumn prun-
ing, 226; presentation of to the Lord
Mayor, 255; storing, 275; trees on
south paling, pruning summer
growths, 277; tree planting, 300;
trees, transplanting, 320; tying, 332;
trees, training young, 852; tree
winter pruning, 377; selecting, 388 ;
planting, 889; tree pruning, 427;
notes, 489 ; produce in America, 498 ;
trees, neglected, 498; planting and
training, 499 :

Fruits, six different, 103; selection of
hardy, 470

Fuchsia Dominiana, 460 Ras

Fuchsias, list of double, 42; training
and varieties, 81; for roofs and pil-
lars, 115; not thriving, 142; procum-
bens, 273; seed sowing, 295

Fuel, economy in, 76

Fulham Nurseries, 154

Fumigating, 285

Fumigator, Tebb’s, 887

Fungus in manure, 374

GaInsBoROUGH PouLTRY SHOW, 204

Galloway Rose Show, 92

Game cockerel, price of, 409 a

Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institu-
tion, 32

Gardeners’ Benevolent Fund, 496

Gardenias, 441; after flowering, 257;
soil for, 374

Geranium Dr. John Denny, 460

Geranium house, Cannell’s, 425

Geraniums, list of double, 42; double,
93; leaves perforated, 103; outdoor,

63; for winter-flowering, 165; at

Chilwell, 284; wintering, 320, 352

Gesnera culture, 165

Ghent International Show, $25 |

Gladioli, 471; culture, 321; exhibiting,
103; notes, 451

Gladiolus F ckloni_ 478

Glamorganshire Horticultural Show,
153; Poultry Show, 124

Glaseo w, notes, 870; Pigeon Show,

Glass, for conservatory, 295; Hart-
ley’s patent, 373; structures, appor-
aan 220; structures, 438; uses
of, 8

Glazing without putty, 428, 459, 483

Globba Schomburgkii, 80

Show of Roots,
Fruits, &e , 389

Gloxinia culture, 333

Gloxinias, after flowering, 61;
healthy, 374: wintering, 428

Glue, for damp places, $25; under
water, 188

Godson, Mr. S. H., 407

Gooseberries mildewed, 103

Gooseberry propagation and culture,
487

Gorse, 390

Grantham Poultry Show, 356

Granville Poultry Show, 243

Grape Hyacinth, 264 :

“Grapes, Various Experiments on
Hybridising,” 184

Grapes, 172; seasonable notes, 2;
spotted, 42; not colouring, 82 ;crack-
ing, 108, 165, 219, 280,272, 285, 302, 324,
337, 363; scalded, 142; sport, 147 ;
shanking, 200,289; preserving, 219;
spot, 271; shrivelling, stoneless, 277 ;
what is a good variety ? 305; Golden
Queen, 288; Mrs. Pince’s Muscat,
344; preserving, Duke of Buccleuck,
Dr. Hogg, 352; keeping, 365, 374, 216 ;
Gros Colman, 387, 398; heaviest
bunch, 888; late hanging, 497;
Madresfield Court, 426; imported,
441; not swelling, 443; Child of
Hale, 463

Grave, plants for, 142

Gravel, weeds on, 186, 218

Green on wall, 480

Greenhouse, partitioning, 42; expe-
rience, 78, 245; flat stage in, 83;
heating small, 142; potting, 202;
roof, 242; experience, 245; climbers
for, 277; length of lights, 277; heat-
ing economy, 357, 874; three years
in, 865; management,873;; heating,
390, 48)

Guano test, 498

Guildford Poultry Show, 463

Guinea Pigs and rats, 224

un-

Hat Purace, 74

Hamburgh fowls, Black, 874; Silver-
spangled, 876

Hampton Court Gardens, 285

Haplopappus spinulosns, 100

Harding, Mr., 269

Hares, plants they avoid, 201

Harrison’s Root Show, 387

Heaths, at Cleveland House,9; hardy
summer, 207

Heating, stove v. flue, 452

Heckmondwike Poultry Show, 62

Hedges, clipping, 41

Heilebores, 397

Helleborus niger, 482

Hemerocallis flava variegata, 213, 269

Hemerocallises, 95

Hepatica culture, 371

Hereford Nurseries, 344

Highgate Flower Show, 58

Hill, Sir J., 325

Hoeing, 871 "

Holly, 426; berries, 864,479; cutting,
428; hedge trimming, 390_

Hollyhocks’ culture, 276; list of, 277

Holme Lacy, 493; damages, 306

Hop plant dying, 103

| Horticultural Club, 292, 496

Horticultural (Royal) Society’s Show,
6,18; Committees, 51, 113. 152, 180,
194, 267, 362, 436; Provincial Show
in 1878, 195; Report on Chiswick,
98; Show in 1878, 158; Meeting, 387

Horticultural Shows, abuse of, 303

Horton, Great, Poultry Show, 123

Hot-water piping needed, 42

Hondans, 448

Houlletia picta, 161

oe House, Preston, gardens at,

Hoya carnosa, 154

Huddersfield Bird Show, 465

Huntingdon Poultry Show, 84

Hyacinth, culture, 293; glass,322 |

Hyacinths, 844; in pots, 351; in
glasses, 373; Roman, 388, 890; cul-
ture ef Roman, 414

Hyde Park, 155 i

Hydrangea, culture, 242; paniculata
grandiflora, 95

IBERISES, 452, 469; TENOREANA, 469

Imantophyllum miniatum culture, 8338

Indianrubber plants, 78

Indigo plant, 96

Insect, white-winged, 333 __

Insects, observing injurious, 79;
stamping out, 101; injurious to gar-
dens, 162; chapters on for garden-
ers, 458

Tnulas, 311

Ipswich Poultry Show, 260; schedule,
187, 188

Tris specnlatrix, 161

Isle of Thanet Horticultural Show, 184
Ivory-dust manure, 81

Txoras, 136

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES STORING, 352,
36

4
“ Johnston’s Elements of Agricultural
Chemistry,” 350
Judging poultry, 447

KALOSANTHES COCCINEA CULTURE, 171;
FROM SEED, 185

Kew Gardens, novelties in, 866

Kelway’s Root Show, 426

Kentia macrocarpa, 441

Kew, Gardens, flowers in, 95; suc-
culent house at. 116; novelties in,
88, 251, 866; report, 78

Kidderminster Horticultural Show, 94

Kidney Bean forcing, 442

Kidney Beans, 219

Kingston Horticultural Show, 16

Kingston-on-ThamesChrysanthemum
Show, 422 .

Kitchen-garden, crops in Ireland, 274 ;
notes, 467; winter preparations, $319

Knowetield Nurseries, 193

LaBExs, 72, 1C4 :

Lelia purpurata not flowering, 314

Lambeth Chrysanthemum Show, 387

Lamorran, 177, 104

Lancashire crops, 176

Langshan fowls, 221

Lapageria, culture, 844; rosea, hardi-
of, 441

Lapagerias, 306 4

Larkhall Rise, Carnations at, 114

Laurustinus in pots, 407

Lawn, fungus on, 103; grass seed for,
295 ; lime for, 481

Leaves, colecting, 888; for deco-
ration, 232; insect-eaten, 82; as ma-
nure, 220; propagating from, 324;
spotting, 318; preserving, 318

Leeds Poultry Show, 483

Leek Show, 881

Leopard’s-bane, 210

Letts’ Diaries, 497

Lettuces, culture, 91;
in winter, 277 ef

Leucophyton Brownii, 21

Leycesteria formosa culture, 220

Lice on fowls, 448

Light-soil improvement, 322

ualies, Tiger, 165; wireworms, killing,

Lilium auratum, 177; culture, 217,
242; potting, 277, 481; lancifolium
culture, 443; neilgherrense, 878

Liliums, potting, 352

Lily of the Valley forcing, 481

Lilyworts, 136, 264

Limnocharis Humbolati, 213

Linnet, feeding, 188; management, 244

Liriodendron tulipifera, 96

Lobelia Emperor William, 78

Lobelias for bedding, 184

Londesborough’s (Lord) garden, 440

London floriculture, 53

Loniceras, 66

Love Apple, 884

summer, 71 ;

Ludlow Rose Show, 58
Lycaste Lingnella, 100_
Lysimachia nummularia, 72

MameEnnwairk FERN IN Dorset, 58

Maidstone Chrysanthemum Show, 422

Malays, prize for, 45

Malton Poultry Show, 143

Manchester Carnation Show, 94

Manure, for amateurs, 31; changes
when stored. 350 ; applying, 220

Manures, artificial, 165

Manuring, 443

Market gardens, old, 329

Market Harborough Poultry Show,
261

Martagon album, 82

Meadow Sweet, 130

Meehan, Mr. T., 72

Melbourne Botanic Garden, 364

Melon, culture, 60; failure, 103; ma-
nagement, 241; Sutton’s Prize, 497

Melons, condition ‘and quality, 65;
effects of season on, 115; unhealthy,
165; early fruiting, 428

Mentha pulegium, 220 E

Mesembryanthemum, Cooperi, 275;
Sutherlandii,100

Michaelmas-day,condition of poultry,
257

Microstylis Josephiana, 307

Mid-Surrey Poultry Show, 482

Mildew, notes on, 263,803

Mimulus Moschatus Harrisonii, 116

Moths, various, 458

Moulting fowls, 384

Mount Edgcumbe, 402, 419

Mountain Ash, 218

Mulch, 68 z

“Multum-in-parvo Gardening,” 489

Mushroom bed, making, 174, 219
manure for, 123; house manage-
ment, 442, 463

Mustard and Cress, 92

NECTARINES, PITMASTON ORANGE, 201;
SELECT, $74 u

Nertera depressa, planting, 814; pro-
pagation, 352

Nets, preserving, 352

Nettle, the, 95

Newcastle Botanical and Horticu!-
tural Show, 56, 237

New Holland plants, 851

Newton Hall, 455

Newton Stewart, 325

Newtown poultry schedule, 40

New Zealand Flax, 9; from seed, 242

Nierembergias and culture, 309

Northallerton Poultry Shovyy, 500

Notice to leave, 220, 480

Nottingham Horticultural Show,

Notylia albida, 275

Ocymum sanctum, 154

Odontoglossum cirrhosum, 29), 474

Odontoglossums, 832

Oil for a bird, 875

Oncidium euxanthinum, 307

Onions, from transplanted bulbs, 123;
for seed, 166; autumn-sown for
show, 142

Orange, culture, 305; tree culture
332; trees in pots, 41

Oranges, culture of in pots, 122; im-
ported, 426

Orchard house, 373; management, 202,
276 ; routine, 351, 408, 442; trees, 443

Orchard, replanting, 333

a rED culture, 102, 185,373; houses,

Orchids, 306; cheap, 42; shifting, 20;
Management of, 256; at Messrs.
pean 426 for winter decoration

Osborne House, 309

Osborn’s Nursery, 435

Oxford Poultwy Show, 278, 296, 352

EG EA 80 ; FLOWERS, 428 ; FRUIT, 129,

Peony, Montan, 29

Paint perishing, 874

Painting glass structures, 119

Pampas Grass not flowering, $90

Pancratium speciosum, 407

Pansies at Pink Hill, 358

Pansy seedlings, 479 ; for showing, 277

Paraffin v. millipedes, 32

Paraflin oil v. grubs, 95; v. maggots,
162; oil an insecticide, 118

Paris green v. Potato beetle, 83

Paris Poultry Schedule, 481

Parks, bedding-out of London, 82

Parlatore, Professor, 241

Parsley culture, 883

Pasture re-digging, 408

Peach tree, glass wall for, 242, un-
healthy, 203; trees under glass, 883 ;
pRoees wintering, 442; for house, 443,

Peaches, Premier, 80; Early Beatrice
and Louise, 82; estimate of, 141;
out-door, in wall case, 186; Grosse
Mignonne, 201; gathering, 202
Crawford’s Early, 218 ; select, 374

Pear trees, training, $2; culture, 93 ;
leayes blotched, 203

Januarygl7, 1878. J

Pears, the Peach, 162; for north of
England, 181; gathering, 240; in
the north, 303; Bon Chrétien, 813;
Beurré Goubault, 287; tree, re-
moving, 838; Désiré Cornelis, 844,
848; removing, 352; for north-west
wall, 463

Pea sowing, 388

Peas, preserving green, 61; Sweet, 321 ;
paeerions 425; comparative merits,

Peat soil draining, 428

Pelargonium sports, 76, 479

Pelargoniums, management of, 122;
zonal in pots, 91; management, 219;
cutting back, 220; zonal at Putney,
238 ; cuttings, 889 ;

Pelargonium Society’s Show, 497

Penninghame Castle, 325

Pentillie Castle, 846

Pentstemon cyananthus, 156

Perennials, propagating hardy her-
baceous, 890; choice hardy, 424

Peterborough House Garden, 426

Petroleum, to Beet, 8; v. mice, 69

Phalenopsis Luddemanniana, 292

Philodendron pertusum fruiting, 72 __

Phlox culture, 321, 824; Drummondii
seed-sowing, 185

Phloxes, propagating, 295

Phylloxera on English Vines, 142

Picea nobilis seedlings, 450, 460, 488

Picotee culture, 879

Picotees, 49 ; in beds, 419

Pigeons, 356 ; Mr. H. M. Maynard’s, 43,
61; lice on, 106; fancy at British
Museum, 145; notes, 167; the Fancy,
816; shooting, 279; the Magpie, 412

Pig management, 466

Pine Apple, culture, 202, 276, 389;
Houses: 851; propagating, 81; start-

By :

Pine-Apple Nursery promenade, 8

Pines, management of, 122

Pinks for forcing, 122

Pitcairnia flavescens, 290

Pit, heating small, 428

Plantains on lawn, 277

Plums deformed, 42; for market, 890

Poinsettia culture, 332

Polands crooked-breasted, 876

Polyanthus seed-sowing, 186; seed-
lings, 479

Poplar, American, 96

Poplars for screen, 890

Poppyworts, 495 _ - 2

Forismoush Ornithological Society,

7:

Posts, preserving, 33 ; 292 3

Potato disease speculations, 415, im-
ported, 426

Potaio Show, International, 268, 290,

“Potato Disease,” 461, 486 _

Potatoes, Porter’s Excelsior, 3; va-
rieties, disease at Chiswick, 72;
sets, 785 sets, 89; in Scotland, 109;
taking up and storing, 112; disease
in Scotland, 116; abnormal growth
of, 123; taking up and storing, 138;
a show vegetable, 142; disease, 154,
165, 172,177, 183 ; lime for, 176; taking
up, 180, 185; Snowflake, 177; stor-
ing, 165; the disease, 191, 248; pro-
spect of crops, 195; on light soil,
2(9; errors in management, 225;
the crop, 236; International Show,
255; storing, 269, 800, 831; disease,
287, 821; imported, 325; tops for
manure, 825; notes on, 342; in
America, 364; disease speculations,
599, 378; new varieties, 380; Potato
crop, 898, 899; early, 440; planting
and cooking, 452

Potting, 60, 276.

Poultry, and bird news, 21; farm, 44;
vermin on, 45; show schedules, 142;
shows, cottagers’, 166 ; reports, local,
186; for profit, 394; Club, proposed
new, 409; auctions, 409; Poultry
Club, 481; prize, 501

Primula seedlings, 82

Primula sowing, 186; culture of, 257;
villosa nivea, 288; intermedia, 368 ;

Primulas, double, 499

Privet pruning, 463

Prize cards, 409 °

Protection of forced plants, 311; in
winter, 461 _

Protector, heating, 277

Pyracantha, pruning, 352.

Pyrethrum aureum laciniatum, 154

Pyrus aucuparia, 213

RABBIT, FEEDING, 501; HOUSE, 465;
hutches, indoor, 893, outdoor, 334;
troughs, 428; skins, dressing, 64, 298

Rabbits—Angola, 44; feeding, 501;
Lop-eared, 144; management of, 124,
large, 187, small, 296; in Italy, 355;
plants they avoid, 201; keeping, 188;
price of, 484; Silver-Grey, 105 f

Radish culture, 92

Radishes in winter, 277 i

ERNE) embankments for fruit-grow-
ing, 13 ;

infall, 479; at Ticehurst, 440

Raspberries, select, 166

Rating horticultural structures, 82

Ravensworth Castle, 382

Reading Horticultural Show, 479

Rector’s widow removing plants, 428

Red-berried shrub, 286

Red spider, 201

Rhodanthe Manglesii, 201

Rhododendron pruning, 373

Rhododendrons, cutting down, 814;
not flowering, 338 ; for conseivatory,
488; loam for, 498 ‘

Rhubarb, forcing, 441, 480; wine, 106

Rhus cotinus, propagating, 142

Rice meal for fowls, 484

Richardia «ethiopica, 27, 57; hardy, 15

Richmond Horticultural Show, 14

Ripon Poultry Show, 500

Rivers, Mr. T., 327, 842

Rochdale Poultry Show, 186

Rockery, 271 ; artificial, 34

Romneya Coulterii, 180 A

Root, pruning, 480,312; storing, $12

Roots and leaves, 481

“ Rosarian’s Year Book,” 455

Rosemundy House, 476

Rose, Mr. J, 416, 486

Rose, gardens, French, 183, 198:
Shows, 434; Aquarium, 69; Leek, 71;
West of England, 29; National, 32,
34, 87; year, 86; two-days, 40;
piReU ES Club, 10; Society, National,
45:

Roses—shows, 2, 288, 418 ; exhibition,
8; Peach-scented,8; at Rev. W. F.
Radclyffe’s, 9; propagating, 11;
this year, 16; their enemies, 17;
ants on, 17; old, 19; boxes for
showing, 20, 21; climbers under
glass, 25; degeneration of, 26;
commercial value of, 28; Burghley
Yellow, 80; in pots $1; election, 32,
97, 150, 171, 264, 281, 300, 840, 450; at
Woodlands, 89; disbudding, 47; in
South Wales, 49; Tea election, 56;
Eugénie Verdier and Marie Finger,
57; Burghley Yellow, in Hants, 59;
applying aphis mixture to, 61;

arden list, 67; Double Yellow,

essie Johnson, “ Book About,” 71;
cuttings, 72; cutting for showing,
73; two-days shows, fixtures, 76;
Marie Finger, 77; Banksian not
flowering, leaves blotched, mil-
dewed, budding Manetti, 88; show
reminiscences, 87; in pots, 90;
Marie Finger, 92; green, 94; neg-
lected, 100; grubs on, for town
garden, grub-eaten, from cuttings,
103; variorum notes on, cutting in
sun, 108; for garden and dravwing-
room, 110; in Scotland, 111; for
market, 120; insects on, 128; au-
tumn, 127; gossip, 129, 142; moss,
180; stocks, 181; at Ferriéres, 182;
Society, attar of, 18£; the year
Scotch shows, 185; from cuttings,
186; disappointed exhibitors, 147;
artificial manures for, 155; select,
166; history, 172; notes on, 174;
new, 176; mildew on, 191;in North
Wales, 192; Provins, 201; of Gold,
orange fungus on, climbing Deyoni-
ensis, stopping budded, Maréchal
Niel cuttings, 203; autumn flower-
ing, planting, 208 ; Cheshunt Hybrid,
217; autumn shows, 218; difficulties,
226; planting, 248; in Turkey, attar
of, \254; Gloire de Dijon, 848, not
flowering, bone dust for, 277; re-
moving cuttings, 278; royal, 286;

lanting, 295 ; 1877 season, 299, 303 ;

ea, 320; hardy Tea Narcisse, 823;
transplanting tree, 823; culture,
851; nurserymen’s election, 3858;
new, 862; ‘Annual for 1877-8,” 364;
at Worcester, 869; in pots, 873;
which to buy, 378;!cuttings, 382, 428;
Devoniensis, 887; what is a new?
support, 390; shows not paying, 395 ;
in November, 401; Maréchal Niel
not flowering, culture, pruning, for
light soil, 408; jottings about, 414;
which to buy, 421; transplanting,
Moss de Meaux; insects on; De-
yoniensis not growing, 428; on
chalk soil, 428; Teas in pots, 442;
old, 451; judging, 455, 469; names,
463; selection, 471; remarks about,
472; removing, 480; exhibition, 490;
National Society's Shows, 496;
stems fasciated, 497; attar of, 498;
forcing, 500

Ross-shire tradition, 316

Rowan Tree, 218

“Royal Parks,” 161

Ruby-tailed flies, 166

Rufford Abbey, 233

Rugby Pigeon Show, 23

Rushes, strewing, 165

Ryhope Poultry Show, 124

SALADS, AUTUMN, 91

Salsafy culture, 338

Salvia Schimperi, 100

Sambucus racemosa, 37

Ranemnans canadensis, 421

Sanitas, 490

Sap, experiments on flow of, 70, 112

Savoy Golden Ball, 479

Sawdust as manure, 295

Scale, 313; on Apple tree, 442; on Co-
ronilla, 390

Schedules of poultry shows, 42

Schizostylis coccinea, 441

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. vil

Scion and stock influences, 287

Scottish Horticultural Association,
401, 455

Seakale forcing, 871, 441

Sea sand for garden, 278

Seaside, 180 ; shrubs, 402; trees, 242,

Seaweed manure, 390

Season, mild, 440

Sedums, wintering, 463

Seed-dyeing, 479 _ leek

Seeds, adulteration Act, 461; vitality
of, 15, 154

Service, Mr. J., testimonial, 94

Service fruit for jam, 142

Shaftesbury Park, 291

Shelter in winter, 295

Shows, company, 339; special, 1;
touting, 314

Shrubbery flowers in autumn, 177, 218

Shrubs pruning, 373

Silene pendula, culture of, 115

Skipton Poultry Show, 204

Slough, Carnations at, 114

Slugs, 221; in heavy soil, 186

Snaith Poultry Show, 63

Soap for worm-destroying, 282

Soil, improving, 220; texture of, 257

Solanum Capsicastrum berries, $73

South Australian Botanic Garden, 72

South London Poultry Show, 501

Southwell Poultry Show, 875

Spirea, ariefolia, 94; Filipendula
plena, 150; japonica planting, 814

Spring gardening, 472

Staffordshire Poultry Show, 222

Stanstead and Rutland Park Nurse-
ries, 159

Stanwix and Harraby Nurseries, 194

Stenospermatium Waliisii, 478

Stephanotis floribunda fruiting, 242

Stove, climbers, 868; plants, arrang-
ing house for, 61; v. flue, 416; in
plant house, 480

Strawberries, 290, 803; at New York,
82; layering, 41; in London markets,
54; growing for market, 61; Black
Prince, 71; culture, 80, 82, 88, 152;
and slugs, 82; forcing, 108, 141; for
light soil, 109 ; estimate of sorts, 110,
122, 148; pamphlet on, 115; for light
soil, 180; leaves cut off, 142; select,
165; on light soil,170; in pots, 185,
818; Black Prince and Keens’ Seed-
ling, 195; on light soil, 199; Ex-
quisite and Traveller, 202; and cul-
ture, 216: soil, sorts, 246; new, 265;
large cultivator, 807; liquid manure
for, 463

Strawberry, culture, 333; planting,
890; (Indian) in Cornwall, 478

Suburban gardening, 40, 80, 121, 140,
163, 184, 218, 235, 293, 312, 850, 388, 441,
461, 498

Succulents, 72

Suggestions, 247

Summer flowers, early, 8

Surface, dressing, 276; stirring, 185

Sutton’s annuals, 54

Swans on the Thames, 448

Symphytum officinale variegatum, 38

TACSONIA BUDS FALLING, 874
aaneon Deane Horticultural Show,
2.

Terra cotta stove, 292

Thalictrums for bouquets, 79

Thompson, Robert, 54

Thrips, destroying, 443

Thuja occidentalis, management, 247

Tigridia lutea, 80

Tillandsia usneoides, 161

Timber trees, 441

Tobacco paper, medicated, 364

Todea africana, 825

Todmorden Poultry Show, 205

Tomatoes, 93, 269, 884; in lean-t©, 4°8;
report on, 180

Tonbridge Poultry Show, 296

Top-dressing, 276

Tovaria oleracea, 275

Training, 499

Transplanting trees, 149; and shrubs,
350, 428

Tree blown down, 48

Trees, cutting limbs of old, 873; and
ala ers: 77; removing, 433 ; singular,

33

Tregothnan, 269, 288

Trellis plants, 332

Trenching, 293, 372 ; for trees, 325

Trigonidium obtusum, 174

Triteleia uniflora culture, 352

Tropzolum, speciosum in Scotland
and England, 123; Jarratti culture,
149; speciosum culture, 173

Tuberoses after flowering, 257

Tulipa, orphanidea, 275; pulchella,

Tap: foreine, 2087 “planting, 408

‘ip, forcing, 3 planting, 408;

Tree, 82, 96

Turkey blind, 106

Turkeys, live and dead weight, 355

Turner’s Nursery, 177

Tydza culture, 277

UPTON CHILDREN’S FLOWER SHOW, 153 .

VALISNERIA SPIRALIS, 846

Vallota purpurea in winter, 408.

Vanda czrulescens var. Boxallii, 401

Vanillin, 364

Variegated plants, 408

Vegetable forcing, 442

Vegetable Marrow preserve, 462

Vegetable Marrows, culture of in
re gardens, 115, 142; stagnant,

Rceetables, Jottings about, 881; notes

on,

Veitch, the memorial, 870; memoria
prizes, 428, 460

Vetches, digging-in, 220

Verbena cuttings, 164

Venus’s Flytrap, 388, 878

Motors Park, 175; Chrysanthemums,

Victoria regia flowering, 72

Villa garden, Mr. Clifton’s, 94

Villa and suburban gardening, 40, 80,
121, 140, 168, 184, 218, 255, 291, 298, 812,
350, 888, 441, 461, 498

Vine, borders, 281, 822, 833, 495, making,
242, inside, 481, renewing, 277; forc-
ing, 185; leaves, scale on, 220; re-
novation, 284; unfruitful, 42 i

Vinery, air-tight, 27, 66, 82; heating
and planting, 82; altering, 833;
building span-roofed and plant
ponies 220; heat in, 499; planting,

Vines, in pots, 10; thrips on, 20; on
walls, 81; applying liquid manure
to, 83; phylloxera on, 103; close
planting and alternate cropping of,
fungus in border, 107; Gros Guil-
laume. 108; open air culture of, 115;
inarching, 127; pruning, 181; car-
rion for, 142; cutting down, 149;
thrips on 165; border for, 201;
treatment of young, on wall, 2038;
renovating old, 220; on wall, 240;
in pots, 241 autumn notes on, 245;
Golden Champion at Fulmer, 255;
forcing in pots, 256]; ripening wood
of, renewing border, sorts for late
house, fruit bursting, 257; mil-
dewed, 818. $32; transplanting, 872;
planting, 873; management, border,
in pots, 390; to replace Golden
Champion, 408; notes on, 418; for
cool vinery, grafting, phylloxera on,
pruning, 428; cleansing, 481; forc-
ing, 442; selection, 4381; for cool
house, cropping, 499

Vineyard, Marquis of Bute’s, 158

Violets, forcing, 27; every month, 250;
select, 443

WaLIFLOWERS, &¢,, OVERLUXUBIANT,

82

Walls, green on, 283

Walnut trees, large, 283; far north

Wardie House, 158

Warminster Poultry Show, 205

Wasps, 56, 480

Water, 26

Watercress, culture, 269, 443 ; manur-
ing, 61.

Water Lily, fungus on, 277; planting,
103; tank and management, 213

Water Lilies, planting, 208

Watford Poultry Show, 464

Wayfaring Tree, 130

Weather, 32, 154, 201, 218, 218, 269; con-
sequences, 8(5; in South Wales, 497

Webb’s Root Show, 292, 426

Webb, Mr. Richard, death of, 120

Weeding poultry stock, 83 .

Weeds and their seeds, 135

Weeks & Co’s., fire at, 497

Weeks, doings of last and present, 19,
41, 60, 81, 102, 122, 141, 164, 184, 202,
219, 240, 256, 275, 298, 812, 881, 851, 872,
889, 407, 427, 442, 462, 479, 498

Welwitschia mirabilis, 497

West Kent Horticultural Show, 8, 83

West Scotland Rose Show, 67

Westminster Aquarium, Bird Show,
893; Pigeon Show, 278; Poultry
Show, 258; schedule, 204

Weymouth Poultry Show, 258

Whitchurch Poultry Show, 1¢5

Wild flowers for decoration, 173

Wilson, dinner to Mr., 82

Wimbledon Horticultural Show, 40

Window gardening, 273

Windsor Castle, 213

Wireworms, 1(3; destroying, 142

Wizz, fruit walls, 390; Peach wall

Wistaria propagation, 220

Witloof, 242

Wood, Mr. 54

Wooden fence painting, 203

Worcester Nursery, 369, 398, 417

Worms, 42; in soil, 208

XANTHORRHGA MINOR, 89

YEAR'S LESSONS, 485
Yew clipping, 165
Yew, hedge management, 873; its
value, 497
Yews, large, 72

/

ZINC LABELS 92, 440

vil JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WOODCUTS.

Adiantum Luddemannianum . panccd
Anemone japonica alba.
Angora Rabbit
Anthurium orna
Apple, a summer .
Aquilegia coerulea
Aralia filicifolia .
Areca purpurea .
Aspasia variegat
Azalea mollis ...
Basket, paper flower .
Caper plant ...........
Cardiff Castle .........
Carpet bed at Cleveland.
Carnation ..
Cellini Apple
Cherry, Schmidt’s BiearrenUy, .
Claytunia Mr Ba a0

Coombe Cast.
Court-Pendu-Plat ‘Apple ..
Crystal Palace flower beds
Cucumber-root disease .........escccccccsceccssscccescssssssascscsccescces
Douglas, Mr. D.. 00

Drumlanrig..... - 196,
Fox-whelp Apple .. 182, 150,
Fraser, Mr. J. ........- Riaclectncisrels A
Glass-house, comprehensive . Select cncivclselecivcinciceccinncieececileclececelsie'se clase
Grapes in ates 00 366,
Hall Place ..... sone

Hammock.....
Holme Lacy .......... .
House for bedding piants....cscececsssrerenrsssccssutereeeteteetees sees 366,

Hyacinth glass .,
Iberis corifolia
», Tenorean:
Indigo plant.
Ixora plant

Lamorran..... 6 178,
Mount

Nierembergia rivularis
Odontoglossum cirrhosum
Penninghame Castle ..
Pentillie Castle ......
Pentstemon cyananthu
Picotees isi cceseecee
Primula villosa nivea
Rabbit, Lop-eared ....
Ravensworth Castle
Rivers, Mr. T. ......
Rockery oe
ose propagating
Rufford Abbey..
Tebbs’ tr; avelling Dot
» fumigator ....
Thompson, Mr. R..
Tomato, Vick’s ..
Tregothnan onouqdod
Valisneria spiralis ..
Windsor Castle .....s6005

{ January 17, 1878.

July 5, 1877. } JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Clock | D LIBRARY
Da ut H Sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon's a BY Al }
ance Weot:| eae Temperainronear | Rises, | Sets, | Rives, | Sets, | Age. | Balre [af [NEW YORK
Day. |Nignt.|Mean.| h. m.| h. m b. m.| hb. m.| Days m. 38. BOTANICAL
5 | TH | Chelmsford Show. 71 | 60.2 | 63.7 | 8 52) 8 16/11 44) 2 82] 24 4 17/186 | GARDEN.
Cra RE Tunbridge Wells and Hereford (Roses) Shows. 711 | 50.2 | 63.7 | 3 53) 8 16 | morn. | 3 55 25 Wo OYA EYE |) os
718 Brockham (Roses), and Southgate Shows. 76.0 | 50.8 | 634 | 3 54) 8 15) O 6) 5 18 26 4 87 | 188
8 | Son | 6 Sunpay AFTER TRINITY. 73.7 | 50.8 | 622 | 8 55| 8 15] 0 89| 6 86] 27 4 47 | 189
9 M 74.0 | 50.0 | 62.0 8 56 8 14 1 28 7 42 28 4 56 | 190
10 Tu 74.1 | 49.4 | 61.8 3 57 @ 13 2 37 8 380 fe) 5 4] 191
ll | W Enfield, Maldon, and Ealing Shows. 74.7 | 50.8 | 625 | 8 58| 8 12) 4 4) 9 8 at 5 18 | 192
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 73.6°; andits night temperature

nistic to, a general central national society ; indeed they
| have been so described in a manner that caused some
| Surprise, and the more so when their tendency was stated

SPECIAL SHOWS.

UST as well-managed local horticultural so-

in the districts of such shows, so in like
manner do special shows promote the more
extended and perfect cultivation of that
which they were intended to assist. A na-
tional horticultural society, however strong
it may be, will never of itself be able to
satisfy the wants of the scattered thousands
who are identified with horticultural pur-
suits; but a strong central society, with many branches
in alliance, is capable of affording valuable aid on various
subjects connected with horticulture. A central society
may do much good without the aid of district branches,
and local societies may also exert a beneficial influence

without being in connection with a central head; but |

both may do more by alliance—the “national” gaining
strength by the ramification of its branches, the “ locals ”
gaining influence from their association with the central
head.

We should like to regard horticulture as an invading
army already established in our land, and seeking to con-
ciliate and render loyal every portion of the community.
To that end there must not only be an authoritative central
body, but many outlying battalions, each of them strong
enough to act alone, yet having a consciousness of greater
strength by the support which is in reserve in the other
branches of the confederacy. To render the work effective
there must necessarily be special efforts made for a special
purpose, each important and an integral part of a general
design. The more perfect are the several parts and the
working of them the more perfect must be the aggregate.
It is only by giving special attention to details that a
great object can be successfully carried out, whether that
object be one of war or peace. The object of the present
invasion is emphatically an object of peace. It is the
extension of an important industry, the good influences
of which are far-reaching. It is the dissemination of that
which conveys healthy enjoyment, wholesome gratifica-
tion, domestic comfort and benefit not only into every
city, town, and village, but almost into every home. lt
is to perfect the fruits of the earth, to bring forth the
beauties of Nature in all their fulness, and enable them
to be enjoyed by the greatest number. That is the object
of the campaign—an object both great and good, so great
as to demand all the efforts both of a general and a de-
tailed nature which can be utilised on its behalf—so good
that the pursuit is worthy of the countenance of the most
enlightened and refined.

_ The various special societies (with special shows result-
ing) which are now established are from their prominent
position proper objects for criticism, and it is not to be
expected that all who are interested in floriculture will
place the same estimate on their merits. It is not pos-
sible that this can be so, for nearly all of them can be
viewed frcm two distinct standpoints. These special
societies can be regarded as “splits” from, and antago-
No, 849 —Vou, XXXIII., NEw SERIES

cieties stimulate and encourage cultivators | ‘‘ to degrade horticulture.”

To that conclusion we cer~
tainly cannot give our assent. We do not regard special
societies as splits from, but units in the great system of.
horticulture. By perfecting the several details of a work

| the whole is being done, and done in a. manner that could
| not be effected so well by any other means.

If the-
members of any of the special societies now established—
the Rose, Pelargonium, Carnation and Picotee, Auricula
and Polyanthus, Tulip, even the Potato societies—con-
centrate their efforts on the perfecting of that with which
they are identified are they engaged in an ignoble cause ?°
and yet they must be if the tendency of such societies is
to degrade horticulture. It is easy to find fault—easy to
say that the Rose needs not a society to support it, as it
is strong enough and popular enough without special aid;
and equally easy to say that the Auricula is not of suffi-
cient importance to have special patronage bestowed on
it because so few are identified with its culture. It is
easy to criticise, too, for the purpose of filling-up space,
which is, perhaps, generally the object when fault is
found and errors are not defined. But such criticism
carries no weight and goes for nothing with those who
understand it and the feelings by which it is prompted.

But the Rose, notwithstanding its great popularity, has-
during recent years proved itself to be amenable to so
great improvement that it not only merits but demands
special attention in order that it may unfold new and:
greater beauty than before, and find still more numerous.
patrons. So with the Pelargonium: also equally if not
more go with the Carnation and Picotee, and the Auricula
and Polyanthus. Than these flowers none are more beau-
tiful, none better deserve encouragement, and none will
give greater reward for any special efforts which may be
made in their behalf—efforts which are specially needed.
All who are engaged in improving and extending the
culture of those and other florists’ flowers are engaged
worthily, for they are prosecuting in detail important
branches of floriculture which must improve the aggregate:
of horticultural work.

Yet while granting the usefulness and importance of
special societies as the working units inseparable from
great system, the object of which is higher culture and
a widening of public interest in floricultural pursuits, the
medal has an obverse, and this we shall not shrink from
examining. In societies having a defined object—the
cultivating and perfecting of a particular flower—special
rules become necessary for judging that flower. A
standard is determined on—a charmed circle drawn, the
flower is adjudicated on in obedience to that rule, and
it must not by any erratic freak trespass beyond the
circle—its little world which its friends have created for
it. We find no fault with that arrangement. It is right
in itself. A standard must be fixed, and it must be a
high one. But we will ask this question, What of the
flowers beyond—just outside the circle, just below the
florist’s standard? ‘Take the Rose, for instance, which

No. 1501.—Vou. LVIII., OLp SERIE

2 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

was in royal session yesterday at the splendid and successful
Show of the rejuvenated National Rose Society. What has
been the cost of that Show and what its results? Hleven
months of care, of watching—pleasurable care no doubt—and
almost a chance fixture, has brought the identical Roses to
the front which all rosarians knew would receive high honour.
With that result, from a rosarian point of view, we are satis-
fied. We as rosarians prepare for eleven months of labour,
and do not expect more than one month of perfect beauty—of
shows. The Roses which win our prizes, those noble blooms,
have their fame spread throughout the land; and the million
of Rose admirers—not rosarians, mind—preserve the names of
the prize-winners and order the varieties to make their gardens
beautiful and sweet. They dig-up their old trees—those trees
which have yielded them blooms for years, and it may be many
months in the year—to make room for the new. The nursery-
men do the same—they are obliged to do so; and hence the
old Roses, the grand old garden Roses which produce hun-
dreds of blooms—small they may be, but they are Roses—
lovely, hardy, continuous, and sweet: ought they to become
extinct? We think not; and we know, for we have had the
best proof of it, that there are many who think with us.
Where there is one cultivator of Roses whose chief object is
to grow them for exhibition, there are ten who grow them for
garden decoration. Many exhibition Roses we are well aware
are eminently suitable for garden decoration, but not by any
means all of them are. Some of the leading varieties are
capricious—‘‘ grand when caught.’’ But there are many old
Roses which are wholly unsuited for the exhibition stand, yet
which never fail to charm in the garden. It is these garden
Roses which are becoming scarce. We fear the Rose societies
cannot encourage them: they are beyond their pale, but not
beyond their influence. We can only appeal, therefore, to
Rose admirers who are not exhibitors to cherish the delightful
garden Roses, and we advise them not to destroy the old
before they have proved the new.

We would refer to other florists’ flowers, but space forbids—
to the beautiful, but sometimes ‘ miffy,” Carnations; to the
ostracised Auriculas, especially the Alpines which are so beau-
tiful in the garden, and—perhaps because of it—so vigorous;
to the Polyanthuses, amongst which those which adorn the
garden the most effectually cannot have honour at the shows.
All the more reason therefore to honour them in the garden, to
improve, and cherish, and preserve them there. Let exhibitors
grow and show their flowers with all their ardency and all their
ekill, they are engaged in a right good work; but forget not the
flowers of home—the free, gay, and sweet garden flowers.

There yet remains another feature in connection with special
shows that we would notice. It is an important one—even
the specialists themselves. Their special knowledge—their
advantages—their power are great. Let them wield their
strength wisely, considerately. They ‘“ mean well,” but their
earnestness is not always understood by outsiders. Asentence
from a letter which we received the other day is illustrative of
our meaning. The writer refrained from saying what he
wished because, as he said, while Mr. was no doubt a
‘* good sort,’ he was “ terribly touchous.”

SEASONABLE NOTES ON GRAPE-GROWING.

No plant requires less attention than the Vine when it is
leafiess and at rest, and there are few with greater demands
when it is in full growth. Weare now in the midst of the Vine-
growing season. It is an interesting time in the vinery when
the bunches are forming, and it is surprising how very rapidly
the small bunches increase as the berries begin swelling.
This yearno person who saw our Hamburghs before they came
in flower would have cared to stake their life that one bunch
would have weighed over 3 Ibs., and now I venture to say that
some of them would turn the scales at 5lbs., if not 6 1bs.; but
I rather suspect there is a good’ reason for this increase of
weight, and it is easily explained. Lvery time the Vines have
been watered they have received abundance of strong liquid
manure—made not with chance refuse, but the real pure pig
and cow dung. I have ceased using guano for Vines, and
nearly for everything else. The manure above mentioned is
far cooler and much more nourishing.

Nothing more distressing can be seen about a garden than
Vines starving for want of food, and it is a melancholy fact
that thousands of Vines are actually starved into unfruitfulness.
Let barren Vines of last and former years have an unlimited
supply of liquid manure for the next two months, and if they

[ July 5, 1877.

do not improve in leaf and wood and become more fruitful
next year they will be different to any I have ever had to deal
with. This is all I intend saying about the roots at present ;
and I now come to what may be considered by Grape-growers
generally, but more especially amateurs, to be the leading
question at this period of the year.

Ever since I can remember reading the Journal the numbers
in June and July have always contained many answers to
correspondents on Grapes scalding, and information seems as
much sought for this year as formerly; and I must say I am
not surprised at this, as it is a matter quite capable of creating
great concern. Still, scalding is not always asign of bad Grape-
growing, as the worst case of it I ever saw was with one of
your ‘‘crack’’ market growers near London, but I am in-
clined to think it is the result in a great measure of casual
neglect. My own opinion is that the evil does not come from
the roots, but rests in the state of the atmosphere. It is not
always the berries unshaded from the sun that become first
affected; on the contrary, those under the thickest shade often
suffer severely. Where ten berries would scald in aclose moist
warm atmosphere not one would do so in a cool or com-
paratively cool dry place. The worst cases of scalding I have
ever witnessed always occurred in houses where there was
much fire heat and sun heat combined. Any person could
scald the half of the berries in their house simply by haying
the pipes hot in the morning and not admitting much air
until the temperature rises to about 90°. This will produce a
dew on the Grapes, and then they are prepared for scalding.

Some people appear to have an idea that Grapes cannot be
grown without fire heat, and, no matter how hot the day may
be, the pipes must be hot also; and as for allowing them to
pass one night without fire, it is entirely out of the question.
That is an expensive waste of coal, and it does no good what-
ever to the Vines or Grapes. We have a large Hamburgh
house in which the Vines were in bloom by the end of April.
The Grapes are now nearly half swelled and looking extraor-
dinarily well, and all the coal that has been used to supply
them with artificial heat does not exceed two barrowloads.
Fire heat is never used unless in a wet day, and it will not be
used untilit is necessary to prevent the ripe fruit from damping.
Still the temperature is never very low at night, as we always
close the ventilators early in the afternoon, and the sun heat
does not all escape until the lights are opened the following
morning.

Nearly all Grapes have been thinned, but wherever it is seen
that the berries will be crowded when ripe go over them at
once and clip them out, so as to leave the bunches looser. We
did this to a house of ours a week ago, and the bunches are
now filled up as if they had never been touched; but no more
will be cut out of them, as they will soon be ripe and cease
swelling.

As yet there is not a single red spider on one of the Vines,
and this I attribute to giving plenty of water at the roots and
keeping the atmosphere sweet, moist, and healthy, combined
with little or no fire heat.

Vines are not making young wood so fast now as a month
ago, but they are still forming leaves; but they must never be
allowed to become large, or they may shade a bunch or a few
berries while they are tender, and then by removing the leaves
the sun strikes strong on the previously shaded parts and often
does damage.

I never shade a Vine from the sun with any covering on the
outside of the glass. A Vine, provided it is well watered at
the roots, will withstand as much heat or sunshine on its
leaves as an Oak will; and wood ripened, or rather browned,
in the shade will bear no comparison with that ripened under
full sunshine.—A KircHren GARDENER.

ROSE SHOWS.

I pip not go to the Crystal Palace on the 23rd. Amongst
other unacceptable economies they had left out of their
schedule the twelve for amateurs, which suited many to whom
the twelve triples is too formidable.

“* Vessels large may venture more,
But little boats must keep near shore.”

One thing they may be congratulated on, and that is having
gone back to the one-day show. The Press deserves great credit
for the prompt manner in which the two-day enormity of last
year has been protested out of existence.

I did go to Maidstone, and a very pleasant and creditable
little Show it was. They did not do things, indeed, quite in the

July 5, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 3

grand style of last year, so attracting all-Hngland prizetakers
that Maidstone was voted the best Show of the season—a
grand style of scheduling that I fear must have proved rather
costly to the Committee. This year the Show was confined to
members only. The competition for the challenge cup was
spirited, and some good Roses were shown, as also especially in
the class of twelve triplets of any kind. Owing to a liberal gift
from Mr, George Paul of Cheshunt, four prizes were offered
both for twelve and six Teas, and the show of them was very
fine. Maidstone in its happy valley must be a paradise of Tea
Roses, judging from those exhibited, and is likely, I think, to
make these famous before long beyond its own borders.

Reynolds Hole was, perhaps, the best H.P. in the room.
The Cheshunt Hybrid was also shown in great perfection. The
Briar stock is the favourite in their strong soil. But I do not
think the state of Rose-growing altogether satisfactory.

That is a very grave subject which has been started respect-
ing breeding in-and-in by budding, and I incline to think
threatens a serious deterioration. It might be discussed with
great advantage.—A. C.

EARLY SUMMER FLOWERS.—No. 2.

Connectors of every species and variety of hardy Rhodo-
dendrons tell us that there is hardly a month in the whole
year when some species or other is not in bloom. Admitting
this highly important fact, it must still be granted that it is
in early summer that most varieties appear in the full splendour
of their regal beauty, giving us such rich masses of colour as
we obtain from no other shrub. With all this richness there
is nothing glaring, nothing oppressive, when a little pains is
given in the first instance to arrange the various colours in
graceful combinations—softening the brilliancy of the scarlet-
tinged Alarm with the rich purple of Sir Thomas Sebright;
relieving this in turn with the delicate white of Mrs. John
Clutton, and thence onward through an infinite gradation of
shades of white, pink, scarlet, crimson and purple—never in
any case affording »n unbroken mass of colour, for we find in
such mixed beds that every sort does not yield blossom in
equal abundance, some answering best in one season and some
in another, some plants of a foot or two in height being laden
with flowers, while others do not blossom freely till they
become large plants. Nor is this want of uniformity to be re-
gretted, the dark green patches of foliage interspersed among
the flowers imparting relief and repose in the most agreeable
manner. Nature’s own foil is always the best.

Some valuable lessons have been had this season in making
a study of the effects of the different colours; and I may use-
fully note here that the most distinct and striking shades are
most telling when well placed in the margin and centre of a
group, either singly, as is best in small groups, or clumps of
three or four in large bold ones. Lists of such sorts are more
useful in the autumn than now; but I cannot refrain from
pointing out the great value of the dark crimson John Waterer,
the rosy crimson Blandyanum, the rich purple Barclayanum,
a somewhat shy-flowering variety when the shrubs are young,
but growing more and more lovely as they increase in size,
many of them this season being one mass of flowers; and such

Kinds of lighter hue as the old Queen of the West, Minnie, |

Purity, and Delicatissimum. Much caution should be exercised
in discarding any old sorts, many of them possessing some
property of earliness, lateness, or continuity of flowering not
always found in newer kinds.

The hardy Azaleas are again very beautiful. I only wish
the flowers were a little more durable. Many of them were
originally planted as a fringe to some clumps of Rhododen-
drons. This proved a mistake, and last winter they were
arranged in separate beds alternating with others of Kalmia
latifolia, some beds consisting solely of the various shades of
Azalea pontica, and others having a mixture of more choice
named varieties. These beds have been very telling, the effect
being much enhanced by the proximity of large maeses of
Rhododendrons. Considerable difference is found among these
hardy Azaleas not only in colour but in habit of growth. The
dwarf compact growth of the brilliant orange-coloured Majestica
renders it very valuable for many a nook and corner as well
as for the margin of shrubbery borders. The rich yellow of
Nancy Waterer is never more effective than when placed near
masses of crimson and purple Rhododendrons; while such
lovely sorts as the pink-flowered Monteri, Amcena of a lighter
shade; Straminea, delicate straw colour; Mirabilis, another
pink kind; Viscocephala, white; with the lovely old sulphury

white Pontica alba, the deep crimson Géant des Batailles,
Gloria Mundi, and Ne Plus Ultra with deep rich orange flowers,
all tell well in whatever position may be assigned them.

So many shrubs are in flower just now, and all are so beau-
tiful that one hardly knows which to select, or rather which
to leave unmentioned. Of the Kalmias, glauca, in full beauty
a month or more ago, is a distinct and valuable early sort;
angustifolia rosea, rubra, and nana are all now in full beauty ;
while the flowers of the queenly latifolia are only just begin-
ning to expand. Nothing can be more lovely than a, plant of
Kalmia latifolia just bursting into flower: the thousands of
clustering pink-tipped buds springing out of the dark green
glossy foliage impart to the plant a sprightly air most pleasant
to behold, while not less enjoyable is the sight of the cloud of
bloom into which they soon expand.

The pendant golden flowers of the Laburnum just fading
away have imparted their peculiar charm of grace and bright-
ness to the shrubs among which they grow. Lilacs, pink
Thorns, Guelder Rose, Magnolias, Snowy Mespilus, Berberis,
Daphne, Ribes, Philadelphus, and some of the Spirwas have
all lent their charms, not singly but in many varieties, all
being good ; but especial attention should be given to Phila-
delphus grandiflorus with very large white flowers, an immense
improvement upon the old small-flowered sort. The very dark
scarlet Ribes atro-sanguineum proves a most valuable and
effective variety, as does also the double-flowered variety,
coming into bloom so late as to form a succession to the single-
flowering shrubs.—Epwarp Lucxuurst.

PORTER’S EXCELSIOR POTATO.

ALTHOUGH not an extensive grower of novelties I yet like to
try, in a small way, some of the new Potatoes as they come
out; and amongst others last spring I procured 1 Ib. of
Porter’s Excelsior for trial. One tuber was decayed and
worthless ; the others were cut into nine sets to suit the
length of drill, as they were simply for comparative trial and
not for special increase. This row is between Fenn’s Karly
Market and Lye’s Favourite, and is very distinct from these
varieties ; but unfortunately the plants are distinct from each
other, although a casual observer might not detect the dif-
ference. As I never before saw the sort growing I must apply
to head quarters for information. One variety of four sets
has a smooth and shining leaf; the lower and first-formed
leaves being rounded like an Ashleaf Kidney, but of much
lighter colour; whereas the other variety of five sets has
longer, darker, and more corrugated leaves, which are shaded
off from a light centre at the shoot, while none of the lower
leaves are s0 round as an Ashleaf. Which is the true Excel-
sior? It may be stated that these Potatoes were supplied by a
firm of high standing.—N.

EXHIBITION ROSES.

Mr. Grorce Pavu’s catalogue is divided into three parts:
the first part contains a list of Roses suitable for exhibition,
the second of Roses suited for garden decoration, and the
third part consists of new Roses, Teas, and Noisettes.

Now this is a very useful division, as is evident when we
remember how many cultivatore of the queen of flowers re-
gard it as principally an exhibition flower, while a still larger
number care not the least for exhibitions, but wish to have
their gardens full of free-blooming and good growing sorts
of fair form and colour, while they pay great attention to the
fragrance of the various varieties. Of course this division is
a help to young beginners who wish to go in for exhibiting,
but at the same time it is not strictly and solely to be relied
on, and must not be too closely followed. There are an im-
mense number of Roses in the first division which, while not
unworthy altogether of their position, would in my opinion be
best relegated to the second division, and every year I notice
that some old favourites are thus reduced in position, notably
Comtesse Cécile de Chabrillant. This old variety has perfect
form, but so rarely has sufficient size for a prize stand that
Mr. Paul, while no doubt fully recognising its value as a Rose
for all other purposes, hardly deems it worthy of a place in his
select list. But I would humbly offer my opinion to him and
others that the list as it at present stands is far too large and
requires much revision. There are so many which I may call
duplicates that had far better not be init. Take, for ex-
ample, these three Roses, all good in their way, but all so
much alike that you might often cut three blooms from the

4

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 5, 1877.

same tree and show them in the same stand under the names
of Exposition de Brie, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Maurice Ber-
nardin. Of these { suppose it will be granted that the one
first named is the best, but a tyro reading the catalogue would
see there those Roses spoken highly of, and would think it
necessary (if he desired to be an exhibitor) to buy them all;
aud as he will find it necessary to have at the very least twenty
of each sort, he will be spending three pounds where one
would be sufficient.

Then take another instance. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier has
long held thse foremost rank among light Roses, when of late
years another Rose almost identical in form, entirely so in
colour and wood, is sent out and retains her position as an
exhibition flower. This Rose (Mdlle. Marie Finger) only
differs from the former by not being quite so globular in form
—that is, taking Eugénie Verdier at her very best, but an
average Rose of this variety cannot be distinguished from |
Marie Finger. It is, of course, greatly to the advantage of
the nurseryman that these Roses should continue to hold
their position in the lists, because in a stand of seventy-two
they are most valuable. In one row Eugénie Verdier makes a
most delightful contrast in the midst of crimson and dark
Roses, while Mdlle. Marie Finger fills the same good office in
another part. But amateurs should be warned by someone }
against purchasing duplicates, unless they wish the Roses to
perform the same good office for themselves.

Now as to exhibition Roses, if I were to give a list in this
paper I should merely have to copy out the list I sent in at |
the Rose election, and it would be a little wearisome to read |
over a long list of names, which any one can easily do by pur-
chasing the number of the Rose Journal that contains the
lists. All that I can do in this letter is to give the names of |
some superexcellent Roses which must be cultivated by ex-
hibitors.

First, then, let me say something about Roses recently intro-
duced by our great English nurserymen. I believe never was
the Rose world so rich with English-raised Roses as now. |
Take first Mr. George Paul’s Marchioness of Exeter, Dr.
Hooker, Empress of India, Sultan of Zanzibar, Wilson Saun-
ders, and Duke of Connaught. All these are splendid Roses. |
Then next look at Mr. Turner’s list :—Royal Standard, a grand |
Rose, having perfect form and good colour; Miss Hassard,
Oxonian, Rey. John B. M. Camm, and others which I have |
not proved. Mr. Cant has not done much with seedlings yet,
but he has lately brought out one good one called Prince
Arthur. This is rather like the Duke of Edinburgh in colour, |
and resembles in form Général Jacqueminot, and I think it |
will prove to be a valuable Rose. I saw a splendid bloom of it
in Mr. Cant’s nursery. Mr. Cranston has sent out one good |
Rose—Sir Garnet Wolseley, but I do not know of any more
except some climbing Roses; but all these Hnglish-raised
Roses are worth growing, and no exhibitor should long be
without them.

Concerning older Roses fit for exhibition, much, very much,
can be written, and the only question is where to begin and
where to leave off.

Amateurs are never called upon to show more than forty-
eight, and this is almost too large a number for anyone but
giants like Hercules and Mr. Jowitt. To show this number,
however, calculating, too, upon there being eight Teas in the
stands, an amateur should cultivate about sixty sorts; for
some varieties of Roses bloom far too late in the year to be of
use for most of the shows, such as Emilie Hausburgh, while
others are completely over for the later shows, as Mons.
Noman, Abel Grand, &c.,s0 that it is necessary to have double
the number of sorts in cultivation to what you are called upon
to exhibit.

Of white Hybrid Perpetuals the best undoubtedly is Mar-
quise de Mortemart, but this is such an exceedingly shy
bloomer and such a weak grower that you can scarcely ever
depend upon it. The next best is Madame Lacharme, then
Boule de Neige, Madame Noman, and Reine Blanche; but the
last two I do not grow.

Of blush Roses undoubtedly Madame Rothschild is the best,
then Marguerite de St. Amand, Duchesse de Vallombrosa,
Madame Vidot, and La Francois; of this last I know nothing
from experience, as I do not growit, but it was shown very
fine at the Crystal Palace.

Of the next shade in colour (rosy blush) La France is the
best, then Eugénie Verdier, Abel Grand, and now and then
Captain Christy will give a fine bloom, but I do not recom-
mend anyone to grow it.

Of pink and rose-coloured Roses Marquise de Castellane,
Mons. Noman, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, and Emilie Hausburg.
Among crimson and cerises stand pre-eminent Marie Bau-
mann, Alfred Colomb, Dupuy-Jamain, Beauty of Waltham,
Madame Victor Verdier, Dr. Andry, and a host of others.

Of the darker varieties Charles Lefebvre still holds his own,
but is close pressed by Lord Macaulay, Horace Vernet, Ferdi-
nand de Lesseps, and many more; while of the very dark
Roses Xavier Olibo (a wretched grower), Louis Van Hontte
(ditto), Duke of Wellington, Prince Camille de Rohan, and
Fisher Holmes must all be cultivated.

I have endeavoured to class the very best sorts according to
their colours, and I hope that the above will be useful to some
few of your readers, and who may wish next autumn to buy
some of the very best Roses. It would be wearisome to your
readers to name all the sorts, even if you had space, so those
only are named which are the best examples of their class,
according, that is, to the best of the belief of a— Wrap Savace.

ALEXANDRA PALACK ROSE SHOW.
JUNE 30TH.

SEVERAL Gays of fine weather, a fortunate fixture, and a
liberal schedule combined to render the Exhibition a good one.
Indeed, considering the unfavourable Rose season—winter
almost entirely overlapping spring, and summer coming in with
2 bound—the display may be described ss excellent. That it
would be equal to the last Rose Show that was held in the large
concert hall of the Palace could not have been expected, for
that Exhibition was the best that was held during a much
better ‘Rose year” than this is. On Saturday there were
some rather wide gapsin the four long tables in the body of
the hall and the two side tables when the blooms were
judged; but by regularly distributing the boxes the blanks were
not greatly “felt.” The concert room is a capital place for a
Rose show, its subdued light showing the colours of the blooms
to advantage, and preventing them also rapidly expanding. A
little more light on Saturday would, however, have been an im-
provement. It was an enjoyable Show and well arranged, and
Mr. McKenzie and his assistants leit nothing wanting on their
part to render the day a pleasant one to all. The Show was
crowded with visitors during the afteruoon.

The nurserymen exhibitors took a distinct lead both in the

| size of their blooms and the quality of them. Some amateurs

undoubtedly exhibited well, notably Messrs. Baker, Jowitt, and
Camm, but the majority were not in “‘ good form.” The brothers
Gayter, the renowned “ growers” for Messrs. George Paul and
Turner (and than whom few are more competent to spesk on
the matter), do not regard the present as a good “ amateurs’
year,’’ as only maiden plants can be relied on for splendid
blooms, and of those plants there is obviously not the same
choice in private as there is in trade collections.

The first and the principal class was for nurserymen, seventy-
two varieties, single trusses. There were five competitors, four
of whom were awarded prizes. Messrs. George Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, were placed firet; Mr. Cant, Colchester, second; Mr.

| Keynes, Salisbury, third; and Messrs. Cranston & Mayos,

Hereford, fourth. The Cheshunt blooms were unquestionably
the finest. Amongst them we noticed Francois Michelon, grand,
certainly the premier bloom of the Show; Ceutifolia rosea in
the true Cheshunt style; Mons. E. Y. Teas, a fine example of a
promising Rose; Margaret Brassac, like a perfect Charles
Lefebvre; Miss Hassard and Madame Lacharme, good; Emily
Laxton, a lovely bloom, with wonderful foliage; Wilson
Saunders, rich and full; Duchesse de Vallombrosa, excellent,
as also were Marquise de Castellane, Jean Liabaud, Sénateur
Vaisse, Marquise de Lignveris, Princess Beatrice, Charles Lefebvre,
Felix Genero,Maréchal Niel, Baron de Bonstetten, Abel Carriére,
La Rosiére, Thomas Mills, Fisher Holmes, and the Duke and
Duchess of Edinbargh—a collection of great weight and quality.
Mr. Cant staged very fresh medium-sized blooms with good
foliage. Madame Lacharme was perfectly lovely, as also was
Souvenir d’Elise, Devoniensis, Madame Willermoz, and Mdlle.
Marie Finger; and in extremely fine condition were Madame
Annie Wood, very bright; Louis Van Houtte, splendid; Sir
Garnet Wolseley, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Star of Waltham,
Prince Arthur, very bright; and Xavier Olibo. This collection
was rightly placed second, although it was closely run by Mr.
Keynes’s excellent contribution. Many of the blooms in the
Salisbury stands were very perfect. Frau¢ois Michelon was
again pre-eminent, Etienne Levet the finest bloom of that fine
variety in the Show; Beauty of Waltham, Dachesse de Vallom-
brosa, Mons. E. Y. Teas, good again; Louis Van Hontte, excel-
lent; Felix Genero, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Madame Lacharme,
and La Rosiére were all in fine condition. The best Teas, and
good they were, were Madame Bonnaire, Souvenir d’Elise, Marie
Van Houtte, Madame Sertot, Niphetos, and Devoniensis.
Messrs. Cranston & Mayos’ collection was also a capital one.

Jaly 5, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 5

Etienne Levet, Comtesse d’Oxford, and La France were
splendidly shown.

In the class for forty-eight varieties, three trusses of each,
there were five competitors, and the prizes were awarded as
follows :—First, Messrs. G. Paul & Son; second, Mr. Turner,

Slough ; and third Mr. Keynes. Messrs. Paul’s were the largest

blooms, a few being flat and inclined to coarseness; but the |

majority of the triplets were good, notably Emily Laxton,
Madame Lacharme, fine; Mons. E. Y. Teas, splendid; as also
was Francois Michelon. Excellent were La France, Marguerite
de St. Amand, Edouard Morrsan, Cheshunt Hybrid, Maurice
Bernardin, Exposition de Brie, Duchesse de Vallombrosa,
Malle. Marie Cointet, Nardy Fréres, Etienne Levet, Marquise
de Castellane, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Julie Touvais, Annie
Laxton (admirable), Mad. Prosper Langier, Beauty of Waltham,
Malle. Marie Finger, and Victor Verdier. Mr. Turner staged
blooms a trifle smaller, but remarkably fresh and of undeniably
excellent quality. Maréchal Niel, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Francois
Louvat, Mons. EH. Y. Teas, fine; Mrs. Baker, excellent; Marie
Baumann, splendid; Baron de Bonstetten, large and rich.
Madame Lacharme, Princess Beatrice, Etienne Levet, and Ex-
position de Brie were all in excellent form. Mr. Keynes also
Staged an extremely good collection.

In the class for twenty-four varieties, Hybrid Perpetuals
(trebles), Mr. Cant won premier honours with a beautifally fresh
and good collection. Madame Lacharme was very perfect, and
not less so wers Abel Grand, Maurice Bernardin, Victor
Verdier, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Beauty of Waltham, Etienne
Levet, Marie Baumann, and Mons. Noman. Marquise de Morte-
mart was conspicuous in this collection. Mr. Turner was second
with medium-sized blooms, very regular and very fresh. One
of the most striking triplets in the stand was La Rosiére.
Oxonian, Madame Lacharme, Etienne Levet, and La France
were very perfect; and very good were Victor Verdier, Charles
Lefebvre, Baronne de Rothschild, and Madame E. Verdier—an
admirable collection. Messrs. G. Paul & Son staged a capital
collection and secured the third place. Mr. Keynes was awarded
a fourth prize for large and excellent blooms, which had they
been judged an hour earlier would have had a higher position.

In the class for twenty-four varieties, single trusses, there
were six competitors. Mr. Turner was a clear winner, his
blooms being of good size, yet perfectly fresh and in excellent
colour. Maréchal Niel, Madame Lacharme, Mrs. Baker, and
Comtesse d’Oxford were splendid. Mr. Keynes was placed
second with larger blooms, but some lacking freshness; but
these were not Madame Lacharme, Felix Genero, Etienne
Levet, Mons. E. Y. Teas, and Francois Michelon, which were
almost perfect. The third prize went to Messrs. Cranston and
Mayos. Reynolds Hole in this collection was very rich. Mr.
Cant had the fourth prize.

Twelve Tea-scented and Noisette Roses.—In this class there
were four competitors. Messrs. J. Mitchell & Sons, Piltdown
Nurseries, Uckfield, were placed first with a really charming
collection. The blooms were stout, smooth, and fresh; just
three-quarters open, when Teas are so attractive. The varieties
were Souvenir d’un Ami, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Maréchal
Niel, Boidron, Moire, Madame Margottin, Madame Willermoz,
Catherine Mermet, Souvenir de Paul Neron, Comtesse Oavaroff,
Marie Van Houtte, and Jean Pernet. Messrs. G. Paul & Son
were second with rather larger blooms, some fully too much
expanded. Réve d’Or was grand, and excellent were Narcisse
and Cheshunt Hybrid. Mr. Keynes had the third prize, and an
extra prize was awarded to Mr. Turner. The Teas, both in this
and the amateurs’ class, were much and deservedly admired by
the visitors.

We now come to the amateurs’ classes. For forty-eight varie-
ties, single trusses, there were eight competitors. R. N. G.
Baker, Esq., Heavitree, Devon, had the premier place with
wonderfally fresh and beautiful blooms and splendid foliage.
Tt is difficult to note the best when all were good, and not
necessary to do so since it would be a repetition of those named
in the nurserymen’s classes. The Teas, however—Marie Van
Houtte, Madame Caroline Kuster, Catherine Mermet, Madame
Bravy, Madame Margottin must not be passed in silence. Mr.
T. Jowitt, the Old Weir, Hereford, was placed second with a
Collection of nearly equal excellence. It is not too much to say
that some judges would have placed it first. Freshness, how-
ever, turned the scale in Mr, Baker’s favour, and we think
tightly, for while some of Mr. Jowitt’s blooms were undoubtedly
grand, others were past their best. Rev. T. H. Gould, The
Vicarage, Mortimer, Berks, was placed third. Prince Arthur in
this stand was splendid, and many others were good, but many
bore the marks of inclement weather; and Mr. Joseph Davis,
Wilton, Wilts, was fourth.

For thirty-six varieties, single trusses, there were seven com-
petit rs, Mr. R. N.G. Baker being again in the foremost place.
The best bloom in the stand was La France; but very attractive
were Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Camille
Bernardin, Marquise de Castellane, John Hopper, and Madame
Caroline Kuster, lovely. Mr. J. L. Curtis, Chatteris, Cambridge-

shire, was second with generally larger blooms. The most
noticeable were Marie Van Houtte, Maréchal Niel, La France,
Mons. Noman, Belle Lyonnaise, Triomphe de Rennes, and
Francois Louvat—a capital collection. Mr. Davis, The Square,
Salisbury, Wilts, was third. This stand contained many ex-
cellent blooms; in fact, the three prize collections in this class
were of nearly equal merit. A fourth prize was worthily awarded
to Mr. Hollingworth, Turkey Court, Maidstone, for large but
fully too much expanded blooms. Mr. Harrington, gardener to
E. Mitchell, Esq., Gerpens, Corbetstay, Essex; and Mr. Chard
exhibited well in this class.

In the amateurs’ class for twenty-four trebles the prizes were
awarded as follows :—First, Rev. J. B. M. Camm: second, Mr.
Baker; third, Mr. J. Davis; and fourth, Mr. Hollingworth.
There were eight competitors. Mr. Camm’s collection was
decidedly the best.. The dark varieties—Horace Vernet, Prince
Arthur, Maurice Bernardin, and Xavier Olibo were particularly
fine. Mr. Baker’s blooms were rather irregular but very fresh ;
and Mr. Hollingworth’s were generally too much expanded.

For twenty-four varieties, single trusses, there were seven
competitors. Mr. Smallbones, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, was
placed first with excellent examples of La France, Maréchal
Niel, and other popular varieties. Mr. Atkinson, Brentwood,
was second with a fresh, excellent, and well-staged collection.
Mr. Mayo, Oxford, was third; and Mr. Wakeley, Sittingbourne,
fourth.

Twelve Roses, single trusses. The prizes were awarded as
follows :—First, Mr. J. H. Pemberton, The Round House, Rom-
ford; second, Mr. John Wakeley; third, Mr. J. Tranter, Upper
Assenden, Henley-on-Thames; fourth, Mr. H. Atkinson, Brent-
wood. Mr. J.T. Smallbones and Mr. A. Evans, Marston, near
Oxford, receiving extra prizes. Mr. Pemberton staged charm-
ingly fresh and perfect blooms of Madame Lacharme, Prince de
Portia, Edouard Morren, Duke of Edinburgh, Maréchal Niel,
Sénateur Vaisse, Baronne de Rothschild, Charles Lefebvre, and
Belle Lyonnaiss. Mr. Wakeley’s blooms were also good, and
Mr. Tranter staged the best bloom of Maréchal Niel in the
Show. It was an excellent class, with thirteen competitors.

In the amateurs’ class for twelve Tea-scented and Noisette
Roses, single trusses, the prizes went—first to Mr. J. H. Pem-
berton, second to Mr. C. Davis, third to Mr. J. Hollingworth,
fourth to Rev. J.B. M. Camm; Mr. J. W. Chard and Mr. R.N.G@
Baker receiving extra prizes. The best blooms in Mr. Pember-
ton’s stand were Madame Bravy, splendid; Catherine Mermet
Rubens, Alba rosea, and Belle Lyonnaise. In Mr. Davis’s stan¢c
Marie Van Houtte, Perle des Jardins, Rubens, Caroline Kuster,
and Bougére were in excellent condition. Mr. Hollingworth’s
blooms were small but very lovely, and Mr. Camm’s had been
rather shaken in transit.

The following were open classes :—For twelve Roses of 1875,
1876, or 1877, Mr. Turner won with the following varieties in
grand condition :—Madame F. Janin, Dachesse de Vallombrosa,
Col. de Sansal, Royal Standard, Jean Liabaud, Miss Hassard,
Mrs. Baker, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Oxonian, Dean of Windsor,
Star of Waltham, and Mons. Fournier. Messrs. G. Paul & Son
were second with Star of Waltham, Emily Verdier, Miss Has-
sard, Madame Prosper Langier, Marguerite Brassac, Emily
Laxton, Madame FE. Janin, Marchioness of Exeter, Oxonian,
Jean Liabaud, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, and Sir Garnet
Wolseley. Some of the blooms were rather too much ex-
panded. Mr. Keynes was placed third in this class, and Mr.
Piper, Uckfield, fourth with nearly the same varieties as those
above named, the exceptions being Marquis of Salisbury, Peach
Blossom, Miss Poole, Beauty of Waltham, Reynolds Hole, and
Cheshunt Hybrid.

For six trusses of any Rose of 1875, 1876, or 1877 Messrs. G.
Paul & Son were first with Emily Laxton in admirable condition
—a medium-sized but fine Rose. Mr. Turner was second with
Miss Hassard, also a fine Rose; Mr. Cant third with Duchesse
de Vallombrosa, rather small; and G. Paul & Son fourth with
Marchioness of Exeter, fine full blooms.

In the class for eighteen English-raised Roses in commerce
Messrs. George Paul & Son won with Emily Laxton, Bessie
Johnson, Cheshunt Hybrid, Miss Hassard, John Hopper, Edou-
ard Morren, Princess Beatrice, Annie Laxton, Princess Mary
of Cambridge, Duke of Edinburgh, Miss Poole, Beauty of
Waltham, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Miss Ingram, Star of Waltham,
Dachess of Edinburgh, Reynolds Hole, and Marchioness of
Exeter. Edouard Morren, however, is a French and not an
English-raised Rose. Mr. Charles Turner had the second prize.

In the open class—twelve Roses, single blooms, distinct—
there were six competitors. Mr. Cant was first with charmingly
fresh blooms of Devoniensis, Exposition de Brie, Abel Grand,
Général Jacqueminot, Souvenir d’Hlise, Frangois Michelon,
Baronne de Rothschild, Marguerite de St. Amand, Marie Bau-
mann, Louis Van Houtte, Marquise de Mortemart, Madame
Charles Wood, and Marie Van Houtte. Mr. Turner was second,
and Mr. Smallbones third with capital collections.

For twelve trusses of Hybrid Perpetual Duke of Edinburgh
Messrs. Paul & Son were the only exhibitors, and had the first

6 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 5, 1877.

prize; for twelve trusses of Hybrid Perpetual Baroness Roth-
schild Messrs. Paul & Son were first and Mr. Harrington second;
for twelve trusses of Hybrid Perpetual La France Messrs. G.
Paul & Son were again first, and Messrs. Cranston & Co. second ;
for twelve trusses of Hybrid Perpetual Marie Baumann Mr. B.
R. Cant was first, and Mr. R.N. G. Bakersecond for fine blooms ;
for twelve trusses of Noisette Maréchal Niel Mr. Charles Turner
was first with very rich blooms, and Mr. Davis second; for
twelve trusses of Hybrid Perpetual Princess Beatrice Mr. B. R.
Cant was first, and Messrs. Paul & Son second; for twelve
trusses of Hybrid Perpetual Edouard Morren Messrs. G. Paul
and Son were first, and Messrs. Mitchell & Sons second for
splendid blooms; and for twelve trusses of Hybrid Perpetual
Madame Lacharme Mr. B. R. Cant was first, and Mr. Charles
Turner second for excellent stands. For one vase of Roses, cut
blooms, set up with Rose foliage only, the prizes went in the
following order :—First to Mr. Charles Turner; second to Mr.
J. Gardiner, Southgate ; and.third to Mr. J. W. Chard. In the
miscellaneous class an extra prize was awarded to Messrs.
William Paul & Son for an extensive and fine collection of
Roses, also to Mr. C. Turner for a splendid collection of Pinks.
A certificate of merit was also awarded to Mr. Charles Turner
for Dean of Windsor Rose.

THE NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY’S EXHIBITION
AT ST. JAMES’S HALL.
Juty 4TH.

Waar 2 contrast to the dull dreary day on which in December
last some thirty or forty lovers of the Rose met together at the
Horticultural Club to inaugurate the formation of a Society
which should have for its special object the queen of flowers,
the national flower of England, the flower that poets have sung
of and lovers delighted in. Then all was expectancy, now all
is a reality fulfilled. There has been no discontent, and so we
must alter one word and say—

“ Now is the winter of our expectation
Made glorious summer.”

We know not what may be the result financially ; but when the
Society can muster some 250 members, when we can tell of more
than 400 entries, which means 10,000 blooms, when we can say
that from all points of the compass the very cvéme de la créme
of English Rose-growers both professional and amateur have
gathered together to the high festival, we may surely say that
the Rose deserves the name of queen not merely from her own
intrinsic beauty, but from the wide allegiance and the loyal
homage that she claims—aye, and obtains too. But why at St.
James’s Hall? Is that a fitting casket for such a jewel? Is
that a place where the Rose can be seen in perfection? Well,
Some can remember the first Rose show held there nineteen
years ago and fancy another has not been seen to excel it, and
now, as then, the desire was to bring the show into the heart of
London. Those public places which are in the hands of com-
panies were deemed unsuitable; Kensington and the Regent’s
Park were both considered too far off for the purpose; no open
space could be secured, and if it could have been then all would
have depended on weather ; whereas ina room at any rate there
is security from many of the annoyances which a wet dayin a
tent entails ; and hence the discomfort of crowding and of being
obliged to place some Roses where they could not be seen to
perfection had to be endured in order to secure a central position.
St. James’s Hall appears, therefore, to have been a matter of
necessity rather than of choice for holding the Show.

It will readily be believed that the office of Secretary has been
no light one, but we are assured that it has been made much
less heavy by hearty, cordial, and kindly co-operation which has
been afforded, also by the confidence all have expressed, and espe-
cially, perhaps, by the hearty assistance of many local secretaries,
some of whom have contributed very much to the success of
the Society by their strenuous efforts on its behalf, and which
have resulted in this great Show, for it may be said without
reservation that no such gathering of Roses and Rose-growers
has ever met in merrie England before to do honour to our
national flower. We have no wars of the Roses now; a friendly
tournament is all we claim to hold, and we only look for it that
the best knight may win his spurs and acknowledge the high
honour he has obtained. Those honours were such as to be
worthy of the best efforts of our best rosarians, and when such
are engaged in earnest and kindly rivalry, why, then the Rose
reigns triumphant. Rose weather, too, has at length prevailed,
but it was not until almost the very eve of the Show. True we
had brilliant days in June, but the ground and the air were dry
and the blooms did not grow in a free, fresh, natural manner,
but were, as was somewhat forcibly remarked by a real Rose-
worker, “pulled out.” But with July came a change: on the
very first day of the month—the Rose month—a splendid shower
fell over a wide district of the southern counties. On the

second day a partially clouded sky promoted a moist genial
atmosphere; on the third sunshine mingled with shower, and
induced a free unfolding of the blooms; and on the fourth, the
memorable fourth, was the tournament—the feast.

The Roce was indeed in royal session yesterday, but they were
southern beauties, the date being quite too early for the north,
even for the north midland counties, where a few straggling
blooms, the advance guard of the Rose army, are only now just
forming. The morning of the Show was dull with the barometer
slightly falling, but the day proved fine.

Unfettered by harsh laws Rose admirers—her lovers, the
hard-working cultivators, came and offered freely of their very
best at her shrine. What a theme this is for a poet to sing of !—
a Roge show held in the very centre of London, in a hall large
enough for all ordinary gatherings, but inadequate in every way
to the needs of rorarians; and yet all we can say of it to-day is
but a few hurried words—the leading incidents of the Show.
Whether, then, we regard the number of exhibitors, the nature
of their exhibits, or the general appearance of the Hall, we must
pronounce the Show of the National Rose Society to have been
what all lovers of the Rose will rejoice to hear—a great success.
Mons. Cochet, the proprietor of the French Journal des Roses,
who attended the Show, was surprised at its excellence, and
stated that they have no Roses in France which can at all be
compared with the grand English-grown blooms,

In describing the Exhibition we cannot do better than follow
the order of the schedule, which commences as usual with the
nurserymen’s classes.

Class 1, seventy-two distinct, single trusses. The prizes were
£12, £9, £5, and £3, and when it is considered that six great
nurserymen competed it will be seen that there were plenty of
good Roses to look at. In this class Messrs. G. Paul & Son and
Mr. Cant ran very close. Mr. Cant’s stands were placed ina
very bad light close to the entrance door, but the Judges took
the trouble to have them brought into a good light when making
their awards. Mr. Paul was first with a very even and good
stand. Mr. Cant’s collection contained a considerable number
of Teas. He had a lovely bloom of La Boule d’Or, the only one
in the class ; but the best bloom in his stand was Souvenir d’ Elise.
This was simply perfection; very large, with beautiful colour, and
ofsuperb form. Mr. Cant also hada fine bloom of Niphetos, which
usually comes so fluffy and open; but here it may be said that
Mr. Keynes showed by far the best Niphetos in the Exhibition,
Devoniensis, Anna Olivier, and Souvenir d’un Ami were all to
be found in grand form in his stands. The Colchester Hybrid
Perpetuals were very fine, but the best were Mrs. Veitch, Etienne
Levet, and Francois Louvat. This latter is seldom seen at shows,
except in Mr. Cant’s stands, and rarely grown by amateurs.
This only shows how old varieties are often discarded as being
useless now that newer and supposed finer novelties take their
place in the rosery, and many such Roses as Francois Louvat
ought to be grown as largely as Duke of Edinburgh and Charles
Lefebvre. Mr. Cant had also fine blooms of Duchesse de Vallom-
brosa, The importance of a new good light variety of the colour
of Baronne de Rothschild and the form of Madame Vidot in a
stand consisting for the most part of crimson and high-coloured
varieties cannot be overstated. Another comparative novelty
which he showed a magnificent bloom of was Mr. Cranston’s
Rose Sir Garnet Wolseley. If that hero was present yesterday
he must have thought that this Rose was even worthy of his
name and renown. Among our old favourites Mr. Cant showed
magnificent specimens of Mdlle. Marie Rady, Sénateur Vaisse,
Olivier Delhomme, Xavier Olibo, Marie Baumann, Charles Le-
febvre, and (wonderful to relate) Gloire de Vitry. Once more
that gem of the first water, that pure snow white Lily among
the Roses, Madame Lacharme, came to the front. On the
maiden she appears this year to be perfect. Mr. Cant’s blooms
are mentioned first, not because he was first, for Mr. Paul rightly
won the premier prize, but the Colchester Roses were sofre:hand
attractive. To Mr. George Paul, however, belongs the honour of
winning the premier prize at the premier show of the year, and
no words can do justice to the regularity, the form, and the
general excellence of the blooms; wonderfully fresh they were
and of great substance. His stands, too, were full of novelties.
Among these was a very good bloom of John Bright, a variety
which will take a foremost place in the catalogues and the gar-
den. But without further criticism the whole of the seventy-
two varieties may be named which won him this great honour,
They were Madame Charles Wood, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Auguste
Rigotard, Dachesse de Vallombrosa, Victor Verdier, Mons. EH. Y,
Teas, Peach Blossom, John Bright, Catherine Mermet, Maurice
Bernardin, La France, Camille Bernardin, Mad, Vidot, Ferdinand
Janin, Annie Laxton, Duke of Edinburgh, Mons. Noman, Felix
Genero, Mrs. Baker, Elie Morel, Sénateur Vaisse, Marquise de
Gibot, Etienne Levet, Duchesse de Morny, Henri Ledechaux,
Capitaine Christy, Mrs. G. Paul, Lelia, Robert Marnock, Madame
Lacharme, Horace Vernet, Baronne de Rothschild, Louis Van
Houtte, Maréchal Niel, Comtesse d’Oxford, Paul Verdier, Le .
Havre, Madame Nachury, Marguerite Brassac, Edouard Morren,
Ferdinand de Lesseps, Mons. Boncenne, Marquise de Ligneris,

Sualy,5, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 7

Duchesse de Oaylus, Clotilde Rolland, Xavier Olibo, Centifolia |

rosea, Alfred Colomb, Dachess of Edinburgh, Exposition de Brie,
Princess Beatrice, Marie Baumann, La Ville de St. Denis, Jean
Liaband, Niphetos, Miss Ingram, Lord Macaulay, Olivier Del-
homme, Marchioness of Exeter, Antoine Dacher, Marquise de
Castellane, C. Lefebvre, Abel Grand, Annie Wood, Star of
Waltham, Madame H. Jamain, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Dr. Andry,
and Francois Michelon. Messrs. Cranston & Co. were placed
third with a good and level collection, and Mr. Keynes fourth
with large blooms.

Class 2, forty-eight Roses distinct, three trusses of each. The
prizes were £10, £7, £4, and £2, and they were awarded in the
following order :—First to Messrs. Cranston & Co., second to
Mr. Cant, third to Mr. Turner, Slough, and fourth to Mr. Keynes.
The winning stands undoubtedly contained the largest blooms,
and many of them were very perfect, but the Colchester and
Slough Roses were the freshest. A few grand trebles in the
first-prize stand were Francois Michelon, Madame Lacharme,
Antoine Ducher, Etienne Levet, Le Rhone, Duchesse de Val-
lombrosa, Madame Vidot, Beauty of Waltham, Malle. Jacquier,
Princess Beatrice, La France, Baron de Bonstetten, Mdlle. Marie
Cointet, and Dupuy-Jamain.

Class 3, forty-eight Roses, distinct, single trusses. The
following were the exhibitors:—Mr. Turner; Mr. J. Bunyard,
Ashford, Kent ; Messrs. Cranston & Co.; Mr. J. Keynes; Messrs.
J. Mitchell & Sons, Uckfield; Mr. Cant, and Mr. Prince; and
the prizes went—first to Messrs. G. Paul & Son, second to Mr.
Turner, third to Mr. Keynes, and fourth to Messrs. Cranston
and Co. The winning stands contained massive and highly
coloured blooms. Especially striking were Francois Michelon,
Henri Ledechaux, Xavier Olibo, Madame Charles Wood, Ex-
position de Brie, Louis Van Houtte, Comtesse d’Oxford, Mons.
E. ¥. Teas, Abel Grand, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Victor
Verdier, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, Marchioness of Exeter, and
Madame Lacharme. Mr. Turner had Annie Laxton, Miss
Hassard, Francois Michelon, and Maréchal Niel, grand; Mrs.
Baker, Victor Verdier, Royal Standard, Devoniensis, Belle
Lyonnaise, Francois Louvat, Madame Lacharme were in charm-
ing condition, and the rest good. The other collections while
containing many splendid blooms were yet somewhat irregular.

In the class for twenty-four trebles Mr. Cranston was first
with very good trebles of even size and fresh bright coloar.
Mr. Panl was second, Mr. Cant third, and Mr. Turner fourth.

In Class 5, for twenty-four Hybrid Perpetuals, Mr. Curtis came
to the front with a lovely stand, as fresh as if the blooms had
not travelled a mile—as fine as if they had been cut froma
quarter of a million of maidens. The most noted blooms were
Prince Camille de Rohan, Duke of Edinburgh, Marguerite de
St. Amand, Victor Verdier, La France, Marie Baumann, Mons.
HE. Y. Teas, and Black Prince, the last-named being equal to any
Rose in the stand.

And now let a “Wynp Savace” speak of his own particular
pets—the cream of the Roses, the choicest of flowers, the love-
liest of Nature’s gifts. No less than eight nurserymen steged
twelve Teas and Noisettes, and most charming work it was to
judge them and discuss their beauties with two other enthu-
Biastic rosarians. Mr. Cant was pre-eminent here on his own
ground, tilting with his own particular lance, doing honour to
his queen with the weapons of which he best of all others knows
how to employ. What a stand it was! Here was La Boule
@’Or again, which no other man in England can show so well,
Souvenir @ Elise, Devoniensis, Marie Van Houtte, and all the
other leading sorts. This class was fortunate enough to have
one of the best places in the Hall assigned to it, and so the visitors
could see these jewels under every favourable condition.

Mr. Mitchell of Piltdown came second with varieties some of
which were quite equal to Mr. Cant’s; but he did not show
here nearly so fine as he did at the Crystal Palace. He showed
a Rose, however, which is rarely seen—Dne de Magenta, and
if the illustrious namesake only pleases the general public in
France half as much as his Rose will please the public here, he
need be in no doubt as to the result of the general election.
The third prize was won by Mr. Davison of Hereford with a
most uneven lot. He had a magnificent bloom of that coy pet
Comtesse de Nadaillac, and one or two other blooms were good,
but the rest were poor.. Mr. Keynes just secured fourth honours
by the beauty of one bloom. This was Niphetos before alluded
to. The other exhibitors had many fine blooms in their stands,
but there was nothing striking or worthy of notice.

Amateurs.—A vast number of blooms—the cream of the
amateur growers—were exhibited. Hercules came from fair
Devon with his marvellous blooms, so bright in colour, so lovely
in form, and so fresh; Mr. Jowitt came from Hereford with
blooms which can only be called magnificent; that great rosa-
rian, the father of Rose shows, the President of this Society and
the originator of the one of which this is no mean descendant,
came from Caunton with blooms of splendid size, freshness, and
colour; and Mr. Arkwright, Hampton Court, Herefordshire, Mr.
Pochin, Mr. Hollingworth of Maidstone, and a host of others
came to swell the number.

In the class for forty-eight distinct, single trusses, there were
fourteen entries. In this class Messrs, Cranston & Co. offered a
fifty-guinea challenge cup for the first prize. This cup must be
won in three years, and the winners in 1877 and 1878 can be the
only competitors for it in 1879. First Mr. J. Jowitt, The Old
Weir, near Hereford, who thus wins the first chance for this great
trophy with Alfred Colomb, Francois Michelon, Madame C.
Crapelet, Madame Baronne de Rothschild, Duke of Edinburgh,
Lord Herbert, Général Jacqueminot, Dupuy-Jamain, Prince
Camille de Rohan, Louis Van Houtte, Dr. Andry, Xavier Olibo,
Malle. Marie Rady, Exposition de Brie, Madame Marie Finger,
Alfred Colomb, Lzlia, MadameBoutin, Madame Hippolyte Ja-
main, Maréchal Niel, Louisa Wood, Monsieur Noman, Cheshunt
Hybrid, Edouard Morren, Annie Laxton, Duchess of Edinburgh,
Sir Garnet Wolseley, Madame Bellon, Capitaine Christy, a seed-
ling, Monsieur Boncenne, Camille Bernardin, Madame Nachury,
Marie Baumann, Clemence Joigneaux, Marguerite de St. Amand,
Prince Arthur, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Souvenir d’un Ami,
Marie Van Houtte, L’Esmeralda, Jules Margottin, Princess
Mary of Cambridge, Devoniensis, La France, Ferdinand de
Lesseps, and Annie Wood. Too much praise cannot be awarded
to Mr. Jowitt, who won the cup. His blooms were really mar-
vellous considering the distance he had come, and the fact that
a thunderstorm raged at Hereford on Tuesday. Mr. R. N. G.
Baker, Heavitree, Exeter, was second with a charming and very
fresh collection. He had grand blooms of Alfred Colomb, Fran-
cois Michelon, Marie Baumann, Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of
Wellington, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Maurice Bernardin, and
others, running Mr. Jowitt very close. The Rev. Canon Hole,
Caunton Manor, Newark, was placed third; and the Rev. J.B. M.
Camm, Monckton Wyld, Charmonth, fourth.

For thirty-six distinct, single trusses, there were seveuteen
entries. Mr. R. N. G. Baker was awarded the first prize; Mr,
J. Brown, Reigate, second; the Rev. E. N. Pochin, Barkby
Vicarage, Leicester, third; and the Rey. J. B. M. Camm fourth,
Mr. Baker’s collection was composed of Victor Verdier, Maurice
Bernardin, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Charles Lefebvre, Mdlle. Hugénie
Verdier, Fisher Holmes, Royal Standard, Marie Baumann, Ba-
ronne de Rothschild, Exposition de Brie, Marquise de Castel-
lane, Duke of Wellington, Baron de Bonstetten, Auguste Rigo-
tard, Comtesse d’Oxford, Xavier Olibo, Marquise de Mortemart,
Alfred Colomb, Souvenir d’un Ami, Lord Macaulay, Marguerite
de St. Amand, Camille Bernardin, Prince Camille de Rohan,
Miss Hassard, Etienne Levet, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Madame
Charles Wood, Pierre Notting, Madame Victor Verdier, La
France, Louis Van Houtte, Marquise de Gibot, Sir Garnet
Wolseley, Monsieur Noman, and Dr. Andry.

In the class for twenty-four, distinct, Hybrid Perpetuals, there
were eighteen competitors. Mr. Atkinson, Brentwood, Essex,
was placed first with a very fresh, good, and even collection,
consisting of Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Marquise de Castel-
lane, Duke of Edinburgh, Baronne de Rothschild, Louis Van
Houtte, Edouard Morren, Charles Lefebvre, Marguerite de St.
Amand, Dr. Andry, Anna de Diesbach, Dupuy-Jamain, Duchess
d’Aoste, Camille Bernardir, Monsieur Noman, Marie Baumann,
Madame Barriot, John Hopper, La France, Fisher Holmes,
Henri Ledechaux, Duke of Wellington, Comtesse d’Oxford,
Francois Michelon, and Jules Margottin. Mr. R. N. G. Baker
was second, Mr. Jowitt third, and the Rev. EH. N. Pochin fourth.

Twenty-eight competitors entered the class for twelve
single trusses, distinct, the first prize being a silver cup value
five guineas, presented by the proprietors of the Journal of
Horticulture. In this class were to be found some of the finest
blooms in the amateurs’ section of the Show. Mr. J. Smallbones,
Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, won the cup with very fine blooms of
Dapuy-Jamain, La France, Etienne Levet, Mdlle. Marie Rady,
Camille Bernardin, Baronne de Rothschild, Monsieur Noman,
Prince Camille de Rohan, Abel Grand, Dake of Edinburgh,
Marquise de Castellane, and Louis Van Houtte. Mr. Pember-
ton, Havering, was placed second; Mr. D. Sewell third; and
Mr. H. Bensted, Rockston, Maidstone, and the Rey. W. H.
Benn, Churchover Rectory, were equal fourth. In the class for
six single trusses there were twenty-two entries. The first prize
was awarded to Mr. J. Lakin, Chipping Norton, Oxon, for La
France, Madame Victor Verdier, Jules Margottin, Maréchal Niel.
Marquise de Castellane, and Souvenir d’un Ami; the second

‘prize to Mr. A. Evans, Marston, near Oxford; third to Mr. J.

Smallbones; and fourth to Mr. E. L. Fellows, Wimple Rectory,
Royston.

In the amateurs’ class for twelve Tea or Noisette Roses there
were about twenty competitors, Mr. J. Brown, Reigate, being
the fortunate winner of the first prize—a silver cup, value five
guineas, presented by EH. Mawley, Esq.—with Belle Lyonnaise,
Souvenir d’Elise, Devoniensis, Niphetos, Alba Rosea, Souvenir
@’un Ami, Cheshunt Hybrid, Rubens, Marie Van Houtte, Anna
Ollivier, Madame Willermoz, and Maréchal Niel. Mr. J. Chard,
Clarendon Park, Salisbury, was second ; Professor Adams, The
Observatory, Cambridge, third; and Mr. W. Smith, Birch Hall,
Colchester, fourth. The whole of the collections were very
beautiful.

8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 5, 1877.

Open CuassEs.—In Class 14, for twelve new Roses, distinct,
single trusses, which have been in commerce since 1874, some
very fine stands were showr. Mr. Turner here won the premier
prize with blooms of great size, good colour and form. I (says
“ Wryup Savace ”’) only noticed three bad blooms in the lot. A
bloom of Mrs. Baker (Madame Hercules) in this stand was
even worthy of that lady. I do not remember to have seen this
Rose attain such form before; but if once a-year or once in two
years one could get such a bloom it would be worth while to
grow the Rose. He also had a marvellously good bloom of Mr.
Cant’s seedling Prince Arthur, also Mr. Paul’s Rose Duke of
Connaught; Duchesse de Vallombosa and Madame Prosper
Langier were both good. His own seedlings, John Stuart Mill
and Royal Standard, were shown fine; while Mr. William Paul’s
Rose Star of Waltham outshone even its name and rivalled
the brightness of the sun. Mr. George Paul was second with
a good and even lot of blooms, the best of which was Mons.
E. Y. Teas. Many of the above-named varieties were also in
his stand, which was quite up to the average of new Rose ex-
hibits. Mr. Curtis of Torquay came third: he staged a grand
bloom of Sir Garnet Wolseley; and Lady Mary Keith and Royal
Standard were also very fine.

For twelve trusses of English-raised Roses Messrs. G. Paul
and Son won premier honours with Emily Laxton, Cheshunt
Hybrid, Dr. Hooker, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Reynolds Hole,
John Hopper, Marchioness of Exeter, Star of Waltham, Duke
of Edinburgh, Aunie Laxton, Duke of Connaught, and Beauty of
Waltham. Mr. Turner was placed second, and Mr. Cant third ;
and in the class for any new seedling Rose Messrs. G. Paul and
Son were placed first for John Bright, which was in brilliant
condition, and Mr. Tarner second with Penelope Mayo, a grand
new Rose resembling Marie Baumann, but having greater sub-
stance of petal.

For twelve blooms of La France there were six competitors.
Mr. R. N. G. Baker won with grand examples ; Professor Adams,
The Observatory, Cambridge, was second with smaller but
fresh blooms; and Messrs. G. Paul & Son third. For twelve
blooms of Marie Baumann, Mr. Cant was first, splendid ; Messrs.
G. Paul & Son second; and Mr. Prince third. For twelve
blooms of Alfred Colomb Messrs. G. Paul and Son had the first
place; and Messrs. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, the second, for
excellent stands. For twelve of Maréchal Niel Mr. J. H. Ark-
wright, Hampton Court, Leominster, had the premier place
with grand and richly-coloured blooms. Mr. Tarner, Slough,
was placed second; and the Rev. W. H. Benn, Churchover
Rectory, third. For Baronne de Rothschild the prizes went to
Mr. Baker for grand blooms; Mr. J. Scrubby, Rundles, Harlow,
Essex; and Mr. Cant in the order named. For twelve blooms
of Louis Van Houtte Mr. Cant was first, very rich ; and Mr.
Baker second. The only prizewinners that we could find in the
class for twelve blooms of Reynolds Hole were Messrs. G. Paul
and Son; and for twelve blooms of Fisher Holmes Mr. Baker
won the prize offered by that firm with fine examples of a Rose
which is by no means easy to grow and show well.

For twelve trusses of any Rose not included in the above
“twelves”? Messrs. Curtis & Sandford, Devon Nurseries, Tor-
quay, won with magnificent blooms of Frangois Michelon,
Messrs. George Paul & Son were placed second with the same
variety, and Mr. Turner third with Mdlle. Marie Cointet.

To Mr. Camm we are indebted for valuable assistance, and his
words may fittingly close this report. They are as follows :—
**We have done our task. Handicapped as to time, judging,
staging in four classes, hurried in every way, it has been no
easy matter to make even these few and imperfect notes; but
such as they are they are given in the hope that they may at
least not do dishonour to one of the grandest shows of Roses in
the memory of Rose-growers. If a pleasant gathering, the
making of new friends, and the fresh uniting of old acquaint-
ances; if lovely blooms, happy and friendly faces, beautiful
weather, can make a show successful and pleasant, then the first
Rose Show of the National Rose Society will prove to be one of
the brightest days that ever dawned on Rose-growers, and the
only regret that we shall feel is that it is over, and that another
year must elapse before we have such an opportunity of doing
honour and paying our court to the queen of flowers.”

A ROSE WITH A STRONG PEACH SCENT.

On an east wall of the garden I have a Rose now laden with
flowers having a full strong perfume precisely like that of a
Peach. Although thin, and loose, and scant of petals, they
are not unornamental, the incuryed petals being arranged in
that pleasing cup-like order which is so much liked. It was
received under the name of President, and its colour of mingled
rose and salmon answers to the description of that variety in
the catalogues. The growth is long, somewhat slender, with
yery few thorns, and foliage of medium size.

Upon a west wall there is another tree received from another
nursery a3 Victor Pulliat, but which is precisely similar to the

one named President on the east wall, the Peach-like scent of
the flowers leaving no doubt that they are identical. As
Victor Palliat is described as white tinged with yellow, I con-
clude that both my plants are President; and I am curious to
know if other growers of it have detected its peculiar and_cer-
tainly not unpleasant perfume.—Epwarp LuckHurst.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

We have received from Mr. W. G. Smith a photograph
of the portrait of the distinguished fungologist and physio-
logist Rey. M. J. BerKELEY, which has been suspended in the
lecture hall of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Ken-
sington. It is an admirable likeness, and we cannot suggest a
better souvenir of one who lives in the affections of so many
people than the excellent portrait which Mr. Smith has taken.

— Tue Newcastte Summer SHow will be held on the

12th and 13th inst., and not on the 13th and 14th, as statedin
our last issue.
WE are informed that a BoTANICAL FETE AND MUSICAL
PROMENADE Will be held in the Pine Apple Nursery Grounds,
Maida Vale, by permission of Messrs. HE. G. Henderson and
Sons, on Thureday evening, July 12th, 1877, in aid of the fund
for the enlargement and improvement of St. Mark’s Church,
Hamilton Terrace,N.W. The conservatory will be illuminated
with gas and coloured lights, and embellished with works of
art; and a large marquee will be erected, in which there will
be a@ handsome display of flowers, epergnes, table decora-
tions, and works of art. The féte is under the patronage of
his Grace the Duke of Westminster, K.G., the Most Noble
the Marquis of Hertford, Lord Garvagh, Rey. Lord Theobald
Butler, Sir Henry Thompson, Col. Du Cane, R.E., C.B., and
other distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Messrs. Carter & Co. have made arrangements with
the Royal Botanic Society that their sHow oF ANNUALS shall
extend to Jaly 12th, instead of the 3rd, as previously announced.

—— Mrz. W. T.F. M. Incatu, Greenhithe, writes to us as
follows on the USE oF PETROLEUM in the garden :—‘ Our sowing
of Beet was looking very wéll, but it suddenly gave signs of
going off, when my gardener directly sprinkled the crop with
soot and then watered it with petroleum and water (in the
use of which he is getting very apt). The crop quickly re-
covered, and has been doing well ever since.”

—— In alluding to manure For Roses Mr. Camm writes,
“Let me thank with all my heart your correspondent ‘J. B. K.’
who has given me such valuable advice as to artificial manures.
I will certainly try his mixture next year, and will let you
know the results.”

— Tue annual Exhibition of the Wrest Kent Hortt-

_ CULTURAL Society is announced to be held in Bickley Park on

Saturday next, the 7th inst. The schedule is of the same
comprehensive character as heretofore, and the Exhibition is
expected to equal former displays which have been provided
by the Society.

—— Ir is impossible to over-estimate the USES OF GLass, yet
it was accidentally discovered by some lumps of soda being
used to support a pot over a fire on the seashore. The heat
of the fire caused the soda and sand to unite, and their union
formed rough glass.

—— Ir has been estimated that the State of California has
15,000,000 acres of land adapted to the growth of the Vinx, but
that less than 50,000 acres of this vast area are as yet planted.
The average number of Vines set out per acre is about nine
hundred, which gives an average yield of 800 gallons of wine
and 120 of brandy when in full bearing. The progressive
advance of the industry is shown by the fact that the number
of gallons made in 1859 was 100,000; in 1869, 500,000; in
1872, 3,000,000 ; in 1875, 7,000,000; in 1876, 10,000,000. TI£
the present year be a favourable one for the Grape crop a
yield of 11,000,000 to 12,000,000 gallons, worth $4,000,000,
may be expected.

—— ‘“M. J.B.” states that Pooley’s ropacco PowDER is the
best thing he has ever tried for cleansing trees from green fly.
‘© A Peach tree in one of our houses was in bad health last year.
Shortly after the leayes began to expand this season they
became covered with green fly. Syringing with various tho-
roughly recommended mixtures had no effect on them, because
the leaves were so curled that the remedy could not reach the in-
sects. At last the tree was dusted all over with Pooley’s powder
and gently syringed daily, but not enough to wash the powder

Saly 5, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER. 9

off, only sufficient to work it down into the curled leaves. Ina
week after this was done not a fly was alive on the tree, and
the luxuriant growth it has now made would lead anyone to
suppose there had not been a fly on it this season.”

—— Tuer Puormium Tenax, or New Zealand Flax, is, it is
said, being largely planted in St. Helena on behalf of a fibre
company, who propose so to plant all the Government waste
lands in the island.

_ —— Considenine the great beauty of the Ericas it is a little
surprising that they are not more extensively grown. Some
of the most handsome and healthy specimens that we have
seen of late are in the rising collection at Cleveland House,
where one sometimes hears it said that Mr. Legg does nothing
else besides carpet bedding. The Heaths in his charge, how-
ever, are in splendid condition, rivalling in health the more
commanding fine-foliaged plants. Some of the Ericas which
were exhibited at the early shows are now flowering for the
second time this season as freely as ever; and an idea may be
formed of their vigour when it is stated that such sorts as
Jubana rubra and Victoria have as many as twenty flowers on
a truss. Candolleana, Dennisoniana, and the true obbata are
extremely beautiful ; and equally so are some of Messrs. Rol-

. lisson’s new varieties, which are seldom seen: Mr. Ralli per-
haps possesses the finest plant of E. Shannoni glabra extant ;
it is extremely beautiful, and the more valuable because the
rosy white flowers are not gummy but are as smooth as glass.
In fine contrast is E. oppulenta, rich crimson lake, the flowers
lasting a month in beauty. Another richly coloured variety
is E. effusa, crimson. HE. ornata is a charming light-coloured
variety; and H. tricolor profusa is both distinct and attractive.
These are garden hybrids, and will prove to be greenhouse
plants of the very first order of merit—varieties if well grown
which cannot disappoint.

PaRIS GREEN is admitted to be the best specific in de-
stroying the Colorado Potato beetle, and has also been used
against the Phylloxera and garden pests generally. An
American paper says no doubt exists as to its efficacy in
destroying insects; but it must also be remembered that it is
a metallic poison, composed of arsenic, copper, and acetic acid,
containing about half its weight of arsenic in a eemi-soluble
form. It is dangerous to inhale, and poultry, hogs, sheep,
and even dogs should be kept away from the fields in which it
is used. Great care should be taken in using it.

ROSES, &c., AT THE REV. W. F. RADCLYFFE’S,
OKEFORD FITZPAINE.

Now that Roses are so coming to the front, and the National
Society’s Show is so close upon us, a brief record of a short
and pleasant visit to a garden which ought to be dear to all
Rose-growers may uot be unacceptable. It was hurried, but
I could not manage it otherwise; but there was much to talk
about and much to see.

It is now some three or four years since I saw my dear and
valued old friend; and although time has dealt somewhat
sharply with him, and severe illness has deprived him of some
of his wonted activity, it has no way checked his love for
Roses or made him take a less earnest interest in his garden;
and I have never seen it in better order, although failure has
resulted in some of his crops owing to the desperate weather
we have experienced this spring—weath¢r to which his garden
has been specially exposed, for the terrible westerly wind sweeps
over the downs and on to the village. So great was its force
that it swept in a few minutes the entire Ivy covering of the
vicarage garden, and tore the coverings of the Peach trees to
tatters ; while severe frost had tried his Rose trees, at a time
too, when he was laid by and unable to attend to them; so
that there had been much to contend with. But my friend is
not to be deterred by difficulties, and I need not say as far as
possible all has been remedied.

; As I have frequently said, the persons who will be most
likely to be interested in visiting this garden will be the real
lovers of Roses: the exhibitors, the mere searchers for novel-
ties, or those who look for prettiness, will be disappointed.
My friend never exhibits; he buys no new Roses. When one
is well established in favour he tries it; and his object is to
have his Roses safely moored, and so tall stakes are prominent
in his garden.
situation then he goes in for a quantity. Let me name, then,
a few of those which I saw in superb order. Charles Lefebvre
was grand in all stages of development. Talking the other

And when he finds a Rose to suit his soil and :

day at Spalding about Roses, a very distinguished amateur
said that he never saw it now with that beautiful dark shading
that it used to have. Had he been with me he might have
seen it to his heart’s content—enormous blooms with the most
splendid colouring. Then I do not think I ever saw Princess
Mary of Cambridge so fine: it was large, larger than I ever
recollect seeing it, and the colour so soft and beautiful. When
I speak of size it must be remembered that my friend never
disbuds a Rose. He cut meofi some blooms of Jules Margottin
of immense size with four or five buds around it. And go with
all his Roses. M. Clémence Joigneaux, John Hopper, Baronne
de Maynard, Camille de Rohan, Lord Macaulay, Madame Victor
Verdier, and such-like were by the score, for when he finds
that a Rose suits his soil and situation he goes in for it largely.
He will probably add fifty of Princess Mary of Cambridge
because it has done so well; and so it will be with others.
Then another object he has in view in his pruning is to keep
up a continuous bloom, so that his secateur is constantly at
work, and he thereby gets good strong shoots for autumn
blooming.

There are three Roses about which his judgment has been
much questioned—Madame Chirard, Baron Chaurand, and
Felix Genero. With regard to the first he has been obliged to
alter his opinion. The Rose is large and the growth of it
most vigorous, but it fails in opening, and consequently he has
felt it necessary to place it in the background. With regard
to the other two I do not wonder at his liking them. Baron
Chaurand, though not an exhibition Rose, is undoubtedly one
of the most brilliant-coloured flowers we have, intense’ fiery
scarlet in the centre—unliks any Rose I know; and certainly
Felix Genero as grown here needs no comment. It is lovely
both in form and colour, while in size it is no way behind the
preater number of our exhibition Roses. There were blooms
of it here which might have gone into any stand. Another
Rose almost gone out of cultivation, but certainly worthy of
a place for its intense colour, and a great favourite here, is
Souvenir de Dr. Jamain. It is a small neat Rose, but of the
most beautifully deep claret colour possible ; never large enough
to be in a stand, but certainly to be desired by all who love
variety in their Rose garden. Duke of Edinburgh was here
very brilliant in colour, similar to those I have seen in Her-
cules’ garden at Exeter; and what Rose can be more beautiful
when caught in its true scarlet hue? Time and space would
fail me in enumerating the beauties I saw here, but enough
will have been said to show that my good friend has not abated
his zeal, and that his hand has not lost its cunning.

The Peach and Nectarine trees were in marvellous health
and beauty; no blistered leaves, but large and well-developed
foliage, showing that with care and attention even in a locality
so little favourable they can be grown without disease. Bat
of fruit, as in every place that I have seen this year, there wa3
next to none. This is 2 matter which no skill can eecure, and
indeed in many orchard houses there is the same report as on
the outdoor walls. But Mr. Radclyffe may well be proud of
his trees. Ihave seen many a large garden this year where
the trees afford a very unfavourable contrast to those I have
seen here.

And then with all his other cultures what glorious rows of
Lapstones are here! a Potato my good friend clivgs to in spite
of all the highly trumpeted novelties both from across the
water and at home. And well he may, for at his hospitable
table there was a dish of them as mealy and as good as in the
very height of the season, and this when new Potatoes were
being used. At least it was Yorkshire Hero, which after several
years of cultivation I must pronounce to be the same thing.
‘A little later it may be, but I do not think the graft which it
was supposed to arise from had been much influenced by the
stock, or vice versa.

The same high-class cultivation went through everything,
Peas and all other vegetables grown here; but the one flower
was the Rose. It is with the Rose that the name of Mr. Rad-
clyfie will be always associated ; and when some of our English
growers raise 2 Rose wortby of a good name, as they have
already done, let them honour themselves by affixing to it that
of a true rosarian and a thoroughly kind and hearty old Eng-
lish gentleman, for my dear friend has now reached the allotted
threescore years and ten. Simple in his habits and patriarchal
in his ways, his chief delight is to benefit those around him.
No case of real sorrow but what his heart and hand are open
to, while he is beloved by those immediately about him. One
inevitably thinks of Sir Roger do Coverley in his presence ;
for while he lacks the stiffoess of that fine portrait he has all

10 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ July 5, 1877.

the bonhommie, the generosity and kindness, that characterised
Addison’s ideal. One never leaves him without the feeling
that few are like him; and I feel confident that those who
may differ from him in judgment, as sometimes they may do,
did they know him would feel that it could only be done with
the deference due to one who with large experience has also a
real and hearty love for the pursuit we alike love.—D., Deal.

VINES IN POTS AT WORCESTER.

Waar becomes of all the Vines which are grown in many of
the nursery establishments? is a question one often hears
asked. It is a very natural question, especially when we re-
member that with ordinary care and good management the
Vine may be kept to do good service for many years. One of
the largest growers of young Vines in England is Mr. Richard
Smith. In his nursery at St. John’s, Worcester, about three
thousand young Vines were grown last year, but this year a
still larger number is being prepared, and not only are they
large in number but excellent in quality. Hven at this early
pericd and under the very cloudy and cold unfavourable sea-
son some hundreds of good canes are fast ripening their wood,
so much so that the first lot of Vines are already placed out-
doors with canes as thick as one’s finger. Here they can
paleitor their ripening while the heat of summer is at its

est.

Some growers of Vines have no objection under some con-
ditions to plant young Vines for permanent growth ia the
middle of summer: hence it is that some are often being sent
out from this establishment throughout the growing season as
well as during the dormant period of the Vine. It is well
worth a journey to any person much interested in the culture
and growth of young Vines to pay a visit to this nursery.
Free growth and short joints, with well-ripened wood, are the
chief points to be attended to in Vine cultivation; and on
these points excellent lessons are derivable at the principal
nurseries where Vines are largely cultivated.—Guno. Dawson.

TORQUAY ROSE CLUB.

‘‘ANoTHER Rose show! Another account of excellent Roses,
superb blooms, perfect forms, &c., by that wildest of Wyld
Savages too!” may perhaps be the remarks made by some gentle
readers of our Journal as they turn over your Rose number and
see the whole of the excellent Journal for one week at least
devoted to Roses.

Yes, and why not? What can be better, what can be more
delightful than a Rose show? The more shows the merrier,
say we; the further afield we go with our boxes the jollier for
us. The more the superiority of the Rose above all other
flowers is evinced by the number of times which she finds her
worshippers eager to pay her court by tilting lances in her
honour, why, the better. And here this year the Queen of the
West—the most famous of all watering places both as a winter
resort and as a summer residence, the home of yachting men—
the portly town of Torquay, invites us to come and show our
blooms and do our best in honour of Rosa regina florum. We
accept the invitation; we cheerfully undergo no end of fatigua
in order to show there, and also to get back home in time to
stage for the Alexandra. Ahme! that Alexandra! Would that
they would not always fix on a Saturday for their shows. Ifthe
Directors would for one moment reflect how many parsons are
exhibitors, and how hard it is in country places to get one’s
duty done, they would, I think, in charity change the day. The
Crystal Palace Directors are too old at their work, too hard-
hearted men for us to hope to move them; but the Alexandra
people surely have tender hearts and kind dispositions, or else
they are scarcely worthy of the name by which their place is
called. So may even a “ Wyip Savace” plead for 1 change
next year? This year I must miss the Show, and what sucha
loss is to me all rosarians know.

After the Show at Exeter the Torquay cannot be pronounced
to be a first-class Show, for in the first place there was literally
no competition for the head classes. Mr. Cranston had the mis-
fortune to lose a box, which entirely destroyed his chance, as he
was unable to stage the required seventy-two. So there was no
one against Mr. Curtis except an amateur of the name of Robson,
who ventured to compete in a class which for the very largest
amateur growers it would be folly to attempt; as it was, bis
Seventy-two contained duplicates, which disqualified it. Roses
were wrongly named, and altogether a more miserable stand it
has never been my lot to judge. Messrs. Lucombe & Pince
put in also an appearance, staging a box of twenty-four blooms
of Niphetos, and in one of the smaller classes for Hybrid Per-

petuals.
The amateurs were in great force. Mr. Baker led the van, and

well sustained his great reputation by winning first prizes in the
three classes in which he staged. Mr. T. Jowitt of Hereford
maintained his grand form, securing two firsts; and Mr. Beachey
and Mr. Tomlinson also took first prizes. Mr. Jowitt showed
the best eighteen I think I ever saw, or at least it would be
indeed a sight to see anything finer than seventeen of the blooms.
The eighteenth was certainly unworthy of its position, and Mr.
Jowitt recognised this by not naming it. He had blooms of
Madame Rothschild, Marquise de Mortemart, which J never saw
surpassed. The latter was the purest white, with what I may
call the rare Centifolia form (for this Rose I mean). The centre
was suffused with most delicate shades of rosy flesh. Aurora
arising from the sea could not have been more lovely, and I do
not think some rosarians will soon forget the bloom. He had
also a lovely bloom of a variety, which I never saw before, called
Jalie Duran. This in colour is between Ferdinand de Lesseps
and Antoine Ducher, but in form it is pure globular, each
petal winding round the other like a lovely bloom of Madame
Bravy. He had also fine blooms of Louisa Wood, Hippolyte
Jamain, and others. I have spoken at length about this stand,
as with the exception of the Teas his stand was the finest in the
Exhibition.

Mr. Baker’s forty-eight, considering that he is nof yet in any-
thing like full bloom, was very fine. As usual his blooms were
distinguished by their bright fresh colours and their lovely
form ; of course, in a stand of forty-eigut in a hot tent it would
be impossible for some not to be a little overblown, but these
when judged were very few. He was of course, as usual, excep-
tionally strong in the highly bright-coloured varieties. His Marie
Baumann, Xavier Olibo, and above all Charles Lefebvre were
splendid. It is really a great treat to linger over his stands
when one has the opportunity and compare his blooms with
what we know we have left in our own gardens, and be spurred
thereby to still greater efforts to grow Roses well. I had the
honour of being placed second to him in forty-eights and in Teas.
Concerning this class they were the finest I have seen this year.
Mr. Charles Turner said he did not remember to have seen so
many or so good before. Mr. Baker showed the same bloom of
Marie Van Houtte which he exhibited at Exeter, and though a
little fuller it was as fresh and good as ever. He also had
Caroline Kuster, Madame Willermoz, and Madame Margottin
exceedingly good. The only bad bloom in his box was Maréchal
Niel. He also had some very fine trebles, and secured here of
course first honours.

The Torquay Show will be ever memorable to me from a
bloom shown by Mr. Curtis of Prince Camille de Rohan. It is
impossible to describe either the form or colour. It would be
almost as rash on my part as to try and paint the Lily, but it is
not too much to say that no finer bloom of that dark variety can
ever have been shown. He had also a box of very good new
Roses, and again he showed Abel Carriére, the variety I described
(or tried to do at least) in my account of the Crystal Palace Show.
This bloom was really splendid, in form something like Andry
or Lefebvre, but in colour like Camille de Rohan or a very fine
Louis Van Houtte. He showed also very finely Souvenir de
Arthur Sansal. This I think may be described as an improved
Jules Margottin.

Besides Roses there was a fine collection of miscellaneous
plants, but it is no part of my duty to describe them ; sufficient
is it to say that Dr. Woodman brought some of his splendid
epecimens, which I believe aro considered to be the finest in
England. Altogether it was a very fair show; and if only in
future years the Committes will be a little more liberal in
the matter of prizes, and not offer £2 instead of £5 as the
second prize for forty-eight varieties, and, if they are otherwise
unable to increase their expenditure, will reduce the number of
classes and devote the money saved to making the prizes in the
remaining classes a little more equivalent to the value of the
exhibits, the Torquay Rose Show may one day be one of the
events of our Rose year.—WYLD SavaGn.

AURICULA CULTURE.

I sHoutp like to be clearly understood that I know cocoa-nut
fibre is an excellent covering for the drainage in the pot pre-
pared for hospital treatment of this flower, as it retains cavi-
ties longer than leayes would, but it must not be used where
the roots are allowed to run into it. Again, as to liquid ma-
nure I may have been somewhat inexplicit ; therefore I would
say that the cow dung for that liquid cannot well be too old—
two years at least, and must be reduced to dust. Then, as to
strength, it is difficult to describe it exactly; perhaps about a
quart of the strong liquid to a gallon of soft water, and must
not in any case be darker-coloured than ordinary soft water,
and may not be used too early in the season. Lot the trusses
repose down in the heart of the plant till seasonable weather
calls them forth. When the truss has given signs of move-
ment give a soaking of the liquid manure, which must be

July 5, 1877. ]

followed by the ordinary watering. Never store this liquid or |

it will deceive you. The Polyanthuses in the border will be
grateful for it, and you must make fresh again when the first
pip begins to expand, and if you wish to take seed another
dose when the flower is fading. This last liquid should be
made with leaf mould.

In my next communication I will detail an entirely different
mode of culture for the Auricula, a method which insures
green and white edges from the inconstant varieties in those
classes, also very large foliage, yet not soft or flabby; much
larger pips, and fine plump seeds, yet the method will be found
simple and natural.—G. W. Buuuock, Brockton, Stafford.

PROPAGATING ROSES.

Rosrs, unlike some other flowers, are in full beauty at the
same period, when measures must be taken to increase the
stock of plants. The month of July isthe month of Roses, and
the same month is the month for budding, also for inserting
cuttings. Many, I know, will not accept the latter statement
as being correct, nevertheless I must repeat that July is the
best month for striking cuttings of Roses. Roses are also
increased by grafting, but as that is spring work I will not
further aliude to it in the ‘‘ Rose week.”

I sometimes think that it is because the Rose is in full
beauty during the season for budding that so many Rose buds
are inserted. . People, not rosariane, but just ordinary people,
are smitten with the charms of the ltose and are conquered.
They impulsively ask how to insert buds and when, and on
receiving the necessary information they set to work on the
epur of the moment, inserting buds on all sorts of stocks
suitable and unsuitable, and become rosariaus in embryo before,
as the common saying is, ‘‘ before they know where they are.”

There would never be so many growers of Roses if budding |

wer3 not £o easily learnt, and if the Roses, the glorious Roses,
were not there to ‘coach’? them, impel them, to become
proficient in the art. Every year there are beginners in the

art of Rose-budding ; every year there are numbers who insert |

their ‘first bud.” They insert it wrongly, possibly for want
of knowing better, perhaps insert it as I inserted my first bud
* _wrong end upwards, and perhaps it may grow as mine did
when go ineerted. That just proves how accommodating the
Rose is, how simple is the process of budding; and when I
hear anyone attempting to enshroud the art with a certain
amount of mystery, as I sometimes have heard, I always think
of my first Rose bud.

In the early days of my Rose career (long years have rolled
since then) I had not the advantage of a guide, I had not seen
the Journal of Horticulture. I had to grope my way as best
I could, ashamed (I may as well own it) of asking for informa-
tion for fear of betraying my own ignorance. It was very
weak, I know, on my part, but I never had a strong nerve, and
Ino more dare append my name to this letter than I dare in
the centre of St. James’s Hall next Wednesday declare the
Roge the most ugly flower of earth. Paradoxical es it may
appear, it is because of my diffidence—my weakness, that I
write on the subject of budding Roses. There is an old and
true saying that an ‘‘old poacher makes a good keeper;” he
knows the frailties of the craft he has to deal with, their weak
points, their habits. Remembering, then, my own early diffi-
culties, and presuming there are others as weak and yet as
willing now as I was weak and willing then, I offer them my
sympathy, my aid.

I often think, and I have heard others express the same
opinion, that there is a powerful vein of sympathy existent
between the readers of your Journal. If anyone will make
his want knowr on any horticultural matter, however difii-
cult it may be on one hand or simple on the other, there is
always someone ready to ‘‘turn up” in the most frank and
friendly manner. I was much struck a fortnight ago with
the difficulty of one of your contributors in obtaining ma-
nure for his Roses. He had no manure, he could neither
make it nor buy it, and asked how he was to proceed. That
was I thought a poser; yet ‘“‘J. B. K.” comes tothe rescue, and
in a most valuable letter gives more information than I yenturo
to say Mr. Camm bargained for. But I am digressing—am
wide of the mark on budding, and I must think of my friends
who desire to know how to bud and do not like to ask.

Perchance this number of the Journal will reach someone in
perplexity at the same opportune moment that a number reached
me nearly twenty years ago. it not only told me when to bud,
but showed me how to do it. I have always had a great re-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

11

spect for that number, and I think I can repeat the first sen-
tence from memory, although I cannot state the year nor the
month when it appeared. My rendering is as follows :—‘* ‘ What
is the best weather for budding? I am told damp cloudy
weather is.’ How often would such a question, asked by an
amateur, obtain such an answer? How startling, therefore,
to him to be informed to the contrary! Why, he has seen it
recommended in books! Yes, nothing more generally recom-
mended than damp cloudy weather for budding! To say
bright, warm, sunny weather is best, provided the stocks are
in proper condition, will sound like heresy; extensive experi-
ence, however, tells me such is thecase. I may beasked why?
and I would answer that in warm weather the sap is more
gelatinous; and the bud, on being extracted and inserted in
the stock quickly, properly tied, &., soon takes. On the
contrary, in wet cloudy weather the sap is more thin and
watery, and the bud will not unite so freely. To this we add
that a fall of rain (likely in such weather) after the buds are
inserted will fill up the incisions, and thereby rot and perish
the buds before they have time to unite with the stocks. Not
only is clear warm weather best for the experienced budder,
but likewise for the amateur and tyro.” [Correct.—Eps.]

The last word I can remember is “tyro.” It was that word
that riveted my attention. I was indeed a tyro then in Rose
budding, and there may be other tyros-now. I write, then,
for tyros. Close your eyes, rosarians; skip this page, it is not
for you, you need different fare, and will doubdtless find a
spread of it; but remember that you once hungered for dif-
ferent food than that you now require. Well, after reading
that article referred to some years elapsed, and other equally
clear, perhaps more £0, illustrations of the simple matter of
Rose-budding appeared. Although I perhaps could then bud
as well as the contributors of those articles, I read them as
keewily as if I had never inserted a bud. The ‘‘old love” was
remembered, was rekindled, and glowed as warmly as ever.
One of the articles I allude to was signed ‘“ T. J. S., Twicken-
ham,” the other I forget. I cannot give you the dates, nor
even guess at them. I’m not good at dates; and I cannot
refer to the numbers, for I always send my Journal away after
perusal, where it is bound and preserved; but it is far from me
at the present moment. And now, Messrs. Editors, a happy
thought strikes me (I wish it had occurred to me before). If
you would turn to the numbers and again submit to your
new readers what you once submitted to the ‘old subs,” I am
sure you would win their thanks and save my time. The
authors in my mind and your library have told how to insert
buds better than I can tell it, and I will vouch for it the
practice detailed is as good as ever. It has never been im-
proved upon—has never been put so clearly before, and can
never be put more clearly again. I flatter myself that a good
idea has been born to me, and I shall rely on your carrying
it out. If I see anything wrong in it I will correct it next
week. Inthe meantime time has flown freely, and I must be
in town to-night (Monday), and shall remain for the National
on Wednesday. Perhaps I may call at 171; but do what I ask
of you. I’m off.—JoHn Hopper.

[What can we do but comply? We do go readily, however,
because the information requested is good and the modus
operandi of budding is clearly shown. As our correspondent
has also mentioned the striking of Roses from cuttings with-
out detailing the practice we publish what Mr. Luckhurst has
written under that head.—Eps. ]

“T ascertain,” says “‘ T. J.S.,” “the time the stocks are ready
for budding by rubbing off some of the thorns, and if these are
easily detached I know the stocks are in the right condition.
I then cut the shoots back, leaving on them three or four buds
to the stock. In the shoot to be budded I make a T cut (as
shown in fig. 1 at a), just through the bark, being careful not
to injure either the wood or bark, insert the point of the
handle of the budding knife gently into and along each side
of the longitudinal cut (fig. 1), detaching the bark from the
wood to allow of the insertion of the bud, for which it is now
ready. Obtain the bud by choosing one which appears to be
the fullest from a branch or shoot of the Rose to be propagated.
Cut it off, as shown in fig. 2, take the wood out of it carefully,
so as not to pull out the heart of the bud, insert it in the
T cut under the bark, fig. 3 (in fig. 4 I have shown a large bud
with the wood in a, the wood in course of removal at al, the
wood taken out, the heart of the bud being left, and to which
the arrow points, at a2), push it close, up, as in fig. 5, and tie
firmly with wool or ball lamp cotton, as in fig. 6. As the
original buds in the shoots in which the bud of the required

12

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 5, 1877.

Rose has been'inserted keep pushing I pinch them all off, in
order to throw as much vigour as possible into the inserted
bud, and am careful that no other shoots grow from the stock. |
When the inserted buds have grown the length shown in fig. 7 |
I remove the tie. As I prefer to have blooms as soon as |

possible I permit the inserted bud to grow as long as it will,
In the

and am often rewarded with flowers the same season.

following April I cut back this shoot, leaying only on it three
or four good buds, as shown in fig. 8.”

Currines.—‘‘ At no better time,” says Mr. Luckhurst, ‘ can
Rose cuttings be made than directly after the first or summer
bloom is past. Stout firm wood of the current year’s growth,
and which has carried a truss of bloom, should be selected for
cuttings, which, when made, should not be longer than 6 or

a sates This length will admit of two, and in close-jointed
wood of three eyes, with a portion of each leaf on the \upper

Fig. 9.

Fig. 10.

part of the cutting. A small portion of the old, or last year’s
wood, must be left at tho base of the cutting}to form what is

termed a heel as in fig. 9, which represents part of a\finished
cutting ready for inserting in the soil, fig. 10 showing the
branch from which the cutting was taken. This heel is quickly
coated over by the callosity, which soon begins to form, and
from which the roots readily start.”

THE AQUILEGIA.

I po not know whether Aquilegias should be catalogued
amongst the neglected plants; but this I do know, that it is
many years sinceI used to admire the fine clumps of Aquilegia
vulgaris of many colours, including the pure white variety, in
the cottagers’ gardens in Scotland; but even in country dis-
tricts the inevitable scarlet Geraniums and yellow Calceolarias
or Feverfew have usurped the place of the stately Columbine.
Collections of herbaceous plants are not complete without the
addition of some of the different species of Aquilegia, and now
that many of the trade growers are forming collections we
shall see our old favourites taking the position which their
merits deserve. ’

They are of the easiest culture, and may either be grown in
pots or planted out in the open border. Ihave grown a goodly
number of species and varieties, but have found some of them
to be rather difficult to manage. I had in the first place a
plant or two of each species, but will now only mention those
that are easily cultivated and which will be certain to flower

July 5, 1877. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 13

freely every year. The first I will mention is A. leptocera | years ago, and the first flowers of it that were exhibited at
aurea, not A. lutea, which has been in cultivation a number of | South Kensington were from the gardens at Loxford Hall, and
years, and is a poor washy-looking flower not worth room in | to it a first-class certificate was voted by the Floral Committee.
the border. The other gort was introduced some five or six | I haye many plants of it now in flower raised from seeds, and

Fig. 11.—AQUILEGIA CHRULEA HYBRIDA,

all of them are true to name. The flowers are golden yellow,
and instead of drooping, as in some of the species, they are | species. The flowers are large, pale blue, the centre white;
nearly upright. Ths spurs are also deep yellow and about | they are also erect like the first-named sort. The plant bears
3 inches in length. I have had plants over 2 feet in height, | numerous flowers on a spike from a foot to 18 inches in height.
cae bearing quite a hundred charming flowers. The plant is | A. californica is a desirable variety from the colour of its

of very vigorous growth. A. cxrulea is another very beautiful

14

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

( Joly 5, 1877.

flowers, which are scarlet. They are not large, and are borne

on straggling branches nearly 3 feet high. It has short spurs, } like plants.

The plant is hardy and easily grown iu pots.

A. pyrenaica is a very desirable species. The flowers are
purple, drooping, very large, and abundantly produced on
slender stems a foot in height. The rich purple flowers afford
a pleasing contrast to the pale blue, deep yellow, and scarlet
of the other species.

In 1875 I was tempted to hybridise a few of the species, in
each case taking parents very distinct in character from each
other, and the result has been very satisfactory. Of one
variety I flowered this year about 130 plants, and there is
scarcely any difference amongst them. One plant had flowers
a little larger than the others, but in no other respect did
they differ, and they were exactly intermediate between the
parents. This variety has as its female parent A. leptocera
aurea; the pollen was taken from A. californica. The flowers
are scarlet as in A. californica, but the centre is golden, like
the variety from which the seed was saved. It has also the
long spurs of that variety, and the flowers, though not so large
as the female parent, are very much larger than the male. It
was named A. californica -hybrida, and received a first-class
certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society, and also
a certificate of the highest merit from the Royal Botanic
Society.

A. cerulea hybrida, the variety that has been so faithfully
delineated in the excellent wood engraving accompanying this
article, was raised by crossing A. leptocera aurea with A. cxru-
lea. The flowers are pale blue and as large as A. cerulea; but
instead of the white centre, as in that sort, the centre is yellow.
The plant also grows taller than A. ceruleg, but not so tall as
its female parent. It also bears a larger number of flowers.
As in the case of the other hybrid, all the flowers are alike,
and the bunches exhibited both at South Kensington and at
the Royal Botanic contained flowers taken from several plants.
This variety also received first-class certificates from the Royal
Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies.

No garden should be without these fine flowers. They are
excellent border plants, have a fine efiect in the greenhouse
or conservatory, and are invaluable for cutting to placa in
vases for the drawing-room or for making-up dinner-table
Gecorations. Even when not in flower their glaucous finely-
divided leaves have a pleasing effect. In hot weather red
spider attacks the leaves, but not to an injurious extent, and
it is easily destroyed by syringing.—J. Dovauas.

RICHMOND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S
SHOW.—Jotne 287TH.

Suzurean horticultural exhibitions have now becomenumerous,
and it must be admitted they are doing much good for the en-
couragement of horticulture in their immediate neighbour-
hoods. There are many good horticulturists who cannot con-
veniently exhibit at the metropolitan shows, but who are none
the less hardworking and able cultivators,and it is at these local
meetings that they are able to meet in friendly rivalry und test
their horticultural abilities with their neighbours.

Richmond Show occupies a high position as 2 suburban show,
situated as itis in a very wealthy and fashionable neighbour-
hood, where plenty of support is provided of funds and exhibits.
It has aiso a good, practical, working Committee and a Secretary
with great zeal and energy. It is, therefore. not surprising that
their third annual Exhibition should have proved a good oue.
The arrangements were ample and excellent, five marquees
being set apart for the various entries, which numbered about
five hundred. The groups, stove, greenhouse, and plants in
general, were staged in the largest tent; cut flowers and dinner-
table decorations in a second; fruit and vegetables in the third;
the fourth was set apart for all productions responding to the
long list of special prizes ; and the fifth for cottagers’ productions.
The weather for the occasion was extremely hot, and the fine
old trees surrounding the deer park formed a grateful shelter to
the influx of visitors—the rank and fashion of the neighbour-
hood—from the fierce sun’s rays.

The centre of the large tent was devoted to specimen plants,
the groups being arranged around the sides with just a few
tables at large intervals, on which were placed the hardy Ferns,
Orchids, Gloxinias, and Geraniums. Six competitors tried their
skill for the groups of plants arranged for effect. These groups,
which occupied a space of 100 square feet, were semicircularly
arranged on the grass. Myr. Bowell, gardener to Sir H. W.
Parker, Stawell House, Richmond, was placed first with a very
light and effective group. The front edging was composed prin-
cipally of Panicum variegatum, interspersed with small Pelar-
goniums, Adiantum cuneatum, and other Ferns, small Palms,

&c., the whole backed-up with larger Palms, Crotons, and such-
Mr. Kinghorn, Richmond, who must have been a
very close second, had a very graceful and elegant group of well-
grown plants. Messrs. Jackson & Sons were third, but this col -
lection though rich was overcrowded. An extra prize was
awarded to Messrs. Hooper & Co., The Nurseries, Twickenham,
in this class.

In the open class for nine fine-foliage plants Mr. Kinghorn
was placed first with good plants of Dracwna indivisa, Pandanus
Veitchii, Dicksonia antarctica, Chamezerops Fortunei, Yucca aloi-
folia variegata, Croton Weismanni, and others. Mr. W. Bates,
gardener to W. H. Punchard, Esq., was a good second; and Mr,
Cornhill, gardener to J. S. Virtue, Keq., third. Messrs. Jackson
and Sons were the only exhibitors in the class for nine ttove and
greenhouse plants (open), and were deservedly awarded the first
prize. Exotic Ferns were well shown, and were a grand feature,
In the class for eight plants Mr. D. Hast, gardener to J. Wigan,
Esq., Clare Lawn, East Sheen, staged fine examples of Dick-
sonia antarctica, Adiantum formosum, A. concinnum latum, A,
cuneatum, Asplenium bulbiferom, Cibotium Schiedei, Cyathea
dealbata, and Gleichenia flabellata, and received the first prize.
Mr. Cornhill was placed second; and Mr. Wells, gardener to
the Hon. J. Vivian, Selwyn Court, third. The above class, to-
gether with three classes for Roses and three fcr fruit, were
open classes, the remsinder being limited to subscribers. It
will be convenient to first take note of all the Roses, and then
the whole of the fruit, whether in the open or other classes.

Roses.—These were shown both in great numbers and of good
quality by Messrs, Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and Mr. Turner of
Slough. Mr. Paul remarked that he never in his experience
staged such a stand of thirty-six trebles. Sultan of Zanzibar,
Monsieur Noman, Louis Van Houtte, Abel Grand, Reynolds
Hole, Marchioness of Exeter, Madame Thérése Levet, John
Hopper, Cheshunt Hybrid, Mrs. George Paul, Madame Nachury,
Camille Bernardin, Marquise de Gibot, Miss Poole, Duke of
Edinburgh, Annie Laxton, La Rosiére (a fine new dark), Malle.
Enugénie Verdier, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Victor Verdier, Ferdinand
de Lesseps, La France, Horace Vernet, Edouard Morren, Fian-
gois Michelon, Madame Marie Finger, Marguerite de St. Amand,
Xavier Olibo, Henri Ledechaux, Elie Morel, Dr. Andry, Etienne
Levet, Monsieur Boncenne, and Princess Beatrice were grand,
and were deservedly awsrded the first prize. Mr. Turner
was placed second, in whose stands there were good blooms cf
Francois Michelon, Reynolds Hole, Xavier Olibo, Général Jac-
queminot, Baronne de Rothschild, and others. Messrs. Dobson
and Sons, Isleworth, were placed third. Inthe class for twenty-
four threes (nursrerymen) Messrs. Paul & Son were again first.
In this collection Mdlle. Marie Cointet was good. Mr. Turnert
escond; Mr. Master, Oatlands Park, third; and Messrs, Dobsou,
fourth.

For twenty-four single trusses (amateurs) there were eight
competitors. Captain Eastwick, Teddington, was placed first
with large but somewhat rough blooms. Mr. Moorman, gar-
dener to the Misses Christy, Ccombe, second with a very fresh
but smaller lot; and Mr. James, gardener to F. Watson, Heq.,
Isleworth, third. In the class for twenty-four single trusses in
the Society’s district Mr. James was first, Mr. W. Bates second,
and Messrs. Dobson & Sons third. For eighteen and twelve
blooms Messrs. Marlow, Smith, and Roberts shared the honours
batween them; and for the special prizes offered by H. G. Bohn,
Esq., Twickenham, Messrs. Marlow, James, and Smith were
awarded the prizes in the order named.

Fruit.—There was a large display of fruit of excellent quality,
the best we have witnessed this year. The first-prize collection
of six dishes came from Mr, Fry, gardener to L. Baker, Esq.,
Haydon Hall, Pinner. He had Early Lyons Cherries, Violette
Hative Peaches, Brown Turkey Figs, Colston Basset Melon,
Charlotte Rothschild Pine, and good Black Hamburgh Grapes.
Mr. Cornhill was second with a very fair lot. Black Grapes
were shown by ten exhibitors. Mr. East was placed first, Mr.
Bates second, and Mr. Edwards, gardener to the Misses Tristram,
third, all showing Black Hamburghs of excellent quality, Jarge
in berry, fair-sized bunches, and of an intense black colour.
White Grapes were contributed by Mr. Bates, Mr. Edwards, and
Mr. Fry, and the prizes were awarded in the order named, Mr.
Bates winning the first prize with grand examples of Foster’s
Seedling. There was also a strong competition for the classes
set apart for fruit in Division B, which was confined to the Rich-
mond district, Messrs. Bates, Hast, Bowell, Child, Sallows,
Morrell, Lake, Wells, James, and Smith shared the principal
honours, and the majority of the productions were very fine.

Orchids were not extensively shown, there being only three
competitors, Mr. W. Bates winning first honours with Oucidium
flexuosum, Aérides Dayanum, Saccolabinum retusum, Odonto-
glossum Alexandre, Cattleya Mossiw, and others. Messrs.
Jackson & Son were placed second, and Mr. Williams, gardener
to J. Bridgeman, Esq., Twickenham, third, who all Staged ex-
cellent examples. Hardy Ferns were shown by Mr. James, Mr.
Crafter, and Mr. Morrell, the prizes going in the order named ;
and exotic Ferns from the Society’s district were contributed

July 5, 1877. )

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

15

by Mr. Smith, gardener to A. Cooper, Esq., Twickenham, who
was awarded the first prize. Mr. Morrell, gardener to J. S.
Rutter, Esq., Twickenham, was placed second, and Mr. Attrill
third. Caladiams were excellently shown; of the five competi-
tors Mr. Morrell was placed first, Mr. Bowell second, and Mr.
Marlow, gardener to J. Wigan, Hsq., third. The prizes for Be-
gonias went respectively to Mr. Sallow, gardener to J. Flack,
Esq., Esq., Hampton Road ; Mr. Wells, and Mr. Hast.

Pelargouiums, both show and fancy varieties, were well shown
by Mr. James and Messrs. Dobson & Sons, the first prize in each
case going to Mr. James and the second to Messrs. Dobson.
Scarlet, zonal, bronze, and tricolor Geraniums were also very
well shown; Messrs. Crafter, Sallow, Wells, Tipping, Smith, and
Attrill carrying off the honours. Mr. James was the only ex-
hibitor of six Lilies, and was awarded the first prize. Gloxinias
came from Mr. Morrell, Mr. Crafter, and Mr. Smith, who were
placed first, second, and third respectively. Coleuses were staged
in large numbers, but they had such a weedy look about them
when surrounded with other fine-foliaged plants that it would
be well to exclude them from the schedule infature. Fuchsias
were very well exhibited in the class for nine distinct varieties
by Mr. James and Mr. Wells, and in the sixes by Mr. Crafter
and Mr. Attrill.

For six stove and greenhouse plants in the Society’s district
there was a very fair lot, Mr. Crafter being placed first, Mr.
Attrill second, and Mr. Goodman, gardener to T. Nesbitt, Hsq.,
Twickenham, third; and for the single specimen plant in
flower Mr. W. Bates was placed first for a very fine and well-
bloomed Stephanotis floribunda, the second prize going to Mr,
Attrill for Rhynchospermum jasminoides, and third to Mr.
Morrell for Stephanotis floribunda.

Dinner-table decorations were not very superior. The best
three vases of natural flowers and foliage (open) came from Mr.
W. Brown, Richmond, followed by Mr. Kinghorn and Messrs.
Dobson & Sons. In the corresponding class for amateurs only,
Mrs. A. Chancellor, The Retreat, Richmond, was placed first;
Mrs. Moran, St. Margaret’s, second; and Miss Augusta M. Warde
third. For asingle stand Miss Isabella Warde, Mrs. A. Chan-
cellor, and Miss Blanche Lockwood received the awards in the
order named. Bouquets came from Mr, Brown, Messrs. Dobson
and Sons, and Mr. Kinghorn, who were placed first, secoud, and
third respectively. Button-hole bouquets were very pretty, and
Miss L. Gossett, Mortlake, was placed first; Miss Headley,
Petersham, second; and Miss J. Warde third.

VEGETABLES.—There was a very fair show of these. The
Bpecial prize cup offered by Messrs. James Carter & Co., valued
five guineas, was won by Mr. Crafter, gardener to the Rev. W.
Finch, Kingston Hill; and a good collection of ten sorts came
from Mr. Wagstaff, gardener to T. H. Elam, Esq., Firstleigh,
Isleworth. There were several cottagers’ productions, but for
a district like Richmond they ought to have been seen in larger
numbers. Their productions on the whole were very creditable.

Extra prizes were awarded to Messrs. Veitch & Sons for a
collection of new and rare plants, Roses, &c.; to Messrs. Rollis-
son, Osborn, Dean, and Herbst for miscellaneous collections ;
and a certificute was awarded to Messrs. Paul & Son for Rose
Duke of Teck, a deeper-petalled Duke of Edinburgh.

RICHARDIA AATHIOPICA AS A HARDY
AQUATIC PLANT.

Few plants have become more popular during recent years
than this ‘‘ Trumpet Lily” of the Cape, as it is popularly but
erroneously called. It is not a Lily at all, but an Aroid. It
is better known by the name of Calla or Arum Plant than
Richardia. Callas, however, belong to the natural order of
Arontiacesr.

The true name of the plant is Richardia. It was introduced
from the Cape of Good Hope in 1731, and was named after
L. C. Richard, a French botanist. It is a greenhouse herb-
aceous perennial, and is increased by suckers or division of
the plant in spring. For a length of time the Richardia was
grown entirely in the greenhouse, occasionally having a place
in a tank or cistern, where it grew luxuriantly and by chance
flowered. It is only during recent years that a systematic
mode of culture has been adopted, and plants have been
produced which flower with certainty even in a very small
state, thousands being annually sold in the London market in
5 or 6-inch pots, each plant having one or more distinct
spathes or flowers. At one time it was considered necessary to
grow the plants under glass, keeping them dry in the autumn
to induce their flowering, but a simpler and easier mode of
culture now prevails.

After the danger from frost has passed the Richardias are
divided and planted in manured trenches in the open ground.
They are supplied with water during the summer, and in the
autumn are potted. They do not make luxuriant growth

during the hot months of summer, but are sturdy and produce
small stout leaves. Like Celery they grow the most rapidly
when heavy autumn dews prevail. They are potted before the
frost injures them, and are placed in light houses. They are
introduced into gentle heat as required, and commence flower-
ing at Christmas, and continue throughout, thei{winter and
spring months, and during that period they are very valuable
for many decorative purposes.

Bat while Richardias are valuable for?conservatory’and room
decoration they are amenable to another—a simpler, easier,
but not less effective mode of culture, which cannot’ fail to
render them additionally popular. I allude‘to‘them™as ‘hardy
aquatic plants. For the beautifying of ornamental wator,
ponds, &c.,in pleasure grounds, a “‘ great feature” is antici-
pated for Richardias. They have not yet been largely employed
for the purpose named, but that they are well adapted for it a
pond almost full of them in Mr. Seely’s grounds at Furzedown
testifies. Mr. Laing, the gardener, saw them thus growing in
Treland, and concluded that the bottom of a pond in Ireland
was not warmer than the bottom of a pond in England, hence
he attached weights to the roots of some plants and threw
them into the pond to ‘take their chance.” It was a lucky
throw, for they grew and have continued growing and flower-
ing for six years. The clumps have from six to twelve flowers
on them. The foliage is about a foot above the surface of the
water, and the flowers are a foot or more above the foliage.
They are very pure, stout in texture, and produce a beautiful
effect.

Mr. Rogers, the able Superintendent at Battersea Park, who
is always well in the van of floral embellishment, has the
Richardia growing and flowering in one of the miniature lakes
there, and it is greatly and deservedly admired by visitors.

There can be little if any doubt that the Richardia will grow
and flower in any sheltered pond in Hogland (except perhaps in
the northern districts, and is worthy of being tried even there),
provided the water is not less than a foot in depth, so as to
preserve the crown of the plant from frost, and provided also
the water is not too deep; but what the maximum depth is
Tam unable to say. At Furzedown the plants are established
from 1 to, I think, 2 and 3 feet deep.

Throw the plants into ponds now, affixing the roots in the
mud, having the principal leaves above the surface of the
water and await the results.—J. W.

[We shall be glad if the experiment suggested can be tried
in various parts of the country, and to be acquainted with the
results.—EDs. ]

VITALITY OF SHEDS.

“Some thirty years or more ago my gardener raised about
2 equare yards of sods near the road in the park, not far from the
small ruin; the ground was left red—not sown with grass seeds.
Avery thick crop of Hyoscyamus niger sprungup. They were
cut down when the seeds were formed, and were given to one
of the apothecaries of the town. Since then they have not
reappeared anywhere until the present year, when I find three
plants in full flower near the park road, opposite to the first
quarry, where you can see them among some Nettles. Hyoscya-
mus is a common plant in England, but is certainly very rare
in this district ; in fact, I do not think that I have ever seen a
plant of it growing wild with us. The new plants are at about
300 yards distance from the old crop. As the deer will not
touch them, there could have been no growth of Hyoscyamus
plants during the period I have mentioned.—N.”’

Thave offered the only solution which appears to me pro-
bable, if possible—viz., that the seeds of H. niger lay dormant
there for perhaps centuries, until the removal of the sods
allowed them to vegetate, bringing them within reach of solar
and other influences. The castle—a fine old ruin, which had
some hard knocks in Oliver Cromwell’s time—most likely had
its herbarium ‘garden of herbs,’ for medicinal as well as
culinary uses, and Hyoscyamus niger may have flourished
there in the collection ; as our poet says—

- ‘Where once a garden smiled,
There still may many a garden flower grow wild.”
But would such seeds retain vitality for so many years? The
park has been under pasture longer than any one can remem-
ber, and the present proprietor is over seventy-five years of
age.—H. N. 0., Mallow.

[Your suggestion we think is correct. Many seeds if kept
quite dormant will vegetate after the lapse of many years. It
is chiefly the want of a due supply of oxygen that forbids seeds

16

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 5, 1877.

germinating which are buried at great depths; seeds thus
deposited, or similarly excluded from the air in the Egyptian
mummy cerements, will often retain their vegetative power for
an apparently unlimited time. Hence, earth taken from far
below the surface will often become covered with Charlock.
This is an oleaginous-seeded plant; and such, when thus ex-
cluded from the air, retain their vitality most pertinaciously
for reasons already assigned.—Ebs. |

KINGSTON AND SURBITON HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY’S SHOW.—June 277u.

At The Cranes, Surbiton, this Society held its thirteenth
annual Show on the 27th inst., which was an excellent ove;
indeed not much inferior to the metropolitan shows. The
schedule comprised ninety classes, besides a long list of special
prizes. Tho exhibits were arranged in four marquees. Stove
and greenhouse plants were extensively shown, and formed a
grand feature in the largest tent; and the ladies’ tent was par-
ticularly attractive from the many admirably arranged examples
of dinner-table decorations. Dinner-table decorations are done
better and are always shown in larger numbers at Kingston
than at many local shows, and a good judge of the metropolitan
shows remarked that they were vastly superior to anything to
be met with in London. An arrangement of three decorations
set up {by Miss Fyfe, and composed of only wild flowers and
grasses, wasjexquisitely beautiful, so light and graceful—a most
pleasing arrangement, and not, as might be imagined, having a
weedy appearance. Other successful exhibitors were Miss
Cavell, Misses Gould, Mrs. Clay, and Mrs. Wilson.

Four classes were set apart for stove and greenhouse plants,
which brought together a grand lot. In the class for nine plants
there were only two exhibitors—Mr. Watson, gardener to T. R.
Bryant, Esq., Glencairn, Surbiton ; and Mr. Ellis, gardener to
J. Galsworthy, Esq., Kingston Hil!, who were placed first and
second respectively. But the class for six plants brought to-
gether six collections, all remarkably well-grown plants. Mr.
Hinnell, gardener to F. Davis, Hsq., Anglesea House, Surbiton,
was first; Mr. Croxford, gardener to Mrs. Dunnage, Surbiton,
was second; Mr. Crafter, gardener to the Rev. J. Finch, third ;
and Mr. Attriil, gardener to J. Freake, Esq., fourth. A special
prize was offered for nine stove and greenhouse plants in Hower
in 12-inch pots, brought out three good collections. The first
prize was awarded to Mr. J. W. Moorman, gardener to the
Misses Christy; second to Mr. Ellis; and third to Mr. Hinnell
‘for plants somewhat smaller-than the other two collections, but

ry superior.
larivextoliaged plants were also well shown, Messrs. Attrill,
Crafter, and King sharing the honours in the class for six plants,
and Mesers. Ellis, Fielder, and Gray in the class for three.
Exotic Ferns were also shown extensively, and in six Mr.
Hinnell was placed first, Mr. Attrill second, and Messrs. Watson
and Ellis equal third; and for three Ferns Mr. Fielder, gardener
to R. B. Perkins, Esq., first; Mr. J. Watson, gardener to Capt.
Cundy, second; and Mr. Gray, gardener to G. B. Windeler,
Esq., third. i 8)

Fuchsias were not as numerously shown as is usual at Kings-
ton, Messrs. Moorman and Watson being the only exhibitors
for nine plants, and were placed in the order named, both col-
lections being very good; and for six plants Mr. Attriil was the
only exhibitor, and received the first prize. Pelargoniums were
shown in large numbers. Mr. King, gardener to R. Few, Esq,
Wosely Grange, Esher, was first both in the nine large-flower-
ing and nine fancy Pelargoniums, and Mr. Croxford, second ;
and in the class for six Mr. Kent, Mr. Hodgson, and Mr. J.
Watson were awarded prizes in'the order named. Tricolor and
Bronze Geraniums were both well and largely shown; the
scarlet-flowering section was also well represented. Achimenes
and Gloxinias were very good and shown in large. numbers.
Dinner-table pl nts brought together seven competitors. Mr.
R. Watson was placed first, Mr. Moorman second, and Mr. King
third, all with very neat and even-grown plants,

Roses were shown by numerous exhibitors, but as a whole
not up to the average of former years. The season has sadly
affected them in this district. Mr. Moorman was placed first
for twenty-four varieties (distinct), closely followed by Mr. Ellis,
who was # good second. There were also classes for twelve and
six both in the amateurs’ and professional divisions, and amongst
the prizewinners were ifessrs. Vicary, Crafter, Leech, Clay, and

ins.

Cainit was not largely skown, but was very good, Mr. Crox-
ford being placed first for a collection of six dishes. White
Grapes came from Mr. R. Watson, Mr. Bailey, and Mr. King, who
were awarded first, second, and third prizes respectively. Black
Grapes were also shown well by Mr. Hinnell, Mr. Watson, and
Mr. Croxford. Melons from Mr. Child und Mr. Gregory, Mr. Child
winning the two first and Mr. Gregory the two second prizes.
Strawberries in pots were well done, and brought eight compe-
titors; Mr. Ellis first, Mr, King second, and Mr. Attrill third.

For a coilection of vegetables, twelve sorts, Mr. Moorman was
placed first, Mr. Ellis second, and Mr. Croxford third; aud for
six sorts Mr. Watson and Mr. Kent were first and second.
Cucumbers were shown in large numbers by Mr. Child, Mr.
Mills, and Mr. Eaton, who were awarded in the order named for
well-grown examples.

For Sir Trevor Lawrence, M.P., the President’s, special prize
for groups of plants there were six competitors. Mr. Croxford
was placed first, Mr. Watson second, and Mr. King third, most
of them displaying superior taste, notably the first-prize collec-
tion. Messrs. Veitch & Sons staged an excellent group of Acers
and Roses in pots, as well as several boxes of cut Roses in first-
rate condition, and found numerous admirers. Messrs. Jackson
and Sons contributed a group of stove and greenhouse plants at
the other entrance, which was also very attractive. The weather
was fine, and the Show was undoubtedly a success financially,
and reflected credit on Mr. McMillan the Secretary.

FERNS IN COMMON SOIL.

Frenine persuaded that the day must come when Ferns
will be generally grown in manure and soil instead of peat
and sand, I sent you some fronds to show that mine do grow
Juxuriantly, and will now state exactly how they are treated.
The ceedlings are pricked-out into a small frame that stands
on slates placed on the hot-water pipes, and four or five weeks
afterwards they are potted and again placed in the frame for a
few hours, then placed on beds of soil in the Fern house. If
apy manure is used in the pans or frames in which the seed-
lings are raised, a black fungus growth soon covers and de-
stroys the young Ferns. As soon, however, as they are large
enough to pot there is no danger to be apprehended from this ~
cause, and then every Fern is potted in about two parts of
garden soil (I should prefer decayed turf), and one part manure.

My Adiantum Farleyenses are very large and seed freely.
They cannot be more healthy or grow faster, I believe. They
were potted the second week in March in soil brought in a
barrow out of an orchard quite wet and cold. One was potted
in two parts of the soil and one part of cow manure brought
direct from the field. A second was potted in two parts of
that cold wet soil and one part horse manure brought direct
from the stable. A third was potted in two parts of the soil
and one part of an old Cucumber bed. The three are all now
standing together, and perhaps the one with the cow manure
is not quite as strong as the others, but they are all in perfect
health and have seed fronds.

Now I do not want to suggest that it is necessary or wise to
pot Ferns in wet soil from an orchard, but I do say that all
the labour bestowed on growing them is a waste of energy.
They will give no trouble in rich soil without peat and sand,
provided that they are kept moist and warm, and that the
hole at the bottom of the pot is enlarged. If, however, it is
not very large with my treatment the Ferns will die; and if it
is very large they will grow, not like Cabbages, for it requires
a good gardener to grow a good Cabbage, but they will grow
as they cannot in peat and sand.

One fact and I have done. The fronds I sent were cut ina
house about 50 feet by 30 feet. The only person who attends
to that house is the daughter of one of the farm servants. She
does not know the name or nature of any Fern, but simply
with the rose of a great watering-pot keeps them very wet—
almost muddy, and when she gees an ingect or a weed she
destroys it—H. L.

[The fronds sent were extremely fine.—Eps.]

THE ROSE YEAR.

WE gather from many letters which we have received from
Various districts that 1877 is not a good year for Roses, and
that cut-back plants have suffered more severely from incle-
ment weather than maidens, and that as a rule Roses in the
south have suffered greater injury to their early growth than
Roses in the north. We are only able to publish a few extracts
from these letters, commencing with those from districts
‘near home.”

Surrey.—‘‘ Seldom, I imagine, have May frosts done mora
mischief. The wall fruits almost all gone—Peach trees with
me have perished, Pears hopeless even in sheltered places.
All this might have been borne but for the burned-up state of
the first blooms of most Roses. I have broken off dozens of
blighted buds. However, bright sunshine has repaired many
mischiefs, and I incline to think our exhibitions about here
will not be much below the average. The rains have come
most seasonal, and probably. the great National Show of

July 5, 1877. ]

July 4th will find Surrey about at its best; at least a Reigate
friend in whom I place much faith jubilantly threatens a
thirty-six box for St. James’s Hall, to replace his first for twenty-
four at last year’s Aquarium Show. Speaking of Reigate I
may remark that the Reigate Committee, with its popular
President Mr. Baker, had resolved on offering this year an all-
England prize for thirty-six, in hopes of attracting some
Hercules and Leviathan; however, the seizure of our day by
the Alexandra (all honour to them otherwise for their most
liberal schedule) has caused this to be deferred at any rate to
another year. Plaisir remis n'est pas perdu (Pleasure delayed
is not lost), as a lady friend of mine has just written to me.
It would be great convenience if we could have two Julys.
Could not our ingenious American cousins contrive this for us ?
That I doubt; but with reference to Rose results I will take
one idea from them, ‘It is never safe to prophesy unless you
are sure;’ but I yenture to predict that in the great contest
impending the best horse will win, and that a good horse (or
Roae) cannot be of a bad colour.—A. C.”

Mr. Jessop, writing from near Chertsey, says, ‘‘ The late
cold wet spring hag very much retarded the growth of young
wood. The ground was sodden, and then came continuous
east winds, which dried up into a hard crust the clayey soil of
this neighbourhood ; afterwards in May came the cruel frosts,
stopping the growth and cutting off the shoots that had started.
In some quarters, where the ground had been stirred about
the roots of the Roses and then heayily mulched, the growth
has been satisfactory, some of the shoots being surprisingly
strong—yiz., Cheshunt Hybrid, Etienne Levet, Comtesse
d’Oxford, Richard Wallace, Capt. Christy, Camille Bernardin,
Peach Blossom, Emilie Hausburg, Comte de Nanteuil, and
many of the old favourites. Reynolds Hole, Horace Vernet,
Marie Cointet, Charles Rouillard, Duke of Edinburgh—
straggling growth. Xavier Olibo is, I believe, constitutionally
weak, and always seems as if making an effort to exist. Dwarfs
on the Manetti are generally bad here. In some quarters,
where the soil is lighter for the Manetti, grubs have played sad
havoc, many of the stocks being killed outright, the fibrous
roots being entirely eaten away; the Briar on the clay escap-
ing this pest. Sultan of Zanzibar, Dr. Hooker, Duke of Con-
naught, Miss Hassard, and Mons. EH. Y. Teas are doing fairly
well. La Rosiére is of a splendid colour; I think much of it.
Of its form and texture another week or two will tell better.
It is a poor affair thus early.” Mr. Moorman communicates
similar experience from Coombe, and from Buckinghamshire
we have tidings of the same nature.

Going ‘further a-field’? Mr. Camm writes as follows :—
‘‘T live just on the borders of Dorset, and the district I allude
to extends from here to Exeter. I should say the prospects in
this district are rather bad. My Roses have not done at all
well. There is no growth, no vigour, and no likelihood of it
either, so far as I can gee. Mr. Baker’s Roses are very back-
ward, particularly his young plants and his maidens; in fact,
up to this date he has cut all his prize blooms from old plants.
Tea Roses here are very backward. ‘The severe weather in
May destroyed most of the early buds, and asI never leave a
faulty bud on a tree numbers of my Teas have not yet bloomed.
I believe there will be a great scarcity this year of standard
Roses in the market. One or two of the great houses are very
badly off for them, but I hear there are wonderful prospects
for next year, and in those nurseries which I have visited I
have been much struck with the grand growth of the Briars.
On the whole, then—judging from my own garden, from exhi-
bitions, and from what I have been told by the leading
rosarians—I am inclined to think that the year 1877 will not be
reckoned as a good Rose year.”

From more northerly districts we gather from two letters
from Yorkshire and one from Lincolnshire that spring frosts
have only slightly injured the young growths, that the Roses
have seldom looked better than this year, and have never been
known so late. One writer says that the great Rose Society
that is ‘‘called national” is only ‘half national,” and that
“it will not be worthy of its name until it is strong enough to
hold two shows in each year—one in the south and one in the
north; and until that is accomplished growers in the north,
however ‘‘ warmly” they might support the Show, must be
“left out in the cold,” because Lincolnshire, Notts, and Derby-
shire are a fortnight and Yorkshire three weeks later than
Devon, Dorset, and the southern counties.”

From Scotland we learn that the Rose prospects were never
better than this year, and that growth is advancing rapidly
under the genial influences of fine weather.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17

From Wales (South) we have an interesting letter giving a
favourable account of that district for Rose culture, and that
Roses generally are now looking well. As we cannot well
abridge this letter, its publication must be postponed, as must
also several other interesting communications on the same
popular subject, although we have afforded this week additional
space to Rose articles.

FRUIT-TREE CULTURE.

I HAVE read the interesting remarks of your correspondent
“ NorTHERN GARDENER,” but do not propose at present to
consider all the points he has brought forward. With regard
to the law on the subject, I am still of the same opinion:
that I was some time ago, that a grand result would be pro-
duced by an alteration in the way suggested; and my principal
object in now writing to you is to say that I do not intend
to let the matter drop, but am collecting information on the
subject.

On consideration I came to pretty much the same conclusion
as ‘‘ NortnERN GARDENER,” that the present moment, whilst
the war between Russia and Turkey was proceeding and the
fag-end of the session approaching, was not very opportune for
the introduction of the subject.

There was an extract in the Journal the other day from an
American newspaper which stated ‘‘ that fruit to the value of
millions is imported here which might be just as well grown
at home.’ That, no doubt, is true, and I hope before long
we shall do it.

Besides the articles in this Journal alluded to by your cor-
respondent, there have been several important papers and
essays lately eleewhere. A paper by Mr. Webb on fruit-grow-
ing, read before the Institution of Surveyors; a paper in the
“ Society of Arts Journal,” January 19th, 1877, on the culti-
vation of common fruits from a social and economical point of
view; and quite recently an essay in the ‘ Royal Agricultural
Society’s Journal” on fruit-growing in Kent, by Mr. White-
head of Maidstone; so that if something is not done before
long to extend fruit cultivation in this country it will not be
from the want of attention being drawn to the subject on tho
part of the literary community.

I do not think landlords here with their present ideas would
care to supply fruit trees to the tenants. The cottages are no.
profit now; very often a cottage and a quarter of an acre of
garden ground let for 1s. a-week and the landlord expected to
do repairs, and the interest put on for a few trees he would
think infra dignitate. Perhaps they may be induced to change
their ideas on the subject, if not disposed to grant the small
concession of allowing their tenants to take away what were
originally their own trees.

I think there is a great deal to be learnt yet with regard to
Apple cultivation by observing the time in which the various
kinds come into bloom, and the result on the produce of the
trees. I took a few notes this year, which I may send at a
future time if thought likely to be interesting —AmaTEUR,
Cirencester.

[Please do so; your letters are always interesting.—Eps. ]

ROSES AND THEIR ENEMIES.

Amonast the answers to correspondents in your last week’s
edition I note an expression of opinion that emmets are not
destructive to Rose buds. Permit me to say that my expe-
rience of growing Roses has taught me that these insects do
as much injury to the buds as the caterpillar; and having
regard to the great numerical strength of the emmets to the
caterpillars, the former, in my opinion, do by far the most
injury. From my observation of the emmets’ work of de-
struction I am able to say that they attack the extreme point
of the bud. Here they soon make a small hole downwards in
the centre; in a few days the top half of the bud will be entirely
eaten away, and instead of looking at a bud which a few days
ago promised to turn out a fine Rose, one has now to look
upon a mass of emmets comfortably lodged on the remains of
the bud.

The above short record of my experience of the emmet, and,
so far, its habit of destructiveness, may perhaps be interesting
to some of your numerous readers who are fond of a good
Rose. I grow a good many of them in my villa garden, and
pride myself that I can cut a good one for a button-hole every
morning from about the middle of May to, I might say, the
end of the year, besides furnishing my house and numerous

18 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 5, 1877.

friends with good wholesome bunches to decorate their tables.
—L. H., Bromley, Kent. :

I THInkE it is generally asserted that ants do not destroy
Roses. Well, bees do not eat fruit if they can procure their
usual food, but will do so rather than starve: so ants, if
numerous and food scarce, will be found a great nuisance.
Previous to the summer of 1875 I looked upon ants on Roses
as merely indicating where a little extra attention was needed
in washing to keep down the aphides; then, however, I found
to my cost that under certain circumstances they were fiower-
eaters.

As the case is perhaps exceptional I may state that, having

- had to form a new rosery the previous autumn, and being close

on the rock with only about 6 inches of soil, it was necessary
to look around for loam suitable for bringing in; this I pro-
cured from a piece of waste land covered with ant hills. Half
the ground was made up, and the Roses planted. The ground
being well mulched with stable manure, nothing was seen of
the ants till, in the course of the summer, the buds began to
show colour at the points. Then the work of destruction began:
the ants began at the apex of the buds and gradually ate all
down as level almost as though cut across with a knife. At
first I removed the injured buds, but finding the ants only
took to the next branch to recommence operations, the injured
buds were afterwards left as traps, from which swarms (I can-
not find a fitter word, as they resembled nothing so much as
miniature swarms of bees) were pinched off and killed many

times aday. There could be no mistake about the depredators, |
for they were there by thousands, and were watched and |

destroyed constantly, as my employer required boxes of Roses
twice a-week in London, and without constant attention I
believe the ants would have claimed all. The same thing
occurred again, but in a less degree, last summer to fresh-
planted Roses, the remaining ground having been made up

from the same source in the autumn. This year there is no |

injury done, although the ants are pretty numerous, but owing
to the numbers destroyed the supply of food is equal to the
requirements of those left. Therefore I infer that only in
exceptional cases are ants destructive to Roses. —R. C.,
Castle Gardens, St. Fagan’s.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

JULY 3RD.

VeERy interesting plants and cut flowers were arranged in the
conservatory on this occasion—interesting at least to horticul-
turists; but as a “show,” as commonly understood by the
public, the display had no claim. As a meeting it wasa good
one; and itis submitted that it is a mistake to announce the
ordinary fortnightly gatherings as more than horticultural meet-
ings; to refer to them as “exhibitions” can only mislead the
public, and almost certainly result in disappointment.

Fruit CommittEe.—H. Webb, Esq., V.P., inthe chair. Only
@ small amount of fruit was exhibited, and noawards were made
by the Committee. Mr. Ollerhead exhibited two well-grown
and perfectly ripened fruits weighing nearly 4 lbs. each of
Queen Pine Apples; also a Melon the result of acroas between
Colston Basset and Cox’s Golden Gem, but it was not so good
asit looked. Mr. Gilbert exhibited a fruit of Kasgar Melon,
and although it was of good flavour it was not considered superior
to other varieties in cultivation. The same exhibitor also sub-
mitted a very fine example of Criterion Peas growing on the
haulm, and also a separate dish of the same good variety. Mr.
Bull exhibited a brace of very large Cucumbers. A dish of a
new Strawberry was sent from Messrs. G. Paul & Son, Cheshunt,
and twenty-five dishes of Strawberries in as many varieties were
sent from the Society’s garden at Chiswick.

Frorat Commitree.—G. F. Wilson, Esq.,in the chair. Messrs.
James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited a small group of very
choice plants, and first-class certificates were awarded for
Cypripedium albo-purpureum, the result of a cross between
©. Dominii and C. Schlimii. It is a most beautiful variety with
handsome bright green recurved leaves, and a charming flower,
somewhat of the colour of the hardy C. spectabile but richer,
the throat being finely spotted. Also for Rhododendron Countess
of Derby, one of the javanico-jasminiflorum type. The colour
of the flower is rich pink suffused with orange, very fine, and
rendered further attractive by the contrasting dark stamens—a
valuable addition to a valuable class of plants. A similar award
was made for Alocasia Thibautiana froi Borneo, one of the
grandest Alocasias that has ever been introduced. The plant is
of stately habit, has very large deep green leaves with a dis-
tinct midrib and prominent grey veins. It will be indispensable
as an exhibition plant. Also to Aérides crassifolia with very

large rosy purple flowers, very fine. A certificate was also
awarded to the fine rare Orchid Vanda Parishi. Messrs. Veitch
also exhibited some curious Masdevallias and other plants.

A valuable collection of Liliums, Calochortuses, Alliums,
Oroithogalums, and other bulbous plants, also Irises, &c., were
staged by J. T. Elwes, Esq., Preston, Cirencester. These were
both choice, rare, and beautifal. Amongst them we noticed a
striking variety of Lilium auratum var. Wittei, with long pointed
waxy-white segments banded with yellow. Xiphion lusitani-
cum var. sordidum was very rich; and extremely beautifal were
Lilium parvum, L. Szovitzianum, L. Washingtonianum pur-
pureum, a crimson variety of L. elegans; also L. elegans var.
alutaceum, orange-yellow. Calochortus splendens and C. ve-
nusta were particularly striking. The collection was highly
commended, and a vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Elwes.

Mesers. Barr & Sugden also arranged a varied and most
attractive collection of Liliuams in about forty sorts, also twelve
splendid varieties of Iris Kempferii, which were as striking as
Cattleyas. To two of these Irises—Robert Parker, silvery-grey,
heavily veined with violet; and Mrs. Barr, pale lavender, veined
with lilac—first-class certificates were awarded. G.-Maw, Esq.,
Benthall Hall, Broseley, Salop, also exhibited cut blooms of
Liliums. L. Chaixii from the Maritime Alps—a striking form of
L. croceum, the fine orange-yellow flowers suffused with crim-
son being borne in umbels and not in whorls like those of the
species—was awarded a first-class certificate. Lu. elegans var.
Maweii received asimilar award. It is a very striking flower,
large and richly spotted. L. pomponiam verum, with small
much-recurved crimson-scarlet flowers and very slender foliage,
was highly attractive. L. canadense from Heayesville, Canada,
had large and finely spotted flowers. Mr. Maw also exhibited
flowers of the old Salvia interrupta from Morocco, and other old
rarities.

G. F. Wilson, Esq., Weybridge, staged Lilium japonicum
(Krameri) in variety, L. callosum, L. Colambeanum, and L. ave-
naceum from his choice collection. They were very attractive.

Mr. Turner, Slough, exhibited cut blooms of Show Pelargo-
niums in nearly seventy varieties, these were highly effec-
tive; a Tree Carnation, Lady Avenel, pure white, smooth, and
fine; and a new seedling Rose, Penelope Mayo, a fine, full, ex-
cellently formed flower and bold foliage ; it somewhat resembles
Marie Baumann, and is fragrant. Cut Roses were also sent
by Messrs. George Paul & Sons, Cheshunt, to one of which,
Marchioness of Exeter, a first-class certificate was awarded—
a fine Rose with recurved petals; colour rosy pink, deepening
to salmon in the centre; also fragrant. A new crimson Rose,
Dake of Teck, was also exhibited, but it was too fully expanded;
also John Bright, rich velvety crimson. Messrs. William Paul
and Son, Waltham Cross, also exhibited some seedling Roses,
to one of which, May Quennell, a first-class certificate was
awarded. This is a grand Rose, of fine form and with great
substance of petal. The colour is warm rosy crimson, shading to

| magenta in the outer petals. The foliage appears also to possess
| the same stout texture of the flowers. We thinka finer Rose than

this has not appeared from Waltham. Another Rose exhibited

| in the same stand we thought deserving of honour—a Moss Rose

named Little Gem, which will make its way asa gardan Rose,
and be in request for cutting. It is very small, very free, and
very mossy. Someother Roses exhibited from the same nursery
will be heard of again. A Rose named Burghley Yellow was
exhibited by Mr. Gilbert, Burghley, and for which the exhibitor
was awarded a vote of thanks. It was considered to be a very
old Rose which was cultivated years ago as the “Old Yellow.”
The foliage is small, glaucous, and singularly formed. The
blooms submitted were also well formed and of a bright Cal-
ceolaria-yellow colour. Is it a good grower, Mr. Gilbert? Ifso
increase it, for it is a most distinct and attractive Rose.

Messrs. James Carter & Co., 237, High Holborn, exhibited a
collection of Sweet Peas, including a new variety, very at-
tractive from the curious mixture of purple and scarlet in the
flowers ; also some new Eschscholtzias, to which first-class cer-
tificates were awarded. One, a double bright yellow variety.
E. crocea flore-pleno, and the other E. crocea (aureo-coccinea
Mandarin, the buds and exterior of the flowers being scarlet
and the interior orange. It is the greatest advance in Esch-
scholtzias that has been yet seen, and will prove one of the
most gorgeous of hardy annuals. :

Mr. Cannell, Swanley, exhibited twenty-four very fine varie-
ties of Verbenas, also cut blooms of Sweet Williams of an ex-
cellent strain, and received a vote of thanks.

Parker, Tooting, exhibited flowering sprays of Free-
montia californica from a shrub which has not been protected
for two years, and received a vote of thanks. It is a deciduous
Californian shrub, with handsome yellow flowers as large as
those of Eschscholtzias. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Dulwich, ex-
hibited new decorative show Pelargoniums, also a fine double
crimson-and-white fimbriated Petunia.

Amongst other exhibits to which awards wera not mads we
noticed flowering sprays of an Andromeda named A. crassini-
folia from Mr. Ollerhead, The Gardens, Wimbledon House

Jaly 5, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

19

(A. crassinefolia of Ventenat; syn. A. speciosa of Michaux).
The sprays were laden with paper-white, globose, campanulate
flowers, and were very beautiful. It is a native of Carolina,
and being hardy is worthy of more extended cultivation.

OLD ROSES.

At last we—I mean myself and your correspondent ‘‘ Wyip
Sayace”’—understand each other. He does not condemn old
Roses and large trees of them as such, but only because they
are not suitable for producing exhibition blooms for the great
shows. Had he been as explicit before, he would have saved

both his time and mine; but I daresay neither of us begrudge -

half an hour occasionally in a discussion so congenial and
agreeable as that of the Rose, especially in those columns
which have done, are doing, and will do so much for the in-
crease and cultivation of both old and new Roses—Roses for
the garden and Roses for the exhibition.

I cannot say for how many years I have been a reader of
your Journal, nor how many times I have been entertained
by the refreshing letters of my—shall I write it ?—opponent.
I haye written the word; but it is wrong as it stands, so I
will qualify it, and in all sincerity refer to him as my highly
respected opponent. But although I have been a reader so
long I was not aware that I could write until: someone ‘“ trod
on my corns,’”’ a matter which few Yorkshiremen will endure
in silence. And now the Editors have been appealing to my
vanity to write more! Note that, ‘‘ Wyup Savacs.” Is it not
proof that they do not despise old Roses ?—those glorious
dangling masses of beauty which grace the wall, the bower,
the rock with their incomparable trusses, and dispense their
perfume—their own inimitable fragrance—in garden and
dwelling. They may not value them so highly as they do
exhibition Roses, for to the latter I see that they offer a cup
which will have been won at the ‘‘ National” before these
lines appear in print. How I should enjoy a visit to that
great tournament! but if I cannot see it I can do the next
best thing—read about it. There will be grand new Roses
there and good old Roses, also old rosarians and young. I
hope especially that ‘‘ Wynp Savacn”’ will be there to win
and to write, for I like his free criticism better than elaborate
formal “ reports.”

The truth is that many old Roses would be found in the
winning stand were as good stocks and equally good culti-
vation given them that are given to the new. I do not believe
in the degeneration of Roses, but I do in the degeneration of
Rose culture as applied to the good old sorts. When a new
Rose is obtained the best stock is selected for it and the best
position; and old Roses, if they are budded at all, are budded
on the inferior stocks—the outsiders—the “ culls.”

Your correspondent, my respected opponent, has directed
my special attention to the peerless beauty of Marie Van
Houtte. I grant that that is a charming Rose which all
should grow who can do so; but all cannot grow that dainty
gem who can grow the old, the valuable old Rose which was
in such grand form at Exeter, Jules Margottin. This is a
Rose that will grow anywhere—in the balmy air of Devon or
Dorset, in the bleak fens of Cambridgeshire, and on the bluff
moors of Yorkshire. Will Marie Van Houtte do so? I think
not. As an exhibition Rose, a button-hole Rose in the open-
ing-bud state, and as a garden Rose to grow into a tree and
produce hundzeds of rich glowing pink blooms, tell me—I ask
the question seriously—of a better Rose than Jules Margottin?

Ido not intend at present mentioning the old Roses which
T have alluded to before; but one which I have not mentioned
is just now opening its blooms—there will be at least a hundred
of them on one “‘ tree,’ and not a few of them of exhibition
quality—I mean Paul Ricaut. I cannot afford to despise that
good old Rose, although he does not continue blooming like
another old friend, the “Jineral” (Général Jacqueminot).
Already has that good old servant twice received honourable
mention at the Rose shows this year. Talk about degene-
ration! I do not believe the “ Jineral’’ will sooner degenerate
than will York Minster, provided both have what they deserve
—teasonable care. Ihave Général Jacqueminot as good now
as he was twenty years ago; but he is on good stocks, and
has his wine (liquid manure) regularly every spring just when
growth is commencing. Heis a noble Rose. I have him, too,
on his own roots and planted in a mass with (I know it requires
a Yorkshireman’s nerve to write it) the old Monthly China
Rose, and a valuable old white Rose one seldom hears of now-
a-days—Mrs. Bosanquet. A few of Acidalie, another white Rose,

are growing in the same bed, a bed from which I expect to
eut blooms—many good enough for exhibition—until next
December, and it may be January. What other quartet of
Roses will do that so well as those named ?

I was about to apologise for my temerity in mentioning the
old Monthly China Rose, but I will not do so, for a real lover
of Roses who ‘“‘ went south” last year told me of its beauty at
the Crystal Palace, where it is grown (he informed me) more
largely than any other Rose. I can quite understand how
beautiful and long-continued in its beauty it is when planted
in long lines, as I am told it is at the Palace, for even in York-
shire the bushes are laden with blooms throughout the summer
months. It is the first Rose and the last, rendering the garden
cheerful and the vicarage rooms gay.

Let me say another word in favour of Mrs. Bosanquet. If
the frost cuts it down to the ground it springs up vigorously,
and the same season produces chastely-formed almost pure
white flowers, than which few are more welcome when cut for
vase decoration; and the more you cut the faster they seem
to come, continuing almost throughout the season. It is also
one of the best of Roses for forcing, at least for such quiet
forcing as a quiet family like ours requires. We start a vinery
on the 1st February, and fill it with Roses, and the Rose that
gives nearly the earliest blooms and always the most of them
is Mrs. Bosanquet.

If I say anything about Gloire de Dijon it will be a simple
record of my opinion that it is the most useful light-coloured
Rose ever raised, as I think Jules Margottin is the most useful
of deep pink colour, and the ‘“‘ Jineral”’ the most serviceable
crimson.

I have some other old—no, not old, but only oldish—Roseg
for which I have a liking, and I think “ Wynp Savage” might
like them too, because they are not only good garden Roses
but yield exhibition blooms. They are Charles Lefebvre,
Sénateur Vaisse, Alfred Colomb, La France, Baronne de Roth-
schild, John Hopper, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Exposition de
Brie, Marquise: de Castellane, and a few others which I expect
will be honoured at the National Show. I have also some
newish Roses, which I shall not now further refer to than to
say that, good as they are, they will not drive the old favourites
out of the garden, for the old Roses give blooms by hundreds
when the new Roses give them only by dozens, and often not
at all.

Bat I have one new Rose which under glass is a gem, only
feed it well and thin out its buds. It is Madame Lacharme.
“Wrynp Savacz,” recant! Did you not once ‘ speak ill” of
this fair Rose?—A Parson’s GARDENER.

[He has recanted.—Eps. |

CARBOLIC ACID versus MICE.

We have been very much troubled with mice in the kitchen
garden this spring. Half of the seed was taken out of some
of the rows immediately after it was sown. I tried nearly
everything I have ever seen recommended to keep mice from
destroying the seed, and not one of them was so effectual as
coating the Peas over with carbolic acid, and allowing it to dry
on before sowing.—J. H. Y.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WERK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.
We hear of genial showers of rain in the neighbourhood of
London. The crops on the dry and loose soil of the Essex level
have suffered from the prolonged drought, butas far as the kitchen
garden is concerned we make our preparation in the winter by
deep digging or trenching, and manuring with moist cow and
stable manure placed at a considerable distance under the surface
of the ground, and our crops have not yet suffered. “J.B. K.,”
writing in last week’s Journal on the substitution of artificial
manure for Roses, may be quite right in regard to the chemical
nature of the constituent parts of the fertilisers, but we would
prefer manure. It is not so much the amount of water the ma-
nure contains when it is applied to the ground as its capability
to absorb and retain water until it is needed in the summer that
renders it valuable, and more unfortunate still would be the
want of manure for mulching the ground after watering. Other
substances might be placed on the surface, but we do not know
any so valuable as good manure }
itis a good plan to sow suca crops as late Peas in shallow
trenches. Dig out the trench first, say 4 inches deep, and then
draw a drill in the bottom of it and sow the seeds. The crops

20

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 5, 1877.

do not require any earthing-up, as enough soil for this pur- | fora few days than to neglect the watering of plants when they

pose falls in the bottom of the trench when water is applied.
When crisp Lettuces, Radishes, and other salads are required
at this season the best place to sow the seeds is under a wall
facing north, and even there it will be necessary to water freely
in hot dry weather.

Peas are bearing well. William I. has been the earliest,
although it was closely followed by Alpha, a better Pea as regards
flavour, although the first-named sort would be much the best
variety for market purposes; the pods are larger and of a deeper
green colour. If Leeks are not planted no time should be lost
in getting them out. They ought to be planted early in June,
or even in May, to give the best results. ‘The variety called the
Musselburgh is considered the best. In Scotland every garden
has its bed or quarter of Leeks, and they are used all through
the winter months. They are planted in rows a foot apart, and
9 inches between the plants. A rather deep drill should be
drawn first, planting in the bottom of the drill. The portion of
the Leek most esteemed is that part which has been blanched
under ground, and well-grown specimens will have a foot in
length blanched, and be very nearly as mach in circumference.
The cottagers in Scotland reserve the best pig manure for their
Leeks, and the plants are not allowed at any time to suffer by
want of water.

VINERIES.

Red spider, which has not been very troublesome until the
last two weeks, is now showing itself. We still hold that paint-
ing the pipes with sulphur that has been made into a thin paste
by means of soapy water is the best way to destroy this pest.
Many good gardeners, amongst them the late Mr. Pearson of Chil-
well, doubted this. It is a question whether they have applied
the sulphur in the right way. We have usually heated the
pipes first to the proper heat, and then applied the mixture.
It is just possible that if the pipes were gradually heated to the
required temperature after the salphurc has been applied the
effect of it might not be so apparent. We generally find the
spider has been destroyed after thres dressings. A correspon-
dent last year recommended heating shovels to a certain tempe-
rature and then dusting the sulphur on tothem. This we have
done this year, and although maay spiders were seen alive after
the operation, they received a considerable check; and if we
had persisted in it four nights instead of two possibly it would
have been entirely destroyed. Weshall soon clear the Grapes
both from the early Hamburgh and Muscat houses, when it will
be an easy matter to destroy the spider by syringing the leaves.
The difficulty usually is to retain the leaves in a healthy state
until the fruit has been cleared off.

Where Grapes are nearly ripe in succession houses it is
probable that there may be some small or shanked berries on
some of the bunches; these ought to be carefully removed at
ence, as they serve to spoil the effect of a whole houseful of
Grapes. Black Hamburgh Grapes colour bestif they are shaded
by the leaves; but to produce the rich amber so much esteemed
in Muscats it is better to push the leaves gently aside, or even
to remove them altogether. The same remark applies to most
other varieties of white Grapes.

We have just finished thinning-out the Grapes in the late |

houses. We close early and keep the atmosphere rather moisb.
Artificial heat is not needed in any of the houses; for even if
the thermometer does fall considerably at night it is only for an
hour or two, as by shutting up with sun heat early in the after-
noon the temperature does not fall below 70° until near mid-
night, and the sun begins to have an effect on the temperature
between 4 and 54m. We would rather have the lower night
temperature, as under that treatment red spider is not so likely
to attack the leaves.

Vines in pots which have been grown-on for early forcing will
now have completed their growth, and it will be well to see
that the wood is sufficiently ripened; this will not be done by
withholding water and admitting plenty of air. Although the
wood appears to be ripe if may not really be so, The main
object of the cultivator is to develope the buds from which the
fruitfal spurs will start next season. To do this water must be
applied to the roots and leaves as usual, and a high temperature
should be kept up. If the Vines are not (as they ought to be)
already in their fruiting pots, lose no time in potting them as
previously directed.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES,

The hot drying weather has necessitated much watering and
syringing. It is certainly better to keep plants clear of insect
pests than it is to destroy those pests after they have become
established on the plants, and to keep the plants clean it is
necessary to see that they are in a healthy growing condition;
and those plants that will bear syringing ought to be dewed
overhead at least twice a-day, and in some instances the water
ought to be applied with considerable force. Watering must also
be carefully attended to. A plant may be either over or under
watered, but this will not readily happen with those who under-
stand their work and give tue requisite amount of attention to
it. Itis better to allow the potting or such work to stand over

are in fall growth.

We have been basketing and repotting Orchids. Where there
is a large collection of these interesting plants to attend to,
those in charge of them find plenty of employment for every
day in the year; and almost every month from spring until
autumn something requires to be done in the way of repotting,
basketing, fixing on blocks, &c. When the wants of the plants
are known there are few subjects more easily grown, but if a
check is experienced from any cause it may be years before
the plant recovers. Another thing, you must not be in a hurry
with them—they will not be driven. If an Orzhid flowers a
month or two earlier this year than it did last, this we consider
evidence that the temperature is too high, and probably if this
should be continued the plants will sicken and die. When they
flower about the same time each year it is reasonable to sup-
pose that the temperature at least is suitable. The beautifal
Masdevallias, which are so easily grown and increased, are not
new introductions; at least, not all of them, but those that were
introduced prior to the cool-house system perished miserably.
The same fate befell many of the choice Odontoglossums, which
are quite as easily managed as the others, We have now learned
to avoid the rock on which our predecessors foundered, and we
keep the cool Orchid houses cooler than the outside air during
the summer months. Masdevallias and Odontoglossums have
been repotted, and as the plants require a considerable supply
of water the pots are filled about three-fourths of their depth
with potsherds. Cattleyas, such as C. Warneri, Mossiz, Men-
delii, &c., have been repotted. These species are now making
fresh roots, bat we find that after repotting they do not flower
so freely the next season. Large specimens require repotting
but seldom. Some of the best cultivators say once in seven
years is often enough, others say they ought to be repotted every
alternate year. We saw at Messrs. Veitch’s nursery, King’s
Road, Chelsea, the other day, many large specimens that had
not been repotted for many years. The leading growths had
grown over the sides of the pots, and a wig of roots depended
from their base, showing conclusively that the roots were aérial,
and depended for their sustenance not from what they ex-
tracted from the potting material (into which they had no in-
clination to travel), but from the atmosphere. It is so with
many Orchids; they do not succeed until a large proportion of
the roots hang over the sides of the pots. After repotting a
moister atmosphere is maintained than previously.—J. Doucuas.

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 unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Booxs (T. J. C.).—You mast apply to the publishers, Messrs. Bell & Co.

Turips on VINES (iM. D., Forest Gaie).—Ths leaves sent are very much
intested with thrips. When a few leaves only are attacked an excellent
remedy is to sponge them with strong soft-soap water made by dissolving
4 ounces of soap in a gallon of water. If all the leaves are covered with
insects famigate the house with tobacco on two consecutive nights, then
syringe the Vines as heavily as possible, directing the water between the
bunches. In a week or ten days other insects will appear from eggs de-
posited on the Vines, and fumigation must be repeated.

Aruantus (A Diligent Reader).—The leaves you enclose are not Ailantus
leaves.

Boxes For SHowineG Roszs (A. D.).—The boxes which close for travelling
can be made by aay carpenter, and of the size desired. We know of none
ready made. The Rey. Canon Hoie has given the following dimensions and
instructions :—

Length. Breadth. Height.
For 24Roses, 4 feet. 1 foot 6ing. Back of box, 6 inches, front 4.
» 18, 5 feet. ” ” ” ”
9 12 55 2 feet 2 ins. » 7 9 3
” » _ 1 foot 6ins. ” ” ek if)
The covers, being 74inches in depth at the back, and 5inches in front, 4 feet

linch in length, 1 foot 7inchses in breadth, and having a narrow beadiag
within the four sides, half an inch from the bottom of the lid, overlap the
boxes, leaving ample room for the Roses, and are secured for travelling by
stout leather straps. Within the boxes some exhibitors have holes pierced
at equal distances on a uniform surface of wood; but as Roses differ in size,
it is more convenient to have the facility of placing them where we please,
and for this purpose it is desirable to have strong laths (three-fourths of an
inch in depth, and 1j inch in width) extending the length of the box. Thesa
laths should be six in number, and should be nailed on two strong pieces of
wood, cro-sing the bo®one at each end, 2 inches below the surface. The
upper and lower laths should be fixed one-eighth of an inch withia the box,
and the four remaining so arranged that there will be five interstices 1}inch
in width—three for the Roses, and two merely to reduce the weight. Where
will be a space of 1} inch between the laths and the upper edge of the box, to
be filled as follows:—Cover the laths with sneets of brown paper, two deap,
and cut to fit the box, and upon these place the best moss you can obtain.”

Dracmna Unueartay (E. A. B.).—As you do not state what Dracwna it
is “lookiag rather shabby,” we cannot say whether it ought to be planted
out during the summor or not. A book which gives simple and brief directions
for the culture of these and other subtropical plants, can be obtained from
Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria Nurseries, Holloway, London.

Jaly 5, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

21

PROPAGATING LEUCOPHYTON Brown (J. B.).—The above is the name of
the plant of which you have enclosed a spray. Fall information on the best
mode of propagating it appeared in No. 847 (June 21st) of the preseat
volume of The Journal of Horticulture.

ANTs oN PeAcH TREE (E. D. Lyon).--Invert a saucer in a larger saucer,
keep the latter filled with water, and place the pot on the inverted one,

Rose Currinas For New ZEALAND—Nelson asks for information how
and when to send them. We shall be obliged by a reply from anyone who
has succeeded.

Rosrs FoR ExHipitine (Tyro).—The best blooms are produced from
buds which have continued dormant until the spring after they were inserted.
For destroying aphides try the weaker solution you name, and if it fails
increase the strength.

RanunovuuvsEs (4. Boyle).—They are apparently the Dutch Ranunculus
imported by the seedsmen, and are described in their catalogues as Persian
Ranunculus.

Ferns (S. Elliott).—There is a list of them and cultural directions in the
“* Garden Manual,” published at our office.

Rost Bups InsureD (J. F.).—High winds and low temperature have
shrivelled the points of the buds.

Name oF Orcurp (J. B. C.).—Dendrobium Paxtoni.

Names oF Puants (J. P. Allen).—1, Negundo fraxinifolia; 2, Rhamnus
alpinus. (H. R. C.).—1, Hemerocallis flava; 2, Diplacus glutinosus.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONICLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.

WE hear that a controversy is being waged in southern Ireland
on the identity of asong bird. The London Standard says, “A
golden-throated chorister has been ravishing belated listeners
with its woodland notes from the grove by Nenagh Mills for
nights past.” This bird is supposed tv be the Nightingale, and
its strains, we are told, are very beautiful. But, unfortunately,
Goldsmith, Stewart, Marshall, and other authorities maintain
that the Nightingale never visits Ireland, and so students of
natural history imagine that this songster is a Blackcap, or
Woodlark, or Reed Sparrow, all of which warble sweetly at night.
We believe this is the first occasion upon which a controversy
has ever been started upon the subject, so certain have our
Irish friends been hitherto that no Nightingale has sung in their
woods and glens.

Lord Huntingfield’s gamekeeper recently shot a fine specimen
of the Osprey Eagle. It measured from tip to tip 5 feet 2 inches,

It is wonderful how tame birds become by kindness. The
Rev. C. Humphrey Cholmeley of Dinton Rectory, Wilts, has
for some years been in the habit of placing portable birds’ nests
about his garden. They are formed from decayed branches of
trees, and are hollowed out, with a small hole made in the side
to admit the bird, while a lid on hinges closes the top. Tits of
all kinds, Nuthatches, &c., have annually built in these nests,
and the other day we had an opportunity of seeing them and
their inmates. One, which was placed on a ledge on a kitchen
garden wall, most especially pleased us. It contained a family
of ten little Blue Tits, which when fully fledged were piled one
on the top of the other. This nest was not only daily removed
from the wall for inspection, but was carried about for visitors
to look at, and on some occasions was even taken indoors for
several minutes. The parent birds were, however, not the least
disconcerted, and waited on a neighbouring tree, caterpillar in
mouth, for the return of their family, evidently feeling quite
certain in their minds that their brood was in safe custody and
had not fallen victims to a devastating cat or any such creature
of prey.

A gentleman, whom many of our readers knew as a most suc-
cessful exhibitor of poultry, about three years ago went out to
Natal to farm Ostriches. He tells us that the present fashion
of Ostrich feather-trimming for ladies’ hats, jackets, dresses, &c.,
las very greatly improved the trade, and has increased the
price during the past few years about 20 per cent. In 1874
feathers were used in England to the value of nearly half a
million of money. For these Ostrich farms but little capital is

- necessary, and the riskis small. Another one engaged init says,
“T hold that from 300 to 400 per cent. of profit can safely be cal-
culated on upon the outlay both for birds and other expenses,
Such as enclosures, plucking stalls, ‘kraals,’ and land rent.”

Two men, named Reuben Williams and James Cameron, were
convicted of fraud at the Central Criminal Court last week.
They had painted a Sparrow to imitate a Bullfinch, and had sold
ifas such. James Cameron was sentenced to six months’ im-
prisonment, and Reuben Williams to half that period, but both
with hard labour.

We read in a contemporary that from a Blackbird’s nest near
Southend-on-Sea have recently been taken two ‘snow white
Blackbirds.” Their eyes are pink, and they are very promising
specimens. The same contemporary tells us this pair of birds
are on view alive at Mr. W. Nickats, Ingleside, Edmonton. We
have seen white Blackbirds and also pied specimens, but never
two snowy white from the same nest.

We learn from Land and Water that Mr. Bell has succeeded
in resring some young Emus in Dumfriesshire. The female bird
laid nineteeu eges, and the male was allowed to sit upon eleven
of them, of which six have hatched. We hear these little ones
are growing fast, and are very beautiful to look at, being striped
with black and white, Theyare being fed upon biscuits crumbled
and mixed with oatmeal and green food. We consider this very
interesting, and hope Mr. Bell may be fortunate in bringing
them up.

It will be remembered that Mr. T,C. Burnell had his beautiful
Dorking cock (second prize, we believe, as a cockerel at tho
Aquarium) mispenned at Banbury. The Committee have
awarded this bird an honorary first prize most deservedly, Mr.
Burnell with his kind thoughtfulness having objected to putting
the Committee to the expense of awarding a prize in money,
though the mispenning we conclude originated with them, the
bird having been penred in the disqualified pen, which pen we
at the time mentioned in our report.

Incubators seem to be creating a sensation at the present
time. This is truly an excellent occasion, for eggs ars now
cheap, and the risk of hatching is perhaps smaller. So thore
wishful of starting an incubator during the coming spring would
do well to try at once, so as to get their handsin. We hope to
give a paper on the subject at an early date.

We hope that one of the next chapters of the “‘ Basses Cours”
will be on the very celebrated yards of the Countess of Dart-
mouth, to be followed by those of the Rev. Hans Hamilton, Mr.
Q. B. C. Breeze, Mr. Leno, and others.

Messrs. Cassell, Petter, & Galpin are bringing out in monthly
parts a book on Canary birds, &c. Hach part will be richly
illustrated, and the whole work will be such as has never before
been attempted by any one authority.

A circular is in existence concerning a poultry farm. We
would recommend all our readers to carefully study the matter
before taking a share. We cannot imagine that those expe-
rienced in poultry lore have set this scheme afloat. The cir-
cular states that in June chickens from fifteen to sixteen weeks
old may command the price of 4s. 6d. to 8s. each. We can only
say that in the country we are now able to procure a brace of
really good fowls for 4s., and we cannot believe these prices
would remain so low if in London one bird wiil make more than
that sum. We do not know where this farm would be situated,
but we see Is. 6d. per dozen is charged for eggs, while no car-
riage expenses are put down in the list of expenditure. We are
now living two hours from London, and from the first week of
March to the present date we are able, and have been able, to
procure freshly laid eggs at 1s.the score. This speaks for itself,
and novices should be on their guard.— W.

THE BIRMINGHAM POULTRY EXHIBITION.

A mnetine of the Committee was held at Bingley Hall on June
25th, under the presidency of Mr. G. C. Adkins, for the purpose
of revising the schedule of prizes for the coming year. A num-
ber of alterations were made, and some of the prizes slightly re-
duced, in order to find money for one or two additional classes
without increasing the total amount to be competed for.

For instance, the value of the cups in the Brahma classes
were reduced from £5 to £4 to put them on a par with the other
breeds; and the second prize in several cases, where the entries
are usually small, was reduced from £1 to 10s. In the class for
Cinnamon and Buff Cochins the first prizes were increased from
£2.10s. to £4, and the two special cups for this breed abolished.
The prizes for Black Cochins were increased. Hitherto the old
and young birds have competed together, but henceforth they
will have separate classes. A new class was introduced for
Langshans, cock and hen of any age, with prizes of £2 and 10s.
Considerable alterations were made with regard to the selling
classes. Up to the present time they have been confined to
Brahma Pootras, Dorkings, and Cochins, but a new class has
now been opened for all other varieties, with prizes of £2, £1 10s.,
£1, and 10s. The entrance money has been reduced in these
classes from 8s. to 5s. per pen, and the maximum price is in all
cases fixed at £2 per pen.

Coming to the Pigeon department the classes for Short-faced
Balds and Beards were again amalgamated, as the change did
not come up to the anticipations of the Committee. An ad-
ditional prize is given to the Tumblers of any other variety, and.
the Trumpeters are divided into two classes—mottled and any
other colour. The silver cup hitherto given to Runts, Arch-
angels, and Fantails will be competed for by the two former
breeds and an extra one given to the Fantails; a third prize is
given to the Fantails of any other colour. An additional silver
cup is offered for Jacobins, and that hitherto competed for by
Jacobins, Turbits, and Owls will be devoted to the two latter
kinds. An extra silver cup is given to the Dragoons and also to
the Antwerps. A selling class is opened for a pair of any variety
of Pigeons, with prizes of £2 and £1, the price of the pen not to
exceed £2,

22

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 5, 1877.

It was unanimously resolved that the Council should be re-
quested to permit the poultry Committee to publish the names
of the Judges in their department of the Exhibition before the
closing of the entries. This was done on the last occasion, and
gave such universal satisfaction to the exhibitors that there
cannot be any doubt as to the result of the application. This
practice is now followed at all the leading shows, and when the
gentlemen selected have the confidence of the public, as is
always the case at the Birmingham Show, the number of entries
is materially increased,

DONCASTER POULTRY SHOW.

Tue fifth annual Show of the Doncaster Agricultural Society
took place last week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Previously a well-wooded park has been at the service of the
Committes ; but in this case the race-course with its permanent
sheds was brought into use, the poultry, &c., being well pro-
tected, but the visitors finding the loss of the splendid foliage,
which was a great protection from the heat of the sun. The
entries in poultry and Pigeons were not large, but the prizes
were very good, and some capital quality competed for the
honours.

Game headed the list with single cocks, the awards being made
to Brown Reds in all cases. Singularly one of the best in the
class was not noticed, pen 436 (Fludger). The only fault was the
tail was a little too heavy. The first going toa badly squirrel-
tailed bird; the second in our opinion being ths best all-round
bird. Black Reds in pairs a good class; the first a grand pair,
and the cup for the best Game awarded to them, although closely
pressed by the second-prize pen, which contained a powerfully
built cock; third grand in shape but sadly faded in colonr.
Brown Reds good in quality, but first no match in legs. Dack-
wings were queerly placed; first a bird bad in all respects, but
the hen a real good one. By far the besttwo pens were Martin’s
(placed third), and Mason’s (highly commended). Any other
colour were good Piles and rightly placed. Dorkings had two
classes and were all well placed, the Silver-Greys being especi-
ally good. The cup for the larger varieties was given to a
capital pen of Spanish, the class being very good throughout;
pen 488 (Bolton) contained a grand cock. Brahmas, Light, a
fair lot and well placed, as also the Dark Brahmas. In Cochins
the winners should have changed positions; the second pen
good all round, and the cock of such colour as is rarely seen ;
the first not in the best order.
good and well placed throughout, as also the Polish. Bantams,
Red, first Black Red, good in style and general quality, to which
we would have awarded the cup, which, however, went to a
pen of Duckwings, the cock in which was not in the best order;
the second in our opinion being superior. In Reds we liked a
pen of Brown Reds, but the cock was light in eye, and in con-
Sequence was thrown out.

Pigeons were not well provided for as regards classes, and the
entries in consequence very few, the best in the Show being the
Antwerps and a few pens in the Variety class, and the awards
were well made throughout.

POULTRY.—GamsE —Cock.—l, W. & H. Adams. 2, C. W. Brierley. Black-
breasted and other Reds.—Cup, C. W. Brierley. 2, J. Fletcher. 3,W &H.
Adams. Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted.—l, W. & H. Adams.
2, C. W. Brierley. 3, Sales & Bentley. Duckwings and other Greys and Blues.
—1. Sales & Bentley. 2.Dr.Cameron. 3, H. E. Martin. Any other variety.—
1,H. Mason. 2, R. Walker. Dorkrnes.—Silver-Grey.—l and 2, W. Roe. 8, Mrs.
Whitwell. Any variety,—1,B. Smith. 2,E. Snell. 3, J. Walker. SpanisH.—
ll. 2, J. Boulton, 8, R. Newbitt. Cocaixs.—l, J. Walker. 2, H.
1 . 3, R. P. Percival Braawas.—Light—l, J. Cherry. 2, R. P.
Percival 3, J. T. Wolstencroft. Dark.—1i and 2, J. F. Smith. 3, J. Walker.
Hampurcus.—Silver-spangled.l, H. Beldon. 2, Holmes & Destner. 3, J.
Rawnsley. Silver-pencilled —1, B. Suell 2and3, A.Beldon. Gold-spangled.
—l and 2, H. Beldon. 3, Holmes & Destner. Potanps.—l and 2, H. Beldon.
8, R. Newbitt. Bantams.—Black-breasted and other Reds.—l, R. Newbitt. 2,
A.S.Sugden, 8, W. F. Entwisle. Game.—Cup, R. Newbitt. 2,F. Holt. 3, W.
Roe. Creves.—l, T. Derry. 2, H. Beldon. 3, Robinson & Myers. ANY VaRIETY.
—Chickens.—1 and 2, B. smith. 3, Dr. Cameron. Guinea Fowss.—l, E. Snell.
2, F. Clater. Tuxkeys.—l, J. Walker. 2, W. Wykes. Ducxs.—Aylesbury.—
land 2, J. Walker. R wen—i, J. Walker. 2, E. Snell. Any other variety.—
1, J. Walker. 2.and 8, W. & H. Silvester. Gresz.—l, J. Walker. 2, H. Beldon.
SELLING Cuass.—l, R. Newbitt. 2,G. W.Henshall. 3, H. Hlwis.

PIGEONS.—Carriers.—l, J. E. Crofts. 2,0.E.Mason. Jaconrys.—l, J. E.
Crofts. 2, W. Parkinson. ANTWERPs.—1l and 2, W. F. Entwisle. Any oTHER

Varrety.—1 and 2, J. E. Crofts. Fanrarrs.—l and 2, J. Loversidge. SELLING
Cuass.—l, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2,0. E. Mason.

JupGe.—Mr. J. Dixon, Bradford.

AQUARIUM CAT SHOW.
JUNE 277TH, 287TH, and 297ru,

Or the arrangements we can say “‘ Very good indeed.” Clearly
printed catalogues, very sweet hay, red cloth cushions with cru-
ciform-shaped brass nails to suit the advanced party, and yet
not to dispirit ‘ the other one;” apparently very sweet milk,
and competent Judges, whose names were Mr. Tegetmeicr and
our old painting friend Mr. Harrison Weir.

There were 181 Cats, many cf them “ Londoners,” perhaps
among them some of those roof-and-tile frequenters; but there
were champions too there, heroes and heroines of many ex-
hibitions; but we were sorry to find so many good specimens

Hamburghs not numerous but |

entered in wrong classes. We noticed several good ones in
wrong departments; and though many of the crowd of visitors
were ignorant of this wrong classification, still we saw at a
glance that several good animals were put out of competition in
consequence. Short-haired male Tabbies we much admired.
In Reds the cup went to an animal in lovely condition; while
the second was also of great excellence, being beautifully
marked, and the fur very glossy and bright. Black-and-white
and the Black Short-haired males were not so good, and some
prizes were withheld, while in Whites there were no entries at
all. In the Long-haired White males Miss Hales took the
only prize that was awarded. Her animal was a good one, but
he did not appear to advantage when we looked at him. In
Long-haired fabbies Miss Brasey won the cup with a nice Cat,
looking well, and the coat in bright condition. Mrs. Scarman was
a deservedly successful exhibitor. Her Short-haired Tortoise-
shell female we liked immensely. We do not know if this in-
dividual Cat won a prize, as it had no card when we saw her,
but her Short-haired gelded animal was in fine coat, and won,
we believe, first in its class. The black on Miss Hales’s Long-
haired gelded Cat was very deep and glossy, and the creature
was in good looks generally, while the fur on the first Long-
haired female (Miss Sprague), was of beautiful texture and very
white. In the Long-haired female variety class Mr. A. F.
Turnbull, we believe, won the cup; while the same exhibitor
also won the cup for kittens under six months old. There were
three Selling classes for Short-haired and Long-haired adults,
and for kittens. The latter class was especially well filled, and
we noticed several nice animals. The awards in the Long-
haired department were made, we believe, by Mr. Harrison
Weir, while the remainder were taken by Mr. Tegetmeier.

The attendance was good, and we hope the Show has proved
in every way the success it deserves to be. The date for the
Exhibition was a good one; and inthe height of the season
many paid to go in and see these Cats and toy Dogs which
would probably at any other time have not otherwise have
done so.— W.

ACCRINGTON SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tue Show of the Accrington Society was held on the 28th ult.
The entries were very good in all sections, and some capital
birds were shown. In Game the cocks were in far better bloom
than the hens, and in the first class—viz., that for Reds, we
recognised an old acquaintance (the Otley cup bird) in first
position. The second also very good. Dorkings were not
numerous, but were pretty good; and Cochins also good and
wellshown. Spanish only five pens, and these very good; the
second particularly fine in face, and the cock grand in comb.
Hamburghs were, as usual, very good and well placed, although
the entries were not large, only one pen of Silver-pencils putting
in appearance. Game Bantams were a good lot, perhaps as good
as any section, and being shown singly looked well, the cup
going to a Black Red cock which we considered rather large.
Any other variety were in pairs, the first going to a pen of
Pekins, second to Black, and third to White Rose-combed.

Pigeons were single birds, except the Variety class, which
were in pairs. Carrier cocks were a grand class, as also the
hens in the first. Blacks were the winners, and in the second
a Dun was first, Blue second, and Black third; the Blue an
extraordinary bird for the colour. Pouter cocks.—First a Black
in fine show, second Blue, and third white. In hens the first
was aslashing Black in capital trim. Second and third Blues
not as well up as the first nor as large, but both good. Tum-
blers only three—first and second Almond, and third Red, Whole-
feather. Dragoons were about the best classes of the Show if
we except the Magpies, which were all noticed. Cocks.—First
a Blue, second Blue Chequer, and third a Blue, the first most
beautifully tinged with black all over the eye cere. Hens.—
First a Yellow, second a Silver, and thirda Blue. A good class.
Barbs.—First a Black hen which is difficult to beat; second a
Black, and third a Red cock, the latter ont of condition. In
Jacobins the winners were Reds. Antwerps (Short).—First a
Dan, second also, and third Red Chequer; three good birds,
Many others too long for the class. Long-faces.—Only the
winners as they should be. First and second Duns, and third
Red Chequer. Turbitswereafairclass. The first, a Silver, was
good all round; second Silver, with splendid head; and third
Black, but rather large. There were not many good ones in
English Owls. The first 2 moderate Silver; second the best—a
Blue, but in moult, and not fit for the show pen. Nuns a
nice lot.

Rabbits mustered well, but in Lops there were only four.
First a Fawn-and-white buck, 23} by 5, innice bloom and grand
style; second a Blue-and-white doe of high quality, very soft in
ear and exquisite in fur, 224 by 43; very highly commended a
Black-and-white doe, and a Fawn-and-white, 22 by 43. An-
goras were, as a whole, one of the best classes ever seen.
Surely they have their homein Lancashire. The exquisite fine-
ness of wool, neatness of ear, and general quality would be diffi-
cult to surpass. Himalayans.—The first a grand one, and the

July 5, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

others moderate. Dutch.—First Black-and-white, about correct
in marking, as also the second, Blue; the rest, though good,
being somewhat irregular. Silver-Greys a very good class, and
all noticed. In the Variety class first was a real good Silver
Fawn, and second a Belgian Hare; and in the Selling class
first was a Silver-Grey, and second a Himalayan. Only one
Lop was good, and that out of condition. ase

Of Cats there were but four, the first being a pretty fair Silver
Tabby.

POULTRY.—Game.—Black or Brown Red.—Cock.—1, W.& A. F. Fenwick. 2,
C. W. Brierley. 3,R. Garnett. Hen.—l,T.P.Lyon. 2, J. Cock. 3, R. Braith-
waite. Any colour.—Cock.—1, J. F. Walton, 2, J. A. Nelson. 8, T. P. Lyon.
Hen.—1, R. Walker. 2and8, 0. W. Brierley. Local Class.—Cock —1 and 2, R.
Bolton. 8, J. Greenhalgh. Dorxincs.—l, J. Walker, 2, G. Lancaster. 8,
Mrs..T. W. L. Hind. Cocuins.—8uf or Partridge.—l, R. J. Wood. 2,3 C.
Rigg. 8,H. Tomlinson. Any other variety.—1, K. P. Percival. 2, T. Aspden.
8, T. F. Ansdell. SpanisH.—Black —1, J. Aldridge. 2,J. Powell. 8, H. Wilkin-
son. Branmas—l, T. F. Ansdell. 2, G. W. Henshall. 8, J. F. Smith. Ham-
BuRGHS.—Golden-pencilled.—1, W. A. F. Fenwick. 2,G.&J. Duckworth. 8,J.
Anderton. Silver-pencilled.—1, J. Stuttard. Golden-spangled.—land 2,G &J.
Duckworth. 8,J. Rawnsley. Silver-spangled —1, A. J. Harrison. 2, J. Stut-
tard. 3, H. Pickles. Black—l, W. Wilson. 2, C. Sedgwick. 8, H. Pickles.
FrENoH Fowxs.—l and 2, M. Hall. 8, G. Furness. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1,
M. Nichols 2, P. Unsworth. 8, G. Furness. Locan Cuass.—Any variety
except Game and Game Bantams.—1 and 2, G. & J. Duckworth. 8, R. Riley.
SELLING CxrAss.—l, T. Aspden. 2,G. & J. Duckworth. 3, Fletcher & Hutchin-
son, GAamMF Bantams.—Black or Brown Red.—Cock —Cup and 1, J. R. Robin-
son. 2,T.Sharples. 8, G. Hall. Hen.—l,J. R Robinson. 2,G. Simpson. 3,
E. Walton. <Any other colour.—Cock.—l and 2, E. Walton. 8,G Hall. Hen.—
1,E. Walton. 2, Bellingham & Gill, 8.J.R.Rebinson, Local Class.—Cock.—
1, R. Hargreaves. 2, C. Cronshaw. 8, A. Worsley. Banrams.—Any variety
except Game.—t1, H. B.Smith. 2, J. W. Crowther. 8,T. Green. TurkEys.—l,
J. Walker. GrEsE.—l, Capt.L.Anyon. 2 J.Walker. Ducks.—Aylesbury —1,
J. Walker. 2,J.Hedges 3,.Snall. Rowen.—l, P. Unsworth. 2,J, Walker.
2 oh Nelson. <Any other variety.—l, J. Trickett. 2, J. Walker. 8, H. B

mith.

PIGEONS.—Carniers.—Cock.—1 and 2, J. Kendall. 8, T. H. Stretch. vhe»
W. Brown, E. C. Stretch, J. Kendall. Hen.—1 and 8, J. Kendall. 2, E. C-
Stretch. vhe, W. Brown. Pourrrs.—Cock.—l, C. Wroot. 2, J. Kendall. 8, A+
Simpson. vhe, J. Kendall, P. Wilson. Hen.—l, C. Wroot. 2and x, J. Kendall.
TUMBLERS.—1 and 2, H. Yardley. 8,H. R. Tenney. Dracoons.—Cock.—l and
8, R. Woods. 2, C. Waddington vhc, T. Knowles, R. Woods, J. Garden.
Hen.—1 and 2, R. Woods. 8,J, Kendall.’ vhc, J. F. Newail & Co., C. J. Pearson,
Bargs.—l, W. Harrison. 2, S. Fletcher. 8. J. Walker. vhc, J. Walker, S.
Dyson (2). JAcopins.—l, W. Harrison. 2, W. Dugdale. 8, J. Gardner. vie,
E. Morman. AntTWweERPs.—Short-faced —1, J. Gardner. 2, H. Yardley. 8, J.
Gardner. vhc, C. H. Stott. Long-faced.—l,E. Lund. 2, C. F. Herrieff. 8,
T. Matthew. Lixeniest Brrp For FLyina PurpPoses.—2, J. Woods. 8, J
Jackson. vhc, J. Woods, J. Lomas, J. Nield. Turbirs.—l, A. Simpson. 2, W.
Dugdale. 8 and vhe,J. Gardner. Ow1s.—Znglish.—l and 2, J. W. Stansfield.
8,J.Gardner, vhe, J. H. Stretch, J. Gardner. Foreign.—l, R. Simpson. 2 and
8, W. Lancaster. Fantaits.—], H.R Tenney. 2 and vhc, W.J. Warhurst. 8,
J. F. Loversidge. Macprrs.—l, R. Woods. 2, P. Wilson. 8, H. R. Tenney.
vhe, H. R. Tenney, J. B. Bowdon, J. Gardner. Nuns.—l and 2. J. B. Bowdon.
8, H. Mitchell, ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1 and 2, J. Kendall. 8,S. Dyson. vhe,
A. Simpson. A

RABBITS.—Spanisu.—l, T. Moss. 2,T. & E. J. Fell. vic, W. T. Millett, T.
W. Brown. ANnGorRA.—1,J. Woodward. 2,8. Buckley. vhe,G. W. Deakin, H.
Woods, T. W. Baron, T. & E. J. Fell. Hmatayan.—l, J. Robertshaw. 2, T.
and E.J. Fell. vhe, T. & R. Mills, W. T Millett. Durcu.—l, J. Foster. 2, J.
Owen. vhc,S. Pall, T. © E J. Fell, H. Woods, J. Robertshaw. S1LvER-GREY
—1,T. &H.J. Fell. 2,H. Woods. vhe, H. Woods, T. & E.J. Fell. ANY OTHER
Vanrety.—l and2,T. &E. J. Fell. vhe,T. W. Baron. SeLuine Cuass.—l, T.
W. Baron. 2,H. Furness. vic, J. EB. Pilgrim, T. « E. J. Fell.

CATS.—Any Varrety.—l, A. Boulton. 2, E. Stead.

JuDGES.—Poultry : Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston; Mr.S.
Fielding, Trentham, Stoke-upon-Trent. Pigeons, Rabbits, and
Cats: Mr. EK. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds; Mr. W. Sefton, Bulaclure,
Blackburn.

RUGBY SHOW OF PIGEONS, &c.

THE fourth annual Show was held af the Workman’s Club on
Wednesday the 27th ult. The room was rather small, but the
Specimens so well disposed three tiers high that much space
was economised, and the light pretty good in most cases, all
being well attended to with food and water; and the Rabbits,
with clean hay and green food, were very comfortable, some
litters even being sent with their dams.

In Pigeons Pouters headed the list, but the pens were too small,
and the greatest difficulty was experienced in getting them to
show. First, a White cock in grand order, slender in girth, and
good in limb; second also White, very good, but not quite in
the same show; and third a Blue, good, but somewhat flat and
bishop-winged. All the rest being noticed. Carriers, a grand
class of eleven. First a Dun cock, a clinker in all respects;
Second and third almost equal Blacks. Fantails a wretched lot,
if we except the first-prize Blue and second White, In Tum-
blers, Almonds won all the prizes. First a hen, and second and
third cocks. Owls, first a Blue English cock, which would have
taken the special but that his face was in moult; second a neat
White African; and third a grand Silver English. Turbits
good; first Red, second Yellow, and third Blue; the last
best in head, but very foul-thighed. Jacobins—first Red,
second Yellow, and third Red. Three good ones. In Dragoons
first was & very extraordinary Yellow, to which section extra
was given; second and third Blues. Antwerps a particular
good class, and the winners all Red Chequers. The first in all
respects a Short-face. In the Variety class first was a good Black
Barb, second a Blondinette, and third a Satinette. The Selling
class was large and good. ‘

Rabbits were a splendid entry considering the smallness of
the prizes, there being 103 in seven open classes, and five in
the local one. Lops, all worthy of notice. First and special, a
Sooty Fawn doe, fully developed and full of quality; second

23,

of that colour good in all respects, but not so large or good in
dewlap; and_third a Black doe, large and grand in all points.
Many others coming close to the last two in quality and
measurement. Dutch a grand class. First a most perfect Black-
and-white ; second a Silver Fawn, no doubt the Northampton
winner, and without a single point in which trimming could im-
prove it; and third a Grey, also nearly correct. Very many
others good in all points but noses, which were very uneven in
many specimens. All the winners very good in blaze. Hima-
layans not so good as we expected to find them, though the
winners were pretty correct. Silver-Greys were a very even
class, but here there is a tendency to mealiness, no doubt conse-
quent on the great inclination to produce Silver Creams, which
we always found conducive to that defect, the only ones at all
sharp in silvering being the winners. Belgian Hares were good,
in grand colour, but short of ticking and Jacing on the ear. In
the Variety class the Silver Creams were reversed from the
Northampton position on account of condition, the third being
a good Angora. The first in the Selling class was a young
Silver Cream, which must make a good one; second a Black-
and-white Dutch; and third, Himalayan.

There were some good well-shown Cats, especially of the
Short-haired variety.

PIGEONS.—Pourerrs.—Cock or Hen—1, T. W. Swallow. 2, A. P. Byford.
8, S. Baker. vic, W. Nottage. Carriers.—Oock or Hen.—l and Special, H.
Yardley. 2,T.H. & A. Stretch. 8,'T. Wheeler. vhc, J. Chandler, HANTAILS.
— Cock or Hen.—1, H. Yardley. 2and8,Capt. P. Rayner. TumsLEers.—Cock or
Hen—l, 2, and 3, H. Yardley. vic, W. Nottage, G. Webster. Owxns.—Cock or
Hen.—1, J. Barnes. 2,1. Chambers. 8, T.H.& A. Stretch.: vhc, A.J. Barnes.
Turpits.—Cock or Hen.—1, R. Woods. 2, W. Daniels: 8,G. Webster. Jaco-
BINs.—Cock or Hen.—1, W. Nottage. 2,T. W. Swallow. 8, H. Yardley. vhe,J.
Darby. Dracoons.—Cock or Hen.—1, Special, and 8,R. Woods. 2, J. Allen.
vhe,R. Woods. ANTWERPS.—Cock or Hen.—l, T. Wilson. 2, T. Chandler. 8,J.
Kendrick. vhe, C. F. Herrieff. ANY oTHER VaRtETY.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 8,
H. Yardley. 2, R. Woods. Spuuine CxLass.—Cock or Hen.—l, W. Nottage.
2, W. Woolley,\un. 8,J. Chandler. Locau Cuass.—Cock or Hen,—1, Special,
and 2, W. Daniels. 8, G. Loverock. Special, S. Bromwich.

RABBIT3S.—Lop-Ear.—Buck or Doe.—1 and Special, J. Cranch. 2% C. E.
Thompson, 8, W.J. Coley. vhc, B. Toms, J. Holt, T. S. Barrows, W. J. Coley.
T. C. Balls, R. Webb. DutrcH.—Buck or Doe.—1 and Special, T. Lomath,
2, A. W. Whitehouse. 8,G. Viner. vic, T. C. Beasley, J. Foulds, T. C. Balls.
Himatayan.—Buck or Doe—1, B. Robinson. 2, J. Tebbutt. 8, J. E. Alcot.
SILVER-GREY.—Buck or Doe.—1, H. BE. Gilbert. 2, R. B. Newsom. 8, E. Pepper.
vhe, G. C. Livett, F. Purser, T. & H. Duck, B. Robinson. BELGIAN HarE.—
Buck or Doe.—1, G. Viner. 2,J. Pilgrim. 8,H. Barham. vhe,J. Fotherby, G.
Viner, Rev. T. C. Beasley. ANY OTHER VaRtETY.—Buck or Doe,—l, E. Pepper.
2, H. E. Gilbert. 8, S. Taylor. vhc, Rey T. C. Beasley. SELLING CLAss,—
Buck or Doe —1, Rev. T. C. Beasley. 2,J. Fould. 8, R. 8. Newsom. vhe, Rev.
T. C. Beasley, S. Taylor, B. Robinson. Locan CLuass.—Common.—Buck or Doe.
—1l and Special, A. G. Price. 2, F. Fryer. 8, W. Saunders. y

CATS.—SHORT-HAIRED.—Male or Female.—1 and Special. F. Wright. 2, Mrs.
Salmon. 8, H.Aldwinkle. vhc, C. Anderson. Lona-HatrED.—Male or Female.
—1,— Hill, 2, Mrs. Cary. Loca Cxiass.—l, W. Saunders. 2,G. Tyrell. 3, EH.
Knight.

Jupce,—Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds.

APIARIAN NOTES.

1, Iam sorry to have misunderstood Mr. Hunter’s description
of the ‘‘ Root” sectional super, but I think it was not unnatural.
Certainly he will not say it was wilful, Ho has kindly sent me
a@ specimen of one of the sectionals. It is very neatly made,
and can be put together in a minute, but it is even smaller than
those advocated and sold by Abbott Brothers. Time alone will
decide which are the most useful, those or a larger type, as they
come into more frequent use.

2, “O. B.” seems to think he has made a discovery in finding
that ‘‘ bees remove honey.’”’ But who doubted it, or has denied
it? What Mr. Pettigrew asserts but has not proved to the
satisfaction of his sceptical friends, is that bees ‘‘make” honey,
gorging and disgorging themselves, and again regorging and
disgorging by a double process. That isa very different thing.

3, Since the 25th May matters have considerably improved in
my own apiary. Honey is now seen in some hives, even in
supers, but still not in any great quantity. Certainly, I never
recollect so little honey stored by the 21st of June. Our only
chance now lies with the white clover. If that supply fails, this
year will be as disastrous as any I can recollect since I began to
keep bees in Somersetshire nineteen years ago.

4, I see that return swarms are not uncommon this year.
Three instances of such have occurred to myself—one first swarm,
and two very strong casts. One of your correspondents has had
a like experience.

5, A curious instance of piping several days after swarming
has occurred to me quite recently. I should like to knowif such
experience is common. A cast which swarmed on the 18th of
June (a very large one), was distinctly observed to have a piping
queen 60 late as the 23rd. It had been heard on the 21st. This
proves conclusively that piping does not proceed only from im-
prisoned princesses, as used to be stated. ‘The first swarm out of
the parent stock somehow lost its queen in the act of swarming.
This was one of the swarms that returned home. But only a
portion of the swarm so returned; a considerable number of
the bees (several thousands, in fact) entered an adjoining hive,
which had swarmed some days previously. My belief is, that
the queen entered this hive by mistake, and must have been
killed, because both the hives were piping some days after, and
both sent out casts with young queens. I should state that the

24

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 5, 1877.

cast above mentioned also returned to the parent hive. I there-
fore drove out the whole population the same day, thus com-
pelling them to swarm. To make sure that they had a queen,
and to diminish risk of failure, I cut outa piece of comb and
gave them a royal cell in a super, out of which there issued a
queen some hours later in the day. This may explain the piping.
Probably both princesses lived together for several days and
were aware of each other’s existence.—B. & W.

THE UTILISATION OF CONDEMNED STOCKS.

Mr. Perricrew in his very able article of Jane 21st, in which
he shows how the swarming system with fixed combs may be
carried to the highest perfection, makes the following state-
ment :—‘‘If the best of the three hives be selected for a stock,
and have the bees of the other two united to it, we obtain for

another year a stock hive of surpassing worth and power.” This, .

no doubt, is correct if it be done in the autumn when most of
the added bees would survive to the following spring. But is it
correct if the bees be driven and added the end of July? Our
honey harvest in these parts, as in many others, ends about the
18h of July, which would consequently be the proper time to
drive condemned stocks. Would it be any good to unite these
to other stocks with a view to strengthening them for the follow-
ing season ? If not, would it be worth while to defer taking the
honey of condemned stocks two months later, say the first week
in October 2? Would the strength given to the hives to which
they were added compensate for the loss of the honey they would
consume during those two months ?

This is a very important question, and one on which I should
like to have the opinion of others as well as Mr. Pettigrew.
Condemned bees in July would, no doubt, answer admirably for
building up into stocks by sugar-feeding; but the question is
the value of uniting them to other stocks.—O. B.

BEEK MANAGEMENT—DRIVING.

For the encouragement of beginners like myself in bee-
management I beg to give you an account of my first attempt at
“advanced”? bee-keeping. I bought in March this year two
stocks for £1 and 12s.; the former weighing 32 lbs. hive and
board, and the latter 36 los. They were bothin old straw skeps,
small and rotten. On the 25th of MayI took an artificial swarm
of 4 lbs. of bees from the 12s. hive, and put it into a straw hive
14 by 12. Ifed them for a few days, and now (June 25th) the
hive is three parts full of comb, and I can see young bees coming
out. On the 12th of June, and for two days previous, I heard
distinctly three queens piping in the old hive, so I determined
to tarn a second swarm out. This I did into a common hive,
shook them into a 14-inch hive, and then put a ten-bar frame
hive onit. Inverted guide comb was fixed to each frame, and
after putting a cloth round and drumming awhile I left them all
night, but not before I heard princess No.1 piping in the frame
hive ; and on going to listen to the old stock I heard that
princess No. 2 had been liberated, and that piping was being
carried on by two only. Next morning I found the bees had
gone into the frame hive, and now nearly all the frames are
filled with comb. The bees that were left in the stock remained
a few days longer, when I drummed them out, caught the queen,
and divided the remainder amongst my other hives.

The other stock hive (cost £1) I tried to swarm artificially on
the 26th of May, but the bees all went back; so I tried again on
the 31st of May and succeeded, getting a capital swarm, which
has more than three-parts filled a 14-by-12 hive. -The stock
remained for twenty days, and then I turned it out into a
Similar hive, and now itis working well. So that out of my two
stocks I have four good hives in a forward state, and not a bit
of oldcomb. Being near the heather, I shall if all is well geta
fair harvest of honey, though I do not intend putting uown
either of my stocks this autumn, as I want to keep four at least
over the winter, and shall content myself with supers and side
combs for my honey this season.

My artificial swarming was laughed at by all the bee-cages,
but now they see that I am ahead of them they are beginning
to see that there is something init. If my experience should
encourage any timid ones I shall be glad. I may say that though
I do not use a bee-dress of any description I have not been stung
in any “driving” operation, having driven several others be-
sides my own.—R. G., Kendal.

OUR LETTER BOX.

BEES CLUSTERED ON Foot-Boarp (J. Smith).—Bees should not be al-
lowed to hang in clusters for weeks outside their hives, as it is a waste of
time. We advise you to swarm them artificially, or give them room by
enlarging their hive. Artificial swarming has been often described in our
Journal. If you try the artificial mode you will find it is very simple and
satisfactory. Blow some smoke from fastian rags into your hive, litt it from
its board, and place it on the ground, bottom up; place your swarm hive on
it, roll a cloth round the junction of the hives, drum on the bottom (full)

hive for four minutes, then place both hives on separate boards some feet or
yards on either side of the old stand. This is artificial swarming, and it isa
most useful and valuable invention. We are about to swarm some hives
in the same way.

Maxine Straw Hives (Novice).—By examining a straw hiye you may
learn how they are made. A young gardener in this neighbourhood was
anxious to learn how to make them. He took a hive and undid the stitching,
bit by bit, from bottom to top. He needed no more teaching, both he and
his father became experts in building excellent straw hives Hives are made
of straw stitched with cane or bramble briars. A tube about 5 or 6 inches
long and 1 inch wide is used to keep the strawinrolls. The tube is kept
fall of straight straw by feeding it at one end, and the stitching takes place

at the other end. No handy man can fail in making good straw hives after
the first trial.

Bees SELF-WILLED—THE SWARM-CATCHER (Novice).—When bees swarm
naturally they choose @ spot beforehand and go there. If they resolve to
alight in your neighbour's garden nothing can be done to prevent them,
except the adoption of artificial swarming. The American swarm-catcher i3
used to prevent two swarms coming off at the same time from going to-
gether or becoming one. This swarm-catcher is a kind of square sack of thin
material, and is placed around the mouth of the hive when the bees begin
swarming. They rush pell-mell into the sack, and may be hived at con-
venience; but the mode of artificial syarming which we follow is far better,
and can be done with less trouble than the use of the swarm-catcher.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CaMDEN SQuARE, LONDON.
Lat. 51° 3240” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Dats, 9 A.M. In THE Day.

1877. |2¢ .| Hygrome-| S¢ |S. .|Shade Tem-| Radiation | 3

June g Sn 3 ter. ey Fal as 3 perature. |Temperature.|

and |G.355 ae |B5= In On

Oo Lal -”
July. |2+%7| Dry.| Wet.) AS |e Max.| Min.| sun. |grass:
Inches.| deg. deg. deg. | deg. | deg. ; deg. | deg./ In.
We. 27 | 80073 | 59.7 | 574 | N.W. | 62.8 | 72.4 | 549 | 122.1 51.2 _—
Th. 28 | 30.253 | 660 | 56.2 | N.W. | 629 | 78.9 | 48.4 125.0 | 418 —:
Fri. 29 | 80.246 | 70.2 | 59.6 W. 65.0 | 846 | 56.3 1286 | 52.6 —
Sat, 30 | 80.199 | 69.3 |.63.2 | S.W. | 65.6 | 8.2 | 55.3 181.0 51.0 =>
Sun. 1 | 3).029 | 60.0 | 584 | N.W. | 63.8 | 635 | 60.0 90.2 | 60.0 | 0.843
Mo. 2 | 29,999 | 65.3 | 58.7 | N.W. | 631 | 74.4 | 51.8 | 120.0 | 49.0 =
Tu. 8 | 80.015 | 63.7 | 57.0 Ww. 62.6 | 71.8 | 49.6 | 123.4 | 47.3 | 0638
Means| 80.116 | 649 | 58.6 64.3 | 75.1 | 53.8 | 120.0 50.4 | 0.98L
REMARKS.
27th.—Rain in the morning, sunshine after 9.15 4.mM., rest of the day fine and
bright.

28th.—Fine all day, and much warmer.
29th.—Another fine summer day, much hotter than the day before it.
30th.—Clear bright morning, cloudy at times in the afternoon, a sprinkle of
rain in the evening.
1st.—Dull early, rain began at 9 a.m. and fell heavily for some time; after-
part of the day very fine and rather less hot.
2nd.—Rather dull, but pleasant from there being a nice breeze, rendering it
quite cool at night.
8rd.—Wind rather fresh and pleasant in morning, a few-drops of rain about
noon; thunder about 4 P.M.,and again frequent with lightning between
5 and 6, with a heavy but short shower; very bright and sunny by 6.30,
and rain again at 7.30, and tremendous hailstorm from 8.4 to 8.7 P.m.,
the stones nearly spherical, crystalline, averaging a quarter of an inch
in diameter, but some were over three-quarters of an inch in diameter.
Leaves very much cat, bedding plants qaite disfigured.
No special feature calling for notice except the above-mentioned hailstorm.
—G. J, Symons. :

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Juty 4.
TRADE remains quiet at last week’s quotations.

FRUIT.
s. d. sd. 5. d. 5. a
Apples.......... }sieve 0 Oto0 0} Melons.......... each 8 Oto8 0
Apricots .. -- dozen 16 38 0O| Nectarines ... dozen 12 30 0
Cherries .. lb. 1 0 8 O/} Oranges... #10010 0 16 O
Chestnuts bushel 0 0 9 0} Peaches.. -- dozen 8 0 80 0
Currants jeieve 0 0 O 0O| Pears,kitchen.. dozen 0 0 0 0
Black $sieve 0 0 0 0 dessert ....... dozen 020 0O QO
Figs ...... dozen 6 0 18 0 | Pine Apples. lb. 20 5 0
Filberts = Ib. 0 O O OO} Plums.... tsieve 00 0 0
Cobs 56 lb. 1 0 1 6) Raspberries.... Ib. 0 0 0 0
Gooseberries ..} bushel 8 6 4 6) Strawberries .. lb. 0 6 2 0
Grapes, hothouse Ib. 2 0 10 0} Walnuts. A 50 8 0
Lemons ....... - $100 6 0 10 0! ditto... 00 00
VEGETABLES.

s.d. s.d. s.d. 8. ad
Artichokes...... dozen 3 0Oto6 0} Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2to0 4
AsparaguS..--.- #100 8 0 6 0} Onions ........ bushel 0 0 O O
Beans, Kidney... #100 10 2 0 pickling ....... quart 0 4 0 6
50 1 6 8 0} Parsley.... doz.bunches 2 0 0 0
0 9 1 6/}-Parsnips.. -- dozen 00 00
10 2 0} Peas...... quart 2 6 4 0
0 6 O 8| Potatoes... bushel 2 6 4 6
lu 20 Kidney bushel 3 0 5 @
MG ey New ....c..--0 Ib, 0 2 0 6
2 0 4 0| Radishes.. dozbunches 1 0 1 6
Celery 1 6 2 O| Rhubarb........ bundle 0 6 1 0
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0] Salsafy .... bundle 09 10
Cucumbers .... each 0 6 1 6) Scorzonera bundle 10 0 0
Endive .. dozen 1 0 2 U| Seakale .. basket 0 0 0 0
Fennel.. buoch 0 8 O 0} Shallots.. lb. 0 8 0 6
Garlic.. lb. 0 6 O O} Spinach.. bushel 2 6 4 0
Herbs .. bunch 0 2 O 0} Turnips bunch 0 0 00
Lettuce dozen 10 2 0 new .... bunch 0 9 2 0
Leeks ...... .- bunch 0 4 O O| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 0 0 O

Mushrooms.,... pottle 16 2 0

July 12, 1877. |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day | Average Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s | Clock | Day |
Month Week. | JULY 12—18, 1877. Temberavare near | Rises. | Sets. | Rives, | Sets Age. peters yon
| Day. |Night.{Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| h. m.| bk. m.| Days./ m. a.

OVA ACCecH | We woastlejandlKileby/ Show: ee | os | eoa) $59] 8 ia) 5 ge) 9 26) 2 | 6 at | 188
18 | F Helensburgh (Roses) Show. 16.1 | 514 | 68.7 | 4 0] 8 11] 7 12| 9 48 8 5 28 | 194
14 8s 74.5 | 50.5 | 62.5 4 1 8 10 8 42) 9 57 4 5 385 | 195
15 | Sun | 7 Sunpay arrer Trinity. Sr. SWITHEN. 766 | 50.7 | 63.7 | 4 2/ 8 9/10 9/10 10 5 5 41 | 196
16 | M [mittees at 11 a.m. Newton Stewart (Roses) Show. | 76.0 | 50.1 | 63.0 | 4 4/ 8 8/11 33 | 10 23 6 5 47 | 197
17 | Tu | Royal Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com-| 74.3 | 513 | 628 | 4 5) 8 7| 0a56| 10 87 »)) 5 52 | 198
18 | WwW National Carnation and Picotee Show. 74.7 | 50.2 | 625 | 4 6] 8 6/ 2 19/10 55 8 5 67 | 199

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.3°; and its night temperature |

{

ROSES AS CLIMBERS UNDER GLASS.

NDER favourable circumstances Roses can
be equally as well grown for a time in the
open air as under glass; but everyone who
has grown a Rose out of doors knows with
regret how short a time the blooms remain
perfect, and in many instances they never
reach that state, asa day’s strong wind or a
few hours’ heayy rain frequently destroys

a Rose-grower has taken refuge in the wind
and rain as an excuse for not “getting a place” in the
prize list. Roses under glass have none of these adver-
sities to contend with ; they open without spot or blemish,
and nothing whatever need mar their beauty from first
to last.

It is not, however, at the height of the Rose season
out of doors, such as the present time, that indoor climb-
ing Roses could be placed advantageously against those
out of doors. But there is a time when outdoor Roses

are no more ornamental than the bare stakes or walls |
that support them, when climbing Roses under glass |

appear in all their glory. In February, March, and

April every greenhouse or conservatory may be rendered |
beautiful to look at and delightful in fragrance by a few |
Roses are valued at all times according |

climbing Roses.
to their abundance and time of blooming, but if there is
one time more than another at which they are justly
esteemed it is in the early spring months.

The proper places for Roses under glass are up the
rafters, around pillars, and against dead walls, and any
other convenient position excepting the entire roof of the
house. This affords shade for the plants in summer, but
it is unhealthy for them in the spring. Ihave never seen
any Rose shown to greater advantage than when trained
right across the rafters in a large house and the branches
all bent downwards, with crowds of newly-formed buds,
half-opened blooms, and fully-expanded flowers ; no other
plant is capable of making a display to equal this in
loveliness. Hybrid Perpetual Roses are often used as
climbers out of doors. I cannot remember seeing them
do well under glass. The Roses best adapted for climbing
indoors are the Bourbons, Tea-scented, and the Noisettes.
Before speaking of varieties, however, I had better start
at the beginning of their culture, and let less important
matters follow.

_ To grow Roses to perfection as climbers under glass
it is not necessary to have a well-heated house; on the
contrary, they thrive excellently in houses where all the
heat comes from a brick fiue, and this barely sufficient to
keep the temperature above the freezing point when there
is 10° or 12° of frost. This is a matter worth remember-
ing; and having settled that they will grow luxuriantly
in any temperature between 30° and 50°, the roots must
next be provided for. It requires some care to establish
climbing Roses, but once this is accomplished they will
stand like forest trees; and it is worth observing that
after this they seldom or never die-off, and when not
No, 850.—Vo. XXXIII., New Serres,

the hopes of would-be exhibitors, and many |

| restricted the stems often grow to an immense thickness
and the branches cover a large space.

No great success will attend growing climbing Roses
in pots under glass, but they will do well in large boxes
where they cannot be planted in a border or bed. Much
the best way of growing them, however, is by planting
them out; their roots need not be under glass, for, like

| Vines, they do well in outside borders, the stems being
| taken inside through holes in the wall. Each Rose should
| have space at least 3 feet square and deep, filled with
good soil to grow in, and if more than this can be given
so much the better. When the ground is not naturally
| porous 6 inches of broken stones must be placed in before
| the soil, which may consist of loam and decayed cow
dung. When the plants have been in pots previously they
| may be turned into this at any time of the year; but ‘t
|is hardly worth while to remove a large tree from the
| open air under glass with the hopes of having any desired
| space quickly covered. It is very much the best to begin
with small plants with a few shoots about a foot long.
| It is perfectly surprising the progress these little plants
make in a short time. A sprig of Maréchal Niel that
was planted three or four months ago had one or two
small growths about the length of your finger, and it has
now strong thick shoots 7 and 8 feet long. During the
growing season they require abundance of water, also
liquid manure. This remark applies from the time they
are planted until the end of their existence.

As to training, it must entirely be regulated by ths-
space there is to cover. In one case it may be desirabls
to take up one or two stems a long distance, in another
| instance a crowd of them may be wanted not far from
the root; but this much may be said which applies in
all cases—never overcrowd the shoots.

Mildew sometimes attack Roses under glass: sulphur-
ing the leaves is a sure cure for this pest. Green fly
is the more troublesome. Small houses may be fumi-
gated, but in large houses where there is nothing else
wants cleaning it will not pay to do this; and then a
never-failing remedy is to dust the affected parts with
tobacco powder and let it remain on the leaves for a day
or two.

I never saw climbing Roses benefited by being pruned
hard or too closely in; it robs them of their gracefulness-.
and chance of blooming profusely. The shoots may be
thinned-out or cut-back whenever they are getting out
of bounds. There is another object for which climbing.
Roses may be introduced under glass. Many have to
grow Roses simply to supply cut flowers; they do not-
then need to be trained in a select place in the conserva—
tory, but be planted in any out-of-the-way houses where-
there is room for them.

Respecting varieties best adapted for the work, I do not
think there ever will be a Rose raised to equal, far less
surpass, Maréchal Niel. In depreciation of a sameness
in an old-fashioned flower garden Pope says—

“ Grove nods to grove; each alley has its brother;
One half the garden just reflects the other ;”

but I do not think any person would ever have cause to
No, 1502.—Vou. LYIII,, Onp SERIES.

26

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ July 12, 1877.

complain of the Maréchal being ‘“‘ same,” although both sides
of two or three span-roofed houses might be covered with it
on the roof. I have known some people to have had thousands
of blooms of it out at the same time, but I never yet heard a
word about there being too many. It is asserted that it does
not do well or live long on the Manetti stock. I know it does
capitally on its own roots.

Other good Roses in the same class for climbing indoors are
Céline Forestier, canary yellow, fine form; Madame Caroline
Kuster, light lemon; Jaune Desprez, pink; Aimée Vibert, pure
white ; Cloth of Gold is an effective name, but that, as a rule, is
the best of it. When used in a cut state all these Roses should
be cut by the time they are half open. Another Rose worthy of
@ place next the Maréchal is Gloire de Dijon. It grows and
blooms freely, and its buff-orange flowers are of great sub-
stance. This is a Tea-scented Rose; and amongst these there
are some lovely Roses for climbing, I will only name a few.
Clotilde, white and pink; Madame Falcot, rich orange; Perle
de Lyon, nearly as good in colour as Maréchal Niel, but not
so free in growth; Marie Van ‘Houtte, white; Madame Mar-
gottin, beautiful yellow and pink; Devoniensis is superb in
the bud, but the blooms are not produced freely enough to
warrant its being recommended.

Those who have climbing Roses under glass should now
keep them clean and train the shoots thinly; for it is by good
attention given at this period of the year that blooms—some
gorgeous, some lovely—are eventually produced.—J. Murr.

WATER.

THE gardener who hath a full supply of water and ample
means for its distribution among his parched crops in this
hot weather is a man in the enjoyment of great privileges ;
let him be thankful and murmur not because he lacketh other
‘things which are as trifles in comparison. Do you not agree
with me, brother blue-aprons? and is not the very sight of my
title refreshing in this droughty time, to say nothing of the
copious supply of the precious fluid itself, which I most heartily
wish was at the disposal of every one of you? for I am well
aware from dearly-bought experience how badly many gardens
are supplied with water; and it is with an earnest wish to
assist those who may be now having to contend with the diffi-
culties arising from such an unsatisfactory state that I now
refer to the subject.

To promote that free, strong, succulent growth in vegetables
which is so desirable it is necessary that the soil be moist as
well as rich—a condition of things which it is often difficult to
maintain during a period of drought, moisture then escaping
from the soil by evaporation with such rapidity that a crop
may be spoilt, if not lost outright, through a few days’ inat-
tention to what is going on, and neglect in the prompt applica-
tion of the most simple remedy of all—plenty of water. There
is, however, something very unsatisfactory in this constant
pouring-on of water—this daily contest with the drought, the
surface of the soil: becoming so washed and hardened that
soon the water will not enter freely until the soil has been
broken up or stirred with hoes. To meet this difficulty and
in a great measure overcome it, the first good drenching with
water should be followed immediately by a surface-dressing of
rough leaf soil, old hotbed or any half-decayed manure, which
tends so materially to check evaporation, that a weekly, or
even a fortnightly, watering does more good than the daily
-one without surface-dressing, for the palpable reason that no
hitch occurs in the food supply of the crop, the moisture-
laden soil promoting that steady process of decay in the ma-
nures stored up in it, and the absorption of the fertilising
gases, which are thus constantly permeating the soil: hence
arises a free strong growth and a full and perfect development
of tuber, root, fruit, flower, or seed—whatever property for which
each crop is cultivated for is obtained; the truest economy of
time and labour exemplified, and, best of all, the glorious sum-
mer weather is turned to full account instead of being wasted
or suffered to destroy those crops to which it is so truly bene-
ficial when supplemented by skilful and timely culture.

However carefully and well water may be applied a large
quantity is quite certain to be wanted in every garden during
summer; prompt measures should therefore be taken to remedy
any deficiency in the supply. Storage must be resorted to if
there is no such perennial source as a spring on a higher level
than the garden, or a hydraulic ram throwing up water from
a valley. A garden that is unprovided with some such means
of combating the evils attendant upon a hot dry season may

fairly be termed quite behind the age, and in such instances
it is certainly most unfair, to say the least, to expect either
fruit, vegetables, or flowers in perfection.

No doubt there are hundreds of gardens having neither an
elevated spring nor a stream in a valley near them, but I quite
fail to see why any one of them should be without an abundant
supply of rain water accumulated during autumn, winter, and
spring in ponds or tanks—ponds being altogether preferable,
as they are less expensive, and the water is fully exposed to
sun and air. If Iam asked how the ponds are to be filled, a
variety of ways immediately present themselves to the mind.
The house itself and every outbuilding should have shooting
and gutters to convey the rainfall to drains, such drains being
carried under walks having gratings and connections at the
sides. Then, too, the very land itself may be drained and the
main drains made to empty into a pond. And remember that
pond-making is not an expensive afiair, even when done upon
a dead level; for by turning the soil which we excavate to
account for raising the sides the required depth is soon reached,
the most expensive part of the business being the puddling,
which it is usually necessary to do in order to prevent waste
from soakage through the sides and bottom.

To raise the water thus accumulated to a higher level a
force-pump will be necessary: Ihave used a cheap and simple
form of pump for sewage very successfully for the last three
years, and hope soon to give a sketch of its fittings; but I
may now say that with it one man can with two strokes draw
up the sewage from a depth of 10 feet and force it through
some 200 feet of piping to an elevation of 25 feet, and as the
specific gravity of sewage must be considerably greater than
that of clear water a similar apparatus could of course be
used for the latter. Whensucha pump is used let it always be
placed immediately over a cistern or close by the pond, so as
to force the water through the greater length of piping, and to
draw it through such a short length only as is necessary to
reach nearly to the pond bottom.—Epwarp LUcKHURST.

THE DEGENERATION OF ROSES.

THE question as to the degeneration of Roses is one that
requires much consideration before you can come to any de-
finite conclusion about it, and most people have been too busy
lately in their gardens to spare time for the contemplative
part of horticulture. In the first place, is it admitted as a
fact that the Roses mentioned have degenerated? If they
have, it might be possible to account for it in other ways than
those suggested by your able correspondent ‘‘ HEREFORDSHIRE
Incumpent.”” Many of them are grown in small holes at the
edges of luwns, which never suits them well (if Roses are
wanted at the edges of lawns there ought to be a narrow con-
tinuous bed of earth), and others are perhaps over-stimulated
in their earlier years. In either case the buds propagated
would be liable to degenerate. With regard to Géant des
Batailles, I think it has been surpassed by the newer varieties.
I have looked over Mr. Darwin’s interesting remarks on bud:
variation in his ‘‘ Plants and Animals under Domestication,”
but have not been able to find any allusion to the propagation
of the Rose by budding on the Briar stock as a cause of dege-
neration. It may be in some other work. He says a great
deal about the necessity of changing seed and procuring plants
from other places to prevent their degenerating, and I have
experienced the same thing with regard to Strawberries pro-
pagated from runners. I can quite understand the Rose
suffering if propagated for a long time from buds grown in the
same garden, particularly if not a suitable soil; but if grown
with proper care and a change of buds procured occasionally
I think there is a very long lease of lifé before most of our
favourites. I think the propagation of Roses by budding is
not a parallel case to the propagation of plants by self-fer-
tilisation ; in the former case you have a continual change of
stock, and as the bud grows it is merely an extension of a
former growth. It may be influenced for good or eyil by the
previous stocks by means of which its life has been extended,
but most likely not in the same way as a self-fertilised plant.
Some of our Apples have been propagated by grafts for hun-
dreds of years, and are as good as ever they were. It is true
Knight thought there was a limit to their duration, and that
some of them had nearly reached that limit; but other autho-
rities, amongst whom I believe was Mr. Rivers, had doubts on
the subject, and seemed to think their career might be almost
indefinitely prolonged, and I am rather inclined to take that
view of the Rose.

July 12, 1877. |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 27

In looking through Mr. Darwin’s book before mentioned two
or three years ago a valuable idea occurred to me with regard
to budding the Rose. I have frequently been annoyed in
looking over the Rose trees to find some that throw up a lot
of blooms crowded together almost as bad as the hen-and-
chickens Daisy, and Madame Boll was a great offender in that
way. Sometimes you could scarcely find a single Rose to
gather. ‘ Why not cut them off?’ suggested a friend, but I
could neyer make up my mind which buds to cut off; so they
all remained, and sometimes were so crowded together that
they never could bloom properly. There was occasionally a
shoot with a single bloom, and the idea occurred to me that if
buds were taken from that shoot and propagated the evil would
be remedied ; instead of which, by cutting off the single blooms
and leaving only the other shoots to bud from, the objection-
able features were extended by a species of non-natural selec-
tion and the survival of the least fit. I have had a few Roses
budded in the way suggested, and there certainly is an im-
provement in the right direction, but I have not gone far
enough yet to warrant it as a cure, and intended to continue
the experiment this year and let you know the result in the
Journal; but as it would be two years longer before I could
say much about the result I give your readers the benefit of
the idea now, and hope it will prove of service to them.—
Amateur, Cirencester.

FORCING VIOLETS.

ViotETs do not force well, for they delight in coolness,
moisture, and air. Any approach to a close atmosphere or a
high and dry temperature is fatal. In a house, however, kept
at a moderate temperature, the plants will, if placed near the
glass and well ventilated, afford a quantity of their fragrant
flowers with certainty in winter and spring. To have Violets
during those seasons preparations must begin early, and that
is why I allude to the subject now. In growing Violets in
» pots there is more than one way of doing it. We may pot the
rooted runners or suckers in early summer, be at much trouble
in watering them and taking off runners, and after all have
a harvest of leaves only; or we may pot in late summer plants
with poor crowns, having suffered from drought and its con-
comitant red spider, and also fail; and we may introduce plants
with the best of crowns to a warm and close atmosphere and
fail again. My failures in growing Violets in pots were formerly
signal, but now my efforts are successful. Bunches of flowers
were at command from cold pits from October to April in-
elusive. Very welcome are bunches of Violets, but some like
to see the flowers upon the plants, and the plants grown in
pots. What more acceptable than a stand having a panful of
Lily of the Valley in the centre, and blue sweet Violets sur-
rounding? Well-bloomed plants of Violets in pots are always
appreciated, and to obtain them is one of the simplest practices
' in horticulture. ,

Violets in pots are grown in two ways—namely, as single
Specimens and in masses. Single specimens are had by
planting even now rooted runners or suckers in an open
situation, watering copiously in dry weather, and keeping
free of weeds and runners. In September we lift the plants
carefully and pot in 7-inch pots, though 8-inch pots are not
too large for well-developed, crowns. The pots must be effi-
ciently drained with one fiat crock and about an inch depth
of charcoal. Sound loam one-half, a quarter of old cow dung,
and a quarter of leaf soil well mixed together forms a good
compost. It is no use huddling the roots into a heap in the
centre of the pot and cramming the soil around them, but
work it in among the roots and make moderately firm. Give
a good watering, and place on ashes in a cold frame. Shade
from bright sun, and keep rather close for a week or ten days,
and then admit sir freely day and night except in frosty
weather. Remove the old leaves as they turn yellow, and any
time after the middle of October the plants may be moved to a
shelf in a light house, and if air be passing over them they will
flower freely. The temperature must not exceed 50° by day
from fire heat. Any cool house from which frost is excluded
will answer admirably, air being plentifully admitted in mild
weather. The plants will require to be kept well supplied with
water and liquid manure. The best that can be given is soot
water, one peck to thirty gallons of water, which may be given
at every alternate watering. Soot water is not only a valuable
stimulant for the plants, but is a preventive of red spider.

Such kinds as Czar and Victoria Regina will require 7 or
8-inch pots, but small growers such as Queen will do in 6-inch,

whilst Neapolitan and its vars. New York, Marie Louise, &.,
will do well in 5-inch pots, and the Double Russian and its
vars. King and Double Red (Viola suavis rubra flore-pleno),
one of the best for pots, will succeed in 4 or 5-inch pots. The
very finest of all the singles is Victoria Regina. I make
mention of those only in commerce, for it is surpassed by
Prince Consort, and if a white single companion be wanted
there is none equal to White Czar. These are the earliest,
commencing blooming with certainty in October; and a double
to come in at the same time is New York with the true Nea-
politan. All the others will not flower until after Christmas,
but they may be had somewhat earlier by forwarding them in
the gentle temperature above named. It is well, however, to
keep them in frames until well advanced for flowering. They
should be kept in the frames until drafted into the house for
flowering. I may mention Blandyana as a fine double Violet
and a continuous bloomer, also Devoniensis, blue, single va-
riety, very sweet.

The next mode of growing Violets in pots may be an old
practice. I gained the hint from some pots received from
Paris. The pots were crammed with crowns not more than
an inch apart, and the condition of their roots lead to the
conclusion that they had only recently been ‘‘ done up.” They
were, in fact, neither more nor less than rooted runners, such
as Mr. Lee told us in this Journal how to manage in order
to raise-up a stock and bring-out their floriferous character.
Now, instead of cutting-off the runners as advised for speci-
mens, permit them to grow until they commence forming a
crown at their extremity, then take out a little soil and lay the
wire for 2 or 3 inches of its length next the crown, leaving
that or the extremity of the runner above ground, and secure
with a peg. The runners are left on the parents until the
middle of September, when they are carefully taken up and
potted. Place the rooted runners an inch apart all around
the inside of the rim of the pot, and then fill-in the centre,
working the soil well among the roots, all crowns being placed
on a level and just above the soil. A 6-inch pot will not hold
more than a dozen crowns of such kinds as Victoria Regina,
whilst it will accommodate two dozen of Neapolitan vars.
and Y. suavis vars. They must not be potted ‘ hard;” the
right mode is to fill-up the interstices just close—no more,
for we want the roots to run and to allow water to percolate
freely through the mass. If placed in a frame, and kept
close and shaded from sun for a week or ten days, they will
soon be established. Ifthe weather be moist it answers to
place the pots on ashes at the north side of a low wall or fence
for about a fortnight, but they are best in a frame. When
rightly managed nothing can exceed these masses in the
freshness of their foliage with the flowers peering above it,
or the buds peeping from it in modest beauty. The one
great point to be aimed at is not to allow the crowns before
potting to be crowded, they want air and light. They must
also be kept free from red spider; the foundation of having
Violets in spring is giving good attention to the plants in
summer—now.—G. ABBEY.

THE AIR-TIGHT VINERY.

Tuts vinery was invented to supersede the ground vinery,
with which I was never satisfied. It is pleasanter to walk
through an avenue of Vines than to look upon them on the
ground; besides, it is easier to prune the Vines and thin the
bunches. There is no fear of mildew, and the economy of
surface considerably greater; but the most important thing of
all is that the Grapes are thoroughly ripened early in the
season, and the building constructed at half the expense. My
vinery has been built about eight years. Itis a regular sun
trap, the temperature on hot days being often over 100°. The
principle is not to let in any external air; once a-day the path
and borders are watered. A leaf is never scorched.—OBSERVER.

RICHARDIA ATHIOPICA.

I navn had the Richardia growing and flowering most freely
for more than ten years in a small cemented tank about 8 feet
in diameterin my garden. When I first made the tauk I placed
a depth of 1 foot of common garden earth at the bottom,
planted in it a small clump of Richardia, and filled the pond
to the depth of 2 feet of water above the earth. The next year
I was given a large clump of Richardia which had been growing
in a border and not flowering well. This clump I divided into
two, and threw the pieces into the pond ortank., I have never

28 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 12, 1877.

given them the least care. The tank is frozen over nearly
every winter, sometimes for a fortnight at a time, but the
Richardias have increased till they have nearly filled the tank,
and at this present time I can count nearly forty blooms open,
very large and fine in colour and shepe. Last year and for
many years I have had nearly the same number, and the seeds
ripen and seedling plants are plentiful.—C. Braumont, Tenby.

THE COMMERCIAL VALUE OF THE ROSE.

OnE of the most marvellous features in the history of the
Rose is its commanding influence—the power it has of attract-
ing to itself the notice of almost all classes in this country.
As a result of this magnet-like influence which the Rose pos-
sesses and exerts, an industry of considerable, even surprising,
magnitude has become established. It will not be exceeding
the bounds of truth to say that no other flower commands the
attention and exercises the powerfully attractive foree that
the Rose does, simply because no other flower possesses in
combination the same qualities of variety, beauty, fragrance,
and hardiness.

The Rose is the floral emblem of this country. When and
by whom it was installed in that prominent position I know
not; but this I know, that it is worthy of the country, and I
think also the country is worthy of the Rose. Its right as
England’s emblem is unquestioned, its position undisputed,
and its qualities are admitted—in a word, it is the national
flower and receives the netion’s homage.

That this is so is evident by the extensive commerce in Roses,
so extensive as to reach into almost every village and hamlet
in the land, and which is spreading not only to other nations
of Hurope, but which has bridged the mighty Atlantic and
gained a footing where it has a right to be, among England’s
sons on American soil. The export trade in Roses has long
been great in France, and now a similar trade is great and
growing greatly in England.

What is the inquiry that arises in the minds of visitors to
the Rose-growing nurseries of England during the autumn
months? Is it not, Whence do all the Briars come? whither
do all the Roses go? This twin question is a very natural one,
for no one can note the thousands, even hundreds of thousands,
of Roses which are annually provided without some feeling of

curiosity being evoked and inquiry expressed as to their pro--

bable destination. The trade in Roses in England is indeed
a mighty trade; how great is not known. Examples of its
magnitude might be quoted; approximate numbers of the
Roses annually raised by the great Rose-growers—the special-
ists—might be given. This, however, would be obviously
undesirable, especially as it is not necessary to do so. A sufii-
cient instance of the extent to which Roses are grown is
gathered from the practice of a firm who are not Rose special-
ists, and who yet annually bud sixty thousand Briars and as
many Manetti stocks, and in addition purchase many more
Roses to meet the demand of their customers. There are
trade rosarians who prepare thrice that number of Roses, and
not only prepare them but sell them. So great was the demand
for Roses last autumn and winter that it was only by giving
early orders that purchasers could secure what they wanted—
good plants of particular varieties. One well-known nursery-
man, conceiving himself overstocked last autumn, sold five
thousand standards to a brother in the trade, and before the
planting season was over the vendor had to purchase seven
thousand at an enhanced price to execute the orders which
steadily poured in. Another nurseryman, on being asked the
question why he did not advertise his stock, gave as a reply
that he dare not do go, as he had orders for one hundred
thousand Roses on his books while the leaves were yet green
on the trees. Those are instances which suggest something of
the extent of the commercial value of Roses. The annual sale
of Roses in England is to be counted not merely by thousands
but by hundreds of thousands. There is little or no danger of
exaggerating in stating that the aggregate number of Roses
yearly propagated in England exceeds a million—that is, Roses
propagated for sale. It is more likely that three millions are
nearer the mark, since more than one grower has to be credited
with five hundred thousand. There are also many thousands
of plants imported annually from France. Thus the Rose trade
is a great industry, wherein thousands of pounds are invested,
in which hundreds of persons’ are employed, and to which a
great extent of land is devoted.

The amount of capital invested in land alone for the culti-
vation of Roses would be startling by its magnitude were it

possible to ascertain the sum total. Land selected is of the
best—the most valuable—land that is capable of growing food
in the greatest quantity and of the best quality, but it pays
better to grow Roses. Is there any stern utilitarian who thinks
it ig a mistake and a pity that land capable of producing
wholesome indispensable food should be devoted to the produc-
tion of a flower? Well, it is not a mistake. The land that
grows the greatest amount of money is the most profitable to
the nation, for money is condensed food—condensed every-
thing that is requisite for a country’s population. A consider-
able amount of money derived from the culture of Roses is
expended in labour—in the employment of skilled workers
and ordinary labourers. Whole families are thus directly sup-
ported by the Rose—families which are certainly numbered by
hundreds and almost as certainly by thousands. It is the
land occupied by Roses that grows the food for these thousands
as surely as if the food were gathered by the consumers of it
from the ground producing the Roses. We sometimes hear
it said by those who have little or no perception of beauty,
who possess no sentiment, but who live in a little matter-of-
fact world of their own, circumscribed by the cold bare walls
of prejudice, that there is ‘‘no good” in growing flowers and
in establishing and promoting flower shows. Let the great
and respectable portion of the community who derive their
livelihood from the industry of flower-growing and its corre-
lative flower-showing answer that question. The answer is
convincing, and initself unanswerable, that as there is ‘‘ beauty
in utility,” so also there is utility in beauty. Thus flowers
have a use, a matter-of-fact substantial use, and no one flower
is more ‘‘ useful’’—the word is used advisedly—than the Rose.

The cultivation of the Rose is commendable apart from the
utilitarian aspect of the question. Rose-growing affords con-
genial exercise for the educated and refined, and those who
are in a lesser degree educated and refined enter a school from
which they will learn much that is good when they enter the
school of the Rose. It has been said that the songs of a
nation exercise an influence equal to the nation’s laws, and
that the pleasures of a nation—the mode of recreation of a
people—is only a degree less important than its industry. In
that there is truth. The real character of a nation is better
and more truthfully ascertained from the manner in which it
plays than from the way in which it works. Work as such
is in its nature arbitrary, compulsory; recreation is voluntary,
natural. It is a hopefal sign, therefore, when the pleasures of
@ great portion of the community consist largely in the cul-
tivation of flowers. An engagement—a voluntary and ardent
engagement, in such a pursuit shows those who indulge in it
in their true colours, and tells in a manner which cannot be
mistaken of their peace-loving industrial character. The
work of those whose recreation is pure and salutary becomes
additionally cheerful, and cheerful work is profitable work.
England on a memorable occasion was once referred to re-
proachfally as a ‘‘nation of shopkeepers,’’ but it was the
peaceful industrial shopkeepers who broke a tyrant’s power
and laid a war king low. A band of soldiers was once regarded
as being feminine, their recreation was not of that coarser
kind where the intellect plays but a minor part; but it was
the ‘‘ milk-and-water ”’ contingent, the noble band of a noble
leader—Havelock, who in the hour of England’s need pre-
served the brightest jewel in our monarch’s crown.

Let, then, the recreation of flower culture pursue its onward
course, and let the industry of flowers—of the Rose as the
national fower—increase and its shows flourish. Les all who
can do so aid in this work, for the nature of it is good, and the
results will be beneficial.. Let Rose-growing as a trade—an
industry—expand, for on its prosperity depends in a great
measure the well-being and the domestic comfort of hundreds
of humble workers who are engaged in it, and who are indebted
to it for their daily bread. Let amateur growers of Roses
increase, and Rose shows prosper. Why do those growers cul-
tivate Roses? Because the occupation affords them pleasure
—wholesome healthy pleasure—and the blooms add happiness
to many happy homes, and gladden distant friends—it may
be sufferers in some hospital ward. Why do such growers
exhibit their Roses? Is it for gain? No. There can be no
gain, no money gain, in travelling hundreds of miles by night
and by day conveying their treasures to the exhibition tent or
hall to win a chance honour. But there is a gain—a coveted,
a cherished reward—of having afforded others the means of
sharing the gratification of the growers in enjoying the mag-
nificent blooms. Is not a pursuit so unselfish, s0 commend-
able, worthy of support? Are not Rose shows deserving of

July 12, 1877. ]

success? Does not the industry of the Rose merit prosperity ?
Nine-tenths of the readers of the Journal of Horticulture will
answer, ‘‘ Yes;’’ and I know, for I have the best means of know-
ing, that the Editors give a similar and emphatic answer.

Rose shows have done much and are capable of doing more
in increasing the industry of our national flower. An unity of
effort and an organisation of strength are only required to
achieve success. The National Rose Society affords the oppor-
tunity of much good being done in widening a source of
pleasure and in increasing an important branch of trade. To
what extent and in what manner the position may be im-
proved depends on the support that is given to local societies
and to the national head. Certainly the central Society is
capable of giving a great impetus to Rose culture, and it ought
to be placed in a position to provide two shows a-year, and to
give at least two medals annually as prizes of honour to be
won by members of affiliated societies. The intrinsic value
might not be great, but the honour of winning the Society’s
medal could hardly fail to be appreciated, and the more per-
fect and extensive cultivation of the national flower would be
thereby stimulated.—J. Wricut.

ASPASIA VARIEGATA.

THEe'name of Aspasia is derived from Aspazomai, I em-
brace, the labellum partly embracing the column of the flower.

Fig. 12.—Aspasia variegata.

It is a”native of the tropical part of South America. Dr.
Lindley received specimens of it for the first time from Mr.
Joseph Knight of the King’s Road in February, 1836, and
subsequently from Mr. Bateman. The flowers are deliciously
Sweet in the morning.

Mr. B. S. Williams states in the last edition of the ‘‘ Orchid-
Grower’s Manual,” that Aspasia lineata superba bloomed with
him last year, and he describes it as being very beautiful.
The Aspasias are dwarf-growing Orchids of easy culture.

MOUTAN OR TREE PAIONY.
__ WE are indebted to China for the Tree Peony, from whence
it was introduced in 1789. There are now many varieties of
this commanding flower. Sometimes in the spring I have

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 29

known the young growth and flower buds killed by the frost,
and to ensure good flowers they should have protection or a
very sheltered situation. They have a grand effect against a
wall, where they are easily protected by mats or branches of
fir; but to have them in perfection they should be grown
under glass. They may be either planted-out or kept in
pots. They are termed, hardy shrubs, but they are well
adapted for indoor work, and with care and very gentle forcing
they are useful for conservatory and other decoration in early
spring. Among the best of these Peonies are Peonia rosea
semi-plena, P. Banksii, P. carnea plena, P. albida plena,
P. globosa, and P. atropurpurea. They thrive in good loam,
peat, leaf soil, and grit. They require thorough drainage
when in free growth with a good supply of water, and are all
the better for weak liquid manure water. After flowering they
should be plunged in ashes in a rather shaded place. They
are increased by cuttings under glass, but I find the best mode
of increasing them is by layering. They are great favourites
with us, and are worthy of more extensive cultivation.—A. N.

THE WEST OF ENGLAND ROSE SHOW.
HEREFORD, JULY 67x.

Tue eleventh Exhibition of this popular and, comparatively
with others, venerable Rose Show, offering for open competition
nearly £200, was held at the above date in the Shire Hall of the
ancient city of Hereford. The building, all exhibitors and
visitors will allow, is exceedingly well adapted for the purpose
both from the shape and size ot its hall, the airiness and con-
venience of its corridor, side rooms, and vestibule, supplemented
for the occasion by a tent for dressing, and last, but decidedly
not least, for the glorious flood of light it becomingly sheds down
upon the varied hues of the legion-named family of the queen
of flowers. More than once, I may add, has ‘‘ WyLp Savace ”
affectionately alluded to this effect in the columns of “our
Journal.”

The number of exhibitors was not up to the standard of last
year, when almost every available inch of space had to be
utilised; nevertheless, the Exhibition was generally allowed to
be of unusual excellence. Many first-rate judges, indeed, who
were present expressed their admiration, and gave their opinion
that—whether for form, smoothness or size, colour or freshness
—they had never seen Roses surpassed, whether in the nursery-
men’s or amateurs’ division. Doubtless the late warm thunder-
storms had much to do in removing the charge of irregularity
and a certain coarseness under which blooms have as a rule to a
short time ago only too apparently laboured—a marked and un-
fortunately only too true characteristic of the season when late
frosts and cold nights have unpropitiously heralded-in the sum-
mer, leaving ill-conditioned results in mildewed and abortive
buds, except in some exceptionally favoured districts ineradi-
cable and permanent.

The most interesting feature of the Exhibition was the mect-
ing of Mr. Baker of Exeter, the hero of a hundred fights and
holder of countless cups, and the new favourite of Dame For-
tune, Mr. Jowitt of Hereford, the Rose-garlanded victor of
Wednesday’s well-foughten field in St. James’s Hall. Too much
praise cannot be awarded to Mr. Baker, who richly deserves his
nom de plume of ‘‘ Hercules” for his prowess in retrieving his
despoiled laurels against so powerful an adversary as Mr. Jowitt,
meeting him as he did at home quarters on his own vantage
ground, although it is only fair to add that stress of weather at
a critical period militated doubtless against that gentleman’s
success, a8 safe-travelling his grand Roses is one of his many
strong points and secrets of success.

In the open nurserymen’s division, Class 1, seventy-two single
trusses, in which £35 were offered for competition, and out of
which Herefordshire nurserymen were excluded, Mr. Cant of
Colchester, mirabile dictu, was the only competitor, but happily
that Rose giant was a host in himself—equal to the occasion and
worthy of his high reputation. Mr. Cant’s exhibit, which was a
feast of Roses indeed, contained marvellous blooms, among
others almost equally good, of Horace Vernet; Reynolds Hole,
not up to the mark generally (unlike its worthy prototype) this
season; Triomphe de France, a large flat Rose, which, although
strangely the premier seedling in its native country, has
already outlived its early fame, though as a charmingly sweet
and free-flowering variety it will be usefulin the garden ; Hippo-
lyte Jamain; Tea Madame Hippolyte Jamain, a Rose not to be
confounded with the good light Hybrid Perpetual of the same
name, and like it seemingly a promising variety ; Louise de Pey-
ronny, Mrs. Baker, very charming indeed, and well deserving
Wyrip Savace’s”” encomiums.

Ir the open class, seventy-two distinct varieties ; first prize
Messrs. Cranston & Co. This was a very grand exhibit, and
very hard it is to particularise. Attention may be called to
Elie Morel; Francois Michelon, finely exhibited everywhere this
season; Duke of Edinburgh; Sir Garnet Wolseley, a new Rose

30

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 12, 1877.

raised by the exhibitor, well keeping up its reputation, and finely
shown here and at the National; Mons. Etienne Levet, one of
the most attractive and certain exhibition Roses catalogued ;
Marie Cointet, a Rose so good as a traveller and effective as to be
indispensable to the exhibitor; Madame Lacharme, exhibited so
lovely as to disarm those few wavering in aJlegiance ; Mons. H. Y.
Teas, one of the greatest acquisitions lately; Prince Camille
de Rohan, superb both in size and depth of colour, but likely to
be lef; in the background by La Rosiére, a new dark Rose,
equally rich and dark in colour, and of fine substance and better

habit; and Général Jacqueminot, an old Rose that happily goes !
far to prove against the deteriorating theory, so grandly has it ,

been shown this season.

Teas and Noisettes constituted a small but beautiful class.
Again at Hereford, as at the “ National,” Mr. Cant was an easy
winner. E-pecially lovely were Souvenir d’Hlise, a perfect
gem; President and Souvenir d’un Ami, choicest gifts of Nature
assisted by art, to dream over and enjoy, if never to expect to
grow them like the Colchester chief. This class, though
smaller, was far superior in quality to the National.

Among the new Roses exhibited in a special class (H.P. La
Rosiére has been already mentioned) two only deserve special
mention. HP. Madame Prosper Langier, a well-shaped clear
carmine Rose of good size, well shown by Messrs. Davison, and
promises to be an acquisition; and H.P. Abel Carriére, a new
Rose of fine dark colour and good shape, indifferently shown
here, but useful if it improves in form, staged by Messrs. Curtis
of Torquay.

In the amateurs’ open division, thirty-six varieties, single
blooms, winner to hold Messrs. Cranston & Co.’s £15 15s. chal-
lenge cup, first prize R. Baker, Esq. In Mr. Baker’s faultless
stand were the following superb blooms, the créme de la créme
of Rose cultivation :—Camille Bernardin, an exquisite bloom;
Marquise de Mortemart, exhibited as the fragile variety very
rarely is both in single and treble classes, where, by-the-by,
Messrs. Baker and Jewitt held the same relative positions.
Xavier Olibo was exhibited in great substance and strong habit.
How can this variety be called by an authority in the Journal
as weak and dwarfy? Charles Lefebvre was staged worthy
of the variety; Marquise de Castellane, a perfect model of a
fine smooth Rose; Lord Macaulay, a splendid specimen of this
shy dwarf variety ; and Monsieur Boncenne, of rare colour and
substance—the best dark useful Rose. In Mr. Jowitt’s stand
specially fine were Madame Furtado, # speciality of Hereford-
shire, almost discarded as incorrigible elsewhere, but an early
exquisitely sweet Rose; whereit takes itis a pleasure. Baronne
de Rothschild, very grand; Madame Hippolyte Jamain, a most
superb bloom; Maréchal Vaillant, splendid bloom of this old
useful Rose; and Mdlle. Marie Finger.

In the division restricted to Herefordshire Miss Bulmer’s
(Broadlands, Hereford) stand of twelve trebles was the theme
of general admiration, whether for the size and quality of the
blooms or the excellence displayed in their setting-up—an ac-
complishment amateurs in general fail in. This lady took in
style all the first prizes offered in this class. Mr. Arkwright,
Hampton Court, Leominster, was an easy winner with grand
blooms of Maréchal Niel. Many of your readers will remember
he carried off the same honours in St. James’s Hall. This
gentleman exhibited a bloom of this variety in his stand of
thirty-six 80 enormous and still so perfect that it certainly
ranked as the premier bloom in the Exhibition, though, as may
be supposed, dwarfing the proportions of his other blooms.

In Class 1, the floral art division, there was an artistic display
of dinner and drawing-room decorations (the latter special prize
presented by Lord Bute) far eclipsing all previous efforts in this
direction, and pronounced worthy of comparison with the best
exhibitions ever held in London or the provinces. Mr. Joseph
Pulley, Lower Eaton, Hereford, was awarded Lord Bute’s prize ;
and the Hon. and Rey. J. T. Boscawen, who was Judge in this
division, complimented Mr. Pulley’s gardener, by whom the
decoration was made, upon its being the most simple and yet
artistic and novel design of the description he had ever seen—
a centre piece and four corner pieces of ordinary glass; but the
pleasing effect caused by the happy arrangement of Adiantum
Farleyense of different shades and some Grasses, with just a
sprig of Spirzea or so, was perfectly indescribable.

The day being stormy no doubt kept many from a distance
away; but the one drawback to the perfect success of the Exhi-
bition was the absence of the Rev. J. B. M. Camm, who by
missing his train deprived our western Show of his valuable
assistance as ore of its Judges and exhibitors, and the public of
the interesting description that would have appeared in the
columns of the Journal, now hurried over late on Saturday
by—THEe HEREFORDSHIRE INCUMBENT.

PACKING.
Tue packing of fruits, flowers, and vegetables takes up no
inconsiderable amount of the gardener’s time and attention in
most large establishments during what is termed the London

season, and as that season unfortunately includes the season
of cropping, ‘‘ bedding-out,”’ Grape-thinning, and many other
things which take up a great amount of time, and cannot be
postponed a day beyond their proper time without increasing
the labour, it is doubly necessary at this season to economise
time and to prevent confusion.

When I first commenced packing here there was but little
to pack, and beyond a few boxes and hampers of various sizes
stuck about in corners wherever there happened to be room
for one, little was kept in stock for the purpose. Now the
work has gone on growing till last month no fewer than 133
packages were despatched, and it is still increasing, so that it
became necessary to introduce some sort of system. Before
we did so scenes of confusion were not uncommon; a box of a
particular size might be wanted immediately, and any size but
that of course was at hand, or having found the size required
it would be minus a lid, and in the hurry a good hand-saw
being a little too convenient, a little piece would, perhaps, be
sawn off another lid to make it fit, and thereby create for our-
selves the same difficulty to be got over another time. Boxes,
too, did not always find their way home when there was no
check on them, and when one loses a box there is sometimes
a lurking suspicion that something elseis lost withit. Besides,
everyone knows who has had to pack in a makeshift sort of
way, that hammers and pincers have a habit of disappearing
just when they are wanted, nails of running short when we
thought there were plenty ; string, labels, paper, wadding, &c.,
ditto. The remedy for all this is the packing-shed and pack-
ing-book. A shed which I have had fitted-up for the purpose,
and which also answers the purpose of office and store-shed,
is on the north side of a wall, and measures about 36 feet by
10 feet 6 inches. It has a bench on the north or front side
3 feet wide on which the work is done, and another at the
back 2 feet 6 inches wide, leaving a walk of 5 feet in the centre,
which is none too much when several people are at work and
there is a good deal of passing.

Hampers are numbered 1 to 15, boxes 1 to 66, and their
sizes are known by their numbers; for instance, 1 to 20 are
flower-boxes ‘all of one length and breadth outside, the lid of
one fitting any of them. Another series is for Peaches, Nec-
tarines, and Grapes, varying in depth but not in length and
breadth. Strawberry-boxes are another size, and these three
measurements answer the purpose for almost everything.
They are so distinct in size and appearance, and there being
only three or four sizes of lids there is no time lost in hunting
them up and fitting them. I have tried boxes with hinges and
fastenings; but as both hinges and fastenings soon come to
grief, I have long since gone back to loose lids and 14-inch
brads, and I find they last as long as any and are most
convenient.

The packing-book is the next consideration. In this every
box and every hamper is marked down as it leaves and as it
returns. On the left-hand page under the heading, ‘‘ packages
dezpatched,’”’ are the following items to be filled-in by the
packer—viz., date, destination, description, contents, numbers,
remarks; and on the opposite page under heading of ‘‘ empties
returned,” are date, from whence, description, numbers, con-
dition, and remarks. I find these forms and figures have a
wonderful power to bring the packages back and keep them in
place. Of course they often come back broken, but that I fear
is out of my control. Stock is taken at intervals to see that
nothing is short when likely to be required. I hope in 4 future
paper to say something about the way packing is done.—
Wim Taynor.

BURGHLEY YELLOW ROSE.

In your notice of the Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting
of July 3rd a Rose called Burghley Yellow is spoken of. Ihave
known the Burghley Yellow for the last forty years.
double yellow Provence. It was brought originally to Burghley
House, the seat of the Marquis of Exeter, by a French cook.
I have also seen it growing in a semi-wild state at Bologna.
It is a most difficult Rose to bloom, but of great beauty when
the buds will open. I know no such yellow. Mr. George Paul
of Cheshunt informs me they are unable to growit there. I
have several times budded it on the Briar. It is known in
Lincolnshire, and is grown at this time in great perfection at
Enham Place near Andoyer.—ALAn CHEALES,

Tur Rose which was referred to in the last issue of the
Journal of Horticulture is occasionally met with in the south

It is the ~

Taly 12, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

31

el

of Lincolnshire; at least I presume it is the same that is known
as the old Yellow, or, as it is sometimes called, Burghley
Yellow. It is a beautiful Rose—I think the brightest yellow of
all Roses, and sometimes comes of good form, but frequently
fails to open and is at times semi-double. If Mr. Gilbert can
tell us how to grow the Rose so that it will bloom freely and
well he will deserve a hearty vote of thanks from the whole
Rose-loving community. The colour of the petals is as yellow
as_a Crocus.—Sourn Lincoun.

GIVING ATR.

Mr. Winn1am Taynor, whose writings on all subjects add,
according to my judgment, an extra charm to the pages of the
Journal of Horticulture, has (page 469) allowed himself to give
birth to a suspicion that my practice may not possibly be in
harmony with my theory. He may rest assured that I am
too old a man and too true a gardener to say one thing and
practise another. My years and my experience have taught
me that “all wisdom dwelleth with no man,” and that it is
the grossest presumption for anyone to presume that his way
is the only safe one. That is so, particularly with respect to
giving air, and admittedly so even by Mr. Taylor himself; so
that I think it is rather too much for him to say that I and
others who differ from him belong to an old and non-progres-
give section of gardeners, who have, as he says, ‘‘ stood still
and fostered exploded notions whilst the rest of the world has
been moving.”

My experience also leads me to dissent absolutely from Mr.
Taylor’s assumption of the superiority of the young men of
the present day over their fathers. I know that ‘‘ beardless
laddies think they are better informed than their auld daddies,”
but as an ‘auld daddy” I protest against such a conclusion;
and when we are told on almost every hand of the drinking
and pipe-smoking habits of young men, of much dressiness,
general fastness, and superficiality of attainments, I for one
must beg leave to differ from even such an authority as Mr.
Taylor. Let us differ from one another with all courtesy,
please, for ‘‘many men many minds.’ Let us be just also,
for there are many young men of exemplary habits—industrious
and persevering; but these are not they who despise ‘auld
daddies”’ like—X.

ROSES IN POTS.—No. 1.

Tur Rose is our national flower, and its national show has
come and gone. However much this was appreciated, and
notwithstanding all that may be said on the merits or demerits
of individual blooms, I would not have Roses as plants grown
in pots entirely neglected.

The present season has afforded ample proof of how admir-
ably they can be grown in pots, how amenable they are to train-
ing into neat and compact bushes, and how effective they are.
Roses in pots have been shown in large numbers this season
and in splendid condition. The beautiful groups arranged by
Messrs. Veitch & Sons at the London shows in March, and
again at Kingston and Richmond in June, and at Bickley in
July; the meetings of those champion growers, Messrs. Paul
and Son and Mr. Turner, at several places during April and
May, clearly show how. the Rose season may be extended.
Roses in pots are also grown by amateurs, but it cannot be
Said they have yet attained perfection; but if encouragement
is offered I am sure more amateurs will take up the culture of
them. I am pleased to find that Mr. Mayo at Oxford has a
large collection of Roses in pots, and that they are grown by
several amateurs around Reading. At Manchester also I find
by your report of the late Show that three growers entered the
prize list. Plymouth I find has also made a recruit or two,
and were the various societies to offer substantial prizes more
growers would enter the field 2nd good plants would be shown
by amateurs.

I submit that it is quite within the province of the National
Rose Society to offer prizes for Roses in pots; the result would
be that not only would good exhibition blooms be arranged on
moss, but exhibition blooms would be shown on handsome
plants—plants which would make their exhibition more varied
and attractive. Ido not say that large plants would be forth-
coming, but I do not think it impossible. If the plants were
pruned, sheltered, and protected in order to keep them back
for a certain day, small plants such as nurserymen have would
be shown extensively, and which are certainly very attractive
to all visitors. y

I have grown the following Roses in pots, and will state how
they have succeeded with me :—

Anna Alexieff is a very free-blooming Rose in a pot. It is
somewhat thin, but indispensable for early work. The blooms
are benefited by tying them while opening. It is a very
pleasing pink and a good laster, notwithstanding it goes
“ abroad.”

Beauty of Waltham blooms very freely and comes very
regular. Too much cannot be said in its praise. It is a quick
grower.

Paul Verdier has proved itself one of my best. The colour
is pleasing, the shape of bloom good, and the foliage grand.
It is very free and a very quick grower.

Victor Verdier.—A very constant and good Rose; always
sure to bloom. The blooms being large and of a very pleasing
colour it ought to be in every collection.

Marquise de Castellane is the finest forcing Rose out; good
substance and very attractive.

Duke of Edinburgh.—Very good for pots. It is a free
bloomer, and the colour is most brilliant. Dapuy-Jamain is
also very good. Camille Bernardin is very pretty, of good
shape and habit, but with me an irregular bloomer.

La France, when well done, is one of the loveliest of Roses
grown in pots—the colour so delicate, and the blooms of large
size, but every break is not a bloom; foliage magnificent, and
good grower.

Paul Néron has only its size to recommend it.

Baroness Rothschild is of the loveliest pink; comes as arule
somewhat thin, a poor laster, very strong grower, and all the
blooms do not open at one time; it requires two or three weeks
longer growing than several others.

Souvenir dun Ami I have seen done well. With me it has
been an entire failure. The fault may be mine.

Alba Rosea is a sweet and charming Rose, though my plant
has not reached the size of some others.

Madame Willermoz is a grand Tea Rose that grows well,
blooms abundantly, and has large very showy blooms.

The thirteen sorts named were the plants I first had selected
for me. I have since added numerous others, several of which
have superior qualities to some described. Madame Lacharme,
Capitaine Christy, Madame de St. Joseph, President, Htienne
Levet, Edouard Morren, Madame Victor Verdier, Malle.
Thérése Levet, Marguerite de St. Amand, Cheshunt Hybrid,
Chas. Lawson, Céline Forestier, Marie Van Houtte (a gem of
the first water), Centifolia Rosea, Madame Marie Rady, Annie
Laxton, and Princess Mary of Cambridge. The above are
thirty varieties of very good Roses to grow and bloom in pots,
and there are others perhaps equally good.—_J. W. Moorman.

P.S.—I trust the National Society will receive sufficient
support to enable the Committee to hold two Rose shows
during a-year, and that Roses in pots will be included in its
schedule. The Rey. Canon Hole amusingly tells us of the
butchers and others around Nottingham growing Roses in pots.
If those hard-working men did it then among themselves,
surely those who have better and more modern appliances
would take the matter up. The Rose season would be ex-
tended, cultivation would be stimulated, and the exhibitions
would be even more varied and attractive than they are
now.—J. W. M.

MANURE FOR AMATEURS—WRAPPING FOR
CUT BLOOMS.

I noricep in a recent number of the Journal that one of
your correspondents was in difficulty with regard to obtaining
manure. MayI askif any of your readers have tried ivory
dust? It is a very valuable manure for Grape Vines and for
mixing with the compost for potting plants. Dirty dust—that
is, the sweepings of the ivory-cutter’s workshop, can be had
for about 6s. a cwt., and. though I have termed it dirty it is
only contaminated by dust from boots and the other accidents
of a workshop. Clean dust at about 20s. a cwt.is perhaps
the most profitable, because being clean one can extract the
gelatine and then have a useful manure. This gelatine, which
is obtained simply by stewing the dust, is in reality superior
to that obtained from calves’ feet, and is especially grateful
and serviceable to invalids and young children, the small per-
centage of phosphate of lime extracted being of great benefit to
the latter.

I see that you also speak of wrapping the stems of cut
blooms in damp wadding and tinfoil. The latter is rather too
expensive when thin sheet gutta percha, such as artificial

32

. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ July 12, 1877.

flower makers use, would answer as well and be more con-
venient.—Pro Bono Pustico.

THE ROSE ELECTION.

As the election this year is to be of a decidedly exhibition
character, and as I have also endeavoured to make some quali-
fication for voters, I should like carrying out the thoughts of
‘““Wrup Savace ’’—to qualify somewhat those on whom we are
to vote. ‘* Wyi~p Savace’’ has drawn attention to the great
similarity between certain Roses. For some years Lelia votes
have been given to Louise Peyronny.

Now we are only to name forty-eight Roses, and in a stand
of forty-eight we should not desire to have two specimens so
much alike as to appear the same Rose. I wish, therefore, to
avoid this, and unless good cause can be shown to the con-
trary I propose to give all Lelia votes as heretofore to Louise
Peyronny; all votes for Ferdinand de Lesseps, Exposition
de Brie, or Maurice Bernardin to Ferdinand de Lesseps; all
votes for Hugénie Verdier or Mdlle. Marie Finger to Hugénie
Verdier; and votes for Baron de Bonstetten to Monsieur
Boncenne.

Without some arrangement of this kind the election may
in some degree make the position of some of the candidates
erroneous. I need not further add that in these similars
both Roses must not be named in the forty-eight.—JosEPH
Hinton, Warminster.

P.S.—My intention is to bracket these named Roses together
in the list, so that it really only amounts to this, that each
elector should name only one of each, or any of these four
sets in the forty-eight, supposing that they or any one of them
is in his forty-eight list.—J. H.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Tue thirty-fourth anniversary dinner of the GARDENERS’
Royan BENEVOLENT InstrtuTION was held on the evening of
the 4th inst. The chair was occupied by Sir Trevor Laurence,
Bart., M.P., who ably advocated the claims of the Institution,
and alluded to the great advance that had been made in gar-
dening pursuits during recent years, which was particularly
exemplified in the condition of the London parks. Mr. Robert
Wrench the Treasurer, Mr. Philbrick, Q.C., Serjeant Cox, and
Lord Alfred Churchill also addressed the company in appro-
priate speeches. Among the company we noticed W. EH.
Brymer, Esq., M.P.; Major Sandys; Drs. Hogg and Masters;
Mr. Shirley Hibberd; Messrs. Veitch, Williams, Fraser, Beale,
C. & J. Lee, Deal, and other friends and supporters of this
excellent Society.

— TuE southern show of the Nationan CARNATION AND
Picorer Society to be held at the Westminster Aquarium on
the 18th and 19th inst. is being anticipated with much interest
by admirers of those beautiful flowers. The large number of
liberal prizes offered will, we hope, induce much competition,
for few flowers are more worthy of extended cultivation than
Carnations and Picotees. The prizes are open to all exhibi-
tors, whether they are subscribers to the Society or not. A
schedule go liberal deserves a liberal response. Notice of
entry should be given to the Hon. Sec., Mr. E. 8S. Dodwell,
11, Larkhall Terrace, Clapham Rise, 8.W., not later than the
13th inst. Good prizes are offered for Roses by the Royal
Aquarium Company, which will be competed for on the same
occasion. Entries in the Rose classes must be sent to Mr. E.
Bennett at the Aquarium. not later than the 14th inst.

— Ovwrne to the short time intervening between the com-
pletion of the judging at the Nationan Rose Sow and our
going to press we accidentally omitted from our report the
class for twelve Roses in threes; in which class Mr. Baker,
Heavitree, Exeter, was placed first; Mr. Ridout, Woodhatch,
Reigate, second; Mr. Scott, Warrington, third; and Mr.
Jowitt, Hereford, fourth, with varieties very similar to those
which were staged in the other prize stands. In the nursery-
men’s class for twenty-four Hybrid Perpetuals the winners of
the second, third, and fourth prizes were Messrs. G. Cooling,
Bath; R. J. Veitch, Exeter; and J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill.
Mr. Curtis was awarded the first prize, as stated in our report.

— Mk. Gizzent, Burghley, writes to us as follows on the
FRUIT PROSPECTS OF THE YEAR:—‘‘I have just been taking a
general view of the garden. The fruit is a wreck I fear, al-
though there was a great show of blossom. Strawberries and
Raspberries will not come up to promise. King of the Pippins

is the only Apple with anything like a crop, and strange but
true, Glou Morceau Pear is the only Pear. What I shall do
for Apples and Pears is a mystery.”

Mr. W. H. Manser having tried at our request the
EFFECTS OF PARAFFIN on Kidney Beans for destroying millipedes,
writes to us that he applied pure paraftin to a portion of the
crop: it killed the Beans. He then mixed half a pint of
paraffin with three gallons of water and applied it to another
portion of the Kidney Beans, and not one of them has been
touched since by a millipede, and the Beans are growing very
strongly. We are glad to record this experience of Mr.
Manser.

Amonea the many hundred Roses in the garden of
Shiplake Vicarage, near Henley-on-Thames, are several beau-
tiful blooms of the shy-fiowering double yellow Rose—Rosa
SULPHUREA.

— A COMPLIMENTARY DINNER was given to Mr. Winson (who
for so many years has been a2 valuable assistant at the Crystal
Palace Shows) on the 3rd inst. at the Criterion, Piccadilly.
The chair was occupied by Mr. Shirley Hibberd, who spoke
well, and justly of the guest of the evening. Dr. Denny ably
acknowledged the toast of the Royal Horticultural Society,
which was proposed by the Chairman; and Mr. Harrison Weir,
in responding for the fine arts, dwelt on the good influences of
wood engravings on the minds of the masses, and stated that
five millions of copies of engravings from his drawings were
circulated annually.

—— Tue Cotorapo Bretriy.—At the Glasgow Police Board
on the 9th inst. it was agreed, on the suggestion of the Lord
Provost, that a vigilant look-out should be maintained lest
the Colorado beetle should visit ourshores. The Privy Council
instructions were ordered to be sent to the Glasgow Agricultural
Society, with the request to warn farmers on the subject.
The Lord Provost said he had seen thousands of beetles heaped
upon the American shores as they had been washed in after
attempting to cross the Altantic. While returning home from
New York he had seen them on board on the second day at sea.
The Dublin correspondent of the Daily News also telegraphs
that this dreaded beetle ‘‘ made its appearance on the Dublin
quay on Tuesday the 10th inst., close to the Liverpool docks.
The specimen discovered was a large one, and was found
crawling on a rope.”

— WE learn that Mr. B. S. Wruurams has taken the lead
in foreign exhibitors at the Oporto Show, taking the prize of
honour offered by the municipality of Oporto, value £50; also
four other first prizes. We congratulate Mr. Williams on his
success at such an important Exhibition.

WE noticed at the Bickley Show the other day a seed-
ling Zonan GERANIUM of unusual size which had been raised
by Mr. Horwood, gardener to J. Lovibond, Esq. ‘The truss
almost approached in size the head of a Hydrangea, the colour
being orange-scarlet and the fiowers of fairly good shape. It
is a monstrosity in Geraniums, and will possibly be useful for
decorative purposes.

THE bedding-out in the Lonpon Parks is not yet com-
pleted. The weather has latterly been too cold for exposing
the exotic plants and Ferns, which play an important part in
the summer decorations. Many carpet beds are very beautiful.
Golden Feather appears to be as popular as ever, and Alter-
nantheras are indispensable. The only plant which is at all
likely to rival those in popularity is the Green Gibralter
Pennyroyal, Mentha Palegium gibraltarica. This plant has
spread with great rapidity, and must be regarded as the
premier ‘“‘ green carpet ’’ plant.

Tue quantity of Strawberries sold in the market of
New York city during one day in June was 750,000 quarts,
30,000 of which came by steamer from Charlestown, §8.C.;
300,000 from Norfolk, one-quarter of which came from one
grower who has over 200 acres in Strawberries; 300,000 quarts
came from Delaware and Maryland, a large quantity from New
Jersey and points on the Hudson near New York.

—— THE TEMPERATURE towards the end of last week fell
considerably, and the nights were quite cold in the neigh-
bourhood of London. In several districts hail fell, or rather
showers of ice. At Kensington onthe 5th inst. hailstones were
scraped up by handfuls, and ‘snowballing’? was indulged
in as a novel sportin Joly. At Swanley in Kent the hail did
considerable damage on the 6th inst. in Mr. Cannell’s nursery.
Dahlias were cut into tatters, and Geraniums and other flowers
we noticed in a miserable state. Where the lights were left

July 12, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND GOTTAGH GARDENER. Bo

open in the Geranium house the ice shower cut quite through
the foliage of the plants in the house, and of course destroyed
the flowers. No glass was broken. Mr. Cannell is steadily
improving this new nursery, and acre after acre is being
devoted to the cultivation of flowers. The Geranium house will
shortly be a beautiful sight. The collection of these plants is
both extensive and choice. A few of the more striking varieties
will be noticed in a future issue.

— To Preserve Fence Posts.—The American Chemist
says that a western farmer discovered many years ago that
wood could be made to last longer than iron in the ground.
Time and weather, he says, seem to have no eifect on it. The
posts can be prepared for less than two cents a piece. This is
the recipe: Take boiled linseed oil and stir it in pulverised
charcoal to the consistency of paint. Puta coat of this over
the timber, and he adds there is not a man who will live to
see it rot.

—— “T.M.” in the “ Gardener’ says SympHyYTUM OFFICI™
NALE VARIEGATUM, & variegated variety of the well-known Com-
frey, ia strikingly beautiful. Its large lanceolate leaves are
broadly and distinctly margined with creamy white. It is a
very effective plant for planting in mixed borders, and is no
less so in lines in ribbon borders ; indeed, it is one of our very
best plants for this purpose, far surpassing the variegated
Coltsfoot that was recommended go strongly some years since.

—— A TRANSATLANTIC OBSERVER remarks that the value of
bones imported annually into England to be used in fertilising
the land are computed to be worth ten million dollars. They
are obtained from Russia, Germany, South America, and the
United States. Throughout Great Britain bones are collected
from every possible source of supply. So valuable are bones
considered in Germany that a proverb there reads, ‘‘ One ton
of bone dust saves the importation of ten tons of German
corn.”

—— Mr. Sreruen P. Suarpnes, State Assayer of Massa-
chusetts, writing to the American Cultivator on the subject of
the danger of using Paris GREEN for destroying the Potato
beetle, says that the question of poison is a question of quan-
tities. One pound of poison on a thousand tons of soil is not
an alarming quantity when we reflect that the antidote, the
hydrated peroxide of iron, is present also. After quoting from
Prof. Riley, State Entomologist of Missouri, that Paris green
is sure death to the Potato beetle, Mr. Sharples asserts that
if he had a field of Potatoes he should neither plough them
under nor let them be destroyed, but would protect them with
Paris green. Mr. Henry S. Field says, ‘‘ To get rid of the pests
easily take Paris green and plaster of gypsum and mix together
in the proportion of 1 1b. of the former to 50 of the latter,
and apply the mixture by shaking it over the Vines when the
dew is onthem.’”’ As evidence is forthcoming that the dreaded
beetle is now in Hurope the American mode of extirpating it is
worthy of being recognised.

WEST KENT HORTIOULTURAL SOCIETY.
BICKLEY, JULY 7rx.

By the kind permission of G. Wythes, Hsq., the Exhibition of
the Society was held in Bickley Park, and a site more suitable
for such an event it would be difficult to find. The Park is
contiguous to the railway station, and is ornamental by the
many fine trees it contains, notably Hims and Cedars, and has
also a sufficient expanse of open pasturage. The Exhibition
was held in three marquees: one, about 150 yards in length,
contained the collections of plants; another, somewhat smaller,
fruit, vegetables, and cut Roses; anda third table decorations.
The day was fine with the exception of a passing shower, anda
considerable number of visitors, the gentry and inhabitants of
the neighbourhood, attended the Show during the afternoon.

Although the Exhibition was of considerable magnitude, a
glance was only needed to show how much the Society was3
indebted to the chief nurserymen for furnishing the tents so
attractively. When such firms as Messrs. Veitch, Williams,
Wills, Rollisson, Carter & Co., and Laing unite their forces under
canvas there is always sufficient for the public to see. All those
firms were well represented at Bickley; many gardens in the
neighbourhood also staged creditable collections, in a few cases
excellent; and Messrs. Cant, G. Paul & Sons, and others pro-
vided a feast of Roses.

Messrs. James Veitch & Sons occupied the stage at one end of
the chief tent, and Mr. B. S. Williams the other. Prominent
in the Chelsea collection were the bright and massive Croton
Macafeeanus and the equally bright and not less distinct C.
McArthuri. Caladium Madame Alfred Bleu attracted by its
clear sharp colours, and the golden-foliaged Princess of Teck

was in excellent colour. Nepenthes were also included, and a
choice collection of insectivorous plants, consisting of Dionwas,
Darlingtonias, Sarracenias, and Droseras. The new white Hy-
drangea Thomas Hogg proved its lasting qualities, and colour
was imparted to the group by some of the best of the tuberous
Begonias. Very bright and also very remarkable was the new
scarlet Clove Tom Thumb, the flowers being large and perfect,
yet borne on stems only a few inches in height. Orchids were
represented by Oncidium papilio Krameri; Cattleya Mendelii,
very fine; Lelia purpurata; Masdevallias, including the bright
yellow M. Davisi, and several Cypripediums, amongst which
were such new and beautiful varieties as C. selligerum and
C. superciliare. OC. Veitchii was also in splendid condition.
Amongst the Ferns Pteris serrulata maxima cristata was very
noticeable by its stateliness and general elegance. Messrs.
Veitch further arranged a semicircular group of Japanese Acers,
surrounded with small well-grown Roses in pots, and margined
with Eurya latifolia variegata—very effective ; also Spirwa pal-
mata and an extensive collection of cut Roses.

The Holloway collection was also choice, varied, and attrac-
tive. Amongst the Orchids Lielia majalis was very charming,
and not less so was Cypripedium superbiens; Odontoglossum
citrosmum was also in excellent condition. In this group Ixora
floribunda nana was conspicuous, the plant being very dwarf,
with handsome heads of flowers. Dennstaedtia davallioides
Youngii, the fine Australian Fern, was exhibited in a small
state, and in that state it is very elegant. Maranta Massangeana,
Bertolonias, Panax laciniatus, Dipladenia Brearleyana, Dionza
muscipula, Nepenthes, Croton Victoria, and other choice plants
were included in this excellent group.

Mr. Wills’s plants oczupied a large space of staging, and occu-
pied it well. Pitcher Plants were in capital condition, as of
course were such Dracenas as Willsi, Hlizabethw, Leopoldi,
and Voluta; Golden Caladiums Queen, Prince of Wales, and
Princess Royal; Croton Earl of Derby; Phyllotwnium Lindeni,
Maranta Massangeana, Cephalotus follicularis, Platycerium
grande, Yucca filamentosa variegata, and very choice Palms
were noticeable in this good group. Messrs. Rollisson’s collec-
tion was similar in character, and ineluded some Orchids,
notably Odontoglossum vexillarium and the distinct Cattleya
granulata. The group of Messrs. J. Laing & Co. was brightened
by some well-grown plants of the best varieties of Bicolor Gera-
niums. Richard Thornton is extremely fine; as also is the
very dark Czar, C. H. Pollard, and Mrs. H. Weir. Double
Petunias were also included, one of them, La Fleur de Janeur,
being of wonderfal size and finely mottled; also cut Roses,
Louis Van Houtte being extremely fine. Messrs. Carter’s was
also a large group of general decorative plants—too extensive,
indeed, to particularise.

The above collections are first mentioned because of their
pre-eminent merit, and we now briefly notice a few of the com-
peting collections. The first clazs in the schedule was open to
all, yet only one exhibitor staged twelve plants in flower—Mr.
Mumford, gardener to J. Scott, Esq., and who was worthily
awarded the first prize. The classes for fine-foliaged plants call
for no comment, nor do the show and fancy Pelargoniums, al-
though good prizes were offered; the season, however, is fully
too late for Pelargoniums. Zonal Geraniums were very good ;
Mr. Neighbour, gardener to G. Wythes, Esq., Mr. Coppin, and
Mr. Talmage securing the prizes. Mr. Neighbour’s plants were
4 feet in diameter and not more than a foot high, and were good
in foliage and flowers. The others were rather too formal—too
closely tied. Tricolor Geraniums were excellent, the best we
have seen this year. The plants were 3 to 4 feet in diameter
and in good health and colour, the successful exhibitors being
Messrs. Coppin, Lover, and Neighbour. Double Geraniums
were also very good, especially those staged by Mr. Cole, gar-
dener to A. Mitchell, Esq.

In division 2, for members of the Society, six vary good stove
and greenhouse plants were exhibited by Mr. Crane, gardener
to Mrs. Green, who secured the first prize, also a similar award
for six fine-foliaged plants, which were really excellent. Croton
angustifolium was in superb colour, and Demonorops fissus and
Areca lutescens were very good. Roses in pots were poor,
Fuchsias very good, Mr. Neighbour again winning, followed by
Mr. Cole and Mr. Pepper. Gloxinias were very good, Messrs.
Jeffreys and Osborne being placed equal first. Mr. Neighbour
won first honours for Begonias in flower, and Mr. Talmage,
gardener to A. B. Pearce, Esq., first for “‘ foliage” Begonias.
The exhibition of these was rather extensive. There was a good
show of Achimenes. Mr. Neighbour was an easy winner,
followed by Mr. Monckton, gardener to J. B. Alston, Esq.; and
Mr. Jeffrey, gardener to J. T. Smith, Esq. Hxotic Ferns were
good and British Ferns excellent, Mr. Neighbour winning in
both classes for six plants, followed by Mr. Clifford, gardener to
J. Batten, Esq., and Mr. Gammon. For single specimens Mr.
Osborne won with a grand example of Davallia Mooreana; Mr.
Field, gardener to W. Palmer, Esq., being second with Lygo-
dium scandens; and Mr. Neighbour third with Adiantum
pedatum. Mr. Mumford staged good Dracenas and secured

34

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ Jaly 12, 1877.

premium honours, and Mr. Monckton was successful with
Caladiums. He exhibited capital plants.

Roses.—In the open class for forty-eight varieties, trebles,
grand collections were staged by Mr. Cant, Colchester, and
Messrs. G. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. Neither of those famed
rosarians have staged better, if as good, triplets this year. They
were awarded equal first prizes, and well did they deserve them.
There was scarcely a failing bloom in either stand. It is not
necessary to name the varieties, but it may be said that the
two new Roses, E. Y. Teas and Madame Prosper Langier, were
in splendid condition. For twenty-four single blooms Messrs.
Cant, G. Paul & Son, and J. Laing & Co. were placed in the
order named for collections of remarkable quality. Louis Van
Houtte in Mr. Laing’s stand was the finest bloom of that fine
Rose we have ever seen exhibited. For twelve Roses of any
variety Mr. Cant won with magnificent examples of Marie Bau-
mann; Messrs. Paul & Son being second with a charming stand
of Mdlle. Marie Finger, and Capt. Christy third with Mons.
Noman. In the amateurs’ classes Capt. Christy won the first
place for twenty-four varieties, single blooms, with a really
excellent collection; Mr. Hall, gardener to J. Whitehead, Esq.,
was second; and J. A. L. Lovatt, Esq., Chislehurst, third. For
twelve varieties W. Palmer, A. B. Pearce, and A. Mitchell,
Tisqs., were awarded the prizes for very good stands; and for
six blooms of any variety Capt. Christy won with admirable
examples of Madame Lacharme, Mr. Field being second with
Senateur Vaisse, and Mr. Neighbour third with Pierre Notting.

Other cut flowers and Grasses were exhibited, but there was
nothing noteworthy except the cut sprays of Fuchsias in twelve
varieties. These were very attractive, the prizes being won by
Messrs. Neighbour and Cole. But of special merit was a col-
lection of Verbenas in the following twenty-four varieties from
Mr. Cannell, Swanley Nurseries:—Annie, Lady Ann, Lady
Cowley, Lady Leigh, Basilisk, Grand Duke, Ariosto Improved,
Pentonia, Grand Monarque, Antoinette, Peacemaker, Hnsign,
Beauté Supreme, La Loire, Jno. Stainer, Pomeraine, Blue
Boy, Jas. Birkbeck, Princess of Wales, Crimson King, Purple
Emperor, Mrs. Owen, Isa Brunton, and Lady Folkestone. Mr.
Cannell also exhibited Silver Tricolor Geranium Lady Dorothy
Nevill in excellent colour, quite small plants arranged as a
pyramid. The effect was very good.

Frouit.—The display, which was only of moderate extent, con-
tained some good Grapes, Peaches, and Strawberries. The best
black Grapes, and good they were, came from Mr. Crane, fol-
lowed by Mr. Rollisson and Mr. Pepper, and the best white
Grapes (well-finished Buckland Sweetwater) from Mr. Jeffrey
and Mr. Horwood. Mr. Crane also exhibited Royal Muscadine
in very good condition. Melons were small, but Mr. Crane’s
Bloxholm Hall, which received the first prize, was of splendid
quality, and nearly as good was Eastnor Castle from Mr. Clifford.
Mr. Horwood had the first honours for Peaches, Nectarines,
and Cherries. Good Peaches were also exhibited by Mr. Neigh-
bour, and Nectarines by Mr. Boosey, who had the second prizes
in those classes. For three dishes of Strawberries Mr. Moyce,
gardener to W. Dalton, Esq., won with British Queen, President,
and a variety resembling Oscar; and for one dish Mr. Neigh-
bour won with Sir J. Paxton.

VEGETABLES.—These were very good indeed. In the collec-
tions of nine and six varieties first honours were secured by
Messrs. Neighbour and Crane respectively. Messrs. Rollisson,
Eke, Gammon, and Monckton also exhibited well in these
classes. Messrs. Neighbour, Eke, and Cole were successful in
the class for salads. ‘’ender and True was the best Cucumber.
It was exhibited by Mr. Neighbour. Mr. B. S. Williams ex-
hibited a brace of Osmaston Manor, and Messrs. J. Laing & Co.
a brace of Stanstead Rival Cucumbers. Both were very fine.
Bante very good vegetables were also exhibited in the cottagers’
classes.

Taste Decorations.—A tent was set apart for these. The
arrangements were chaste rather than elaborate. Mr. Russell
Oliver’s £10 prize was won by Miss J, Lovibond with a charm-
ingly arranged table. Miss Boosey, Miss Oliver, and Mrs. Wood
algo exhibited well.

The Show was well arranged, and the arrangements reflected
credit on the Hon. Sec. and the officers; but the Exhibition was
not equal to the Show of the Society that was held last yoar at
Chislehurst.

THE NATIONAL ROSE SHOW.

THERE are many jottings I should like to make anent our
grand tournament on the 4th, but I must defer them for the
present. There is one point, however, on which I should like
to epeak very decidedly, and that is the great obligation we are
all under to Mr. Newman, who s0 ably carried out the details.
When I asked the Committee to secure his services I felt sure
from all that I knew of him we had the right man in the
right place, but I had no idea that he was so thoroughly efiec-
tive an organiser as he is. His quiet and unobtrusive manner

is not indicative of listlessness, on the contrary his energy is
very great ; while all who work with him can testify that there
is nobody with whom it is more pleasant to be associated.
And when it is remembered that the Hall was not given up to
us until six o’clock the evening before, and that not a hitch
occurred in the whole of the arrangements, that the exhibitors
found everything prepared for them, and that the Judges were
enabled to proceed to their work punciually at the time ap-
pointed and the public admitted at the hour announced, I do
not think I shall be considered as saying too much when I say
thet the chiefest merit of all this is due to him. I am sure
his many friends would be delighted to hear that he had some
fitting sphere in which his peculiar abilities might be appreci-
ated.—D., Deal.

ARTIFICIAL ROCKERY.

Tur accompanying figure represents Messrs. Dick Radclyffe
and Co.’s decorations at the Royal Horticultural Society’s
Show on June 19th, which were greatly admired by the visitors,
and were referred to as follows in our report of the Show :—

Fig. 13.

‘The reception in the great tent was appropriately cool, for
Messrs. Dick Radelyffe & Co. had erected a charmingly natural
pile of artificial rockwork. The stones were carpeted with
moss, and from the crevices sprang fresh green Ferns, Be-
gonias, &c. Spurting fountains sent jets of tiny spray from
the base-like miniature springs, and from the top of the rock
a gurgling stream of water poured into the pool below. The
whole had a very refreshing effect.’’ The figure does not quite
do justice to the decoration as arranged at the Show.

COOMBE COTTAGE,
THE RESIDENCE OF E. C. BARING, ESQ.

Coomusr, or Coombe Warren estate, which belongs to
H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, has long been noted for the
purity of its springs. In the reign of King Henry VIII., at
the time that Cardinal Wolsey built that magnificent Palace
Hampton Court, he had the water conveyed from the Coombe
springs to the Palace by means of leaden pipes. The distance
these pipes traverse is from four to five miles, and they pass
under the Thames at Kingston. The main body of water
used at Hampton Court Palace is still supplied from Coombe,
and the conduit houses are still remaining, apparently as per-
fect as they were in Wolsey’s time.

Mrs. Loudon in one of her admirable works has mentioned
the noble Gorse bushes at Coombe, but of those there are few
remaining. The estate was locked upon as extremely sterile,
and, to quote the words of an old farmer, ‘‘not worth Is, 6d.
per acre.’ But on this once sterile ground many mansions
have been erected, and the Gorse bushes have given place to

Taly 12, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

35

choice collections of Conifers, Rhododendrons, and other
shrubs, which grow remarkably well.

Coombe Cottage, the subject of our present engraving, has
grown from a ‘cottage’ to a mansion. The grounds are
beautifully laid out, and are furnished with the choicest of
flowering and other shrubs, and the gardens contain many
glass structures for the cultivation of indoor fruit and flowers,
which are much in demand all the year round. We first
entered a large span-roofed house containing a miscellaneous
collection of stove plants, principally grown for cutting from,
or of a small size for table and room decoration. Trained up
the rafters are Stephanotis floribunda, Dipladenia amabilis,
Jasminums Sambac flore-pleno and ligustrifolium, all very
sweet-scented, and hence they are favourites of Mrs. Baring.
We also noticed large masses of Ccclogyne cristata, Cattleyas
Trianse and Mossiw, and a well-bloomed specimen of Lelia

purpurata. ~Parallel to this house are two other span-roof
houses. In the first are planted Gardenias, which are models
of health. A corner in this house is devoted to Euphorbia
jacquinizflora also planted out, which is the best way to obtain
a supply of large and brilliant flowers. Eucharis amazonica
is also largely grown, and suspended from the roof are Clero-
dendrons and Stephanotes. The other house is divided in two
departments, the first being set apart for the large-flowering
section of Pelargoniums, which are grown extensively for deco-
rative purposes ; and in the inner part is a rare and extensive
collection of cool Orchids making extraordinary strong growths.
Amongst others we noticed quantities of Odontoglossums
Pescatorei, Alexandra, citrosmum, and newvium, also several
plants of Lelia Dayana, Masdevallias, Lycastes, &e. A few
Ferns are also grown in this house, such as Adiantums cune-
atum and gracillimum and a variety of Gleichenias, all doing

Se kt
qanangaa [annnnn

Fig. 14—CoomMBE corraGcE.

well. A large Azalea house was next entered ; it is 60 feet long
by 20 wide, and contains an extensive collection of plants,
all of which have been repotted and are rapidly making new
growths. There are also some very fine plants of Rhododen-
drons jasminiflorum, Alexandre, and Princess Royal, which
Mr. Baker speaks most highly of. In the same block, but
in a west position, is a long half-span house used as a show
house, the front being plentifully furnished with such flowers
as are in season; and on the back walls are some very fine
. Camellias, Lapagerias, Plumbago capensis, and other green-
house climbers, while beneath are large Camellias, Rhododen-
drons, &e.

We next arrive at a series of lean-to houses. The first com-
partment is a vinery carrying a beautifully even crop of Black
Hamburgh Grapes. The bunches are of medium-size, berries
large and of an intense black colour. The second is devoted
to Peaches and Nectarines, which will be soon ready for gather-
ing. Royal George and Violette Hative Peaches and Elruge
Nectarines are carrying heavy crops. The back wall of this
house is planted with Camellias, which are doing remarkably
well, the shade from the Peach and Nectarine trees suits them
admirably. The next compartment has one Nectarine in it,
and a very fine tree it is, covering a space of 20 square feet,
and perfectly furnished from top to bottom. ‘The top of this
range is devoted to Roses, principally Teas and Noisettes,

which are in great demand. Tho Roses are planted out and
do remarkably well.

Passing through the kitchen garden we come to a large span-
roof house rich in general stove plants, Orchids, Nepenthes, &c.
In this house are some plants of Calanthe Veitchii of extra-
ordinary strong growth, some especially fine Ixoras, Crotons,
Palms, Anthurium Scherzerianum, Alocasias, Caladiums,
Adiantum farleyense and other Ferns. Nepenthes Sedeni,
Hookers, and Rafflesiana are of remarkable colour and with
very fine pitchers. The cool end of this house is devoted to
Orchids—Pleiones, Cypripediums, quantities of Dendrobium
nobile, Lelias, Coelogyne cristata, Thunias Benson# and alba,
and a remarkable plant of the very curious Dendrochilum
filiforme with wonderfully fine racemes of flowers. At the ex-
treme end of the house a dull and unsightly wall has been
converted into a pleasant scene by placing peat against the
wall and supporting it with a wire framework, on which a great
variety of Ferns are now growivg in luxuriance. Adjoining
this house is a Black Hamburgh house. The crop is fast
colouring, and affords evidence of good culture. On the south
wall of this garden are the Peach trees, which are covered
with glass, and in the front near the glass numbers of excel-
lent Tomatoes are ripe. i

In the frame-ground are extensive span-roofed pits, one
of which has been devoted to Vines in pots. The crop has

36

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ duly 12, 1877.

been cut, one of the finest crops we may state that it has been
our good fortune to see for manya day. The Vines were
grown on the double-root system—that is, the canes were
pegged over the rims of the pots into a bed of rich soil, into
which they rooted and thence derived much support. On the
other side of this house is growing quantities of Negro Largo
and Brown Turkey Figs. The Negro Largo Mr. Baker considers
the best of all Figs; it is dwarf and prolific as well as of ex-
cellent flavour. ‘The corresponding pit is now filled with
Tomatoes just ripening, this crop having succeeded French
Beans. A very useful range of three compartments for the growth
of early Grapes, Melons, and Cucumbers has just been erected
under Mr. Baker’s superintendence, also a similar but some-
what larger range, the two end houses being for Strawberry
and French Bean forcing, and the middle one for Muscats,
which were planted during October last, and now cover the
roof. Numerous smaller ranges of pits and frames are also
provided. The glass structures are numerous and face every
point of the compass.

We pass on to what is known as the Dairy Lawn, at the
extreme end of which is the model dairy fitted-up with every
modern appliance. This lawn has been much extended by
Mr. Baker, and is a very pleasant part of the grounds. Lead-
ing from this lawn to the pleasure grounds are a series of
panel beds, divided by Yew hedges and bounded by a high
wall massively covered with creepers, principally sweet-scented,
and the beds are filled with sweet-scented flowers, such as
Roses, Mignonette, sweet-scented Geraniums, and the Sweet-
scented Verbena (Aloysia citriodora). A continuation of
this border leading to the houre is tastefully planted with
Abutilons, Cannas, Sweet Peas, and subtropical plants, with a
front row cf Viola (blue), and Dactylis variegata (white),
mixed. From this point and on the front lawn a view em-
bracing nearly thirty-five miles of country is to be seen. Leith
Hill, Box Hill, and the Crystal Palace are all visible. An
ornamental terrace wall fronts the house, where there are
numerous tastefully arranged baskets and vases. ‘Two flights
of steps bring us below the terrace wall into the rosery,
flower garden, and another lawn, on which are some famous
and extensive banks of Rhododendrons, including all the best
new varieties. These form a grand feature to the place. At
the bottom of this lawn are flower beds and some famous
standard Rhododendrons, one approaching from 15 to 20 feet
high and as many in diameter. There are also amongst the
Conifere a fine Pinus lasiocarpa. P. Pinsapo and a large speci-
men of Thuja Lobbii, a perfect cone, are noteworthy. Roses
are grown in large numbers on arches, pillars, in beds, on their
own roots, and on dwarf and tall standards: all are doing well,
but Mr. Baker is in favour of dwarfs. Abutting these grounds
are several acres of wood with tastefully laid-out gravel and
grass walks, some winding to the substantial and well-built
model farm.

The kitchen garden is plentifully stocked with every re-
quisite; it is also ornamental from the plan that has been
adopted of training the leading shoots of the pyramid fruit
trees on arches over the walks. The effect of this arrangement
is very pleasing, and does not impair the fruitfulness of the
trees.

There are many places of more imposing exterior than
Coombe Cottage, but few are in better order ; and there are not
many gardens where better practice is carried out than that of
Mr. Baker, the able, and courteous as well as able, gardener.

A MORNING AT CHESHUNT.

“ Arrer thunder, rain,” remarked Socrates on a too memor-
able occasion. After the turmoil of the Rose battle on the
4th how refreshing a morning among the new Roses at
Cheshunt !

Starting from Liverpool Street—a great improvement on the
old Shoreditch terminus—a pleasant run of forty minutes lands
at the Cheshunt station. The Old Nurseries are about twenty
minutes’ walk, down a lane first, where every cottage has its
miniature and well-appointed Rose garden, and then along the
high road which once led to the great bed of Ware. Stronger
attractions now stay the traveller. On entering the nurseries
the attention is at once caught by the collection of Roses in
pots. How the beautiful little plants can be such a blaze of
beauty and yet do their duty again in the autumn is a marvel,
yet so it is; I was informed they would then again be equally
fine. But my mission was to the new Roses and seedlings.
On our way to these we passed by the original Cheshunt

Hybrid, a dismal-looking affair now the old parent stock, but
the parent of flourishing children settled all over the world
already. ‘It grows very well with me in Auckland,” was
casually remarked the other day to Mr. Paul by a stranger.
They are most anxious looking for seed pods on this Rose, but
at present have had no success; the heps attain a certain point
and then drop off. It seems doubtful whether these hybrids
are not hopelessly sterile.

Arrived on the ground, the seed beds of last year were first
of all inspected. Funny little things the young Roses are.
One sturdy little fellow of 3 inches high had his five buds
already, and had been allowed to keep them in compliment to
his audacity ; ordinarily such precocity is promptly suppressed.

Passing on we inspected some splendid Francois Michelon
as large as Paul Neron, but shaped infinitely better; Julie
Touvais with most exquisite—almost Homére petals in half-
open bud; Emily Laxton like Monsieur Noman in the bud, but
opening far better than that most queer-tempered fair-weather
Rose; John Bright, bright indeed, spreading quite a fiery
glow over a long row of standards; Sultan of Zanzibar, flash-
ing its dark crimson; and Duke of Connaught, with which I
was extremely pleased. It has the peculiar dark red brilliancy
of Monsieur Boncenne with an infinitely better shape, and
with buds after the manner of Camille de Rohan at his best;
foliage very firm and substantial. Altogether a very great
acquisition.

And now as to the newest of all. Many ‘ mute inglorious
Miltons”’ are worked on Briars and then suppressed, not ap-
pearing afterwards quite good enough for commerce. Others
are stillsub judice. I was much struck with one violet-coloured,
which I am not allowed to speak of. I named him on the
spot ‘The Dark Horse’? in consequence. Another seedling
of the most brilliant scarlet has the Noisette foliage of Boule
de Neige; if it can be had solid enough Boule de Feu will begin
a@ new and very charming strain for us. Marguerite Brassac
seems a more robust Charles Lefebvre, but almost too similar
for two ina box. Duchesse de Vallombrosa was magnificent ;
she will speedily take her place amongst the cream of our
white Roses. Capitaine Christy very fine. I hope Mr. Camm
will recant in this instance, as well as in that of Madame
Lacharme. And, to return to the seedlings, the Duke of Teck
I may speak of. Mr. Paul thinks him the best Rose since the
Duke of Edinburgh, than which there is, I think, no other such
light red Rose in existence; its pure distinct scarlet is almost
dazzling, the foliage robust, the shape and substance in all
ways satisfactory. Amongst other novelties I heard also of
a pink sport from Maréchal Niel. It has been obtained from
a tree in a nobleman’s garden; should the two buds that have
been inserted prosper it will one day be famous.

To conclude, in his inviting little red paper of trains and
directions to summer-coming visitors Mr. Paul gives a list of
various kinds of Strawberries. It was no part of my business
to inspect the plants in the nurseries, but I can answer for
the excellence of the fruit in combination with cream after
luncheon.—A. C.

THE ROSE YEAR.

Roszs here (Longleat) and elsewhere about the neighbour:
hood where they do not receive primary attention are poor,
being wanting in size andsubstance. They were much injured
by late frosts; and the dry parching weather which followed,
aided by aphides, made them grow less vigorous than usual.
There are some growers, however, who seem to defy the
weather, and amongst the former is Mr. Keynes. This veteran
showed some splendid flowers at Frome; one Fran¢ois Michelon
was a marvel both in size and shape. Other good flowers
were Capitaine Christy, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Etienne
Dupuy, La France, Madame Lacharme, Mdlle. Kugénie Verdier,
Malle. Thérése Levet, Souvenir de Madame Boll, Comtesse
Nadaillac, Madame C. Kuster, Monsieur Furtado, Niphetos,
Alba Rosea, Marie Van Houtte, and Souvenir d’Elise Varden.
Roses about here were about at their best at the time of the
National Show.—Wuu1am Taytor, Warminster.

Tux very early blooms of Gloire de Dijon and Devoniensis
opened very badly, but the later flowers are expanding freely.
They are very profuse and very globular. [havehad a ‘Gloire”’
in every box of twenty-four I have set up this season. I could
cut hundreds of blooms from the trainéd pyramids which were
not pruned. Some of the Maréchal Niel blooms were good.
Souyenir de Malmaison hag been yery good. It appears to be

July 12, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

37

a very good season for globular Roses, but, singular to say,
while it suits these it has suited Général Jacqueminot, which
was shown by Mr. Paul and Mr. Turner at Richmond in extraor-
dinary condition. Mons. E. Y. Teas is doing well this year;
it is a grand addition to dark Roses, and it has a worthy light
associate in Duchesse de Vallombrosa. These two new Roses
will be in great request. Ie Rhone, Abel Carriére, Baron de
Bonstetten, Madame Prosper Langier, Star of Waltham, Sir
Garnet Wolseley, Prince Arthur, Marchioness of Exeter, Emily
Laxton, Miss Hassard, Royal Standard, and John Bright have
all been in fine condition, and have attained a foremost place
as exhibition Roses. Triomphe de France is not a ‘ triumph ”
in England, and while the Rey. J. B. M. Camm should be in
every garden it has not won a high position in the stands.
—J. W. Moorman.

ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS.

‘(A RETIRED GARDENER”’ details a very interesting practice
with so-called artificial manures in the garden, but it is of
rather an expensive, not to say wasteful a character. He ad-
mits a8 much when he says that an equally good effect will be
produced if only half the manurial elements are used, the rest
of the dressing being of simple water. Yet even with this
reduction his quantities so far surpass any usual or necessary
amount, that it will be useful to consider what they really
come to. Ona few rows of Peas extravagance in manuring is
of no particular consequence, but when we come to some
acres of kitchen or flower garden it would inevitably be a de-
terrent from what on a reasonable scale would be a valuable
aid to the gardener.

First as to water. ‘A Retirep GARDENER” prescribes an
unlimited quantity, which he says he is confident would ex-
csed a gallon to the square foot of ground, to be applied once
a-week. But this quantity is equal to a rainfall of 2 inches
per week, or as much as two days of constant rain in the
seven. It therefore exceeds 8 inches per month, which is an
amount that does not occur once in a dozen years. Half the
quantity, or 4 inches-in a month, is above the average of even
& Very moist summer. Those, therefore, who have not an un-
limited supply of water or of labour at their command may
well be content if they can in a period of drought administer
once a-week only half a gallon per square foot, using, of
course, all proper precaution against evaporation.

Next as to fertilisers. ‘‘A Rerirep GARDENER” suggests
1 lb. of guano to ten gallons of water, which he would use on
10 square feet of ground, though he admits it would suffice
for 20 square feet if the ground were previously soaked with
plain water, and a solution of this strength he would apply
once a-week; but 11b. of guano to even 20 square feet is equal
to about a ton per acre, and to 10 square fest it is equal to
2 tons per acre. If this is to be applied once a-week, say
during only eight weeks of drought, it will come in the one
case to 8 tons, in the other to 16 tons per acre, and the cost of
this will be, at inrporters’ prices, £120 to £240. With nitrate
of soda and superphosphate of lime ‘‘A Rerirep GARDENER”
is only a little less extravagant. He would add to each ten
gallons of water 141b. of the latter and a quarter of a pound
of the former, to be distributed as before, once a-week, on
10 to 20 square feet of ground. This would in eight weeks
come to 10 to 20 tons per acre of superphosphate, costing £60
to £120, and 2 to 4 tons of nitrate of soda costing £30 to £60,
the veel cost being thus £90 to £180 per acre for a single
crop!

It need not be said that such quantities and such outlay are
alike unknown in either agriculture or horticulture on a large
scale, and that no plants exist which could assimilate, far less
Tepay, anything approaching to such doses of manure. In
ordinary farming 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda or 3 cwt. of guano
are & usual dressing once in the year in addition to farmyard
Manure. The effect of such an application is instantly
visible, and few farmers find profit in more. Mr. Lawes’ valu-
able experiments on farm crops on the same ground during
twenty years in succession, show that when no farmyard ma-
nure is given the highest fertility may be maintained by annual
dressings containing only 3 cwt. of nitrate of soda; that 4 cwt.
gives somewhat larger returns, but not in proportion to the
increase in the manure; that Secwt. gives a little more than
4 cewt., but that hardly any addition is obtained to the crop by
manuring beyond that point. It is, indeed, true that the gar-
dener desires his crops to be of greater succulence and luxuri-
ance than the farmer does, and we may therefore concede that

he may beneficially employ double what the farmer finds pro-
fitable ; but he should also recollect that it has been proved
that when plants intended for food are too richly fed their
juices contain the manuring ingredients in an undecomposed
state, and that sheep and cattle have often been poisoned by
eating herbage or Turnips raised by overdoses of nitrate of
soda, or ammonia, or guano.

Tf, then, we take as the limit of safe application to each
crop double the amount that a farmer would use we shall find
that when we reduce it to pounds, to be applied to 10 square
feet of ground, we ought not to exceed—of guano one-third of
a pound, or, instead of guano, of nitrate of soda a quarter of
@ pound, and of superphosphate half a pound. These may be
sprinkled on the surface in rainy weather and left to be washed
in. In dry weather they may be dissolved at once in five
gallons of water and poured on, or, what will be better, they
may be divided into four doses and repeated at a fortnight’s
interval. If too much water is given so as to flow away in the
subsoil or the drains it will wash away the manure, and this is
no doubt the way in which the excessive doses of manure ad-
ministered by ‘‘ A RetirED GARDENER” were disposed of, and
thus were prevented from poisoning the plants and their con-
sumers.—J. B. K.

THE NATIONAL ROSE SHOW.

From first to last your Rose number is a pleasure to me, and
I doubt not very many more of your subscribers, for throughout
the number but one spirit seems to pervade it, and that is of
the congratulatory or jubilant order. Why even, mirabile dictu!
“A Parson’s GARDENER ” can say a kind word about a ‘“* WYLD
Savace,” and also write an exceedingly pleasant letter upon
some of the best and oldest of our Roses. Surely the Rose mil-
lennium is not a thing of the future, but has come and gone
last week,

And this reminds me of the wish expressed by my respected,
not opponent (let even a “ Wyip Savace ” claim fraternity) but
confrére, as to a wish that I should make some criticism and
remarks on the National Rose Show. This I have already done
in the Rose number, but the exigencies of going to press were
so great that my remarks and yours were mixed up together, 80
that there is still left plenty to say about our great Show; and
indeed strange it would be if so great an event as the first exhi-
bition of the rejuvenated National Rose Society could not furnish
food for many articles in the English Rose Journal. Now that
the dust has a little subsided from the hot racecourse, now that
the Rose boxes are empty and all the great shows are over, how
that the stupendous whole is removed from the mind’s eye, let
me say a few words about some minor things that struck me.

And first of all I wish once more to congratulate you, the
Editors and Proprietors of the Rose Journal, in having the best
contested fight for the cup which you presented for competition.
This, as most of your readers will remember, was for twelve
blooms, distinct varieties. The stands which were staged in
this class were both numerous and good, but I do not hesitate
to say that in my humble opinion the stand which won the first
prize was not only the best in the Show but also the best twelve
I ever saw. Mr. Smallbones, of Chatteris near Cambridge,
must be a wonderful grower to be able to stage such blooms as
they were. All my notes of the Show were left at your office,
but if I remember rightly there were blooms of La France, Hu-
génie Verdier, Charles Lefebvre, Marie Baumann, &c., which
were all splendid specimens. I never saw a more even lot.
There were twelve blooms of equal size, of bright fresh colour,
perfect form, and well set up. The only drawback (alas! that
there should have been one for such blooms) was that they were
too crowded together. The box was never intended for twelve
such blooms as those; it might have accommodated six, but not
more. No sign of moss was to be seen and very little foliage.
The bloums were so large that they touched one another. Mr.
Keynes, who judged them and who travelled back with me,
quite agreed with me as to their great excellence; so that the
Editors may rest assured their cup was well contested for and
well won. e

Working one’s way up the room I do not think anything was
more striking than the boxes of nurserymen’s Tea Roses. One
thing that I remarked was the one marvellous bloom (at least)
that each nurseryman had—e.g., Mr. Davison of Hereford
showed a marvellous bloom of Comtesse de Nadaillac, Mr.
Keynes an equally good bloom of Niphetos, and Mr. Cant of
Boule d’Or. Now these three Roses are 60 difficult to make
anything of that it is quite an event to see good blooms shown,
and if the National was memorable for nothing else it would by
me be ever remembered for the astonishing blooms of Tea Roses,
which are so difficult of cultivation. é

In the class for twenty-four distinct varieties (Hybrid Per-
petuals) Mr. Curtis staged a very beautiful lot of blooms.
could not help exclaiming, ‘‘ Bravo dear old Devon!” as we

38 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 12, 1877.

marked his name down as the winner of the first prize. The
blooms were so very fresh, clean, and even that it would be
difficult to imagine a finer lot if they had been cut that morning
within a few miles of London. Iam delighted to see how well
Mr. Curtis has staged this year, and, contrasting his stands with
those of the few last years I am amazed at the marvellous
improvement. If he goes on in this way he may soon play the
part that Mr. Jowitt has played among the amateurs. ae

Beginning with small things, that gentleman has within (I
believe) three years advanced to the highest position and won
the premier prize of the year, and this brings me to a considera-
tion of his stand and some of the lessons it teaches me. They
may be nothing worth, but such as they are I offer them to the
attention and friendly criticism of your readers. I think it will
be granted that Mr. Baker’s (who won the second prize) blooms
were fresher than Mr. Jowitt’s, but the latter’s were larger and
perhaps a little more even throughout. Certainly Mr. Baker’s
Roses were more highly coloured than his great rival’s, but some
of his blooms were undoubtedly smaller than any of Mr. Jowitt’s.
Taking this for granted, let us look at the various Roses shown
by these twin giants. Mr. Baker showed forty-eight of the best-
known varieties, such as Alfred Colomb, Franeois Michelon, Marie
Baumann, Dake of Edinburgh, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Maurice
Bernardin, &c., and nothing could have been more beautiful
than his stands ; but it is evident that some of his best blooms
were of varieties which are never large, such as his favourite
Duke of Wellington. Now Mr. Jowitt’s stands, while contain-
ing all the best varieties, also had splendid blooms of older
sorts, discarded by many and grown by very few. In his stands
were found Madame Charles Crapelet, Lord Herbert, Madame
Boutin, Madame Belion, L’Esmeralda, Jules Margottin, &.
From this I wish to draw the inference that to show forty-eight
well we amateurs must largely increase the number of our
varieties. Mr. Jowitt, I believe, grows, and grows largely,
about 150 sorts; now I am not sure, but I should certainly be
“surprised to hear,” that Hercules has more than seventy sorts
of Hybrid Perpetuals. The advantage, then, that Mr. Jowitt has
this year is great, because he has s0 many more varieties, all of
which are capable of bearing yrand blooms if forced on and well
cultivated, although perhaps as a rule they give you bat in-
different flowers.

Now may I without presumption or self-praise speak of my
Own case as bearing-out this point? I grow less sorts even than
Mr. Baker. I certainly have not more than sixty sorts, and
when you take out of these Duc de Rohan, Emilie Hausburg,
and other late sorts, I have not more than fifty. To show, there-
fore, forty-eight sorts is always a matter of great difficulty to
me, and I never could do it were it not for my Teas. So before
the Alexandra Palace Show, after my return from Torquay, as I
was settling on the boxes, the thought occurred to me, Don’t try
and show forty-eight or even thirty-six; throw all your strength
into twenty-four trebles, and try and make a respectable stand.
I did so and was first, beating both Mr. Baker and Mr. Jowitt.
As my small number of varieties are all the very best sorts, and
cultivated in twenties, I was able to cut three young blooms of
twenty-four sorts with ease, and so was fortunate enough for
once to win a first prize. But here I wish to make a remark
which will startle if not astound not a few, and that is the fact
that I cut in the sun. Yes, at the hottest period of the day.
Onur last train to London goes at 5 p m., and my boxes and man
were not home from Torquay till 2.30 p.u.,so I with fear and
trembling did a thing I never ventured on before—I cut my
blooms very young in a broiling sun and won a first prize. No
one (my man told me), would believe this at the Alexandra, and
I should very much like to hear the opinions and custom of
some of your readers. Iam told that Mr. Curtis recommends
cutting in the sun, and as he is a diligent reader of the Journal
perhaps he will state his reasons for this, ifitis the case. But
my own experience, furnished by Mr. Jowitt’s stands, makes me
feel convinced that we who try to show forty-eight distinct,
ought to grow far more sorts than we do, and if we feel dis-
inclined to do this, then let us be content to leave the larger
classes for the giants, and confine ourselves to trebles and
twenty-four and twelve varieties. .

Some reader may here triumphantly exclaim, ‘‘ But at Here-
ford this year, on Mr. Jowitt’s own ground, Mr. Baker turned
the tables on him and won the cup from the lion’s teeth.” Yes,
so he did, and much do I, one of his oldest friends, congratulate
him on this great achievement. But my reasoning on this
point is not so totally demolished as you may think, for the cup
prize at Hereford is for thirty-six varieties, not forty-eight, and
the alteration in number makes all the difference, for it is the
last twelve that tries us, and which often compels us to put in
smal] blooms. A greater triumph than that won at Hereford by
Mr. Baker is not to be imagined, and all, not perhaps excluding
even Mr, Jowitt, will rejoice with him on taking Mr. Cranston’s
cup to Exeter. Whata year of great contests will 1878 be when
the two giants meet to contend for the ownership of the cup!
for I cannot doubt that it lies between these two alone.

Before I conclude this discursive letter let me say a word of

praise as to the arrangements made by the Secretaries and Mr.
Newman for the accommodation of the exhibitors in St. James’s
Hall. Iam told that there was a concert the night before, and
yet at 6 a.m. all the staging was up, the classes marked out, and
every exhibitor’s name placed on the exact spot his boxes occu-
pied. There was not the slightest confusion, no alterations
made; all went easily and smoothly, and without confusion the
Hall was cleared and the judging completed in about an hour
and a half. A grand Show it was, and one ever to be remem-
bered—a Show which will, whatever be the fate of future ex-
hibitions, redound to the credit of the Committee and the Hon-
orary Secretaries, and furnish food for discussion aud congratu-
lation among rosarians for many months.—WYLD SavaGE.

NOVELTIES IN THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW.

Tue rockwork presents a pretty show of flowers, inclusive of
many species of individual interest. Delphinium cashmeria-
num is one of the beat for this position, being dwarf and bear-
ing large blue showy flowers. It was introduced to Kew about
three years since, and few only have been distributed. Ane-
mone obtusiloba, though known long ago, is now extremely rare,
and was perhaps lost to cultivation until a few years since,
when seeds were received which produced the present specimen.
It has large leaves and is very compact, scarcely at all spread-
ing; the flowers are pure white, and produced several together
on short pedicels above a leafy involucre. It is a native of
the Himalayas, and was first introduced by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society. The Edelweiss, a plant of interest to tourists
in particular, is here in flower. It is said not to grow below a
certain elevation, and is brought down by travellers to show
that they reached this particular altitude. It is known as
Gnaphalium Leontopodium or Leontopodium alpinum, and
though considered difficult of cultivation is not really so. In
winter it appears dead, and is then often thrown away by
mistake. Phlox ovata is one of the best of a genus containing
many handsome species. Its flowers are much like those of
P. reptans, which is used for spring bedding; but the leaves
are broad, and the stems stiff and erect. Primula sikkimensis
is much rarer than need be, and here has been in good
condition. Wulfenia Amherstiana is a choice and rare alpine.
The flowers are blue, prettily disposed on one side of erect
stems, and are associated with leayes of somewhat Primrose-
like appearance. r

Fremontia californica, on the ornamental wall near the Orchid
house, is now in splendid condition. A great part of the tree
is almost hidden with large golden saucer-shaped blooms,
equal in size to those of a Gum Cistus. The tree is clothed
with very neat foliage, and forms a first-rate wall-covering.
Though perhaps hardy as a shrub, it only reaches perfection in
a similar position. Near this the newly-introduced Lilium
cordifolium is flowering, it is said for the first time in Kurope.
It is the species to which by some botanists L. giganteum is
referred as a variety. It is much more difficult to manage.
As a garden plant it is likely to be much inferior to L. gigan-
teum ; the flowers are fewer, and do not compensate by larger
size.

Galax aphylla, a somewhat rare herbaceous plant, is striking
in that department. It is densely tufted, the leaves round and
dark green, among which arise the numerous spikes of pure
white flowers. Gillenia trifoliata is not often seen, though
forming a pretty combination of white flowers, red stems, and
green trifoliate leaves. The roots are medicinal, having in
some degree the properties of Ipecacuanha.

Flowering in house No. 1 we find Napoleona imperialis, a
plant of great structural interest to the botanist, and of interest
to the general observer from its peculiar conformation and
resemblance in miniature to Rafflesia, the peculiar Vine-para-
site of Sumatra exhibited in the adjoining museum. Roefilesia
Arnoldi is destitute of stem and leaves, the flower, of which it
consists, reaching 34 feet across. Another interesting plant
here in flower is Spathicarpa platyspatha, a dwarf herbaceous
Aroid, the spadix of which is adnate to the flat spathe, so that
the flowers appear as if borne along the midrib of a leaf.

In the Palm house we are delighted with a combination of
foliage produced by climbers growing together. One of these
is Passiflora quadrangularis variegata, the variegation of which
is extremely good and constant; golden blotches are distri-
buted over the leaf. The other is Dioscorea vittata, the leaves
of which are reddish purple relieved with grey down the centre,
These colours produce a very pleasing effect. It would be easy
to suggest other associations of similar character. Thin-grow-
ing plants have often room among their branches for the

Jaly 12, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

39

twining of a slender climber, and bare stems could often be
clothed in this way. We may here suggest the attachment
of certain epiphytes to the stems of living Tree Ferns. Shade-
loving species of suitable habit are found among the Bromeli-
aces. Some Orchids might be found to thrive, and a few
trailing Gesneriacee are quite at home in this position.

The newly-imported Vanda cerulescens var. Boxalli is now
flowering in the Orchid house. It is not considered equal
to the species, but is extremely pretty, all being pure white
with the exception of its blue lip. The showy Orchids of most
attraction now in flower are Phalenopsis Liiddemanniana,
Aérides odoratum and multiflorum, the nearly white-flowered
Oncidium pulchellum, O. leucochilum, with spikes of great
strength ; Barkeria Skinneri, Oncidiums Krameri and Papilio,
and Cypripediums Hooker and superbiens.

The new Begonia Freebeli in the cool end of the T range
is commencing to flower freely. It seems to have found less
favour than it deserves, but here is quite ornamental, and takes
a good position among the tuberous species. It is difficult to
imagine why these have not been grown for exhibition, con-
sidering the gorgeous display they are capable of producing
with but little trouble.

In the next house are many beautiful examples of Gesneri-
acex, inclusive of the genera Achimenes, Gloxinia, Biglandu-
laria, Gesnera, Sheeria, Tydsa, and others, few only of which
are novel; but it is difficult not to mention their value as a
class for the greenhouse in summer, a time when houses are
often empty or nearly so. These are an important feature
in the establishment of L. Van Houtte at Ghent, but in this
country at least meet with far too little appreciation. A repre-
sentative set would be highly attractive at the summer and
autumn flower shows.

Roella ciliata is extremely pretty in the conservatory, and
to which we draw attention from its great beauty and rarity.
It is a small evergreen shrub with slender stems, producing
large bell-shaped blue flowers. It was introduced from the
Cape more than one hundred years ago.

AMONG THE ROSES AT WOODLANDS.

To obtain a clear idea of the relative value of our best Roses
it is necessary to see them growing side by side, not planted
singly but in considerable numbers of each sort, so that one
may not be misled by individual peculiarities, of which there
is an undoubted risk when a single plant only of each variety
is before one, as is usually the case in private gardens. It is
true that such exhibitions of Roses as the National afford us a
sight of picked blooms of our best sorts in such a guise as we
unfortunately but too often see them only in a prize stand;
yet I much fear that these noble examples of skilful culture
convey no very just or fair conception to the mind of the
ordinary practitioner of their appearance when not enjoying
the special advantages of high culture and most careful tend-
ing, or, what is more to the point, of their value or otherwise
for the embellishment of a garden. Not that I wish to say
one word in disparagement of Rose shows, for our national
flower is worthy of all honour, and, moreover, such shows are
most useful in a variety of ways, such as in bringing new and
worthy varieties prominently before the public, testing the
merits of new sorts with old, affording Rose-growers an oppor-
tunity for an interchange of ideas, promoting social intercourse
in its most innocent genial form, and above all in tending to
popularise Roses and Rose culture. ;

Acting upon the idea set forth in my first sentence I went
last week to inspect the Roses of Messrs. William Wood & Son
in their Woodlands Nursery at Maresfield near Uckfield; and
under the courteous guidance of the head of the firm, Mr.
Charles Wood, and his youngest son, I went through the whole
of their Roses, comprising I suppose all the varicties really
worth growing, every one of which was to be seen by the
hundred, perhaps I should be safe to say by the thousand, for
in the open air they extend over many acres, and under glass
they fill house after house and range after range, affording one
such a sight of standards, half-standards, and dwarfs, of Roses
in pots, as I will very frankly own I have never seen before, and
in my experience of nurseries and gardens has been somewhat
extensive. It will therefore be understood that I had a rare
Opportunity of seeing Roses new and old, good and indifferent,
under what may be fairly claimed as the best possible condi-
tions for forming a relixble opinion of their worth.

Maréchal Niel and Gloire de Dijon are undoubtedly our two
most popular Roses, as was clearly shown by the immense

numbers of both which were flourishing in rude health and in
every form from dwarfs to standards. Messrs. Wood consider
that The Garland, a hybrid climber sent out by thom many
years ago, makes quite the best stock for Maréchal Niel, tend-
ing materially to promote that free strong growth for which
‘‘The Marshal”? is so remarkable when bud and stock agree.
This is an important matter, as although I have a splendid
tree of it some 20 feet high on the common Briar, otherg
have not done so well, and some have failed outright.

Of other sorts grown in very large quantities—a sure indica-
tion of popularity—La France still holds a prominent place as
one of the very best pink sorts, as do the rich crimson Duke
of Edinburgh and the lovely white Boule de Neige, always
good, but occasionally giving us a flower that is the very per-
fection of form and purity of colour. I was glad to find that
John Hopper, too, continues to hold a high position. I sup-
pose we have nothing more beautiful among Roses, or any
flowers, than an opening bud of John Hopper with the recurved,
petals just showing that rosy crimson, or rather pink, tinge
which is so charming. Moss Roses are, of course, grown ex-
tensively, the old White Bath being more vigorous than I
have before seen it. A still more vigorous white Moss is Reine
Blanche, very hardy, beautiful in bud, and expanding into
large flowers. This is an excellent sort, which everyone ought.
to grow by the dozen, for we never can obtain enough of it for
mixing with other cut flowers.

Reverting now to my notes of the best sorts, a new one
named Abel Carriére first claims notice. It has large flowers,
very full petalled, of perfect form; is glowing crimson in colour,
and is in every respect worthy of Messrs. Wood’s description
as a ‘superb new Rose.” In Madame Prosper Langier we
have another new one with magnificent flowers, very large and
full, and of a lovely soft shade of carmine. Madame la
Baronne de Medeni is also new in colour. It is pink shaded
with violet; it is very full and of perfect form. Another
variety of 1876 is named Rosa alba—Pompon blanc parfait,
and answers perfectly to the catalogue description :—“ Flowers
small and of exquisite form, colour pale flesh passing to pure
white, a charming miniature Rose,” to which I may add that
it forms a pretty little bush such as one admires in a border
or bed. Dingé Conard as I saw it appeared quite worthy of
being termed ‘‘ one of the finest new Roses of the season;’’
its petals are of great size, and the colour a brilliant crimson.
Olga Marix has charming white flowers, cupped and with
elegant petals. It is a valuable sort. Catherine Bonnard of
the Hybrid China section has brilliant crimson flowers and is
very striking. It is a new variety, and is considered very
suitable for pillars. Sultan of Zanzibar is a good new Rose,
remarkable for its colour—a deep crimson, or, as the catalogues
say, blackish maroon. Panachée Langroise is a very distinct
variety with deep flesh-coloured mottled flowers, which tell
well among other varieties. Of older Roses Marguerite de
St. Amand was as usual most lovely with its abundant bold
bright pink flowers. Abel Grand was also very fine; like John
Hopper, its expanding flowers are so charming that we should
value it for them alone when in that stage, even if they were
not so perfect when fully developed. Francois Michelon was
very good; it has lovely deep pink flowers, very large and
full. Paul Neron was of course conspicuous, its strong healthy
growth and immense flowers never failing to attract attention.
Large quantities of it are grown, but it must be termed some-
what coarse and vulgar when fully expanded. Felix Genero
was grown in quantity, and its flowers were certainly very
fine. It has now been under cultivation for a good many
years, and there has been frequent discussion as to its merits.
I have grown it and have not liked it, but after seeing it so
perfect as it was at Woodlands I can understand why some
should term it a good Rose and some a bad one, for it is evi-
dently much influenced by soil and situation. Bessie John-
son was very good, with large full flowers of a charming deli-
cate pink shade and yery sweet. Marquise de Castellane was
in splendid condition, but then I haye never seen it other-
wise; it is undoubtedly one of our best Roses. Abbé Bramerel
has deep rich crimson flowers, and is a very striking variety.

Tea Roses, though grown in such large numbers being
mostly in pots, were past their best, but I was able to see and
admire the crimson-flowered Duchess of Edinburgh, a distinct
and valuable acquisition to this class, as is also Cheshunt
Hybrid, of which there was a goodly number of standards in
the open nursery. Both are vigorous growers, and both are
indispensable. They will prove of especial value for clothing
buildings of light-coloured stone or stucco, as well as for

40

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 12, 1877.

mizing with the more numerous shades of white and yellow
oses.

As a curiosity among Roses I may mention an introduction
from Japan called Rosa rubiginosa Regeliana. It has clusters
of large single crimson flowers, has a dene clothing of curious
deep green foliage; the stem is thickly set with thorns, alto-
gether forming a plant of singular appearance.

I have thus noted a few, and only a few, of the many sorts
of Roses grown at Woodlands. I would fain dwell upon some
others, but as that may not be now I may appropriately con-
clude by congratulating, not Messrs. Wood alone, but Rose-
growers generally upon the excellent condition of the whole
of the Woodlands Roses; for Woodlands is the source from
whence many nurgerymen draw their supplies.—Epwarp Lucx-
HURST.

WIMBLEDON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S
ANNUAL SHOW.

Park House, Wimbledon Park, the residence of Mrs. Evans,
was the place selected by.the Committee of this Society to hold
their fifth annual Exhibition, an exhibition worthy of the place
and neighbourhood. The schedule consisted of 120 classes
in three divisions—gardeners, amateurs, and cottagers. The
cottagers came out in great force, but the amateurs were much
less numerous. We hope that another season they will take
courage and do honour to the Society which takes the trouble
to offer prizes for their produce. Division 1 brought out some
very good productions.

Class 1 was open to all comers for six stove and greenhouse
plants in flower. Mr. Smith, gardener to J. C. Joad, Esq., was
placed first with a very fresh collection; Mr. Moorman, gar-
dener to the Misses Christy, second; and Mr. Jordan, gardener
to J. Boustead, Esq., third. Mr. Smith’s were the smallest
plants, but exceedingly fresh and well flowered, and included a
very fine Oncidium sphacelatum and Cattleya Mossix. The
second-prize collection contained amongst others very fine and
well-bloomed plants of Clerodendron Balfourii and Stephanotis
floribunda. In the class for six stove and greenhouse plants in
or out of flower Mr. Smith was again first, Mr. Jordan second,
and Mr. Moorman third. The first-prize collection contained
a very fine and beautiful-coloured plant of Croton Johannis, and
the second a very fine plant of Cocos Weddelliana. For four
stove and greenhouse plants in or out of flower Mr. Bridger,
gardener to F'. B. Thomas, Esq., was awarded the first prize;
Mr. Bentley, gardener to Sir Thomas Gubriel, the second; and
Mr. Stratton, gardener to Miss Forbes, the third. Six mis-
cellaneous plants in 9-inch pots brought a strong competition,
and Mr, Jordan, Mr. Smith, and Mr. S. Chapman, gardener to
R. Maccabe, Esq., divided the honours in the order named.
Mr. Jordan’s plants were Draccenas amabilis and Youngi, Pan-
danuses Veitchii and Vandermerscheii, Demonorops fissus, and
Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, all excellent and well-grown
plants for such small-sized pots. In the class for six and four
exotic Ferns there was also very keen competition, Mr. Jordan
being placed first in the class for six plants for good examples
of Davallia Mooreana, Neottopteris nidus, Gymnogramma chry-
sophylla, and Adiantums farleyense, concinnum latum and
cuneatum. Mr. Smith was placed second and Mr. Bentley
third for good collections; and in the class for four plants Mr.
S. Chapman, Mr. Lyne, and Mr. Curtis, gardener to — Barlow,
Esq., were first, second, and third respectively.

Fachsias were exhibited extensively, and seldom have we
seen finer plants, most of them being large and well bloomed.
Messrs. Lyne, Jordan, Moorman, Roser, and Stratton were
awarded the chief honours. Scarlet or Zonal Geraniums were
good. Mr. Roser was in his usual place with fine examples of
Matilda, Charles Burrows, Caxton, Mrs. Tait, The Shah, and
Harry King. Mr. Lyne was placed second; the other winners
were Mr. W. Mayer, Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Chapman, who all
showed very creditably. Achimenes came from Mr. Bentley
and Mr. Lyne, who were awarded the first and second prizes
respectively for six plants ; and in the class for three plants Mr.
S. Chapman was awarded the first prize.

Caladiums were extremely fine, more especially those ex-
hibited by Mr. Jordan, to whom the first prize was unhesitat-
ingly awarded for grand examples of Belleymei, Triomphe de
lVExposition, Meyerbeer, Excellent, Prince Albert Edward, and
Adolphe de Nassau. Mr. Stratton also exhibited a very good
six, and received the second prize. In the class for three Mr.
Bridger, Mr. Cole, and Mr. Lyne were awarded the honours in
the order named.

Passing some minor classes we arrive at the Roses. In the
class for twenty-four blooms Mr. Moorman was a good first; Mr.
Fanning second; and Mr. Elliott, gardener to the Rev. J. M.
Brackenbury, third. It would be well for the Society to alter the
wording of the schedule another year by substituting the word
“trusses ”’ for blooms; for the want of a definite term a good
collection which would have been placed second was disqualified.

Other prize-winners had a narrow escape; but while the Judges
were quick, and properly so, to discern the terms of the schedule
in one respect, they did not recognise the important condition
that the varieties were to be distinct. In the second-prize stand
we noticed two Roses named Duke of Wellington when the
stand did not contain one of that variety, and two Paul Verdier,
while the name of Centifolia Rosea was attached to a scarlet
Rose. In the gardeners’ classes for twelve blooms Mr. Kent was
placed first, Mr. Tucker second, and Mr. Smith third; and for
twelve blooms (amateurs) Mr. W. Scott, New Wimbledon, a
most ardent lover and good grower of Roses, was first. This
collection was decidedly the best inthe Show. Other exhibitors
of Roses were Mr. Mayer, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Marsh-Stiles.

Fruit was not very extensively shown, but was very good,
especially the Strawberries. The first prize for a single dish
was awarded to Mr. Jordan, who exhibited Her Majesty, a very
large and good-flavoured Strawberry. The other prizetakers
were Mr. Chapman and Mr. Cole. Mr. Kent was first for a col-
lection of fruit, and shared the honours with Mr. Burden for
pone Peaches and Nectarines, and Mr. Lee and Mr. Fanning for

rapes.

Voratablas were wellto thefront. Mr. Lyne, Mr. Jordan, and
Mr. Kent were first, second, and third respectively in the class
for twelve sorts; and Mr. Moorman, Mr. Chapman, and Mr.
Bridger in the same order for six sorts. The cottagers’ produc-
tions were both extensive and very good.

Special prizes were offered by Mrs. and Miss Reeves for
dinner-table plants. In the class for twelve plants Mr. Jordan
was awarded the first prize with graceful examples of Cocos Wed-
delliana, Areca lutescens, Demonorops fissus, Aralias Veitchii
and elegantissima; Dracenas terminalis, Cooperi, and gracilis ;
Pandanus Veitchii, Annassa sativa variegata, and Croton angus-
tifolium. Mr. Smith was placed second, and Mr. Lyne third.
In the class for six plants Mr. Chapman, Mr. Cole, and Mr.
Bridger were placed in the order named. There was great com-
petition in these classes, and the plants exhibited were excellent.

TWO-DAYS ROSH SHOWS.

Tue neck of these has been pretty well broken; but there is
one offender in the metropolis—the Aquerium, and it is to be
hoped that all the members of the National Rose Society will
remember that they are pledged to do all in their power to
discountenance two-days Rose shows. Some intend carrying
this out to the letter, and it will hardly be fair for other
members to take advantage of their consistency and secure
prizes which they might possibly not have obtained had
those who held back for this reason competed.—A Lover or
ConSISTENCY.

NOTES on VILLA anv SUBURBAN GARDENING.

ApvanTaGE should be taken of every shower te plant out
Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, Kale, Broccoli, Coleworts, &c., into
their permanent quarters. Those useful vegetables, so neces-
sary for the winter supply, cannot become established too early
if both quantity and quality are wished for. The greatest
trouble to us, and doubtless to many others, is to have space at
command to plant the above-named crops when opportunity
offers; therefore clear the ground of all early crops as soon as
they are over, such as Peas, Cauliflowers, &c. We gathered our
first Peas on the 19th of June, but the crop was not heavy; we
therefore cleared them off at once. William I. Peashave podded
abundantly and were very fine. They are now over, and our
late successions are not looking well. Such sorts as Champion
of England and Ne Plus Ultra are far beneath their ordinary
heights. The ungenial spring, followed by real summer weather,
has caused them to flower prematurely. In order to secure a
late autumn supply we shall sow a few more rows of early sorts
—Advancer and William I. It will only be a chance crop, and
the result will depend materially on the season. The early-
sown Scarlet Runners and Dwarf French Beans are looking
well, and there is yet time to make other sowings for late sup-
plies. Asparagus beds must be kept free from weeds, and no
more heads must be cut, or the supply of next year will be
weakened. LHarly-sown Turnips have in the majority of cases
“bolted,” or run to flower before attaining any size, Other
sowings should be made. Veitch’s Red Globe is a very useful
sort to sow after this date. Thin-out advancing crops of Turnips,
Onions, Carrots, and Beet if not already done. Celery where
required should be planted-out for an early and main supply.
The Incomparable White is one of the best for early use, and
Major Clarke’s Red is a good sort to follow. Potatoes are look-
ing well and promise to be good this season. They can be dug
as wanted, and the grounu planted again with winter vegetables.
If a sowing of Parsley is made now on a south or warm border
and not picked during the autumn it will, if not crowded, give
an abundant supply throughout the winter. A sowing of the
Rosette Colewort ought also to be made, the plants from which
will be useful for filling spare ground as it becomes cleared.

July 12, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

41

Se eee

In the flower garden the work will consist principally in re-
moving dead flowers, pegging down and stopping all such plants
tuat are required to cover the ground rapidly, and occasionally
mowing and clipping the edges. Roses, Clematises, Wistarias,
and other plants covering walls have grown very rapidly, and
require thinning and nailing in their places. Clematis lanu-
ginosa and lanuginosa alba are blooming very freely in many
places, and C. Jackmanni is promising a fine display of flowers.
Tho small sweet-scented white Clematis flammula is very pretty,
and is a fast grower; it ought to be in every collection.
Primulas and Cinerarias will now require pricking out of their
seed pans, afterwards keeping them close and shaded for a few
days. A frame facing the north is a very good position for
them, and when well established they will be benefited by the
lights being drawn off during mild nights. More seed may yet
be sown of Cinerarias, Calceolarias, and Primulas. The seed-
lings will in all probability make useful little plants for spring
decoration.

Chrysanthemums not already in their blooming pots must be
repotted at once, for if neglected at this season and the roots
become matted together and the tops stunted it will be impos-
sible to have healthy specimens. A rich yet porous compost
suits them. We generally pot ours in 9-inch pots if large blooms
only are required ; but for specimen plants we use 12-inch pots.
Pegging, stopping, and tying must be duly attended to, to secure
plants of good shape. If the tops of the shoots are made into
cuttings and inserted at once and grown-on without allowing
them to flag they will make useful little plants, which are often
valuable for particular decorative purposes. Four to six cuttings
in a 6-inch pot and there allowing them to remain to bloom is
the best way of providing showy little plants.

Hedges of all kinds, such as Privet, Yew, Laurels, Holly, &c.,
will require clipping in order to retain their shape and make a
close compact growth ; but in cutting Yew and Laurel we prefer
a common pruning knife. The Yew hedges are then greener,
and Laurels have their leaves left perfect, which in all proba-
bility, if the shears were used, would be cut in half. Holly
makes one of the finest of hedges, but to induce rapid growth
they should not be clipped in their young state, except merely
taking off a gross leader here and there to keep the top some-
what level. After they have been established six or seven years
they may be cut into shape to form a complete hedge.—J. W.
Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
Aut the growths not required on the wall trees have been cut-
back, and those that are wanted either to furnish the walls or
supply fruiting wood have been secured to the walls. As far as
practicable all fruit trees which have ripe fruit have been pro-
tected with nets. As usual the birds find out the weak places
and carry away the best fruit, notwithstanding all precautions.
We have commenced layering the Strawberry runners, begin-
ning with Black Prince and Keens’ Seedling. Before this is
printed the largést proportion of them will have been layered.
Some growers have tried the system parsued at Loxford Hall of
destroying the beds after once fruiting and replanting annually,
and having failed they doubt whether the statements made in
this Journal are correct. What object, we wonder, could be
gained by stating what was not the fact in a case of this kind ?
The only object most gardeners can have in writing to periodicals
specially devoted to their work is to diffuse useful practical in-
formation ; and our experience, gained by a dozen years of prac-
tice, is that the only sure way of securing acrop of Strawberries
on this soil is to plant every year. Our plants are now being
layered in 60-sized pots—that is, pots about 3inches in diameter
inside measure. No drainage is placed in the pots, except a
little moss or turfy peat over the apertures. Over this a pinch
of soot is sprinkled to prevent the ingress of worms. The pots
_are then filled up with a compost of loam and decayed manure
in the proportion of three to one. We always select runners
from the plants that bear fruit. All barren plants are rejected.
This is important, as many plants are to be found without fruit,
and the progeny almost invariably is barren the following year.
Such plants, moreover, always throw out the strongest runners.
In our collection of more than a dozen varieties there is not a
barren plant to be found. In two or three weeks at most after
layering the plants should be cut away from the parent, and
never at any time should they suffer by want of water, or in any
way receive acheck. The ground should be prepared for them
&8 800n as a@ Space can be cleared from othercrops. This year
we shall plant after Canliflowers and Peas. It would be better
if we could plant on ground that had been allowed to be fallow
from a crop the previous autumn, but this we cannot do.
Directly the other crops are cleared off the ground is trenched
for the Strawberry plants. We generally have all the plants
‘out by the last week in July, and as they are turned carefully
out of the pots they do not feel the effects of removal. Red

spider is a desperate enemy to the young plants, and unless due
precautions are taken the plants suffer severely. Another cause of
failure may be from the plants remaining in the small pots until
they are pot-bound. On one occasion we could not plant out
uvtil near the end of August owing to the ground being occu-
pied by another crop. That season all the plants were potted
in rich goil in 5-inch pots, and by the time the ground was ready
the plants were large and in vigorous health. With many want
of time may be urged for all this work. We must find time or
our crops would be worthless. Runners for plants for fruiting
in pots are prepared in the same way.

PINE HOUSES.

The suckers are ready for taking off and potting from those
plants that are now fruiting. We have not a house ready, and
will have to delay the work until we have. Pines in most estab-
lishments are now being crowded in a corner, or their cultiva-
tion being discontinued altogether. As a commercial specula-
tion it will be difficult to make them pay for their cultivation,
although there will always be a demand for a limited quantity
of good English-grown fruit, especially of Queens. Many
gentlemen and the nobility generally will prefer to see the fruit
growing in their own gardens, even if it is not any more profit-
able to grow Pines than it is to cultivate dessert Oranges. Our
own stock now comprises Queens principally with a very few
Smooth-leaved Cayennes and Charlotte Rothschild, We manage
with a very limited number of fruiting plants to cultivate them
so that a succession may be obtained all the year round. Incold
weather we have kept Smooth-leaved Cayenne.a month in good
condition. In less than two weeks the suckers will be potted
and plunged in a brisk bottom heat. No heat is applied from
the hot-water pipes at present, nor will it be necessary for a
month longer. If there is any mealy bug in the establishment
a careful look-out must be kept to prevent its getting on the
Pines.

Fig and Orange Trees in Pots—The Fig tree when grown in
pots requires very different treatment from what is usually given
to it when planted in a border under no restriction. It is not
likely to grow too strongly confined to the limits of a 12-inch
pot, and in such a pot a good-sized tree can be grown, and under
good management it will produce a fair crop of fruit. Our Fig
trees are potted in good turfy loam and decayed manure, and
the potting ought to be performed annually. The trees also
must be surface-dressed when they are making roots freely.
This—with abundant supplies of water and thoroughly syring-
ing the trees, especially the under sides of the leaves, to prevent
red spider from attacking them—will secure good results. b

Orange trees are very subject to be attacked by scale, and this
pest clings to the branches and the leaves like limpets cling
to the tide-washed rocks; it cannot be dislodged by the most
furious syringing, nor is it easily poisoned by the use of washes
however strong. Hard washing with a sponge and soapy
water is the best way to eradicate it. It takes time to do this,
but we have not found any other mode effectual.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

In every department at present there is plenty of work to do.
Even here, what with tying-out the growths of the plants and re-
arranging the stages as plants go rapidly out of bloom, much
time is taken up. The secret of success here as in every other
department is to have everything done at the right time. Ifa
plant remains pot-bound week after week until the ball of roots
is as hard as a cricket ball, it is not possible to pot it as it ought
to be done, and the roots cannot be disentangled without causing
great injury to the plants. Stopping the young growths just at
the right time is a work of some importance : this work if neg-
lected cannot by any after good management be remedied. The
plants must ulso be freely exposed to light, and the air must
play freely amongst the branches, although it is also an evil to
allow the plants to be exposed to cutting winds. ,

Softwooded plants, such as Cinerarias, Calceolarias, Primulas,
&c., do best in this neighbourhood if the pots are placed in a
house facing north and sheltered by a wall a few feet higher
than the glass at the highest part. ‘The plants are potted-on as
they require it, and especially must they be kept quite free from
insect pests. An invasion of green fly very soon destroys the
soft brittle leaves of either Calceolarias or Cinerarias ; the latter
are also much subject to the attacks of thrips. We generally
flower the plants in 8-inch pots, and the potting material used
is good turfy loam four parts, one part leaf soil, and one of
decayed manure. If the plants are doing well they will soon
cover the upper part of the pots with large succulent leaves. It
is injurious to expose the plants to heavy rains, and it does
harm to syringe them overhead.

FLORIST FLOWERS, y

We would lift the Tulip roots if we could spare the time ;
probably they will be done by the end of this week. Next week
will be a busy one with southern florists, as it is their national
exhibition of one of the most prized of ail florist flowers by the
general public—viz., the Carnation and Picotee. The flowers
at Loxford, if the weather should be warm, will bein about the
right time. The Slough collection is not quite so early, but

°

42 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 12, 1877.

ee ee oo’

then it is not necessary that the fourth part of Mr. Turner’s
flowers should be in to place him in a favourable position. At
Larkhall Rise, Clapham, is to be seen the largest and choicest
amateur’s collection in the south, owned by E. S. Dodwell, Esq.
No doubt this will also be about right, although its owner was
some time ago rather anxious about having the flowers in at
the time of the exhibition. Harwigs are a serious enemy to us,
and we have to watch for them every night with the aid of alamp.
They eat the petals at the base, and one will spoil a bloom in a
single night. The flowers should be exposed to the light until
they are nearly expanded, afterwards it is necessary to shade
them to prevent their being injured by sun or rain. Roses have
flowered very freely with us this season, and the blooms have
been of excellent quality. Pipings of Pinks have been inserted
under glass in a shady position. The growth was rather too
strong; we would much rather have taken it when it was younger
and more succulent. Pansies are flowering most profusely and
well. Hollyhocks and Dahlias must be attended to by having
the growths trained to the sticks as they advance.—J. Douesas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

* * All correspondence should be directed either to ‘“‘ The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Humeas.—G. Walsh, Rockbeare Court, Exeter, wants some small plants of
Humeas.

Hysripisine (G. B.).—We know of no good work on the subject. There
is an excell+nt essay among Mr, Knight’s horticultural papers.

Pioums DEFORMED (Irish Subscriber).—They are destroyed by a parasitic
fungus, the spores of which are wintered in the bark and soil probably.
Scrab the stem and branches with brine. Pare off the soil in a circle ex-
tending beyond the circuit of the branches and burn it.

Grapes SporTep (H. B.) —Your Grapes are attacked by the disease called
“spot.” It arises from a defective supply of sap. The roots require a sup-
ply of liquid manure, and more water probably; ventilate also sufficiently
yet carefully.

Late STRAWBERRY (H. C. P.).—Try the Elton.

CoLEUs NoT CoLOURED (R. H. P.).—We can only advise you to allow the
roots of the plants to become pot-bound, yet affording plenty of water and
growing the plants in the full sun. Coleuses are sportive, and some plants
do not colour well. The best plan is to select the cuttings from the best
coloured shoots.

SEEDLING CoLEus (EZ. R., York).—We think it sufficiently distinct to be
worth growing.

PropaGatine Evonaris (4. M. 4.).—This is a very free-growing bulbous-
rooted stove plant, and it increases at averyrapidrate. It is propagated by
dividing the bulbs when they have increased too much for the size of the
pot in which they are growing. Pot in turfy loam, a little leaf soil, and
decayed manure, with sand added if the loam is of a clayey nature. The
plants require considerable supplies of water when they are growing freely,
and after blooming less water is required for about two months, wher they
may be started to grow again, and they will flower as freely as they did before
their season of rest. The temperature best adapted to their wants is a
minimum of 55° in winter and 65° during the summer months.

CHeap ORcHIDs (Rev. 4. K. C.)—Many cf the finest species of Orchids
are imported in large quantities at uncertain intervals, and after large impor-
tations they can be purchased at a cheap rate, and those who wish to pur-
chase should put themselves into the hands of some of the large firms who
import, asking them to advise them of any fresh importation. By watching
the advertising columns of this Journal it will be seen that large importa-
tions are frequently sold at Steyens’s rooms, Covent Garden. The trade
growers do not send out the plants until they are established, but even then
the choicest species may often be obtained at from 3s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. per plant.
At Stevens’s rooms they are sold in bundles as imported, and occasionally at
very cheap rates. It is quite another thing if a gentleman wishes to forma
collection of Orchids and orders them from the nursery, irrespective of the
Stock in hand; he may require to pay a couple of guineas for a plant that
might have been purchased the previous season for three half-crowns. The
reason is very simple-—the stock has been nearly sold out, and there are no
fresh importations expected just at that time.

SEEDLING Fucusr1a (A. B.).—The flowers are fine, and so peculiar that we
think it deserves cultivation. The other specimen we think is only a variety
of rae common Ribbon Grass, bat cannot be certain without seeing a spike of
its flowers.

TRANSPLANTING LARGE YUCCA AND EscatLonta (C. B.)—If you are careful
to have a ball of earth undisturbed about the roots you may remove the
plants safely.

PaRTITIONING GREENHOUSE (4 Constant Reader).—It will answer to
partition-c ff part of your house, which including the pipes will be a warm
house, haying lights to open, so as to allow the warm air to pass into the cold
division in case of necessity in seyere weather, It will be “necessary to
partition-off under the stage as well as above it,” but this part may be of
wood or other opaque material, whilst above the stage should be glass.

ImpREGNATING CucumBERS (Idem).—It is quite unnecessary unless you
Yequire seed—the fruit swells just as well without impregnation as with it.
If seed be not wanted the fruit is impaired for use by the formation of seed.

VinE Unrrvitrun (Idem).—We should say your Vine is unfruitfal from
the wood of last year being imperfectly ripened, but in the absence of data
we are unable to say with certainty. Keep the laterals well stopped and the
principal shoots rather thin, folly exposing the foliage to light and air.

THINNING BRANCHES OF Forest TREES (J. B.).—All those you mention
may have their branches moderately thinned now, but if large or numerous

| branches haye to be removed, mark them now and cut them off at the end

of October.

PELARGONIUM SEEDLINGS (C. Bilson)—All the petals had fallen. We
cannot select from the legion of new varieties. Go to a flower show and
select those you admire. They can be bought of the florists.

Rockery (Mrs. W. H.).—Any of the chief florists in London could supply
the plants.

DovuBLE GERANIUMS AND Foucustas (T. M.,. Huddersfield).—Six good
double Geraniums are—Wonderfal, scarlet; Madame Thibant, magenta
rose; Madame Himilio Baltet, white; Louis Boutard, salmon; Auguste
Villaume, orange scarlet; and Dépnté Saflize, purplish scarlet. Six large
double Fuchsias are Mrs. H. Cannell, Avalanche, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Miss
Lucy eon, Marksman, and, haying the largest flowers of all, Champion of
the World.

Preinc REQUIRED FOR SPAN-ROOFED Hovsk (@rwst),—You do not give the
height of the house, but we conclude from the width that it will be about
9 feet. About 44 feet of 4-inch piping will be required to maintain a green-
house temperature, and a length of 90 feet to secure stove heat.

Worms (R. T. F.).—We know of no trap for them. A poker thrust into the
ground and moved backwards and forwards will bring them out of their holes.

Ants (M. E. P.).—You may drive them away by sprinkling Scotch snuff
over their haunts, and repeating the sprinkling until they depart permanently.

Names oF Prants (P. M.).—A variety of Aspidium acoleatum. (Mrs.
Holmes).—1, Iris sibirica; 2, Arnica montana; 8 and 4, Astrantia major 5
5, Veronica Teucrium. (Jwvenile)—Metrosideros tomentosa. (4. C. B.).—
Cornus sanguinea. (G. O. 8.).—1, Geranium striatum; 2, Erigeron bellidi-
folium; 3, A species of Sidaleewa; 4, Ranunculus acris. (W.L. L. H.).—
1, Helichrysum marginatum; 2, A species of Heuchera. (F. Taylor).—Stan-
hopea tigrina. (W. D. H.).—Spirea Filipendula, Dropwort. (W. D. H.).—
Spirza Filioendula flore-pleno. (B. Smyth).—Tilia europcea fol. laciniatis.
(W. H. Manser).—We cannot name the Rose, but we think yoa have been mis-
informed as to its origin. Make farther inquiries on that point and inform
us of the result of them. (R. B. L.).—We regret that we cannot name the
Rose.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

A BATCH OF SCHEDULES.—Parr 1.

Tuey certainly are coming on thickly. We never remember
a longer list of forthcoming meetings, and nearly every schedule
which comes to hand has some peculiarity. It is either fearfully
behind the times, or gives some class which is not commonly
found, or has a preposterous entrance fee, or holds out some
bait to trap unwary exhibitors. We have @ very large bundle
before us; some great cumbrous sheets, others elegant little
pamphlets with pink or green covers, on which are engraved &
happy farmyard family or an impossible-looking Cochin, or @
Poland with a wooden sort of appendage upon its head to re-
present a crest.

Picking out some of the best got-up of these schedules we find
a few facts worthy of note, and in mentioning them we do so
more to show any peculiarities than to give a general sort of
rechauffé of the whole. We will take them in no order, but
select from a batch which the last fortnight’s post has brought
to us.

On the top we find, in a cream-coloured cover, the schedule
of the first meeting at Cardiff. To be held in the Drill Hall,
when the Rev. G. F. Hodson will award the prizes.. There
are fifteen silver cups or pieces of plate, and we find one of
them is for Sultans. This is something novel, and we wish the
new venture much success, and hope it may tend to finally
prove whether the breed should be bearded or not. Black
Cochins here have a class, and Malays two classes, both of
which facts their breeders should note. Next in order comes
Whitchurch. This Exhibition is to be held in connection with
the agricultural show, and we find on the Committee of five
three such well-known names as Messrs. Tudman, Darby, and
Etches. The Judges again are announced—vyiz., Messrs. Dixon
and Lane, the latter for Game and Bantams. ‘There is one
chicken class, but the ofher classes are all “for any age.” We
wonder Mr. Darby allowed the Polands to go to the Variety
class.

On the same days as the last-named comes the Cambridge-
shire Society’s meeting at Ely, where the wife or danghter of a
tenant farmer in the said county has only the opportunity on
this occasion of winning Lady Elizabeth Adeane’s annual dona-
tion. No Judge’s name is announced, but we imagine, all well,
we shall find Mr. Hewitt here. In the schedule nothing calls
for much comment. Leghorns have a class, but the rest of the
breeds are not well subdivided at all. On July 19th there is to
be a Show at Bedford. The schedule is in many ways very fair.
Game have four classes, one of them being for single cocks.
White Cochins have also a class, and there is a £5 5s. cup for
the best pen in the Show. Mr. Tegetmeier is to judge. There
are also some good local prizes with another £5 5s. cup. Next
the schedule for Ormskirkis good. There are prizes for chickens
and adults. At this time of the year, and for the next two or
three months the awards in old birds are mostly mere lotteries,
for the birdsin the best plumage generally win before others in
ragged feather of however much merit when in full condition
they may be. Here there are two classes for White Dorkings,
which are in honour of Miss Fairhurst we shouldimagine. We

July 12, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGEH GARDENER,

43

are surprised to find at so important a north country show no
class for Black Hamburghs. Game and the Asiatics are well
provided for. The Pigeon classes are very numerous, but a
“note” says “no third prize will be awarded unless there are
five entries.” Oswestry once more puts forth its annual menu,
and really in mere charity some Salopian fancier should try and
make this Society wiser in its generation. The schedule has
been the same for years, and in many classes the classification
is positively ludicrous. Class 14 is for Game Bantam chickens,
while there is nothing in the schedule whatever to prevent
Game Bantams winning again in Class 15. White Cochins, too,
are classified with Buffs, while Houdans come after any other
variety not mentioned, as if they were something quite distinct
from what has preceded them.

It is refreshing to turn to Hereford, where we find well-known
fanciers on the Committee and the prizes good. There are two
point cups here, where a cup bird counts ten, and so on in
gradation till a commended bird gets the modest number of
one. There are also ten others besides these two point cups.
The prizes are good and the classes well classified on the whole.

’ There are two chicken classes, but we are told that chickens are
also eligible in all the other classes. The entry fees are low,
but we can find noJudges’ names. Rule 20 states, ‘‘ Exhibitors
will have a ticket of admission to any part of the Society’s show-
yard.” The next prospectus in our pile is of a humbler nature,
but none the less interesting; it is that of the Warminster Cot-
tage Gardeners’ Society. Under the able Secretary, Mr. Hinton,
the schedule is much improved both in poultry and in Pigons,
and many chicken classes are added; pens, too, this year will
be provided, the Judge remaining as in former years, and being
Mr. Sainsbury of Devizes. Another nice little local show follows
in its wake, that of Malton and district in Yorkshire, where we
find among many useful classes one for Silkies. We notice it
with undisguised pleasure, and beg all exhibitors of the breed
to patronise this attempt to popularise a most elegant and use-
fal variety. The classification does the Committee credit, and
though the prizes are small we venture to think the entries
will be large.

Chesterfield is its successor in our packet, and it is but
meagre. The name of the Judge (Mr. Teebay) will have more
power in making entries than the classification we should think.
On the Committee is Dr. Holmes, who is, we believe, an ener-
getic poultry fancier, and will probably see to the welfare of the
specimens. Malays have a class, and there are five pieces of
plata to be awarded. The next on the file is very modest, but
we mention it as being a means by which the clergy and squires
of country parishes can promote the love of poultry in their
villages. From actual experience we know the love of flowers,
birds, and animals keeps big lads and young men in their homes
instead of standing at road corners or frequenting places even
less worthy of resort. This little list has only five classes, and
our great breeders will perhaps sneer at it; but we wish the
Rev. E. N. Thwaites of Fisherton near Salisbury much suc-
cess, and feol sure the same reward for good will attend this
new venture of his as has ever attended all those other manifold
attempts for the good of his parish, and we beg others to try and
do as he has done.

We end Part 1 of our batch with just a line or two upon two
shows in prospective—viz., Ramsgate and Ipswich. For the
former we learn good and competent Judges hive been engaged,
and the prizes are to be most liberal—namely, five in each class
of the value of 42s., 30s , 20s., 15s., and 5s., while the entry fee is
only 5s. per pen. We do not think such a schedule has ever been
before attempted. And then lastly one word for Ipswich. We
hear from our worthy friend, the Stoke Park manager, to say that
he has consented to be the Secretary, and telling us of lots of
dainties which he is providing for the poultry world’s benefit.
Among them the Show is to last but two days, none but single
birds are to be shown, and the judging’ is to be performed by
amateurs, one of whom is the Stowmarket hero for Game and
Game Bantams. We wish Mr. Wragg much success, and hope
many fanciers will help him with donations or cups to build up
under such an excellent leader a show worthy of the breeders
of the eastern counties. This schedule will, we hope, be fully
described in our second “batch,” with many others of much
interest,—W.

CHELMSFORD POULTRY SHOW.

THIs was held in connection with the Essex Agricultural
Society’s Show on the 4th and 5th inst., when the following
prizes were awarded.

POULTRY.—Dorxines.—Colowred.—Cock.—1 and Cup, F. Parlett. 2, H.
Lingwood. 3, H. Allen. Hen —1, Cup, and 8, Rev. H. R. Peel. 2, F. Parlett.
Any other variety —Cock.—1 and Cup, 0. E. Cresswell. Hen.—l and Cup, 0.E.
Cresswell. 3, E. Snell. Cocurns.—Buf or Cinnamon.—Cock.—1 and Cup, S. R.
Harris. 2, Lady Gwydyr. 3, Mrs. A. Tindall. Hen.—l and Cup, C. M. Stackings.
2, A.B. W. Darby. 3, Mrs. A. Tindall. Any other colour.—Cock.—1, Cup, and
3, Mrs. A. Tindall. 2,F.H.Jennings. Hen.—l, Cup, and2,Mrs A. Tindall 8, A.
Beaumont. Braumas.—Dark.—Cock.—1, Horace Lingwood. 2, Mrs A. Tindall.
8, Lady Gwydyr. Hen.—1, Cup, and 8, Horace Liogwood. 2, B. Pritchard.
Light.—Cock.—1 and Cup, Horace Lingwood. 2, P.Haines. 3, Mrs. A. Tindall.
Hen.—1 and Cup, Horace Lingwood. 2 and 3, P. Haines. Game.—Black or

Brown Red.—Cock.—2, S. Matthews. 8, C. Rowley. Hen.—l and Cup, S.
Matthews. 2,E. Pettitt. Any other colour.—Cock —1 and Cup, S. Matthews.
2, H. W. Peck. 8, W. Jefferies. Hen.—1 and Cup,S. Matthews. 2, T. Docwra.
3, E. Winwood. Hampureus.—Gold and Silver-pencilled —1, W. K. Tickner,
2 and 8, E, Snell. Gold and Silver-spangled.—1, J. Rawnsley. 2, J. Long.
FRENoH.—2, E. Snell. ANY OTHER VaRIETY.—1, T. Norwood, 2,J.Long. 8, G.W.
Boothby. Bantams.—Game.—l, W. Adams. <Any other varrety.—l, L. J.
Morrell. 2, Ludlow & Rackham. SELLING CxLAss.—Oock or Drake.—1, Duchess
of Hamilton. 2, S. W. Hallam. 8, W. Tippler. Hens or Ducks.—l, Mrs. A,
Tindall. 2, Rev. H.R. Peel. 8,T.Docwra. Corraaers’ Cuass.—l, R. Brown.
2,7. Pitts. 8,J. Burrell. Ducks.—Aylesbury.—l, J. Hedges. 2 and 3, E. Snell,
Rouen.—1, H. Dowsett. 2,E. Snell. 3,F.Parlett. Grese.—l, J. Everett. 2, BE.
Snell. 8, W. Tippler. TurkEys.—l, Mrs. Mayhew. 2, E. Snell. 8, W. Tippler.

BARNSTAPLE POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts Show was held in the Market-house, and the entries in
many classes were large. Mr. Dixon of Bradford made the
awards, which were favourably received. Malays with seven-
teen pens opened the catalogue. Many of the birds were rapidly
losing their feathers. We liked the first pair very much, and
the second contained a well-made pair of birds standing well on
their legs. The first Black Red cock was a stylish bird, with a
good hen as companion; the second, too, were of good colour
and shape. Brahmas had one class of fourteen pens, the Dark
being perhaps the best in quality. Cochins, again, were all
classified together. We saw some good Buffs and a pair of
Whites. Dorkings were rather out of feather. We liked the
colour of Mrs. Radcliffe’s third-prize cock; he appeared, how-
ever a little leggy. The Hamburghs mustered well. The first
Pencilled (Barter) was a good hen, her markings clear and dis-
tinct. In the Spangles we thought the Silvers the best. The
first hen had good spangles, and the cock was very fair in
sickles; but Mr. Harris won with his least esteemed pen we
suppose, for his winners were in at 90s., while £10 was the price
on his second-prize pen. French made only half a dozen pens,
among which we saw an excellent pen of Créve-Cwurs. An
immense class there was of Minorcas ard Andalusians, no less
than a score of pens. The first-named showed up in the greatest
numbers, and the winning birds were apparently well selected.
Spanish mustered only seven pens, where a Cornish fancier for
once was victorious over celebrated Bristol. The winners were
fairly smooth in face and good in combs. The Variety class
was truly a beautiful collection. There were seventeen pens,
and uearly all of merit. The first went to fine White-crested
Polands. The cock was, we think, the first Palace bird, with a
young hen which we have never seen before. There were other
good Polands in the class, Black Hamburghs, &c., and though
the Judge had four prizes to award we think he must have had
plenty to do to choose them wisely. Game Bantams made also
a score of pens. The winning birds were certainly smart in
heads and carriage, but we fancy there has been of late a great
inclination to coarseness and to too large size in the breed.
Many birds seem to be losing that gracefulness which we used
to see more often. In the Variety Bantam class of ten pens the
Black Rose-combs were excellent and the winners well placed.
The Turkeys were only three pers, and Geese four. The first
pair of Turkeys (Heal) were entered only for 60s., and were of
no very great merit. Ducks were all classed together. We
noticed a fairly good pen or two of Aylesburys. Two large
single-bird Selling classes ended the list, where over seventy
pens, in value from 20s. to 12s. 6d. per pen, competed for half a
dozen prizes. We daresay many pens were claimed, but such
classes can only depreciate the value of fancy poultry, and do
but little good. e

POULTRY.—Matays.—1, T. Joint. 2,T. Leecher. 8,A.S.Richards. GamE.
—Black-breasted Red.—1, J. Westacott. 2, Rey. A. Cruwys. 8, E. Ray.
other variety.—1, J. Westacott. 2, Rev.A. Cruwys. 8,G.bickham. BraHMaAs.
—l, Mrs. Radcliffe. 2, H. Statton. 8, T. Fry. CocHins.—1 and 2, C. Blood-
worth. 3, J. Buckmaster. Dorxines,—1,J.H.Nicholls. 2,J.Croote, jun. 8,
Mrs. Radcliffe. Hamsuraus.—Gold and Silver-pencilled —1 and 2, N. Barter.
8, R. Pettle. Gold and Silver-spangled.—l and 2, S. R. Harris. 8, J. Buck-
master. Frenca Fowxs.—l, C. M. Saunders. 2 and 8, W. Hamlyn. Minoroas
AND ANDALUSIANS.—1, J. Harwood. 2,J.Croote, jun. SpanisH.—1,J. Burt. 2,
J. Hunt 8, J. Bassett. ANY OTHER VARIETY EXCEPT BantTams.—l, T. Nor-
wood. 2,C. M. Saunders. 8, H.D. Rue tae ale? 4, J. Fullwood. BantTams.—
Game.—1, F.C. Temple. 2. F. Maitland. 8, Joint & Son. Any other variety —
land8,T.F. Phelps 2, Morris & Cameron. SELLING CLassEs.—Cock.—l, J.
C. Huxtable. 2, J. Bassett. 3, J. Westacott. Hen or Pullet.—l, G. B. Bick-
bam, jun. 2,J. Buckmaster. 8, E,Mearles. TurKeys.—l, J. Heal.

VISIT TO MR. H. M. MAYNARD’S PIGEONS,
HOLMWOOD, RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT. —
Part 1.

THe name of Mr. Maynard has during the last few years
steadily advanced in the prize lists of our great shows. Taking
up the fancy some ten years since he attached himself to Carriers
especially, then he took up Barbs as a second horse, while other
Pigeons have followed as favourites with him. Success at small
shows led, as usual with a persevering fancier, to at first little
notices and minor prizes at large exhibitions; then, as now, to
many first and second prizes at the great shows. At this present
time the name of Maynard is well known to all Pigeon fanciers,
and is a terror to exhibitors. Maynard’s birds are looked out
for at our shows and are objects of much notice and admiration.
As a conclusive proof of Mr. Maynard’s success with Carriers, I

44 ' JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 12, 1877.

may state what is well known in the fancy, that he sold his
champion Carrier cock recently for £100, and was rather sorry
to let him go; while he sold a pair for £180. But to proceed
in order. I had for some time past known that at Holmwood
there was a stud of four hundred birds exclusive of feeders, of
which latter it may be remarked Mr. Maynard makes but little
use. I was naturally anxious to see suck a stock of birds. How-
ever frequently one may see a fancier’s birds at shows, there is
always an additional pleasure in seeing them in their own lofts
where they were reared and where they live, to notice the style
of lofts, what their arrangements, what plans are found to
succeed, what nest-boxes used, &c.

Mr. Maynard lives in the Isle of Wight, not a convenient
place for an exhibitor when one remembers that shows take
place in the winter, and birds must have a sea passage as well
as aland journey. I never wonder that so many exhibitors are
in the north and manufacturing districts, for there is such a
network of railways. It is only just to have the birds carried to
the near station, and away they go to this show and to that
show. Then still less do I wonder that there are so many ex-
hibitors near London, because Pigeon-fancying requires but
little room, though the birds are better for much room; and
then London shows are now the shows, and probably, re-
membering the convenience of the Aquarium, will become more
than ever the shows for the upper-class and larger-stocked
fancier. But the Isle of Wight is not only distant, but there is
the stormy Solent, often very stormy in winter, to be crossed
by the tender high-class birds. Genuine must that fancier’s
love of birds be to face such a drawback. However, the climate
of the island is all that can be wished.

Last Crystal Palace Show Mr. Maynard kindly invited me to
come and see his stock. More than once I had been on the point
of going, but was hindered. After all it was well I had been pre-
vented, for even May was this year more than usual ‘“‘a fine month
spoiled by east wind ;” and as to the poet’s May, that of poor de-
luded Thomson, we know another and a better poet, Tom Hood,
said of Thomson’s “ gentle spring. ethereal mildness,” ‘‘ there’s
no such season.” But June, leafy June, is all happily different.
It was a glorious day when I started for the Isle of Wight. One
felt thankfal to live to see and feel such weather. Along the
line, vid Salisbury, the hay harvest was in progress, then further
by damp water-meadows where the Heron was standing senti-
nel-like and demure on the banks, and the Moorhen, that joyous,
light-hearted little bird, was now on land, now in the water.
Stokes Bay, the place of embarking for Ryde, is at length
reached. Oh! the bright clear sunny water of the Solent, alive
with white-sailed yachts! The sea here seems unsoiled by trade
or commerce—a pleasure sea, nothing to mar the joy save forts
rising here and there wari-like and ugly out of its surface,
which tel! of war-possibilities and wounds and death. Ugly
forts! May never necessity arise for their use; ’tis bad enough
that they should spoil the look of the sea.
sail and we reach Ryde pier, far stretching-out into the shallow
water, and then a long walk on its resounding boards and we
are in Rydeitself, where I find Mr. Maynard ready to receive me
and drive me to his home some two miles distant. Straight on
through clean} pleasure-looking Ryde, through Union Street,
which is its Regent Street, and indeed the shops might make
at any rate a Bath tradesman jealous. On, still climbing. Oh!
the Isle of Wight is a perfect purgatory for horses. None but
the vicious and over-spirity ones should go there. Kindly, good,
gentle horses for flat country; but the ungentle should be
threatened with, not ‘‘T’ll send you to Coventry,” but ‘I'll
send you to the Isle of Wight, that I will.” If horses ever take
to literature I shall expect to see on the railway stalls a book
with such a title as this, ‘Life and its Misery, by an Isle of
Wight Horse.” Still climbing, passing pleasant villas and neat
cottages, when a halt and we enter a gate, past a thatched lodge,
and dipping our heads to avoid the pendulous leafy boughs, we
drive up an approach, and presently reach a country house
which stands out white and clean from the trees around. This
is Holmwood, where Mr. Maynard’s family have resided for
many years. Lam first taken out to the front lawn, from which
are peeps of the Solent and the coast of Hampshire beyond.
We are high above Ryde, but the planting has been so managed
that we see nothing of the town, only the sea and the shore
opposite. Pleasant this for a town; a new one especially is never
picturesque as seen from a country place.

Having enjoyed and admired air and scene, [ am next taken
to a wood at the back of the house where are numerous wire-
haired terriers. These Mr. Maynard and his clerical brother
who accompanies us (brother fanciers as well as brothers are the
two), keep in considerable numbers, both from liking the breed
and because they protect the fowls and Pigeons from rats. No
rats can have peace where the ever-worrying, worriting, restless,
wire-haired terriers abound. I was glad to see this breed of
dog, bred to points and at the same time not crossed by his
smooth cousin. The wire-haired is, I believe, the original
English terrier, his thick felt-like coat enables him to face
weather and not shiver like the modern fox terrier. I have a

A half an hour’s |

lively recollection of some charming terriers at Holmwood.
There were several litters of pups, some pure white, others with
the more general dark ear and eye. Keeping this class of thorough
vermin-hating dogs with poultry and Pigeons is a point. N B.—
Remember this, ye fanciers who are troubled with and are
sufferers from rats and weasels and the like “small deer.””’ The
dog kennels scattered here and there in the wood had a pleasant
appearance. Here a mother asking for notice, and for her pups
to be inspected and admired; then another a little. way off
asking with bright eyes and wagging tail for like fayours. These
terriers are about the best of their variety in any numbers that
I have seen for some years, and as a defence against rats in
somewhat rambling poultry and Pigeon places are well chosen.
Some of the dogs will no doubt come another day to the front at
our exhibitions.

Turning from the dogs I am called to notice some Black Red
Game fowls and some Black Hamburgh chickens. How attrac-
tive after all and unequalled in colour and symmetry are the
Game. Other cocks may be pretty, but the Game cock is far
beyond that. Other hens may look domestic and motherly, but
the Game hen is beyond both. A door is opened and we reach
the Pigeons.— WiLTsHIRE REcTOR.

THE RIGHT KIND OF POULTRY FARM.

A CoNSIMERABLE number of trees for shade and shelter from
rain (for it is not desirable the fowls should be forced into the
houses in rainy weather) are needed, and crop-bearing trees
would be necessarily selected, which should not only shelter
the birds but at the same time yield a considerable return of
their own. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries would probably
be the standard trees; and a clump of filberts should also be in
every run, to afford better shelter than standards would give.
In this way alone at least 5 per cent. on the capital would be
obtained, which only assumes 30s. worth of fruit from each half-
acre run. We may be asked “ Who is to think of all these
things?” We reply that if poultry farming is ever to pay it
must be conducted like every other kind of wholesale business,
and every possible thing must be thought of by which returns
may be increased or expenses may be saved. Itis by reducing
everything to well-ordered system, in which everything neces-
sary is done at the smallest possible expense—or, to put it in a
plain way of our own, in which capital is freely employed to
Save expenditure of revenue—that the leviathan establishments
which are the pride of civilised nations have been built up and
yield the large revenue which they do to their princely owners :
but the difference is this, that while the perfect system in these
giant manufactories has been slowly matured, and is the per-
fected product of long experience, in poultry farming on a large
scale we have no successful experience to fall back upon. Such
experiments as have been made were failures ; and it is therefore
all the more necessary to supplement such a want by the most
anxious thought and care regarding all details which can bear
upon the result.—(The Illustrated Book of Poultry.)

THE ANGOLA RABBIT.

Tue Angola or Angora Rabbit is a native of France and mid-
land portions of Europe, where it flourishes in abundance. In
England, however, it has never been a great favourite, presum-
ably owing to its requiring rather more attention than most
other foreign varieties. :

The Angora is a fair-sized but not a very large animal, un-
usual size being generally indicative of impure blood, although
there is considerable variation in this respect. The animal is
generally small-boned and rather delicate in appearance. The
fur is long and fine, being more like wool than hair, and quite
unlike the orthodox covering of the Rabbit kind. In good
specimens it lies along the body in frills or curls, the appearance
being very handsome. The ears are short and erect, but not so
stiff or strong as in the case of Silver-Grey or Himalaya Rabbits,
and in some cases the ears are inclined to be pendant, although
the less they are so the better. The head is rather small, bus
the forehead is prominent. The general appearance is neat and
delicate. The chief point of excellence is the wool, which varies
very much in strains. The long, soft, and curly variety is
certainly the one most admired, and the finer the quality the
better. Long, straight, and coarse hair, however if may lie in
profusion, is never liked so much as the finer variety.

It is necessary to keep the Angora in a warm and dry hutch,
and to subject it to periodical combings, or the wool will become
matted, and nothing but the next moult will bring it right.

Mr. Rayson remarks that if the wool does not become matted
it is not of the fine nature so admired, and he is quite right.
The coarse and straight wool but seldom mats, while soft and
fine curly wool rarely remains clear unless combed and kept
clean.
attended to, but if neglected a free cropping will often be neces-
sary before the animal can be made to look correct. It is
strange that a little more is not done in the way of preparing

There need be but little trouble if the matter be properly

July 12, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

45

sn nn

these animals when sent to exhibitions.
will make a great improvement in their appearance. It is well
not to put hay into the hamper, or the seeds will stick in the
wool, and if you are not on the show ground to brush them out
will detract not inconsiderably from the beauty of the Rabbit.
The colour is usually white, although coloured specimens are
occasionally met with. These, however, are not generally so
profusely covered with hair, nor is it of so fine a nature. Black,
black-and-white, blue, blue-and-white, grey, and grey-and-white
are the usual self and broken colours, fawn and fawn-and-white
being veryrare. We do not recollect having seen a tortoiseshell,
a colour that the long wool would be hardly suited to show off
to advantage.
dark self colour, but most of the successful animals are pure
white, the colour which seems naturally to be most fitted to
exhibit the lustrous;nature of the wool.
coloured one is rare, and hence to be admired and prized.

2
————— =

Ten minutes’ brushing |

Winners are sometimes met with of a broken or |

Still, a well-marked |

As a rule they breed very t rue to colour, and when a little
coloured blood has been admi tted into a white strain it seems
almost impossible to eradicate it. It is worthy of notice that
the most successful strain extant is pure white, long in the wool,
curly, and with ears moderately short and slightly inclined to be
pendant. The specimens of this strain are generally of pretty
good size. The Angora is exceedingly delicate, and requires a
little warmth in order to keep it in good condition and to bring
its wool into good form, otherwise it will but seldom attain a
good size, nor will the wool be as fine as can be wished. Too
much warmth will make the ears too long and lopping, so that
it is necessary to use a good deal of discretion in the question of
heat. As a rule it may be said that the air should be kept at a
genial temperature, with a copious supply of fresh air. In dis-
position the Angora is extremely gentle. Instead of fighting
right and left when in company members of this variety will
generally fraternise, and with a few exceptions will not fight,

Fig. 15.—THE ANGORA.

especially does; the bucks, though not so quiet, being still con-
siderably more so than those of most breeds.

The doe is fairly prolific, the litters occurring frequently, and
five or six being the number generally brought forth. The doe
will tear the wool off her chest, often laying herself perfectly
bare, and of necessity spoiling her appearance, so that exhibition
does must not be worked as breeders. ‘The best age for showing
is about a year or eighteen months, the wool seldom attaining
its full length or fineness before that time. The young are born
quite bare and perfectly pink. At the end of the first week they
begin to show a little white down, which increases in length
and thickness with age until when the animal has attained the
age of a month it is nicely covered. The young are delicate,
and a warm and dry hutch is absolutely necessary.—GETA.

Tue ALEXANDRA Panace AND Matays.—The Committee have
offered £4 towards the Malay prizes. I have undertaken to try
and collect sufficient to make prizes for the class, £3, £2, £1, and
10s. I shall be grateful for any help from Malay-breeders. The
following have already promised or sent the money :—Mr. E.
Stanley, 10s.; Mr. S. B. Perry, 7s. 6d.; Mr. R. Hawkins, 2s. 6d. ;
snd 5s. from—Josrepu Hinton, Warminster.

VERMIN ON POULTRY.

' Jno. EH. Rozerts, in the Southern Poultry Journal, says :—
“Many fanciers use the carbolic (or carbolated) powder in
order to rid their fowls of lice and mites. It is considered the
very best of remedies. My plan is one which I think is used
by no other breeder, has never failed me in completely ridding
my fowls of every insect, and has demonstrated to me its infalli-
bility. It is simply the use of oil of sassafras mixed with sweet
oil. To 1 oz, of oil of sassafras put 5 or 6 of sweet oil, and apply

a small quantity to different parts of the body of the fowl, select-
ing those points where the vermin would be most apt to hide.

“Tn applying the preparation I fill with it a small oil can, so
that I can force out as much or little of the soil as I wish. ,A
very small bit can be made to go a great way, for one drop can
be rubbed over 2 or 3 inches of space, and is no more trouble to
apply than the various insect powders. I use sweet oil because
of its curative powers, but any kind of grease, no matter what,
will do to mix with the oil of sassafras. The oil of sassafras is
the eradicator, the other oil merely the vehicle. I believe com-
mon sassafras tea would be wonderfully efficacious.

“ Make it in a large pot, then after allowing it to cool dip the
fowls in bodily. In one second the lice will be dead, and in ten
seconds the fowl! will be perfectly dry if placed in the sunshine.
It is hard to form an idea of the magical effect produced by the
oil of sassafras. I have never tried the remedy in greater at-
tenuation than that mentioned (one part to five or six), but
believe that it would be equally good if composed of 1 oz. oil of
sassafras to ten or twelve of any other oil or grease.”—(Rural
New Yorker.)

BEES PIPING.

Tux question of piping is fully discussed and explained in
‘*Bevan on the Honey Bee,” and I can fully corroborate ail that
is there advanced upon the matter. Bevan says, ‘It is now,
however, ascertained beyond a doubt that the sharp clear notes
uniformly proceed from a princess that is at liberty, and that
the notes which are uttered in a hoarse key as uniformly pro-
ceedifrom one that is still imprisoned.” Old queens never pipe,
and where several young queens are being raised it is only when
the bees wish to swarm that piping occurs. When the bees do
not wish to swarm the eldest of the young queens is allowed to
emerge from her cell on arriving at maturity, and is permitted

46 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ daly 12, 1877.

to attack and destroy her rivals who are still in their cradles.
This is at any rate usually the case, though sometimes a second
young queen is permitted to escape, and a duel then takes place
between the aspirants to the throne.

Some years since an account appeared in your Journal of what
I witnessed in my unicomb hive. The eldest princess when at
liberty constantly attempted to gain access to the cells of her
rivals, and was as constantly repelled by the workers who had
charge of the imprisoned queens. Ifshe came near to the royal
cradles the workers seized her by her legs or wings and speedily
compelled her to retire. She would then begin to pipe in a
clear shrill note, and the imprisoned queens responded in hoarse,
dull, short notes.

About a fortnight since the eldest princess in one of my hives
began piping in a hoarse note before she had obtained her
liberty, and, as I predicted, the following day sharp clear piping
was audible, showing that she was at liberty, and I could hear
two imprisoned queens responding in hoarse notes. Wishing
to save the queens without allowing the bees to swarm I opened
the hive and removed two royal cells, the only sealed ones which
I then discovered, and the young queens were introduced to
queenless hives and were well received. I sawthe queen which
was at liberty, and heard her pipe while the comb was still in
my hands. Next day piping was still going on in both keys,
and after some trouble I discovered another closed royal cell.
This I opened and allowed the queen to walk out; she was then
introduced to a swarm in my unicomb hive. Piping in a shrill
note continued in the parent stock during the remainder of the
day, but there was no response, as only one queen then remained
in the hive-—J. E. Briscoz, Albrighton, Wolverhampton.

CrackepD Eecs.—It often happens that valuable eggs get
cracked in the nest, or before putting them under the hen, or
in the incubator. Such may be saved by the application of a
little mucilage or liquid glue with a camel-hair brush over the
crack, and then rolling the egg in fine plaster of Paris.

TURNING OUT BEES.

Last year I made what Mr. Pettigrew calls a “turn-out,”
but was disappointed in finding a considerable quantity of young
brood in the combs of the old hive. What was the reason of
this? The hive swarmed on the 10th of July, but the bees
returned and swarmed again on the following day. Twenty-one
days after (August 1st) I turned the bees out, and found several
combs containing brood varying from the egg to the stage when
the brood is still white. According to Mr. Pettigrew there
should have been none in the combs but some drones nearly
matured. The bees had been hanging out about a fortnight
before they swarmed.—C. 8. Minuarp, Notts.

[We are obliged to Mr. Millard for the above communication,
for it gives us an opportunity of explaining what may occasion-
ally happen in an apiary. The brood, or some of it, which was
found on the twenty-first day after swarming was, we imagine,
about six days old, for the brood of working bees is sealed over
when it is from eight to ten days old. The young queen had
begun laying about the fourteenth day after swarming. Queens
are fourteen days in their cradle cells, and generally speaking
begin laying from eight to fourteen days after being hatched.
In trying to explain the mystery of the case before us we shall
give two reasons why young brood was in the hive. One is
that the queen which commenced laying so soon after the
hive had swarmed was perfect and ready to burst out of her
cell at the time of swarming. A matrimonial alliance may have
been effected three or four days after her birth. Itis just possible
that both of these events happened, and that the queen com-
menced laying at an early day. These things come within the
circumference of possibilities, though they rarely happen, for it
is very unusual for bees to permit young queens to be perfected
before the mother queen leaves the hive with the first swarm.
If weather prevents bees from swarming (first time) till the
young queens are approaching maturity they are torn from their
cells and cast out of the hive dead. It is rare indeed that bees
allow young queens to come within forty-eight hours of the
time of their maturity while the mother queen is in the hive.

_ The second reason we have to give of the brood being un-
usually early is probably the right one. No history of the queen
that went with the swarm has been given; nothing has been
said of her doings either before or after swarming. Most likely
she was sister (not mother) of the queen left in the hive, both
having been produced from the eggs of the old or mother queen,
which died about fourteen days before swarming took place.
On the supposition that the old queen died when the bees began
to cluster outside, if will be observed that swarming took place
and egg-laying commenced at the usual times or in the ordinary
course of events. All is natural and common on the supposi-
tion that the old queen died before the bees swarmed, and’this
is not an unusual occurrence. In such cases swarming is post-
poned till the young queens arrive at perfection, when “ piping”
commences. If we had seen the hive at the time we could

have told with certainty whether the old queen had died or not
before swarming. The turning-out process is a useful one, and
twenty-one days after swarming is the right time for it. Mr.
Millard may turn out bees for ag many years to come as we have
done in the past without finding another case so exceptional.—
A. PETTIGREW. |

OUR LETTER BOX.

GuINEA Fowts (G. P.).—The time required for incubation is from twenty-
eight to thirty days.

Honey REMaINING IN CELLS (H. T.).—The pressure of the air keeps it
in. If there were a small hole made through the bottom of the cell the
honey would flow, for then the pressure of the air would be equalised at each
end, and the gravity of the honey would cause it to flow. There is a slightly
aleveted rim round the mouth of each cell, which rim also helps to retain the

oney.

ARTIFICIAL SWARMING (Rose).—You have done well to swarm your bees
artificially, and thus prevent them from wasting their time in clustering
about the door of their hive. The swarm we think will be strong enough
without the bees of the old stock, though doubtless they would make it
stronger. If the stock is heavy now you might succeed in getting another
bar-frame hive filled by driving all the bees of the stock into it on the twenty-
first day after swarming; and if you take the honey in the autumn from
the other hive, which you have supered, its bees could be united to the second
swarm or turh-out. Thus two hives of honey and the super and two good
stocks of bees would be obtained. Dahlias are not hurtful to bees. Your
success this year will give you courage and confidence amongst your bees.

Fires In Room (Musca).—Bnrning coarse brown paper in aroom drives
some out and stupefies the remainder.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SquarE, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 AM. In THE Day.
$2 a oe ee g
Se. Hygrome- S3 |°8,;|Shade Tem-| Radiation 3
1877. epee 3 ter. $a As 3 perature. |Temperature.|
July. |S 338 ge gas In| On
Awa! Dry.| Wet.| AS |B Max.| Min.| sun. /grass.
Inches.|} deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg.| In.
We. 4 | 29.998 | 63.6 | 57.4 | N.W. | 60.8 | 714 | 52.2 | 1244 | 82.0 —
Th. 5 | 29.958 | 63.5 | 55.2 WwW. 61.0 | 711 | 49.2 123.7 | 458 | 0.420
Fri. 6 | 29870 | 58.2 | 52.0 w. 60.0 | 67.0 | 46.3 | 121.6 | 44.6 | 0051
Sat, 7 | 80.121 | 585 | 52.4 w. 59.0 | 69.9 | 44.2 1242 | 41.8 | 0.170
Sun. 8 | 80.231 | 58.7 | 53.0 Ww. 58.5 | 634 | 48.6 | 114.3 | 41.5 | 0.090
Mo. 9 | 80.814 | 60.3 | 55.6 | S.W. | 68.2 | 697 | 48.8 1060 | 44.7 >=
Tu. 10 | 80.208 | 67.1 | 61.2 | S.S.W.| 59.0 | 77.6 | 88.6 | 121.9 | 50.0 =
Means | 80.100 | 61.4 | 55.3 59.4 | 70.0 | 45.3 | 1194 | 42.9 | 0.731

REMARKS.
4th.—Morning rather grey; fine at midday, and pleasant throughout.
5th.—Fine morning; showers during the afternoon, and heavy thunder be-
tween 6 and 7P.m., with heavy rain and some hail.
6th.—Fine morning; rain at noon; thunder in the afternoon, but fine night.
7th.—Fine all the moraoing; but severe thunderstorm and heavy rain at 8 P.M.
8th.—Fine morning; sharp shower at 1 P.M. and again at 6P.M., but fine after-
wards, though cloudy at night.
9th.—Fine morning ; rather stormlike in the afternoon, but soon passing off,
and fine night.
10th.—Very fine all day and very warm.
Much cooler than last week, with somewhat frequent thunder. The very
low grass minimum on the 4th was due to the heavy fall of hail on the previous
eyening.—G. J, Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Joty 11.

Ovrpoor fruit is now beginning to put in an appearance, but showing at
present a light crop and making good prices. Trade for best goods brisk.

FRUIT.
s. d. s.d. g. d. s. d
¢sieve 0 O0to0 O| Melons.......... each 8 O0to8 0
dozen 1-6 8 0| Nectarines ... dozen 12 0 380 0
lb. 0 6 20 410010 0 16 0
bushel 0 0 0 0 8 0 80 0
dsieve 8 6 “4 6 00600
}sieve 00 00 00 00
dozen 8 0 12 0 20 50
lb 00 00 00 00
Cobs.... lb. 0 0 0 G| Raspberries 0610
Gooseberries .. } bushel 8 6 4 6/| Strawberries .. Ib. 06 20
Grapes, hothouse Ib. 2 0 8 0} Walnuts. bushel 56 0 8 0
Lemons .......¢ %100 6 0 10 0 ditto ~100 00 00
VEGETABLES.
gs. d. s. d. s.d. sa
8 OtoG 0} Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2t00 4
8 0 6 0} Onions ........ bushel 0 0 0 0
10 20 ickli quart 0 4 0 6
eOm S10 -... doz.bunches 2 0 0 0
O26) oly dozen 00 00
TO ARO quart 0 6 10
0 6 O 8] Potatoes... bushel 2 6 4 6
09) “18 Kidney bushel 8 0 5 0
Capsicw 16 20 New.... Ib. 0 2 0 6
Cauliflowers dozen 2 0 4 0| Radishes.. doz. bunches 10 I 6
Celery A 1 6 2 O| Rhubarb........ bundle 0 6 1 0
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 O0/| Salsafy ........ bundle 0 9 10
Cucumbers .... each 0 6 1 6|Scorzonera .... bundle 1 0 0 0
Endive .. -. dozen.1 0 2 0| Seakale ........ basket 0 0 0 0
Fennel. bunch 0 8 0O 0| Shallots .. on Ib. 0 8 O 6
Garlic lb. 0 6 O OJ] Spinach .. bushel 2 6 4 0
Herbs .. bunch 0 2 O 0] Turnips.. .. bunch 0 0 00
Lettuce dozen 10 20 NOW. -..ceeeeee bunch 09 2 0
Leeks .... bunch w - Q 0 | Veg. Marrows .. each 0 0 0 0
20

Mushrooms ....

July 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

eee 9

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon's | ,Clock | Day
‘8
Rios oe JULY 19—25, 1877. emperature near | Rises Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. efore vets
i ‘ aaa eR ae * We om h, m.| h. m.| he. m.| Days. | m. 2.
H | Colchester and Aberdeen Shows. 2 B . Tenebyal Weti wc sho pahbica ke) 9 6 1 | 200
20 | F " 73.2 |502| 61.7) 4 9] 8 38] 4 58/11 51] 10 6 5 | 201
21 (8 Cleckheaton and Bromley Shows. 74.0 | 50.8 | 624 | 4 10; 8 2] 6 4/ morn, ll 6 8 | 202
22D Sonus Sunpay aroun! TarNree. 72.2 | 514 ]6L8 | 4 11} 8 1] 6 58/0 85] 12 | 6 10 |.203
23 M 74.0 | 51.4 | 62.7 4 13 9 58 7 37 1 33 18 6 12 | 204
24 | Tu | Sale of Nursery Stock at Hammersmith. 72.6 | 51.7.| 621 | 4 14] 9 57] 8 5] 2 40 14 6 13 | 205
25 | W Roehampton Show. 73.9 | 49.4 | 61.9 4 16 9 56] 8 25 8 53 @ 6 14 | 206
FO From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 74.7°; andits night temperature
By fry

DISBUDDING ROSES.

©

O we exhibitors—amateurs I mean, for I do |
not of course presume to speak of or to |
discuss the practice of the profession—do
we disbud our Roses too freely ?

This is a very important question, and
now that the shows are over—for before
these notes are printed the last show of the
year will have been held at the Westminster
Aquarium, and the great nurserymen will
all be hard at work budding, and the pres-

sure on your space will be much lessened—now is a good

time to discuss it. The question occurred to my mind as

I read “D., Deal's,” account of the Rev. W. F. Radclyffe’s

Roses, and the force of it has been increased by two visits

I have lately paid, one to a nurseryman’s and the other

to an amateur’s garden.

“D., Deal,” in speaking of his visit to Okeford Fitz-
paine, says, ‘‘My friend never exhibits and never dis-
buds;” and then he proceeds to name certain varieties
which were splendid. He especially names Charles Le-
febvre, saying how beautifully the petals were shaded
with velvet of a darker colour. With the exception of
some blooms of Mr. Baker’s I have not seen this Rose
really good this year. Certainly I have not had one good
bloom myself and I have fifty plants, and I can remember
quite well that the year I commenced growing Roses how
fine this Rose was on the Manetti, and then I did not
disbud. I think Canon Hole describes this Rose or Lord
Raglan, I am not sure which, but the description is s0 |
beautiful and appropriate to Lefebvre that I prefer to
claim it for that lovely Rose—‘ The colour is exactly like
a sunbeam in a goblet of Burgundy ;” and since the first
few years of my growing RosesI have never seen that
variety so nearly come up to this description as it did then.
Of course I am open to correction, indeed to annihilation,
when I ask, Can disbudding be carried to too great an
extent ? and I answer it can in my opinion and often is.

Now, there are two kinds of disbudding—first, the
thinning of shoots; and secondly, the rubbing-out of the
side buds and of the buds all down the shoot, so as to
drive all the sap and strength of the plant into one bud.
In some large nurseries which I will not name this is
done to an enormous extent, and the results certainly
are splendid blooms of extraordinary size, but when these
are cut all further blooming of these plants for this season
1s over. Of course this is not of the slightest consequence
to the great nurserymen, who as soon as the shows are
over care not for blooms, nor indeed have time to think
of anything but budding; but it is a yery different thing
with amateurs.

Let me state my own case. On the day I cut for the
Crystal Palace—viz., the 23rd cf June, I was not able to
cut a single bloom in my front garden. On the 5th of
July, when I staged for Hereford, I only cut three blooms
(in the front) of Hybrid Perpetuals. Between the Alex-
andra Rose Show and the National—i.e., between the
29th of June and the 4th of July, the blooms on my front |

No. 851.—Vou, XXXIII., New SERIES.

came and went. They are now completely over. For
Clifton to-night I did not cut any blooms but Teas and
one solitary bloom of Mdlle. Marie Cointet. Not one
week out of the fifty-two did my blooms last. And what
is the reason of these short-lived blooms? I answer,
Disbudding and excessive forcing.

As I looked over my front to-day I could not help asking
myself, Have I not been a little selfish? For fifty weeks
in the year the whole of my front has looked hideous ;
nothing in the shape of a flower. Roses growing in lines
on terraces one below another, next a blaze of colour for
one brief week, and then the same monotonous sight.again.
“ Second blooms,” some one may exclaim; ‘‘what of
them? Wo’n't you have numbers of them?” Second
blooms, I answer; what of them indeed. Let me quote
once more our President’s words—‘‘ They are but the
gleaning of the Grapes, the echo of the chorus.” Where
they do come they are scarcely fit to be called Roses, and
they do the plants no good. Now, if I had not disbudded
so much all the side buds would follow after the central
blooms and still make the garden gay, and give poor Mrs.
Savage something to look at and some blooms to cut for
her drawing-room, but now there literally is not a bloom,
except, always excepting, the lovely Teas. This is, of
course, to a certain extent a sentimental reason, but cer-
tainly it is an unselfish one, and should have a certain
weight.

But I now come to a more prosaic question. Is so
much disbudding really necessary ? Cannot good show
blooms be obtained without it? I almost tremble as I
write No to the first question, and Yes to the latter. But
I do still assert my conviction that fine blooms can be
obtained from plants which are left to grow naturally ;
and why doI say so? Because I have seen them. Let
me now say where.

Mr. Walters is a nurseryman at Exeter from whom I
buy many Roses every year. He is one of the best rosa-
yians I know. He also supplies Mr. Baker with the main
portion of his plants. He grows splendid stuff; he works
his dwarfs very low, suckers from his plants are un-
known, and he buds them all himself with the assistance
of his sons; and in July his nursery is one of the grandest
sights I know. His blooms are always good and very
often superb, and he never disbuds. Mr. Baker and I
have pressed disbudding upon his notice, entreated him
to practise it, but he only replies, ‘I can get good blooms
without. I can sell all the plants I can work without
going to exhibitions, and I like to have blooms to show
my customers when they visit me.” And so he always
has, and wonderful good blooms too.

The other place I visited was of quite a different order.
In Lyme Regis a little above the town is situated the
vicarage house belonging to the Rey. Dr. Hodges, who is
exceedingly fond of Roses. He cultivates these not largely
as exhibitors would consider, but very largely for a man
who thinks only of garden decoration. He asked me to
go and see his Roses, and though I could ill spare the
time I did so, and so pleased was I with what I saw that
Iwas very glad I had gone. In this lovely garden on

No, 1508.—Von,. LVIII., OLD SERIES,

48 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTAGEH GARDENER.

[ July 19, 1877.

terraces »ioping towards the east are beds of standards and
dwarfs beautifully laid-out and planted—garden decoration
being the only object in view; but the blooms were so fine
that I persuaded Dr. Hodges to let me show a box for him at
Clifton, and went over myself and staged them for him.
Many of the blooms I saw were as fine or finer than any I
have had this year, and yet he never disbuds; I believe he
would think it sacrilege to do so. He positively shuddered as
I proposed it to him.

Here, then, are three cases—Mr. Radclyffe’s, Mr. Walters’s
of Mount Radford, Exeter, and the Rev. Dr. Hodges’s of Lyme
Regis. All grow splendid flowers, and none disbud. It seems
to me, then, that it is evident that good blooms can be grown
without excessive disbudding.—Wy.p SavaGE.

FERTILISERS AND..THEIR APPLICATION.

On the face of it the excellent letter of ‘‘J. B. K.,” on page
33, criticising the mode I detailed of applying fertilisers to
garden crops, appears to possess crushing force. It is a com-
mon saying that figures when put clearly cannot be “ got
over.” Ihave no occasion to attempt to ‘‘ get over” the figures
of your correspondent, because he has left ample room be-
tween them. We sometimes see allusions made to reading
between the lines. I am now going to indulge in reading be-
tween the figures, and I hope thereby to find and point out a
lesson that may be useful, and one that has an important
bearing on the subject at issue. Possibly in doing so I shall
interfere with the logic of your correspondent, but that I
cannot help; in fact, my object, which I will not attempt to
disguise, is to weaken the case of ‘‘ J. B. K.,” and to strengthen
my own. It is just a case of practice against science—a plain
worker against an accomplished rhetorician and skilled theorist.
I do not find the slightest fault with the way in which
“J. B. K.” has discussed my letter, and I feel sure he will not
demur to my mode of dissecting his. It has been said, and I
think truly, that when science and practice clash that either
the one or the other is wrong—the science is not true, indeed
is not science at all, or the practice is not sound. I will now
endeayour to prove that my practice of applying guano, &c., to
garden crops ag detailed on page 476 is not unsound. I
cannot do this by figures, but I can by evidence, which is
equally powerful—results, facts.

But in the first place I must refer to the figures of ‘J. B. K.”
and see what is in them, and especially what is between them.
Guano is first mentioned by your correspondent, and it will
suffice that I refer exclusively to that manure. I will not
question the accuracy of the figures but will take them as
they stand. According to my showing and which was fairly
admitted by ‘J. B. K.,”” my mode of applying guano to rows
of Peas and Scarlet Runners in trenches—namely, pouring a
gallon of water holding in solution about 14 oz. of guano to a
square foot of soil, is reduced to just half that quantity of
manure, as I particularly explained when a soaking of pure
water was given just previously, which is the right mode of
applying liquid manure in dry weather. Now the cost per
acre at that rate of application according to the reckoning of
“J. B. K.” is £120. Now for the “ between,’’ for it is there
that ‘J. B. K.” is at fault—seriously at fault—and where his
Science must, I think, fall before my practice. I assert, and
will prove my position to demonstration, that the amount
there given is at the least five times too large, for the simple
reason that the rows of Peas were 5 feet, and the rows of
Beans more than 6 feet apart, and not a particle of manure
was used between the rows. I must ask ‘J. B. K.,” therefore,
to deduct the quantity and amount from the space between
the rows—more than four-fifths of the acre, and further ask
him if he seriously believes that the amount actually given
“‘pyoisoned the crops?” I will not, however, permit a matter
so important to rest on the mere opinion or belief of anyone,
but will answer the question myself, and I desire my reply to
be firm and emphatic. It did not poison the crops, it did not
injure them, but it benefited them.

In point of fact it could not do otherwise than benefit such
crops during such a season as the one referred to, and I further
assert that the fertilisers were used profitably—hence economi-
cally. The great advantage in applying support in that form
is that it goes direct to the object. Itis not wasted between
the crops by making the weeds (where there are any) more
luxuriant, but is appropriated by the crops which require
assistance and which give a profitable return on the outlay
invested.

Let me here remark that the homeopathic mode of applying
fertilisers is during some seasons—perhaps during most, and
under a majority of conditions—not only not economical but
often wasteful. I have recently read an account of an artil-
lery duel between two opposing batteries. The shots from one
battery all fell short. The powder was no doubt the best of
its kind, but there was not enough of it; it was wasted. It ig
precisely the same with fertilisers. They may be of the best,
but if they are not applied in sufficient quantities and in
obedience to the dictates of the state of the crops and the
requirements of the owner of them, taking into account also
the character of the season and the nature of the soil, they
are wasted, and what was considered as economy really be-
comes extravagance. In such a season as the one referred
to guano is wasted when merely sprinkled on the surface of
the soil ‘‘once a-year at the rate of 3 ewt. per acre.” Ican
adduce actual proof of that—namely, that 3 cwt. per acre
applied once a-year is extravagance, while frequent applica-
tions of the quantities I recommended are profitable. That
statement appears paradoxical, but I have proved the truth of
it by results. I have had something ‘‘to do” with a farm.
During the year referred to the orthodox quantities of ferti-
lisers were applied to the farm adjoining the garden where I
was engaged; but the farm produce was miserable—a failure
and loss, great loss was incurred, yet the garden erops were
full, good, and profitable. By want of food lambs died by
scores, and the shepherd sent every morning to the garden for
such green food as he could be supplied with to prevent further
loss by the barrenness of the farm.

But the question is one of gardening, not of farming, and I
should not have brought forward that experience had not
“J. B. K.” advocated farm quantities. I say that farm
quantities are totally inadequate for garden purposes. The
quantities I recommended on page 476 are for garden crops.
I have proved that they are safe quantities, and, when applied
as there stated, profitable. The quantities are safe, but the
frequency of their application depends on circumstances—on
the condition of the crops and the weather. During the year
referred to the crops were soaked no doubt about ‘ eight times,”’
and I am sure not one too many. In a season like the present
one or two applications would suffice to enable the crops to be
luxuriant—full—profitable. :

Farm quantities of fertilisers as applied to garden crops
are starvation quantities, and would drive a market gardener
into the Bankruptcy Court. The amount of manure annually
used in the market gardens of London is five times as great as
is ordinarily used on farms. Would those thrifty, industrious,
and I may justly add splendid cultivators expend such im-
mense sums in purchasing manure as they do if it were not
profitable? It is obvious that they neither would nor could
do go. It is half manuring and half watering that are really
extravagant ; adequate manuring and adequate watering which
are lucrative, and therefore economical. The quantities of
water and manure that I have recommended are every year
appropriated by the crops in the London market grounds.

It may be well to pause for a moment and ask, What is a
good farm crop and what a good garden crop? I do not
know that the former can be put more fairly than by stating
that the produce of two acres of average land is required for
three years to grow and fatten a good bullock, which is then
worth about £30. Now, let us take a typical garden crop—
Onions. Mr. Aberhaut of Mitcham has grown 16 tons of
Onions on an acre of ground, and sold them for £12 per ton—
£192 per acre; and last year Mr. Bishop, Bylaugh, Hast Dere-
ham, produced acrop which averaged 30 stones per square rod,
or about 30 tons to the acre. This extraordinary crop was
produced by the aid of liquid manure, principally stable urine,
and much stronger than any applications which I have recom-
mended, and which “J, B. K.” alludes to as wasteful. But I
do not consider that Mr. Bishop wasted the liquid manure
when he produced a crop of Onions worth, at £12 per ton,
nearly £400 per acre. These weights and values are not
arrived at by any mere rules of logic, but are crops which have
been actually produced. They prove also the great difference
between farm and garden culture, and how utterly inadequate
are the quantities of fertilisers recommended by your corre-
spondent for the full and lucrative production of garden crops.

“J. B. K.” has also stated that the quantity of water that
I named as haying been given during the tropical summer of
1868 was excessive. His position on this point is admittedly
theoretical, and is, I submit, fallacious. Your correspondent
takes the rainfall as his base, and says that as the average

|
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]

July 19, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

49

rainfall of a very moist summer is about 4 inches a month,
therefore I gave twice as much water as the crops required.
I had two very powerful reasons for not giving more than was
required—namely, the difficulty of procuring water and the
lack of time for using it. If my twenty-five years of experi-
ence as a gardener has taught me anything—experience which
I think the Editors know has not been without some fruits—it
is this, that the crops did not receive a drop too much.

Opinions deduced from rainfall are not always sound, and
they never can be sound unless something besides the mere
rainfall is considered. The rainfall in the hill district of
Cumberland is of more than twice the weight of the rainfall
in the fens of Lincolnshire and the flats of Cambridgeshire,
but the influence of the water on the soil and crops is about
the same in both cases. No one can say that Cumberland has
twice the quantity of rain that is necessary for the district, or
that the fen country on the east coast has only half sufficient.
The fact is that during most seasons it is more than the crops
require, notwithstanding the little that is caught in the gauges.

Tho rainfall taken alone is no test as to the real dryness or
wetness of a district, nor is the amount falling on a ‘“‘ rainy
day’ a sufficient guide for applying water artificially during a
period of tropical weather. A dull rainy day when only an
inch of rain falls has more power in supporting the crops than
has water representing in amount 3 inches of rain when the
element is applied artificially during a period in summer when
the days are cloudless and the nights dewless. It is not the
actual water that falls from the clouds that must be the sole
guide in determining the requisite artificial supply, for there is
another all-important factor inthe sum (measureless it may be,
but is yet immense)—evaporation—which must be taken into
account, and without which any conclusions arrived at will and
must be erroneous. ‘J. B. K.’’ appears to have overlooked the
question of evaporation as he had forgotten the ground between
the crops. I adhere to all I have previously written on fer-
tilisers and their application.—A Rrtirep GARDENER.

ROSES IN SOUTH WALES.

Mucu, but not a line too much, is written about Roses in
England, but reference is rarely made to Roses in Wales, hence
an allusion to them may be acceptable.

Some varieties of Roses commenced blooming here about
the second week in June, but the earliest buds do not as a rule
produce the finest blooms, as they are often injured by the
cold winds in April. The best flowers follow the buds formed
in May and the early part of June, and consequently ours
were about at their best during the ‘‘ Rose week ’’—the time of
the National Show. The season has been favourable to a cer-
tain extent for Roses in this part of Wales—a mild spring,
plenty of rain, and a good deal of heat, only too frequently
overbalanced by cutting east winds. Tho winters here are
comparatively mild and the summers hot. The soil in every
part would not grow Roses well, but abundance of excellent
loam ean be had to form bedg, and the situation is well sheltered
from the north. about two miles off, and partially protected
from the sea, but is much exposed to the east, from whence
much damage is done in spring.

There is more in having a good situation for Rose-growing
than good soil. Deficiency in the latter can always be made
up by manure, but it is no easy matter to have good Roses in
a bad season without shelter. Somo say that late pruning
will induce late blooming. This may be so, but early pruning
will not cause the plants to bloom early. Some Roses were
pruned here in November last, and others in March and April,
but they all bloomed together just as if they had been pruned
on the same day.

Referring to our best varieties and those which seem to suc-
ceed best in this part, Duchess of Edinburgh has come out
well, and so has the Duke of Edinburgh, which is much superior
in form and colour to the first-named. By far the best dark
Rose we have is Louis Van Houtte. It has not grown very
strongly, nor the blooms are not large, but the depth of claret
shade in them is superb. La France, in a position where it
only gets an hour or two’s sun in the afternoon, has grown
well and opened some good blooms, and they remain much
longer perfect than when fully exposed to the sun all day.
Hippolyte Flandrin is somewhat after the same colour, but
more globular in form and a freer bloomer. The old Général
Jacqueminot still shows up well amongst the others, and this,
with Charles Lefebvre and John Hopper, are three Roses which
would, I think, succeed anywhere. Baronne de Rothschild

bears the same character and is doing well here. Sénateur
Vaisse has some splendid blooms. Thomas Mills and Thomas
Methven have not succeeded. The first is weakin growth; the
latter has grown well enough and shown plenty of buds, but
not one of them has opened. Prince Camille de Rohan, a fine
Roge in some districts, is not so with us; and Princess An-
toinette Strozzio is poor; but Marquise de Gibot and Marquise
de Mortemart are both splendid, the latter especially, although
it is said to be delicate in many places. Francois Michelon
does as well here as it need be desired anywhere. Coentifolia
Rosea has plenty of wood and leaves, but is deficient in flowers.
Edouard Morren is splendid, its massive pink blooms not being
surpassed in size or substance by any other sort. Without
enumerating more varieties I may state that, with the few ex-
ceptions which occur in all gardens, Roses will do equally as
well in South Wales as in any part of England, and the only
thing to be regretted is that they are not grown more exten-
sively than they are.

There is only one really good amateur’s collection in the
neighbourhood, and that belongs to Mr. Powell, Eglwyswmyd,
who has a garden that shows there are exceptions to all rules
when it is asserted that farmers’ gardens are invariably cha-
racterised by bad management. All our Roses are on the
Briar and Manetti stocks, and so are a good many of Mr.
Powell’s, but this season he is trying some on Mr. Prince’s
seedling Briars, and so far they have done well.

Amongst the Hybrid Perpetual varieties of more than or-
dinary merit in the Hglwyswmyd collection I may name
L’Esperance, Fisher Holmes, Horace Vernet, both magnificent
darks; Dapuy-Jamin, Duc de Wellington, Countess of Oxford,
Boule de Neige, Abel Grand, Baronne Prevost, Sir Garnet
Wolseley, Dr. Andry, Jean Cherpin, Madame Victor Verdier,
Pierre Notting, May Turner, and Monsieur Claude Levot.
Tea-scented—Cheshunt Hybrid, Alba Rosea, Clotilde, Homére,
Madame Falcot, Safrano, Marie Van Houtte, Souvenir de Paul
Neron, Madame Margottin, and Perle de Lyon. These Teas
are chiefly growing in a border against the house, and if they
are more tender or worse to cultivate than the Hybrid Per-
petuals they have not yet shown signs of it here.—J. Muir,
Glamorganshire.

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES.

Puiuies has written the history of these flowers, and we
have little to add to his notes. Chaucer says that the Clove
Gillyflower was cultivated in this country as early as the reign
of Edward III., and that it was used to give a spicy flavour to
ale and wine, and from hence it was called Sop-in-wine :—

“Ther springen herbes grete and smale,
The Licoris and the Setewale,
And many a Cloue Gilofre,
to put in ale,
Whether it be moist or stale.”—Chaucer.

It seems to have been a flower in high estimation in Queen
Elizabeth’s time, since we find it so often celebrated by the
poets of her day. Spenser, who was remarked for his care in
retaining the old manner of spelling, calls them Coronations,
probably because they were used on these festive occasions,
and from hence the namo of Carnation seems a corruption.
Some writers are of opinion that they were called Carnations
after a flesh colour so distinguished, whilst others suppose
that the colour was so named from the tint of the Carnation
flower.

“ Carnation’d like a sleeping infant’s cheek.” —Lord Byron.

Spenser says in his “‘ Shepherd’s Calendar :”—

“Bring hether the Pincke and Purple Cullambine,
With Gelliflowres ;
Bring Coronations, and Sops-in-wine,
Worn of paramours.”

The name of Clove, as well as that of Caryophyllus, was
given to this species of Dianthus from the perfume being
similar to that of the spice so called, and the flower was on
that account frequently used to flavour dainty dishes as well
as liquors, and it was also thought to possess medicinal pro-
perties. Gerarde tells us that he had a Carnation with yellow
flowers, ‘‘ The which,” he says, ‘‘a worshipfull marchant of
London, Master Nicholas Lete, procured from Poland, and
gaue me therof for my garden, which before that time was
neuer seene nor heard of in these countries.”

He enumerates by name forty-nine kinds of Carnations
that were cultivated in the time of Charles I., whose Queen
was excessively fond of flowers; but although it appears that
varieties were then procured from France and other parts of

50

the Continent,’yet the largest and principal kind of Carnation
was then distinguished by the name of the Old English Car-
nation, A"

During the civil commotions of the latter part of the reign
of Charles I. and of the Commonwealth, this flower seems to
have been nearly lost in England, as Mr. John Rea remarks
in the “Flora”? which he published in 1665, that we had
formerly many good kinds, but that few of them were then to
be found in any of our gardens. The Datch had then taken
up the cultivation of the Carnation, and we renewed our
gardens with these flowers from Holland during the reign of
Charles II., as Rea observes :—‘‘ Of these Dutch flowers I have
known more than a hundred distinct varieties by several
names, all of them fair, large, and double flowers.” He also
remarks that these plants were not so hardy as those that had
been formerly cultivated in England. In a later edition of
Mr. Rea’s “Flora” 360 good sorts of Carnations are enume-
rated; and to show how high this flower was in the estimation
of that author, we give his own words :—

“ For various colours Tulips most excel,
And some Avemonies do please as well,
Ranunculus in richest scarlets shine,
And Bear’s Ears may with'these in beautie joyn;
But yet if ask and have were in my power,
Next to the Rose give me the Gilliflower.”

Modern florists divide these flowers into three classes—
Flakes, Bizarres, and Picotees. The Flakes are so called from

Fig. 16.—The Carnation.

having two colours only, and their flaky stripes going quite
through the petals. Bizarres are so named from the French
word, which signifies odd or fantastical. These kinds have
not less than three colours, and are variegated in irregular
stripes or spots. Picotee is a corruption of the French,
piquetée, pricked or spotted. These flowers are distinguished
by having a clear ground, pounced or spotted with purple,
rose, red, or other colours. ‘These classes are again sub-
divided, as Pink Flakes, Scarlet Flakes, Purple Flakes, Yellow
Flakes, &c., and the Picotees and Bizarres run through the
same changes almost to an endless amount.

It is gratifying to observe that a flower so old and honoured
as the Carnation—the ‘‘ Coronation flower ”—a fit flower for a
diadem—is honoured still. ‘‘Next to the Rose,” said old Rea,
“‘ give me the Gillyflower” (Carnation), and more than two
hundred years later we say the same, for like the Rose it is
hardy, beautiful, and sweet. Wherever the Rose will flourish
there also will the Carnation prosper. Let them dwell together
in sweet companionship, But while the Carnation will succeed

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 19, 1877.

where the Rose thrives, the Rose will not always flourish where
the Carnation grows and flowers in healthy freedom. The
Rose, although otherwise so hardy, speedily succumbs to a
polluted atmosphere; the pure breath of nature is indispen-
sable for its well-being. But the Carnation is a flower of and
for the town as well as the country. A murky atmosphere can-
not prevent its beauty unfolding or its perfume penetrating the
smoke-laden air. It is the flower of flowers for town gardens
—the little home plots which skirt our cities, and we would
like to see it in all of them—a hardy garden flower. We know
of some Carnations now in a little London garden which are
viewed with envious eyes (is not such envy pardonable?) by
the passing crowd.

As an exhibition flower the Carnation is equally worthy of
patronage. It is the cultivating and exhibiting of beautiful
flowers—fiorist flowers—which increases their popularity. Had
it not been for a previous exhibition of the National Carnation
Society the flowers referred to in the little London garden
would not have been there. We know, too, of another town
garden where some of the varieties which charmed the visitors
at South Kensington last year are now growing and blooming.
Perhaps these small collections are owned by exhibitors in
embryo. Who knows? But ai any rate the flowers are doing
good, for they are imparting pleasure, and brightness, and
sweetness where such influences are required and where they
are appreciated. These are only two instances of the power

Fig. 17.—The Picotee.

of exhibitions in promoting the cultivation of flowers. Can
they be the only two? We think not; but, on the contrary,
we think and we hope there are many more. We wish, there-
fore, to see exhibitions of florist flowers increase and expand,
because their direct tendency is to increase the love for flowers.
All who are engaged in such a work are engaged worthily, for
we consider the object to be of great public advantage, and our
hope is that the exhibition of Carnations and Picotees now
on the eve of being arranged will be very successful.

It was recently stated by a correspondent that the season of
blooming and the time of increasing the Rose occurring to-
gether contributed materially to increase the cultivation of
that flower. The Carnation possesses the same advantage.
It is during the period of flowering that layering must be
effected and pipings inserted. A good old florist has given the
following directions on propagation. If any modern florists
can describe better modes we shall be glad to record them:—

‘‘ Layverinc.— The plant should be placed in the sun, so
that it may become dry and pliable before the layers are bent

July 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

51

down, as when they are too full of moisture the branches fre-
quently snap off at the joints. The layers are prepared by
cutting off their lower leaves, and an incision is made by
entering a quarter of an inch below the joint, and passing the
knife up through the centre of it. It is then placed on the
earth, which should be first stirred up, and after it is properly
pegged down the branch should be covered with a good light
but rich earth, about half an inch in depth.

‘‘ Prrinas.—Where shoots are too short for layering, or
where they become broken by accident, it is necessary to have
recourse to piping, and for this purpose it is necessary to have
a slight hotbed, and cover it 4 or 5 inches deep with fine light
Boil, laid very regular and even. The cuttings intended to be
piped are to have two complete joints—that is to say, they are
to be cut off horizontally close under the second joint. The
pipings are then to be firmly inserted in the soil, but not more
than half an inch deep; they are to be very gently watered, in
order that the earth may adhere more closely to them, and
thereby keep out the air. After this watering they are to
remain open, but not exposed to a hot sun, till their leaves
become perfectly dry, after which the glass is to be placed over
the same mark that was made by it upon the surface of the
soil. The soil should be kept regularly moist till they have
formed their fibres; but too much moisture is as prejudicial
as too little. The pipings should have a little of the morning
sun, but must be shaded from it when the heat becomes con-
siderable.”

The characteristics of a Carnation are, says one of our con-
tributors, best seen by the figure, which is, however, not more
than half the size to which modern ficricultural skill has
brought this flower. The pod (as the calyx is technically
called) should be long, as then the flower is not liable to burst
it, as is the case when it is short. The flower should be quite
circular, and rising up gradually towards the centre, so as to
form half a ball. The outer or guard petals should be large
and few in number, and the other petals should be regularly
disposed on them, and diminish in size towards the centre.
In saying this he begs it to be borne distinctly in mind that
such a flower as is represented in the drawing is what is called
a dressed flower. The texture of the petals should be thick
and waxlike, and the markings distinct and clear; the ground
pure white, any flushing or running of the colour being a
decided disqualification.

In the case of the Picotee the game rules hold good in refer-
ence to shape and substance; while the colour should be con-
fined to the edge, and not run down the petals in bars.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

JuLy 17TH.

For several months past the meetings, which have often
been exhibitions of considerable magnitude, have been held in
the conservatory, but on this occasion the Council-room was
occupied by the Committees and exhibits, and it must be added
was occupied well. The tables surrounding the room were
quite filled with Vines in pots, flowering and fine-foliaged plants,
cut flowers such as Roses, Pansies, Pelargoniums, &c., several
dishes of fruit, and good examples of vegetables. There was
also a good attendance of horticulturists.

Fruit Commirrer.—John Lee, Esq., in the chair. Messrs.
Lane & Son of Berkhampstead sent six Vines in pots of extra-
ordinary growth, which were considered by the Committee to
be the finest that had ever been exhibitod at any meeting of the
Society. The Committee recommend them for the award of a
Silver medal. There were four Black Hamburghs and two
Foster’s Seedlings. Some of the bunches on the former would
exceed 3 lbs. in weight, and on one of the latter we counted
twenty bunches averaging a pound each. Mr. Ollerhead, gar-
dener to Sir Henry Peek, Wimbledon House, sent a well-grown
Queen Pine weighing 4 lbs. 12 ozs., to which a letter of thanks
was awarded. Mr. Miles of Wycombe Abbey exhibited a re-
markably fine dish of Bigarreau Napoleon Cherry, to which a
cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. Burnett, The Deep-
dene, Dorking, sent two fine dishes of Peaches and one of
Nectarines, which received a cultural commendation. Mr. W.
Bull, King’s Road, Chelsea, sent a brace of Cucumber. Excel-
sior, fruit of which was exhibited at the last meeting. It is a
handsome Cucumber of the old-fashioned White-spine class, to
which a letter of thanks was awarded. Mr. J. Geary, Moreton
Gardens near Bideford, sent a seedling Cucumber which was
not an improvement on other varieties in cultivation. Mr.
Charles Turner, Slough, sent a dish of Schoolmaster Potato
and Dandie Dinmont Peas, and as both of these are growing
at Chiswick the decision of the Committee was reserved for a
meeting at the garden. Mr. I. Collett, gardener to W. J.J,

Higgins, Esq., Hambledon, Hants, sent a dish of Peas, which is
no improvement on ordinary Peas. Messrs. Carter & Co. sent
plants of a fine-looking Pea named Little Wonder, of which
they entertained a high opinion, and recommended that it be
tried at the garden. Mr. H.J. Hardy, Bures, Essex, sent plants
of a new Pea called Sequel, and it was recommended to try it
at Chiswick.

Froran Commirrer.—W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair.
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited a collection of
extremely fine tuberous Begonias. First-class certificates were
awarded to Monarch—a real monarch in its class—of robust
stately habit, and with fine vermilion flowers; also to Charles
Scorer, the finest and richest of all the varieties yet raised.
This variety possesses a combination of good qualities—namely,
dwarf habit, great freedom of flowering, good-shaped flowers,
and colour of such a rich velvety crimson scarlet as is seldom
seen in any flower. B. Davisii, a dwarf species, in this group
was clear, bright, and dazzling; and B. roseflora, another dwarf
species, was very distinct and pleasing. The collection also in-
cluded the double varieties Gloire de Nancy and Lemoinei.
Messrs. Veitch also exhibited dwarf examples of the valuable
conservatory decorative plant Lisianthus Russellianus ; its fine,
purple, Tulip shaped flowers were highly effective. The same
firm also exhibited the new white Hydrangea Thomas Hogg,
and owing to its distinctness, also, we presume, to its good keep-
ing property, a first-class certificate was awarded. A few other
plants were also exhibited by the same firm.

Mr. Pithers, The Gardens, Munster House, Fulham, also ex-
hibited some seedling tuberous Begonias, one of which, Illumi-
nator, was extremely brilliant and had fine flowers, but the
plant was somewhat drawn and shaken. This class of Begonias
especially, were they are not grown in too much heat, are in-
valuable for summer decoration.

Mr. B. S. Williams, Holloway, exhibited a small group of
plants. Croton Queen Victoria was in splendid condition and
was awarded a first-class certificate; it must rank as one of the
finest of the genus. CO. Fasciatus had very large Magnolia-like
foliage clearly veined with yellow. Lobelia Lilac Queen, a
variety of the Pumila section, is a charming decorative plant,
distinct in colour, close in habit, and pleasing. Adiantum pal-
matum and Woodwardia radicans cristata, two distinct Ferns,
were included in this group.

Lelia Brysiana, with four spikes and seventeen grand flowers,
was exhibited by Mr. Spyers, Orchid grower to Sir Trevor
Laurence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking, and for which
a cultural certificate was awarded; also a fine plant of the re-
markable Brassavola Digbyana, for which a medal was recom-
mended; and the equally singular Dendrobium Jerdenianum.
Mr. Selwood, gardener to the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall,
exhibited a fine plant, like a fountain of gold, of Dendrobium
filiforme. This plant was growing in a basket, and was a fine
example of superior cultivation. A medal was recommended
to be awarded to Mr. Selwood.

Mr. Mill, gardener to Lord Rendlesham, Rendlesham Hall,
Suffolk, was awarded a first-class certificate for Odontoglossum
miniatum, a splendid Odontoglot, resembling in colour a fine
variety of Oncidium crispum. The spike had eighteen fine
flowers, and was much admired.

G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., exhibited: cut blooms of Liliums
eximium, Robinsoni, Pardalinum, Krameri, Martagon album,
&c., all very beautiful; also flowering spray of the hardy Tro-
pzolum speciosum, which is so brilliant in Scotland, but which
Mr. Wilson has proved will flourish in England if a cool place
is selected for the plant. A vote of thanks was awarded.
Messrs. Barr & Sugden, Covent Garden, staged a very gay col-
lection of Liliums in about thirty sorts; also richly-coioured.
Irises, including I. Kempferi General Grant. H. J. Elwes,
Esq., Preston, Cirencester, exhibited a very richly-coloured
variety of Lilium elegans; also a spike of Pentstemon Cobea, a
pale purple species from Texas, which is seldom seen, and a vote
of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Woodbridge, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland,
Syon House, sent flowering sprays of Stuartia (Stewartia) vir-
ginica, a beautifal North American shrub with large white
flowers resembling those of Clematises, and foliage very like
that of Syringa; also Cerasus ilicifolia, and received a vote of
thanks.

Messrs. William Paul & Son exhibited a collection of Roses
raised at or first introduced to commerce from the Waltham
Cross Nurseries—the finest collection of the kind that we have
seen staged. Twenty of the varieties were named and six
numbered. Amongst the former May Quennell was pre-eminent,
It has the same stout petals as Star of Waltham, but is far
superior to that good Rose, and indeed to all others of its colour
—crimson suffused with magenta. It was certificated at a pre-
vious meeting. Some other Roses in this collection will be
heard of again. The colour of one approaches to violet. Mr.
Turner exhibited Penelope Mayo, a fine Rose of the Marie
Baumann type; also a white Clove Carnation Mrs. Matthews,

52

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jaly 19, 1877.

pure, smooth, sweet, and altogether good, and for which a first-
class certificate was awarded. Mr. Noble exhibited his new
Rose Queen of Bedders, one truss of which was composed of
twenty buds.

Mr. J. Croucher, gardener to J. Peacock, Esq., Sudbury House,
Hammersmith, exhibited Echinocactus grandicornis, globular-
shaped and about 8 inches in diameter, boldly ribbed and covered
with extraordinary hooked spines 4inchesin length. A first-
class certificate was awarded; and Messrs. Croucher & Boller,
73, South Row, Kensal New Town, staged several examples of the
Old Man Cactus (Piloceris senilis), and received a vote of thanks,

Mr. Parker, Tooting, received a first-class certificate for La-
thyrus latifolius splendens, a fine hardy perennial Pea with
purplish-crimson flowers. Mr. Parker also exhibited blooms of
the York and Lancaster Rose, and some Liliums. Mr. John
Reeves, nurseryman, Acton, exhibited a collection of Balsams
of an excellent strain. The plants were extremely sturdy and
well flowered, and the flowers were large, perfectly double, and
in distinct colours. The strain was highly commended, and a
vote of thanks was accorded. Mr. James Puttick, florist, Acton,
staged about a hundred “‘ market plants ”—well-grown examples
of Lycopodiums, Fuchsias, Kalosanthes, and other plants in
Season, and received a similar award. The thanks of the Com-
mittee were also awarded to Mr. Cannell for collections of cut
flowers of fine varieties of double and single Geraniums; also a
plant of a variety correctly named Half-and-Half, half of the
pips being rosy crimson and the other pale salmon; also fora
Geranium half Zonal and half Ivy-leaf, and for cut blooms of
Mimuluses and Sweet Williams. A similar mark of recognition
was made to Messrs. Downie & Laird, Edinburgh, for a col-
lection of Pansies.

NATIONAL CARNATION anp PICOTEE SOCIETY’S

SOUTHERN SHOW.

f ROYAL AQUARIUM, JULY 18rx.

A WELL-ARRANGED schedule, numerous and liberal prizes, a
tolerably fortunate date for holding the Show, a place where it
could be seen to advantage, also a fine day, combined to render
this field day of southern florists, or rather of florists in the
south, a successful one. Possibly if the season had not been
so late more blooms would have been staged, but they could
scarcely have been finer. The finest flowers in the Show—
those from Mr. Douglas and Mr. Turner—had been advanced
under glass. Splendid blooms were staged by both those
growers, and it is no small honour to Mr. Douglas that he was
placed equal first with Mr. Turner in the class for twenty-four
Carnations, while he fairly beat the great Slough champion in
the corresponding class for Picotees.

The claims of florists’ flowers to special patronage are great;
their intrinsic beauty will always command admirers and able
and ardent cultivators; but for some time past flowers for
massing—fiowers of brilliant hues, of rapid increase, easy cul-
ture, and quick display have been fashionable, while those of
slower growth and requiring closer attention and greater skill
to bring them to perfection, have suffered acertain and too great
an amount of neglect. Roses it is true have not been neglected,
but much of their popularity—that is, the popularity of blooms
of high quality, is due to the special efforts which have been
made by the specialists, now known aa rosarians. The Carna-
tion, next to the Rose, ought to be the most popular of English
garden flowers. It possesses the same attractive qualities as
the Rose, while it is even more lasting in its beauty than the
queen of flowers, as will be doubtless proved by the condition
of the blooms during the second day of this real English Show
of real British flowers. It is gratifying, therefore, that a few
friends of the Carnation are still left in the south, and none
having a real love for the flowers which they cherish can do
otherwise than rejoice to find success attending what must be a
work of considerable labour—pleasant labour, nor cease to hope
that the efforts now made will give a stimulus to other culti-
vators, and result in adding new recruits to the florists’ ranks,
and to a Society whose object is so laudable as the Society
which is in session to-day.

For once the Carnation has priority over the Rose—the
Roses exhibited beiag a supplementary branch, and not an in-
appropriate one—a powertul ally, but only an ally, of a show of
the Carnation. It was an opportunity for Roses being brought
to Westminster, where surely they must be welcome—for one day
at least ; and for the sake of that one day of enjoyment to many,
the few who can only view a faded or imperfect Rose with
feelings of pain, must endure whatever share of disappointment
falls to the lot of those who are “ martyrs to circumstances.”

But we must refer to the Show. We pronounce it without
any reservation good—such a show of these hardy garden
flowers that has certainly not been seen in Westminster before,
if anywhere else; and the promoters of both sections of the
Show—Mr. Dodwell of the Carnation department as the zealous
Hon. Sec. of the National Society, and Mr. Bennett of the Rose
department, the Aquarium Company’s Floral Manager—are to
be congratulated on the arrangements and results.

The boxes were arranged on two tables, and the plants in pots
from Mr. Turner and Mr. Douglas added greatly to the effect of
the Show. They were in 7-inch pots, each plant carrying six to
twelve exhibition blooms.

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES,
CamnaTions.—Four classes were provided, and forty-four
rizes.

B Class A, twenty-four blooms in not less than twelve varieties,
brought out five competitors. The prizes were 70s.,50s.,30s., and
20s., and the winners of them were—first, Mr. Turner, Slough,
and Mr. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall,
equal; second, Mr. E.S. Dodwell; third, Mr.T.S. Ware, Totten-
ham; fourth, Mr. Hooper, Bath. Mr. Turner staged Sybil
(Holmes), Eccentric Jack (Wood), James Douglas (Simonite),
Mary Ann (Fletcher), Ajax (Hextall), Duke of Edinburgh (Aber-
crombie), Merrimac (Woods), John Bailey (Dodwell), John Keet
(Whitehead), Florence Nightingale (Sealey), Sportsman (Hed-
derly), Flora’s Garland (Holmes), Mr. Hextall (Simonite), Squire
Trow (Jackson), Annihilator (Jackson), and Admiral Curzon
(Easom). Mr. Douglas had James Douglas, Admiral Curzon,
Lovely Ann, J. D. Hextall, Rose of Stapleford, Mr. Battersby,
Samuel Newman, Rifleman, Premier, Dreadnought, Falcon-
bridge, True Briton, John Keet, Earl of Stamford, Mars, Sarah
Payne, John Bailey, Juno, James Taylor, Lord Raglan, The
Clipper, and Marshal Ney.

In Class B, for twelve blooms, the six prizes offered were
awarded as follows :—First, Mr. Douglas; second, Mr. Dodwell;
third, Mr. John Hines, Ipswich; fourth, Mr. S. Bertram, Wood-
bridge; fifth, Mr. J. Buxton, 32, Wandsworth Road, London ;
sixth, Mr. Catley, Bath. Mr. Douglas staged grand blooms of
John Keet, Marshal Ney, Admiral Curzon, James Douglas,
True Briton, J. D. Hextall, The Clipper, Rifleman, Sportsman,
Mary Ann, Satisfaction, and Premier. Mr. Dodwell’s blooms
were rather smaller, but most of them were highly finished,
especially James Merryweather, True Briton, John Keet; Sports-
man, and Mrs. Dodwell, rose flake, very beautiful.

In Class C for six blooms there were four competitors, the
awards being made in the following order :—First Mr. A. Med-
hurst, 32, Priory Road, Wandsworth Road; second Mr. Ellis,
Wandsworth Road; third Dr. Abercrombie, Cheltenham. The
first-prize collection consisted of James Douglas, John Bailey,
Admiral Curzon, Mars, John Keet, J. D. Hextall.

Class D, single specimens. In Scarlet Bizarres Mr. Douglas
was first, second, and fifth with Admiral Curzon, and third with
Companion; and Mr. Hines was fourth with Lord Rancliffe.
Crimson Bizarres.—Mr. Turner was first with Unexpected, and
second with Mr. Hextall; Mr. Douglas being third, fourth,
and fifth with Marshal Ney, John Hextall, and Graceless Tom
respectively. Pink and Purple Bizarres—Mr. Turner was
placed first, second, and fourth with James Taylor, and third
and fifth with Sarah Payne. Purple Flake-—Mr. Turner was
first with True Blue, second and fourth with James Douglas ;
Mr. Hines third with Mayor of Nottingham, and Mr. Turner
fifth with Ascendant. Scarlet Flake—Myr. Turner was first
with Sportsman and fourth and fifth with Annihilator, and
Mr. Douglas was second and third with Sportsman. Rose
Flake.—Mr. Turner was first and third with Sybil, Mr. Hine
was second with the same variety, and Mr. Turner was fourth
with Mary Ann and fifth with John Keet.

Premier Carnation selected from the whole Exhibition This
proud honour was won by Mr. C. Turner with Sybil.

PicorsEs.—The number of prizes and the amounts offered
were the same as in the Carnation classes.

Class E, for twenty-four blooms, brought out five competitors,
and the prizes were awarded as follows:—first Mr. Douglas,
second Mr. C. Turner, third Mr. Dodwell, and fourth Mr. Ware.

Mr. Douglas’s collection contained splendid blooms of Mr.
Price, Obadiah, Mrs. Bower, Mrs. Allcroft, Mary, John Smith,
Edith Dombrain, Prima Donna, Princess of Wales, Ann Lord,
Miss Small, Mrs. May, Mrs. Little, Lord Valentia, Ethel, Gany-
mede, Picco, Juliana. ;

In Class F, twelve blooms, there were seven competitors, with
the following result :—Mr. Douglas was first again with grand
blooms; second Mr. Dodwell; third Mr. Buxton; fourth Mr.
Bertram, Woodbridge; fifth Dr. Abercrombie; sixth Mr. Hines.

In Class G, for six blooms, the following exhibitors were suc-
cessful :—First Mr. Medhurst; second Mr. Ellis; third Mr.
Gibson, gardener to T. F. Burnaby Atkins, Esq., Sevenoaks.
The first-prize collection consisted of Leonora, Mrs. Niven,
Alice, Juliana, Clara, and J. B. Briant.

Single Specimens.— Red Heavy-edged.—Mr. Bertram was first
with Col. Clarke; Mr. Douglas second with Princess of Wales ;
Mr. Turner third and Mr. Hines fourth with Princess of Wales ;
and Mr. Turner fifth with Rev. F.D.Horner. Red Light-edged.—
Mr. E. S. Dodwell was the only exhibitor, and had the first
prize with Thomas William. Purple Heavy-edged—Mr. Turner
was first with Leah; Mr. Douglas second and fifth with Chanti-
cleer, and third with Mrs. May; Mr. Turner being fourth with
Cynthia. Purple Light-edged.—Mr. Douglas was first and third
with Mary; Mr. Turner was second with Cynthia, fourth with

July 19, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

53

Harland, and fifth with Alice. Rose or Scarlet Heavy-edged.—
Mr. Turner was first with Lady Louisa, second with Leonidas,
fourth with Venus, and fifth with Gem of Roses; and Mr.
Hooper was fourth with Princess Alice. Rose or Scarlet Light-
edged.—Mr. Douglas was first with Mrs. Alleroft, second with
Ethel; and Mr. Turner was third, fourth, and fifth with Miss
Wood, Mrs. Allcroft, and Miss Wood respectively.

Premier Picotee selected from the whole Exhibition. This
high prize was won by Mr. Douglas with John Smith.

Yellow-ground Picotees, twelve blooms in not less than six
varieties, the prizes went in the following order—first, Mr. T. S.
Ware, Tottenham ; second, Mr. Catley, Bath; third, Mr. Hooper,
Bath. These were generally small and not particalarly attractive.

Miscellaneous, Selfs or Fancies.—In the class for twenty-four
blooms in twelve varieties there were six competitors with the
following result—First, Mr. C. Turner; second, Mr. Douglas;
third, Mr. J. Buxton. Mr. Turner’s blooms consisted of The
Bride, Dr. Foster, Ambassador, James Merryweather, Flora’s
Garland, Lady Avenel, Albert, Golden Queen, Seedling, Sultan,
Sybil, Elysian Beauty, Ajax, Unexpected, Mars, Cremorne, and
Bridegroom. Twelve blooms Selfs or Fancies—First, Mr.
‘Turner ; second, Mr. Dodwell; third, Mr. Cooper. Two others
competed.

Plants in Pots.—“ Twelve specimens, dissimilar (from any or
all of the classes, including Tree Carnations), in pots not exceed-
ing 8 inches in diameter.” Mr. Turner and Mr. Douglas were
awarded equal first prizes.

THE ROSE SHOW.

‘‘A two-Day Rose show and you at it! Fie, Fie, ‘“ Wrip
Savage.” Where are your principles? Wasit not youas much
as anyone else—nay, were not you foremost at the National
Meeting in repudiating such shows? And you to be at the
Aquarium judging and showing, and then having the audacity
to write about the Show, to publish your shame to the whole
Rose world! Iam ashamed of you, I blush for you.”

Such I can well imagine may be the comments of some of
your readers, particularly of one “ Lover or ConsIsTENcy,” who
in Journal and Chronicle has uttered his solemn warning and
made us all tremble inour shoes. Well, I own it looks bad upon
the face of it, but there are redeeming features about even this
case. First, my proposal that we should pledge ourselves not
to show at two-day exhibitions was opposed by all, and what we
did was to resolve to do all in our power to discountenance these
shows; secondly, this is not a regular Rose show, and at the
meeting it was particularly objected by the great nurserymen
to my proposal, that often Roses were affiliated to several horti-
cultural or even agricultural exhibitions, and in my eagerness
to pass my resolution I said, Of course excepting ‘“‘ mongrel ex-
hibitions.” So that even if we had pledged ourselves not to
show we should be free from censure in this case, for it is the
Show of the National Carnation and Picotee Society, and Roses
are only added for the sake of variety, and to attract, I suppose,
more visitors.

Then, next, if I am a sinner in this case I am not alone but in
good company, for the question is, Who was not at the Aquarium?
not who was. All the great nurserymen were there, and the
leading amateurs, so do not be too hard on us dear Consistency,
for we have very tender feelings, and it is the last show of the
year, and our season is such a brief one, and there are (compara-
tively) so few shows, and we rosarians really cannot afford to
lose an opportunity of meeting together at the court of our
queen. What a beautiful place the Aquarium is for a Rose
show. Here is space, light, no steps to drag our boxes up,
civility, attention, a good place for the refreshment of the body
and mind, a fine orchestra, and a hearty welcome. What more
can we want? Perhaps the light on a very sunny day is a little
too strong for our blooms, but we cannot have everything, and
no doubt the authorities will some day put up an awning, when
we shall have everything we want.

And now for the Show. What of it? Ican imagine that in
future years anyone who by chance came on my account of this
Show might exclaim on seeing the date, “ The 18th of July, and
a Rose show in London! Surely it must have been a miserable
failure, for what Roses would be worth anything so late as the
18th?” Well, it was not a failure, but very much the reverse,
and the Roses were very fine, and the fixture was a remarkably
good one, for a more exceptional season I for one never knew.
When I remember that the first show of the year was at the
Crystal Palace on Midsummer eve, and that the last was on the
18th of July, and that at each show Mr. George Paul and Mr.
Turner showed, and showed finely, I am struck with amazement
at the length of time their Roses held out. For nearly a month
these great nurserymen have shown Roses, and shown them
well too. And this is the more remarkable when we consider
what scorching weather we have had in July. Mr. Cant was
about a week behind his great rival, but when he was in bloom
he was quite up to his old form. Mr. Cranston is always the
latest of the quintet, but when his time does come how grand
are his blooms! The Aquarium fixture just suited him, and

glad am I for one that this good fellow and fine rosarian should
at last have one London show which was not too early for him.
The distance that he lives from town must always handicap
him ; and when to this is added the exposed situation of his ex-
tensive nurseries, it is a marvel to me how he manages to show
as well as he does at the metropolitan exhibitions. Mr. Keynes
has also a very late soil and an exposed nursery, added to which
his soil is one of the poorest that can be imagined, except where
his standards and Dablias are cultivated. In fact, his soil is ag
poor, or nearly s0,as mine. The prizes at the Aquarium were
exceedingly liberal when the number of blooms required for the
various classes is taken into account, and I cannot too highly
commend the Secretary or Manager who drew out the schedule
for his liberality and discretion in making the classes easy for
all growers. The leading class for the trade was for forty-eight
varieties, and for this £5, £3, and £2 was offered. The head
amateur classes were for twenty-four distinct and twelve trebles,
and for these £4, £3, and £2 were given. Then there were
classes for twelve Tea and six blooms of one Tea, and other mis-
cellaneous classes. And now for the Roses, or rather for the
prizes which were awarded for them, for time does not permit
a comment on the several collections.

In the chief nurserymen’s class, forty-eight varieties, single
trusses, the prizes went in the following order :—First Messrs.
Cranston & Co., Hereford; second Mr. Cant, Colchester; and
third Messrs. G. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. In the next class—
twenty-four varieties, trebles—Messrs. Oranston & Oo. again
had the premier place, followed by Mr. Turner, Slough, and Mr.
Corp, Oxford. For twenty-four single trusses Mr. Corp was
first, Messrs. Cranston & Co. second, and Mr. Bennett, Staple-
ford, third; and for twelve single trusses the prizes went to
Messrs. Corp, Turner, and Bennett in the order named.

AmATEuRS.—In the class for twenty-four Roses, distinct,
single trusses, Mr. Jowitt, The Old Weir, Hereford, was placed
first, Mr. Baker and Rev. E. N. Pochin equal second, and Mr.
Davis, Wilton, third. For twelve trebles the awards went to
Messrs. Baker, Camm, and Davis in the order named. In the
class for eighteen singles Mr. Pochin was first, Mr. Jowitt
second, and Mr. Davies, Aynhoe, Banbury, third; and for twelve
blooms Mr. Pochin again had the first place, followed by Mr.
Pemberton, Romford; Mr. Burnaby Atkins, Sevenoaks; and
Mr. Whitwell, Darlington, in the order of their names.

Open CuassEs.—In the class for twelve Tea or Noisette Roses
Mr. Cant was placed first, Mr. Corp second, and Mr. Davies,
Aynhoe, third. For six blooms of any one sort of Tea or Noisette
Mr. Tranter was first with Maréchal Niel in grand colour ; Mr.
Davies was second with almost equally good blooms of the
same variety; and Mr. Keynes third with Marie Van Houtte.
For six blooms of any one sort of Hybrid Perpetual Mr. Cant
was first with splendid examples of Alfred Colomb, Messrs. G.
Paul & Son second with Duke of Edinburgh, and Mr. Corp third
with Mdlle. Marie Cointet. The last class in the schedule was
for six new Roses of 1875 or 1876. Mr. Turner, Slough, won
easily with Sir Garnet Wolseley, J. S. Mill, very fine; Maréchal
Robert, Prince Arthur, very fine; Jean Liabaud, and a splendid
bloom of Madame Prosper Langier. Messrs. G. Paul & Son
were second with Mrs. Baker, Jean Liabaud, Royal Standard,
Avocat Duvivier, and Marguerite Brassac; and Mr. Corp third
with fresh examples of Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Jean Soupert,
Madame F. Janin, Jean Liabaud, Star of Waltham, and Abel
Carriére—all in excellent colour.

Many of the blooms exhibited bore unmistakeable signs of
the lateness of the season and of having received rough usage
by the late storms, yet many more were of undeniably good
quality, and the colour of the darks and yellows was perhaps
unusually rich; but more anon.— WYLpD SavaGE.

Seventy-two varieties of Verbenas from Mr. Turner, Slough,
were highly effective, as were the plants of Lilium auratum
from the same cultivator, which were placed down the centre
of the tables. Mr. Cannell staged twenty-four varieties of Ver-
benas, and it is not too much to say that the collections of these
flowers were as much admired as the Carnations and Roses.
Mr. Turner also exhibited his fine new white Clove Mrs.
Matthews, the blooms much resembling perfect Gardenias. Mr.
Ware, Tottenham, staged a large collection of Carnations and
Pansies ; Mr. Hooper, Bath, also exhibiting Pansies well. Mr.
Corp, Oxford, staged a large and charming coilection of Tea
Roses, and Mr. R. Dean submitted fine examples of Mauve
Queen Stocks. The Vines in pots from Messrs. Lane & Son,
Great Berkhampstead, attracted considerable attention. _

The Show continues open this day (Thursday), and is highly
worthy of a visit by all admirers of Carnations. The Roses on
the second day, like many of the trees and plants inthe Aquarium,
will, of course, be dead or dying.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.
Ir is gratifying to observe how much encouragement is
being given to promote DOMESTIC FLORICULTURE IN LonDON.
City flower shows are of weekly occurrence, and are doing

54 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 19, 1877.

much, especially when patronised by ladies of rank and aided
by the clergy, to improve the tastes of an important section of
the community. One of the last of the city flower shows was
held in the parish of St. Philip’s, Clerkenwell, when H.R.H.
the Marchioness of Lorne distributed the prizes; and Lord
Selborne, speaking on the cultivation of flowers, remarked that
‘‘ nothing was more important to religion and morality than
the cultivation of what was natural, and pure, and beautiful.
Natural tastes, natural manners, natural habits, natural affec-
tions were, they might depend upon it, much better than what
was artificial, and therefore the love of nature was a great
means of education, and he knew of no branch of the mani-
fold varieties of natural objects more calculated to purify and
sweeten the taste, and with the taste other qualities, than a
love of flowers.”

—— Ar the meeting of the Prince Congort’s Royal Associa-
tion at Windsor on the 13th inst. Messrs. Sutton, the Queen’s
seedsmen, exhibited a beautiful collection of ANNUALS grown at
their seed farm, Reading. It consisted of upwards of two
hundred varieties.

— WELL may it be said that Kent is the garden of
England, for Mr. Cannell states that his neighbour Mr. Vinson
sent to market last Wednesday 2500 pecks of StRAWBERRIES.
This, reckoning 14 lbs. to the peck, would amount to upwards
of 154 tons.

—— THE BEDDING-ovuT IN Mr. Rauui’s garden at Cleveland
House, Clapham Park, has been completed by Mr. Legg, who
has won a foremost position by the excellence of his work in
artistic garden decoration. In the planting of eight beds and
a border fully 200,000 plants have been employed. They are
arranged in a different, but none the less effective, manner
than in former years. Mr. Legg is an originator, not a copyist,
and modes of beautifying flower beds are annually seen in this
garden which have not been seen before. By the kindness of
the owner of the garden the public will have the privilege of
inspecting the beds during Fridays in the months of August
and September. It is expected that the garden will be open
to visitors on the first Friday in August—not before—when a
display of no ordinary character will be provided in these
flowerless yet beautiful beds. The term ‘ carpet bedding” is
no longer applicable to some of these beds, for the bold yet
clearly-defined irregularity of surface is foreign to the nature
of a carpet, and artistic bedding becomes the more appropriate
term. Some of the beds are extremely chaste and striking.

— Srvc there is evidence that the Conorapo BEETLE
has by some means effected a passage across the Atlantic we
must be prepared for rumours of an alarmist nature of its
appearance in Britain. We are glad that the account which
we cited from the Daily News last week of the appearance of
the beetle at Dublin proved incorrect; but it is none the less
necessary that a good look-out must be kept for the enemy to
prevent its gaining a footing on our shores.

— WE regret to announce the peaTH or Mr. Peter
Droumumonp, late of Stirling, which took place at Wardie Road,
Edinburgh, on the 9th inst. in the seventy-ninth year of his
age. Mr. Drummond was for many years the head of the old-
established nursery and seed business of W. Drummond and
Sons; and it was mainly to his untiring energy that the
house attained the wide reputation it acquired. With him
the idea of forming an Agricultural Museum first originated ;
and he was also the founder of the Tract Institution at Stir-
ling, which became go widely known throughout the world.

—— Wuat in many seasons would be very commonplace
becomes this season noteworthy—a crop or AppLEs. We
recently saw in the gardens of Munster House, Fulham, a
long row of dwarf trees, every one of which is now laden with
fruit. Tho trees are several years old, and on every branch of
every tree the fruit hangs like ‘‘ ropes of Onions.” We do not
remember ever observing a heavier crop of Apples on any
trees. The soilis good and the situation low, and the blossom
did not receive any protection. Lvery tree is of the same sort,
and that sort the Hawthornder.

— We record the pEatH or Mr. Woop, late gardener at
Ravensworth House, Fulham, for two reasons—first because
of his great length of service in the same family, and secondly
because of the unusual cause of his death, which resulted from

he cutting of a corn and mortification ensuing. Mr. Wood
was gardener at Ravensworth House first to the Hon. Thomas
Liddel and subsequently to the late and the present Lord
Ravensworth, his term of service extending over thirty-five
years. He died on the 10th inst in his sixty-sixth year; he

was an industrious and trustworthy man, and was much re-
spected in the neighbourhood in which he lived so long.

THE CAPER PLANT (Capparis sPrNosa).

Tuer Caper grows abundantly in the south of Europe, along
the shores and on the islands of the Mediterranean, and in
Syria. It is generally found wild on walls and rocks; it is
met with on the walls of Rome, Sienna, and Florence, and is
extensively cultivated in the south of Europe, particularly be-
tween Marseilles and Toulon, and in many parts of Italy; but
it is from Sicily that the greatest supply is brought. The
flower buds form the Capers so much used as a pickle and &
sauce, but in gome parts the fruit is also employed. In the
early part of summer the plant begins to flower, and the flowers
continue to appear successively till the beginning of winter.
The young flower buds are, picked every morning, and as they

Fig. 18.—The Caper Plant (Capparis spinosa).

are gathered they are put into vinegar and salt; and this
operation continues for six months, as long as the plants are
in a flowering state. When the season closes, the budg are
sorted according to their size and colour, the smallest and
greenest being the best; these are again put into vinegar, and
then packed-up for sale and exportation. Capers are stimu-
lant, antiscorbutic, and are much employed as a condiment,
but the medicinal virtues of the plant reside in the root, which
is slightly bitter, somewhat acrid and sour, and is diuretic.

The Caper is, according to Dr. Royle, the Hyssop of Scrip-
ture (esob or esof), ‘‘ which springeth out of the wall,” of which
Solomon spoke. It produces long trailing branches of suffi-
cient length to be used as a stick, on which the sponge filled
with vinegar was offered to our Saviour when on the cross.
‘“‘ They filled a sponge with vinegar and put it upon Hyssop,”
says John (chap. xix. verse 29), and this accounts for the
seeming discrepancy which some writers fancy they detect be-
tween John’s and Matthew’s account of the crucifixion, because
the latter says they ‘‘put it ona reed.’’ It is the same plant
which was used by the children of Israel to sprinkle the blood
on the door-posts at the institution of the Passover.—(Hogg’s
Vegetable Kingdom.)

WRITERS ON ENGLISH GARDENING.—No. 33.
ROBERT THOMPSON.

Mr. THompson was born at Echt in Aberdeenshire early in
September, 1798. The precise date of his birth is not known,
as at that period the birth registers of Scotland were not pre-
served with that care with which they are now. But from his
baptism having been on the 16th of October in the same year,
we may reckon with some degree of certainty that this cere-
mony was performed, as it usually is in Scotland, a month or
six weeks after birth. His father was a small farmer, and

July 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

55

after he had received the solid education of his native parochial
school he was placed under his uncle, who was gardener to
Mr. Skene of Skene, where he was employed in the garden
and plantations. He then removed to Haddo House, the seat
of the Karl of Aberdeen, where he remained till 1820, and then
left for the garden at Dunottar Castle, the residence of Lord
Kennedy. After remaining there for one year he removed in
November, 1821, to the gardens of Robert Ferguson, Egq., of
Raith in Fifeshire, where he was for nearly three years.

In 1824 Mr. Thompson reached London, and went directly
to the garden of the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick,
to which he had been recommended by his late employer’s
brother, Sir R. Ferguson. The garden was then nearly com-
pleted; the collection of fruit trees had just been planted, some

and passionate study, not only as it was exhibited under his |

eye in the garden, but in the literature and practice of the
pursuit as existing on the Continent. It was this well-grounded
and thorough knowledge of the subject which enabled Mr.
Thompson go well to produce that laborious work, the ‘ Cata-
logue of Fruits Cultivated in the Garden of the Horticultural
Society of London,” which has formed the foundation of
modern pomological synonymy. No one except such a person
as Mr. Thompson could have done this work so well. His
proverbial patience and painstaking, his excessive care and
caution, admirably fitted him for such a work, and stamp it
with an authority which has never been assailed. It was not,
however, in pomology alone that Mr. Thompson excelled.

Every department of horticulture received from him its due |

share of attention; and not in the practice only, but also in

the higher principles of the pursuit, did Mr. Thompson emi- |

nently shine. His love of physical science was equalled only
by his love of gardening; and his knowledge of mathematics
was of a high order. No better evidence of the combination
of these qualities can be given than that which is furnished
in that admirable compendium of horticulture ‘‘ The Gar-

Fig. 19.—MR. ROBERT THOMPSON.

of them, which were worked on Paradise stocks, were coming
into fruit; and the walls which enclose the orchard and kitchen
garden had then been just finished. Mr, Thompson was at
once placed in the fruit department, which was then superin-
tended by Mr. Christie, and no time could have been more
opportune for his entering on his duties, as from the first he
had under his observation the immense collection of fruits
which then and subsequently has existed in the gardens. Early
initiated by Mr. Knight and Mr. Sabine into a knowledge of
the characters and merits of the then existing varieties, Mr.
Thompson acquired a knowledge and taste for the study of
fruits and fruit trees which increased with his years, and which
he retained to the last. During the whole of the forty-four
years of his active life at Chiswick pomology was his special

—

deners’ Assistant.” Meteorological science igs much indebted
to him for the constancy and correctness of the observations
he conducted at Chiswick from 1830 till within a few months
of his death, a period of thirty-nine years. And here we
may take the opportunity of noticing a remark we some-
times have heard made by others who note meteorological ob-
servations. Doubts have been expressed as to the correct-
ness of the instruments used at Chiswick. It has been said
that the temperatures announced by Mr. Thompson were,
when excessive, too high or too low, and that they did not
correspond with those of other observers. It is, nevertheless,
a striking fact that on an average of thirty years’ observations
—from 1826 to 1855—the difference in the records of mean
temperature between Chiewick and Greenwich amounts only
| to 0:06°—a lasting tribute to the care with which the Chiswick
meteorological observations were made.

Mr. Thompson was a voluminous writer, though he does not
appear as the author of many works. In the ‘‘ Transactions
of the Horticultural Society,” besides the bulky meteorological
| tables, there are many valuable papers on horticultural sub-
| jects. To Loudon’s ‘‘Gardener’s Magazine,” the Gardeners’

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ July 19, 1877.

SS ——

Chronicle, the ‘‘ Edinburgh Philosophical Magazine,” and other
periodical publications he was a frequent contributor. In the
preparation of most of his great works Mr. Loudon acknow-
ledges“the aid rendered by Mr. Thompson, and especially in
the ‘“ Encyclopedia of Gardening” and the ‘‘ Suburban Hor-
ticulturist.”” He contributed also to the ‘‘ Penny Cyclopedia,”
Morton’s ‘‘ Cyclopedia of Agriculture,’ Maunder’s ‘‘ Treasury
ef Botany,’ and we believe he was the sole author of the
letter-press of the ‘‘ Pomological Magazine.”

Towards the close of his career a tribute to the services he
had rendered to horticulture was paid to Mr. Thompson, by the
presentation of a testimonial, amounting to the sum of £400,
raised by public subscription, and on the end of his active
services in connection with the Royal Horticultural Society he
retired on full pay. He died on the 7th of September, 1869.

A portrait—as good as is obtainable—of this excellent gar-
dener, able writer, and worthy man will be acceptable to many,
especially to the great number of our readers who have profited
by his practice and teachings.

AN ELECTION OF TEA ROSES.

In your issue for June 28th I observe that Mr. Hinton has
again undertaken his labour of love—the Rose election, or
rather the exhibition Rose election. I am gure all amateur
cultivators of the Rose feel deeply grateful to Mr. Hinton for
his great trouble in bringing thus periodically before us the
créme de la créme of Flora’s queen. I for one return him my
most sincere thanks, as I have been profited and greatly in-
terested in former elections, so I shall look forward anxiously
to the declaration of the poll in the present one. I much
wish for an election of those fair jewels the upper ten of our
queen’s court—viz., Tea Roses. The question I propose would
be, Name the best twenty-four exhibition Tea Roses, marking
the twelve hardiest, best growers, and freest bloomers.

Can any of your readers give me their experience of Abel
Grand as two-year-old cut-backs? With me it barely manages
to exist after the first year, each shoot after being pruned
dying back several inches before pushing a bud, and then in
a most weakly manner. The plants are on the Manetti; my
soil being a light sandy loam on gravel.

Yet another question. Has anyone observed that the shoot
on which zine labels are tied dies? With me fully seven-
tenths of them do so. Howis this? They are tied on quite
loosely, some with tarred twine and others with lead wire.—
A Tyzo, Co. Down.

[To this proposition I hardly know howto reply. But firstly,
gratefully as to the kind expressions bestowed on past labours ;
secondly, hopefully as to the exhibition election, in which I
fancy there will be even harder Iabour than heretofore, but in
which I shall still try to do justice to the queen of flowers;
lastly, in a spirit of procrastination. Acknowledging all the
loveliness of the Teas, I feel that I shall have my hands full;
but if spared to try another year, such an election as the one
proposed with one of best garden Roses is what I thought
would be useful.

As to Abel Grand, my experience is that it does not like the
Manetti. I should say, Try it on its own roots or on the seed-
ling Briar.

I cannot explain the injuriousness of zinc labels, and cer-
tainly have not noticed it. I rarely tie my labels on the plant
itself, but on a stick close by.—Josrra Hinton. ]

WASPS.

Wasprs are a great annoyance to any person who has fine
fruit, for they not only destroy the fruit, but one is not safe
in pulling Plums, Apricots, &c., from being stung. I was very
much troubled with wasps when gardener to the Earl of
Wemyss, but I waged war against them in real earnest, and
the fruit was saved. Besides killing all the queen wasps that
could be caught in April and May, about the middle of July
when the nests were getting strong so that there was no diffi-
culty in seeing them, during a calm sunny day I went with
four men and walked over the plantation and burnsides near
to the garden, and as soon as a nest was found a stick with a
white rag on it was stuck up, and the following day two men
were sent to kill it; and if thirty nests were destroyed the
men took thirty full-sized bottles about half-full of water and
plenty of strong match paper made with saltpetre and coarse
paper. Sixpence-worth will do for a hundred nests. It is
safe to be liberal with the match paper, or the wasps might

not inhale enough to sicken them: and on digging out the
nest, if they can fly, they will attack anyone near them, but
if the digging the nest is carefully done not one wasp will get
out. In setting fire to the match and when fairly burning, a
bit of turf to keep in the smoke should be put on the hole for
three minutes, and then knock them into jelly; and sink a
bottle as near the nest as possible quite level with the ground,
and the wasps will tumble in at railway speed, and if the nest
is not very strong one bottle will hold all the wasps, but in
September it will require two bottles. Ihave seen two crammed
and about 1200 in each. The wasps coming in from their
work seldom or never attempt to sting, unless the nest is
under a bush; but if a nest is opened and the wasps have not
enough of smoke to sicken them, and they happen to come
out a retreat is necessary; but if gloves are used and a veil,
then one can dig away with impunity. One season upwards
of three hundred nests were killed at Gosford.—J. ApDISoNn,
Ormiston, Edinburgh.

NEWCASTLE BOTANICAL ann HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY’S SUMMER SHOW.

AFTER & career extending over half a century this Society has
latterly exhibited new life, and has given a great impetus to
horticulture, in the north particularly, while it has not been
without influence in the country generally, for it has secured
support from the south as well as the north, and which has
enabled the Society to provide the best show ever held in New-
castle. The Hon. Secretaries, Mr. Taylor and Mr. French, are
evidently believers in the old French adage that ‘‘ Heaven
helps those who help themselves,” and they, with the aid of an
able Committee, commenced working in a zealous and withal
systematic manner. Their object was to devise a plan which
promised to provide a great horticultural display at a moderate
charge, and to fix a deserving public institution on a solid
foundation. The results have been extremely gratifying, for
no less than 1300 new members were enrolled under the new
system in less than two months, and at the time of the spring
Show the list of members contained about 1500 names. The
number has since doubled, and there is at present upwards of
8000 members, whose subscriptions yield about £1500. It is
pleasing to note that the scope of the Society extends beyond
exhibitions, for besides providing three shows annually—in the
spring, summer, and autumn, the Society aids the Flower
Mission and the Children’s Flower Show and Window Garden-
ing; and we understand that it contemplates conferring a
benefit upon the public by planting in the Leazes Park a con-
siderable number of fine trees to be brought from abroad.

The last and greatest show was held in Leazes Park, and it
appears to have been as successful as it was extensive and well
arranged. The plants, &c., were grouped in five marquees,
placed parallel to each other, containing 20,000 square feet, and
80 arranged as to display the contents of all at one time, except
where the view was intentionally broken by Fuchsias and other
light and graceful plants. All woodwork was covered with
paper, the whole having been handsomely decorated by Messrs.
Carnegie & Gullachsen. The flowers, &c., both in quantity and
quality, were equal to those seen at the best exhibitions of the
year. During the two days of the Exhibition there was nearly
twenty thousand visitors. Nearly nine thousand persons entered
the show ground during the second day. Between noon and
four o’clock, when the admission was 1Is., the amount received
at the gates was £70, and the sum realised by the 6d. rate in the
course of the evening was £142. On the first day £258 was
taken, making a total of £470 paid for admission during the two
days. Since Monday week £130 has been paid by the new
members, so that there will be handed to Mr. Councillor Gray
(the Hon. Treasurer and also the Chairman of the Society), the
sum of £600 which the Society has received within ten days.
Yet while commanding anincome probably ten times the amount
of that which it formerly had at its disposal, the Society has,
of course, increased the value of its premiums to a very great
extent. For instance, for a collection of greenhouse plants, to
which the sum of 7s. 6d. was awarded in 1872, £10 is now given,
and the total amount of premiums, which was formerly perhaps
not more than £60, is for the present Show £550. The general
expenses of the Exhibition have also largely increased—the total
cost of the Show is estimated at £800, and exceeds the subscrip-
tion income; but a favourable balance is secured by the money
paid for admission, whilst the large additions which are ex-
pected to be made to the membership will, it is confidently
anticipated, place the Society in a sound condition financially.
The backwardness of the season in the north oi England has
retarded the growth of nearly all kinds of plants and flowers.
Local exhibitors, though they showed well, were therefore scarcely
up to the standard of some former years, and the splendour of
the Show was in a great measure due to the numerous entries of
floral cultivators in the south.

July 19, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

57

Cr Orr —Y—

Amongst the exhibitors who did not compete, and whose con-
tributions occupied the circular or entrance tent, there were Mr.
B. 8. Williams of Victoria Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London ;
Mr. Watson of Fenham Nurseries; Messrs. S. Nairn & Son,
Pilgrim Street; and Mr. Isaac Charlton, South Parade Nursery,
Neweastle; Messrs. Stuart & Mein, Kelso; Messrs. Birkenhead,
Sale Nurseries, near Manchester, and many exhibitors of garden
requisites. Mr. B.S. Williams staged in the central entrance

marquee a handsome collection of plants, many of them not |

yet in commerce. Sixteen of the plants were sold fora hundred
guineas to one of the officials of the Show, Colonel Joicey of
Newton Hall, and many other large sales were effected by the
different nurserymen present. A very concise catalogue con-
taining an alphabetical list of all the exhibitors, also the position
they held in each class, was issued immediately after the awards
were made, :

The following were the successful exhibitors in the classes
for plants :—The prize (£10 and the Silver Kniyhtian Medal) for
six plants in bloom was gained by Mr. EH. Tudgey, gardener to
T. F. G. Williams, Esq., Henwick Grange, Worcester; and Mr.
R. Sleightholin, Armley, Leeds, was the winner of the first
honour, £5, for three plants in bloom. The first prizes for
ornamental-foliaged plants were won by Mr. Tudgey and Mr. A.
Methven, gardener to Mr. Theodore Lange, Heathfield, Gates-
head. The winners of first prizes for Ferns were Mr. Tudgey
and Mr. T. Wilson, Normanby Hall, Middlesbrough. The chief
honours in other classes of plants were won by Mr. Tudgey; Mr.
Sleightholme, gardener to Mrs. Wood, Armley, Leeds; Mr.
Henry May, Bedale; Mr. James Sanderson, gardener to Mr.
W. H. Parker, The Elms, Gosforth; Mr. George Stockley, Els-
wick Park; Mr. W. Moult, gardener to Earl Ravensworth,
Ravensworth Castle; Mr. J. Herbert, Grammar School, Dur-
ham; Mr. P. Sherwin, gardener to Mr. J. Young, Netherton ;
Mr. Thos. Battensby, Haghill (Bronze Knightian medal), and
Mr. George Murray, Dipton.

Cur Frowrrs.—Of these the Roses were the chief exhibits.
Many splendid blooms were staged, and no part of the Show was
more greatly enjoyed by the visitors than the Rose classes. The
county prize of £6 and silver Banksian medal were won by Mr.
©. Turner, Slough, in the class for forty-eight blooms in not
less than twenty-four varieties, followed by Messrs. G. Davison
and Co., Hereford, who were placed second, and Measrs. Cranston
and Co. third. The Mayor’s prize for thirty-six Roses was won
by Messrs. Cranston & Co., Mr. Turner second, and Mesars.
Davison third. They held precisely the same positions in the
class for twenty-four blooms ; while for twelve blooms Messrs.
Davison & Uo. had the premier place, as they were also in the
class for Tea-scented Roses, Mr. Turner second, and Mr. Whit-
well, Barton Hall, Darlington, third. Mr, Thomas Flowdy,
Gateshead, won the chief prizes for yellow Roses, and Mr. Laws,
Ponteland, was awarded the first prize and bronze Banksian
medal for twelve blooms with buds attached. Amongst other
Winners of prizes for cut flowers were Mr. John Harland,
Arthur’s Hill; Mr. R. Scott, Arthur’s Hill; Mr. W. J. Watson,
Fenham ; and Mr. W. Moult.

The silver cup presented by the President, Major Woods, for
the best and most tastefully arranged table decoration of flowers,
plants, and fruits, was gained by Mr. M. Thompson, gardener
to Mr. Lindsay Wood of South Hill, and the second prize was
won by Mr. J. Gellender, Newcastle. Amongst the other
winners of prizes for table decorations were Mr. R. Sleightholm,
Mr. E. Tudgey, Mr. M. Larke, gardener to the Rev. R. F.
Wheeler, Whitley Vicarage; Mr. A. Develen, gardener to Mr.
Joseph Davison, Benton; and Mr. Thomas Ramshaw, Dryburn,
Durham.

Frouit.—The principal prizewinners were Mr. Wm. Moult ;
Mr. 0. H. Letts, gardener to the Earl of Zetland, U pleatham ;
Mr. John Hutchinson, gardener to J. J. Hunter, Esq., Whick-
ham Grove; Mr. Thomas Wilson; Mr. J. R. Jowsey, Sedbury
Park, Richmond; and Mr. R. Lundi.

The officials of forty-one horticultural societies in North-
umberland and Durham were invited to the Show, and 260 boys
from the Wellington training ship, under the command of
Capt. Roccock, attended the Exhibition and went through their
evolutions in front of the marquees.

ROSES EUGENIE VERDIER AND
MDLLE. MARIE FINGER.

Witt you allow me to enter a protest against the idea,
started by ‘“Wynp Savacr” and endorsed by Mr. Hinton, that
E. Verdier and Marie Finger are the same Rose under different
names ? Can it be that ‘‘Wynp Savacr” has no eye for
colour, or is it that he has not grown Marie Finger in a suffi-
ciently large quantity to form a correct judgment? I have
had two lines of these two Roses side by side this season, and
¢an most positively affirm that Marie Finger is at least two
Shades darker than Eugénie Verdier as grown here. As a
Rose I consider the former superior to the latter in every way.

It is of better habit, freer growth, and the flower is much
more lasting and of better shape; and I think the majority of
rosarians will agree with me that it is one of the best light-
coloured Roses yet introduced, lacking only perfume to make
it perfect. I should be glad to hear what others think, as it
would be a pity to confound Roses together that are really
distinct.—R. W. Bracuey.

WEST OF SCOTLAND ROSARIAN SOCIETY’S
SHOW, HELENSBURGH.

THERE are few things that to my mind show the hold that the
Rose has, I will not say on the general public, but on those who
really love flowers, than the institution and successful carrying-
out of such a show as this. Inacountry of which, as the worthy
Chairman of the day said, an Englishman is reported to have
declared “that it had no climate at all and the weather was
beastly,” and where at any rate the average rainfall is double
that of the south of England, and where south-west gales are so
prevalent that they threaten to blow the Roses off the bushes,
not only do they manage a Rose Show but offer such prizes as
to induce some of our leading growers to compete at them; and
it was a real pleasure to meet Mr. George Paul and Mr. Cant in
the streets of Helensburgh, and to see them busy staging their
Roses in the skating rink; for taught by past experience the
promoters of the Show, instead of holding itin a tent as last
year, had migrated to the rink, which proved-a very excellent
place for it, The room was commodious, and owing to one side
being thrown open more light was admitted than in ordinary
cases where shows are held in a room, while it also afforded
room for a promenade. The Show was truly international as
far as the British Isles were concerned, for not only were
there English but Irish growers competing with the natives.
These latter were under a great disadvantage. The season has
been late everywhere, but later in Scotland than in England,
and hence this date (July 13th) which had been fixed upon as
one most likely to suit Scotch growers was fully a fortnight too
soon. I drove round the Gareloch and walked about Helens-
burgh before the Show and saw no Roses, and my wonder was
that so many were enabled to put in an appearance. i

Messrs. Paul and Cant contributed two stands of forty-eight
blooms in their usual style and far outdistanced their compe-
titors, although the Messrs. Dobson’s stand was a very credit-
able one. Unfortunately Mr. Cant’s, owing to an irregularity,
was disqualified. Both contained some very grand flowers.
Frangois Treyve, Duke of Edinburgh, Etienne Levet, Paul
Neron, Marie Cointet, Thérése Levet, Mons. E, Y. Teas, Annio
Wood, John Hopper, Frangois Michelon, and other well-known
sorts being in good form, especially for the season, which is not
a favourable one for the Rose. In the class for twelve new
Roses the same competitors appeared; and good blooms were
shown by Mr. George Paul of some of the new varieties ema-
nating from Cheshunt—Dr. Hooker, Duke of Connaught, Mrs.
Laxton, Marchioness of Exeter, and others, while Mr. Cant
showed a stand of English and foreign raised varieties of great
excellence. In the class for twelve blooms of any one Rose the
first and second prizes went to Marie Baumann, and the third
to La France. In the amateurs’ classes the first prizes were
taken in every instance by an Irish grower, Mr. Hawkins of
Belfast, with flowers of considerable merit, and the home growers
made a very fair display under all the difficulties they had to
contend with. A step in advance has been made since last year
by offering prizes for blooms without any adventitious foliage ;
and we can only hope that the strong expressions made on this
subject will produce fruit, and that this flourishing Society may
set the good example of discountenancing all additions to the

owers.

The warm-hearted hospitality and kindness which one met
with was something remarkable, and made my sojourn of a few
days a most happy one; and I am sure all of us Sassenachs
retain a most lively and pleasant recollection of the West of
Scotland Rosarian Society’s Show, which the energy of Mr.
Galloway, so well known in the south for his triumphs as a
Gladiolus grower, have tended to make so successful.—D., Deal.

RICHARDIA AITHIOPICA.

Two years ago I turned one plant of it out of its pot into a
pond where it was about 18 inches deep. It was cut down by
the frost, and there was for some time a thick coat of ice over
it. But it flowered so well in summer that I put out some
more plants last autumn. They were all cut down below the
surface of the water, but are now in strong foliage with five or
six flowers or large buds on them, and make a very hand-
some ornament on the edge of my pond. The foliage is not so
large as on plants when well grown in a greenhouse, but very
healthy. I purpose turning out a good many more this year.
As I ara living in the county Donegal (in the extreme north of

58 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

{ July 19, 1877.

Ireland), growing it in that manner here is putting it to a very
severe test.—JoHN R. Boyp.

HIGHGATE FLOWER SHOW.

Tue annual Exhibition of the Highgate Horticultural Society
took place on the 12th inst. in the beautiful grounds of Edward
Brooke, Hsq., J.P., Caen Wood Towers. A more charming
place for a flower show would be hard to find, for fine views are
commanded from every part of the grounds, with London as
it were lying at your feet. The Exhibition was held in two
large tents, the larger one for specimen plants and gardeners’
produce, the other for amateurs’ and cottagers’ produce. On
entering, the first group to attract attention was a collection of
foliage plants and Palms, edged 3 feet wide with dwarf Roses in
pots in bloom from W. Cutbush & Sons of Highgate and Barnet.
At the other end Mr. B.S. Williams of Upper Holloway exhi-
bited an unique group of six very fine specimens of Allamanda
grandiflora, Statice profusa, Dipladenia Brearleyana, Erica ob-
bata, Lxora javanica floribunda, and Bougainvillea glabra, edged
with gracefal Palms, Ferns, and new and rare plants, such as
Cocos Weddelliana, Adiantum gracillimum, various new Crotons,
Dracenas, &c.

The best competition was for the special prize given by S.
Cumming, Esq., for twenty plants, distinct. Mr. Sheen, gar-
dener to EH. Brooks, Esq., Caen Wood Towers, was placed first,
having good plants of Dicksonia antarctica, Croton variegatum,
Adiantum farleyense, Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, Stepha-
notis floribunda, &c. Mr. Fuller, gardener to E. J. Nettlefold,
Esq., The Grove, Highgate, was placed second with much fresher
plants, but not so large; he had a good Stephanotis grandiflora,
Clerodendron Balfouri, a bright Croton majesticum, Alocasia
metallica, Crotons Weismanni and variegatum, Sanchezia nobilis,
&c. Third, Mr. F. Newman, gardener to W. H. Michael, Esq.,
Ckolmeley Park, with Thrinax elegans, Yucca aloifolia, Adian-
tums farleyense and cuneatum, Davallia Mooreana, &c. For six
Palms Mr. E. Ayling, gardener to S. Cumming, &c., Harbeston,
was first with Cocos Weddelliana, C. nucifera, Demonorops
palembanicus, Latania borbonica, and Areca lutescens. Mr.
Fuller was second, having a good Chamerops humilis, Areca
lutescens, Seaforthia elegans, &c. Mr. S. Clarke, gardener to
Sir S. H. Waterlow, Bart., Fairseat House, was third. For six
Ferns Mr. Sheen was first with excellent plants of Cyathea
medullaris, Alsophila excelsa, Dicksonia antarctica, &c. Mr.
Clark was second and Mr. Ayling third, also with clean and
well-grown plants. Four Ferns, first Mr. Sparks, gardener to
J. W. Jeakes, Esq.; second Mr. Shepherd. Six Caladiums, first
Mr. Bullen ; second Mr. Branderick, gardener to R. Prance, Esq.,
Hampstead. Four stove and greenhouse plants, first Mr. Bran-
derick, second Mr. Sparkes. Six foliage plants, Mr. Ayling
first and Mr. Branderick second. Six table plants, first Mr.
Sheen, second Mr. Ayling. Three table plants, first Mr. Fuller,
second Mr. Sheen, third Mr. Ayling. For six Cockscombs Mr.
Kent, gardener to J. Lane, Esq., was a long way ahead with six
grand plants; second Mr. Clark, third Mr. Taylor. Six Achi-
menes, Mr. Fuller was first. Six Gloxinias, Mr. Newman was
first. Six zonal Geraniums, Mr. Catley, gardener to Mrs. Ler-
mitte, Finchley, showed very fine plants. Six variegated Gera-
niums, first Mr. Taylor. Six Pelargoniums, first Mr. Pope.
Twelve British Ferns, first Mr. Shepherd. Twelve bunches of
cut flowers, first Mr. Fuller, second Mr. Ayling, third Mr.
Rowson. Twelve cut blooms of Roses, firat Mr. Taylor, second
Mr. Shepherd. Twenty-four blooms, Mr. Eason was first, Mr.
Silvester second.

Froit.—Mr, Akehurst, gardener to S. Copestake, Esq., showed
three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes not for competition,
by far the finest in the Show. For Black Grapes Mr. Clark was
first, and for White Grapes Mr. Branderick had premier honours.
For six Peaches Mr. Clark was first, Mr. Fuller second, and
Mr. Sparkes third. Six Nectarines, Mr. Fuller first, and Mr.
Birse second. Three dishes of Strawberries, Mr. Sheen first.
Collection of Fruit, Mr. Birse was first; he had also the same
position for a collection of Fruit and Vegetables. Second Mr.
Clarke, third Mr. Sparkes.

The Baroness Burdett Coutts gave several special prizes for
Kindness to birds, &c., likewise the cottagers and amateurs
showed well; but it would take up too much space to mention
all prizetakers. The Show was a very successfal one and re-
flected credit on Mr. Buick the Secretary; and was visited by
several thousand people during the afternoon and evening.

MAIDENHAIR FERN.

Ir may interest the Editors of our Journal and ‘‘ Wrnp
SAVAGE” (vide vol. xxxii., page 64) to know that on Saturday
last (July 7th) I found Adiantum Capillus-Veneris growing in
Portland, and as “ seeing is believing,’ I send a small piece in
a tin box for your inspection.

I have not yet discovered Asplenium marinum, but a nur-

seryman who used to live in Weymouth showed me plants
from the same locality. I gladly record this, as the Fern
books give Dorsetshire credit for only the commonest kinds.
—Cnuas. T. Han, Osmington, Weymouth.

(The specimen sent though small is true.—Eps. ]

LUDLOW ROSE SHOW.

THERE was held on the 12th inst. in the Assembly Room,
Ludlow, a little town picturesquely situated on an eminence
(Did not our Rose boxes find this out ?), about midway between
Shrewsbury and Hereford, a most enjoyable and in every respect,
floriculturally and financially, a successful Rose Show pur et

simple, well worthy of being chronicled in more than a passing -

notice in the annals of our Rose Journal, if only powr encourager
les autres, and to induce other provincial towns to realise what
an inexhaustible fund of pleasure may be their own by calling
into life an annual Rose show. For if the proud Salopians (and
fairly are they so entitled), have achieved for themselves so
signal a success without any exceptional circumstances in the
way of celebrated local nurserymen or amateurs, why may not
scores of other provincial towns be moved by the contagion of
this good example to goand do likewise? Indeed, without assum-
ing the garment of prophecy, every observer of the past history
of the Rose must allow that its whole success depends on these
provincial gatherings. They are the little pebbles thrown in
here and there, producing a diversity of fresh circles, but all
eventually merging in one grand central brotherly embrace—
the very life blood of her roseate majesty, of which the National
Rose Society is both the offspring and the parent. The moun-
tain—Mahomet was said to complain—wonuld not come to him,
so he had to go to the mountain; and just so many an un-
fledged exhibitor who would not dare to scale the uphill task
of reaching the National, would by means of his own provincial
show gradually gain in confidence, skill, and experience, aye
even to carry back home the chief laurels of Queen Flora’s
highest court.

But to return to the Ludlow Provincial Show, happily not in
the clouds bat an accomplished fact. A first glance of the
schedule would suffice to show that it was framed on the lines
of the West of England Rose Show. Very proud indeed is that
Society of its offspring, and very strong did the Herefordshire
contingent muster on that auspicious occasion. Messrs. Crans-
ton & Co. were competing at four different shows, and either
were not cutting their usual strength or underrated their rivals,
for they had to be content with second honours, though there
were some grand blooms in their exhibits, notably Hybrid
Perpetual Thomas Mills, an indescribably grand bloom of
Francois Michelon, perfection of size and smoothness; also
Maurice Bernardin, shown so different that our friend of
Warminster must hesitate about classing him with his other
four pseudo-suggested synonyms. Mr. W. Les of Lyonshall
Nurseries, Kington (who formerly belonged to the King’s Acre
staff) was facile princeps in all three open classes; indeed, it is
to be doubted whether grander, smoother, and deeper-coloured
blooms have been shown this year. Specially noticeable were
Sénateur Vaisse, in great substance of petaland colour; Camille
Bernardin, nearly equal to Mr. Jowitt’s at Hereford; Charles
Rouillard, a superb specimen of this shy but exquisite model
ofa Rose; Marquise de Mortemart, grand ; Horace Vernet, Duke
of Wellington, and Lord Macaulay, each of intensely glow-
ing colour and great substance; Mons. Furtado and Lelia,
splendid specimens; and last, but not least, Elie Morel, of
a colour approaching carmine, a marvellous bloom, and very
puzzling to the Judges. Mr. Lee assured them that it was an
undoubted specimen of this light pink variety, but attributes his
depth of colour running through nearly all his three boxes to a
liberal top-dressing of soot to his Manetti maidens (budded
Manetti of the first year ?) in thespring just before they began to
break. Doubtless this may partly be the reason, but Mr. Lee’s
strong-holding red deep clay on gravel or marl plays an im-
portant part as regards enriching the colour of his blooms. Mr.
Griffiths of Tillington Nursery (where Andrew Knight grew
most of his pomological novelties) took a good second prize,
his stand containing grand blooms of Madame Hippolyte Jamain;
Reynolds Hole, asuperb bloom ; and Thomas Mills, a Rose which
deserves wider cultivation.

AmATEvRS.—Mr. Jowitt, as may be supposed, carried off two
of the first open prizes in thirty-six varieties. Very good
indeed were Marie Rady, Mons. Bonstetten, Hippolyte Jamain,
especially grand and symmetrical. The Rev. C. H. Bulmer was
second. In his stand were grand blooms of Beauty of Waltham ;
J. Stuart Mill, one of our greatest recent acquisitions in crimson
Roses ; and Mons. Woolfield. Mr. J. H. Arkwright was first in
twenty-four varieties. This gentleman also exhibited—besides
his irrepressible Maréchal Niels, which command first prizes
wherever exhibited, and which for the benefit of exhibitors at
late and early shows I may mention are grown on trellises in &
recess facing south between two gables—a box of twenty-two

July 19, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

59

varieties of old Roses, which would have gladdened the heart of
the Marquis of Bute, who once gave a prize at Hereford for such
old varieties. The stand was exquisitely grouped, and con-
tained varieties, now seldom seen, of the old Austrian Briar in
three shades, the white and pink Provence, the old red indica,
the yellow, orange, and pink Persian, the old Maiden’s Blush,
several varieties of the old Moss, China, &c. The class locally
restricted was neither as well filled or exhibited as doubtless
will be on future occasions, as the prize list is liberal. Next
year a larger prize to nurserymen in the open class would
attract the Rose chiefs of a distance and be of mutual advantage,
as the county of Salop is admirably adapted for Rose culture,
and as yet little has been enterprised.

The only remark to be made in concluding this sketch is to
congratulate the Committee and Mr. Salwey, the courteous
Hon. Sec., in particular, on the success of their very excellent
Exhibition, and to suggest that on a future occasion it be held
in the grounds of Ludlow Castle, a locality that would lend
wonderful enchantment to the scene from its natural picturesque-
ness, from its association as formerly a Royal residence, and
from its being the favoured spot where Milton wrote his
**Comus.”—THE HEREFORDSHIRE INCUMBENT.

THE BURGHLEY YELLOW ROSE.

I swat only feel too happy to tell your correspondent
‘‘Sourn Lincotn”’ the best way I know to flower the Burghley
Rose. If your correspondent grows fruit trees on the wall of his
garden, I would advise him to procure good layers of this Rose
and plant them between the trees, but not to forget the larder.
When established this Rose grows something like Maréchal
Niel, from 10 to 15 feet ina summer. Grow-up a single stem
between the trees, and when it reach’s to the top of the wall
train it along it, and when the dark days of winter set in
take the Rose away from the wall and tie it to the Pear or
Plum spurs. This will effectually preserve it from the frost.
When the frnit trees are in flower the Roses will be showing,
and the fruit blossoms keep it warm and comfortable. In due
time you will see the yellow buds of the Rose peering through
the green leaves, which add the necessary shade and all comes
perfect. Many people wonder at the green eyes which the
Maréchal shows when exposed to a powerful sun all day and
a frost at night, but if they think a wee the reason is simple
enough. I may add that no letters of thanks are needed, I
have so many from ‘‘ the Royal’”’ that they have become com-
mon.—R. GILBERT.

[We have inquiries whether the Burghley Yellow will grow
and flower if budded on the Briar. Will Mr. Gilbert oblige by
informing us if he has adopted that mode of culture ?—Eps.]

CLIFTON ROSE SHOW.

A very pretty little Rose Show was held at Clifton on the
12th inst., which was successful in every way. It was held in
the gardens of the Zoological Society, and a prettier place for
such a show cannot be imagined. The prizes, particularly for
amateurs, were very poor, but that did not prevent a large and
goodly muster of rosarians.

Among the nurserymen were Mr. Keynes of Salisbury, Mr.
Cranston of Hereford, Mr. Corp of Oxford, Mr. Durbin of Bath,
Mr. Bennett of Stapleford, and Mr. Curtis of Torquay, so that
the nurserymen’s classes were well filled, and if no other ex-
hibitors had been there, still a good exhibition’ of Roses would
have been the result. But when to these are added the names
of such amateurs as Mr. Baker of Heavitree, Mr. Jowitt of
Exeter, Mr. Davis of Wilton, Mr. Chard of Clarendon Park,
and a host of others, you may imagine that there was no lack of
Roses. The nurserymen filled one tent and the amateurs another,
and it was very interesting to compare the effects of the stands
in the one with the other, and to see in what one section failed
and the others succeeded.

_There was no class for seventy-two distinct varieties, the
highest class for nurserymen being the ono for forty-eight
trebles, and for this three exhibitors staged. Mr. Keynes won
the first prize very easily, but his blooms were not, in my opinion,
quite up to his old standard; but then we are getting late on
in the season. Mr. Cranston was second and Mr. Curtis third.
Mr. Keynes showed a treble of La Rosiére, a new Rose, which
I admired at the Crystal Palace, but here it was only a poor
Camille de Rohan or Souvenir de Dr. Jamin. He had several
good trebles of Teas, and most of his blooms were clean and
even, but a little undersized. He showed also a good treble of
that difficult Rose to open Black Prince. For twenty-four
trebles confined to Bristol nurserymen four candidates put in
an appearance, and a more miserable lot than the generality of
the blooms I never judged. Mr. Durbin’s were a long way the
best, but he spoilt his box by putting a treble in the back row of

such a wretched Rose as Abbé Bramerel, and one or two more
flat and coarse blooms also were sad eyesores; but the other
Bristol nurserymen would have been wiser to have kept their
blooms at home than to have made such an exhibition as they
did. I do not at all approve of these close classes, and wish
secretaries and committees would set their faces against them.
Often and often have I seen money positively thrown away, the
exhibits being quite unworthy of a prize, but the committee
feeling compelled to award them prizes.

For the class for twenty-four distinct Roses (nurserymen)
there was great competition, for eight good stands were staged,
and we had no light task to decide on the second and third prizes.
Mr. Corp of Oxford won the first prize with a splendid box.
To my thinking this stand was by far the best in the Show. He
had marvellous colour, good form, freshness, and indeed all
good qualities which a Rose can possess. His most remarkable
blooms were the novelties Margaret Brassac and Mons. E. Y.
Teas. His Charles Lefebvre also was the best I have seen this
year. Here we saw the Rose as described by ‘‘D., Deal,” as he
saw it at Okeford Fitzpaine; each petalshaded with velvet, and
the form pure centifolia. He had also a grand bloom of Marie
Baumann; indeed, his stand was very like what we have been
accustomed to see Mr. Baker show. Hercules was once more
first for twenty-four and twelve trebles, and very fine they were,
but perhaps a little overpast. The Teas were exceedingly
good, and altogether it was a very successful Show.—Wy.p

SavaGE.

ROSES IN HAMPSHIRE.

I HAvE noticed just now very general complaints of the
present year (1877) being a late and bad year for the queen of
flowers. This I am forced to concede must be generally the
case. I went to the Crystal Palace Show, hoping to be very
much pleased; I came away disappointed. I venture to record
my experience. I am an amateur, living in Hampshire with-
in a mile of the Solent, on a soil light and gravelly 1 foot or
18 inches deep; subsoila hungry, open, clean gravel or shingle,
one that you would almost think it hopeless to grow Roses in.
I have nevertheless attempted it, and succeeded sufticiently
well to induce me to continue the enterprise. I have about
250 Roses in my garden, principally on the Briar and Manetti
stocks, but some few on their own roots. I have none on the
Maiden Briar.

With the soil as described above, as may be expected, the
Manetti answers best, care of course having to be taken to
eradicate shoots from the stock, which it is very apt to make,
and which if allowed to remain growing will in a short time
very much weaken if not destroy the scion. The Briar loving
a stiff loamy soil has not succeeded so well. The same may
be said of self-rooted Roses, which like a rich loam.

This season has been with me excellent. I never had such
a number of good blooms; without any special cultivation I
could have brought a case which I should not have been
ashamed of exhibiting against the smaller amateurs at the
Crystal Palace. I send a few extracts from my garden memo-
randa for this year (1877):—May 16th, Yellow Banksian in
bloom; 19th, Pink China in bloom; 25th, cut Devoniensis and
John Hopper; 28th, cut Gloire de Dijon, John Hopper, Devo-
niensis, and Lord Clyde; June 3rd, cut Charles Lefebvre;
June 9th, splendid show of Climbing Devoniensis, Gloire de
Dijon, John Hopper, Charles Lefebvre, Lord Clyde, and Duke of
Wellington—several exhibition blooms; June 15th, 105 blooms
of above in front of house, besides a profusion of buds, blooms
to a large extent having been previously cut.

Since the above date I have had a magnificent show of
Roses all blooming together, so much so that I have remarked
to many of my friends that I have been much better pleased
with the show of Roses in my own garden than with that at
the Crystal Palace. I do not profess to obtain every new Rose
as it comes out. Iam satisfied with such as Charles Lefebvre,
Climbing Devoniensis, John Hopper, Madame Lacharme, Jules
Margottin, Prince Camille de Rohan, Baroness Rothschild, La
France, and Roses of that character. I have had perfect
pictures of dwarf bushes on the Manetti of ‘‘the Baroness,”
Fisher Holmes, Duke of Edinburgh, Général Jacqueminot, and
Madame Lacharme, a dozen perfect flowers expanding at once
in some instances. I take it that the true aim of a cultivator
of flowers should be to select those which are good and to
grow them well, so as to please the eye, not to run about col-
lecting plants the same or nearly so as those that have come
before, distinctions without a difference, multiplying names
with scarcely any variation of flower. The culture I have
adopted is this: I manure highly with stable manure a year
or two previous to planting, cut back hard annually in March

60

and with such a winter and spring as we have had refrain
from watering entirely. Mine have not had a drop except
what nature has given. About every two years I cover the
Rose quarter 2 or 3 inches thick with stable manure in October
or November, and shift all the plants by trenching the ground
and digging in the manure and replanting in March at the
time they are pruned back. Watering I have observed gives
a tendency to mildew, with which they have been affected in
previous years. I have seen none in this, and scarcely any
aphis or other blight. The Roses may be characterised ag
perfectiy clean, in fact pictures as to foliage—Constanr SuB-
SCRIBER, South Hants.

[Do not hesitate to communicate your experience in Pear
and Apple-growing, especially as, unlike many cultivators, you
‘have a good erop of each.’’—Eps. ]

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

We have given over trying to produce Cauliflowers as an
autumn crop, but those who find it necessary to make sure of
good examples at that time should now put out their plants.
To make sure of good results the plants ought not to become
stunted in their growth by overdryness at the roots, which is
certain to produce mildew, and caterpillars ought to be de-
stroyed if they are observed on the plants. Hand-picking is the
most certain way. A friend recommended ducks to us as a sure

way of clearing crops of caterpillars; but we found on turning |

them into the garden that they cleared-off Peas, Cabbages,
Lettuce, and caterpillars indiscriminately. Hens, too, we were
told would soon clear the Rore bushes of aphis, but our hens
prefer to scratch the plants out by the roots in their search for
underground insects. It is best not to allow any sort of poultry
in the garden. The autumn-sown Onions are nearly ripe; a
few specimens have thick necks and stand upright. A good plan
is to bend the tops down so as to cause the bulbs to swell and
ripen more rapidly. Spring-sown crops have been gone over
and all the weeds removed.

Brussels Sprouts and Savoys have been planted-out on good
ground, the Sprouts 2 feet apart, and the Savoys 2 feet be-
tween the rows and a foot between the plants. Cardoons
should now be thinned-out, leaving the plants at the distance of
9 inches apart in the rows. The ground should be stirred-up a
little amongst the plants, and all weeds be removed. As the
plants increase in growth they must be earthed-up a little at a
time when the ground is dry. We have planted some Kidney
Beans for a late crop. This sowing when the weather is favour-
able in September and October is very useful to us. The plants
will continue bearing into October, but it is quite necessary to
gather the pods as soon as they are fit foruse. Turnips ought
also to be sown for, use in autumn and winter. The plan
pursued by the growers for market in this district is a very
simple one, and consists in merely scratching the ground after
it has been cleared of the early Potatoes, and sowing the seeds
broadcast, and then harrowing the ground to bury them. When
large enough the plants are thinned-out to from 6 to 9 inches
apart, and to prevent the attacks of the Turnip fly it is often
necessary to scatter a quantity of spent hops from the brewery
over the crop. As the ground is usually very dry at this time
itis a good plan to give it a thorough watering before sowing
the seeds. It is best to sow Lettuce seeds, Radish, and any
small salading under a north wall. In whatever position they
may be sown, watering in very dry weather is absolutely
necessary. See that the Celery crops are carefully attended
to that have been planted-out early. Want of water will cause
many of the plants to bolt. More trenches must be planted
for succession.

VINERIES.

We have been able to clear the Vines of the early crops of
Grapes, and were glad to give the leaves a thorough cleansing
with a garden engine, applying the water with considerable
force, but taking care not to injure the leaves. The ground is
also well watered if necessary; not the outside border, but the
inside generally becomes too dry before the crops are gathered.
In the late houses it is easy to perceive which berries are likely
to be small and stoneless, and it is a good plan to remove them
atonce. Shanked berries are also better removed as soon as
they are perceived. A very little attention to the small details
of Vine culture makes all the difference between a houseful of
bunches with even-sized berries and branches regularly arranged,
and a house where the bunches are uneven and the branches
disorderly. We have recently gone over the late houses and
pinched back the lateral growths, taking care that each bunch
is securely fastenod to thé wires by means of a stout strip of
matting. It would be wellto again remark on the importance
of judicious ventilation, and in arid weather see that the atmo-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

“manure.

[ July 19, 1877.

sphere is kept sufficiently moist by sprinkling water on the
paths, borders, and walls of the house.

CUCUMBERS AND MELONS.

During the next six months no artificial heat is required for
these, whether they are cultivated in pits and the Vines trained
over the surface of the ground, or grown in span or half-span
houses. Those who have the means to do so (and we question
whether it would not pay better even for those who wish to
grow for market) should grow their plants in a house where
they can walk underneath them, as so much more enjoyment
is derivel from their culture in this way; and those who have
to attend to the plants find it so convenient to water, syringe,
train, and regulate the growths ; and one great advantage gained.
by training to a trellis overhead is that the under sides of the
leaves can be washed with the syringe, and that is where spider
attacks them. Excellent Cucumbers and Melons can be pro-
duced in ordinary garden frames, nor is it necessary to trouble
about the linings of fermenting material. The best frame Cu-
cumbers we have ever seen grown received no more attention
as regards watering than to have two pots of water placed inside
the frame, and after having been exposed to the heat of the
frame through the day, each light received about three gallons,
applied through the rose of a water-pot. This was done every
day through the summer months, and the shoots were thinned-
out as required, and the young growths pegged down once
a-week. In houses the usual routine of work is syringing and
damping three or four times a-day and closing early in the after-
noon. When the Melons approach ths ripening stage syringing
must be discontinued, but we do not allow the soil in which the
plants are growing to become dusty dry.

PLANT STOVE.

Tn treating of our own ‘‘ doings” reference must always be
made to the more choice species of hardwooded plants, the
most select of “foliage” plants, and Orchids. Many who have
small stoves cannot grow such, and others may prefer Gloxinias,
Achimenes, Gesneras, &c. The earliest of the two first-named
will now be approaching their resting period, and must have
more air admitted to them and be kept rather drier at the roots.
A small house, or even a garden frame, would be as suitable a
place as any in which to place the plants, where they could
receive the right treatment. Other plants for succession must
be grown in a warmer, closer, moister atmosphere, but we do
not approve of syringing the leaves.

Celosias.—The pyramid-branched variety is the most useful
for decorative purposes, and the cut sprays are very suitable
for placing in vases. The culture of these plants is very
simple. They are annually raised from seeds. The plants
must be grown-on rapidly by potting in rich loam and a little
leaf soil. They must be kept in heat and daily syringed to pre-
vent the attacks of red spider. Under good management the
plants may be grown 3 or 4 feet high and as much across in one
season. Then we have the ordinary Cockscomb (Celosia cristata),
plants of which are highly useful for decorative purposes. These
are usually grown in garden frames over a bed of fermenting
When the plants are shifted into the pots in which it
is intended they are to perfect their flowers bottom heat is not
necessary, and the frames should be well ventilated, the object
being to prevent the stems from becoming drawnup. Red spider
is also very fond of feastingon the undersides of the leaves, and
wherever this pest goes a blight follows it, and the leaves
speedily become yellow. The plants when well grown have a
bold appearance when arranged with other plants on the green-
house stage.

All young plants of such subjects as Bouvardia, Thyrsacanthus,
Euphorbia, Hranthemum, Begonia, &c., which were raised from
cuttings early in the season must now be grown-on without
any check. They must be potted before thse roots are too much
matted to the sides of the pots, and it depends much upon the
size it is intended to grow the plants as to the size of the pots
that ought to be used, as some of the above grow very rapidly.
Bouvardias are well known to be so useful at the dreariest sea-
son of the year, their delicate snow-white blush and red flowers
lighting up the gloom of dreary November and December, that
few persons would bo without them. Onur plants have just been
turned out of doors in the company of Poinsettia pulcherrima.
The young shoots push out vigorously, and must be regularly
stopped until the plants are sufficiently large and of a compact
habit. The plants must be regularly syringed to prevent them
from becoming infested with the inevitable spider. The other
plants named should be grown near the glass, and be shaded
from fierce sun.

Climbing plants are apt to stragzle far from the bounds allotted
to them at this season, and they must be restrained by a free
use of the knife. At the same time see that the leaves are
washed free from dirt, bug, and scale.—J. Dovetas.

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

W. Dobbie, 62, Preston Street, Faversham.—List of Variegated
and Bedding Geraniums.

July 19, 1877.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

61

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 unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions 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.

Booxs (@raius).—‘ The Cottage Gardener’s Dictionary ” explains the terms
employed.

APPLYING APHIS MrxtuRE To Rosxrs (B.).—Apply the aphis mixture
with a brush, when out of bloom syringe with soft soap. Your trees must be
much out of health, or the aphides would not be very numerous. In the fall
of the year lift the plants and root-prune them, Give them some new soil
if possible; if not, trench deep or move the soil altogether. Spread the ex-
hausted soil on the lawn or on the pasture land.—WYLD SAVAGE.

Rose Buns (Tyro).—They are advertised in our columns by Mr. Cannell’
Swanley, Kent. A budding knife is indispensable, as a common knife must
tear the bark and injure the wood.

GRUBS ON ASPARAGUS (X., dn Amateur Gardener).—If the specimen sent
is a fair sample of the condition of your Asparagus the beds will be greatly
injured, if not ruined, unless you promptly destroy the enemy, which is the
grub of Crioceris Asparagi. We should syringe the Asparagus and then dust
it with lime. We should at the same time sprinkle salt on the surface of
the beds, making it quite white. Weshould further like you to try the ex-
periment of syringing with paraffinin different degrees of solution, and to
nform us of the result. We think you will thus be able to kill the grubs
without injuring the Asparagus. ,

GARDEN Puan (Prima).—Curves are more graceful than straight lines.
We do not think the walks too numerous.

Ferns (A Constant Reader).—The specimens were not numbered.

FRAGRANT Rose (H. C.).—We consider Duke of Edinburgh the best bright
scarlet and fragrant Hardy Perpetual Rose.

HEAVIEST STRAWBERRY (H. U.).—We. knew an Oscar Strawberry weigh
54 ozs., but it was a monstrosity.

PEAR TREE BLIGHTED (Mr. Welch).—The border probably requires to be
drained and manured. The Currant bushes should be dusted with flowers of
sulphur, which will not injure the fruit if the sulphur is syringed off a few
days after it has been applied.

Various (L. H., Bromley).—The Vine border requires manuring. The
insects are red spiders.

Preacu TREES Bricutep (J. F. N.).—We presume the trees have been
attacked by the Peach aphis, and as the leaves have fallen off it is a serious
case—indeed we, never knew of such a case. Probably the Gishurst com-
pound was too strong and caused the leaves to drop off. Whatever was the
cause, a large proportion of the wood will die. This you must cut out, and
it may even be necessary to cut the trees quite back and force them to start
from near the base. You must destroy the aphis (asis so often recommended
in the “ Doings of the Week”) in its early stages.

GrRowine STRAWBERRIES FOR Marker (J. H. P.).—We advise you to
have the ground trenched 2;féet deep, working-in at the same time a good
supply of rich manure. If you faney the deep trenching is too expensive
the ground ought at least to be double-dug—that is, dig out a spit and then
go over the same ground and throw out another, working-in some good
manure at the same time. Plant as early as you can, and if the plants are
strong and can be put out at once you will have some fruit next year. Plant
in rows 2 feet apart and 18 inches between the plants. The best sorts to
grow are Keens’ Seedling, President, Sir Charles Napier, and British Queen.
You may add a limited quantity of Duc de Magenta, James Veitch, and
Frogmore Late Pine.

GLOXINIAS AFTER FLOWERING (H. Bullock).—The plants should be kept
in an airy house, but not be too cool. At present they may be placed on
shelves near the glass in a pit or greenhouse. When the leayes become
yellow water must be withheld entirely. Place the pots on their sides ina
cool stove under the stage until it is time to start them in the early spring.

MANAGEMENT OF PELARGONIUMS (Idem).—We presume that you do not
mean the zonals, but the varieties usually termed show Pelargoniums. They
ought to be eut down now, but you must allow the soil to become very dry
first, and do not give any water for a day or two after cutting down;. this is
to prevent bleeding. When the plants have grown an inch they must be
repotted, At all times the plants should ba near the glass and be freely ex-
posed to light and air.

ARRANGING INTERIOR OF House FoR STOVE Puants (J. D.).—Tho shelf
allround the honse is too narrow for the growth and display of specimens;
the width should be 3 feet, which could be gained by making the pathway
3 feet instead of 4 feet wide. The shelves should be of flags or slate, haying
a slate edging about 8inches deep. The side shelvesshould be about 6 inches
lower than the wall plate of the side lights—about 2 feet 6 inches from the
floor. Upon the shelves 1} to 2 inches’ thickness of gravel may be placed,
rejecting the small particles passing a quarter-inch sieve, and only using
gravel which has passed through a three-quarter-inch sieve; upon the gravel
the pots can be placed. The appearance is good, and water passes freely
from the pots, and a supply of moisture by evaporation is also ensured. If
climbers are required for the roof, planted out in borders, apertures must be
left in the shelves. Ours have an opening for each rafter, the shelving being
supported by stone pillars, and the border for the climbers having a stone
curbing, the border being the width of the side shelyes—viz., 3 feet. The
Piping for top heat may be beneath the side shelves. We should have six
rows of 4-inch pipes all arcund the house—three flows and the same number
of returns, and the whole of the flow pipes troughed for holding water for
evaporation. The centre of the house we should dispose of as a bed
2 feet 6 inches high, with side walls 14 inches thick to a height of 15 inches,
with longitudinal walls inside for the support of the tank or chamber coyer-

ing; 44-inch walls built in cement will answer, two walls being required or
more according to the width of the covers, the walls not being taken to the
ends within 2 feet where the pipes enter for heating the bed. You will have
to decide whether you will have a tank or a hot-air chamber. In the latter
case two pipes are taken along each compartment of the bed, it being pre-
sumed that you have two walls and three compartments in the bed, the pipes
being fixed about 4 inches beneath the covers, so that six rows of pipes will
be required for bottora heat. If this method be followed the side walls of
the pit need not be more than 9 inches thick. All that is needed is to put
on the covers, resting them on the side and internal supporting walls, and
then take the side walls up to a height of 2 feet 6 inches; 44-inch thickness
is as good as thicker if cement is used for the joints. When the covers are
put on a hot-air chamber, the covers being 8 inches thick, less if slate be
used, we have 1 foot left for plunging material, the best that can be used
being cocoa refuse. In case of a tank being desired, and it certainly is pre-
ferable, the outside walls must be 14 inches, and the floor of the bed must be
laid with bricks upon a hard bottom, run with cement after laying it, and
the side walls being plastered with cement to the height of the cover’s base.
Six rows of pipes are laid, and water is admitted by a tap from them until
they are covered with water not more than an inch deep. Provision must be
made in the side wall, so as to get at the tap by a man hole so as to keep the
tank replenished with water as required. The covers are then put on, the
joints fitting closely; no pointing is needed—indeed, they must be left open,
and we have a tank with 1-foot space above it for plunging material. By
inserting 4-inch pipes, three rows at a yard apart, through the covers into
the tank, letting them rise just above the plunging material, each being
supplied with a hard wood plug, the atmosphere is furnished with moisture
as may be desirable. An open tank or chamber with a stage over is of no
value as bottom heat, and such heat is absolutely essential for the superior
cultivation of some stove plants.

MANUBING WATERORESS (Hastleach).—Of the “ blight” we can say nothing
in the absence of a specimen and particulars; but as to manuring, the best
that can be applied is well-decomposed cow dung, the first dressing being
given in a week from planting, about half a bushel to the rod (804 square
yards), it being disposed over the plants and pressed down with a rather
heavy board having a handle fixed in it obliquely, and after each cutting the
plants are manured with well-decayed cow dung, spreading it over the naked
plants and pressing well down with the rammer above alluded to. September
to November is a good time to make fresh beds to come-in in spring, and
May and June for cutting in August. The shoots should always be cut and
not picked, as picking is found to be injurious to the plants.

GERANIUM LEAVES SpoTTED (Novice).—The spotting probably arises from
defective ventilation.

SrnvEer Sanp (Len-years Subscriber).—It is very good, and well suited fo
potting purposes.

Rose Bups DrerormMED (Atkinson).—The injury may be caused by too
sudden transitions of temperature, such as being exposed to bright sunshine
and at night to cold winds.

TROPMOLUM SPECIOSUM.—Mr. James Weston, Tanfield Lodge, Croydon,
wishes to obtain a plant.

PRESERVING GREEN PEAS (A. Z.).—Pick them when full grown, shell them,
dry them gently but thoroughly, and then store them in canvas bag in a dry
place. When required for use soak them in water for a few hours until
plumped-up, and then boil them, The following mode has been reported to
us by a person well qualified to judge of such matters as being very success-
ful:—Carefully shell the peas, then put them in tin canisters, not too large;
put in a small piece of alum, about the size of a horsebean, to a pint of peas.
When the canister is full of peas fill up the interstices with water, and solder
on the lid perfectly air-tight, and boil the canister for about twenty minutes;
then remove them to a cool place, and they will be found in January but
little inferior to fresh newly gathered peas.

Funai (C.Prinsep).—Both are dangerous.

-GREEN FLy in CucuMBER Frame (W. R.).—Syringe with tobacco water,
and then with plain water.

NaMEs oF Prants (dA. H.).—Jasminum Sambac flore-pleno. (Mrs. L.).—
Astrantia major. (J. P.).—All appear to be forms of Biota (Thuja) orientalis.
(Ponica).—1, Biota (Thuja) orientalis; 2, Lastrea spinulosa; 8, Apparently
the same. (D. Guwrney).—Arauja albens (Physianthus albens, Bot. Mag.,
t. 3201), native of Brazil. (G. O.S.).—Spheralcea acerifolia, with lower leaves
unusually divided.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

VISIT TO MR. H. M. MAYNARD’S PIGEONS,
* HOLMWOOD, RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT.
Part 2.

BrFrore passing through the door to visit the first series of
Pigeon pens I am shown the food which the birds eat, and it is
of the soundest kind. I may also observe that Mr. Maynard has
recently bought the stock of Carriers lately belonging to Mr.
Harding of Fareham, a well-known breeder and exhibitor. As
usual now-a-days these birds did not become Mr. Maynard’s
without an outlay of several hundred pounds. The outer world
frequently imagines that the best Pigeon is only a bird which
will cost a few shillings, but a champion Pigeon now, if of a
high-class variety, costs many dozen pounds; and no one can
dream of becoming a successful exhibitor without a considerable
capital and a shrewd business head, combined with thorough
knowledge of Pigeon points. With such qualifications he may
with experience become a successful exhibitor without pecuniary
loss, though not even every successfal fancier can become in
his class what Mr. Maynard has become in his special class—
Carriers, of which he is the prince of.amateurs.

The garden, a flower garden, which I now enter ‘wears an
old-fashioned aspect—walled, spacious, square, with an infinite
number of beds edged with box, and in one corner of its south

62

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ July 19, 1877.

side is the conservatory connected with the house.
garden, one which the chilliest invalid could creep about in
whenever a gleam of sunshine broke out on even a winter’s day ;
&@ Warm, sunny, cosy garden, made to catch and retain heat.
Now along part of the south and west sides of this garden are
arranged Pigeon pens, each with nesting place along the wall,
and fairly roomy exercise and feeding place joining on, running
still along the wall, not coming outinto the garden. The Pigeon
pens, of which there are many, may be likened in position to a
series of greenhouses, each divided into two compartments—the
nesting room dark, the flight room light with a wire front. Thus
lengthwise, not endwise, they meet the garden and abut a path
down which we walk to look into the pens; to the right hand
the pens, to the left the garden. But the reader will say the rain
must drift into the broad wirework of the somewhat wide-
fronted pens, and the sharp winds will bring roup and all manner
of troubles to the delicate high-class birds. These contingencies
are avoided by a clever contrivance: a verandah is thrown over
the path, glazed halfway down from the top of the side fronting
the garden, but entirely open on the lower part. Hence no rain
can drift in, and yet there is abundance of air-coming, as fresh
air should come, from the lower part. There are fifteen houses
in all, including others out of the garden, and a stock of upwards
of four hundred Pigeons. Somewhat central in the garden and
by itself stands another pen; this contains Barbs, Carriers, and
Jacobins, some of the second named having belonged to Mr.
Harding of Fareham. The kind of nesting box which Mr. May-
nard adopts and finds most useful is most simple and inexpen-
Sive—a little deal box 13 inches long by 11 wide; in front a hole
for entrance, just the same as toacommon wall locker—thus, 4.
Then the whole of the back is a sliding door, through which
you putin and take out for examination the nest pan, which
just about fits the box, Thus the entrance of the bird itself is
not interfered with—no putting the hand in in front of the bird,
and a Pigeon always seems to be jealous of any hand entering
its home, and pecks sharply at the fingers and gives blows with
its wing, whereas enter from behind and the bird is not disturbed.
These boxes are set about in different places, many on the floor,
others on shelves; and they form nice, separate, detached, snug
nurseries for the Pigeons, and the top being flat is a perching
place for the cock, while the hen sits within on her eggs or
young during night. I should recommend these boxes, parti-
cularly for shy and pugnacious Pigeons such as Carriers, as
fewer eggs would be broken and fewer fights take place than
with any other plan known to me,

Before going the round of the flower-garden pens I am invited
to look at one placed somewhat in the middle of the garden.
Here I found Carriers, chiefly Duns; among them an old Dun
hen and a young Dun, with fine necks and good colour. There
were two Jacobins, a class which Mr. Maynard is working up,
especially White Jacobins.

Coming to the pens by the wall I find in one the champion
Barb hen, and others nearly her equal; then fine Black Carriers,
then among other choice birds Black Barb cock, first and cup
at Birmingham, and a magnificent Dun cock, and so one went
on repeating the sight of Carriers and Barbs, then some Fan-
tails, then more Carriers and Barbs.

At the back of the flower garden I find some new houses
recently built by Mr. Maynard, and upon the more general plan
of a breeding and roosting part, and a flight loft in front 12 feet
by 9. These contained White Jacobins (now being improved by
fanciers), the bull-eyed and the small-frilled being weeded out,
but too often the Turbit head or, more correctly speaking, the
Foreign Owl head, is apparent in a certain flatness or dent which
takes off from the beauty of the bird. In another of these new
pens are Fantails, some Scotch of Mr. Huie’s strain. All the
prize birds are now Scotch and English combined. The large,
heavy, flat-tailed English bird now is disappearing. Mr. May-
nard’s are both, so are Mr. Serjeantson’s. This is another proof
that the union of England and Scotland is a mutual benefit, for
the Scotch birds gain in tail by the Englisk cross.

In these pens Mr. Maynard has a few Blue Carriers. This
variety seems to be most troublesome to manage, for the best
Carriers are smoky in plumage, while the best coloured are
Dragoon-like and old Horseman-like in shape. With these
birds, and of course many Barbs, are a very few white Pouters,
also some Red Jacobins, their colour being very rich, possibly
from the shady nature of the pens, they being stoutly roofed
over, with no light save atthe sides. But yet two more lofts,
and a climb I had to get to them—up perpendicular ladders. In
the first, a large granary-like building, I find Carriers only; in
splendid plumage, as they have an outlet to the wired-in roof—
the plan well-known as Mr. Wallace’s of Glasgow. These birds
Were very numerous and about two years of age, and ina good
strain Carriers of that age are folly adult; unlike Barbs, who
require four or five years. Isawno finersightat Holmwood than
the rows—row after row of these birds, which had been specially
kept in for me to see. There they sat on the rafters crossing
the building, looking the perfection of Carrier beauty—sleek,

A warm | old, at which period of life they degenerate greatly—beak open-

ing, eye dull; in fact, in one word old, and in old age bird-
beauty utterly goes. Last loft of all—a small one over a stable,
where I finda wonderful old hen Carrier, a grand bird, but, ‘‘ old
Master Shallow, without doubt she is old.” She may, this Dun
hen, have a young one or two this year, but ‘‘’tis the last time
of asking,” and ‘‘no more, no more—oh! never more.”

After lunch another peep at the more choice Pigeons, then a
stroll about the 30 acres of ground in Mr. Maynard’s hands. [
came in different parts of the grounds upon splendid lots of Silver-
pencilled Hamburgh fowls and chickens, among the latter the
best I have this year seen, though I have seen a large number of
Hamburghs of this variety. How neat, tidy, and clean the
Silver-pencilled look when keptin a country place such as Holm-
wood. Iremember the very same birds many years ago when
called ‘‘Dutch everyday layers,” while the Golden-pencilled,
or rather Golden-spangled, were known as Pheasant Fowls.
The Golden-pencilled I do not remember. Then further on
were the Rabbits, the variety kept being the Belgian Hare.
So what with Pigeons and Wire-haired Terriers, a Dandy Din-
mont, a prize Cat, fowls of various kinds, and Rabbits—pets
abound at Holmwood. Having seen much and admired much,
and made pleasant acquaintances, it is time to return to catch
the last boat for Stokes Bay; so I drive down, all down hil!
now, with the silvery Solent glimmering before me, and part
from my Holmwood friends with regret.— WILTSHIRE RECTOR.

HECKMONDWIKE SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tuts was held on the 14th inst. in connection with the newly-
formed Agricultural Society. The schedule was a moderate
one and the returns pretty good for a start. The pens were
from Sheffield and were in the open air, the entries being near
three hundred; but unfortunately the day proved very showery,
and many of the birds were wetted.

In poultry the Spanish and Polish were about the best of the
large varieties ; but Bantams were good in every class, the first
winners in all cases being about perfect, notably the Duckwings,
to which two specials were awarded; and the Blacks, which
were smaller than usual and very correct. In chickens of any
variety first were Buff Cochins of grand quality; second good
Light Brahmas; and third Gold-spangled Hamburghs, in which
pen the pullet was a gem. Ducks and Geese were good but few
in number. j

Pigeons were a strong lot, but the unfortunate mistake of
having them mostly in pairs caused considerable confusion and
prevented many from entering. Pouters and Carriers were,
however, single birds, and these were very good. The Dun
Carrier cock to which the first prize was awarded was in grand
form and good all round; second a Black, wanting only in age.
Hens, first a youve Black of high quality, strong in beak and
general build; and second a Dun. In Pouters the cocks were
best, some of the best hens being very dirty. Tumblers.—First
and special for the best pen in the Showa pair of Almonds,
good all round; second an exquisite pair of Yellow Mottles.
Long-faces.—First Black Balds and second Red Mottles; a good
class. Dragoons good in both sexes; first in both being grand
Yellows ; second in cocks a Blue and in hens a Silver. Several
others good, but many too soft and fleshy in eye. Jacobins a
grand lot, and all Reds that were noticed. Turbits mostly
Yellows, and very good in head properties. Antwerps were
moderate as a class but good as regards the winners. Owls.—
First White African and second Blue English. Barbs a very
good class, but some too far gone and nearly closed in eye; but
the winner's frill in condition and good in eye and skull, all
Blacks. Variety class.—First Mottled Trumpeters, second Red
Magpies, and two thirds respectively to Grey Frillbacks and
Pigmies. i, 4

Rabbits few in entries. The winners in Lop-ears were pretty
good, the Angoras and Silver-Greys grand, but the Dutch only
moderate. In the Variety class first was a good Belgian Hare
not in the best order; second a large common-looking Rabbit,
which some will no doubt call a Belgian Hare, but in fine order.

POULTRY.—Game.—Black Red.—1, C.H. Mason. Brown Red.—l, W. Scho-
field. 2, J. W. Thornton. 3, W. Rudd. Duckwwngs, Blue or Grey.—l, H. Cc.
Mason. 2, W. Rudd. 8, W.J.Mason. Any other variety.—l, R. Walker. 2,
J. E. Crofts. 8, W. J. Mason. Cocsins.—Buff.—l, E. Sidgwick. 2 and 3, W.
Mitchell. Any other variety—l, D. Key. 2, T. W. Terry. Branmas.—l, H.
Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. Dorxines.—l, H. Beldon. Hampureus.—Gold and
Silver-spangled.—l and 8, H. Beldon. 2,J. Rawnsley, Gold and Silver-pen-
cilled—i, H. Beldon. 2,J. Rawnsley. Black.—l, Hobson & Robinson. 2, H.
Beldon, J. Rawnsley. vhc, C. Sidgwick, J. S. Wilson. SpanrsH.—l and 3, J.
Powell. 2, M. J. Thresh. SE Lina Cuass,—l, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, J.
Akeroyd. 8,H.Beldon. ANy BREED.—Cock,—1, H. Beldon. 2and38, A. & W.H.
Silvester. Hen.—i,H.Beldon. 2, Wood & Walker. 8, H. Bowker. FRENCH.—
9,H. Beldon. Banraws.—Game, Black and Brown Reds.—1, A. Sugden. 2, F.
Holt. 8,8. Firth. Game, Any other variety.—1 and 2, F. Holt. 8, I. Goodall.
Black and White.—1, J. F. Crowther. 2, H. Beldon. 8, Illingworth & Sheard.
Any other variety.—l, J. F. Crowther. 2, H.Beldon, Any VaRrety.—Chickens.
—1, C. Sidgwick. 2, H. W. & H. King. 8, T. Dean. Exrra PrizEs.—l, Re
Walker, F. Holt (2). Ducxs.—Ay/lesbury.—1, J. Newton. _Rouen.—1, J. Newton.
2,J.R. Pollard. Any other vartety.—l and 2, A. & W.H. Silvester. GEESE.—
1, H. Beldon. 2, J. k. Crowther,

PIGEONS.—Carriers.—Cock.—1, H. Yardley. 2, EB. Mawson. Hen.—l, E.

Povrers.—Cock.—1, J. E. Crofts. 2, E. Horner.

Horner. 2, G. E. Beaumont.

bright, clean, and above all things grown up, but not yet grown ; Hen.—i,J.£. Crofts. 2,J.Tomlinson, TumBLeRs.—ShortJaced.—1, H. Yardley.

July 19, 1877. ]

2, E. Mawson. Long-faced.—l and2, W.Lund. Fanrarms.—l, H. Beldon 2,5.
Horner. DRracoons.—Cock.—1 and 2, R. Woods. vhe,E. Horner. Hen.—1 and
2, R. Woods. vhc, J. Ratelyffe. Jaconrns.—1, T. Holt. 2,E. Horner. Tursrrs.
—1,T. Holt. 2, E. Horner. vhc,H. Beldon, Antwerps.—Short-yfaced.—l, W. F.
Entwisle. Medium-faced.—i and 2, W. F. Entwisle. Long-faced.—1, B.
Rawnsley. 2, J. Robertshaw. Young.—l and 2, W. F. Entwisle. Ow1s.—l,
A. & W. H. Silvester. 2, S. Brier. Barss.—l, E. Mawson. 2, M.J. Thresh.
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, E. Horner. 2,J.E. Croft. 8, R. Wilson, A.& W. H.
Silvester. vhc, Founds & Chapel. SeLuina Cuass.—l, E. Horner. 2, G. E,
Beaumont, 8, A. Roberts. vhc, A. Roberts, A. & W. H. Silvester, Extra

Prizes.—1, H. Yardley.
RABBITS. — Lop-FaRED.—Buck or Doe.—l, Mrs. Roberts. 2, J, Nicholls.

Ancora.—Buck or Doe.—l and 2, Mrs. R. Murgatroyd. Himanayan.—Buck or
Doe.—1, J. Robertshaw. 2, W. Whitteron. SitverR Hatr.—Buck or Doe.—l, S.
Ball. 2,J. Robertshaw. Dutou.—Buck or Doe.—l, S. Ball. 2, J. Robertshaw.
Common.—Buck or Doe.—1 and 2,3. Oddy. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—Buck or Doe,
—1, J.Ramshaw. 2, A. Atkinson.

JupGcEs,—Messrs. Dixon and Hutton.

SNAITH SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tur annual Show was held in the magnificent and beautifully
wooded Park at Snaith on Thursday last. The poultry and
Pigeons were well protected in a spacious marquee, and well
attended to. Game headed the list, but with few exceptions
these were poor; but Dorkings a capital lot, as also the Brahmas.
Hamburghs good, but few in numbers; and Spanish only three,
but very good. Polish were, first Silver and second Gold, the
former winning the cup for the best penin the Show. With the
exception of the winners the Game Bantams were but poor.
In the Bantam variety first were Blacks and second Silvers.

Pigeons were a better lot than the poultry, both as regards
numbers and quality, and the birds generally in good order.
Carriers.—First a grand Dan cook, and seconda Black. Pouters.
—First a Black hen that won the painting also for the best
bird in the section, second a well-known Blue cock; both in
capital show form. Jacobins.—Red won first, a grand bird;
second losing in little but mane, of which it had little. Owls.—
First Silver and second Blue. Barbs.—First-and-cup Black, and
second Red. In Magpies were some good ones; both the winners
Reds. In Dragoons a Grizzle was placed first, but we preferred
the same gentleman’s Silver for that position. Antwerps.—First
Red and second Silver Dun; both Short-faces. In the Variety
class first was a White African Owl, and second a good Nun.

There were some Fabbits, but nothing of any note.

POULTRY.—Gamer.—Black-breasted or Brown Red.—l, G. Carter. 2, Fs
Sales. Any other variety.—l, F. Sales. 2, J. E. Crofts. Dorxrnas.—l, J-

Walker. 2,3. White. Coonrn-Cuina.—l, J. Walker. 2, W. Aaron, BRAHMAS

J.
—1, J. Walker. 2, H. Beldon, Hampurcus.—Golden-spangled.—l, H. Beldon.

2, J. Rawnsley. Silver-spangled.—l, Fawcett & Anderton. 2,J.Rawnsley. vhc,
H.Beldon. Golden-pencilled.—1,H, Beldon. 2,J.Rawnsley. Silver-pencilled.
—land 2, J. Rawnsley. Black.—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. SpanisH.—l
and 2,J. Powell. Ponanps.—Cup and 2, H. Beldon. ANY oTHER VaRIETY.—1,
T. Addey. 2, J. D. Booth. Bantams —Game.—l, 2,and vhc, W. F. Entwisle.
Any other variety.—1, H. Beldon. 2, J, W. Crowther. BaRNDoor Fowts.—l,
R. Hill. 2, H. Thompson. Gournza Fowxs.—l, H. Thompson. 2, J. H.
Rockett.. SELLING CLAss.—Price not to exceed 8)3.—1, F. Sales. 2, T. Addey.
Price not to exceed 508.—l, Holmes & Destner. Ducxks.—l, J. Walker. 2, J.P.
Carver. - Any variety.—l and 2, J. Walker. Turkrys.—l, J. Walker. 2, T. P.
Carver. GEESE.—1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Walker.

PIGEONS.—Canrriers.—Cock or Hen.—1,H. Yardley. 2,F.Seanor. Pourers.
—Cock or Hen.—1 and Painting, C. Wroot. 2,J.E.Crofts. Jacopins.—Cock or
Hen.—1, T, Holt. 2,1.S. Stephenson. Trompreters.—Cock or Hen.—1, BE. A.
Thompson. 2, J. EB. Crofts. TumBLers.—Cock or Hen.—l, H. R. Tenney. 2,
H. Yardley. Fanrtatus.—Cock or Hen.—l, H. R. Tenney. 2, J. E. Spence,
Toursits.—Cock or Hen.—1, G. Sadler. 2, R. Wood. Owrs.—Cock or Hen.—1
and 2, J. W. Stansfield. Barss.—Cock or Hen.—l, Cup, and 2, 8. Dyson. Maa-
PrE.—Cock or Hen.—1, R. Wood. 2, J.B. Crofts. Dracoons.—Oock or Hen—
1, R. Wood. 2, H. Yardley. Antwerps.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 2, W. F.
Entwisle. Any orure VARIETY.—Cock or Hen.—1, H. Yardley. 2, F. Seanor.
SEeLitine Cuass.—Cock or Hen.—Price not to exceed 2s.—1, F. Seanor. 2, R.
Wood. Price not to exceed £2.-1,8. Dyson. 2, H. Yardley.

RABBITS.—Lop-kaRED.—Buck or Doe.—1 and 2, J. Taylor. Any variety.—
Buck or Doe.—1, O. Stephenson. 2, J. Armstrong.

Jupees.—Poultry : Mr. J. Crosland, Wakefield ; Mr. J. Dixon,
North Park, Clayton, Bradford. Pigeons and Rabbits: Mr. J.

Hawley, Girlington, Bradford; Mr. J. Crosland.

TEACHING CANARIES TO SING.

Wuetuer for the purpose of tutoring young Canaries under
choice songsters, or teaching them to sing with the aid of a
flageolet or bird organ, one important point is to remove those
to be taught from birds of indifferent song ; or out of the hearing
entirely of all birds if the young are to receive instruction from
an instrument.

Now-a-days the chief aim of Canary fanciers appears to be the
breeding and study of fine-plumed birds for exhibition purposes ;
but this was not so much the case with fanciers of past ages,
who studied the cultivation of song more than is done by fanciers
of the present period, at least in this country.

The name of Hervieux (a writer of a treatise on Canaries) is
not unknown to many readers of our Journal, and from him we
quote at what time and in what manner Canary birds may be
put-up to be taught with a flageolet.

_‘It is a certain truth that, next tothe Nightingale, the Canary
bird sings best and has the strongest voice of any little bird.
‘When young they easily learn what they are taught, as airs and
tunes on the flageolet. For my part I prefer them before the
Nightingale, because they are much harder to rear than Canary
birds..... The Nightingale, after all the pains taken in feod-
ing and rearing, generally sings but one short season of the

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

63

year, whereas our Canary birds are continually warbling at all
times. For these reasons I think the Canary ought to be pre-
ferred notwithstanding the Nightingale’s notes are somewhat
more harmonious.”

As proof of the hatred Mr. Hervieux entertained against the
barbarous practices of depriving the birds of their vision and
enclosing them in stifled prisons he says, ‘‘As for the time
when a Canary bird is to be put into a separate cage in order to
teach him, that is commonly eight or ten days after he feeds
alone, and not, as many do, who take him out the first day they
see he feeds alone, without allowing him time to gather strength.
They unmercifully shut him upin a box—a sort of so-called
cage all shut up with boards, with some little holes that they
may not be quite stifled for want of breath. That poor little
creature, being thus scarce able to breathe, and being deprived
of proper air which erent ene the body almost as much as
food, grows melancholy and pines away, so that it often dies in
a few days in its dismal prison. If you desire to succeed better
in that point you must observe this method. ‘

“A fortnight at soonest after your Canary bird has been taken
from the hen, if you perceive he begins to warble, which is a
good sign that he is a cock and in good health, part him from
the rest and put him into a cage covered with a very thin trans-
parent linen cloth for the first eight days. Pat him into a room
distant from all other birds whatsoever, so that he may never
hear any of their wild notes, and then play to him upon a little
flageolet ; the notes whereof not too high, for if your flageolet
is too loud your Canary, who will not fail to follow the same
tone when he has learnt the air, and will repeat it several times
a day, will so dry up his lungs that it will cause him to grow
lean and die in a few days.

“At the end of a fortnight take away the linen cloth and
supply it with a piece of thick green or red serge, and leave him
still in the same place till he perfectly learns what you teach
him. Some Canary birds are more apt to learn than others, for
some are perfect in two months and others not in six; but you
must have patience when you resolve to teach them anything,
without it nothing can be done. When you give him his food,
which must be enough for two days at least, it must be done by
candlelight, that he may not be distracted, but may learn what
he is taught the sooner.

“As for the tunes, he must be taught only one fine prelude
and a choice air. When they are taught more they are apt to
confound them, and being taught too much they often know
nothing perfect, their memory becoming overburdened, so that
they know not what they sing. Besides, their distemper of
moulting, which is once a-year [or should be if kept in a steady
and regular temperature], and lasts above two months, diverts
them, so that they do not sing, and consequently easily forget
the tunes they have been taught with so much trouble.

“Do not follow the notion of those who think that the many
lessons they give their Canaries every day improves them the
more; they tire themselves and only make the birds uneasy.
Five or six lessons a-day are sufficient for a Canary, though he
be ever so little disposed to learn; besides, the trouble would
much outweigh the pleasure if a man were to be continually
about his Canary birds. You must, therefore, give them but
two lessons in the morning when you rise, another about noon,
and the same before bedtime. The morning and evening
lessons benefit the birds most, because at those times when all
is still, the birds being less diverted, better retain what is taught
them. The tunes taught them must be repeated nine or ten
times at every lesson, and those same airs must be played
running without repeating the first part of them twice, and the
conclusion in the same manner, as is usually done in concerts
or other playing. A grey Canary bird of a good breed is more
apt to learn from a flageolet than any other sort of Canary. You
must not pretend to teach two Canary birds in the same room,
much less in the same cage, a8 many have attempted todo. If
that be done it must be only for a time—that is, as soon as one
of the two begins to take the tune, then they must be imme-
diately parted at such a distance that they may not hear one
another, because they will do nothing but distract each other,
and it would be all lost time to them and to him who teaches
the birds.”

In the book from which the above is quoted the prelude and
air spoken of are given.—G. J. BARNESBY.

APIARIAN EXPERIENCES IN 1877.

Ir may be interesting to some of your apiarian novices to follow
the fortunes of an old bee-keeper, and therefore I shall narrate
here the fortunes of my apiary thus far in the present season.

Let me say by way of preface that I do not goin for keeping
bees s0 much with a view to make if possible £70 a year, or
indeed anything in the way of profit beyond supplying the wants
of my household and those of a few friends, and so [am content
to keep but few hives. 5

This year opened with fair prospects of success. One hive
in an oblong box of good size in a bee house was exceptionally

64 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 19, 187.

Se —— — ——— —— SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSFSSeFeFFeseseseEee

strong both in population and supplies. It had a young half-
breed Italian queen of last year breeding as well-marked workers
as many an imported queen. This hive was carrying pollen
more or less all the winter and very largely in February, so
much so that the bees kept up a summer-like humming through-
out that month; nor did the hive cease working like some others
in the miserably cold weather of March and April. For all that
the hive did not swarm till the 3lst of May, at least a month
later than it would have swarmed in ordinarily seasonable
weather. The swarm, however, was so large that in the course
of three weeks with the fine weather of early June it had com-
pletely filled its box—a fac-simile of the parent hive, and con-
structed seven combs full of honey, but not all sealed up, in a
super. Since then there has been absolutely nothing harvested
nor any more comb made. The honey is fast disappearing from
all the open cells, and the bees have shrunk in numbers appa-
rently to about half what they appeared before; and yet a
quantity of brood must have been hatching every day since the
21st of June, for I saw quantities of sealed brood in several
combs; moreover there is hardly a drone to be seen in the hive
nor in any other part of my apiary save where I have young
queens coming on or just winged. I am writing on the 6th of
July, in the midst of thundery weather and with quantities of
white clover in bloom in our rich pastures, yet the impoverish-
ment of the hives continues everywhere. Nor can the weather
be complained of, since it has been for the most part bright and
hot, though not so hot as in the early part of June. It seems
to me that flowers do not generally bear honey in any quantity
until the plants that produce them have reached their full
prime. This occurs generally in pretty even distribution, all
the plants reaching that prime pretty well together. Then, if
the weather is propitious, often quite suddenly, the secretion of
honey begins, and continues in the case of that particular plant
for several weeks at a time. The forwardness or lateness of the
season has much to do with the time when this secretion of
honey commences and continues.

Hereabouts we have but two such periods of honey supply in
the year. I believe this is the common experience in all parts
of England where heather is not found; and even where heather
abounds the duality of the honey seasons usually prevails, for
in this case there is commonly a scarcity of apple and other
fruit blossoms, and not much honey is collected in May. The
clover is late this year—fully three weeks or even a month
behind time ; I am therefore not without hopes that we may get
a fair yield of honey yet. Ihave known it come in quantities
so late as the first week in August.

To return to my apiary. The stock which gave me the swarm
of May 31st threw off a cast fully equal in size to the original
swarm on the 9th of June. This was hived in a box of the same
character and size, not bar-framed, and was located in the old
stock’s place. To my surprise the latter, though moved tono great
distance in my garden, and consequently losing almost every
fully-grown bee, recovered population so rapidly thatit is now as
strong a stock as any in my apiary. I must, however, state that
this stock is the one referred to in my communication at page 23
of the current volume of this Journal, into which the queen ofa
neighbouring hive is supposed to have entered when returning
home after an abortive attempt to swarm. Certainly a large
portion of the returning swarm entered it and remained there.

It will thus be seen that my best stock has multiplied itself
to three, all equally strong in population or nearly so. The
swarm and old stock are well supplied with comb and honey,
while the cast is already three parts full of comb, although
sharing the general stagnation of the apiary at the present
moment. The swarm and cast too have both supers partially
filled by them with comb and honey, but it remains to be seen
what my honey harvest will be. As I am shortly leaving home
for a month it will be some time before I can report progress.
Meanwhile let us hope for continuous fine weather suitable for
the ingathering.—B. & W.

OUR LETTER BOX.

At the Staffordshire Poultry Show, advertised to-day, we see several
classes not previously patronised ; among them are Black Cochins and Leg-
horns any colour. We believe every care will be taken of the birds, and to
return them immediately after the Show.

FrENoH Ecas.—The declared value of eggs imported this year to the
30th ult. was £1,484,835, against £510,663 in the same period last year.

Various (2. Hill).—We cannot publish Cowan’s honey extractor. Write
to the special rose nurseries for those you need. The lectures on bees have
not been published.

Brees Castina Our Ware Drones (Novice).—The grubs are young drones
that have been torn from their cells before arriving at maturity. In un-
favourable seasons such as the present one bees not unfrequently cast out
imperfect drones, and their doing so may be viewed either as a precautionary
measure against dreaded poverty and starvation, or as an indication that
their hopes and anticipations of future success are somewhat checked and
blighted by unfavourable weather. Shall we trace the conduct of bees in the
destruction of brood to their wisdom aforethought ? Premeditation there
must have been, followed by united action. Hives that are full enough for
swarming and prepared to some extent for swarming are often discouraged
by a change of weather, and begin to cast out unhatcbed brood and sometimes

destroy perfect drones. Such hives are on the confines of poverty, and
abandon for the time being the ideaof swarming. Onareturn of fine weather
the hopes of the bees are once more excited, all their combs become filled
with brood, and preparations for swarming again take place. This may
happen more than once in a season unfayourablé for honey-gathering if arti-
ficial feeding be not resorted to. In cold seasons, and also at the end of all
Seasons, we find that bees kill and cast out drones which are in such times
useless members of their communities. It is doubtless an instinct of their
economy to do so, and may be viewed as a wise provision of nature. This
season one of my hives began to cast out white drones a few days after it had
yielded a first swarm—a most unusual occurrence. The swarm of our corre-
spondent which was obtained on the 10th of June and housed in a Nutt hive
has probably not filled its hive with combs, and therefore is not ready for
supering or entering a side compartment of the hive In this part of Cheshire
the season has been worse for bees than any we have had for many years.
The appearance of white drones outside our hives in the middle of July fore-
shadow that our sugar basins may be as much needed as our honey jars in
the autumn of 1877.—A. PETTIGREW.

Rapsgits (Lackjield).—Buy our Rabbit manual. You can have it free by
post if you enclose eight postage stamps.

DRESSING RABBIT SKINS (Small Boy).—Take the skin as fresh as possible,
and having mixed a sufficient quantity of salt and water till it will bear an
egg, saturate if with alum. Put the skin into this bloodwarm, and let it
lie and soak twenty-four hours; then take it out, and having tacked it upon
a board (the fur inwards) scrape the skin, and a thin membrane will come
off ; then, having warmed up the pickle again, put the skin into it a second
time, and let it remain five hours more, after which take it out and nail it
upon a board to dry (fur inwards), and then rub it with pumicestone and
whiting. Hare and other skins may be prepared in the same way. They
are always in best condition for preparing in the winter.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SquarE, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

DatE, 9 AM. In THE Day.
+o Ae (Sy sods g
ona .| Hygrome- Sc |°R 4:|/Shade Tem-|_ Radiation .
1877. g 2a ter. $8 lec 3S perature. |Temperature. a
——— e on
July. Bae a Be Ba In On
#8 | Dry.| Wet.) Qo |H Max.| Min.| sun. (grass:
| ——
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. deg. | deg.| In.
We. 11 | 30.084 | 64.0 | 60.0 | N.W. | 61.9 | 74.6 | 53.5 | 120.8 | 508 =>
Th. 12 | 29.999 | 65.2 | 57.6 E. 61.9 | 75.6 | 53.3 118.0 | 48.4 —
Fri. 13 | 29779 | 64.0 | 60.1 Ww. 62.0 | 75.6 | 49.6 | 127.1 | 47.1 | 0.045
Sat, 14 | 29.568 | 66.9 | 63.0 s. 63.6 | 69.8 | 59.8 | 110.8 | 57.6 | 0.705
Sun.15 | 29.210 | 645 | 59.4 | S.W. | 62.4 | 69.5 | 55.8 | 119.2 | 55.8 | 0.178
Mo. 16 | 29.359 | 60.7 | 58.2 S.E 61.8 | 63.3 | 54.4 98.8 | 50.6 | 0.396
Tu. 17 | 29.488 | 60.2 | 57.4 S.W. } 60.1 | 63.6 | 55.0 84.0 | 52.0 =—
Means| 29.640 | 63.6 | 59.4 | 62.0 | 70.3 | 54.5 110.6 | 61.7 | 1.824
|
REMARKS.

11th.—Dull and stormlike all the morning and till past noon, after that fine
and pleasant all day.

12th.—Fine but rather overcast at 9 a.m. and till noon; the after part of the
day very bright, with fine evening and night.

13th.—Beautifully bright with nice breeze all day, but rain at 10.40 p.m.

imthissWetiet 9 A.M, fine before noon, but showery after, and a very wet
night.

15th.—Rain in early morning, fair at 9 A.m.; sunshine and showers alter-
nately all day, the rain at times very heavy; thunder about 2 p.m.

16th.—Fine early, but ra'n began before 9 A.M., and continued all day and
night except in the evening.

17th.—Dall, grey, showery day throughout.

Mean barometer mech lower than during the preceding week. The mean

9 a.m. temperature abcit 2° and the night temperature 9° higher; but the

sun temperature is 9° less, the rain was both frequent and heavy, and in

the early part of the week thunder was heard almost daily.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Joty 18.

TuE late rains have damaged the outdoor fruit very much, most of it
arriving in very bad condition, and causing prices to fall. There is still a
good demand for first-class goods, such as Peaches, Nectarines, Pines, Melons,
and the higher qualities of Grapes. Trade steady.

FRUIT.
8. d. 8. d. .d. s.d
Apricots ..........0 doz. 1 6to8 0| Melons.... OItos oO
Cherries. --- Ib. 0 3 1 0| Nectarines. doz. 5 0 20 0
Currants $sieve 38 0 4 6] Oranges 10010 0 16 0
Black $sieve 0 0 O 0} Peaches . doz. 8 0 380 0
Figs .... dozen 8 0 12 0| Pine Apples « Ib 2 0°55 0
Gooseberries. bushel 8 6 4 6) Raspberries...... Ib. 0 6 10
Grapes, hothouse.. lb. 2 0 8 Q| Strawberries «- Ib 0 6 1 6
Lemons .......... #100 6 0 10 0 | Walnuts.......... bushel 5 0 8 0
VEGETABLES.

8.d. 8. d. 5. d. 8.4
Artichokes...... dozen 8 0to6 0| Mushrooms pottle 1 6to2 0
AsparaguS....-- yw100 0 0 O 0 punnet 0 2 0 4
Beans, kidney. #100 0 6 10 bushel 0 0 0 0
Beet, Red ....-.. dozen 1 6 8 0 quart 0 4 06
Broccoli ...----+ bundle 0 9 16 unches 2 0 0 0
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 0 0 0 0 dozen 0 0 00
Cabbage dozen 10 2 0 quart 0 6 10
Carrots bunch 0 9 1 8 bushel 2 6 4 6
Capsicum 4100 1 6 20 ¢ bushel 8 0 5 0
Cauliflower: dozen 2 0 4 0| Radishes. unches 10 1 6
Celery ....- bundle 1 6 2 0} Rhubarb bundle 0 6 1 0
Coleworts bonches 2 0 4 OQ} Salsafy bundle 0 9 10
each 0 6 1 0} Scorzon bundle 10 0 0
dozen 1 0 2 U| Seakale basket 0 0 0 0
buuch 0 8 O 0} Shallots Ib. 0 8 O 6
Yb. 0 6 O 0} Spinach bushel 2 6 4 0
bunch 0 2 O O| Turnips.. bunch 0 9 10

dozen 1 0 2 0| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 4 0

Leeks ... bunch 0 4 0 0

— eee eee

}
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i

July 26, 1877. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 65
WEEKLY CALENDAR.
Day | Day ; Average Sun) ‘San Moo | Clock | D
1 m | Moon | Moon’ ay
ote morn JULY 26—AUG. 1, 1877. aL Derarare near | Rises Sets Rises. | Sets. Age. _ petore y ote
| Day. |Night.|Mean.| h. m.| h. m.} h. Bh oD
2 | te | 73.7'| 503 | 620 | 4 17| 7 56| 8 40| 5 6] 46 | 6 12 | 207
27 | F Quecket (Microscopical) Club Anniversary at § P.«. 74.9 | 50.7 | 628 | 4 18) 7 54] 8 52] 6 19 17 6 14 | 208
28 |S | Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 p.m. 76.4 50.8 | 63.6 4 20/ 7 68/ 9 2/ 7 80 18 6 18 | 209
29 | Sun | 9 Sonpay aFrer TRINITY. 75.5 | 49.9 | 62.7 | 4 21/ 7 51] 9 12| 8 40] 19 6 11 | 210
36 | uM 75.2 | 50.2 | 62.7 4 23 7 60 9 23) 9 49 20 6 9 | 211 |
81 Tu 74.9 | 50.0 | 62.4 4 24 7 48 9 84} 11 1 21 6 6 212 |
1 |W | Lammas Day. 75.6 | 50.4 | 680 | 4 26] 7 46| 9 48] 0 15] of | 6 9] 218
| |
a _eom observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.2°; andits night temperature |

CONDITION AND QUALITY OF MELONS.

ELONS were generally very poor last year |
in the south; they were small in size and |
indifferent in quality. I had the oppor- |
tunity of tasting many fruits exhibited—
perhaps nearly all—at the metropolitan |
shows, and very few really first-class
Melons were submitted to the judges.

Two of the best fruits of the year—good

in size, handsome in appearance, and of |
; excellent quality, were Eastnor Castle,

green flesh, exhibited at the Royal Botanie Society’s
Show, and Blankney Hero, exhibited at the Alexandra
Palace. Reid’s Netted was excellent in most instances,
as was the good old variety Turner’s Golden Gem; nor
must I omit mentioning a fruit of A. F. Barron, exhibited
by Mr. Pithers at the Richmond Show, which was cer-
tainly one of the best Melons of the year. Several good
fruits of Victory of Bath were also exhibited, while others
were indifferent in quality.

What was the cause of the low standard of quality of
Melons last year ? and what is the reason that the same
variety is so variable in quality even when exhibited by
the same cultivator ?

These two questions may be worthy of a little con-
sideration at the present time. I can only attribute the
general unsatisfactory condition of so many fruits to ex-
cessive heat and its consequence a deficiency of moisture,
also to the somewhat marked prevalence of red spider.
My reason for attributing the flavourless character of
many fruits to extreme heat and drought is in a measure
derived from the fact that Melons in the northern counties,
where the heat was less intense, were, as a rule, greatly
superior to Melons in the south last year. I have ob-
served also during several years of practice that it is a
mistake to adopt a fixed rule in withholding water from
Melons when they are approaching the ripening stage.
That is a very old custom which was adopted by our
forefathers, and it is surprising our old customs—simply
because they are old—cling to the inhabitants of our old
country. Our forefathers may have been right in the
practice which they adopted, and I believe they were
right ; but—a very important ‘‘but” is that—they grew
Melons on dung beds, while many are now grown over
hot-water pipes.

I was told by a gentleman the other day that the
standard quality of his Melons was better half a century
ago than it is now. That is a strange comment on the
“progress of the age,” and somewhat interferes with the
“ great improvements ” which have been recorded during
every consecutive year of the present generation. I am
inclined to believe that the gentleman alluded to was
right, first because he is an excellent judge of Melons
and is most observant in comparing the quality of garden
produce, and secondly because I never remember having
tasted better Melons than the old Beechwoods of thirty
and the Bromham Halls of more than twenty years ago.

The best Melon supply that I am cognisant of was

No, 852,—VoL, XXXIII., NEw SERIES,

|

produced in a nobleman’s garden about the period last

| alluded to, and where Bromham Hall was almost exclu-

sively grown. I mean by that, that many large frames
were devoted to that variety, and the frnit of it was
counted by hundreds, while other varieties were only
grown “for trial” —a plant of a sort, and not one was
at that time found to equal Bromham Hall. Never do
I remember hearing a single complaint of inferior quality
when that good old sort was sent in for dessert; and
never do I remember taking fruit to either local or the
great metropolitan exhibitions which did not win first
honours.

The Melons, as remarked, were grown in dung-heated
frames; a few were grown in a house heated with hot
water, but the prize Melons were always cut from the
frames. The gardener—for I was only an ‘ under-
strapper ”’ then—was an excellent cultivator of fruit and
plants generally and of Melons particularly. I never
knew a gardener to give so much water to Melons as he
did, and he continued it until the very day of cutting the
fruit. Not ared spider was permitted on the foliage ; the
frames were kept too moist and the foliage too stout in
texture for this pest gaining a footing, and every leaf
was fully exposed to the light. There was not the slightest
semblance of overcrowding of the foliage, and pruning as
it is generally understood was not adopted. Every after--
noon when watering, every shoot that was not wanted
was picked-off with the finger and thumb before it was
an inch in length; thus no check was given to the plants-
and no useless growth permitted in the frames. Over-
cropping was particularly guarded against, and the foliage
when the fruit was cut was as green and healthy as at
any period during the season; indeed the early plants
(the first crop was ripe at the end of May) always pro--
duced two crops. The plants were frequently watered
and their foliage sprinkled with perfectly clear soot water.
To that I attributed their extreme health, the rich dark
clean foliage, and the absence of red spider.

The grower of those Melons was an excellent judge as -
to the exact time for cutting the fruit and placing it on
tho table. Many times have I seen a fruit rejected as
being “‘ too ripe””—a day too old. Its perfume has been
rich, but when cut the general quality of the fruit has
almost invariably not been perfect. I think there is a
great deal in placing a Melon on the table just at the:
right time; and I think it possible that they are often
placed there and sent to exhibitions a day too late
Unless that is so, how can we account for the great.
difference in quality of Melons of the same variety? I
could submit several instances of the variations of ‘Melons:
on the point of quality, but two will suffice. Last year
Mr. Frisby exhibited a Melon named Cocoa-nut before
the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society,
but as then staged the fruit was comparatively flavour-
less, and the Committee were not justified in awarding
it their approval. Subsequently a fruit of the same
variety was exhibited at the Alexandra Palace, and was
awarded a first-class certificate, Mr. Douglas—who is also
a member of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horti-

No. 1504.—Vou,. LVIII., OLD SERIES.

66

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 26, 1877.

cultural Society—having been one of the judges.
cellent Melon was purchased by Messrs. James Carter & Co.,
and was named Blankney Hero. Another instance of a
Melon showing extreme variation in quality was afforded
by my own experience. I had a very fine and highly per-
famed fruit of Bromham Hall which I intended to win first
honours at an exhibition. I was annoyed by an important
dinner party occurring the night previous to the show, and the
very best Melon was demanded on the table. Hmphasis was
laid on the ‘very best,” because the Melons, as a rule, had
not quite given satisfaction that year.
fore, to send in my fine exhibition fruit, and was more an-
noyed than ever to receive the verdict of ‘‘ not good” with
more than half the Melon which was handed to me the next
morning. To the verdict I was obliged to agree, for certainly
the fruit was ‘not good.” It occurred to me that it must
have been oyer-ripe—a day too old, and therefore I cut from
the same plant another fruit which I considered not fully
ripe, but which required one or two more days to perfect, and
took it to the show. It was awarded the first prize unani-
mously. Its perfume before being cut was not remarkable,
indeed scarcely noticeable, but its quality proved extremely
rich. I then felt satisfied that I had fallen into the habit that
year of keeping the Melons a day or two too long before I
considered them in the best condition. I changed my mode
of judging them, cutting them and sending them to table
earlier, even before the aroma appeared to be fully developed,
and not one fruit was afterwards found fault with during the
whole of the season. With many fruits all the care in culture
had been rendered nugatory by an error of judgment as to the
time of sending it to table. I think it possible that similar
errors are made by others in exhibiting Melons; they keep
them as they think until the fruit is just at its best, and in
doing so keep it a day too long.

The subject may be worth mentioning now, and also the
practice, which has proved successful, of not ‘‘ drying off” the
plants during the ripening period. Keeping the foliage clean,
fresh, and healthy until after the fruit was cut, and staging
it juet before its full aroma appeared to be developed, resulted
in some of the best Melons being produced and the best prizes
won with them which have come under my notice during a
tolerably long period of practice.

The best Melons which have been exhibited in the south
this year have been Victory of Bath and Excelsior by Mr.
Gilbert, Reid’s Netted and Cox’s Golden Gem by Mr. Miles at
the Royal Botanic; and Bloxholm Hall by Mr. Crane, and
Eastnor Castle by Mr. Clifford at the Bickley (West Kent)
Shows.—J. W.

SWEET-SCENTED CLIMBING PLANTS.

Ir is early morning, the time 5.50. I have just opened a
window of my sitting-room, letting-in the fresh morning air
laden with a perfume so rich that in a few minutes it pervades
the whole of the house, and one sniffs it with a gusto which
must be something akin to that of the bees, already at work
busily sucking honey from the flowers whence it comes, and
which are so truly worthy of their old familiar title of Honey-
suckle. As I inhale the delicious perfume the thought arises,
Is not this worth telling the readers of the Journal about?
But then it has already been done indirectly more than once ;
and yet how seldom does one meet with the plant in full per-
fection! so I beg of all who desire to have fragrant climbing
plants to read what I shall write and to do as I shall ask.

I think it would not be incorrect were I to assert that my
Honeysuckle bears away the palm for sweetness, not only from
other sorts of its own species, but from all other plants.
“What!” you exclaim, ‘‘ have you forgotten the Violets about
which Mr. Abbey wrote so pleasantly and usefully the other
day, the Mignonette, Lily of the Valley, Stephanotis, and Jas-
mine?” No, I have not forgotten them, I grow and like them
all; but not one of them is equal to my Honeysuckle, which
gives off waves of scent continuously—scent so rich and yet so
delicate withal that it never cloys the palate, never offends and
oppresses like a Lilium or Magnolia. '

The scientific appellation of my Honeysuckle is Lonicera
flexuosa. It has very long flexible growth thickly clothed with
foliage of the deepest shade of yrevn, most of which it retains
throughout the winter ; and for a long time in summer its young

growth is laden with thousands of deep red, slender, tubular | to keep it in its place.

flowers, giving forth the fragrance which now fills my house.
Its growth is wonderfully strong, stout, and free, running in a

I felt compelled, there- ;

j

That ex- ) few seasons to the top of a high building, and at the same

time spreading-out so thickly and well laterally that it clothes
whatever surfaces it is trained upon perfectly in every part—a
property of no mean value, for many of our best climbers are
often bare of foliage for several feet from the ground. When
its flowers fade in summer it is my custom to prune it, cutting
off all the pendant breast shoots, which induces a fresh growth
that in a mild autumn bursts freely into flower.

It answers perfectly and grows with equal rapidity upon
every aspect, and once established in good soil its roots require
no further care—no annual dressings of manure or soakings of
sewage like the Rose. We have here, then, a plant of great
excellence, flourishing in all soils that are tolerably fertile,
upon all aspects, and in all situations; spreading its trailing
growth over masses of rock as freely asit mounts upward upon
the sides of a lofty building, clothed with foliage throughout
the year, and in summer bearing a profusion of flowers un-
rivalled for sweetness. It is so readily propagated and so
easily managed that you may procure a strong plant of it ina
pot from any nurseryman for 1s. Its growth is so flexible
and free, and bears pruning so well, that it may be allowed to
mingle with Tea Roses or other especial pets, and yet readily
be kept within bounds.

In L. brachypoda my favourite flexuosa has no mean rival,
each bearing the closest resemblance to the other in habit and
freedom of growth, abundance of flowers, fragrance, and time
of flowering, both being now in full perfection; but L. brachy-
poda is as distinct as possible from L. flexuosa in point of
colour, its flowers being white and pale yellow, and with foliage
and branches of a light green hue, in charming contrast to the
deep colours of L. flexuosa, so that they may be planted to-
gether with the happiest effect. It would not surprise me if
preference were most generally given to L. brachypeda, for
a large plant of it when in full bloom presents a singularly
elegant and striking appearance.

L. grata, also very sweet-scented and now just past its best,
is altogether a bolder type of Honeysuckle. Its growth is
stouter, and the foliage and flower clusters proportionately
larger; but it altogether lacks the graceful refinement of
L. flexuosa and L. brachypoda, for, apart from an air of coarse-
ness, its growth is rigid and erect—a real advantage when the
plant is well placed and suffered to ramble, for then it puts
forth wonderfully robust shoots, bearing huge clusters of
flowers which tell well upon a pillar or high-up on the wall of
a lofty building.

L. fragrantissima, which comes into flower in early spring,
is so sweet that I must not omit to name it here. It is a most
distinct variety, with a stout, erect, shrub-like growth, and
handsome evergreen foliage.

The perfume of a Honeysuckle prompted me to write this note.
To the Honeysuckles precedence has been given as due, but I
must not omit mention of such sweet-scented climbers as we
bave in the Wistaria, Jasmines, Chimonanthus, and Clematis
fiammula; the last-named plant has rightly been described as
being as fragrant as a Hawthorn.—Epwarp LuckHURST.

THE AIR-TIGHT VINERY.

Ty answer to the request of ‘‘ W. L. A.” as to construction
of an air-tight vinery, I beg to inform him that the important
points are—that the building should run direct north and
south, and that the sides should be at such an angle as to
cause the rays of the sun to glance off during the scorching
hours of the day. The building may be of any length. As
it costs 10s. per foot run, £50 goes a long way, and if the soil
be well prepared half this sum may be obtained by selling the
Grapes yearly, as they come in early ; and even after they are
ripe they may be kept hanging some time to insure a good
market, as the building is air-tight, and quicklime placed in
small heaps absorbs all moisture.

The roots also can be kept dry at this time by placing over
them brown paper steeped in the thin kind of creosote (reams
of paper may be soaked at atime). The mode of placing this
waterproof covering on the border is in this way :—You must
have a net (also steeped in this creosote, which makes it last-
ing), which is to be stretched tightly over the border by means
of strong cord tied to the sides. By wooden stumps it can be
fixed in a slanting position to throw off rain. The paper is
placed evenly on this net, and another net is stretched over it
Thie will last for several years.

But to proceed with the building. The sides should be
8 ieet in height, the ground floor 7 feet wide, the roof 3 feet

July 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

67

wide. This may be flat, or rather 1 inch higher on one side;
it may be of two pieces of glass abutting in the centre. The
woodwork should be grooved and the glass well puttied-in ;
the uprights joining the sides are to be grooved and puttied.
I cannot recollect a single square of glass having been broken
for eight or nine years. There is a door at each end on the
south side: the end is always whitewashed. This prevents red
Spider, which always used to attack the last Vine in the
S.W. corner. It has never done so since, showing that white-
washing prevents red spider. The whole forms an ayenus of
Grapes, and has @ very pretty effect—OxnsERVER.

GARDEN ROSES.

Or all the floral embellishments of the garden the Rose is
the greatest favourite and is the most generally cultivated,
for it is grown in almost every garden, from that of the palace
to the home-plot of the humble cottager. Eulogium were
it attempted must fail to do justice to the charms of the queen
of flowers. Poets of all nations have sung its praises, but
have not found language sufficiently emblematic of its beauty,
for its allurements are ever increasing. The Rose affords
beauty in its fairest, brightest, and richest aspect, with a fra-
grance that is delightful; in fact, it possesses a combination
of qualities which renders it superior to every other flower.

Profuse displays are most aimed at in gardens, a luxurious
profusion of flower, filling the eye with colour and the atmo-
sphere with fragrance. I have a good recollection of what a
blaze of beauty our roseries were for a time when summer
Roses were in their glory: the immensity of bloom produced
was something wonderful. Yet we may have a mass of colour
produced by blooms which are individually inferior. Some
summer Roses are indeed very beautiful—perfect in form,
very lovely, and worth a place in gardens, but a majority are
only suited for semi-cultivation. Have as many as there is
room for at the outer boundary of the rosery, employing the
atrong growers with the climbing class for clothing poles,
buildings, &., requiring ornamentation; but as Roses for the
garden their day is past, if for no other reason than their short
period of flowering.

Summer Roses being ‘‘out of the race,’ and as everyone
‘pats’? the winning horse, I will pass on to the description of
Rose most in request in gardens. In a Rose for the garden we
must have a variety excelling in form, size, substance of petal,
and continuity of flowering, fragrance being an additional re-
commendation. These qualities we have in autumnal Roses,
For a Rose garden a sheltered situation should be chosen, for
though Roses like sun and air the foliage and flowers suffer in
exposed positions from winds. A low screen of shrubs or the
hardier and commoner kinds of Roses are suitable for shelter.
The ground should be well drained and trenched as deeply as
the good soil will permit, working-in good manure liberally.
There is nothing like a good foundation. Nothing beats good
sound rather strong loam for Roses, which may be trenched
2 or 3 feet deep; but it is little use bringing-up the ‘‘ brash ”
that underlies many shallow soils, though it is desirable to
loosen it to some extent and apply a good dressing of manure.
Very strong loams will need little beyond manure, whilst
shallow light soils will be improved by applications of strong
loams or even marl.

In choice of plants dwarfs are preferable to standards,
especially in exposed situations. A few standards may be
desirable to give variety of form and height, but as a rule
standards do not look well in a rosery, and are not so gatis-
factory as dwarfs. Dwarfs upon the Manetti stock are most
suitable worked low, so that the whole of the stock may be
buried beneath the soil, the junction of stock and scion being
about 3 inches beneath the surface soil. I will omit details of
planting, as these may be more appropriately alluded to as the
autumn approaches, but I may mention a few points which
should be attended to during the summer.

The ‘‘ worm i’ the bud” will need to be seen to, than which
there is no better remedy than hand-picking and squeezing

. the folded-up leaves, and insects must be kept under by svring-
ing the bushes with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to the gallon
of water. The foliage is also much refreshed by syringing
overhead in the evening of hot days. Water and liquid manure
can hardly be given too freely in parching weather, especially
to Roses in shallow soils. Mulching with short material is
also good, inasmuch as it retards evaporation, keeping the
soil more uniformly cool and moist. We have only to cut
away the flowered shoots to the first good leaf beneath the

flower after the petals are shed, and stop any gross shoot not
flowering at the height of the blooming or bloomed shoots so
as to keep the heads compact, and we may rely upon a con-
tinuity of flowers until frost. peer

It is a common idea that Roses in beds or masses should
have the shoots pegged down, to which there can be no objec-
tion when profusion and not perfection of blooms is sought.
It is a practice that answers well for sloping banks, the shoots
being pegged down much in the way of Laurels, and the young
growths kept within bounds by timely removal of such as grow
too long and mar the effect. For pegging down the plants
should have the shoots encouraged the first year, allowing
them to grow at will, the object being to secure as many long
shoots as possible, and as near as may be of uniform strength.
After they have grown a foot or more in length the shoots
should be secured by pegs in an oblique direction, but not
bringing them close down, all weak shoots being cut clean
away, seeking to impart as much vigour as possible to the
primary shoots. The shoots, after the ground has been
duly manured and dug, may be pegged close down. No prun-
ing is required beyond cutting off the unripe ends of the
shoots. Every eye will give its flower or truss of flowers, and
the effect is certainly superb; yet the blooms are not worth
much as compared with those grown on bushes. Such an un-
natural mode of growing the Rose as pegging it down only
seryes a special purpose, and is not to be advised when good
blooms are wanted. It is mentioned because every phase of
Rose culture should be noticed in a journal having so many
“Rose readers.”

Hybrid Perpetuals, as before stated, are most suitable for
gardens and make splendid masses, it being advisable to
employ but one kind in a mass or to keep the lines distinct by
haying varieties that will contrast in colour. The following in
their respective colours are good for masses, have well-formed
flowers, producing them freely, and have good constitutions.
They are good alike for garden or house decoration.

Dark Crimson.—Charles Lefebvre, Prince Camille de Rohan,
Fisher Holmes, Lord Macaulay, Louis Van Houtte, Dac de
Rohan, Eugéne Appert, Pierre Notting, Charlotte Corday, Le
Rhone, and Maréchal Vaillant.

Red or Crimson.—Frangois I., Général Jacqueminot, Alfred
Colomb, Beauty of Waltham, Dupuy-Jamain, General Yon
Moltke, Madame Victor Verdier, Sénateur Vaisse, Thomas
Mills, Prince de Portia, and Comtesse d’Oxford.

Rose and Pink.—lLa Ville de St. Denis, John Hopper,
Francois Michelon, Baronne Prevost, Comtesse de Chabrillant,
Anna Alexieff, Abel Grand, Annie Laxton, Auguste Mie,
Baronne de Rothschild, Berthe Baron, Capitaine Christy, Jules
Margottin, La France, Lyonnaise, Madame Clert, and Edouard
Morren.

White or Blush.—Boule de Neige, Madame Lacharme, and
Mademoiselle Bonnaire.

Fragrant Hybrid Perpetuals.—Baronne Louise Uxkull, rose;
Bessie Johnson, blush; Claude Levet, crimson; Duchess of
Edinburgh, pink ; Francois Courtin, crimson; Madame
Enugéne Appert, rosy pink; Madame Ferdinand Jamin, rosy
carmine ; Madame Vidot; Mademoiselle Marguerite Dombrain,
rose; Marie Thérése, rose; William Jesse, rose; Oxonian,
rose; and Queen Hleanor, rose. Of the newer kinds Key. J.B.
M. Camm and Miss Hassard have sweet-scented flowers.

The next Rose that I will name is the Damask Perpetual,
Crimson Perpetual], or Rose du Roi, crimson, than which there
is no finer and sweeter for cutting from in late summer. A
large bed of this and Mogador or Crimson Superb ought to be
in every garden. They require liberal treatment—that of
Hybrid Perpetuals.

In Perpetual Moss Roses we have Soupert et Notting, rose and
fragrant; and Mrs. W. Paul, rose, one of the freest blooming
of this family, while few are prettier in the bud state than the
Winter Perpetuel. All require high culture and close pruning.

Of Bourbons worthy of mention—Armosa, pink ;-. Baron
Gonella, deep rose; Queen of the Bourbons, fawn-coloured
salmon and sweet, especially late in the season; Sir Joseph
Paxton, rose shaded crimson, are all good and free-flowering.
They require a sheltered situation, liberal treatment, and close
pruning. Louise Margottin, pale rose or blush, is one of the
most hardy.

China Roses.—These make good beds, especially Aubert, red ;
Ducher, white; Fabvier, crimson ; Cramoisie Supérieure, deep
crimson; Louis Philippe, crimson ; and Mrs. Bosanquet, flesh.
They are best upon their own roots, and if well mulched will
come away strongly from the base if the shoots above ground

68

are injured by frost. Few Roses are finer in the bud than the
old Blush or common China, a bed of which is worth a place
in every garden.

Tea-scented Roses.—These are unfortunately tender, but if
grown as dwarfs and mulched in winter, some dry litter being
placed over the shoots in severe weather, will succeed in
sheltered situations; that good old Rose Gloire de Dijon is
however, very hardy. ‘They require a good rich soil, light
rather than heavy, and moderate pruning. Abricoté, Anna
Olivier, Madame Caroline Kuster, Madame de St. Joseph,
Madame Joseph Halphen, Mdlle. Thérése, Monsieur Henry
Bennet, and Paul Plantier are free-flowering. Madame Fran-
cois Jamin, Madame Docteur Jutte, Louise de Savoie, and
Madame Chaveret have great fragrance, as have Madame
Schultz and Triomphe de Rennes in the Noisettes, Réve d’Or
being the hardiest of that family.

I would mention few autumnals which are pretty in the bud.
Niphetos (Noisette) Safrano, Sombreuil, and Perle des Jardins.
In Tea-scented or Noisettes Gloire de Rosaméne (Bourbon),
Perpetual White Moss, Maris Boissée, Madame Freeman, and
Marquise de Ligneris (Hybrid Perpetuals).

In Summer Roses (though old associations may keep them
alive their day is past) only a few will have note—vyiz., Pro-
vence (Cabbage), desirable for its fragrance; Crested for its
beautiful buds, De Meaux for its earliness, Spong for its small-
ness and usefulness, and Unique white. Good treatment is
required and close pruning.

Moss Roses are indispensable if only for buds, Céline being
superb. The common Moss is very beautiful, Lanei and Marie
de Blois being very mossy, and White Bath. Close pruning
and very liberal trextment is needed to bring them to perfection.

Of Hybrid Chinas Blairii No. 2, and Hybrid Bourbons Coupe
d@’Hébé and Paul Ricaut are the best.

I have only to add of Austrian Briars Harrisoni, which
requires to have the weak shoots thinned out, pruning those
left about one-third of their length, keeping the soil liberally
manured. Allthe Roses named are valuable for garden decora-
tion and for affording ‘‘ bushels of flowers’’ for cutting, many
of them also affording ‘exhibition blooms.’—G. ABBEy.

THE HARDY FRUIT CROP IN NORTH WILTS,

One almost feels inclined to put the above in the form of a
question, thus: ‘‘ What crop of hardy fruits is there in North
Wilts?” and add as answer, ‘‘ There is not any,” in imita-
tion of the question and answer, ‘What are the manners of
the inhabitants of such an island?” ‘‘ They have not any.”
In truth the answer would be literally correct as to Pears. On
twelve trees I have counted only two Pears. Tenhad not even
one. Plums (standard Orleans), not one; Damson trees, not
one; Coe’s Golden Drop, just a few; Bullaces, none; wall
Plums, six on three trees, the six being Coe’s Golden Drop
again. Apples with me an utter failure, the only tree giving
anything like a crop being a Hawthornden half-standard ;
pyramids a crop only, and that a poor one, on one tree, and
that a Golden Pippin. I visited a grand walled garden
recently, grand in results rather than show, and which I
have visited regularly for upwards of twenty years, and always
found a great abundance of fruit. This garden is long and
narrow, and by its walls and narrowness protected from much
wind; and the frost too being what the gardeners here call
‘“‘ broke by the walls.” The whole of one side I found crop-
less, whether the trees were wall, pyramid, or standard. The
other side there is a very little. Apples fair, but the old Haw-
thornden stands out in grand singularity by producing an
abundant crop. Pears there were next to none; sometimes
on one branch, possibly sheltered by another tree, there would
be afew. As to orchards, the scarcity of Apples is consider-
able, not that, like Pears, there is no crop at all. The
orchard which I have seen being at this time most prolific is
one which happens to have a belt of forest trees around it,
consequently its trees are sheltered from the frost and blight-
ing winds by the larger trees. There are exceptions to the
scarcity: thus, Strawberries are most abundant, Currants of
all kinds are plentiful, Walnut trees are in some cases bent
earthwards with the weight of the ‘‘ nuts.”

I hear of bad news as to fruitin and near Bath. My readers
will remember that it is a district favoured for fruit trees, and
fruit on them. Pleasantly writes, or, alas! wrote, Charles
Kingsley of this place and neighbourhood as follows :—‘‘ Now
here we are at Bath station, and here are the handsome fruit
women” (not so handsome now as when Kingsley wrote—Roses

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jaly 26, 1877.

still, but overblown) ‘ waiting for you to buy; and oh! what
Strawberries and Cherries! Yes, all this valley is very rich,
and very sheltered too, and very warm, for the soft south-
western air sweeps up it from the Bristol Channel, so the
slopes are covered with fruit orchards, as you will see as you
get out of the station.” Very pretty description this, but I
am told that as to Pears one of the greatest cultivators of
pyramids near Bath has literally none at all.

So that this fruit district, and I am only about ten miles
from Bath, has utterly failed as to Pear crop this season; still
my belief is that all is carried on in a system of compensation.
As the farmer, who was condoled with on the death of his
mother-in-law, replied, ‘‘ Ah! poor old lady; very sad, but
then I have got in my hay uncommonly well.’ So I say the
fruit will be short this year—nay is; but what a capital year
for growth it will be! What wood is being made on many a
tree that was nearly killed with bearing! Yes, a growing year
this year; a fruiting year next, I trust.—WintsHirE Rector.

MULCH.

Marerist applied to the surface of the ground around trees
a3 a sort of coating is termed mulch. Mulching is resorted to
for various purposes. 1, To retain moisture. This is one of
the prime uses of all mulching and always to be considered.
2, To shade the ground during summer, 80 as to prevent exces-
sive heating by the sunshine. It is said that heating the roots
of trees above 70° is injurious, a statement we fully credit.
Where the sun shines directly on clean dark-coloured soil it is
often heated to a much higher degree, and that to the depth of
several inches in all probability. With the thermometer at 95°
in the shade we found it to rise to 120° very quickly in the sun-
shine, a heat altogether incompatible with healthful growth of
a tree in this climate, or proper retention of moisture. 3, To
retain the tilth of the soil, to prevent baking and hardening of
the surface. A hard surface, a compact soil, without porosity
or aération, is not congenial to plant growth. That mulching
prevents hardening of the surface is well known. 4, To render
the soil fertile and to retain fertility. This arises from the
decomposition of the material used, from the resulting porosity
and prevention of evaporation. 5, To prevent extreme freezing
of the ground, and to protect against sudden freezing and
thawing. Anything to protect from extremes or sudden changes
of temperature we consider beneficial, but more particularly
the extreme of cold. 6, To retain frost around the roots to
prevent too early a start in the spring. Many mulch with this
object in view, but our observation and experience are that it
will make no practical difference. When warm weather comes
the buds will start in spite of mulching, even though the
ground be frozen below. The idea that sap flows with warm
weather during winter in an Apple tree is erroneous. Fruit
trees are not like Maple trees in this respect. The sap of fruit
trees does not circulate till spring comes. During winter, when
thawed, there is a resupplying of the moisture that has been
dried out during preceding freezing, dry weather—something
we deem quite essential to the successful wintering of fruit
trees.

Concerning the time of applying mulch practice differs.
Regard must be had to circumstances and what effect is de-
sired. 1, During winter and autumn after growth is over.
This of course would be preparation for the next season. Its
application at this time will give different effects, and like that
of any other time may have a different relation to different
farmwork, &c. 2, In the spring when growth begins. Applied
at this time it would have an effect not generally desirable in
most fruits—viz., retaining excess of moisture and frost too
long in the ground. 3, During the growing season. Suppose
the surface of the ground around the Apple tree to be given
clean culture during May and first part of June, allowing the
sunshine to warm the soil aud start the tree into vigorous
growth. About the middle of June the weather becomes quite
warm and drought often sets in. This we deem the most
favourable of all times for applying mulch, as it will protect
against the extremes of summer heat and drought, and will
not have been applied so soon as to prevent the benefits of
spring sunshine.

Concerning material for mulching, practice also differs.
1, Tree leaves, Nature’s mulching, probably are superior to
any other, but these are not always attainable. 2, Animal
manure, with more or less of barnyard litter, &c. The appli-
cation of animal manures to fruit trees has always been more
or less a mooted question. Our observation and experience in

July 26, 1877, ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

69

this climate are that it is very injurious, and sooner or later
will result in the total loss of the trees to which it is applied.
3, Earth, such as muck, loam, &c. This is often an important
modifier, and useful over coarse light litter to prevent its
being scattered by the winds. 4, Vegetable manure in the
form of half-rotten straw, fresh-cut weeds, Clover, &c. Doubt-
less the most practical and appropriate of any material.
5, Wood-chips, sawdust, tan bark, &e. If you want to have
your trees infested with borers, &c., use old chips and you
will not wait long. Our observation and experience are adverse
to the use of chips on that account, and because they seem to
mould and mildew the soil below. Concerning tan bark we
have no experience, bat think none of these on decaying
would give such congenial fertility as vegetable manures.
6, Mineral fertilisers, such as lime, ashes, &c.; not so much as
a mulching proper, however, as a sort of modifier and accom-
paniment of the foregoing. Lime is especially useful in fruit-
age, and for assisting in giving health and ripening-up each
summer’s growth. Ashes act more like animal manures in
having a stimulating effect. When mulching is applied, care
should be taken to protect against vermin, both insects and
rodents, for many such may harbour in the material used.
To protect against mice, remove the mulch close to the trunk
of the tree, and bank with clean earth a foot high—A. L.
arcu (in Transactions Wis. Horticultural Society).

THE AQUARIUM ROSE SHOW.

THERE is something very sad to us rosarians about the last
Rose show of the season. Though we are in the height of our
short English summer, though the Teas are still in iull bloom,
and in the north of England at least the Hybrid Perpetuals have
still to blossom, yet to know that another twelve months must
elapse before we shall exhibit our pets again is, to say the least,
by no means an exhilirating prospect. So it is with mixed
feelings of sadness and delight that I sit down to write a few
lines about the Aquarium Rose Show—sadness caused by the
above reflection, and delight inspired by the vivid memory of
the beauties exhibited that day.

It was indeed the last show, but certainly it was not the least.
Perhaps in numbers the Exhibition might be called a small one,
but if small it was like a Duke of Wellington, good. There was
no class for seventy-two or forty-eight trebles. The Aquarium
people were both generous and merciful. They, no doubt rightly,
considered that the 18th of July was a late fixture for the great
nurserymen, and that seventy-two would be a difficult number
for any to stage well, and so they made forty-eight singles the
highest class and reduced the trebles to twenty-four; but they
by no means reduced to any extent the prizes, and offered nearly
as much (within £1 indeed) money for forty-eight singles and
twenty-four trebles as other exhibitions offer for the higher
numbers. The same generosity was extended to the amateurs,
who, instead of being asked to stage forty-eight and twenty-four
trebles, were let off easily with twenty-four singles and twelve
trebles. The consequence was that the stands throughout the
Show were very good and the exhibitors much pleased, while
the Judges’ duties were proportionately lessened. The arrange-
ments also were very good: there was no hitch of any kind, and
& very pleasant day was spent. The list of the prizewinners
Was given last week, so I need only make some cursory remarks
on Roses and exhibitors such as appear, according to my judg-
ment, to be most worthy of recording.

As [had prophesied, the fixture suited Mr. Cranston better
than any other London show, and he showed his grand form by
Winning both the leading classes and by almost carrying off the
class for twenty-four singles; but even this Show was a little
too early for him, and I can well believe that if the Agricultural
Hall Company were to give a Rose show—(why don’t they ?)—
during the next fortnight Mr. Cranston would show in much
finer form than he did on Wednesday. His blooms were very
large and fine, and some of the novelties in the stands exceed-
ingly good. Abel Carriére again came to the front, also La
Rosiére and Marguerite Brassac. Too much cannot be said in
favour of these Roses. They are grand additions to the dark
class. Abel Carriére has not only colour very like Pierre Notting
or Jean Cherpin, but also grand form. If you were to take a
perfect bloom of Centifolia Rosea as shown by Mr. George Paul,
and by some magical means change its colour to a dark velvety
purple, you would have a good imitation of Abel Carriére. La
Rosiére is an improved (or will, I think, prove so) Prince Camille
de Rohan, and Marguerite Brassac is a second edition of Charles
Lefebvre. Perhaps it has not quite the substance of the latter,
but then itis a new Rose and there cannot be a large stock of
it, and it would indeed be giving a high character to any Rose
to say that it equalled Charles Lefebvre, the grandest of Roses;
still in time it may, and now with the above exception I don’t
see that, as shown this year by Messrs. Corp and Cranston, it is

far behind. Mr. Cant was a good second, but his Roses gave
evidence that his blooming season was, alas! near the end.
This gentleman and also Mr. Paul travelled all night from Scot-
land in order to be present, leaving their men to cut their
blooms, and turning up just in time to put the finishing touches
to theie stands and, to the great delight of the leading amateurs,
to judge.

There were six stands of twenty-four trebles, all good and
worthy of prizes; in fact, I do not remember ever judging such
good trebles. When such a grower as Mr. George Paul is left
out in the cold, as he was in this class, the general excellence of
the stands may be imagined, Mr. Cranston was easy first, but
Mr. Turner and Mr. Cant ran so close together that it wasa
most difficult matter to decide who was the better. Mr. Turner
would, however, have more easily won second honours if he had
not put in a very coarse treble of Souvenir de Malmaison and
also a bad one of Sir Garnet Wolseley. I hope that good grower
will forgive me for presuming to give a hint on such a matter,
but over and over again have I seen his splendid stands spoilt
by one or two trebles of coarse, large, overblown blooms.
Several times I have noticed Paul Neron in his back row, and
Antoine Mouton, and (as to-day), Souvenir de Malmaison, and
the effect upon the mind of a judge who puts form before size
is most deleterious to the exhibitor. Mr. Turner had some
splendid trebles, particularly Duke of Edinburgh and Niphetos.
Mr. Cant’s were smaller but fresher and cleaner, but I have the
great pleasure of knowing that all our awards satisfied that
“good Judge and good fellow.”

In the class for twenty-four and twelve Mr. Corp of Exeter
well maintained his Clifton reputation. I cannot too highly
praise his stands, they were beautiful. To my mind Mr. Corp
more nearly approaches Mr. Baker (Hercules), in the general
excellency of his stands than any nurserymanI know. Colour
and freshness and good form are the prevailing features of the
stands of both, and in many instances the same blooms are to
be found which are pre-eminently good. Mr. Corp also had
splendid Teas, and I cannot help thinking that in a few years
he will attain a very high position. May I take this oppor-
tunity of informing your readers that this grower has an im-
mense quantity of Teas on the seedling Briar for sale, and I am
informed that they are very good plants? As I for one know
the great difficulty of procuring Teas, I think it only kind to
mention this.

The amateurs were in great force, and for the most part
showed very fairly. Mr. Jowitt was in grand form again, and
easily won the first prize for twenty-four. His great rival
Hercules was first for twelve trebles, and Mr. Pochin secured
first honours in eighteen. All these showed very well indeed.
I was surprised to see how good Mr. Baker was after the storms
we have had in the west, but be the weather what it may this
grand grower always shows well.

The class for twelve Teas (open), was more hotly contested
than any other, and the exhibits were very fine. When such
great nurserymen as Mr. George Paul and Mr. Keynes were
not placed the Teas must have been indeed excellent. Mr.
Cant won the first prize and Mr. Corp the second. Modesty
forbids my naming the third.

Ido not presume to say a word as to the beauty of the Car-
nations, for that is no affair of mine, but the Show appeared to
me wonderful, and a better alliance could not have been made
than Roses with these lovely florist’s flowers. But before I con-
clude I must bear witness to the hospitality and kindness of
the Directors and General Manager. It is many years since I
have had so pleasant a luncheon, or sat down at a more hospit-
able board, or received a kinder and more genial welcome than
I did at the Aquarium. Mr. Wybrow Robertson fulfilled the
duties of Chairman in a most excellent manner, and not one of
the least pleasing incidents of this portion of the day’s proceed-
ings was his assurance that this was by no means the last of
the flower shows to be held in the Aquarium, for in future years
a Rose and Carnation Show would form part of the annual at-
tractions. This good news will, I know, be welcomed by all
your readers, and it may, perhaps, solace a few who, like myself,
are sorrowing over the end of the Rose shows. ‘To us, indeed,
the summer days are over—the summer, that is, of our hopes
and fears and sweet uncertainties, the heyday of our brief
festal season, when the enjoyment of one brief month at the
outside rewards us for the labour of a year; but still there
remains to us the hope that for many another season we may
be spared to enjoy and record a feast of such good things as was
on Wednesday last the happy lot of your faithful—W¥LD SavacE.

PETROLEUM versus MICH.

I rurmnx your correspondent ‘‘J. H. Y.’” will find petroleum
superior to carbolic acid in preventing mice from eating seeds,
&c. I place my Peas, Beans, and other seeds likely to be
attacked by mice in a flower pot (corked-up, of course), or any
other vessel, with just sufficient petroleum that when stirred

70

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENBERE.

{ July 26, 1877.

round with a stick moistens the whole. I have never found
micé to touch them afterthis. Petroleum besides is a fertiliser,
carbolic acid is not, and likely to destroy the vital power of
some delicate seed.—A. Drcx, Cambridge.

EXPERIMENTS ON THE FLOW OF THE SAP.
[Read at the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.]
At the beginning of this session I drew the attention of this

Committee to the course of the sap, being of opinion that recent

researches rendered some modification in our views necessary

on that subject.

The proposition that I submitted to the Committee was, pure
and simple, that there was no such thing as descent of the sap at
all, but that its course was always upwards. I found the Com-
mittee quite in accord with me, so far as regarded anything like
circulation. I think most of them, if not all, repudiated any
belief in the whole theory of the ascent of the sap by the fibro-
vascular bundles of the wood and its descent by the cellular
layers of the inner bark; but I found the majority still embued
by the theories of Sachs, and holding with him, and on his
grounds, that descent by some means was absolutely necessary
in respect that assimilation could only take place in the light,
and consequently that the whole of that function must be per-
formed in the leaf, whence the assimilated matter there pro-
duced must be transported in some way or other to the other
parts of the plant in which it is found; and as these are lower
down, and some of them even underground, as in the case of
tubers, it followed that there must be a descent in some way or
other, and the prevailing opinion seemed to be, as was, I think,
first suggested by Mr. Herbert Spencer, that this took place by
a slow swaying or wandering motion, by means of endosmose
and exosmose, through the walls of the cells, which imper-
ceptibly and independent of the current of the sap mixed the
whole up together, or carried the different ingredients to where
they were wanted.

Since I last spoke on the subject I have endeavoured to see if
actual experiment would throw any light upon it.

I made experiments with the Vine, the Fig, the Horse Chest-
nut, and the Hyacinth, but as they all, so far as they went,
tended in the same direction, I shall speak principally from the
Vine, which was much more manageable and more readily took
up my infusions than any of the others. Thanks to the experi-
ments of Professor M’Nab and Professor Church, I knew of the
virtues of lithia as an easily absorbed agent, whose presence
could be detected anywhere by the spectroscope in however
smalla quantity it might be present, and I had the advantage
of Professor Church’s own kind assistance in determining for
me whether it was present or not. As lithia, however, is colour-
less, I added to my infusions enough of litmus to colour them
deeply, and I am bound to record as the result of my own ex-
perience that the lithia told me nothing that the litmus did not
equally well. The combination of both, no doubt, adds to the
confidence with which I can trust to my experiments, but the
litmus had one great advantage over the lithia—that it might
be easily handled, and dropped or spilt, without interfering with
the experiment; whereas with lithia we have constantly to be
on our guard against any careless dispersal of it—as, for instance,
by allowing a drop to spill on the bark, or by using a knife that
had been employed in cutting a portion of a branch that has
been lithiated to cut one that has not. The form and propor-
tion in which I used the lithia were five grains of citrate of lithia
to each fluid ounce. To this I added a little glycerine, with the
view of equalising the specific gravity of the mixture with that
of the sap, and then as much as I found necessary of small lumps
of litmus.

I then passed gutta-percha funnels over the shoots to be ex-
perimented on, and secured them as cups, with the shoots grow-
ing up the middle, by means of cork and tallow. I tried water-
proof cloth, but it did not hold in, but the gutta-percha funnels
did perfectly. My experiments were made in April and May,
when the leaves were beginning to open. I put-one cup on the
stem of the Vine. It held perfectly, and no escape of the liquid
took place. After the cup was properly luted to the stem with
tallow I cut a nick in the bark a little above the fitting, and then
filled the cup with the lithiated litmus mixture, so as to cover
the nick. I then allowed it to remain on for six weeks, con-
Stantly renewing the mixture in the cup as it disappeared.

After the expiration of six weeks I took up the plant and ex-
amined it: and here let me say that the Committee and I are in
accord as to what I should have found had Sachs’ theory been
well founded. I imagine that upon every principle I should, on
the ordinary principles of gravitation, have found the severed
vessels below the nick, and on the same side as it, filled with the
infusion in consequence of its descent. So far as regarded that
part of the plant if was no longer a closed tube, and there could
be no ascent, but being, as it were, merely an open tube, what-
ever was poured into it should simply find its way to the bottom.
tj» And so in fact it did—the infusion below the nick descended
to the very fibrils of the roots. In like manner the part above

the nick being a closed tube—closed by the cup at the bottom
and by the leaves acting as a sucker at the top—we should expect
thet the infusion would ascend; and so it did, nearly as com-
pletely as it descended below the nick. But how as regards the
parts that were on the opposite side from the nick? According
to Sachs’ theory, whether you call it the result of metastasis or
of endosmose and exosmose, the infusion should have been
found extravasated and unfiltered through that side, both above
the nick and up the ascending branches, and in fact everywhere
a little ; but in point of fact there was not the slightest extrava-
sation nor a solitary particle of lithia or litmus in any of these
places. The depth of the nick was the measure of the extent of
the penetration of the infusion, and it was as sharply defined as
aline could be; and this is just what I said should be the case.

I said that the rapidity of the current would prevent any in-
termingling of ingredients by endosmose or exosmose. At night
there can be no ascending current, for the force that produces
it, the sun, is withdrawn, but the tube is full and in equilibrium.

To keep strictly within my experiences I must explain that
this is the result of all my experiments as regards litmus, and
of all but that on the Vine as regards lithia. The experiment
as to lithia in the uncut side of the Vine could not be tested,
because I sent Professor Church the portions of the plant to be
tested, all cut up transversely, asking him to cut certain specified
ones longitudinally, and then test them separately; but he ex-
plained that that would be a delusive test after the portions had
travelled from London to Cirencester, for the lithia would have
had time to pass by endosmose and exosmoss from one side to
the other, after the plant was cut in pieces: which of course it
would, for there was no longer any current to prevent its infil-
tration; but the distribution of the litmus when the plant was
newly cut showed clearly enough what the result of a search for
lithia would have been at that time.

To my mind this is conclusive on the question. Sachs must
be wrong, and we must now re-examine his arguments and see
where the flaw lies. His position is thus stated in his “ Physi-
ologie Vegetale:’—‘ The absolute necessity (says he) of the
intervention of light for assimilation in plants with chlorophyll
is proved directly by their mode of development in darkness.
When we cause seeds to germinate in such conditions, roots,
internodes, and leaves are developed generally in proportion to
the mass of the seed. When all the provision of elaborated
principles contained in it are exhausted the development ceases.
If up to that period the seed is allowed to germinate in the light
and it is then removed into darkness the result is the same—
the young leaves, although green, assimilate nothing; but if
they are allowed to remain long enough in the light to have
assimilated a little, there will be developed in darkness leaves
and internodes until that new provision be exhausted also.”

But there is one important fact that Sachs omits to keep in
view here. If the plant in darkness assimilates nothing, neither
does it take any food to assimilate. It is well known that plants
do not feed in the dark, and nothing is easier than to prove it
by experiment. Let anyone with a Hyacinth growing in water
in a glass mark, by a thread or narrow strip of paper glued to
the glass, the height at which the water stands at night, he will
find it the same height to-morrow morning, but very different
to-morrow night. But the fact is not disputed.

Now on what ground are we to hold that the reason why the
plant does not assimilate is the absence of light in preference to
the absence of food? Hither will account for it, and one will
suit Sachs’ theory, but the other not. No doubt the food is not
taken up because of the absence of light, but it may very well
be that if the plant were placed in light so that it could take
food generally, and some portions of it were secluded in dark-

| ness, we should find that assimilation went on as well in those

in the dark as in those exposed to light; and this, in fact, is just
what nature does with tubers. They are in darkness while the
plant is in light, and they contain assimilated matter in as great
abundance as any Apple in the blaze of sunshine. Now I object
to a question of that kind, or, indeed, any other kind, being
answered by giving the thing to be proved as part of the proof;
but this is what Sachs does. He has to prove that assimilation
cannot take place except in light. I offer an instance of its
apparently taking place in darkness, and the reply is that it
cannot be, because assimilation caunot take place in darkness.
During the day the light and heat of the sun draw up the sap
to all the terminal parts of the plants, such as the axial extremi-
ties of the branches, the buds, the leaves, the tubers (which are
only subterranean buds), where it is partly evaporated and partly
assimilated, and as it is used up the roots absorb a corresponding
flow to supply the consumption ; but at night, when the motive
power is withdrawn, the upward flow of sap ceases, the roots
become inactive and cease to feed; at the same time there is
nothing to hinder growth going on, it may pile cell upon cell
whether the machine is working or not, and it does so, but assi-
milation ceases. Sachs has confounded an accessory with a
principle, and mistaken an effect for a cause.

Allow me, however, further to cite a well-known fact in favour
of my views, which it reflects no credit upon us not to haye

July 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER,

71

nnn nn eae ttIt EE SIEEIESSSE

sooner so interpreted. I allude to what we see in the case of
grafts. We know that the stock has certain properties differing
from those of the scion. We all know that the properties of
the stock affect the scion. They are carried up into its system,
but those of the scion are not carried down into the stock. If
the theory of descent and wandering and ‘mixing of the sap
were true the qualities of the scion ought to descend just as
much as those of the stock ascend, but they donot. But some
one may say, ‘ Oh, but you are wrong; there are cases in which
the influence of the scion has made itself felt on the stock.”
How many? I ask. Out of the myriads of millions of grafts
that are made every year we hear perhaps once in a decade of
some single plant where there is a doubtful appoarance of a scion
having had some influence on a stock, or rather, on a shoot from
one. Iam willing to take it as possible that such a thing may
have, and that such a thing has occurred, but I add that it 18
still capable of explanation in accordance with my interpretation
of the flow of the sap. It will be observed that such cases have
never been recorded until after the lapse of a winter after the
grafting, and, in fact, it is nearly impossible that they could.
Now although I maintain that there is no descent of the sap, I
never did (and could not) deny that there is a period (winter)
when it no longer flows at all. The liquid part of the sap is
evaporated, the more solid part is dried up, deposited or crysta-
lised, or what is called ‘‘stored up” for next year. I imagine
that this takes place pretty much simultaneously all through
the plant, so that there is little sinking of the column of sap in
the veesels. But it is possible that under conditions when
there is an unusually large supply of sap in the vessels at the
approach of winter, or in plants whose vessels are favourably
constructed for it, there may be something like a disturbance of
equilibrium, which will allow a portion of the sap belonging to
the scion to ebb, as it were, below the graft, and, being there
stored up and redissolved and carried up next year, May give
rise to the doubtful phenomenon of which I speak; but I take
my stand not upon exceptions but on the broad basis of an all
but universal experience.—AnpREW Murray.

(To be continued.)

LEEK ROSE SOCIETY’S SHOW.

‘Tue rosy town of Staffordshire,” as ‘“ Wynp Savace”’ last
year termed the ‘‘ metropolis of the moorlands,” had its carnival
of Roses on the 17th inst., and it bore bravely comparison with
any of its five previous celebrations. Of course, in magnitude
it showed a falling-off when memory brought to view the
glorious stand of seventy-two Messrs. Cranston & Mayos won so
handsomely with last year, but remembering that the exhibitors
were confined to the immediate locality, and that wind and rain
had done their best to despoil the plants of their blooms, the
display was both large and of excellent quality.

Of thirty-sixes the exhibits numbered three, anu Messrs.
Nixon, Eaton, and Clay (gardener to Mr. W. 8S. Brough), were
awarded the prizes in the order named, their pans containing
excellent blooms of Madame Lacharme, Annie Wood, Perle des
Jardins, Louis Van Houtte, Maurice Bernardin, and La France.
The twenty-fours were a good lot all round, the prizes going to
Messrs. S. Bratt, S. Eyre, and C. Roberts (gardener to Mr.
Glover, Highfield). Twelves were strong, and the contests for
Sixes and pans of light and dark were well contested, the chief
prizewinners being Messrs. Sheldon, Godwin, Cartwright, New-
all, and J. Brough. Amongst so many good flowers the search
for the premier bloom was like the proverbial hunt for a needle
ina haystack, but ultimately a bloom of Charles Lefebvre was
fixed upon as worthy of the prize.

Stove and greenhouse plants were staged on sloping banks
each side the Rose tables, and added much to the general effect.
Pansies were shown in great variety, Messrs. M. H. Miller and
C. Haton taking the chief honours.

The experiment of a promenade concert was tried and proved
very successful, the attendance exceeding that of any previous
year. The Judges were Messrs. Herbert, Sefton Park, Liver-
pool; Jones, Chester; Leicester, Macclesfield; and Sherratt,
Knypersley.

DOUBLE YELLOW PROVENCE ROSE.

Terris, and has been for several years, a plant of the above
Rose growing on a north wall at Intwood Hall near here. The
blooms are freely produced, they are of medium size, very full,
and of exquisite cup-shape; the colour is rich deep yellow, the
petals being of the same shade throughout. During its bloom-
ing season, which is short, no yellow Rose exceeds it in beauty.
It grows freely either on the Briar or Manetti stock, but
especially so on the latter—J. E. Ewine, Eaton, Norwich.

Tue Best Summer Lerruces.—Paris Green is the best Cos
Lettuce I have ever grown for summer use. It grows rapidly

to an immense size, folds its leaves in to blanch the centre,
and the flavour is exquisite. Amongst the Cabbage varieties
Tom Thumb forms a small useful compact head, and it is
slower than any other in running to seed in hot weather.—M. M.

NEW BOOK.

A Book about Roses, How to Grow and Show Them. By 8.
Reynotps Hour, Canon of Lincoln. W. Blackwood and
Sons. Sixth Edition.

Ir is no misrepresentation on the title page to say that this
edition is ‘revised and enlarged.” The first edition had
277 pages, and this has 321 pages, besides an excellent
coloured portrait of the author’s namesake Rose, ‘‘ Reynolds
Hole.” The volume contains directions for cultivating and
exhibiting all the varieties, and is written in an attractive
readable style not always characteristic of gardening literature.
We have marked many pages for extraction, but must select
the following, because it answers a correspondent who asks
for ‘‘the names of Roses suitable for a garden near a large
town.”

“ For Walls.—Gloire de Dijon, La Belle Lyonnaise, the Ayr-
shire, Sempervirens, white and yellow Banksian, Boursalt Roses
—where a large space is to be covered, the Ayrshire and Sem-
pervirens.

“ Of Summer Roses.—The Common Moss, the Common Pro-
vence or Cabbage, Boule de Nanteuil and Kean, Gallicas;
Brennus and Blairii 2, Hybrid Chinas; Charles Lawson, Coupe
a@’H6ébé, and Panl Perras, Hybrid Bourbons.

“Of Autumnal Roses.—‘' Auguste Mie, Baronne Prevost,
Charies Lefebvre, Comte de Nanteuil, Edouard Morren, Général
Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin, La Ville de St. Denis, Leopold I.,
Madame Boll, Madame Boutin, Madame Clemence Joigneaux,
Madame Victor Verdier, Maréchal Vaillant, Marie Baumann,
Madame Charles Wood, Paul Neron, Pierre Notting, Sénateur
Vaisse, Hybrid Perpetuals ; Armosa, Queen, and Souvenir de la
Malmaison, Bourbons ; Aimée Vibert and Grandiflora, Noisettes ;
Mrs. Bosanquet, China; and Climbing Devoniensis, Gloire de
Dijon, Madame Berard, and Souvenir d’un Ami, Teas.”

NOTES AND GLE ANINGS.

WE are informed that preparations for the Gruar Ex-
HIBITION to be held in Carlisle on September 6th, 7th, and 8th
are progressing satisfactorily, and that a really “‘ great’ dis-
play is confidently anticipated. Prizes amounting to upwards
of £1200 will be competed for, and the schedule (which is now
ready) is so arranged as to encourage the best cultivators to
enter the lists. Entries close on the 30th of August. With
a large and practical executive committee under the chairman-
ship of Mr. Baxter Smith, with Mr. William Thomson ag
manager of the show, and other able officials, the prepara-
tions cannot but be otherwise than well considered and well
carried out.

—— Ar the meeting of the Council of the Royal Botanic
Society held on July 14th, a special coup MEDAL was awarded
to Messrs. J. Carter & Co. of Holborn, &c., for the novel and
extensive collection of fine-foliaged and flowering annual and
other plants grown in pots from seed, which had been exhibited
in the gardens of the Society during the month of June.

—— A CORRESPONDENT writes as follows on the FRUIT CROP
NEAR Drrpy:—‘‘ Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums are a failure,
though the trees were full of bloom and well protected with
Parham’s coping and horticultural shading. Apricots very few,
though plenty of bloom and protected. Pears a general failure,
not superabundant blossom. Apples, many trees failed, but
some pyramids full of fruit. Gooseberries and Currants a fair
crop. Cherries all dropped off except Morellos.”

— “M. J. B.” writing to us on Buack Prince Srraw-
BERRY states:—‘‘ We grow a good many varieties of Straw-
berries, including Keens’ Seedling, Oscar, Sir Charles Napier,
&e., but not one of them has proved so productive as Black
Prince. Its fruit is comparatively small, but is high in colour
and is excellent for preserving.

— Bzsstz Jounson is acknowledged to be one of the
sweetest of Roses, and is an excellent variety for growing either
in pots or in the garden. A climbing Bessie Johnson is, we
are informed, established in the nurseries of Messrs. G. Paul
and Son, Cheshunt, and which it is expected will prove an
acquisition. We have seen blooms of & new bright crimson
climbing Rose named Red Dragon, which has been raised at
Waltham Cross by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son. If this Rose

72

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 26, 1877.

proves to be free in growth and floriferous it will produce a
fine effect on walls and pillars.

—— Art no time of the year, writes a correspondent, do
Roses strike more readily from cuttings than during the months
of July and August. If wood that is partially ripened is made
into cuttings—shoots that have bloomed—and inserted in a
partially shaded border, nearly all of them will strike. The
cuttings should be divested of all but the two upper pairs of
leaves, and be inserted deeply and firmly. Water should be
given and shade supplied in order to keep the foliage fresh
and healthy, and roots will form the more quickly.

—— Messrs. Brapitey & Sons of the Southwell Nurseries,
Notts, have sent us specimens of LAsEeLs which they have pre-
pared for sale. Those made of horn are transparent and
pee, and are far superior in appearance to those made of
wood.

—— WE regret to learn that the Potaro p1sEAsE has shown
itself at Chiswick, not merely that form of it known as the
‘curl,’ but the murrain, which has frequently proved so
disastrous of late years. Should showery weather continue
and a high temperature also prevail, the Potato crops cannot
be otherwise than jeopardised, and it is advisable that crops
in gardens which are approaching maturity should be taken
up and the tubers be thinly stored, and much loss may be
thereby averted; or if the haulm is pulled up, not cut off,
when an outbreak of the murrain is threatened, yet before it
occurs, the tubers if left in the ground will be safe.

—— Mz. H.S. Jamzs, The Gardens, Westfield House, near
Gloucester, informs us that he has a large plant of Puino-
DENDRON PERTUSUM which flowered in June, 1876, of which he
has gathered three ripe fruit, and will soon gather the fourth.
The plant is also in flower again, having had one flower open
and another just expanding.

— Aw American writer and admirer of succULENT PLANTS,
after alluding to the unique collections at Kew Gardens and
at Hammersmith (Mr. Peacock’s), states that ‘‘a well-filled
succulent house would not be costly to keep or care for.
Neither would such an astounding plant mélange have any
resemblance to an ‘old curiosity shop’ crammed with inert
trash and musty rubbish. Where there is life there are hopes
of happiness present and to come. Although they are the
oddest of all odd things, and the most ‘ wonderful wonders’
in the vegetable kingdom, they are as intensely interesting as
extremely curious: To us it really seems asif the Author of
all good had some strange device in view when fashioning
their fantastic forms, many of which are ultra-grotesque, while
others are unrivalled in beauty. I have often noticed, both
with amateurs and professionals, a strong desire to linger
around them longer than with many other things more
gaudy and gay, bloomed they never so grandly.’’ The plants
referred to are real amateur’s plants, requiring neither close at-
tention nor skilled cultivation, and a large and varied collec-
tion of them can be accommodated in a very small space.

—— Ir is noteworthy how well even some of the most com-
mon of HARDY PLANTS are turned to account by the London
florists. One of the most common and one of the most
beautiful for the decoration of window boxes and window sills
is the Creeping Jenny, Moneywort, or Loosestrife—Lysimachia
Nummularia. Hundreds of this common ditch-side plant are
grown in 5-inch pots, and cheer and brighten the dark courts
of London. When the pots are placed in saucers of water and
the plants are grown in the full sun their elegant pendulous
growths become laden with golden flowers and produce an
enlivening effect. The Creeping Jenny is a town plant of the
first order of merit, and is capable of being turned to account
in country districts as well as in towns. Neither is it wholly
a plebeian plant, for Mr. Wills uses it largely and effectively for
forming bright green fringes to the artistic groups of exotic
plants with which he adorns the saloons of the aristocracy and
the halls of public companies at their festivals. We would say
a good word therefore for this common homely plant, because
it is capable of cheering many an otherwise cheerless place, and
growing and flowering where plants are rarely seen looking
happy and healthy.

—— Ir is reported, on good authority, that those who
suffer from RHEUMATISM are cured in a few days by eating
Asparacus, while eyen chronic cases are much relieved, espe-
cially if they avoid all acids, whether in food or drink. The
Jerusalem Artichoke is reported to have a similar effect in
relieving rheumatism. Most plants which grow naturally near

the sea-coast contain more or less iodine, and in all rheumatic
complaints iodine has long been a favourite remedy. Some
physicians also recommend the free use of the Tomato. Itis
said to act very favourably upon the liver (in place of calomel),
and its efficiency in relieving dyspepsia is remarkable. Raw
or cooked it is considered to be equally wholesome.

—— Tue first annual Show of the newly established Nor-
TINGHAM HortTiIcULTURAL Society, which was held on the 19th,
20th, and 21st in the grounds of the Arboretum was, we are
informed, a very good and successful one. The premier prize
of £10 in the plant classes was won by Mr. Gadd, Woollaton
Hall. Roses were numerous and excellent. The prizes went
as follows:—For twenty-four cut blooms (open), first, Rev.
Canon Hole; second, Mr. Frettingham; third, Messrs. Crans-
ton & Co., Hereford. Twelve cut Roses (open), first, Messrs.
Cranston & Co.; second, H. Merryweather, Southwell; third,
Rey. Canon Hole. Highteen cut Roses, six varieties, three of
each (open), first, H. Frettingham; second, Messrs. Cranston
and Co.

—— THE aquatic house in the gardens of the Royal Botanic
Society, Regent’s Park, is just now highly worthy of a visit.
The Vicrorta REGIA is in splendid condition, and is flowering
freely. The first flower opened on the 20th inst., and was a
foot in diameter. Each flower lasts for two days. It opens
towards evening pure white, continuing open throughout the
night, closing the following morning and expanding again to-
wards the evening, but this time of a pink colour. It ripens
seeds freely—in fact, the huge plant, with eight leaves averag-
ing 6 feet in diameter, which ig now flowering, has been raised
from a seed which was ripened in the house last year, the seed
being about the size of a Sweet Pea. The growth made in
such a short time from such a small beginning is quite mar-
vellous. Other aquatics now flowering are Nymphxas—cyanea,
blue; devoniensis, rose; and dentata, white; also Nelambium
speciosum, the Sacred Bean of India, which has leaves nearly
3 feet in diameter, and Synocharis Humboldti. On the roof
of the house Aristolochia ornithocephala has a profusion of
its grotesque flowers, and Allamandas nobilis and Wardleyana
are in extremely fine condition. The plants in this house,
and indeed in the gardens generally, reflect much credit on Mr.
Coomber, the Superintendent, by their health and cleanliness.

—— Mk. L. Fit, in alluding in ‘The Journal of Forestry’*
to the AGE AND size oF Yews, observes that the Ankerwyke
Yew was a tree of considerable size in 1215, at the signing of
Magna Charta. At Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, there is one
reckoned at 1200 years of age; St. Pierre in 1772 saw one in
Lower Normandy which was planted in 1066; near Warbling-
ton, Hants, is one 27 feet in circumference ; Crowhurst, Surrey,
has one 30 feet 6 inches; at Leeds is one 31 feet round; Inch-
brakie, near Crieff, Perthshire, has the second largest Yew in
Scotland, which during a season of peril sheltered the great
Montrose in its dense branches on one occasion. Of all these,
Fortingall, Glen Lyon, Perthshire, bears the bell. In 1772
it measured 57 feet in circumference. Considering the slow
nature of its growth Pennant’s tree at Fortingall must have
been a wonderful sapling at the beginning of the Christian
era! Evelyn saw the hills of Surrey clad with Yews. The
Darley Yew, Derbyshire, is reported to be the largest in the
world. Besides being a charm for driving away the devil, a
doctrine inculeated by monkish superstition, the tree was
venerated in the early ages.

— THE agricultural department of Cornell University has
received a valuable present from Dr. P. M. Hexamar of New-
castle, N.Y., consisting of five hundred varieties oF PoTaToEs.
This collection took a prize at the Centennial Exhibition last
year, and is considered, says the American Cultivator, to be
the largest and most complete in the world. The Potatoes
are to be planted in the University garden.

— In the newly-formed State Board of Agriculture for
Pennsylvania Mr. Tuomas Mrrnan has been elected pro-
fessor of botany, and Mr. Josiah Hoopes professor of horti-
culture. Mr. Meehan is the accomplished editor of the
American ‘‘ Gardeners’ Monthly and Horticulturist,” a most
valuable publication, and which states that Mr. Hoopes has
been one of the most vigorous Presidents of the State Pomo-
logical Society, which practically takes under its protection all
the more solid branches of horticulture, and is well known in
connection with valuable horticultural services.

— WE are very glad to record the continued well-doing of
the Sourn AusTRALIAN Botanic GARDEN at Adelaide under the

July 26, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

40

directorship of Dr. Schomburgk, and to cite the following
from the report of last year. ‘‘ The interchange of plants
and seeds with kindred institutions and private parties has
been on the increase. Most of the plants of our extensive col-
lection have been obtained by exchange; and had I to purchase
the annual increase of our collection £300 to £400 would
scarcely suftice, while our expenditure for the purpose is not
£150. The Garden dispatched last year nineteen Wardian
cases, containing about 800 stove, greenhouse, and native
plants, and 1500 packets of seeds, which arrived at their desti-
nation generally in good condifion. The recipients have been
botanic gardens, Kew, Natal, Mauritius, Java, Singapore, Cape
of Good Hope, Port Elizabeth, New Caledonia, Queensland,
New Zealand, Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Tasmania, and
Vienna. Collections of native seeds have been sent to the
principal botanic gardens of England, Germany, France, Russia,
and Kast India. Collections of seeds of Grasses and fodder
plants have again been forwarded to Hast India and the neigh-
bouring colonies. Our collection has been enriched during the
last year with 500 additional species and hybrids containing
many valuable plants from England, Germany, Belgium, India,
America, Africa, Java, Singapore, New Caledonia, and the sur-
rounding colonies. The numerous contributions from the
South Australian public indicate the continuous interest felt
towards this establishment; and these have also materially
increased the collection by rare and valuable plants received
from many donors.”

— Tue American ‘Gardeners’ Monthly,” in referring
approvingly to the visit of Hnrr Maszsry to the Summer Show
at South Kensington, observes :—‘‘ We are apt to laugh at the
idea that the smile or the frown of any one human being
should make all the difference between success or failure in a
horticultural or any other exposition; but we must not forget
that there is something in the average human mind that
longs for a leader, and it will be to the everlasting honour of
Prince Albert that he set the good example of patronising horti-
culture. We have no social aristocratic classes here, but every-
body acknowledges and worships the aristocracy of intelligence,
and it does not take long for this to be acknowledged, and for
the possessor to be in some sort made to know that he fills
this elevated seat in public estimation. Horticulture in
America is, just now especially, suitering from the want of
leaders among those who worthily possess influence if they
would only use it.”

CUTTING ROSES FOR EXHIBITION.

Our friend the Rey. Mr. Camm has asked me to give a reason
for the unorthodox practice of cutting Roses in the sun, which
Ihave recommended for many years. I am glad he has tried
it for himself successfully, as he will, therefore, lend me a
more patient ear.

T was first led to the practice by observing during a cold dry
wind with no condensation of dew how very much some fine
exhibition flowers which I had been anxiously watching were
retarded and kept back on the trees. After making several
experiments to satisfy my mind I was led to the conclusion
that the safest plan and the best time to cut in very hot
weather for travelling was at six o’clock in the morning and
three in the afternoon. At six o’clock you may cut flowers
with impunity for the next morning’s staging, but they must
be large, deep, full-grown, half-opened buds, which if left on
the trees until ten o’clock would be, to use a common expres-
sion, ‘‘ blazed out.’ Very double massive varieties may be cut
in a more expanded state. Remove these to your boxes on the

ground in a cool dry shed or even cellar, without sun or much.

light. Prop open your boxes about 6 inches, so much the
better if a current of air can be admitted under the door from
the north side. It is often well to hang a thick mat in the
doorway within a foot of the ground, so as to admit only the
coolest air from the surface. Go round again at three o’clock
in the afternoon and do precisely the same as before. Cut
only the large opening blooms, and you are quite safe for a
night or morning journey. You must not cut the large ex-
panded flowers in the morning, which appear fresh and beauti-
ful with the dew on them, having their centre petals closed or
partially folded up. These were ‘‘ blazed out” the day before.
The moment the dew is evaporated these grand flowers will
quickly fade and disappoint you at the last minute. [attribute
this to colour being an ammoniacal compound; ammonia
having a great affinity for moisture the colour is thereby
quickly discharged and fading takes place, the rapid action of

evaporation affecting even the light and white varieties. We
often read descriptions of a brilliant French Rose edged with
light. This is a case in point.

Cutting over the ends of your Rose stems when you re-
arrange your boxes in the morning helps to get more water
into their tissues; keeping your green moss as dry as possible
around them has a tendency to bring up the centres of your
blooms, which is very desirable—Hrnry Curtis, Devon.

WHOLE yrersus CUT POTATOES FOR PLANTING.

A «ontH or two ago ‘A Nortuprn GARDENER” took occa-
sion to say that my plan of planting Potatoes whole was not
the best one. A crowd of stems and small tubers were to be
the result. Nothing could be further from being correct than
this. Our garden Potatoes will cover about an acre. Every one
of the tubers were planted whole, and I have seldom seen a
more promising lot of Potatoes. But this is not all. We have
been lifting Potatoes out of doors for the last six or seven
weeks. The sorts are Rivers’ Karly, Ashleaf Kidney, Glouces-
tershire Kidney, and King of the Earlies. A better crop no
person need wish to see. From one root I lifted to-day
twenty-five full-sized kidneyz. There is a south border here
on which early Potatoes have been grown for more than a
dozen years. Formerly the sets were cut, this year they
were planted whole; and while the crop in previous years was
much below the average, itis better this season than it ever
was. The cottagers. about here to economise seed cut the
Potatoes to every eye. When one fails there is a blank; and
worse than this, this year the blight is extensive within a
stone’s throw of our own crops, and yet not one root of the
latter is touched in the slightest. In this short distance there
cannot be much difference in the soil nor atmosphere either,
but remember there was in the sets. Now, as to the disease,
and eut versus whole Potatoes, I think the whole tubers have
the advantage. The late Mr. Paterson of Dundee said, and
many think, that by cutting a little bit of the end of each
tuber, or cutting them into pieces, the seed decayed quicker
and did not rob the young tubers of their nourishment. I
think differently. I know of nothing that will cause young
Potatoes to become diseased quicker than haying an old rotten
one in their midst.

Potatoes when planted whole do not decay at all under
the soil, and it is a simple matter to pick them out as the
whole are lifted. If any of your readers do not remember my
mode of choosing and dealing with seed Potatoes, as I stated
in a bygone number, it is this:—Use all the large tubers;
preserve all those about the size of a small hen’s egg for seed,
plant them whole, and give the very small tubers to the pigs.
—A KircHen GARDENER.

[We consider your plan good, and you have proved that it is
successful, but we think ‘‘A NorrHeRN GARDENER”? did not
advise the cutting of kidney Potatoes.—Eps. |

LOBELIA EMPEROR WILLIAM.

Tue flower is dark and distinct, with a well-formed white
eye, and in habit is quite a little bush, answering admirably
for carpet bedding. I found it did not grow exactly true from
seed; still the variation was very small—not more than 10 per
cent., but even at this rate it would greatly mar the effect in
a piece of ribbon or carpet bedding. I at once came to the
conclusion that if I let my chances for cuttings alone till the
autumn there was every chance of the true and untrue cuttings
getting mixed again, so in July I selected a few of the most com-
pact plants, which I cut down near the surface of the ground.
These threw up hundreds of fresh young cuttings, a batch of
which I inserted in August. They grew well, each being
capable of producing eight or ten plantsin the spring. I men-
tion this Lobelia because it is an excellent one, and because it
is by cutting a few plants down at this period of the year that
plenty of good cuttings are produced for securing a full stock
of healthy plants. If the plants are not cut many of tho
dwarf free-flowering Lobelias produce but few healthy cut-
tings.—B. G., Co. Down.

DISHASED CUCUMBER ROOTS.
We have received from ‘‘C. B. H.” specimens of Cucumber
roots distorted and enlarged by clusters of white knobs.
The root-nodules in question are generally assumed to haye

74

a fungus origin, but the Rey. M. J. Berkeley long ago described
the disease, and showed it to be caused by a parasite of another
nature. The description he illustrated with the utmost accu-
racy. It would seem that the post which causes the mischief
is not always readily seen, or maybe it escapes into the sur-
rounding soil, or, after working the mischief, perishes; but
that it is sometimes difficult or even impossible to detect Mr.
Berkeley himself confesses. On this account Mr. Berkeley’s
observation has unfortunately been questioned, but he has
quite recently been able to satisfactorily confirm its positive
accuracy in Gardeners’ Chronicle, Sept. 5th, 1874. For our

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 26, 1877.

part we have frequently seen the interior of the nodules just
in the condition described by Mr. Berkeley, with the parasites
in all stages of growth, from the egg condition upwards.

Onur illustration, prepared by Mr. W. G. Smith, represents
on the left the diseased roots natural size, and on the right
a thin slice through one of the nodules of the roots. The
latter is an exact reflection from a camera lucida attached to
the microscope, and shows the cellular tissue, 4; pitted and
spiral vessels, 8; the worms coiled up in the eggs, c; worms
emerged. Dp; and empty eggs, ©, from which the worms have
escaped,

Fig. 20.—THE DISEASE OF CUCUMBER ROOTS, ENLARGED 160 DIAMETERS.

The disease is therefore caused by the presence of minute
worm-like infusoria called vibrios, creatures common in de-
composing infusions, &c. We have carefully examined your
roots with the microscope, and the vibrios as originally de-
scribed by the Rey. M. J. Berkeley are present in abundance
from the egg state upwards. Itis much easier to examine and
describe a disease than effect its cure. The recommendation
generally is to utterly destroy all the diseased roots and the
surrounding soil. Whether these nodosities are present or not
Mr. Smith finds the nematoid worms in all parts of Cucumber
plants when suffering from disease. He has even found them
in the cotyledons, and believes them to be the same species
common in the juices of dung, in impure (and apparently pure)
brooks, in mud by stream sides, and inrain. They aro vory
small. They are supplied to the Cucumber plant in the manure,
the manurial waters, or even water from brooks. They speedily
eat into the root fibres, and there lay their eggs. The eggs
are soon hatched, and the new family eats away further up
and more eggs are laid, and this goes on till the whole plant
is half rotten. If when the seeds are planted the earth is

saturated with a solution of Mr. Smith’s ‘‘salus,” 7 lbs. to fifty
gallons of water (or it may be stronger), he says every worm,
and egg, and infusorial animal will be destroyed, and the Cu-
cumbers will be perfectly healthy because the parasites are
gone. Mr. Fish and many other growers have now tried this,
and he has not heard of one failure ; on the contrary, several
men who were totally unable to grow Cucumbers at all owing
to disease now have good crops. This applies to Melons
equally with Cucumbers.

HALL PLACE.

REFINEMENT and culture are the sure indications of an ad-
vanced stage of civilisation. A taste for the beautiful and the
good is implanted in our nature from earliest infancy, growing
with our growth if it be fostered and nourished, but becoming
dwindled and almost lost if itis not so cared for. Among the
many influences which combine in our own happy country to
elevate us it must be granted that horticulture plays no mean
part, softening, rofining, and imparting a tone such as nothing

July 26, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

75

else can do. That this influence is now very generally recog-
nised and understood there can be no doubt, for the number of
public gardens and parks is constantly increasing, and it is
an acknowledged fact that one of the greatest boons a rich
philanthropist can confer upon a town is to give it a public
garden. How highly such a gift is valued and appreciated the
givers, perhaps, hardly understand ; nor need I dwell upon it,
much as it tempts me, for the fact is patent to all that tone
to the mind and health to the body are imparted by such gar-
dens, which have not inaptly been termed the lungs: of a
crowded community, tending to prolong life as well as adding
to ita enjoyment. No longer can the advocate of communism
point to the “‘ grim exclusiveness ”’ of the enclosures of landed
proprietors, for those whom he strives to render dissatisfied
with their lot often now are in the enjoyment of a garden that
is not unfrequently infinitely superior to ‘‘ the squire’s.”

The seats of our landed proprietors are, however, un-
doubtedly the crown and glory of the land; moreover, they
are fast growing in number, especially in the more picturesque
parts of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. Nor is this work of pro-
gress and improvement confined solely to the formation of
new places. Old mansions and gardens are being rebuilt and
remodelled—not always perchance with the approval of the
antiquarians, but certainly with that of those caring for real
improvement, while they would gladly cherish all that is really
beautiful and interesting. Fig. 21 represents what is a strik-
ing example of an old place rebuilt, enlarged, beautified. It
is one of the many fine places which lie within a radius of a
dozen miles of Tunbridge Wells, and is quite worthy to take
rauk with Hridge Castle, Dunorlan, Possingworth, and Bram-
bletye, all of which places have been fully described in these
pages; but of Hall Place (the residence of S. Morley, Esq.)

Fig. 21.—Hanb PLACE.

Ihave no report to offer now—indeed, a detailed statement
would be inappropriate for interweaving with these general
notes; it must suffice, therefore, to state that the general
features of the kitchen gardens and glass houses are striking
only from the disconnected straggling manner in which they
are disposed, but that the lawns and pleasure grounds are
really excellent, being very extensive, agreeably interspersed
with shrub groups and fine examples of Conifers and decidu-
ous trees. There is also a quaint Tialian garden near the
house, a carriage court of ample proportions and dignified

aspect, with a very bold sweep of well-kept turf stretching -

gently downwards to a lake of considerable size, beyond
which the pleased eye wanders over more turf to stately
timber trees dispersed in the foreground, but thickening into
deep shade in the distance, with vast beds of Bracken visible
among the backward trees, and advancing so as to form an
irregular fringe around the bases of the foremost, just in the
way that artists love to depict. Groups of fallow deer, too, im-
- part animation to a scene abounding in beauty and brightness.
I know nothing more pleasant after beholding such a scene,
and enjoying it too, sven if but for afew brief moments, than to
pass outwards from the boundaries of the park, as I did here,
into 9 village abounding with cottages neat, cosey, and com-
pact, surrounded by well-tended gardens, every wall, building,
and enclogure in excellent repair, betokening the fostering

care and bountiful hand of a wealthy large-hearted landlord ;
and moreover proving, if proof were wanted, by the abundant
floral embellishments,in the windows as well as gardens, how
much our common nature is influenced and atiected by flowers ;
and I doubt not that intercourse with the good folks whose
surroundings impressed one so favourably would have tended
to strengthen my faith in the refining influence of gardens.
—Epwarp Louckuounst.

AQUILEGIAS.

I sEE one of your correspondents (Mr. Douglas) has been
fortunate in raising two new varieties of this very interesting
family, and I for one agree with him to the very letter as to
the merits of these hardy, beautiful, and free-flowering plants.
I grow all the sorts I can obtain, but some I have discarded.
A. aurea and A. alpina are scarcely worth growing, but they
bloom freely. A. glandulosa is very fine, but rather a shy
bloomer, but in some cases it blooms pretty freely. A. cwrulea
is a bold-looking fine sort, and blooms more freely than
A. glandulosa. There is 2 spurious sort of it to be met with,
and is much paler in colour than the original, and is worth
growing as a variety. A. Witmani is a very free bloomer,
and resembles A. glandulosa very much. I saw a plant of it
this year with 130 blooms on it, and I secured the plant and

76 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 26, 1877.

made seven out of it.
blooming sort, and worthy of attention. A. pyrenaica is a
dwarf alpine variety, but in my opinion not so good as those I
have named, and never flowered fresly with me. A. chrysantha
is a great beauty, and blooms later than any other I know,
flowering very profusely. I have a plant of it with at least
150 flowers on it in all stages, and it has been blooming for
ten days and will continue till the middle of August; it is
nearly 5 feet in circumference and grows 2 feet high. It is
the best plant I ever saw of it, and has not any attention
beyond a good. soaking of water in dry weather. The colour
is yellow. I consider it the most interesting Columbine I have
seen.
Show in Edinburgh last week which had a first-class certifi-
cate ; it resembles a variety of A. cerulea in form, but is yellow
in colour.—J. App1son, Ormiston, Edinburgh.

TWO-DAYS SHOWS—FIXTURES.

Hap the late Show of Roses at the Westminster Aquarium
been a special show of that flower it would not have been sup-
ported so well as it was by rosarians. They know that two-
days Rose shows only bring disgrace on a beautiful flower,
for the Rose on the second day ia as ugly as a Rose can be,
hence the almost unanimously expressed wish that Rose shows
be limited to ‘‘ one day only.” That is a principle that bas
been adopted by the National Rose Society, the influence of
which has bsen sufficiently powerful during the first year of

its existence almost, or quite, to “‘stamp-out” the plague of |

two-days shows. But Roses were exhibited at the Aquarium
ag subsidiary to the Carnations, the Rose section having been
a@ mere adjunct of the National Carnation Society’s Southern
Show.

No doubt the Aquarium Company had good reasons for con-
tinuing the Show for two days. In all probability the returns
on one day would not have compensated for the cost that had
been incurred, and it is not in human nature to ‘ lose money ”
if the loss can be averted. No doubt also it was considered
that Carnations would continue fresh and attractive during
two days, and that a shadow of beauty would remain with the
Roses. Generally Carnations keep well in water, but the Show
of last week proved that they will not keep at the Aquarium.
The Show of these flowers was on the first day a gratifying
success, but on the second day it was a miserable failure. The
gas-lighted and vitiated atmosphere of the structure makes it
a very charnel house for flowers. The condition of the plants
tell how destructive the building is to vegetation. It is no
longer a ‘“‘ garden,” neither can it be made one, except by
introducing fresh plants almost daily; and as to cut flowers,
the very breath of the place during a few hours of gaslight is
deadly poison.

Flower shows in such a placo can only be made successful by
adapting them to cireumstances. There have been two two-days
Rose shows, and the results were the same in both instances—
namely, the Roses on the second day withered and dying, and
many visitors consequently disappointed and grumbling. Itis
to be hoped that we have seen the last of such shows in the
Aquarium. The Carnations on the second day were, to the
surprise of many and the disappointment of not a few, almost
or quite as unsightly as were the Roses. It is to be hoped that
the first failure (the second day’s failure) will be the last, and
that no more two-days Carnation shows will be seen in the
building. Exhibiting flowers when in such a miserable state
can only do harm by bringing both flowers and exhibitors into
popular disrepute.

Admitting that it is necessary to continue an exhibition
such as the one alluded to for two days, would it not be far
more satisfactory to have the Carnation treat on one day and
the Rose feast the next? The Carnation Society has proved
itself strong enough to produce a show of considerable extent
and undeniably attractive; is it not strong enough to stand
alone? At any rate, if it needs a prop let it be of plants or
fruit—Covent Garden commodities ; anything but Roses. The
Rose is worthy of a better position. Let the Carnations come
on the first day and the Roses on the second, and the public
will come in as great numbers as if both were shown together
and half the time in a miserable state, and will return much
better satisfied than if they had inspected faded and unattrac-
tive flowers. Is not this proposition worthy of consideration
and discussion? What do the exhibitors say ?

The question of show fixtures is also 2 matter of some im-
portance, and especially Rose-show fixtures. It is compulsory

I saw a seedling named A. trinityensis at the Rose |

A. pulcherrima rubra is a distinct free- | that many shows must be held during an extremely limited

period, and their dates cannot be arranged with advantage
unless arranged systematically.
Every Rose show of importance requires the presence of the

‘great growers to make it successful; but even they, great as

are their resources, c2nnot be in two or three places at once,
nor can they cut to advantage and travel with reasonable
comfort without a day occurring between the shows. A very
practical rosarian and great exhibitor remarked at one of the
meetings that his firm could show oftener and better if the
shows were systematically arranged, and he thought that the
Committee of the National Rose Society might do much in
co-operation with committees of local affiliated societies in
preventing such a crowding of shows and a clashing of dates
as not unfrequently occur. The holding of two shows in
which go many people have an identity of interest on the
same day cannot but do injury to both. Common prudence
suggests the desirability of keeping clear of collisions by every
possible means. The holding of two shows on the same day
is akin to running two trains in opposite directions on the
same line of rails. The result is a collision and disaster to
both.

It is not to be expected that any particular day can suit any
particular individual; that is not the question. The indi-
vidual must stand aside if he is an impediment to the general
community. No day can be mentioned for a show to which
objection cannot be urged. Not long ago I heard complaint
that a show in a certain place on a Tuesday was too near
Sunday, yet in the same week all the chief nurserymen were
exhibiting some distance from London on a Saturday.

Saturday does not appear to bean unsuitable day for a Rose
show at least; at any rate some of the best shows have been
held on that day. it isa popular day. Why, then, should
not Tuesdays and Thursdays be popular also? That would
bring in three days of each week and one day between each for
preparation, advantages which cannot be secured by any other
arrangement—that is, of course, applying the days to districts
where the same exhibitors have a chance of meeting.

Under some such system of arrangement I think the Rose
shows would be better—better for societies, exhibitors, and
judges. Would it not be advisable for the Committee of the
National Rose Society to have a voice in the selection of show
days of such societies as are in amalgamation? MRosarians,
consider the matter.— Ex-ExuHIsiror.

BEAUTY OF OXTON PELARGONIUM SPORTS.

I seND you two blooms of Pelargoniums. The semi-double
one is taken from an old plant of Beauty of Oxton. Last
season, wishing to increase our stock of this variety, we took
some cuttings from the roots of this plant, and had the labels
marked ‘‘ Stock” in order to keep them from being sold. On
looking through our stock plants we found the enclosed bloom,
which is quite dissimilar to any other variety we have, grow-
ing on a plant marked Beauty of Oxton, and on further ex-
amination found another plant which had sported in a similar
manner. Can any of your readers say whether they have
found the same thing occur from propagating from the roots
of Pelargoniums? Those cuttings taken in the ordinary way
are quite true, but these are not only sports in flower but also
in foliage. As you know, the foliage of the semi-double Pelar-
goniums is somewhat crimped at the edges, whilst this is per-
fectly flat like any ordinary show Pelargonium.—Atrrep H,
Pearson, Chilwell.

[The flower of Beauty of Oxton is true; the other isa flower
of a plain, not crimped leaved, French Pelargonium, quite
unlike Beauty of Oxton. We had previously heard that some
of the ‘‘ regal’? Pelargoniums do not come true if propagated
by the roots, and shall be glad to have further information on
the subject.—Ebs. |

ECONOMY IN FUEL.

I wave no doubt that it has often occurred to persons when
they have seen the glow from the furnaces at night that a
large amount of heat must pass off unutilised into the atmo-
sphere. In all probability half passes off in this way, and
where coals coat 30s. a ton any plan to reduce the consump-
tion to one-half would suit the pockets of some people. I
need not enter into the different plans I tried before I dis-
covered one to prevent the heat passing out of the flue. I
had 60 feet of iron tube of 1 inch in diameter (inside measure-

July 26, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

77

ment) wound into a coil of from 5 to 6 feet inlength. This
coil was attached at one end of the tube to a saddle boiler,
while the other end of the tube communicated with the 4-inch
pipe which traversed the house. Over the coil I built a dome
of firebrick, leaving a small space for the flame to flicker
round the tube. This apparatus I placed horizontally inside
the house, the feeding door being on the outside. The flue at
the further end of the coil was carried up a few inches, and
then level over the whole of the apparatus, and then out of
the house immediately above the feeding door. Much to my
surprise I found that no heat passed out of this flue, the whole
having been exhausted by the water in the coil. The rapidity
with which this house is heated, and the small amount of fuel
consumed, is extraordinary. I am now about to have another
constructed on the same plan.—OBsERVER.

ROSE MDLLE. MARIE FINGER.

My friend Mr. Beachey asks if I have any eye to eolour. I
hope I know a Lily from a Peony, but perhaps I am colour
blind on certain occasions, and I must own that I have not
noticed any difference of shade in the colouring of Marie
Finger and Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier. My impression was
that if any difference existed at all it was in form, not colour.
I rarely see Marie Finger so globular as her twin sister, but I
am informed by Mr. Jowitt that (to my great surprise) Marie
Finger is superior in form to Eugénie Verdier. As Mr.
Beachey claims superiority in colour also, it shows that there
are two good rosarians who make out that Marie Finger is the
better of the two. Ihave not grown the two side by side yet,
as I try and vary my colours as much as possible.

Soil, in my experience, makes all the difference in colouring,
and perhaps Mr. Beachey’s soil may suit that particular Rose
so well that he excels in growing it more than he does with
Enugénie Verdier. However, I willingly concede my opinion to
his, the more so as I look upon the Rose as a great gain to the
lighter sorts.

““Tue HEREFORDSHIRE INcUMBENT’’ objects to Mr. Hinton
classing the three brothers—Ferdinand de Lesseps, Maurice
Bernardin, and Exposition de Brie—as the same Rose. Leav-
ing out the question of wood, I should much like to see how
a friend describes the difference between any two of the
three.

I cordially concur with Mr. Hinton in his desire to leave the
Tea election for another season. His hands are quite full
enough already, and the great want this year is lists of the
best exhibition Roses, and given only by those growers who
have won a leading prize at the great shows of the last few
years.— Wp SavacE.

PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS.

“Pacry”’ asks for information about the making and man-
agement of cuttings of Roses, Pinks, Carnations, Pansies,
Rhododendrons, &. <A wise man is ‘‘ Pacey ;’’ for that ‘ &e.,”’
although an abbreviation, is wonderfully inclusive, pointing in
this instance to all such plants as come within the scope of an
amateur who is the fortunate possessor of a really good little
garden. Gladly doI respond to his appeal now when so many
plants have growth in the best possible condition for our pur-
pose, and when the temperature of the soil and air is s0 warm
as p engure success without artificial aid, other things being
equal.

I always like to know the reason why a given practice is
adopted ; and ‘‘ Pacry”’ evidently shares this feeling with me,
for he asks why he is advised to insert some cuttings in the
shade and to expose others to the full glare of the sun. Such
& question suggests that the first principles of the operation of
striking cuttings are not generally understood, and therefore
I cannot but be doing good service in showing what those
principles are.

What, then, is a cutting? In most instances it is the shoot
of a plant cut off when in full growth in a tender succulent
condition, and therefore quite certain to wither and die very
quickly if prompt measures are not taken to prevent the eva-
poration of its juices. Now the shoot of a Pelargonium is s0
stout in texture and so abounds in succulent matter that
prompt insertion in moist soil, followed by a thorough soaking
from the rose of a water pot, renders it perfectly safe for the
moment, although the border in which it is inserted is fully
exposed to the sun. It may afterwards be necessary to water
it twice a day, but it requires no shading excepting perhaps

for the first two or three days, and that only if the weather is
exceptionally hot. But a Verbenashoot if thus exposed would
die; nothing could save it, simply because its slender stem
and thin foliage lack the juicy stores and robust proportions
of the Pelargonium ; therefore we insert it in a shaded frame,
or, better still, under a low bell-glass, in order that the part
above the soil may be constantly enveloped with air that is
heavily laden with moisture. I am particularly anxious that
this should be set forth plainly, because when it is once under-
stood a host of contrivances will present themselves to an
ingenious mind.

No hotbed is necessary at the present time. We may even
dispense with a frame, and by pressing a bell-glass firmly into
the soil inside the rim of our cutting pot we may with one
turn of the hand form a portable propagating house, which
alone or with hundreds of others may be placed for shade
behind a wall or hedge. I have even, when unable to meet
an immediate demand for small bell-glasses, purchased some
common half-pint tumblers, and very well remember my first
batch of Clematis cuttings was inserted under some of those
tumblers, the cuttings striking root freely without a single
failure. I am not now writing for the ‘‘ great gardeners,” but
for the especial good of the very numerous class who must
make shift with various and simple contrivances, and who
frequently do co to such good purpose as to obtain results that
are equal to those which one sometimes meets with in gardens
abounding in every facility of ways and means.

Cuttings of Pansies and all the Viola tribe, with Pinks,
Carnations, and a host of kindred plants, are usually inserted
in a border at the foot of a north wall, sometimes under hand-
glasses, and failing them in the open border. This is done
because such cuttings emit roots freely in such a position.
Hand-glasses are certainly preferable, as they tend to promote
@ more prompt and ready emission of roots, and also check
evaporation from which Carnations are apt to suffer.

Rose cuttings should be made from stout shoots which have
borne flowers in the current season, as was explained in these
pages very lately. I used formerly to consider the protection
of a glazed frame necessary for them and have advised its use,
but subsequent experience has led me to discontinue it and to
insert the cuttings in an open border a little deeper in the soil
than when ineerted in pots under glass. If due care is given
to this and to select shoots which are stout in growth and
firm in texture, I fail to see why all sorts of Roses may not be
raised from cuttings with the greatest ease. I know well that
there are very few sorts which fail to grow freely and well
upon their own roots when under really good culture. But the
Rose is a greedy plant, requiring liberal supplies of rich food,
and no half-and-half measures will answer in its treatment.

It is not always that cuttings of bedding plants such as
Heliotropes, Verbenas, Petunias, Lantanas, Cupheas, and
Ageratums can be made go early in the season as could be
desired, nor is it always an easy matter to obtain a supply of
cuttings when the beds are crowded and the growth old and
hard. It is therefore good practice to plant a reserve plant or
two now in a cool border sheltered by a hedge or north wall,
solely with a view of providing a few stout cuttings for stock
later on. This method is especially applicable to Verbenas ;
and then if cool autumnal nights steal upon us before the cut-
tings are in we have only to make a slight bed of grass-mow-
ings and leaves whereon to place our frame or hand-glass,
under which we plunge our cutting pots to the rims in the bed,
and a supply of sturdy plants is quickly forthcoming.

Rhododendrons are generally raised by sowing seed, by graft-
ing, and by layering. If ‘‘ Pacey’? wishes to increase the
number of any favourite sort he will probably best succeed by
pegging-down—layering—some of the lower branches 3 or
4 inches under the soil. I prefer doing this fully a month
earlier, just when the new growth appears, but it may be done
now onward to the autumn successfully.—Epwarp LuckHuRsT.

TREES AND FLOWERS.

Amone the chief silent friends, comforters, and cheerers of
man are trees and flowers. I have sometimes asked myself,
Which gave me the more pleasure? Perhaps a reader will
answer readily, ‘‘Flowers.” But thinka moment. Time and
continuity are great tests of friendship, and these tests trees
will bear; for flowers soon wither, die down, perish, but
trees are more constant—they abide by us always, they are
neighbours, I might almost say, for ever. ~

Not only are trees with us in leafy June, one of the most

78 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

enjoyable of months of all the year, in their bright green
splendour, but when autumn comes there they still are—clad
in another garb of beauty, more gorgeous though not so glad;
and even in winter, who would wish to be without their tree
neighbours? The perfect symmetry of a tree is never better seen
than in winter, and the dullest eye and heart recognise their
vernal beauty; also, there are trees which openly show no
change in their leaves, and so gladden us all along the dreary
season by their greenness. Moreover, in those that shed their
leafy garb see the fantastic forms of beauty which they become
when decked by a hoar frost or a snow storm, especially by the
former. I would say that nothing takes off the dreary feeling
of winter so much as the presence around us of fine-grown
trees. When all that out of doors formerly cheered us is gone ;
when flowers, corn fields, and green grass are no more; when
hedges have become mere dark lines or intersected branchlets,
yet the trees are there around us still, and present with us to
comfort us.

Perhaps no one can so thoroughly appreciate the value of
fruit trees as one born or having lived many years among
them. The treeless plains, like prairies, are akin to the ocean’s
calm, and on them companionship seems lost. We read of
one where the architect wished to cut away a noble old tree,
who said, ‘‘No! move the hotse, but you cannot grow such a
tree in my lifetime. Oh! the hours of pleasure I have taken
under its shade, and the sweet memories of youth and its
associates they bring are beyond all of art’s splendours.”

Let trees have their meed of praise. They aro the constant
abiding friends to us. They vary indeed according to season,
but each variation is a separate beauty; bud, leaf, lighter at
first, then darker; then come the richly autumnal tints, and
then the grand visible branches stretching far and wide during
the winter months; long, low-hanging limbs lying above and
not far above the backs of animals that minister to our daily
comforts, and when the heavy frosts come the whole tree is
Standing jewel-decked.

But let flowers have their meed of praise. They are the
loveliest of all things while they last; bright visitors whose
coming is looked forward to with longing—bright visitors that
leave behind them pleasant memories, who are talked of after
they have left us.

I liken perennials to old friends that come and stay with us
& few days each year—old, old friends, whom we have known
sO many years that we cannot tell exactly where our friendship
began. Then as flowers differ in appearance, I liken them
to different friends. Some I compare to quiet maiden aunts,
whom all the children gather round and love, whom the
youngest—that little impatient youngest one—obeys readily
and feels happy in so doing. Other flowers, not a bit like
these, so my fancy runs, are so bright and good-looking that I
compare their visit to that of some bright-eyed merry girl—
merry, so merry that she makes the house ring with laughter
—mMerry, so merry that she even ‘‘ makes a sunshine in a
shady place,” and her visit has made such a difference to the
quiet-home routine that when she is gone you wonder and
mark the change, and sigh to think that in a few years the
world’s heavy weight will subdue to a quieter tone even that
merry laugh. Aud so of other and other flowers.

Lastly, of trees and flowers: the former we wish to haye,
the latter we must have, as the child will pluck the Daisies.
Happily our craying can be readily satisfied, for flowers are
easily carried into the heart of great cities, placed by sick beds,
found or taken everywhere. No need of choice sorts for these
purposes. The nosegay of common flowers from a common
garden, the Lilac or Spirma, or those from the woods are
sufficient unto the sick, are welcome and give untold happi-
ness.— F'. R. Exx1oet, Cleveland, Ohio.

THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE w a GREENHOUSE.
PROLOGUE.

Havina as an amateur been very successful in raising a
rather large family of plants and flowers—for I always call
them my children, and perhaps tend them with as much loving
care as though they were endowed with human instead of
plant life—I have for some time past thought of giving my
experience for the benefit of those whose tastes are akin to
my own but fail to attain the results. I must first say that
my knowledge of plants and flowers is so exceedingly limited
that I am really not certain when I raise a good thing, having
had so few opportunities of comparison, and it is of course
only by comparing that one can judge; so it suggested itself

[ July 26, 1877.

to me to write to the Editors of our Journal, sending at the
same time a few specimens of the flowers I raised, and ask
them if they were really worthy of commendation. I did so,
and received a most satisfactory answer; hence this attempt
to give my fellow workers a few simple results. ;

I began with a frame, and would advise others to do so, for
a frame is but a greenhouse in miniature, and we certainly
ought to master our letters before we attempt to read. A
frame—well, what is aframe? Mine was an old box 24 inches
by 12, cut off on a slant and covered with a single sheet of
glass simply laid on the top. In March I sowed half with
Tagetes and the other half with Phlox Drummondi. When
about 2 inches in height I transplanted the best of the seed-
lings to another frame about 2 inches apart, let them grow,
pinched out the tops in about a fortnight, then at bedding-out
time (May 20th) planted them out. Well, you will say perhaps,
‘““What then? We have grown the same things without all
that trouble.” Ah! but how about results? The Tagetes were
enormous, and though I planted them 18 inches apart their
frond-like leaves overlapped ; and as to the Phlox, my friends
told me they had never seen their like though they grew them
—and why? Simply because they had never taken the trouble.
Iremember reading in our Journal how to protect Peas from
birds by stretching black threads across and across the rows. I
tried it, found it thoroughly effectual, told my friends who
complained bitterly of the birds eating half their Peas. What
did they do? Used white thread instead of black, though I
had given them the reason for using the latter—viz., that the
birds seeing the white threads avoid them, but the black being
invisible gcare them on coming in contact, the birds evidently
suspecting a trap. However, they who used white thread lost
their Peas, which is a grim satisfaction to those who gave
tested and practical advice.

I trust my readers will not be impatient to get to the green-
house. In my next paper I will relate how I constructed my
greenhouse for £12 15s., including a thoroughly efficient heat-
ing apparatus, not only to grow Geraniums, but such plants
as Gardenia, Stephanotis, Gloxinia, &c.—Rezspice Finem.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW.

[Tue Report for the year 1876 has been issued. We extract
the following. ]

The number of visitors exhibits a considerable falling-off as
compared with last year, being just below 600,000 (596,865).
This is the smallest number since 1872. A comparison of the
figures given in the appendix will show that the diminution in
the whole attendance is largely accounted for by the diminution
in the months of May and June, during the former of which
cold and easterly winds prevailed. On the 7th of August the
Royal Gardens were visited by 64,163 persons, the largest
number which has ever been recorded for any one day.

In the Palm house a great improvement has been obtained
in the general effect. It has been found necessary to cut down
nearly all the large Palms on the north side of the transept,
and plant out others in their place. The following are the
more important changes:

Arenga saccharifera cut down and replaced by Sabal glau-
cescens. Livistona inermis (Lu. australis), ‘‘ Bot. Mag.” 6274,
cut down and replaced by Phoenix dactylifera. Sabal glau-
cescens transplanted and replaced by Astrocaryum rostratum.
Acrocomia sclerocarpa cut down and replaced by Thrinax
aculeata. Sabal umbraculifera cut down and replaced by
Livistona chinensis. Veitchia canterburyana transplanted and
replaced by Ceroxylon andicola. Phytelephas macrocarpa re-
moved and replaced by Attalea Cohune. Areca alba cut down
and replaced by ‘‘ Huterpe pisifera.”’

The number of species and varieties of Ferns in the Royal
Gardens is now upwards of one thousand.

Inp1A RuspperR.—On the 14th of June of last year Mr. H. A.
Wickham, a resident on the Amazons, who had been com-
missioned by the India office to collect seeds of the Hevea
brasiliensis, arrived in England with 70,000, obtained on the
Rio Tapajos. In consequence of their retaining vitality for
but a very short period they were all sown the day after
arrival, and, although not contained in pans, covered a space
of over 300 equare feet closely packed together. About 32 per
cent. germinated, some as early as the fourth day after sowing,
and many in a few days reached a height of 18 inches. Up-
wards of 1900 plants were transmitted August 12th in thirty-
eight Wardian cases made specially to accommodate the rapid
growth of the seedlings, to Ceylon under charge of a gardener.

ge

Wn acy

= Da aced

July 26, 1877. ]

Of the whole consignment 90 per cent. of the plants reached
Dr. Thwaites in excellent condition, and they will remain in
Ceylon for the present under an arrangement which I suggested
between the Indian and Colonial offices, that the young plants
which could not thrive in the climate of Calcutta or any of the
more accessible gardens of continental India, should be nursed
and established in Ceylon for subsequent transmission through
the Indian gardens of Assam, Burma, and other hot damp
provinces of India proper.

Tra. —The establishment of Tea plantations in Ceylon, which
date from about 1868, to which I alluded in my report for 1873,
is now a proved success. Samples communicated to Kew have
been pronounced by experienced brokers as of very excellent
quality.

THALICTRUMS FOR MIXING WITH CUT
FLOWERS.

Prruars there is no greenery so acceptable for making up
nosegays, or for mixing with cut flowers generally, as Maiden-
hair Ferns. There are, however, many who do not possess the
means of growing these Ferns, but who are much in the habit
of arranging flowers in nosegays and glasses; and to them I
would strongly recommend the growth of a few Thalictrums,
the foliage of which in appearance very much resembles Adian-
tum cuneatum, commonly known as the Maiden-hair Fern.

Thalictrum adiantiforme being probably the most elegant of
the genus, I place it first. Itis a distinct and lovely species,
the foliage of which has astriking resemblance to the Maiden-
hair Ferns. It is a lovely border or rockwork plant, and is
most elegant for mixing with cut flowers. T. adiantiforme
glaucum is in all respects similar to the preceding except in
the colour of its leaves, which are of a glaucous green; and
owing to the variety of colour which it gives, it is very effective
for decorative purposes. T. minus is a very neat and distinct
variety, which, from the neatness and compactness of its
foliage, is sweetly pretty when mixed with cut flowers in small
glasses or nosegays. These are perfectly hardy plants, and no
one who can possess them need ever be at a loss for good sub-
stitutes for Adiantum fronds for mixing with flowers.—T. M.
(in The Gardener).

OBSERVING INJURIOUS INSECTS.

Some reference has been already made in these pages to a
small pamphlet entitled ‘‘ Notes for Observations of Injurious
Insects,” and which, though prepared by its author with a
more immediate bearing on agriculture, stands also in close
relation to horticulture. As an entomologist I wish to offer
a few remarks upon it, though not in any spirit of carping
criticism. I quite endorse all that is said on the desirable-
ness of obtaining regular observations on the appearances and
habits of destructive insects from every county throughout
these islands. Such observations might be made by farmers,
gardeners, and naturalists with far less trouble and expense
than meteorological observations, and I suppose they would be
quite as valuable. Also the statement is highly important that
amongst the particulars to be noted those chiefly to be attended
to are the “ presence of surroundings,” the “ agricultural [and
geological ?] conditions,” and the ‘‘ state of the weather.” So
much for the outset, and then follows a brief description of
sixteen insects, singled out from their brethren either, as most
would assume, because they are offenders of the deepest dye,
or else, perhaps, because they are more easily observed than
are others. It is said in the pamphlet that these are “ selected
for observation,” and though it may be esteemed desirable to
have a summarised list of injurious insects, especially of those
which frequent gardens as well as fields, we have no right to
quarrel with a special list provided it is well drawn up.

But—there’s the rub—I do not conaider this list is by any
means a happy selection considered either in regard to its
insertions or its omissions ; in the case of the latter, doubtless
the author of the ‘‘ Notes” could give his reasons why he has
passed by some species which really need attentive observation,
and which are sufficiently conspicuous for anyone to take
notes as to their economy. It seems odd to have no mention
of such destructive beetles as are those of the genus Otiorhyn-
chus, or that widely-distributed nuisance of spring the Aphro-
phora spumaria; and aphides, we all know, are troublesome
to the farmer as well as the gardener. Or, taking the order
Lepidoptera, we might ask why such species as Cheimatobia
brumata, Triphena pronuba, or Plusia gamma should not be

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

79

specified? In fact, instead of sixteen one could easily make
out a ‘“‘century’’ of injurious insects, and leave many species
not included therein.

Examining, however, the particular species which are actually
contained in this list, we find merely a sentence is given to a
passing mention of Agrotis segetum, but it is not numbered
amongst the sixteen, though the ravenous caterpillars of this
and of some allied species are every year caught in the act of
depredation, and they furnish good scope for observation, for
surface or root-feading caterpillars are ticklish to deal with.
Leaving out of our calculation three species named as im-
portant enemies of our corn crops, we have thirteen left in
which we may be supposed to be interested as horticulturists.
Nothing need be said against the mention of Haltica nemorum,
Anthomyia ceparum, Psila Rose, Mamestra Brassicm, Pieris
Brassice, Agriotes obscurus, Tephrites onopordinis, and Athalia
spinarum, though in naming some of these, closely connected
species might have been referred to; as, for instance, with
M. Brassice, M. Persicaria also. Besides the moth just named
only one more is specified—Abraxas Grossulariata, which cer-
tainly commits damage in gardens (it appears, however, to infest
Gooseberries and Currants less commonly when they are grown
in open places at some distance apart), yet on the whole I
believe it is less harmful than the Gooseberry Sawfly. The
four insects yet to be named should not, I think, have been
placed on the list at all. The first of these is Sirex gigas, which
certainly attacks the Fir in its larval state, but has nothing to
do with our food crops. The second, Asilus Crabroniformis, is
a species decidedly beneficial, so far as we know it, for the
imago preys on smaller flies, and the larva, though presumed
to be a subterranean feeder, is not suspected of attacking
cultivated plants. Colias Edusa, the ‘‘ Clouded Yellow” But-
terfly, breeds in Clover fields; but neither in England nor on
the Continent has it ever been sufficiently numerous to do any
perceptible damage. Lastly, Neuroterus lenticularis is added,
and it is almost laughable to speak of this as a hurtful species,
for it can only be accused of disfiguring leaves, chiefly those
of the Oak, by producing the scarlet disks with which we are
all familiar. Still, if it has defects, I also admit this list is
likely to do good by promoting regular inquiry into the habits
of field or garden insects.—J. R. S. C.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—LOOSESTRIFES.

THE common name was given to this family from the quality
absurdly ascribed to it by the ancients of quieting restive oxen
when put upon their yokes. Linneus tells us that it was
botanically named after King Lysimachus of Sicily, who first
used it.

The species of Lysimachia are not very numerous, but of
late years we have had some additions, yet we seldom meet
with many of them in cultivation. They may not, in the esti-
mation of the casual observer, haye the attractive properties
that some of our border flowers possess, but to those interested
in the cultivation of herbaceous plants they have their charms.
They are a widely distributed family, especially Lysimachia
vulgaris, which is not only found wild in many places in our
own land, but in other countries too. It is quite a sight to see
this occupant of moist places by the sides of ditches and
streams in some of the northern counties in the late months
of summer, lifting its large panicles of pretty yellow flowers
above the hedges. It is a fine plant for affording cut flowers,
which keep long in beauty. When once established it is not
easy to eradicate, having underground stems. It is a strong
grower, and is not particular as to soil or situation; a fine
plant for waste out-of-the-way places. Lysimachia clethroides
is a fine border plant, having pretty white flowers. It is of
pleasing habit, and only needs to be seen to be appreciated. Ly-
simachia Nummularia, our own Creeping Jenny, and its golden
descendant are charming plants for rockeries or moist places
in partial shade; they are useful too for vase or basket decora-
tion, and for planting near the margin of ponds and in damp
places. Their beautiful yellow flowers have the appearance of
a sheet of gold. UL. thyrsiflora should have a corner near
every lake and pond. If not so beautiful as some others, its
rarity as a native plant claims for it a place in our estimation.
When seen in masses it is very attractive. It requires time
and care to get it established, and then leaving alone. Lysi-
machia punctata, a showy border flower, ought to be much
more cultivated than itis. It is one of the tallest of the race,
and makes a fine display when well established. LL. Epheme-
rum, one of the choicest of the family, is a grand plant, having

80 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Joly 26, 1877.

white flowers and pleasing habit—an acquisition, and useful
for exhibition. L. ciliata, stricta, verticillata, quadrifolia, and
others that might be named are all useful for shrubbery and
out-of-the-way places, and will flourish wherever they can ob-
tain light, air, and moisture. They are easily increased by
division when growth has commenced in spring.— VERITAS.

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, anp FRUITS.

Dycxis FRicIDA. Nat. ord., Bromeliacez. Linn., Hexandria
Trigynia.—' The species of Dyckia are mostly Brazilian, and
some of them come from the colder southern provinces. This
is probably the case with the accompanying plant, which
fiowered freely in the cool half of the succulent house at Kew
in February of the present year, and is now maturing its
capsules. It was received from Messrs. Linden under the
name of Pourretia frigida.”—(Bot. Mag., t. 6294.)

Ticripia LuTEA. Nat. ord., Iridacew. Linn., Monadelphia
Triandria.—“ It was named and well figured by Link, Klotzsch,
and Otto, from a specimen sent to the Berlin Botanic Garden,
from the island of Chiloe, by Professor Philippi in 1840. It
is the only species of Tigridia that comes from that part of the
world, all the other five that are known being Mexican. The
present drawing was made from a plant that flowered with
Mr. H. J. Elwes at Cirencester in the autumn of 1876,”—
(Ibid., t. 6295.)

Cypripepium Haynaupranum. Nat. ord., Orchidacez. Linn.,
Gynandria Diandria.—Native of the Philippine Islands.
Greenish white, blotched with dark brown. It flowered in
February at Messrs. Veitch’s, Chelsea. ‘‘It is named after his
Exeellency Dr. Ludwig Haynald, Archbishop of Kaloesa in
Hungary, whom Dr. Reichenbach justly commemorates a3 @
zealous botanist and an active promoter of science and art,
and whose name will ever be most honourably connected with
the development of Hungary.” —(Ibid., t. 6296.)

XANTHORRHEA utnor. Nat ord., Juncez. Linn., Hexandria

in company with Mr. Gunn), on Grass Tree Hill, near Hobar-
ton, and others from Victoria; whilst the much larger form
abounds near York Town, Tasmania, where, according to
Gunn, it covers hundreds of acres, to the exclusion of almost
every other plant. In December, 1841, Mr. Gunn describes
the country as being white with it, one plant producing thirty-
six flowering scapes, whereas in the following year he could
get only six or eight specimens in flower on the same spot.
From this he assumes that the Xanthorrhwas do not flower
every year. The copiously-flowering one may be that alluded
to by Mueller (Fragmenta, iv. 112), as possibly distinguishable
from X. minor, and if so to be called X. polystachya.

‘“‘X. minor was sent to Kew some years ago by Baron von
Miiller from the rich collections of the Melbourne Botanic
Gardens, of which he was the Director, and it flowered in
February of this year; its flowering season in Australia being
December and January.’’—(Ibid., t. 6297.)

Guopsa ScHompurcsu. Nat. ord., Zinziberacee. Linn.,
Monandria Monogynia.—‘‘Globba Schomburgkii was dis-
covered by the late Sir Robert Schomburgk when H.B.M.’s
Consul at Siam, who sent roots to Kew in 1864, where it has
flowered repeatedly in August. It has been distributed as
G. bulbifera, Roxb., from which and from all others it differs
in the curious panicles.” —(Ibid., t. 6298.)

Premier Pracu.— This fine Peach was raised a few years
ago in the Royal Gardens at Frogmore, and is the result of a
cross between the Grosse Mignonne and Bellegarde. In general
appearance it much resembles the latter variety. The fruit is
large, round, and of even outline, with a slight suture extend-
ing generally to the apex; the skin is purplish red, becoming
very dark when fully exposed to the stn, and often having
spots and blotches of dark red on the shady side and near the
base. The fieshis tender, juicy, and melting, with a delicious
flavour; and the flesh parts freely from the stone. This
variety truly deserves a place in every garden where Peaches
are grown on the open wall, on account of its hardiness,
healthy habit, and the good quality of its fruit. Mildew never
attacks it, and it is generally free from the other ills to which
Peach trees are subject.”—(Florist and Pomologist, n.8., X., 97.)

NOTES on VILLA anpD SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Fruit trees of all kinds are this season making free growth,
and the great difficulty will now be to have such growth fully
ripened ; therefore continue to train and nail-in the young wood

Monogynia.—‘‘ We have native specimens (gathered by myself | frail.

of wall trees, but let all superfluous growths be removed. Asa
rule the shoots should be trained sufficiently thinly that the
foliage of one branch does not overlap that of the next. The stop-
ping of pyramids and bush trees should be finished forthwith.
It will not be necessary to give any advice towards the thinning
of stone fruits, as in very few cases are there suflicient to half
recoup the labour expended upon them. Apples are more
plentiful than most other kinds of fruit, and go where you will
in Sarrey the same complaint is heard—no Pears, Plums, or
Cherries on the bush trees, and very few Peaches and Necta-
rines on the walls. Under these circumstances Grapes and
Melons will be the more valuable, and it will be well to secure
late crops of the latter.

Strawberries have now in most cases ceased bearing; the lay-
ing of ranners in pots for forcing or for renewing future planta-
tions must receive immediate attention. The late showery
weather has been favourable to the growth of runners, and the
earlier these are planted in their new situations the better, as
the stronger the plants become before winter the more fruit
may they be expected to bearnext season. In very few instances
will plantations remain in health and vigour many years, con-
sequently periodical renewal of plantations is absolutely neces-
sary; and though the Strawberry may be considered a surface-
rooting plant, not one delights more in deeply-trenched and well-
manured ground. In making a selection of kinds it is well to
remember that some sorts flourish and fruit well on some
soils, whereas on other soils they will do no good; but the fol-
lowing kinds do well in most situations: Keens’ Seedling and
Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury for the earliest crops, the first a
good-flavoured and early Strawberry, the latter a good grower
and prolific bearer. President, a good-looking and free- bearing
Strawberry, which ought to be in every collection. No Straw-
berry stands more highly in popular favour than President.
Sir Harry, a good old kind, and as Mr. Baker grows it at Coombe
Cottage it cannot be excelled. Mr. Baker says there are spu-
rious sorts of Sir Harry sent out. Dr. Hogg isa good and useful
Strawberry, but does not succeed in all situations. Lucas,
James Veitch, and Her Majesty are good sorts, and have much
to recommend them both for cropping and the large size of the
Her Majesty, as shown by Mr. Jordan at Wimbledon
this season, was one of the largest Strawberries we have ever
seen, and he speaks highly of it. Where a late kind is desired
there is none to excel the Elton Pine.

Roses require frequent attention to keep them orderly, taking
off all suckers and fading flowers as they appear, and running
the hoe frequently through the soil after rains, not only to keep
down weeds but to give an air of finish and tidiness to the beds.
The Rose is indeed an amateur’s plant, none moreso. No garden
however small is without a Rose, and its cultivation is a source
of delight. Budding should now be accomplished as rapidly as
possible. The first batch of Roses are over, and there are there-
fore plenty of buds to choose from. The weather has been
everything that could be desired, so that the stocks will be found
in good condition at the present time. In selecting the buds
take those that are plump and firm. Full directions for bud-
ding were given with cuts (which will do more to help begin-
ners than a page that could be written on the subject) in the
number for July 5th, page 12.

Camellias, Azaleas, Ericas, Epacrises, Acacias, Cytisus, Coro-
nillas, and all other hardwooded greenhouse plants are benefited
by being placed out of doors on a bed of ashes or onslates or tiles.
A north-west position should be selected if possible. The wood
then becomes gradually ripe and firm, which not only causes
them to set their blooms the better, but isa great preventive of
mildew, red spider, and other enemies. Watering such plants
frequently overhead after warm days does much good, but at the
same time see that they have free drainage, for very few continue
healthy if water stagnates about their roots. Late-blooming
plants of Aphelexis and Dracophyllum gracile are the better for
having their blooms cut off, praning them down to where they
commence new growths. Cuttings of Kalosanthes now strike very
freely and make useful decorative plants. Pelargoniums which
haye ripened their wood should be cut down, and the cuttings
inserted in small pots or in the open ground ; they make useful
plants by next spring. As the houses become emptied of their
contents it is a good time for cleaning and repairing. Paint
if applied now will become hardened and sweet by the time the
plants are placed in the houses for the winter. Cleanliness,
plenty of water, and moderate shading are the chief wants of
plants during summer.

In the kitchen garden all kinds of the Cabbage family may
be planted, if not already done, for winter supply. As early
Potatoes are lifted successive crops of Turnips, Coleworts,
Cabbage, &c., must be planted to fill up the ground. The main
crop of Endive may now be sown. The Broad-leaved kind is
useful during winter months as a culinary vegetable. Fraser’s
Improved Broad-leaved and Batavian are good sorts for this pur-
pose, but the Moss and Green-curled are most sought after for
salads. Sowings of Lettuce should also bs made, which will
help to carry on the supply until Christmas. Hicks’ Hardy

LL

July 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER. 81

White and the Brown Cos are useful sorts of the Cos varieties,
and the All the Year Round of the Cabbage varieties. The
ground between the Celery trenches is an admirable place to
perfect their growth.—_J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Tuts is the best time to propagate by budding those trees
that are best increased in that way, the most prominent being
Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Cherries, Apricots, and Pears on
the Quince. The buds inserted on the Quince stock should be
near the surface of the ground, in order that when the trees are
planted or potted to form orchard-house trees the union may
just be covered with soil. In respect of the others named this
is immaterial, as the trees can either be treated to produce
dwarfs or standards of any height. It is best to choose strong
fairly-matured young wood from which to take the buds; of the
Peach and Nectarine, which bear only on the young wood of
the previous year, there is considerable difficulty in procuring
buds, as those only can be used that are in triplets. The
middle bud will produce a shoot and the side buds blossoms.
All single buds are blossom buds. As detailed and illustrated
articles have so recently appeared in this Journal on budding
Roses, and as the method of budding fruit trees is similar, there
is no need to say any more about it here. In three weeks after
the operation has been performed it is well to look over the
work and loosen the bandage. Those buds of which the bark is
fresh and green have taken; the shrivelled and black buds are
dead, and a fresh one may be inserted in another part of the
stock. If the stocks are very dry at the roots it will be neces-

sary to give them a considerable supply of water, else the bark |

will not separate freely from the wood, and if it will not do this
suceessful budding is impossible.

Vines on walls now require to be carefully looked over and to
have all lateral and unnecessary growths removed. If the Vines
are crowded with young wood success can no more be looked
for on walls than in vineries mismanaged on the same principle.
The Vines which succeed best cultivated on walls—viz., the
Royal Muscadine and White Sweetwater, produce the finest
flavoured fruit when it is exposed to light and the influence of
the sun’s rays. Black Hamburgh succeeds well on walls in
favourable positions in the south of England, but the fruit must
not be so freely exposed as that of the white varieties. The
shoots should be laid-in securely and regularly over the walls,
and when this is the case a very pleasing effect is produced.
To be successful with the Sweetwater and Muscadine a supply
of strong young growths must be produced annually from the
base. The spurs do not produce well after the third year. We
would not have them more than two years old, especially if the
walls are under 9 feet in height. We need not say anything
about thinning-out the fruit this year, at least no one in this
district requires information about it.

Cherries have been a most abundant crop, and indeed all
small fruits. Oar wall trees have been looked over some time
ago, but those who have not yet stopped the laterals and laid-in
the young wood should lose no time in doing so. The trees will
grow the more freely the less fruit they produce. See that all
insect pests are destroyed if possible as soon as they appear.

PINE HOUSES.

The plants have been examined in all the houses, beginning
with the fruiting house, where a large proportion of the fruit
had been cleared off. The plants were furnished with some
strong suckers; these were taken off close to the old stem, and
have been potted in 7-inch pots, using good sound loam five
parts, one part of decayed manure, and a little charcoal broken
into pieces the size of a walnut. The pots are well drained,
and a little fibre placed over the potsherds prevents the com-
post from mixing with them. When potted we plunge the pots
to within an inch of the rim in a bed of tan fresh out of the tan-
Pits; this will raise the bottom heat to about 90° or 100°. The
old plants were thrown out, and all those on which the fruit
had not yet ripened were placed together at one end of the
bed. The plants intended to fruit next summer have been re-
moved to the fruiting house, and the pots also plunged in a bed
of fresh tan. They are not nearly so strong as we have had
them, but the leaves are broad, short, and well browned. We
have seen immensely strong plants that had been grownina
close moist atmosphere, and although they gave promise to pro-

uce great results they did not come up to expectation. The
Pine houses ought to be well supplied with fresh air and the
plants be freely exposed to the sun, maintaining at the same
time a sufficiently high temperature. Pine plants if kept in
conditions conducive to vigorous health are seldom attacked
either by scale or mealy bug; but a careful look-out must be
kept for these pests.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.
Where there is a large collection of hardwooded plants some-

thing will always be required to be done. Tying-out the young
growths, watching the plants for red spider, green fly, and scale,
and during hot dry weather attending to watering them, will
give ample pleasant employment to the ardent cultivator. Nor
will he allow any plants to suffer for want of repotting at the
proper time. One of the most useful plants is the Statice pro-
fusa. Ours were attacked by mildew, red spider, and green fly
at one time. We did not try any patent washes for them, but
made a solution of soapy water as strong as the leaves would
bear, and added a good proportion of flowers of sulphur. The
plants were held over a water-carrier in order to save the water,
which was applied again and again with the syringe until every
part of the leaves was well wetted; the effect of this being to
thoroughly cleanse the plants from all their enemies.

Stage Pelargoniums are still furnished with some fresh trusees
of finely developed flowers. Those that are faded are removed
at frequent intervals, so that the house is kepttidy. The earliest
plants are removed out of doors and do not receive a very large
supply of water at the roots; and as soon as the woodis ripened
the plants are cut down, but before doing this the soil in the
pots is allowed to become almost dusty dry, so that bleeding
som the cuts may be prevented and the wounds may heal more
readily.

Fuchsias are the most useful of plants for decorative purposes
to succeed stage Pelargoniums, and no garden ought to be with-
out a selection of them. Plants raised from cuttings struck
early in the spring show the most vigorous development if
potted in rich soil—good turfy loam four parts, well-decayed
manure, and a little bone dust and leaf soil added will make an
excellent compost. The varieties now in cultivation can hardly
be overgrown if the compost is not too strong for the roots,
their character is so floriferous. As arule young plants are the
best for general purposes, but a few large specimens have an
excellent effect arranged as a background on large stages. An
excellent effect is also produced by training a single stem to the
rafters of the greenhouse. At the nurseries of Mr. John Fraser,
Lea Bridge Road, muy be seen a number of plants trained in
this way annually. He strikes the cuttings in the autumn and
grows them on rapidly in such soil as has been recommended.
The plants are grown in 10-inch pots, and continue producing
enormous quantities of flowers all the summer and autumn.
The best varieties adapted for this work are Arabella, Constel-
lation, Delight, Josephine, Marginata, Puritani, Lustre, and
Snowdrop: these are sorts with single flowers. Of double
varieties there are Alpha, Champion of the World, Diadem,
Elegant, Empress, Harry Williams, La Neige, May Felton,
McMahon, Sir Colin Campbell, and Tower of London. The above
sorts are recommended by Mr. Fraser for this purpose, who says
that some sorts are better suited for this purpose than others.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

The Tulip roots have been lifted and stored away in a dry
cool loft for the present. Each sort was lifted separately, and
the roots with all offsets attached placed in a small flower pot
with a label, to be attended to at a more convenient season.
Tulips and Hyacinths in pots have also had the soil shaken from
the bulbs, but we are not very careful about the names to these.
The roots were thrown into baskets, and the best roots will be
potted, the Hyacinths three in a pot, and the Tulips about six.

As the Carnations go out of bloom those plants that are in
pots are placed out of doors in a position well exposed to the
sup, and the grass will be layered when it is in good condition.
Auriculas bshind a north wall are still enjoying a quiet rest.
They do not require much water at present, but they must not
be allowed to become too dry at the roots, and when tre sun
comes round to the frames in the afternoon it will be well to
throw a slight shade over the glass. As we expected, the pipings
of Pinks are not striking very freely, except those that were
very small and composed of the side growths. Gross succulent
shoots do not root freely under any circumstances. If any
varieties refuse to strike roots more suitable pipings may be
obtained in a week or two.

Gladioli are very late in offering to throw up the spikes this
year, the reasons being a late season, and there was no oppor-
tunity of planting any roots early owing to the continued wet
and cold; but the appearance of the plants suggests that we
shall have a good bloom. The surface of the beds has been
mulched with manure, and they have received one good water-
ing. Dahlias and Hollyhocks will now engage much attention.
The surface of the ground must be mulched, and the plants
watered if they require it. Both are gross feeders, and can take
in dry weather a plentiful supply of manure water.—J. Doueuas.

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 unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

82 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions atouce. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

Ravine HortTicuLTuRAL Structures (J. W. W.).—They are not exempt
from the supervision of the Local Board. If the buildings are rated your
appeal is to the Quarter Sessions.

Waitt MartaGon (Mrs. J. N.).—A similar flower was exhibited by Mr.
G. F. Wilson at the Royal Horticultural Society on the 17th inst. He called
it Martagon album.

BRuGMANSIA LEAVES INSECT-EATEN (Mrs. L.).—Look for the marander
with the aid of a candle at night. The injury is probably caused by a night-
feeding weevil.

LavrEL LEAves (M. W., Cork).—They are perforated by some weevil, not
by the Acari you enclosed. We can only suggest placing a sheet beneath the
bushes, shaking these and destroying the insects which fall upon it. The
Gloxinias require more heat, and the Capsicum better culture. The deficiency
we cannot surmise.

Briar Stocks (Paddle).—Plant young shoots as early as possible, and
leave the old Briars where they are. They would be grand stocks in two
years’ time, and quite fit for budding Teas on in one year. October is the
best month for inserting them, and a single wild Briar will furnish often five
or six shoots.—WYLD SavaGE.

Stocks, WALLFLOWERS, AND CARNATIONS (Amatewr).—You have manured

them too liberally whilst they were young, so that they have produced leaves
only. They are over-luxuriant.

Primvna Seepuincs (EZ. R.).—Pull off the seed skin which remains on°

the cotyledon leaves.

Are-TIGHT VinerRy (4, Boyle).— OBSERVER” informs us that the Grapes
grown in the air-tight vinery “are not thick-skinned, neither deficient in
flavour or poor in colour. He also states that the building is cheaply con-
structed by having all the woodwork prepared at saw miils, as it is chiefly
composed of grooved rafters. A pattern rafter is sent tothe mills, where any
quantity like it can be obtained at one-third less than if cut-out by hand.

Brack HamMBurGH GRAPES NoT CoLouRING (J. D.).—The defect is pro-
bably caused by the crop being too large and the roots not being supplied
with sufficient water and a little liquid manure.

CucUMBERS WITHERING (J. H.).—It probably arises from defective root-
action. Apply a little weak liquid manure and thin the fruit severely. You
have allowed too many to remain on the plants.

Savors AND Broccotis Bottrnc (Dan).—This and the clubbing was
Occasioned probably by the supply of water to the roots being deficient.

Earty BEATRICE AND Harty LovisE Peacues (£. D. L.).—They are
medium-sized fruits about 24 inches in diameter. They are not liable to
crack if grown in a favourable temperature and moisture.

BanksiaN RosE Not FLOwermna (H. J.).—Throw away your pruning
knife and you will have a profusion of bloom in a yearortwo. At any rate
avoid any attempt at scientific pruning in your treatment of this Rose, for
it is upon that rough twiggy growth that the flowers appear in full abundance,
and as this when left on has an unkempt untidy air, you have probably
diligently removed it in the thinning-out process which you describe. In
the south of France, where this Rose is left to ramble over arbours, old trees,
or any rough surfaces, it is never pruned, and soon forms dense thickets,
which are a perfect cloud of bloom in the flowering season.

SEEDLING PELARGONIUMS (C. Neilson).—You incur a fruitless expense in
sending the flowers. The petals are shed, and we can only say they seem
handsome, but not superior to many of the legions of varieties to be pur-
chased at the florists,

Ross (W. Wallace).—We believe it to be Niphetos. You must write to
Mr. Pearson for the cutting you name.

DovusLE TEN-WEEK Stouk (A Constant Reader).—The specimen is very
good,and we have no doubt the robustness is due to the use of manure water.
No one can identify a Rose from a single bloom, the varieties are a legion.
Where properly supplied with manure and water Chrysanthemums are looking
very well.

Toure TREE (A. Lighton).—It is the Liriodendron Tulipifera, a hardy tree,
native of North America. Itis not uncommon. There is a fine specimen in
Kensington Gardens.

Rosr Leaves (M.P.).—The brown blotches on the leaves indicate that the
roots have not had a sufficient supply of either manure or water, or both.

BraGontas (Inquirer).—The flowers are good but not superior to many
others well known. The silver variegation of the leaves we do not think can
be an improvement.

STRAWBERRIES (W. J. M.).—Dr. Hogg is superior to British Queen on
some soils; three other excellent kinds are Sir C. Napier, La Grosse Su-
crée,and Frogmore Late Pine. Waste neither time nor space upon barren
Strawberry plante, but destroy those which were planted in 1875 and are still
unfruitful, and replace them with runners taken from plants that are actually
fruiting well now. Strawberries should be watered freely in dry weather,
during the season of growth and fruiting.

HEATING AND PLANTING A VINERY (A. S.).—You deserve success, and we
congratulate you on your industry in having made with your own hands
duriog morning and evening hours a span-roofed vinery 20 feet long, 11 feet
wide, and 11 feet high, finished so well as is shown in the sketch you have
forwarded to us. We doubt, however, if you will have sufficient top ventila-
tion during a hot summer; but you caneasily supply the deficiency, if it isa
deficiency, by removing, if required, a square of glass from each end of the
house next the apex. We think ycur mode of making the house portable is
good. Such a stove as the one to which you refer would not be sufficient to
exclude frost from your house. With two of the stoves you would be safe,
and you would not have any difficulty with the down draught. We do not
approve of the earthenware fius, We have seen one formed 100 feet in
length which had to be removed on account of the pipes cracking, If you
can incur the expense of a boiler and hot-water pipes adopt that mode of
heating; if not, try the stoves. Your ‘ practical hot-water friend” will pro-
bably give you good advice. You can fix the pipes yourself with indiarubber

[ July 26, 1877.

rings, and so render them portable. It is not imperative that you heat the
house this year, or until you obtain plants as wellas Vines. If your inside
border is good, and you support the Vines well by giving sufficient water,
your mode of planting five Vines on each side of the house would give you
the quickest return of fruit; or, as the roof is not lengthy, three ‘Vines on
each side, taking up two canes from each, would probably answer as well.
But as amateurs sometimes fail with Vines wholly in inside borders, we
should also plant two Vines at the end where you say “the roots could grow
outside as well as inside.” If these Vines are found to thrive the better
—which is probable if the natural soil of the garden is good—we should
grow them on the extension system, removing the others as the space 1s
required for the permanent canes. The supernumeraries—the inside Vines,
would more than pay for their cost and keep if fairly well managed. Plant
the permanent Vines at the corners of the house, and let them grow ina
free upright position during the first season. In the winter cut them down
to the base of the rafter—the corners of the houses, or if very strong they
may extend 2 feet from the ends, from whence the first upright cane must
be taken, the terminal eye being also encouraged for extension, the cane
which it forms being pruned in the winter near the point where you desire
the next rod to issue. Continue that practice until your house is filled,
training the rods of your permanent Vines between the supernumeraries,
which should be at 3} feet apart. The terminal shoots of yoar permanent
Vines should be permitted to grow in an oblique direction during the sam-
mer, depressing the canes at the winter pruning. The subsidiary Vines
need not be pruned so closely, your object with them being to obtain fruit as
quickly as possible, but do not permit their foliage to shade the leaves of the
extension Vines. Do not have the wires nearer to the glass than 16 inches.
The best Grape for your purpose is the Black Hamburgh, but if you desire
white Grapes you might plant a Vine each of Foster’s Seedling and Buckland
Sweetwater. t r
HEATING VINERY AND GREENHOUSE (——).—Unless your vinery 18 very
wide and lofty you will not require pipes all round the house just to keep
frost out. A 4inch flow pipe from the north-west corner to the south-east
corner, anda return pipe underneath the flow, conducting back to the boiler,
will afford you security from frost. We do not see how you can arrange the
pipes except by having a trench in the floor and a cast-iron grating for cover-
ing it. Ifthe pipes were not considered objectionable if placed on the floor
at the front of the west-end border and rockery, there is still the difficulty of
the outer doorway at the west end of the house. You must either cut the
cement floor and place the pipes in a trench as suggested, or submit to the
inconvenience of their crossing the doorway and conducting them above
ground as far as the dining-room door (not across it) and back to the boiler.

TRAINING PEAR TREES (J. E.).—We do not consider your plan a good one,
for the simple reason that eventually when the tree reaches its limits of
space an excess of vigour will soon be developed in the upper portion at the
expense of the lower part. The very best method of training the Pear on
walls and as espaliers is that form which was originated by the French, and
by them termed Palmette verrier, and which is simply an improvement of
the old horizontal espalier, each branch being trained horizontally for a
certain distance, and then turned upwards and continued to the top, so that
the end of every branch is upon a common level at the top instead of at the
sides of the tree as used to be the case, thus securing that important object,
an equal distribution of vigour in every part of the tree.

STRAWBERRIES AND Sivas (S. E. W.).—Quicklime spread between the
rows when the Strawberries are ripening is an effectual protection. It re-
quires repeating if rain occurs. Strawberries, we may add, are seldom in-
jured by slugs if cut straw—that is, straw cut into lengths of about an inch,
is spread over the surface of the ground to keep the fruit clean. For the
aphis mixture try the different strengths and use that you find most effectual.
We find a quarter of a pound of quassia chips to four gallons of water
sufficient. Do not omit the soft soap; it will not injure the Rose buds, and
may be syringed off or removed by the first rainfall.

VEGETABLE Marrows nor Swe trne (4. M.).—The most general cause
is want of moisture; but in your case we think over-rich soil, inducing undue
luxuriance, is the most likely cause. Instead of cutting off any leaves we
should thin out the shoots and allow the plants to grow at will, not limiting
them as to space, and we think you will have fruit abundantly. Apply water
only during dry hot weather.

Mizpew on Roszs (Alfred).—Mildew, and aphides, and red fungus, and
all other ills which Roses are liable to arise from check, and this may be
caused either by severe weather, drought, or an exposed situation. Where
Roses are in a good state of health and growing freely it is quite exceptional
to see any of these drawbacks. In Mr. Baker’s rosery at Heavitree are about
four thousand Manetti Roses growing 3 feet high with the greatest luxuriance,
and no signs of mildew or blight of any kind. The remedies for mildew are
so numerous that it is a difficult matter to reeommendany one. Try dusting
the leaves with soot, leaving it there for a day and then washing it off. Soft
soap can be applied with a brush, and will also answer your purpose.

Buppinc Manertr Srocxs (Idem).—The stocks being in rows earthed-up
like Potatoes, take a hoe or spud and remove the earth from the stock, so as
to insert the bud as low as possible. When this is done proceed to cut the
bud just the same as you do for the Briars, aud make anincision as low down
as you possibly can; the lower down the better, as the fewer will be the
suckers. Indeed you should almost bud on the roots if possible, at any rate
strive to insert the buds as low as you can. Only insert one bud in each
stock. Choose the same side of the stock all down the line, and also select
a place as free from knobs or irregularities as you can find. Make the
incision in the form of a T, and when the bud is safely in tie up well beyond
each end of the bud with rough cotton or worsted, Ladies often use wool,
and nurserymen bass or roffia or cotton. You must not replace the earth,
put leave the bud showing, or rather the cotton, so that in the course of a
week you can see whether the bud has taken or not. If it has not, bud the
other side of the stock. Do not touch the Manetti shoots, but leave them to
grow as luxnriantly as they will till the following spring, then remove the
cotton and cut back the Manetti to the bud. The best time for budding the
Manetti is after rain, and if you haye no rain give the stocks a copious water-
ing and you will find the bark run. August is the best time for pudding
Manettis, All the kinds you have named do well on the Manetti; in fact all
Hybrid Perpetuals except La France, which, haying some Tea blood, never
does so well on this stock as on the Briar. }

CurprinG EvERGREENS (S.).—The evergreens being in good form, the best
time to clip them is early in August, but the shears must only be applied to
such subjects as Yew. Common and Portugal Laurel should only have irre-
gularities of growth removed with a knife or scissors, the secateur being the
most handy implement; and in cutting-in care must be taken to leaye some

ae

July 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 83

leaves of the current year’s growth. If the evergreens are overgrown and
require cutting-back severely the best time to perform the operation is during
moist mild weather at the close of March or early in April, at which time
you may cut them back to any extent, shortening any irregularities of growth
in August.

TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS (Idem).—Late in September if the weather
is moist and until the middle of November, and from the middle of February
until the middle of April, are the times we have been most successful with
evergreen removals. Hemlock Spruce may be moved at the same time. It
is a very graceful tree, but requiring shelter and a moist situation, doing
fairly well in moderate shade.

KLEINIA REPENS.— J. B.” wishes to know where it can be obtained.

AppiyInG Liqguip Manure To Vines (J. W. L.).—When the Grapes are
swelling liquid manure does most good, and as a general rule that is the best
time to give the border a thorough drenching with it; but if the drainage is
defective all due caution must be taken not to overwater, or shanking will in-
evitably follow. As you manured the border last winter no doubt the rain
water has conveyed much nutriment down to the roots; but as the crop is
heavy do not hesitate to pour on sewage if the drainage is sound, for there
can be no question that it will be beneficial to the Vines, promoting both the
swelling of the fruit and a strong wood-growth for the next season. Wecon-
gratulate you on your successful management of such old Vines.

Briak STooks For Roses (G. C. A.).—Stocks of the Dog Rose should be
procured in autumn, towards the month of November, for ordinary soils; but
if to be planted in wet ground the spring is preferable. The most advanta-
geous plants for stocks are those two or three years old, about the thickness
of the thumb, the bark of which is either of a smooth grey or grey striped
with green. The stock should be long, straight, and with a good root.
Before planting, all the old decayed roots should be carefully trimmed off, as
well as all superfluous knots or branches. If a saw is applied for this pur-
pose the wounds should be closed up with the pruning knife and the cica-
trices covered with grafting wax. The stock thus prepared of the height
desired should be straight and smooth as a walking-stick. If planted in
lines posts can be placed at intervals with a rail, to which each stock may
be carefully attached by osier bands. This is the best mode of planting for
@ nursery ground.

Fuat STAGE AROUND GREENHOUSE (Eve).—The best description of stage
for a greenhonse is one formed cf laths 1} inch wide and 1 inch thick, with
one-inch space between the laths, nailed to cross pieces 3 inches by 24, fixed
3 feet apart, one end let into the wall and the other end supported by wooden
uprights 3 inches square, which should stand upon a brick or stone base
slightly raised above the floor. The laths to be fixed widest side upward,
and the cross pieces narrowmost ; the whole to be dressed and have at least
aces coats of oil paint, to be thoroughly dry before the pots are placed upon

e stage.

Names oF Prants (Miss Dennis).—Catalpa syringmfolia. (R. C. C.).—
Lonicera Ledebouri. (Student, Hadlow).—We cannot name s0 many, nor
from such imperfect specimens of weeds. (Mrs. Holmes).—We cannot name
florists’ varieties. (Twelvemonths Subscriber).—Your Fern is probably a
species of Acrostichum. The Mock Orange is Philadelphus coronarius.
(H. N. 0.).—1, Rhododendron ferrngineum; 2, Gentiana caucasica; 3,
G. acaulis; 4, Genista sagittata; 5, Astrantia major. (4. W. C.).—All forms
of Athyrium Filix-feemina. 1 and 2 appear to bethe var. Frizellix. (V7. Perry).
—1, Stachys sylvatica; 2, Centaurea nigra; 5, Prunella vulgaris; 4, Agri-
monia Eupatoria; 5, Hypericum pulchrum ; 6, Crepisvirens. (P. McDonald).
—Cannot name from specimen sent.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

WEEDING.

Ir is time to begin. Probably many have been weeding
their yards of wasters for some weeks past, and birds which
evidently would never develope into good specimens have in
many places been by now doubtless eaten. Well and good: such
breeders work wisely, and by making room afford more scope
and opportunity for the rest to thrive. There are, however,
very many fanciers who never weed, who allow every bird they
can breed to come to maturity. They cling to a false hope that
a bad bird may in time make a good one, or that someone will
give them 3s. or 4s. more than the table price of a bird, even
though it may be a sooty-footed Dorking or a white-legeed Ham-
burgh, because it is reputed to be of a good strain. We beg
fanciers in their own interests as well as those of the fancy in
general to abstain from doing this. Annually we have a larger
glut of useless birds in the market, and annually we find the
prices for good specimens decrease; we do not mean of such
birds as will win at Birmingham or the Palace, for those will
probably always maintain their prices, but we allude to good
Specimens which would hold their own at country exhibitions.
The rubbish we see at show after show in the sale classes, the
few shillings we see charged for birds and eggs of well-known
strains, the perfect trash we see at auction sale-rooms, all help
to tell the story, and to show that hundreds of birds which
would make wholesome and palatable food are allowed to accu-
mulate, in the hope of selling them, until they have passed the
time when they would have proved the most serviceable for
home consumption. Those clinging to the hope by holding on
these wasters—badly marked, under-feathered, or faulty-clawed
birds, that they may some day obtain a better market for them,
do not surely realise what extra cost is entailed in the keep of
those fowls. They literally eat their heads off; and when at
last in a fit of despair they are sent by the owner to an auction
sale the low prices they probably fetch cannot repay the price
of the food that they have eaten, not to speak of the cost of

have taken up at home which better birds should have had.
This latter is a great point.

When yards are small or grass runs limited the smaller the
number of birds that are retained the better will they be. Over-
crowding means ruin to all. Underfeeding means the same;
consequently how much better must a dozen birds progress in
asmall yard than a score in the same place. The breeder is
indeed fortunate who has but few specimens under the mark.
By careful breeding, however, after a time the number should
of course be lessened, but there are very few good breeders who
do not obtain some “ weeds” every season. An amateur who
has had any fair amount of experience should know what to kill
and what to leave; and even if occasionally a mistake is made
the surviving birds will be better for the extra accommodation
and food. But mistakes like these seldom occur; and at any
rate the veriest beginner can weed-out single-combed birds
which should be double, or, vice versd, those with wrongly co-
loured legs and beaks or wry tails, and specimens with plumage
which no moult can ever make right. After he has bred fora
year or two his experience would be larger, and he could weed
out many others which before in ignorance he allowed to live.
There are plenty of beginners, we are sure, who buy the best
birds they can obtain for money, who get some skilled person to
mate them up for them, and yet who never come to the front in
the way that they ought todo. We believe the reason is that
they hatch too many for their accommodation and then do not
weed them out enough. Such a plan may do very well where
unlimited range can be given and the food can be supplied as
liberally as it can be eaten, though even then the more the knife
is used the better will the survivors be. There are, however,
many who have only a piece of a garden or a tiny paddock at
their disposal, but who wish to be winners and to breed ex-
hibition chickens; were such to kill off with discretion as soon
as the birds were fit to eat in any form one-half of all they bred,
we feel sure they would do infinitely better with the remainder.
We would not, of course, recommend amateurs to set to work
slaying half their broods when they had reached a certain age
jast for the sake of reducing the number to make room for the
others, as that would indeed be ridiculous; but when they have
acquired the means of distinguishing between fair and positively
indifferent birds, then they should never spare the latter.

No better time than the present is there to weed. In the
interval of writing these lines we have been out to condemn two
couples of chickens, and yet at many shows last year we saw
worse birds than those ordered to death; but we are assured
from experience and from the systematic way in which many
great breeders set about it, that it is very much better for any-
one who wants to establish or keep up a strain and make his
poultry profitable to send out to the fancy, or allow visitors to
inspect only half a score of well-conditioned and well-grown
than two hundred indifferent birds. As we said before, now is
the time to set to work, for most chickens by this time have
come to the age when merit can be determined upon; and in all
good faith we believe that those who weed freely now and in the
weeks which are coming on will have eventually much to be
grateful for, by obtaining better-grown specimens, and conse-
quently better prizes or better prices.— W.

WHICH IS THE MOST PROFITABLE BREED
OF FOWLS?

Ir is manifest that we must choose one of those breeds whose
mission in life is apparently to produce eggs at their master’s
pleasure, and from whom human art and skill have taken away
the natural desire of sitting. A tabulated form, in which is a
scale of the merits and demerits of each breed, will probably show
in the simplest manner an answer to the question. Take the
following breeds as the representatives of the non-sitting class :—

Egg- Hardi- ualityof Size of
prodaeiae ness. % Flesh. Egg. Total,
Spanish.............. 3 58 2 oe 3 00 1 3s 9
Leghorns ......0..... 2 36 al 56 3 go 2 oo 8
Hamburghs,Spangled. 2 Be 2 ine 2 4 2 oo 8
69 Pencilled. 1 ob 3 as 2 bo 8 50 9
Bs Black 2 a 2 56 1 co 2 D0 7
Minorcas ......... 2 we 1 ae 1 30 1 5

There is so little difference in these six leading varieties of
layers that there is no necessity for a wider variation of the
scale in the above table. The figure 1 will represent the highest
excellence in each characteristic, the figure 3 the lowest. Of
course there is wide room for difference of opinion as to the
merits of the various breeds specified, but the general ex-
perience of the writer is in accordance with the table—the
Pencilled Hamburgh ranking first as a layer, but last in size of
the egg and in hardiness; the Spangled Hamburgh being equal
to the Black except in the quality of flesh ; the Leghorn being
the equal of the Spanish in this last characteristic ; the Minorca
scaling the highest in all points except that of laying, and being
equal to the Leghorn in hardiness. All being unreliable and

carriage, entry fees, and baskets, and above all of the room they : almost worthless as sitters, no comparison is made between

8t

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 26, 1877,

them in this respect. The Polish, being but indifferent layers
in winter, as a rale—to which, however, there are many ex-
ceptions—have been omitted from the above list.—G. H. C. (in
Pet Stock Bulletin).

CLECKHEATON SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

_ Tue annual Show took place at Cleckheaton on the 21st inst.
in grounds much better adapted to the purpose than have been
used by this Society previously; the entries in poultry, Pigeons,
and Rabbits were 230, the poultry coming up least in numbers.

Game were but a moderate lot and correctly placed, as also
the larger varicties of poultry, except that we thought pen 4in
Brahmas ought to have displaced some other. Hamburghs
were good and correctly judged throughout, as also the Bantams
in all classes, which were certainly about the best section; the
rest of the poultry classes proving of no special interest.

Pigeons & better entry than poultry. Carriers were first on
the list; the first a well-shown Black cock; the second not so
good as pen 5 (Mawson), highly commended, which is much
larger in neck and better in beak wattle. Pouters, first Blue
and second Black, two good birds; and a Red highly com-
mended. In Tumblers the winners were both Almonds; the
first, a cock, was not nearly so good as the second hen, which is
broader in skall, higher in stop, and altogether a better class of
bird. Fantails were good and well placed. Dragoons, the
winners Blue; the first too flat on skull and fleshy-eyed; the
second altogether a better bird and much harder in cere. In
Jacobins also we considered the award a great mistake, the
second leading in all Jacobin points, being larger in hood, chain,
and feather generally than the first. Turbits, first Blue and
second Red, and well selected, as also the Antwerps, which were
very good in both Long and Short-faces.

In Rabbits were some good specimens, but the Lops were poor
with the exception of the first, a Blue-and-white doe. Himalay-
ans fair, the firsta good one. In Silver-Greys, which was the best
class, those noticed were a mere toss-up for position, as all were
good. In the Variety class first was an Angora, second Grey
Dutch, and third a Belgian Hare; but the best was a Silver
Cream unnoticed, and the Belgian Hare should have been placed
second, with the Angora third.

POULTRY.—Game.—Cock.—1, W. Rudd. 2, C. Fearnley. Black Red.—1, H.
C. Mason. 2, R. Hemingway. 3. W. Rudd. Brown Red—l, W. Rudd. 2, W.
Schofield. 8, J. W. Thornton. Duckwing, Blue or Grey.—l, W.J. Mason. 2,
E. Kay. 8, W. Rudd. Any other variety.—l, J.F. Walton. 2,R. Walker. 8, J.
E. Crofts. Dorxrnes.—l, J. Walker. 2, W. H. King. Cocurn-Curna.—l, J.
Walker. 2, W. Brierley. 3, C. Sidgwick. SpanisH.—Black.—l, J. Powell. 2,
J. Thresh. 8, J. Clark. Brana Poorra—l, G. W. Henshall. 2, J. Walker.
38, H. Beldon. Hawsuacus.—Gold or Silver-pencilled.—1, H. Beldon. 2and8,
J. Rawnsley. Black.—1, H. Beldon. 2, C. sidgwick. 8, G. Moore. Gold or
Silver-spangled.—1, H. Beldon. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. 8 and vhe, J. Rawns-
ley. Game BantTams.—Black Red or Brown Red.—1, E. Walton. 2, J. Sugden.
8, F. Holt. Any other variety.—l, E. Walton. 2, F. Holt. 3, I. Goodall.
Bantams.—Any variety except Game.—l and 8, J. F. Crowther. 2, E. Walton.
ANY OTHER VaRiety.—l and 8, H. Beldon. 2,A. & W. H. Silvester. SELLING
Cuass.—l, J. Akeroyd. 2, G. Briggs. 3, J. Rawnsley. Any VARIETY.—
Chickens.—1, C. Sidgwick. 2, E. Pritchard. 8, H. W. & H. King. Ducks.—
Aylesbury.—1 and 2, J. Walker. Rouen.—l, J. Walker. 2, W. H. Rothwell. 3,
J.L. Harrison. Any other variety.—1, J. Trickett. 2, J. Walker. 3,4. & W.
H. Silvester. GEEsE.—1, J. Walker. 2, H. Beldon. Turkeys.—l, J. Walker.
2, G. Briggs. 8, W. E. Rowl

PIGEONS.—Carniers.—l, E. Horner. 2, J. R. Crofts.

wiley.
Pouters.—l, J. E.
Crofts. 2, H. Beldon. TumBLEeRs.—l and 2, H. Yardley.

FAntTaits.—l, H.
Beldon. 2,J.F.Loversidge. Dracoons.—l, E. Horner. 2,R. Wood. Jacosins.
—1,E.Horner. 2,T. Holt. Torpirs.—l,R. Wood. 2,E. Horner. ANTWERPS.
—Long-faced.—1 and 2, B. Rawnsley. Short faced.—) and 2, B. Rawnsley.
SELLING Cuass.—l, H. Beldon. 2 A. & W. H. Silvester.
RABBITS —Lop-EareD.—Buck or Doe.—1 and3, T. &E.J.Fell. 2, E. Pepper.
an.—Buck or Doe.—1l, J. Robertshaw. 2, T. & E. J. Fell. Srtver-
Grey.—Buck or Doe.—1, H. E. Gilbert. 2,T. &E.J. Fell. vhe, T. & E.J. Fell,
J.S. Swithenbank. Any OTHER VARIETY.—Buck or Doe.—1,S. Buckley. 2,J.S.
Swithenbank, 8, A. & W. H. Silvester.

JupGES.—Mr. J. Dixon, Clayton; Mr. W. F’. Entwisle, Wyke.

HUNTINGDON POULTRY SHOW.

Tue Huntingdonshire Agricultural Society held their Show
on the 18th inst.,in Lord Sandwich’s beautiful park close to
Huntingdon.

The poultry Show was certainly above the average of shows
at this time of year. Its chief feature was the Dorkings. There
were four well-filled classes of this old English breed, the adults
being in wonderful plumage for July. About some breeds there
seems an ever-changing fashion of popularity, but Dorkings
always hold their own, and several breeders, famous in other
varieties, have lately told us that they were inclined to abandon
them for Dorkings, disgusted with the trickery by which they
were frequently beaten. The one-guinea prize for the best pen
in the Show deservedly went to Mr. Parlett’s grand pair of
adult Dark Dorkings, birds of the true Dorking type and good
allround. How the best pen in the Show could be other than
the best Dorkings we could not understand, for this pair did
not receive the Dorking cup. Mr. Peel’s pen, second in this
class, contained a magnificent hen. The first pair of Dorking
chickens were not very large, but very white in feet. In the
Second pen was an immense pullet with sooty feet. The Dorking
cup went to Mr. Peel’s Dark cock first in this class, a broad bird
but almost without tail; second was a Silver-Grey very pure in

colour, the Bath cup bird. The class for pairs of hens was a
good one; the winners were nearly equal, but we thought rightly
placed. The Brahma classes contained some individually good
birds, but were as a whole poor. In the class for Dark cock and
hen Mr. Lingwood was placed first, the cock being a grand
bird of its owner’s particular type; the hen combined good size
with capital pencilling. The hen, too, in the second-prize pen
was beautifally marked. Only one pair of Lights appeared,
chickens, very forward and excellent in colour. Two single
cocks were shown, first an immense Dark bird very silvery in
hackle and saddle for the time of year; second a somewhat
yellow Light bird. Cochins were fair, but not numerous. The
cup went to the first pair of Buffs, the cock a good Lemon Buff
bird, the hen well shaped but not large. The second pen con-
tained a very Dark cock and a large hen not well feathered. In
the other Cochin class poor Whites were first, grand-looking
Partridges second. These birds were pulled down by some
abnormal swelling of feet. Game were generally in very poor
condition and plumage, even the representatives of the famed
Stowmarket yards not looking at all themselves. Mr. Deacon’s
first Black Reds looked well for the tims of year. The cup
Brown Red cock was in very poor plumage. As usual now in
the Hamburgh classes the Golden-pencilled were the most
numerous, and best by far as aclass. The cock in the first-prize
pen was rich in colour and capital in some points, but disfigured
by some white in the face. The cock in the second pen had a
suspicious-looking comb. Dr. Snell’s pair of Silver-pencils well
deserved their cup. Game Bantams were a poor lot. Mr.
Winwood’s pair were the only birds with any Game style. In
the Variety Bantam class moderate Golden Sebrights were first,
neat Black Rose-combed second. One poor pen of Spanish alone
appeared. In the Variety class Créve-Ccears first, and good
Golden Polands second.

Ducks were good classes. We were very pleased to see that
the Judge went-in for condition and not abnormal obesity,
which so unfortunately often now carries the day. The cup
went to fine Rouens. In the Variety Duck class Black Hast
Indians and White Call Ducks won. The highly commended
pair of Black Ducks were beautiful in colour, but far too large
for the prevailing taste in this breed. Turkeys had good
classes, and Geese very good. Thecup went to a grand pair of
White Embden, which looked really useful stock birds and not
stuffed for show. In the classes for Goslings the Grey were
decidedly ahead of the White.

Pigeons had five classes. In Carriers Duns were first, the
cock a grand bird; good Blacks second. The Pigeon cup went
to Pouters, capital pair of Whites; Whites were also second.
Almonds carried off both prizes for Tumblers. Antwerps had
a large and well-filled class. In the Any other variety class Red
Barbs took the first place, and Lahores second. ‘The latter are
a large breed with very distinctive markings.

Mr. Tegetmeier officiated as Judge, and his awards appeared
to give general satisfaction.

BEDFORD SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tuts Exhibition, which took place on the 19th inst., wasa
capital little meeting. There were about 260 pens, and the
quality was on the whole excellent. The prize money has al-
ready been paid, which certainly is very praiseworthy, and we
understand the catalogue with the awards was sent to every ex-
hibitor, which is an admirable plan, and will do the Show more
good than the expenditure in doing it will create loss.

Dorkings came first in the catalogue, when nine pens of all
colours did battle for the two prizes. The two prize pens were
both good and deserved their places. Mr. Cresswell sent two
capital pens, and Mr. Allen also a good pair. Cochins iollowed; a
pretty pen of Whites were first in their class, while the second
prize was awarded to a very good pair of chickens, well grown
and most promising. In the next class, which contained five
pens, a good pair of Partridge came in first. Game had four
classes, but only made thirteen pens. Mr. Matthews, however,
pulled off the £5 5s. cup for the best pen in the Show witha
smart pair of Duckwings. Many birds, however, appeared the
worse for the wear and tear of the season; and in Brown Reds
only one pen, which were of fair quality, appeared. Spanish
made a good little lot of half a dozen pens; an extra second was
awarded in this class. In the Pencilled Hamburghs a very
pretty pen of Golds were first; Messrs. Cresswell and Long also
had good pens of the same colour. Spangled Hamburghs
mustered thirteen pens, in which the quantity was superior to
the quality. A mixed class of Brahmas came next, where Mr.
Lingwood maintained his reputation by coming in a good first ;
second going to a pen of Lights, well shown. The Variety
class numbered nine pens, where the quality was excellent, and
the Judge awarded two extra third prizes. The first went to
truly beautifal Black Polands; the hen a great beauty and the
cock admirable in all points. Good Créves came in second.
Black-breasted Game Bantams only brought four pens, and the
next class but two, one of which was placed out of competition

July 26, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

85

by being entered in the wrong class. In the variety Bantam
clare beautiful Laced were first and good Blacks second. The
Aylesbury Ducks were six pens in number. Both prize pens
came from Aylesbury. That of the Messrs. Fowler was good,
their bills being good in colour and the birds of good frame.
Rouens only made five pens, of which the two winning ones
were from Dr. Snell.

The Pigeons were bat moderately filled classes. Mr. Chandler
took six of the seven prizes in Carriers; an extra second, how-
ever, was given to pen 155 (Yardley) for a good cock. Jacobins
were good, as were the Antwerps, the latter making twenty-five
pens. JF antails had two classes; all the prizes went to Mr.
Loversidge and all to good Whites. There were no other
entries in these classes except his, so though his birds were
very meritorious he had two clean walks-over.

There were also exhibited some fair pens of local poultry.
The £5 5s. cup for crossbreds went to a neighbouring exhibitor,
whoss birds were only valued at 40s. We do not see much use
in giving cups for crossbred farmyard fowls.

POULTRY.—DorsinGs.—1 and 2, Rev. H. R. Peel. Cocuins.—White.—l,

Rev. J. Buckmaster. Any other colour.—l, R. J.
GameE.—Black-breasted Red.—l, S. Matthew. 2,

SpanisH.—l, R. W. Bull. 2, J. Powell. Extra 2, R. Newbitt. Hampurcus.—
Gold er Silver-pencilled.—1, W. H. Tickner. 2, Dr.E.O.Snell. Gold or Silver-
spangled.—1, Mrs. J. A. Banks. 2, J. Rawnsley. Bsanmas.—l, Horace Ling-
wood. 2, Mrs. Peet. ANY VaRieTy.—l, T. Norwood. 2, H. Feast. Extra 3,
J.K. &R. BR. Fowler, A. W. Nightingale. Bantams.—Game.—l, F. C. Temple.
9,H. Partridge. Any other variety.—1, F.C. Temple. Not Game.—l, M. Leno.
2,L. Rackham. Ducxs.—Aylesbury.—l, J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 2, W. Weston.
Rouwen—1 and 2, Dr. E.O. Snell. Any other variety.—l and 2, M. Leno.
POULTRY (Loocat Prizes)—Any Varrety.—Cup, J. Horrell. 1, J. Paxton.
2, Mrs. Peet. BantTams.—l, J. W. Whittaker. 2, R. B. Stafford. Ducxks.—
Aylesbury.—1, J. Paxton. 2, Mrs. M. W. Henman.
PIGEONS.—CarriErs.—Black or Dun.—Cock.—] and 2,J. Chandler. Extra
9,H. Yardley. Hen.—1and2,J. Chandler. vhc,G. Smith. <Any other colour.
—Cock.—1, J. Chandler. Hen.—1l. H. Yardley. 2, J. Chandler. PourERs.—
Cock.—1, W. Nottage. 2, J. Atkins. Hen.—l, A. P. Byford. 2, W. Nottage.
Jacopins.—Cock.—1, T. Swallow. 2, T. Holt. Hen.—1, T. Holt. 2, T. W.
Swallow. AntTweERPs.—Cock.—l, H» Yardley. ¥%,J. Mantel. vhe, J. Chandler.
Hen—1, H. W. Weaving. 2, J. Mantell. Fanrams—Cock.—1l and 2, J. F

Loversidge. Hen.—l and 2, J. F. Loversidge. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1 and
2,J. Chandler. vhc, T. Chambers, J. S. Price, Hen.—l, J. Chandler, 2,H.
Yardley. vhc,J.S. Price.

PIGEONS (Looat Priz¥s).—Any CoLour or Vartety.—Cock.—l and 2, W.
Larkin. vhc, S. Weatherhead (2). Hen.—l,G. Smith. 2, W. Larkins.

JupcEs.—Poultry: Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier, London. Pigeons:
Mr. F. Gresham, Shefford, Beds.

EXTENT OF THE TRAFFIC IN CANARIES.

Tre number of amateur breeders who adopt one or more of
the many varieties of the Canary as their speciality, and make
the development of its beauties their study, is very large, as
the index of the catalogue of any public exhibition can attest;
but the number produced in this way is but smail compared
with the continuous stream poured into the London market by
those who make a business of it. The city of Norwich, with the
surrounding villages and hamlets, counts its breeders by the
thousand ; whilein Coventry, Derby, Northampton, Nottingham,
and other towns in the midland districts where labour is of a
sedentary character, as well as in many towns in Yorkshire and
Lancashire, the Canary is the poor man’s savings-bank—the
family pig where sanitary laws forbid the erection ofa stye. In
almost every house where the click of the shuttle is heard, the
music of the sewing machine or other adjunct to home industry,
there, above all other sounds, rises the cheerful but noisy music
of the bird room; for, small though the cottage be, the birds
must have their share ofit. The young ones, as soon as they can
take care of themselves, are sold by the score indiscriminately
or by the pair; the proceeds materially helping to fill the stock-
ing-foot which provides for a rainy day or the claims of Christmas.
There are no breeding establishments in this country where the
work is carried on largely as a business pure and simple. It is
one of those things which, perhaps, presents no better balance-
sheet than does a small poultry establishment maintained ex-
pressly for a supply of eggs. Half the profit consists in the
pleasure, and the other half from money which might go in
more questionable ways being saved in small sums, by every in-
vestment in seed or other necessary, and returned in the lump
just at a time when it is useful. The occasional self-denial
called into operation to minister to the wants of creatures not
able to provide for themselves, and the lessons of kindness thus
taught, must also be written down on the credit side of the ac-
count.—(Canaries and Cage Birds.)

DRUMMING BEES.

A very full hive swarmed on May 21st in acold north-easterly
Wind without sun. They swarmed a second time on June 2nd,
a rough south-west wind blowing a gale with very little sun, so
that the bees were driven about in all directions. They finally
settled, and as neither swarm was very large, probably owing
to the weather, I added the last swarm to the former one ina
box hive of my own contrivance, and they have done very well.

IT examined the old hive on June 25th, twenty-three days after
swarming, and found the combs fall of grubs five-eighths of an
inch long. A friend of mine found a hive in the same state as
to brood twenty-two days after swarming. As this sets all
previous rules at defiance, Iam induced to bring it under your
notice and ask for an explanation.—B. B. Ruppocx.

ARTIFICIAL COMB FOUNDATIONS.

I HAVE refrained from commenting on Mr. Cheshire’s article
of May 17th on the above subject until I had had some few
weeks’ experience of the American sheets. I visited Mr. Cheshire
early in May, and he obligingly showed me the result of his first
use of the wax foundation. His bees had used one sheet, and in
it bred a large majority of drones, and on applying a rule it was
evident the cells were larger than ordinary worker cells although
smaller than drone. This considerably shook my faith in the
usefulness of the new manufacture, but on thinking the matter
over I came to the conclusion that it was only the common
result of a strong stock of bees being forced to build new comb
in the busy season. As I had no bees unti! the 1st of June I
was obliged to wait until then before I could gain my experience.
As I have before stated, on this date I received two swarms:
they were neither very strong, and were without queens. I
supplied two Ligurians; the one was readily accepted, the
other not so: consequently about half the bees from the latter
swarm abandoned tieir home and fraternised with the others,
giving me one fairly strong swarm, I daresay altogether about
4 lbs. of bees. Thus I had a good opportunity to test the comb
foundation, with which I filled the eleven frames. The bees
went to work with a will. In less than twenty-four hours one
comb was half filled with eggs, and the elongation of the cells
going on rapidly. Now the fault that Mr. Cheshire found became
evident, and the combs sagged or bellied out. The cause was
apparent—the great heat of the hive so softened the wax that
the weight of the bees elongated it. The remedy was simple
and effectual ; with a sharp knife I cut off an inch of the lower
edge, freed the comb from side attachments, and almost at once
the new combs hung perpendicular as straight worker combs as
could be desired. Within eight days I had ten out of my eleven
combs with brood or eggs in, and when all sealed over I could
find but seven drone cells, if I except two or three corners where
the sheet of foundation had been broken which the bees had
filled-up and stored with honey. The interior of this hive was
now a perfect picture; the beautiful mathematical regularity of
the rows of cells with their thousands of living inmates was
marvellous to look at, but I found one may have too much of a
good thing, so great was the speed with which the combs were
built and larva hatched that the workers had no time to store
honey ; of course, when they started the cupboard was bare and
all their time was occupied in foraging for the numerous infant
family. Hard labour soon kills bees. By the third week of
June, before a young bee could be hatched, the population had
so dwindled that I began to fear for the safety of the brood; and
my fears were not altogether groundless, as during the wretched
cold weather we have had lately the bees drew together for
warmth, and a small quantity of brood in outside combs actually
perished. At the present time the swarm is six weeks old, and
I should think not more than five per cent. of the black bees
remain. The stock is to all intents a Ligurian one.

But to return to the wax sheets. Mr. Cheshire’s objections to
them, so far as my experience with ten hives goes, are ground-
less. I have in no instance found the bees begin at the bottom,
and when, as occasionally has happened, the sheets have broken
down it has evidently been my own fault in bad fixing at first.
Mr. Cheshire’s plan of molten wax on the wet plaster cast I have
used and found very useful, but it was troublesome and messy,
and not to be compared for convenience, cost, or beauty to the
American wax foundations; of course I speak of ordinary
users. Mr. Cheshire has devoted a great deal of time and
ingenuity to his plan. He is a master in the art, and has shown
me some beautiful combs made on his principle; but I can only
say I have never been able to get so good, or hear of anybody
else who has. I had 130 lbs. of comb foundations from Mr.
Root of Ohio. These were distributed among my friends. My
portion, as well as Mr. Cheshire’s, appears to have four and a
half cells to the inch, but Mr. Root tells me that a quantity of
the bulk had five cells to the inch. He makes both sizes. An
interesting problem here crops up, if it would not be possible by
gradually increasing the size of the impressed cells to cultivate
a larger bee. We know, on the contrary, that when combs have
been long bred-in the capacity of the cells becomes smaller, and
the bees bred in them follow the same rule; also when drones
are bred in worker cells (not uncommon) they are stunted in
their growth. To raise a queen the cell is enlarged, and the
larva that would, left in a smaller cell, have been a worker, be-
comes increased in bulk, although, of course, I do not lose sight
of other conditions governing the raising of aqueen. My young
bees are sensibly larger than the old bees. This is usually the
case when a stock is wholly bred from new combs. Tho

86 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

machines for making comb foundation are too costly for me, or
I should very much like to have three or four intermediate be-
tween worker and drone size, and so aspire to eventually breed
my worker bees as large as present drones. What a wonderful
lot of flowers might then be brought under contribution to fill
our supers! JI commend the idea to those bee-keepers who
have leisure and money to carry it out.—Joun Huntser, Haton
Rise, Ealing.

FEEDING SWARMS AND COMB-BUILDING.

As the present season has been unfavourable for bees in many
parts of England, late swarms are not in a good condition for
winter. Noone can say what the weather may do for bees in
August if they be taken to the moors. Strong hives have been
known to gather from 501bs. to 60 lbs. each on the heather; in
somes few cases more than 60 lbs. in very fine seasons. Butasa
great number of Haglish bee-keepers do not remove their hives
to the heather, I deem it well to suggest that prompt and
proper attention be given to the feeding of late swarms which
are intended to be kept for stocks.

Idleness in a bee hive during the summer months is the
mother of mischief. While bees have a disposition to build
combs and multiply population it is a stroke of good policy to
keep them pretty fully employed at this work. This can be
done by artificial feeding in unfavourable weather. A few
pounds of sugar made into syrap will be of far greater service
to swarms now than it would be at a later period of the year,
for every square inch of comb built now will yield a hundred
bees (two sets of brood) by September. It is of very great im-
portance to have swarm hives well filled with combs and brood
now if strong stocks are wanted for another year. Later in the
season bees are less inclined to build combs and multiply num-
bers. Artificial feeding then is more likely to cause the bees
to elongate their cells, and thus thicken their combs for store
room for winter food. If artificial treatment be necessary to
prepare stocks for winter, the sooner it is resorted to the better
for the reasons now given.

Late feeding is less productive of comb and brood, and is
attended with greater risk. There is the risk of cold inclement
weather destroying bees in fetching water for their young, and
also of chilling the brood in the combs. By feeding swarms
now they may be converted into valuable stock hives. Syrup
well administered will cause the bees to recommence comb-
building, and as comb-building progresses so willthe population
of hives. Six or eight combs well filled with brood in August
will fill a hive full of young bees by tho end of the month,
making it a strong and eligible stock for another season. A
young and energetic farmer said to me the other day that
“manure is the honestest thing in the world; that money is
honest, but mannre is honester because it yields a larger return.”
I turn from this clever and successful farmer to the bee-keepers
of England, to remind them that sugar properly given to bees
is a good investment, and will in time yield a large return.
Generous feeding in seasons of scarcity not only prevents dis-
appointment and loss, but puts beginners on the high road to
success.—A. PETTIGREW.

BEE-KEEPING.

Last September I drove twenty-four hives and made them
into twelve, and fed them to the weight of 25 lbs. to 351lbs. This
spring I drove six swarms; the other six I put bell-glasses on
9 inches across. One glass I have taken off with 103 lbs. of
honey in; three more I have are not quitesealed-up. The other
two have partly filled their glass, and have left it by swarming;
and ten or twelve stocks I fed, six I drove, and two swarmed,
making twentyin all. Six I drove twenty-one days after swarm-
ing, the others Ihave left with glasses on; but I am very pleased
to state that I found no young bees in any of my hives but one,
and not many in that. Now, I should like to drive my twenty
stocks the latter end of this month and feed them up, and then
in September I shall be able to get some off of my neighbours.
This year I mean driving one hundred stocks and feeding them
up to fifty, for I can get plenty of bees by paying 1s. per hive.
The worst job I have to do is to get the bees out of the glass.—
W. 4H. Arrwoop.

A Snam CorFINeD In W4x.—In a chapter on the ingenuity of
bees I stated that I was not sure whether I had seen in my early
days a dead snail coffined in wax in one of my father’s hives.
Abont a fortnight ago I found a dead snail in one of my own hives,
not coffined butcovered with wax. It wasdaubed over with wax
and slightly sealed to the board on which itlay. I look on this
fact as a confirmation of what some have said in illustration of
the wonderfal sagacity and ingenuity of bees.— A. PETTIGREW.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Drivine BeEEs (J. H., Sussex).—lf your object is to get a large harvest of
honey this year you cannot do better than drive the bees from the old hive

|

{ July 26, 1877.

and unite them to the second swarm, and feed them into a stock strong
enough for winter, and drive the bees from the first swarm hive into the nadir
below it. This can be easily done, and you need not trouble yourself to find
the queens. When the bees of the old hive are united to the second swarm
one of the queens will be destroyed; it does not matter which, for both of
them are young. The best time to unite the swarms will be about the end
of August, when most of the brood of the hives will then be hatched. Your
attention to feeding during the spring months has been followed by com-
parative success in the present season.

TREATMENT OF DRIVEN Stock (S. W. Fenn).—You say that on the 10th of
July you drove a swarm of May 25th which you found three parts fall of
brood, and you ask if you were to let it stand withoat any bees (old ones),
whether “the young would come off all right and do good.” They may per-
haps do well enough, but itis a risky thing to do. It would have been much
better had you put this hive, empty of old bees but full of young brood, in
the place of some other strong hive in the middle of a fine day, shifting the
strong hive to another stand some distance off. We would advise you not to
drive your other swarm so late in the year, and in such a bad season too. If
you have resolved to do it for some reason not stated you had better wait till
the second week in August, and then feed both hives liberally; but do not
treat the brood as you did before, if there should happen to be any, or you
will certainly lose the hive. In such cases it is often a long time before the
young bees find out their want of a queen, and when they set about repairing
their loss there is often no suitable brood to work with. Not only so, much
of the young brood perishes for want of attention from the nursing bees
that have bzen removed, aud the whole hive snffers from corrupting brood
dead in the cells. Certainly no worse way of treating your bees could you
have adopted.—B. & W.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CamMDEN SquaBE, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 32’40” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 s.r Is THE Day. |
\- x
a |2s 3..|Hygrome-| 83 Shade Tem-|_ Radiation | 4
1877 |ESn3| ter. | 32 | perature. Temperature. é
Fe Sreti jaro
daly. |3 525| | =F | l In) On |
|Re= | Dry-| Wet.| As | Max.) Min./ sun. jgrass:
| deg. deg. | deg. | deg. - | deg. | In.
54.2 | S.W. | 59.0 | 69.0 | 52.6 49.9 | —
57.9 | S.W. | 60.1 | 73.1 | 56.0 54.6 | 0015
51.0'| Wa. | 60:9'| 70.3 | 549 2) —
548 | W. | 61.0 | 720 | 484 3) —
57.6 | S.W. | 62.0 | 67.8 | 54.2 1) —
61.0 s. 6L.9 | 71.3 | 58.8 S | 0.496
57.3 | s. 61.9 | 73.2 | 55.1 |
\ees
56.3 | 61.0 | 71.0 | 543 8 | C511
REMARKS.

18th.— Windy and rather cold, but very bright all the forenoon; rather less
so afterwards, but fine all day.

19th.—Fine but rather dull at 9 a.u.; slight shower at noon and again in the
evening; a dull and almost sunless day.

20th —Very fine morning, rather dull about 2 P.m., but as a whole a very fine
day, and a starlit night.

21st.—Fine morning and a most beautiful day throughout.

22nd.—Rather grey and dull till noon; fiae afternoon and evening, though
looking stormlike at 8 P.u.; fine after.

223rd.—Dull morning, showery day, and wet night.

24th.—Not very bright early, but very fine after, and splendid evening.

The temperature of the week very like that of its predecessor, but weather
beautifully dry and pleasant generally, only one really wet day.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Jovty 25.

A VERY heavy supply of goods this week, and all making fair prices. The
late rain has completely damaged the Cherry crop, samples from all parts of
the country arriving in very bad condition. Strawberries are nearly over
Currants plentiful; a good crop, especially Black.

FRUIT.
S.pGogis.d-1] s.d. s.d
Apples.......... }sieve 0 Oto00 0} Melons.......... each 3 O0tos8 0
Apricots . A dozen 16 8 0O|Nectarines .... dozen 6 0 20 0
Cherries... Ib 0 3 1 O| Oranges........ 210010 0 16 0
Chestnuts . bushel 0 0 9 0Q/ Peaches........ dozen 8 0 80 0
i 3 0 4 6/Pears,kitchen.. dozen 00 0 0
4 0 5 0|_ dessert - - dozen 00 00
8 0 12 O| Pine Apples Ib; 2) (0) 25.0
0 6 O 0} Plums... ¢sieve 00 00
0 0 O 6 | Raspberries - Ib. 06 10
8 6 4 6) Strawberries ibs OC Gye ieG,
oH 50 8 0
Lemons ........ $100 6 0 00 00
VEGETABLES.

s.d. s. d. s.d. s.d
Artichokes..-... dozen $8 Oto6 0| Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0
Asparagus..----- Pil 0 0 O 0} Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2 O 4
Beans, Kidney #100 0 6 1 0/ Onions ........ bushel 0 0 0
Beet, Red ...... dozen 16 8 @ pickling ...... quart 0 4 0 &
Broccoli..-----. bundle 0 9 1 6G/ Parsley.... doz.bunches 2 0 O 0
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 0 0 O U/|Parsnips........ dozen 00 00
Cabbage --- dozen 1 0 2 O}| Peas..... 0610
Carrots . bunch 0 9 1 8} Potatoes. 26 46
Capsicums. #100 1 6 20 Kidney 80 50
Cauliflower: dozen 2 0 4 0} Radishes. Gaia G
Celery... bundle 1 6 2 O/} Rhubarb. 063210
Coleworts baonches 2 0 4 | Salsafy . 09 10
Cucumbers . ea 0 6 1 QO} Seorzonera .... 10 00
Endive ... dozen 1 0 2 O| Seakale ........ basket 0 0 0 0
Fennel. Dbuvch 0 $8 O O} Shallots... O Ib. 0 8 O 6
Garlic . Ib. 0 6 0 O| Spinach . bushel 2 6 4 0
Herbs ... bunch 0 2 O 0} Turnps... bunch 0 9 1 86
Lettuce . . dozen 10 2 0} Veg. Marrows.. eich 0 4 O 6

Leeks ........-. bunch 0 4 0 0!

August 2, 1877. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 87
WEEKLY CALENDAR.
Day | Day Average | sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s | Clock | Day
et AUGUST 2--8)/1877: pemperatare near | Bises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets, | Age, (sbefore)|| of
i ———}
| Day. |Night.|Mean.| h. m.| bh. m.| bh. m/| b, mm Days. | m. a.
2 TH 75.3 | 509 | 61.1 | 4 al | 7 45/10 7 1 338 23 5 58 | 214
3 F Rosendale Show. 749 | 50.6 | 62.8 429°)" 7 48) | 10 84) 79°58 24 5 54 | 215
4 8 Manchester and Otley Shows. 75.9 | 50.6 | 62.8 4 30} 7 41] 11 13) 4 12 25 | 5 49 | 216
5 Sun | 10 Sunpay arrer TRINITY. 74.5 | 50.9 | 62.7 | 4 82 | 7 40 | morn. 5 24 26 5 43 | 217
6 |M Southampton Show closes. 73.2 | 50.8 | 62.0 | 4 383| 7 88 0 11} 6 20 a7 5 87 | 218
7 | To | Royal Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com- | 74.6 | 50.9 | 62.7 | 4 35) 7 86 1 28| 6 59 28 5 30 | 219
8 | W Winster (Derbyshire) Show. [ mittees at ll a.m. | 745 | 49.4 | 619 | 4°36) 7 34/ 8 O|} 7 27 29 5 22 | 220
|
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperatura of the week is 74.5°; andits night temperature

REMINISCENCES OF ROSH SHOWS.

HE 28rd of July and a wet day. Roses out of
doors existing and that is all—not blooming,
nor yet, so far as I can see, growing ;. but
alive and, let us hope, kicking under the
ground. All the Rose shows over for the

Rose to be seen struggling against the fog
and rain.

to write on Roses.

inspire one to write glowingly and enthusiastically of our

pets; but in spite of all I must try to give you a few |
reminiscences of the days that are gone—days spent |

happily in tented field and shire hall, or in noble palace
of crystal; and if I fail to interest or please any of your
readers, if never a smile illumines the face as they read
my ravings, well, let them remember that I am but a
Wyld Savage, and perhaps am “hipped” just now. If
the wine proves to be corked or the olives bad, at least
forgive me, for I have written very many accounts of
shows and cannot always “ fool it well.”

To begin with the year that is just over. Pardon, I
mean of course the Rose season ; but I get so in the way
of looking upon everything in connection with Roses
that to me 1877 is over. Looking back, then, over the
last season and taking stock of the various shows and
exhibitions, I once more have to record Mr. George
Paul as the champion exhibitor of the year. Taking
seventy-two distinct varieties as the head or champion
class, and counting only the great metropolitan exhi-
bitions, it will be found that Mr. Paul won the first prize
at the Alexandra and at the National. He was beaten
at the Crystal Palace, it is true, but that show was held
at so early a date that hardly anyone was in, and Mr. May
of Bedale, Yorkshire, who won, cut his blooms entirely
from under glass. However, as Mr. George Paul neatly
puts it, “ We were beaten there, yes; but we went down
to Leeds, just to show our friend that we were still alive,
and there we turned the tables.” The chorus of disap-
probation with which the schedule of the Crystal Palace
was received was, and I hope will be found to be so to
the Directors, a caution. Already a round robin is being
prepared, stating that if another such schedule is sent out
none of the leading exhibitors will show ; and it is to be
hoped that next year the Manager will retrace his steps
and once more make his show what it used to be—the
leading show of the season. This year there can be no
question it was the worst.

Among amateurs Mr. Baker is still facile princeps.
He was beaten, it is true, at the National for the head
class, but he was first at the Alexandra in all the amateur
classes in which he could compete, and at Hereford he
took the first prize in the four leading classes, and at the
National he was first for thirty-six, twelve trebles, and in
a multitude of other classes.

No, 853,—Vou. XXXII, NEw SERIES,

year; the great nurserymen hard at work |
budding ; here and there a bloom of a Tea |

Such is the state of things asI sit down |
Not an ingpiriting scene, nor a bright |
and glorious prospect, nor exactly the kind of thing to |

But Mr. Jowitt, besides winning the challenge cup and
the prize of the year, has shown eplendidly all the season
through, and we must indeed take care in the west lest
our champion is reduced to accept second honours next
year. From the first show up to the very end of the
season Mr. Jowitt was in splendid form. He was first
at Sydenham on the 23rd of June, and he was first at
the Aquarium for twenty-four (the leading class) on the
18th of July, and during the interval he showed some-
times at two shows a-day. He is a splendid grower.

Of all the curious places for staging Roses commend
me to the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. I have set up
my blooms at Clifton next toa wolf, who seemed to eye
the proceedings with the greatest contempt. I have had
parties asking me, ‘“‘ What’s o’clock ?” till I was weary of
answering; but all these companions were as nothing to
those I met with at Westminster. ‘ Just wire this Rose,
will you?” Tam saying to my man, when bang thump
comes down a little girl from the very top of the dome
intoanet. “Well done! well done! but kick out your
left leg a little more,” is the astonishing remark made by
a great swell on the stage. We look up in amazement
to see a younger member of the Zazel family mounting
up to the top of the roof to repeat the feat, as if it were
only crossing aroom. ‘‘ Bah!” said a great rosarian with
a sign of disgust, looking at his Roses; ‘‘are we taking
part in the pantomine of Beanty and the Beast?” “ By
no means,” said another great exhibitor, as he gently
touches up a bloom; ‘‘this is Paradise and the Feri.”

| Then presently as we are judging, the infant Zazel dressed

in her tights comes skipping with a rope all ameng the
boxes, raising a most penetrating cloud of dust which
settles on all Mr. Cranston’s best blooms. Then towards
the close of the second day, when we went to remove
our boxes and blooms (?), we found what I may best
describe as box et preterea nihil, for every bloom had
been—vwell, borrowed let us say. ‘‘ Well,” said my

/man, as he found a stranger collecting a few Rose

leaves, the gleanings of the harvest,
short.” aid, Hee

How amusing also is it at some exhibitions to hear
amateurs extolling some novelty (?) which they believe
that they and a few particular friends alone possess, and
when we rush to look at it, find that if not as old as the
hills it is not much younger than the United States.
This year at Torquay, in the midst of all the bustle of
staging, ‘* Sir,” said an excited exhibitor to Mr. Curtis of
Torquay, “let me show you a bloom better than all your
Roses put together ; one you have not got, I know. Here
you are. ‘here, what do you think of that ?’”’ “‘ Monsieur
Etienne Levet.” Then, on the other hand, how often do
we meet with exhibitors who are far from pleased with
what they see, and who lash themselves with fury with-
out the slightest reason, as it seems tous. I remember
at Bath when the Royal Horticultural Society held their
provincial Show an exhibitor rushing all round the tent
detailing in a loud yoice his grievance. ‘‘ Whatever is
the matter?” I asked of Mr. George Paul. ‘The genile-
man appears to be in distress about a waterpot,” was the

No, 1505,—VYou. LVII., OLD SERIES.

“you are driven

88 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

reply. For all the to-do arose from someone having borrowed
that necessary article for a few minutes.

And as judges, what various kind of treatment do we meet
with from exhibitors and the public genorslly! The leading
nurserymen look round when the judgiuy of their exhibits is
over. ‘‘A rather close thing between us and Cant; but I
think you are right,” remarks the champion on one occasion.
«« Nothing to find fault with to-day,’ says another giant. But
go to some provincial show where some third-rate nurseryman
stages a seventy-two and meets Mr. Cranston or Mr. Turner,
and hear his remarks on the judging. I remember once at a
show in Staffordshire being so abused that I felt very happy
that I was not personally maltreated. ‘ You call yourself a
judge!” said a man from Nottingham, ‘and place me third !
Why, when I uncovered my boxes this morning all the ama-
teurs said I was first, and then I came in to the show and find
you have placed me third. Why, a ghost of an amateur could
see who was first if he rode round the room. Hole I know,
and Pochin I know; but who are you?”

Contrast this with the calmness of others who are content
to take the second, or even the third or fourth place, or even
to be left out in the cold altogether, when they know they
have not disgraced themselves. I remember one year staging
in every class at the Crystal Palace, and taking not a single
prize. When my old man came home next day with the boxes
I greeted him with, ‘‘ Well, we have done nothing this time.”
“No, sir,” said he quite cheerily ; ‘‘no, and no one down our
way has. D—— got ne’er a prize, and C—— did not either,
not even for decorations.”

It is not often that an amateur beats a nurseryman in the
large classes. Sometimes in Teas or in twelve of a sort this
happens; but very rarely in the forty-eight or seventy-two.
Yet Iremember Mr. Baker beating Mr. Keynes and others at
Exeter for forty-eight, and now the Rev. Canon Hole has
secured the greatest of victories over Mr. Cranston and two
other nurserymen. I wish I had seen that fight, it must have
been a grand one; but the Secretary of the Nottingham Show
did not send me a schedule till the Show was over, and so I
knew nothing of it. [Neither did he send us a schedule.—
Eps.] As Mr. Cranston, from the way he showed at the Aqua-
rium the day before, must have been in splendid bloom, this
feat of Canon Hole’s is a very great one, and I do not suppose
that amid all the triumphs of his life there is any that he will
value more highly, and much do I congratulate him on his
great success. Wein the west and south are so much earlier
than our friends in the midland counties that we rarely meet
at the shows. Even the 4th of July, the day the National show
was held, was too early for Canon Hole, so that it was no small
success on his part to obtain third honours there. Next year
if a show is held in the north or midland counties I expect he
will have it all his own way.

And now the Rose show season is over, and as I look back
upon it I cannot but remember with gratitude how much
brighter it has turned out than at one time appeared likely.
At the preliminary meeting of the National Rose Society the
Secretary gave a most gloomy account of show prospects. He
told us that neither the Aquarium nor the Alexandra would
have a show, and the Crystal Palace would reduce their prizes ;
but each Show was held, and the only one that appears to
have succumbed is that of Birmingham. If next year the
Royal Horticultural Society have a Rose show of their own,
besides having one at their provincial meeting, and the National
hold not only a London show but a country one as well; if
Birmingham decides to give the public one more chance of
supporting Rose shows, then next year we shall indeed have a
feast which will even satisfy a—Wvyuip SavacE.

STRAWBERRY CULTURE.

A snort time ago Mr. Douglas suggested that there were
possibly some cultivators who doubted the soundness of the
advice that has been given when it has been recommended to
plant Strawberries annually. The advice may be and is per-
fectly right, but those who follow it must do so exactly, or
failure will most likely result. Not, be it noted, because the
advice has been wrong, but because it has not been fully and
precisely carried out. When Strawberries are planted annually
and good crops are produced the first year after the runners
are planted it is of vital importance that good runners are ob-
tained and planted early in good soil, and then, if proper
cultural care is given to them, they will form crowns and pro-
duce crops as certainly as will plants which are grown in pots

and forced. It will not do to defer the planting of runners
until September or October, and then plant them of the same
small size as they were in July; such runners will not produce
a good crop until the second year. If well-prepared ground is
not ready early in August, and very strong and well-rooted
runners are not also ready for planting at the same time, it is
as well to plant later runners in nursery beds, removing them
to their fruiting quarters as soon as they show signs of growth
in the spring. Such plants will have a whole season of growth
before them, and ought to produce a splendid crop the year
following. But the more economical plan, and especially
where the soil is rather light and the plants take hold of it
quickly and grow freely, is to plant strong well-prepared run-
ners in their fruiting quarters as early in August as possible.
If they can be planted in July all the better, but they cannot
always be obtained then, and especially during a rather late
season like the present.

Ihave for some years had two gardens ‘ under my eye;”
the soil of one garden very light, the soil of the other very
strong. Strawberries are grown in both of them, and most
people who see them consider that they are grown well.
Several years of experience have proved that the mode of pro-
cedure best for one garden is not the best for the other, which
plainly proves that no one rule is applicable to all cases, and
herein is the sequel of the doubts that Mr. Douglas referred
to that his practice was not reliable. It is perfectly reliable
if carried out properly and the conditions are favourable—
that is, if really strong plants are really planted early, and the
ground is safficiently free for their speedy establishment and
quick progress to maturity.

In my ‘light soil” garden the runners arrive at maturity
the first season, and yield splendid crops within a year of being
severed from the parent plants. They are planted if pcssible
on ground from which the early Potatoes have been dug. If
the runners have been layered in pots they are planted as
recommended by Mr. Douglas in rows 2 feet apart, or rather
more, and 18 inches between the plants; but if they have not
been prepared in pots they are planted ‘‘a foot apart all ways.”
I have never been able to determine which plan produced the
best crops, but by both modes they are as good as I can desire
them. When the latter plan is adopted (and both plans are
carried out every year) every alternate row is chopped up im-
mediately after the first crop has been gathered, and the re-
maining rows remain one year longer and no more. When I
say the alternate rows are removed immediately after the fruit
has been gathered I mean what I say; that term as I employ
it does not extend over a period of two or three months. The
mode of preparing the plants in pots is perhaps the more cer-
tain, and a less number of runners are required, but the other
plan is often the more convenient. It is satisfactory to know
that both modes answer the purpose intended, and I adopt
them simply because I have a fancy in every possible operation
for having ‘‘two strings to my bow,’ and as a consequence I
have found that I have sometimes “ hit’’ with a given crop
when my neighbours have ‘‘ missed.” A good general always
preserves a line of retreat, and has his van well supported by
reserves.

Previous to planting the soil is liberally manured and deeply
dug. In addition to the mantre fully 2 ozs. of common gals
are spread over each square yard, and the ground, being light,
is made firm before planting. The plants are afterwards
watered as required, and the surface of the bed is mulched
with short manure, or, failing that, lawn mowings, The salt
in the soil and the mulching on it are of much service in re-
taining the moisture. The first crop is nearly always better
than the second ; a third crop in such soil cannot be relied on.

In the other, the ‘‘ heavy soil’? garden, a different mode of
culture is necessary. The plants in this garden, if planted iu
August, do not become established sufficiently quickly ana
make sufficient progress to produce anything like a full crop
the following year; but when they are established they bear
prodigiously and continue bearing satisfactorily for at the
least three years, and if the crowns are thinned out good
crops are produced by the same plants for five or six years.
In this heavy-soil garden it is found advisable to prepare the
plants by planting them in nursery beds early in September,
placing them in their fruiting quarters as soon as growth com-
mences in the spring. There is then no necessity for hurry-
ing the ground into condition—indeed, heavy soil cannot be
profitably hurried for any crop, but it is well prepared by being
roughly dug and thrown into ridges, these ridges being broken
as often as is convenient when they are crusted with frost.

mse Shae

August 2, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

89

The soil then becomes friable and, as it is locally termed,
“mouldy” by the planting time arrives, and the plants be-
come established the more quickly on account of the care that
has been exercised in preparing the soil. In this strong and
also good soil, where the plants continue fruitful for at least
three years, it is found necessary to have the rows of Straw-
berries much wider apart than in the light-soil garden, where
the plants are only allowed to remain two years at the longest.
Where they grow luxuriantly—when they do start—and con-
tinue for three, four, or more years, I have found the best re-
sults by having the rows 3 feet apart. There is no waste of
ground by that wide system of planting, for a fine crop of
Lettuces is grown between the Strawberries the first year, and
an equally good crop of winter Onions the second. After
these—indeed before—the Strawberry crop is always worthy
of the ground which the plants occupy, and if sold would give
a better return than I think any other crop occupying the
same area of ground in the garden.

Thus the mode of culture that is adopted by a given crop
must be determined by circumstances. The plan of growing
Strawberries in light soil—namely, planting early and rather
closely and taking only one, or at the most two, crops is only
suitable for that soil, and if it is tried on soil of a strong
heavy nature disappointment will probably result. On the
other hand, planting thinly in a light and dry soil and permit-
ting the plants to occupy the same ground for several years is
not the most profitable mode of culture in such a soil. In
many gardens—and the plan is especially applicable to the
small enclosures of amateurs—valuable crops of Strawberries
may be produced by planting marginal lines of them by the
sides of walks or borders. Such lines have a neat appearance,
and usually yield fine crops of fruit. The plants when grown
in that way in single rows need not be more than a foot apart,
and they should be planted now.

As to sorts I find President the most profitable for light,
and Sir Joseph Paxton for heavy soil. Vicomtesse Héricart do
Thury is a good early variety for any soil. Dr. Hogg and British
Queen are not yet surpassed for high quality, and Elton and
Eleanor are the best late sorts.—W. S. P.

PACKING.—No. 2.

FLowER BoxEs are 24 inches by 16 outside, and 8 inches
deep inside, for packing Roses and other flowers which will
not bear much pressure. Stands are made to fit in the boxes in
the following way :—A half-inch board about an eighth of an
inch less in length and breadth than the inside of the box,
and pierced at regular distances with twenty-four holes, is
fixed to four legs 8 inches long in such a way that when placed
in the box it will stand firmly about midway between the
bottom and the lid, and the lid when nailed down will just
touch the tops of the legs and hold all securely in its place.
Roses must be selected according to the weather and the in-
terval between gathering and using, but generally speaking
they may be about half blown, and they must be cut while the
dew is on them, either late in the evening or before five o’clock
in the morning. It is better to cut them even three days
before they are required for use, if done at the proper time of
day and kept in a cool place, than to cut them in the hot sun
for immediate use.

A boy carries one of the above stands to the plants, and a
qualified lad or man selects the Roses and places two or three
blooms in each hole, keeping half an inch clear all round the
sides so that when placed in the box they cannot possibly rub
against it. When filled the stand containing four to six dozen
blooms is taken to the packing shed, examined, and any faulty
blooms removed to be replaced with others more perfect. It
is now turned-up edgeways on the bench with the stems of
the flowers pointing to the operator, who takes hold of each
bunch with his left hand, pulls it in close to the board, and
with the right hand inserts a wedge of elder or other soft
wood so firmly that the flowers cannot possibly shift till the
wedge is withdrawn.

When all are firmly wedged-in the stand is placed on the
bench with the stalks of the flowers uppermost, and when ex-
amined underneath a clear space of half an inch at least must
be seen between every flower and the bench. When it is seen
that it is impossible for any flower to touch either the sides or
the bottom of the box, the stand, which will fit any one of a
number of boxes for this purpose, is placed in position with
the flowers upside down. If it can move about at all in the
box a wedge or two will make all safe. Any stalks which will

be likely to touch the lid are now shortened, and the space
which is now about two-fifths of the box is filled carefully with
long loose flowers, the stalks of the Koses sticking-up between
them and preventing them rubbing and crushing. A piece of
soft paper is placed over all, and the lid is nailed down and
completed. We send seven to ten of such boxes as I have
described at @ time, and some of the spaces between the Rose
stems are filled with moss or selading according to what is
required.

Now, I suppose I shall be expected to say what kinds of
Roses I find the best suited to my purpose. But although I
pack in such large quantities, my experience with different
Kinds is rather limited, and necessarily so, it being expected
that I should gend one colour only at a time, and if possible
only one kind. Well, then, how many plants do your readers
suppose it would take of Charles Lefebvre or Capitaine Christy
to furnish five hundred half-expanded blooms on a certain
day? Ishould be afraid to guess, but I think I should have
little room left for growing Cabbages. No, H.P.’s are not the
Roses to cut in quantity. You may have, if your plants are
large, 3 or 4 feet through, and on their own roots as mine are,
on an average, perhaps, three blooms from six plants, but if
you want quantity as well as fair quality you must go to the
Bourbons and Teas.

Paul Verdier never has an imperfect flower, and is a model
of a Rose for exhibition or any other purpose. It is nothing
uncommon to cut a dozen perfect blooms at a time from one
medium-sized plant, and its scent is delicious. It is rather
late in flowering, and consequently all the more valuable to
me. Coupe d’Hébé lacks a little in substance, but in colour
and shape it is not yet beaten, while for quantity of good blooms
it beats everything I have seen excepting the one named above.
Its shape is formal without being stiff; some of the much-
belauded newer Roses look too much as if they had been
clipped into shape. Paul Ricaut is not quite bright enough,
but I was glad to use it extensively before I raised a stock of
Paul Verdier.

Gloire de Dijon, of course, is the first and last of the season,
and every bit of wall where nothing élse will grow a Gloire
de Dijon should be planted. It is, however, best on its own
roots in a northern aspect, and I have nearly made up my
mind that this is the only way to grow Tea Roses properly.
They neither like much frost, much sun, nor much coddling-
up. But Imust leave the results of my experiments with this
most beautiful class till another time, and since I have run
away from my subject of packing, { must also leave the other
items for a future paper.—Wintiam Taytor.

WHOLE versus CUT POTATOES FOR PLANTING.
DISHASE.

You are quite right, Messrs. Editors; I did not advise the
cutting of kidney Potatoes for the simple reason that I never
cut them because they have not sufficiently numerous bold
eyes, and [ never recommend any practice that I do not adopt.
Ido not for a moment dispute the excellence of the crops of
“A KitcHEN GARDENER” from such seed tubers as he has
planted, for the sufficient reason that I have had many good
crops from tubers of the same nature. The usefulness of such
sets is admitted, but the prejudice against cut sets is not quite
eradicated. On this point I think ‘‘A KritcHen GARDENER”
is not quite competent to speak with authority; at any rate
his experience of this season alone does not enable him to do
so, for he says, ‘‘ every one of the tubers were planted whole.”
He has thus really had no means of comparison, and yet he
decides in favour of whole tubers. Let him next year fairly
try cut sets of large Potatoes, each set having at the least two
bold eyes, and he will find such growth stronger than that
from small seed tubers planted whole, and I strongly suspect
that he will find the produce of greater value also.

But I do not regard the sets employed by ‘‘ A KitcHen Gar-
DENER”’ as being small in the sense that I had in view; but I
desired to denounce the tons of trash which are annually sold
in the markets as seed, which seed is bought and planted, and
trashy crops follow. It is by that bad practice in conjunction
with another common practice which is equally reprehensible,
of allowing the tubers to remain to grow into matted heaps
before being planted, when the sprouts have to be rubbed off :
such treatment impaired the constitution of the Potato, and
rendered it additionally liable to disease. I do not suggest
that ‘‘A KircHEN GARDENER” adopts such a system; he

90

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877,

knows much better than to do so, or to plant trashy seed either,
but thers are hundreds who act thus unreasonably, and injure
the value and jeopardise the condition of the prince of English
root crops. It is because I have seen so much that is erro-
neous in principle adopted in the treatment, the abusive treat-
men‘, of seed Potatoes, that I have, and shall, and will, em-
ploy my voice and pen against it until I find a more rational
plan established, and I ask with some confidence ‘‘ A KircHEn
GARDENER’S”’ assistance in abolishing a custom which I be-
lieve he equally with myself regards as pernicious. I will not
further dwell on the matter now, but will allude to what is at
the present more important and seasonable—the avoidance of
disease.

If dull, moist, and warm weather prevails an outbreak of
the murrain is inevitable; indeed, it is on record that it has
made its unwelcome appearance in more than one place.
When the disease is once established nothing will destroy it,
unless it is the new agent salus. Considering the source of
this remedy, I think it ought to be tried by as many as have
the means of doing so, end records of its efficacy or otherwise,
especially not forgetting the ‘‘ otherwise,” be published.

My plan of preserving the crop is an old and simple one. I
cannot conquer the disease, but I can avoid it. The plan is
that which was suggested in your columns last week, a plan
which I remember has been steadily recommended ever since I
commenced reading your pages. It is the planting of early-
ripening gorts, and digging the crops before they are attacked
by the disease. Whenever I have done my duty in this respect
Iecan truthfolly say that I have never had a failure, and the
disease, so far as regards my garden crops, has years ago lost
its terrors.

As soon as the tubers have attained about their full size
they are taken up, if fungus weather—that is, if several dull
moist days threaten, whether the haulm has decayed or the
tubers are ripe or not. It is a singular fact that they will
ripen nearly as well out of the ground as init; andif at the
time of being taken up they are close and sad when cooked,
and do not spparently contain a particle of starch, they will
eventually become ‘‘ mealy,” and contain starch in abundance.

Whence it comes and how it comes is a question I am unable
to auswer—a question which is, perhaps, worth the notice of
some of your scientific readers and correspondents. Potatoes
when taken up thus early should be stored thinly, but not
dried in the sun. ‘The place, indeed, cannot be too shady
provided it is tolerably dry.

But all cultivators cannot find timo for digging their crops
and storing their produce thinly just at a critical time. in
that case, as you suggested last week, the haulm may be
“pulled off, not cut.” No doubt many growers wil! smile at
this recommendation; they have tried this practice and failed
to save their crop. But I think I have as good grounds to
smile at their failure as they have at the advice given con-
cerning it. When the practice fails it is the fault of the
operators, who have erred in their judgment as to the time of
removing the haulm, and by their tardy movements and in-
decisive action have suffered the enemy to steal a march on
them, and which has thus rendered their efforts of no avail.
The haulm must be removed before the disease strikes the
crop. If the work of either taking up the tubers or removing
the haulm is deferred one day too long all may be lost. If the
haulm is removed in time—that is, before the disease appears,
the tubers beneath the surface are perfectly safe, let the
weather be what it may, and the murrain rage with all the viru-
lence of which it is capable. At least I know that is the case
in the district andin the soil where I have practised for several
years, andI presume that the murrain has no geographical
fancies.

With late varieties of Potatoes I have not always, indeed
seldom in years of great disease, been able to save the crop.
To dig such crops a8 Paterson’s Victoria in the Potato-growing
districts of Yorkshire and the north-west corner of Lincolnshire,
where hundreds of acres of Potatoes are grown, before the dis-
ease is established, is to dig up the crops before the tubers have
attained to a useable or marketable size, for such a variety as
Pateraon’s Victoria, for instance, does not form tubers so
quickly, or they do not attain to a sufficient size so speedily in
those districts as they do in Sussex under Mr. Luckhurst’s
management. If they did I should do as he does—dig them
up whether the haulm was green or not, or whether every
tuber slipped its jackets during the process of removal. If
they have attained to a good size that is sufficient; the
question of ripening may be gafely left to take care of itself,

provided—which is the real difficulty with many—that shelter
is provided, or can be improvised, where the tubers can be dried
gradually and stored thinly.

Sufficient evidence has been forthcoming that Mr. Luck-
hurst preserves his main as well as his early crops by digging
them when the haulm is still green, and before the skin of
the tubers is ‘‘ set,’ but I am much afraid the plan is only
applicable to the southern districts, where not half so many
Potatoes are grown as in the north. If your able Sussex corre-
spondent can tell us northerners how we can surmount our
difficulties—namely, late swelling of the tubers and a lack of
convenience for storing them thinly, he will deserve well of his
country, inasmuch as he will be the means of saving from de-
struction not a few sacks merely but many tons of the country’s
food.—A NorrHEeRN GARDENER.

ROSES IN POTS.—No. 2.

Smaxu plants for decorative purposes, such as have been fre-
quently seen and admired at many exhibitions durivg the
present season, ought, I submit, to be much more commonly
seen than they are in private gardens. These small but
useful planta are obtained in the following way :—As early
as they can ke lifted in the autumn from the open ground
they are potted in 6 or 8-inch pots, shortening the strong
coarse roots if any, so that the plant can be placed in the
centre of the pot. The tops are also shortened a trifle at
the same time. Tho pots are then placed close together on a
bed in the open ground, when gome cocoa-nut fibre is thrown
around and between them, and slightly covering the surface of
the soil in the pots. This prevents the frost from entering the
soil, breaking the pots, and injuring the roots. The plants
remain thus plunged the whole of the winter. The rains fall-
ing during the autumn are generally sufficient to excite root-
action, but should the weather prove very dry sprinkling over-
head becomes necessary, but nature generally provides all the
water required until the following spring. At the usual prun-
ing time of outdoor Roses, which is as a rule the first two
weeks of March, the potted plants are cut hard back to two or
three outward eyes, and placed in a sheltered nook to break
and perfect their growths and bloom. The blooms on these
plants are not as a rule so fine as those produced by longer-
established plants, but are very effective. This isa very simple
way of procuring plants, but much time will be saved if
established plants are purchased.

Plants established in pots over twelve months can be readily
purchased ; and, compared with the cost of most plants, Roses
in pots are very cheap indeed. Having given your order for
the quantity chosen it may be well to leave varieties to the
sellers, as they are men of great experience, and would send
only good sorts that would succeed well inpots. After receiving
them they should be repotted. The largest and the strongest
plants will require larger pots, and smaller or weakly plants
may be returned to the same sized pots.

Roses, especially Hybrid Perpetuals, are fonder of strong
yellow loam than almost any other plant. Teas should have
a trifle lighter soil, and if the plants are received early in the
summer plunge the pots up to the rims in short manure, and
if a little manure is placed over the top of the soil s0 much the
better. The plants will root freely, and by the autumn they
should be as thickly rooted as good Strawberries in pots.
According to the summer’s growth depends the success of next
spring’s bloom. They must be watered as required during
dry weather, and by the autumn they ought to have well-
ripened wood. This will be found by the lower leaves turning
brown and falling off, when they should be removed to some
place of shelter from the heavy autumnal rains; if no place at
hand turn each pot on its side. I place mine in cold pits and
frames and give all air that is possible, only sheltering from
heavy rains.—J. W. M.

THE AURICULA APHIS.

I nEGREr to say, that notwithstanding all the care that I
have taken—the using of entirely new compost, the potting of
every plant myself, carefully washing any that seemed in the
least degree affected—this pest has again appeared in my col-
lection. As yet I have only examined one frame, and found
three plants infested by it: oddly enough they were some of
the healthiest plants in the frame. I enclose a portion of the
root with one of the aphis on it. When found it was almost
entirely enveloped in a woolly covering, but this has come off

August 2, 1877. ]

T have of course isolated the plants, and shall forthwith ex-
amine the remainder of my collection. Happily they are not
the best sorts; so as Mr. Worthington Smith says he believes
his salus would finish them off I shall, instead of repotting
now, try it, and if it does not cure them I can but repot later
on. You can readily imagine what consternation this re-ap-
pearance has caused me. However, I have the advantage this
year of knowing it in time, and to be forewarned is forearmed.
—D., Deal.

CULTURE OF ZONAL PELARGONIUMS IN POTS.

Ar the summer show held at Wimbledon for three or four
years past vieitors have been particularly impressed with the
well-grown examples of zonal Pelargoniums exhibited by Mr.
Roser, gardener to A. Shaw, Esq., Park House, Wimbledon
Park. A few days since I had the pleasure of seeing these at
their own home, and a finer lot I have never seen before. None
of that flat cart-wheel training, which is contrary to all laws of
Nature, is practised, but medium-sized sturdy plants are grown
in 6-inch pots with extraordinary and well-developed foliage,
and fifteen to seventeen large and massive trusses of bloom,
such trusses which it would be difficult to excel. The plants,
Mr. Roser stated, were only struck last July. I counted the
number of pips iv a truss of afew varieties. The first trues con-
tained sixty-six fully developed pips and thirty-six more to ex-
pand; a second had 103 expanded blooms with twenty-six more
to perfect themselves; the variety was the Rev. A. Atkinson.
The third truss was Mrs. Tate, a very pleasing pink, on which
were 120 pips nearly all fully expanded. These heads of bloom
were fully 6 inches in diameter at the bottom, and measuring
from the bottom row on the one side to the same row on the
other they measured just 10 inches over. They were truly
superb, and as decorative plants grown in the ordinary bush-like
form they are not to be surpassed by any summer occupants of
our greenhouses. I was so pleased with them that I asked Mr.
Roser to describe his practice for the readers of the Journal,
and the following is the practice adopted by Mr. Roser as
described by him.

About the middle of July, or as early after that period as
possible, cuttings are taken off in the ordinary way and struck
in the open ground, where they remain until they become
well rooted, after which they are lifted carefully and potted
in 60-sized pots, placing them in a cold frame or pit near
the glass, drawing off the lights on all favourable oppor-
tunities, taking great care never to allow them to become
saturated with water. About the middle of October they are
placed on shelves near the glass. in a larger structure, allowing
them plenty of air on all favourable occasions, and between
then and March only just water enough given to keep them
alive. Harly in March they are shifted into their flowering
pots; the size employed the first year is 6 inches. After pot-
ting is completed they are again placed on the shelves until
the second or third week in April, when they are plunged in
ashes in a frame, the lights being drawn off during warm
showers and other favourable times, and under this treatment
the plants make rapid growth. All the flower buds are pinched
off until the pots become full of roots—indeed, until within about
six or seven weeks before the plants are wanted for exhibition
purposes or for home decoration. At this time the trusses of
bloom that are then throwing up are left, and now we arrive
at the secret of success. In order to obtain these gorgeous
as well as massive trusses the points of all growing shoots are
taken off with a sharp penknife immediately above each truss
of bloom, and the strength of the plant goes to swell the sizo
of truss as well as the individual blooms. From this period the
plants are fed with stimulants two or three times a-week, and
with clean water as often as it is necessary to water them.

Zonal Pelargoniums, Mr. Roser says, should be grown from
the time of inserting the cuttings until their blooming period
in as light and airy a position as possible, in order that the
wood may become very firm and matured, without which it is
impossible to expect substantial trusses. After a fair trial with
an extensive collection the following twenty-four varieties are
found the most effective. The varieties raised by Mr. George,
Putney, which have massive trusses, large pips, and the flowers
on the truss remaining until the whole are fully developed, are
Par Excellence (very large pips), A. F. Barron, Terence, En-
chantress, Lord Mayo, Mrs. J. George, Seraph, The Shah,
Salamander, and Rose Unique; and those of Mr. Pearson’s
raising having the same qualitics are Arthur Rogers, Corsair,
Harrie Helen, F. R. Clifton, Col. Wright, Lady Shettield, Mrs.

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

91

Turner, Mrs. Tate, Matilda, Rev. A. Atkinson, Chas. Burrows,
and Col. Holden. Rose of Allandale, raised by Dr. Denny,
and White Clipper, raised by Mr. Must, complete the number
specified.

The plants continue in bloom for nearly two months. As the
present is the time for inserting cuttings or procuring plants, a
record of Mr. Roser’s practice is seasonable-—AN Exuipiror.

AUTUMN CULTIVATION OF SALADS.

Lerruce.—It is not always in the hottest days in summer
that cool crisp Lettuces aro most wanted. In very many
places they are in greater demand from now until the new
year than at any other time of the season. In spring, when
every inch of ground in small gardens in rigidly utilised for
the principal kinds of vegetables, the Lettuces are often planted
in all sorts of unsuitable positions; but now, when many
early Potatoes are lifted and other things cleared off from
borders and such-like choice places, the Lettuce should have
the best of theese. Ground from which the Potatoes have
been recently dug answers well for Lettuce. If plenty of
manure was put in when the Potatoes were planted it will not
be necessary to add more now, but the ground must be dug
over and made fine and level on the surface.

Wo generally make it a point to sow Lettuce once a fortnight.
This keeps up an excellent succession. Large or small patches
may be gown according to demand. It is about ten weeke.
from the time the seed is sown until the plants are fit for use.
Those sown about the beginning of August wiJl come in by-
the end of September. From then onwards is when we want.
an immense quantity, and I fancy many others do the same..
When tho soil is very dry it is a great advantage to sow the
seeds immediately the ground is turned over. The surface is.
moist then and in much better condition for germinating the
seed quickly than when the surface is dried up. Do not sow-
the seed in close patches in beds and then transplant, but
place it at once where the plants have to grow. Draw the.
drills 12 inches to 15 inches apart and 1} inch deep. Drop
the seed into these drills in patches from five to eight seeds
in each. The Cabbage varicties may be sown 8 inches apart
and the Cos 10 inches or 12 inches. It takes less seed to sow
them in that way than sowing the whole length of the drill,
and as five or six plants come up in each patch there is plenty
for thinning-out and transplanting.

Sow three times in August, and the same number of times
in September. The plants from the last sowing may not
grow quickly, but they will become of use in the spring. Ther
August sowings are the most useful in autumn. As soon ag:
the first are large enough fo transplant this should be done, ass
they will come in a few days later than those left to form the:
crop. The best situation for Lettuces in autumn is the most
sheltered from frost and the most exposed to the sun. Fre-
quent surface hoeings never fail to keep down weeds and impart
vigour to the plants.

In wet autumns I have sometimes found it necessary to lift
many of the Lettuces in October when they were nearly fully
grown and plant them in frames as close as they would stand,,
and cover them over with sashes in unfavourable times. I
have also potted some of them before placing them in frames,
but this plan will not pay for the labour and apace. The best.
Cabbage variety for standing the winter is the Hardy Hammer.--
smith. Amongst the Cos varieties I have a strong preference:
for the Black-seeded Bath.

Enpive.—The cultivation of this does not differ materially’
from that of the Lettuce. It is mostly grown for autumn use.-
The principal crop of it should be in by the first or second
week in August. We sow both our Lettuce and Endive to-
gether on the same border and in exactly the same manner.
They come up about the same time, but the Endive is a little
later than the Lettuce in becoming ready. It bears trans~
planting well and snails do not seem to relishit. On rich
soil the plants often spread out to a considerable extent, and
a distance of 12 inches to 15 inches is not too far to grow
them apart. In hot weather the Endive is far more liable to
‘‘polt” than Lettuce, consequently a thorough watering now
and again is never labour lost. Those coming to maturity in
August and September may be tied-up to blanch the centre ;
but when there is much rain and snow they soon rot if tied-up,
and then the best way to blanch them is either to lay thin
pieces of deal over them or lift the plants and lay them in by
the roots in a derk Mushroom house. I only recommend two
sorts, White Batavian and Green Curled.

92

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

RapisHeEs.-—These are always in as great a demand as Lettuces.
Their cultivation is even more simple, at least they do not
take up so much ground or labour. The soil for them must
be open and rich. Those sown during August may still have
a shaded position assigned them. After trying several ways of
sowing the seed I adhere strictly now to making drills about
1 inch deep and 12 inches wide, and leave about 6 inches
between each of these wide rows to step between for drawing
the Radishes. In a narrow border where they can be reached
from the walk this plan is unnecessary, and the seed may be
sown broadcast. It should never be sown very thickly. The
plants are close enough when they come uplinch apart. They
do not all swell at one time. By pulling the largest out as
they are ready the smaller are given more room. After open-
ing the drills if the soil is dry water it well before sowing
the seed. Those sown in September and October must either
be placed in an exceptional sheltered position or in frames.
The latter are much to be preferred. Melons and Cucumbers
are often cleared out of frames then ; often neither the frames
nor the manure are wanted until the spring, and this is the
very place to grow Radishes. Pull the old Melon or Cucumber
plants up. Leave the soil; add a barrowload or two of leaf
soil, of light dung, and mix it up with this old stuff. Give
the whole a good watering, and then cover the seed lightly.
Do not put on the sashes until it is necessary todo so. The
longer and the more they can be kept off the better, as their
being on when uot actually needed only makes the plants
tender. A frame sown early in November will give supplies
until Christmas and the new year. Dry soil or poor soil causes
Radishes to run to seed quickly at all times, and before doing
this they are hot and poor in flavour. Turnip Radishes swell
best in the short days; and then sow Red Turnip and China
Rose.

Mustarp anp Cress.—These are simply grown. They may
be sown in any corner of the garden, either in the sun or shade.
In August and September we sow a few short rows every ten
days on a little border in light rich soil. It is watered imme-
diately it is sown, and in sunny weather a mat is laid over it
for two days after sowing. In October and throughout the
winter we never sow out of doors nor in a frame cither. Half
@ dozen boxes 2 feet long and 1 foot wide and 3 inches deep
are what we use. Two of these are filled at the beginning of
every week. The seed is just spread on the surface of the soil,
watered, and placed in a house with a temperature of 50°.
The plants grow quickly there, and as soon as cut the box is
emptied, filled with fresh soil, sown, and put back again. This
is the cheapest way of growing Mustard and Cress in winter
that I have tried.—A Kitcuen GarDENER.

ROSE MDLLE. MARIE FINGER.

I acrre with Mr. Beachey that there is a distinct difference
even in colour between Malle. Marie Finger and Malle. Eugénie
Verdier. I have repeatedly seen them exhibited in the same
stands when “distinct varicties’’ have been specified, and I
have never known them to have been disqualified. As I could
not speak of them except as growing in light soil, where there
is a clear difference in colour, I wrote to a great grower of
Roses on heavy soil, one who has grown as many prize Roses
as probably any other rosarian, and his reply is as follows:—

“Madlle. Marie Finger is two shades darkar; the wood is
also darker and has more spines than Malle. Eugénie Verdier,
particularly at the base of the flower. They are distinct.

“With reference to Maurice Bernardin, Exposition de Brie,
and Ferdinand de Lesseps, although somewhat alike they differ
in their respective time of flowering. This year Exposition
de Brie flowered first. Ferdinand de Lesseps is the brightest,
and Maurice Bernardin is the darkest of the three. Though
very valuable in a large collection they are not all required in
a small one.”

This will give ‘‘Wyip Savacr”’ a portion of the information
at least that he requested from ‘‘ A HnrerorpsHirE INCUMBENT.”
—A Civinisep Native.

ZINC LABELS.

‘© A Tyro, Co. Down,” wishes to know if anyone has observed
that the shoots on which zine labels are tied die. I have for
a number of years observed this effect, and the cause is that
the shoot that has the zine bound round it is 5° colder in
frosty weather than the other part of the Rose tree; likewise
in summer weather the shoot is from 5° fo 7° hotter than the

other part of the Rose tree. Ina Cucumber house provided
with iron and zine rods the Cucumbers died away wherever
they touched rods of zinc or iron; so I had the zine taken
away and had some American deal sawed up in strips and
nailed to the rafters, and the crop has never failed since.

Mr. Hinton is quite right in saying that Rose Abel Grand
does well on its own roots. It has with me; and I will add
that Maréchal Niel, Devoniensis, and Lamarque do better with
me on their own roots than when budded on other stocks.—
W. G., Gardener, Lynwood, Hants.

GALLOWAY ROSE SHOW.—Juty 17a.

Tuerre is a class of teachers in the present day who run down
anything like enthusiasm. Politics, religion, the affairs of every-
day life, must all be regulated by the rule of thumb. Cold and
deliberate reasoning is to enter into everything, and nothing
of sentiment or poetry to be dreamt of. But what a dull
world it would be without sentiment! How slowly we should
move without enthusiasm! and how much does every success-
fol undertaking owe to the enthusiastic rider of a hobby.
Here in the far south-west of Scotland—in a country beautiful
in its own style of beauty, but to all appearance the most un-
suited for the Rose—is a flourishing Society, so flourishing that
it attracts by its schedule some of our largest English growers,
and so well supported that its balance-sheet shows no deficit;
and J think everyone who exhibits or knows anything about it
will say that not merely the starting of the Society, but its
maintenance throughout, is due to the hearty enthusiasm of the
Rev. G. B. W. Mackenzie of All Saints, Newton Stewart. And
again, although under trying circumstances he has to record a
success—the season, so backward and so unpropitious everywhere,
has been especially so for Scotland—and it showed no little zeal
and success in Rose culture that at the very time that the
southern growers were meeting at the Aquarium, those in the
far north could come together in friendly rivalry at Newton
Stewart.

The Show was held, as last year, in the Victoria Hall, a very
suitable room with one exception, that the roof lights threw the
sun down too much on one table, a defect that might be remedied
by tacking some light material over them. The tables were
arranged lengthways and were well filled. The chief attraction
was no doubt the two stands exhibited by Mr. Cant of Col-
chester and Mr. George Paul of Cheshunt, who took first and
second prizes in the order named, the third prize going to
Messrs. Dickson & Co. of Newtownards, Co. Down, Ireland;
whilein twelve Teas the order was reversed, Mr. Paul taking first
and Mr. Cant second, Messrs. Dickson being still third. It will
be needless to particularise the blooms in these stands, many
of the old varieties, such as Général Jacqueminot, Charles Le-
febvre, Comtesse d’Oxford, Duke of Edinburgh, Exposition de
Brie, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, John Hopper, Jules Margottin,
La France, Marie Baumann, Francois Michelon, &c., being
shown, together with some of the newer sorts — Marguerite
de Brassac, an improved Charles Lefebvre; Madame Prosper
Langier, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Duke of Connaught (shown
very fine by Messrs. Dickson), Prince Arthur (Mr. Cant’s very
fine seedling), Reynolds Hole, Jean Liabaud, very dark; Rev.
J.B. M. Camm, Royal Standard, Emily Laxton, very fine; and
Thomas Mills, which seems excellently suited for this locality.
Whilst amongst Teas lovely blooms of Comtesse de Nadaillac,
Homére, La Boule d’Or, Maréchal Niel, Monsieur Furtado,
Souvenir de Paul Neron, Cheshunt Hybrid, and others were ex-
hibited in fine condition.

The amateurs’ classes bore unmistakeable proof of the back-
wardness of the season and the inclemency of the few days
previous; but some of the stands were very creditable, espe-
cially those of Mr. Lewin, Mr. McMorren, and Mr. McKenzie.
There was one class, however, to which exception must be tuken,
that of Roses in pots. We are accustomed to see these, excert
in very few cases, very indifferently done by amateurs, even >
what may be called their proper season ; it was hardly to be ex-
pected, then, that in the third week in July they would be very
creditable, but it seemed to me a great waste of money to
bestow a prize of £5 on six plants, not one of which had a really
exhibition Rose on it, a remark which applies to the other two
exhibits as well; and I would suggest that for the future this
class be altogether withdrawn, or else that a prize one-fifth in
value be given to it, and the balance added to the prizes for cut
Roses. One very interesting feature of the Show was the fact
of cottagers competing for prizes in cut Roses. There can be
no doubt that the success of the Society has encouraged several
in the neighbourhood to attempt their growth, and a more
healthy sign of good results cannot be recorded. After the
Show a goodly number of exhibitors and friends (forty) met to-
gether at dinner, under the presidency of Sir Herbert Maxwell,
Bart., of Monreith, a well-known scientific botanist and a great
lover of herbaceous plants, some cut blooms of which he ex-
hibited at the Show, and all passed off in the most excellent

August 2, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

93

spirit.“3I can*say that infcommon with my friends Messrs.
Paul & Cant we have to express our grateful recollections for
muchjwarm-hearted hospitality and kindness.—D., Deal.

ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS.

I musr disclaim the compliments paid by “‘A Retrrep
GARDENER” to what he calls my ‘‘ science,” if they are meant
to imply that my criticism on his practice was not founded on
practice also. The fact is, we are both agreed that certain
manures are useful. He cites his practice, in which enormous
quantities were followed by good crops; I can cite my own, in
which much smaller quantities have given equally good results,
and I have confirmed that by citing also the practical experi-
ments of Mr. Lawes, extending now over twenty years, in
which the results obtained by different quantities have been
most carefully compared.

‘(A RETIRED GARDENER” urges, however, that I have over-
stated the amount of guano he applied, because his rows of
Peas were 5 feet apart; but I presume if he grew anything
(which certainly a market gardener would do) between the
rows it would have been manured in the same proportion ;
‘and I understood also that he applied the same quantities to
Carrots, Onions, &c., which were, I imagine, grown closely over
the ground allotted to them. I took his own figures, and
assumed that they were intended to apply to full crops as well
as to half crops. Next ‘A Retrrep GARDENER” argues that
‘to stint manure is to waste it, and he cites the contrast
between a neighbouring farm and his own garden in a droughty
year; but to make the contrast accurate between the two sys-
tems of manuring the farm ought to have had the same water-
ing for at least half as much as the garden, which I take for
granted it did not. I fully admit that garden crops will bear
and profit by heavier doses than field crops, and for this reason
I assigned to the garden double the heaviest dose that a farmer
would give to his land. Instead of recommending 3 ewt. of
guano, as ‘A RetireD GARDENER” seems to imply I did,
merely because I said it was a common farm top-dressing, I ex-
pressly recommended for the garden a proportion which would
equal 14 ewt. per acre. ‘‘A Retinep GaRDENER” adduces
the heavy manuring and heavy crops of market gardeners, and
I need not say that I admire their practice and its results; but
these heavy manurings are almost entirely composed of stable
litter with occasionally a small mixture of cow and pig dung,
and we are discussing guano and nitrate of soda. The differ-
ence is this—that dung decomposes very slowly and is not
available for plant food till decomposed, while a great deal of
‘guano and the whole of nitrate of soda is instantly soluble, and
is taken up into the plants as fast as their roots can absorb the
water in which it is dissolved; hence dung produces an effect
extending over many seasons, while the artificial manures are
practically exhausted in one. Nor does even a market gardener
succeed in growing any one crop to heavier weight than a single
crop of roots ona farm. The difference is that he makes crop
closely follow crop, and that his crops sell at higher prices;
but no market gardener would ever dream of applying to any
crop a dressing of a ton of guano per week to an acre !

‘CA RETIRED GARDENER” in truth gives up his case as to
‘quantities when he says not only that half the dressing may
be pure water, but that in a wet season he would apply the
artificial manure only once or twice, while in a dry season he
would apply it eight times. It is clear that if he yrows crops
that are ‘luxuriant, full, profitable,” with one or two doses of
manure, the extra six must be simply wasted. They were
wasted, and did not in his case poison the plants, only because
the water given was also so excessive. A soil from which the
evaporation is checked by mulching, and which is therefore
kept tolerably moist, cannot possibly absorb 2 inches of water
poured on its surface. At least one-half of the water will
drain away into the subsoil, and will carry with it the larger
portion of the soluble matter of any manure that has been
previously or simultaneously applied. This is not a scientific
theory; it is a fact established by the experience of all who
have examined into questions of drainage.

I may add, in reference to the remarks of Mr. Douglas, that
in dry soils and seasons he prefers farm dung to artificial
manures, because the former helps to retain the moisture. I
entirely agree with him. On such soils artificials are only use-
ful if a sufficient supply of water can be afforded throughout the
season ; but he will remember that I suggested artificials (with
water when requisite) in answer to the inquiry of a gentleman
who could not obtain farm manure, and who sought to know of

a substitute. That gentleman stated that during the present
season he had been obliged to restrict his Roses to guano, and
the high place he has taken at Rose shows seems to indicate
that the substitute has been successful. Guano is, however,
now-a-days of very uncertain, and often of very poor, quality ;
besides, it may at some seasons be too stimulating. The
mixture of nitrate of soda, superphosphate of lime, and potash
may be made to any strength and in any proportions desired.

If I were to presume (from some little experience with other
plants) to advise such veteran Rose-growers I would say, Use
during autumn neither much guano nor much nitrate of soda,
but apply superphosphate and potash with just a little nitrate.
This will cause growth of roots rather than of leaves, and will
give firm and ripe wood and strong buds.—J. B. K.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

Tus Association was formed at Edinburgh on the 20th of
March, 1877, for the promotion and advancement of the
science and practice of horticulture, and for the dissemination
of a knowledge of such branches of natural history as are con-
nected therewith.

These objects are proposed to be attained by the holding of
periodical meetings for the interchange of information bearing
upon these subjects, and the application of such knowledge to
productive and decorative gardening, industrial economy, and
the arts; by forming a museum and library suitable for the
general information and reference of members; by encourag-
ing the introduction and raising of new and meritorious plants,
fruits, and vegetables, and the selection of such sorts as are
suitable to the climate and soils of Britain with a view to their
general cultivation.

That any person interested in the objects of the Association
shall be eligible for membership, and be admitted as a member
on being proposed, seconded, and duly elected by a majority
present at any ordinary meeting. The annual subscription to
be 2s. 6d., and payable in advance.

For 1877-78 Mr. Maleolm Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, is Pre-
sident; Mr. H. Fraser, Leith Walk Nursery, Vice-President ;
Mr. John Methven, Leith Walk Nursery, Secretary; and Mr.
David Laird, West Coates Nursery, Treasurer.

This is only a temporary statement of the aims, &c., of the
Association—just sufficient to carry on the Association till the
first annual meeting in March, 1878, when it will be revised
and extended into laws, rules, &c., and the Association put on
a proper and a permanent footing. Up to this there have been
four numerously attended meetings held and various very in-
teresting and useful papers read, the merits of which have
been intelligently discussed by the members present. Hven-
tually a summary of the papers and discussions for the use of
members at a distance and the general public are hoped to
be published. The Association already numbers above 150
members from all parts of the country.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Amonest the many treasures now approaching their ful-
ness of beauty in Battersea Park—examples of both tropical-
and temperate vegetation—not many plants or shrubs are
more effective than the GotpEN Exper (Sambucus nigra var.
aurea). Several plants are growing in one of the large flower
beds, and their bright golden foliage is very conspicuous, and
has a fine contrasting effect with the dark green of the sur-
rounding trees and shrubs. The Elder appears to have been
cut down during the winter, and to this with good soil is to be
attributed the healthy growth and rich golden hue of the
shoots and foliage. This Elder is a very striking plant for
shrubberies, and presents anything but a coarse appearance.

Ir cannot be too widely known that many of the DOUBLE
Grraniums of comparatively recent introduction possess the
same close and compact habit and free-flowering qualities of
the single varieties. A recent inspection of Mr. Cannell’s fine
collection of them at Swanley affords ample proof of that
being the case, and also for noting a few of the best varieties
at present in cultivation. Oneof the most free is undoubtedly
the semi-double variety Wonderful, and one of the most useful
is Madame Thibaut. Very fine are Hugéne Baudawin, J. C.
Rodbard, C. H. Wagner, Lucie Lemoine, Deputé Laflize, Simon
Delaux, Littré, Jean Dolfus, and Purple Kmperor, new, very
tich. Malle. Amelie Baltet is the best white variety.

— Wuttz in most gardens walls are considered to be
necessary for the ripening of Tomatozs eyen in the south of

94

England, no such sheltering aid is wanted by the London
market gardeners for this crop. Tomatoes are now grown in
the open quarters with apparently the same ease and cer-
tainty as Potatoes or any other crop. In one garden alone
we lately saw 11,000 plants in one square, and 9000 more
were growing in the same ‘‘ grounds ’—those of Messrs. Bagley
at Fulham. The plants are in rows 3 feet apart and 18 inches
between the plants. Trenches are prepared much after the
manner of Celery trenches, and the plants well established
and hardened are turned out of pots. The manure is used
during the course of its fermentation, and the trenches are
levelled-in. Tach plant is trained to a short stake and is
stopped when about 2 feet high, and when five or six clusters
of fruit have formed 10 further growth of shoots is permitted.
Already the fruit is of large size, and there is every prospect
of a very heavy crop ripening during the season. The aoil
near walls and fences is considered by the market growers to
be too dry and poor for Tomatoes, which are found to thrive
much better in the open and highly manured fields. The
variety grown resembles the Orangefield. It is surprising to
notice the lavish yet profitable manner in which manure ia
used in these fields, nearly or quite ten times as much as is
used by some agriculturists, and five times as much as is
used in many gardens.

—— In 1875 we published a very favourable notice of two
Dovste Crarnias—Salmon Queen and Purple King. They
were raised by Mr. Hardy, seed-grower, Bures, Suffolk. He has
sent us specimens of this year’s growth of the same variety,
and we can testify they are very fine.

— Mk. J. Linpsay, gardener, enclosed to us a spray of a
GREEN Rose. It has been grown in the gardens of Wybrants
Olphert, Esq., Ballyconnell House, Falcaragh, Co. Donegal,
for the last eight or ten years. Its entire green colour is not
attractive. In growth and foliage it is described as neat and
pleasing. It is a good example of R. viridiflora.

—— VILLA GARDENS are yeerly growivg in numbers. Small
enclosures of a few rods of ground, or even a few yards, fre-
quently afford much pleasure to their owners and yield also
instruction to visitors. One of the latest instances—not,
perhaps, of the mere attractiveness of a villa garden, but of
its value to the owner and the general interest attaching to it
which has come under our notice—is that of W. Clifton, Esq.,
at Fulham. Mr. Clifton is a gentleman who has long been
engaged in matters connected with the public service, and he
has brought his scientific attainments to bear on the manage-
ment of his garden. His residence is half surrounded with a
capacious glass structure, and from this he has had the honour
of having cut and forwarded to Her Majesty nine hundred
blooms of Devoniensis Rose in one week. That was some
years ago; and Roses are not grown now, but instead Tube-
roses, Begonias, Liliums, Hippeastrums, Phloxes, &c., are cul-
tivated and increased. Phloxes are grown by hundreds—
home-raised seedlings. These are very varied in colour, and
it is worthy of note that one variety has been exclusively relied
on as the seed-bearing parent. Many varieties are very good,
and as flowering in pots and growing in semi-wild luxuriance
in the garden produce an excellent effect. Several Geraniums
have been raised in Mr. Clifton’s garden, amongst them the
excellent golden bicolor Crown Prince. The outside garden is
also noteworthy. It is not a trim and formal enclosure designed
on geometrical principles and ornamented with carpet beds ;
on the contrary, it is as informal as a garden can be. The
centre has been hollowed out, and contains a little water, little
lawns, several beds of shrubs, and a thicket of Conifers. Wel-
lingtonias raised from cuttings in 1861 are now fine trees,
equal if not superior to those raised from seed. There are
many kinds of Conifers, and almost every tree has a history.
There are dozens of Hollies raised from seed by the owner and
now laden with berries. The shrubs and trees cannot be par-
ticularised, but a variety of the Deodar demands mention—
Cedrus Deodara robusta. It is most striking and handsome;
the main branches being av close, flat, and dense as those of
the Cedar of Lebanon, while the terminal growths are almost
fountain-like by their graceful drooping character. C. africana
is also very fine. Mr. Clifton with the aid of his clever young
gardener ‘‘ Bill”? (Mr. W. Chisholm) proves how varied and
interesting a villa garden may become when it is intelligently
managed.

— WE have received the schedule of the Narronan Car-
NATION AND Picorer Socrery’s SHow, which is to be held in
the Botanical Gardens, Manchester, on August 4th, 5th, and

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

6th. The classes are not quite s0 numerous nor the prizes 80
large as those provided for the southern show recently held at
the Westminster Aquarium. Many northern florists—to their
honour be it said—appear to be prompted by a real earnest
love for their flowers rather than tempted by high prizes for
their cultivation’; hence good exhibitions result, the last of
which we trust will be the best. In order to secure uniformity
in the stands the Hon. Sec., the Rev. F. D. Horner, requests
that the standard of dimensions given below, which was dis-
cussed at the general meeting in January, 1876, will be adopted
by all the exhibitors this year. The collections of twelve must
be shown in boxes of three fours, of the following dimensions.
—viz., from centre to centre, 3% inches; from centre to out-
side, 24 inches ; outside length, 153 inches; width, 12 inches ;.
depth, 42inches; to be painted a bright green. The collections
of six blooms, in boxes of three twos, of similar distances with
those of the twelve-blooms class. An unregulated size of
stands interferes seriously with the good effect of the show;
and this matter is now upon so prominent a footing that
flowers shown on stands not in accordance with the Society’s
regulations are liable to disqualification.

— Tue Kipperuinster Horricvnturan THXHIBITION,
which closed on the 26th ult., was, we are informed, very
successful. The exhibits were not only numerous but of
superior quality. Nearly £200 were offered in prizes. The
chief winners in the plant classes were Mr. Tudgey, gardener
to J. F. W. Williams, Esq.; Mr. Cypher and Mr. Pilgrim,
Cheltenham ; and Mr. Plevey, gardener to E. J. Morton, Esq.
In the fruit classes Mr. Cox, gardener to Harl Beauchamp;
Mr. Moffatt, gardener to H. Alsopp, Esq.; Mr. Child, gardener
to the Harl of Coventry, were successful exhibitors. Vege-
tables were very good, especially Potatoes. Carter’s Main
Crop, Snowflake, Harly Rose, Mona’s Pride, and the Emperor
were the leading varieties.

—— One of the most graceful and effective of flowering
shrubs for imparting an air of lightness and cheerfulness to
the prevailing greenness of shrubberies in July is Srirmsa
ARLEFOLIA. This Spirea is profusely laden with its elegant

| pearl-white flowers in summer, as is the Deutzia in the spring.

A valuable quality possessed by this Spirwa is that it grows
and flowers freely under the shade of trees. Our attention
was drawn to this fact by Mr. Harding, gardener to Rey. W.
Arthur, Clapham Common, who pointed out a shrub growing
under the dense shade of some large Elms, and which was
flowering with the greatest freedom. Mr. Harding, who has a
large acquaintance with hardy flowers and shrubs, esteems
Spireea ariefolia as one of the most useful for cultivation in
sun or in shade, and for affording a great supply of elegant
sprays for vase and room decoration.

We remarked a few weeks ago on the probability of
false alarms being heard of the-advent of the CoLtorano
BEETLE into this country. An alarm of this nature has
originated at Hereford, where the dreaded beetle turns out to
be the gardeners’ friend, the ladybird. The Potato beetle, as
everyone ought to know, is not spotted like the lady-bird, but
is clearly marked with ten stripes down its wing cases. When
we published in 1874 an engraving of the Colorado beetle a
correspondent predicted that if the pest arrived in this country
it would probably be in the pupa state, or some enthusiastic
naturalist would nurse over :ome precious specimens and ex-
pect a medal for his pains. The members of the York Chamber
of Agriculture do not appear to regard the last-named source
of danger an empty one, for at a recent meeting the following
resolution was proposed and carried:—‘‘ Considering the
danger to which we are exposed from the ravages of the inseet
in question, it is to be regretted that over-zealous naturalists
are having beetles brought over alive from America, and are
keeping and experimenting with them as to their habits and
the food they will eat.” The best means of becoming ac-
quainted with the appearance of the beetle is by obtaining
models of it from Mr. Louis Stollwerck, 145, Cannon Street,
London. The insect in its various stages is more clearly re-
presented by these models than by illustrations.

— Suorrty after the Kirkcudbright Flower Show was
opened to the public last week Lord Selkirk presented a hand-
some marble timepiece to Mr. James SrRyIcE, nurseryman,
along with a silver teapot for Mrs. Service, in acknowledgment
of the hearty interest which he had always taken in the exhi-
bitions, and of his exertions to promote their success. His
lordship remarked that he understood Mr. Service had been
one of the most zealous promoters of these exhibitions, and

August 2, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE: GARDENER.

he thought it alike honourable to himself and creditable to
his brother horticulturists that his exertions should be thus
publicly acknowledged. He had the greatest pleasure in making
the presentation. The plate upon the timepiece. bore the
following inscription :—‘' Presented to Mr. James Service, nur-
seryman, Maxwelltown, Dumfries, as a mark of respect by a
few friends. Kirkcudbright, 20th July, 1877.” This pleasing
mark of recognition was appropriately acknowledged by Mr.
Service.

In alluding to the Vineyarp at Castie Coca, ‘‘ The
Gardener” states, the Vines planted in the spring of 1875 in
the Marquis of Bute’s vineyard are looking remarkably well,
and there is every appearance of their carrying a good crop.
Hach plant has from three to four strong shoots, and each
shoot showed two bunches of Grapes. The experiment
which Lord Bute determined on making two years ago will
probably be tested in some degree this year, as it is intended
‘to allow the plants to mature three or foar buaches of Grapes
each. Judging from present appearance they will do this
easily. M. Chauvenet, a vineyard proprietor from the Cote
’Or, France, has been on a visit to Castle Coch, and expresses
a very favourable opinion. He thinks the site and soil all
that could be desired, and states that the Vines are looking as
well, and are quite as forward as those in his own vineyard
at Naits; and he believes, from what he has seen, that the
experiment will turn out satisfactory. We understand that
M. Chauvenet will visit Cardiff again in the autumn to give
the benefit of his experience in wine-making; and we sincerely
hope that before many years have elapsed we shall have the
opportunity of tasting wines of home growth.

Linium LONGIFLORUM var. EXIMIUM We observe in fine
condition on entering the temperate house at Kew, and believe
it to be one of the best for pot culture. Its large white flowers
are scarcely to be surpassed for beauty, and the sweet perfume
has not the overpowering strength of L. auratum. The Vic-
‘toria regia commenced flowering some days ago, and on the
roof of the house is a splendid yellow-flowered climber growing
with great vigour and profusion of bloom. This is Adeno-
calymna uitidum ; it is allied to Bignonia, and the flowers are
of large size. Cyrtodeira fulgida is one of the most striking
of all plants in flower; its leaves are of dark metallic hue,
relieved with white along the midrib and principal veins, and
the flowers are deep scarlet. This plantis growing in the stove,
and, though doing well with pot culture, would evidently be
very fine as a basket plant. Bomarea Carderiis blooming with
fine effect in the succulent house. It was introduced at the
Royal Gardens and also by Mr. W. Bull, whose plants have
this summer been exhibited in flower. One of the umbels has
about thirty-two flowers, the majority expanded, while the
others remain as pretty pink buds. The perianth or coloured
portion here measures in length nearly 24 inches, the outer
segments pink, and the inner green, with black-purple spots.
The Bomareas are sometimes grown in pots, but appear to
reach a much better development if planted out.

—— Amonest hardy flowering shrubs HypRANGEA PANICU-
DATA GRANDIFLORA is one of the most effective. We first saw
this Hydrangea flowering in the nurseries of Mr. Charles Van
Geert at Antwerp. We have since seen it in several nurseries
and in some private gardens in England, and in every instance
it was generally admired. It appsars to be perfectly hardy,
grows freely in good soil, and flowers with the greatest pro-
fusion. It is particularly suitable for planting amongst shrubs
near the margin of the borders, and in such a position it is
highly effective. It is a little surprising that this Hydrangea
is not more extensively cultivated, since plants of it are now
plentiful and can be purchased at a cheap rate.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—DAY LILY.

Day Liss are quite at home with us in our borders: they
‘are capital plants for filling-up waste places, for they are not
particular as to soil or situation provided they have a moderate
share of light and air, yet they enjoy partial shade. Many
years have passed away since they first found their way to our
shores, and I venture to say that had they been an expensive
delicate race of plants they would have found favour and in
all probability been extensively cultivated, but bearing any
amount of rough usage they are thrust into corners often
nearly out of sight.

To see them in perfection they must have space afforded
them, and the better they are treated the greater is their

95

beanty. ~They are rapid-growing plants, and should have a
good depth of soil for their roots; they are moisture-loving
plants, but the water must not be stagnant. A compost of
two parts good sandy loam, one part peat, one part well-
decomposed vegetable matter, and a little coarse sand will meet
their requirements. They are useful in pots for any purpose.
When well done a plant in a good-sized pot having twenty or
more flower scapes, plunged and in the centre of a large bed
or other conspicuous place on the lawn, is a grand object when
in full bloom. They are effective too for indoor decoration,
and for cut flowers also.

Beautiful as are Hemerocallis flava, fulva, graminea, japonica,
disticha, and Dumortieri, they are far surpassed by the double
and variegated kinds. They are best increased by division
when growth has commenced in spring.— VERITAS.

PARAFFIN OIL versus THE PARSLEY GRUB.

Azour a month ago » long row of Parsley in the kitchen
garden here became quite yellow in the leaves, and showed
every eign of being badly attacked with worms at the root. I
mixed a wine-glaseful of parafiia to every six gallons of water,
and gave the row a thorough watering. The result is that
the plants are growing vigorously, and to see them now no
one would ever think they had been so uearly killed a month
ago. There is no vegetable suffers more from insects at the
root than Parsley. I could name many good gardens where
it fails every year throvgh the same cause. Wherever it is
failing now I would advise an immediate application of paraffin.
—A KircHen GARDENER.

THE NETTLE.

Tur Nettle is not a popular plant. Most persons, indeed,
cherish for it a deep-seated dislike, declaring that it adds
dreariness to the waste places which it frequents, and that it
repels every advance to friendship by its sharp sting and acrid
juices. These allegations are partially true, yet it has some-
what to say in itsown behalf. Inthe first place it is extremely
well connected. It belongs to the same family as the Hop, the
Hemp, and the Mulberry, claims kindred with the whole Fig
tribe, so rich in fruit and rubbers, and is allied to the Banyan,
most wonderful of reproducing growths, and to the Upas of
Java, though, perhaps, the less said about that the better. It
dwells in desolate places because others are denied it, but it
clothes them with life and colour and the graces of poetic
association. More than a score of insects are nourished solely
by it, among them some of the most gorgeous butterflies that
ever played in the summer sun; and, although ita leaves are
somewhat coarse, it brings to mind Chaucer and Waller and
the gentle Ophelia, wreathed with

“Corn Flowers, Nettles, Daisies, and long Parples.”

Though not prepossessing to the unassisted eye, it bears,
and, indeed, courts minute inspection, its dense and slender
hairs when seen through the microscope exciting admiration
and amazement by their wonderfully curious mechanism.
Though this delicate and yielding armour, lightly touched and
languidly toyed with, is venomous, it loses its power to harm
when firmly grasped, and the plant, rich in soothing as in
irritating properties, allays the burning of its wounds by its
own healing juices. In many localities, also, it grows in com-
pany with, or not far from, the Dock (Rumex), which is an
antidote to its poison. Children increase, as they think, the
potency of the latter by repeating during its application the
antique charm :—

“ Nettle in, Dock out,
Dock in, Nettle out,
Nettle in, Dock out,
Dock rub Nettle out.”

That the Nettle may be useful as a pot-herb is proved by the
old Scoteh song :—

“Gin ye be for lang kail,
Cow [pluck] the Nettle early;
Gin ye be for lang kail,
Cow the Nettle early.”

*‘ Cow it laigh, cowe it sune,
Cow it in the month of June,
Just when it is in the blume,
Cow the Nettle early.”
From the fibres of this plant the French manufacture good
paper, the Kamtchatkans fishing-lines, and the Hindostanees
a delicate and famous cloth. Its roots boiled with alum

96

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURH AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

afford a yellow dye, and the juice of the stalks and leaves
impart to woollen stuffs a pleasing and permanent green; and
in the north of Europe it is grown as fodder for cows, and cut
several times in the year. In many places it is highly valued
as food for swine, and the chopped leaves are eagerly eaten
by poultry, especially by young turkeyz, to whom they area
luxury. One species of the genus produces tubers, which form
in India an article of diet either raw or cooked. Australia
presents us with a tree Nettle, which sometimes reaches a
height of 140 feet, with a trunk of proportional thickness.

The Nettle is known to heraldry through the family of
Malherbe, whose armorial bearings were three Nettle leaves
proper; to history through the Romans, who are said to have
carried it to England with their arts and arms; and to le-
gendary literature through the founder of the Rhine castle of
Eberstein.

THE INDIGO PLANT (InpDIcoFERA TINCTORIA).

ANNUALLY there is an indigo planters’ dinner at Calcutta,
and several of those dinners we enjoyed about thirty years

Fig. 22.—Indigofera tinctoria.

since. The planters came down the Ganges, and we have
portraits of them examining sedulously samples of the purple
dye.

The uncertainty of the indigo crop is as proverbial as that
from the Hop plants in England.

In Bengal, the crop is particularly subject to be destroyed
by the annual inundation of the river, if it occurs earlier than
usual. A storm of wind, accompanied by rain and hail, as
completely ruins the crop as if devoured by the locust ; neither
from this latter scourge is the crop exempt.

This proneness to injury extends throughout its growth.
The seedlings are liable to be destroyed by an insect closely
resembling the Turnip fly, as well as by the frog. Caterpillars
feed upon the leaves of older plants, and the white ant destroys
them by consuming their roots.

To these destructive visitations are to be added the more than
ordinary liability of the plant to injury, not merely from at-

mospheric commotions, but even from apparently less inimical
visitations. Thus, not only do storms of wind, heavy rains,
and hail destroy the indigo planter’s prospects, but even sun-
shine, if it pours out fervently after showers of rain, is apt to
scorch the plants; and if it occurs during the first month of
their growth is most injurious to their future advance.

The reason of this effect appears to be the violent change
from a state of imbibing to a rapid transpiration of moisture.

The Indigofera tinctoria belongs to the natural order Legu-
minose, and the Linnzan class and order Diadelphia Decan-
dria. Its leaves are pinnate, its stem shrubby and erect; its
flowers in racemes are pale with a red keel and vexillum.

THE AMERICAN POPLAR (Anglice, Tutre TREE),
LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA.

Tuis is by far the finest tree in our forest. Nowhere does
the Poplar attain greater dimensions than in West Virginia.
It often reaches the height of 120 to 140 feet, and the diameter
of 7 to 8 and 9 feet, with a distance of 80 feet from the first
limb. Several trees are reported as 10 and 11 feet in diameter
in this state. It delights in deep loamy and extremely fertile
soils, such as are found in rich bottoms and on rivers or
swamps. It will grow, however, on soil of different kinds, but
has its timber affected accordingly. A deep sandy loam seems
best for it. To attain the greatest size it must be sheltered
from the high winds, and at the same time have light and air
enough to ripen its wood. It is generally propagated by the
seeds. The timber, though classed among the light woods, is
yet much heavier than the true Poplar, for this tree is properly
called Tulip Tree, and not Poplar. Its grain is fine, rather
compact, polishes well, and is easily wrought. When dry a
cubic foot weighs 25 lbs. It affords excellent charcoal, yield-
ing 22 per cent. The heart-wood, perfectly seasoned, long re-
sists the action of the weather, and is rarely attacked by in-
sects. When not perfectly seasoned, however, it is apt to warp
under alternations of dryness and moisture. The nature of
the soil on which it grows has a striking effect on the colour
and quality of the wood. Mechanics distinguish three kinds—
white, blue, and yellow. No external marks will distinguish
them positively. In general, the white Poplar grows on dry,
gravelly, elevated ground, and has a branchy summit with a
small amount of heart-wood. The grain is coarser and harder
and the wood decays more rapidly. The blue has the same
general character. The yellow Poplar is by far the finest kind,
and has all the qualities required for a great variety of uses. It
would take too much space merely to enumerate all of these. It
is used extensively in the interior of houses for shingles and for
weather-boarding. Large quantities are used in making trunks
covered with cloth or skins; for tables, bedsteads, seats of
chairs, &c.; for the supports of veneers, inner work of bureaus,
&¢e.; in winnowing machines; for bowls, broom handles, rails,
and planking for fences; for the backing of picture frames,
looking-glasses, &c., it is employed. The bark of the tree is
considered by some hardly inferior as an antiseptic and tonic
to the Cinchona. The aromatic principle resides in a resinous
matter in the bark, and when used stimulates the intestinat
canal and acts as a gentle cathartic. In many instances the
stomach cannot support it unless accompanied with a few
drops of laudanum. The bark, mixed with an equal amount of
dogwood and steeped in whisky, forms a tincture used as @
remedy for intermittent fever. The bark reduced to powder
and given to horses is a pretty sure remedy for worms. The
Poplar is one of the most: generally diffused and abundant trees
in the State. Great quantities of the finest trees are to be
found in the central and southern counties. Perhaps some of
the largest timber is met with on the afiluents of the Now,
and Kanawha, and the Big Sandy rivers.—Burnet LANDRETH,
Philadelphia, U.S.A. (in Journal of Forestry).

DISTINGUISHED BOTANICAL TRAVELLERS.
No, 1.
- DAVID DOUGLAS.

Davyiy Dovctas was born at Scone, in Perthshire, in 1798,
where his father was a working mason. He received a plain
education at the parish school of Kinnoul, and was early placed
as en apprentice in the garden of the Earl of Mansfield at
Scone Palace. As a lad he was remarkable for his fondness
for books and the study of plants. In the winter he devoted
his evenings to reading, and in the summer to making botani-
cal excursions for the purpose of collecting the wild plants of

August 2, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER,

97

the neighbourhood. In 1818 he went to live at Valleyfield,
the seat of Sir Robert Preston, Bart., whose garden was then
celebrated for its choice collection of exotic plants. Here he
was treated by the head gardener, Mr. Stewart, with great
Kindness, who procured him access to Sir Robert’s valuable
botanical library. From Valleyfield he removed to Glasgow,
where he was employed in the Botanic Garden of the Uni-
versity. His intelligence attracted the attention of Dr. (after-
wards Sir William) Hooker, then professor of botany at
Glasgow, and he made him his companion in his botanical
excursions for the purpose of collecting materials for his
“Flora Scotica.”” By Sir William Hooker he was recom-

mended to the Horticultural Society of London as a botanical
collector, and in 1823 he was sent to the United States, where
he procured many fine plants, and greatly increased the col-
lection of fruit trees in the possession of the Society. In 1824,
he was sent by the Horticultural Society to explore the vege-
table productions of the country adjoining the Columbia,
River and southwards towards California. The vessel in
which he went out touched at Rio de Janeiro, where he col-
lected many rare Orchidaceous plants and bulbs. In the
course of his voyage round Cape Horn he ghot many rare and
curious birds. He visited the island of Juan Fernandez, whick
he describes as ‘‘an enchanting spot, being fertile and delight-

Fig. 23.—Mr. DAVID DOUGLAS.

fully wooded.” Here he sowed a quantity of garden seed,
with the wish, he says, that he might add “to the collection
of a second Robinson Crusoe, should one appear.’ He arrived
at Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River in April, 1825.
During his journey he sent home from time to time large
numbers of beautiful plants, with seeds and dried specimens.
Of the genus Pinus he discovered several species of gigantic
size, one of which has been named after himself, P. Douglasii.
In the spring of 1827 he went from Fort Vancouver across
the Rocky Mountains to Hudeon’s Bay, where he met Captain
(afterwards Sir John) Franklin, Dr. Richardson, and Captain
(afterwards Sir George) Back, returning from their overland
Arctic expedition. With these travellers he returned to
England, bringing with him the result of his researches.
Shortly after his return he was elected, free of expense, Fellow
of the Linnzan, Zoological, and Geological Societies. He

remained in London two years, and sailed again for the
Columbia River in 1829. He afterwards went to the Sandwich
Islands, where he had remained some months when an acci-
dent put an end to his existence. The natives of the Sand-
wich Islands are in the habit of making pits, in which they
catch the wild bulls. In one of his excursions Mr. Douglas
fell accidentally into one of these pits, in which an infuriated
animal was already trapped. The animal attacked him, and
he was found dreadfully mutilated and quite dead. This
occurred on the 12th of July, 1834.

THE ROSE ELECTION AND ROSES.
Szverat letters have appeared, and I have also had one or two
privately disapproving the suggestion of restricting the naming
of similar Roses like Mdlle. Marie Finger and Eugénie Verdier.

98

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

As it is essential we should agree, I have determined to |

withdraw the idea. Being the child of ‘‘ Wx~p Savacr”’ and
myself, of course we thought a great deal of it; though, as
regards the two Roses above named, they are so beautiful and
the colour so exquisite when fresh, that I should be rather
glad of the excuse that two should be in the forty-eight. I
take Mdlle. Finger to be rather deeper, and certainly a better
grower than her older sister.

Thanks to Mr. Curtis for hints about cutting Roses for ex-
hibition. I cannot help thinking that certain Roses will grow
in a stand after cutting, whilst others do not seem to move,
though apparently cut under similar conditions. Amongst the
growers I fancy are Baronne de Rothschild and Francois Miche-
lon. Some Roses again keep their fresh colours, whilst others
almost immediately look lustreless. A startling instance of
the latter is Paul Neron: an hour or two after cutting, its
beauty (and though coarse it is sometimes beautiful) vanishes,
and the colour is dull, and coarseness with dulness of colour is
fatal, hence it never appears to me to improvo a stand.—JesEPH
Hinton, Warminster.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
REPORTS ON FRUITS, FLOWERS, AND VEGETABLES AT
CHISWICK.

A mEetiING of the Fruit Committee was held on July 24th at
Chiswick to examine subjects grown for trial there this season.
Henry Webb, Esq., in the chair.

The GoosEBernies, of which there is an extensive collection
growing, were first examined, a small basket of each variety
{two hundred in number) having been gathered for compari-
son and classification. The Committee selected the following
varieties as especially worthy of cultivation—viz., Reds: Red
Champagne, Warrington, Monarch, and Starling. Green : Rose-
berry, Overall, Green Globe, Pitmaston Green Gage, Cheshire
Lady, Shiner, and Gretna Grecn. Whites: Whitesmith, Or-
leans, Keepsake, Safety, and Top Gallant. Yellow: Sulphur,
Rumbullion, Aston Hepburn, aud Yellow Globe.

Rep Currants —These ‘were examined with great care as to
their nomenclature, so much confusion still existing amongst
them in that respect. Of the most approved varieties noted
the earliest and the largest is the Red Cherry, which has the
following synonyms—viz., Bertin No. 9, Grosse Rouge de
Boulogne, Fertile d’Angleterre, La Hative, La Fertile, Fertile
de Bertin, Hative de Bertin, Chenonceau, Belle de St. Gilles,
Fertile, Fertile de Palluau, and La Versaillaise.

The Red Dutch, which is the variety most generally culti-
vated in gardens, rejoices in the following synonyms :—Kuight’s
Large Red, Knight’s Sweet Red, Goliath, Fielder’s Red, Palmer’s
Late Red, Pitmaston Red, Pitmaston Prolific, Large Sweet.
Red, Bertin No. 1, Dancer’s Selected, and Jackson’s Mammoth.

The Red Grape, a long-bunched sort, of a pale red. Syno-
nyms :—Rouge Transparent, Queen Victoria, Fertile de Palluau.

Houghton Castle, the best constitutioned variety. Syno-
myms :—Houghton Seedling, Orangefield. A fuller report of
these will appear in the Society’s Journal.

An examination of the Turnips, of which about 150 varie-
ties are this season being grown, was then made, and the
earliest was the Green Strap Leaf (Carter & Co.). Tomatoes
were also examined, a very large collection of which is being
cultivated in pots, the only one showing signs of ripening
being Early Gem, sent by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. Of these
a later examination will be made.

A meeting of the Floral Committee was held at Chiswick on
July 25th—George F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair—for the exa-
mination of the various collections of plants growing in the
gardens for trial this season.

1, Zonan Penrarconiums.—Of these a large selection of the
most approved newer varieties which were grown in pots last
season have been bedded-out along with some of the best
older sorts for comparison. First-class certificates were awarded
to Mr. J. R. Peareon for Atlas, a large-trussed crimson scarlet
Nosegay; Rey. A. Atkinson, crimson scarlet. To Messrs.
James Cocker & Sons for John Fraser, light magenta. To Mr.
J. George for Mrs. J. George, rosy cerise; and Beauty of Surrey,
crimson scarlet, very free, and excellent habit. Of the older
varieties conspicuous for their excellence were noted Vesuvius,
Princess of Wales, Vesta, Cleopatra, Violet Hill Nosegay,
and Claude de la Meurtbe, &. Of the newer varieties which
have been sent out this season, and grown in pots under glass,
first-class certificates were awarded to Mr. J. R. Pearson for
Rebecca, a very beautiful magenta scarlet Nosegay; Louisa, a

sort of shaded magenta pink, mottled with roze; Blanche
Gordon, light pink. To Mr. J. George for Lord Mayo, bright
searlet. Specially noticeable also were Miss Wakefield, Lizzie
Brooks, and Lord Giffard.

2, Beppixe Vionss.—A large collection of those reported on
last year are again under cultivation, the most noticeable
amongst them being Crown Jewel (Grieve), Blue Beard, Blue
Bell, Queen of Lilacs, Lilacina, Rubra Lilacina, Princess Teck,
and Pilrig Park. Of new varieties first-class certificates were
awarded to Mr. R. Dean for Vestal, a pure white variety of a
fine free habit; to Messrs. Dickson & Co. for Holyrood, a very
rich dark blue variety of good habit; to Mr. Fromow for
Golden Prince, a clear yellow variety with distinct white eye.

3, Brcontas —A fair selection of these have been grown in
pots, chiefly of the tuberous-rooted class, the most striking
being Acme and Kalista (Veitch), Froebeli, &c. A first-class
certificate was awarded to a seedling from roseflora raised at
Chiswick, and named by the Committee Mrs. Barron. It is of
very robust growth, forming a large plant; flowers large,
roundish, and produced freely, of a pale rosy pink: a very
distinct sort. Moonlight, a hybrid raised by Col. Clarke and
certificated Jast year, is exceedingly attractive. This, which
is something of the habit of Weltoniensis and producing long
racemes of pure white flowers, will become a very popular
decorative plant.

4, Fucustas.—Of these a selected collection has been grown,
oceupying one house. A first-class certificate was awarded to
Mesers. Laing & Co. for Lord Beaconsfield, a hybrid from the
old Fulgens, and possessing a good deal of its character. As
a free-blooming decorative plant it will prove very valuable.
Very conspicuous amongst others is Champion of the World,
a very large dark double sort—almost a monster.

5, VerRBENAS.—Only a few varieties of these are on trial.
For habit Purple King still stands pre-eminent. Blue Bell
(Smith) is verv effective. A first-class certificate was awarded
to Mr. John Fraser for Carl Sieglig, an intensely dark blue
varietv of good habit.

6, Harpy Annusats.—Complete collections of Iberises,
Clarkias, Godetias, Viscarias, Dianthuses, Stocks, Balsams, &c.,
are on trial this geason, and when in full flower are exceedingly
showy. Of Iberis first-class certificates were awarded to Messrs.
Vilmorin et Cie. for two splendid novelties—viz., I. coronata
hybrida nana rosea, a variety of fine dwarf growth with large
rosy salmon flowers, not unlike gibraltarica and exceedingly
beautiful; I. coronata hybrida nana alba, a variety of the same
character with pure white flowers. Amongst the Godetias
Lady Albemarle, which was certificated last year, is by far the
finest. Of Viscarias none exceed in beauty the true V. car-
dinalis.

Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, sent cut
blooms of his seedling Roses Penelope Mayo and Harrison
Weir. This latter variety is of a rich dark crimson colour,
and is a promising variety. The Committee highly recom-
mended it, at the same time requesting that it be again brought
before them, being unable to give a final decision from seeing
only one bloom.

RESULTS OF PEAR AND APPLE CULTURE.

In the year 1864 I bought a small piece of Jand with the
view of building a domicile; and as no residence is complete
without s garden and a few fruit trees, and having the adage
impressed on my mind, ‘“‘ Who plants Pears plants for his
heirs,” and being then avproaching if not quite arrived at
middle age, I began to look about me for some course to .
adopt to enjoy the present produce. Chance introduced
« Rivers’ Miniature Fruit Garden”? to my notice, and I there
found the system that was likely to answer my purpose, for it
promised immediate results.

I bought and planted some fifty or sixty miniature Pear
and Apple trees, bushes and pyramids, which have since been
added to, making my number of trees altogether upwards of
three hundred—Pears, standards and pyramids, 103; trained
trees, 10; Apples, pyramids and bushes, 80. These are ina
bearing state, ten years old and upwards. Younger trees and
grafts, 128: total, 321. AsI stated in my letter about Roses
the soil is a light gravelly one, subsoil dry gravel. In planting
the Pears care was taken to dress the soil richly with manure,
and in the case of Apples to select the most loamy soil. Some
loam brought from elsewhere has been added.

The trees were originally planted about 3 feet apart. They
have been summer-pinched, root-pruned, and shifted in the

August 2, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

99

manner recommended by Mr. Rivers, and they are now on
the average about 5 or 6 feet apart, the most vigorous trees
having reached 7 or 8 feet in height and about 4 feet through;
others retain the more dwarf character, more resembling in
size a large Currant or Gooseberry bush. The result has been
eminently satisfactory, I can scarcely up to this year record
any failures in amount of produce. Some sorts haye of course
been more productive than others, but I have not, on account
of using them for my table, had a systematic account of the
produce taken, but I intend to do so this year. I extract from
my memoranda the following account :—

In 1875 one Nonesuch Apple tree produced four gallons of
fruit; 1876, three Beurré Superfin Pears produced half a bushel,
ninety-four in number ; five Marie Louise, bushes, six gallons
and a half; one Marie Louise d’Uccle had sixty fruit, 29 lbs. in
weight ; one ditto, twenty-two fruit, 13 lbs. 12 ozs.; one Catillac,
forty-nine fruit, 33 lbs. 14 ozs. ; one ditto, sixty-two fruit, 47 lbs.
11 ozs. Of the 103 small Pear trees and ten trained I have had
thirty-eight failures this year, but the crop of the remainder
shows such a large promise that I still consider the year a favour-
able one. I enumerate the failures below—five Winter Nelis,
apprehended cause of failure, overbloom and bleak winds; four
Beurré Superfin, the same; one Uvedale’s St. Germain, soil
and climate does not suit; one Williams’ Bon Chrétien, ac-
cidental ; five Marie Louise and seven Joséphine de Malines,
overbearing and want of vigour; two Chaumontel, cannot
account for; one Marie Lonise d’Uccle, previous ‘overbearing ;
three Colmar Van Mons, ditto; two Easter Bourré, want of
vigour. Pears discarded on account of soil or climate not
suiting their growth—Glou Morceanu, Beurré d’Aremberg,
and Uvedale’s St. Germain, always cracked, did not ripen, and
were affected with rust and spots; Winter Nelis, blossomed
very freely, but fruit if set failed to hold. In addition to the
failures in the Pears stated above, and the causes to which
such failures are attributed, may be added the severe winds
and frosts of the latter end of April and beginning of May this
year.

T append a list of the sorts of Pears and Apples I have cul-
tivated with success, with notes on the cron of this year.

Pears.—Doyenné WEté, full crop; Jargonelle, full crop;
Williams’ Bon Chrétien, full crop from three trees; Beurré
d’Amanlis, full crop; Colmar d’Eté, immense crop, has re-
quired much thinning; Louise Bonne of Jersey, good crop
from three trained trees; Marie Louise, good crop from one
trained tree; Marie Louise d’Uccle, immense erop from four
trees; Gansel’s Bergamot, good crop; Huyshe’s Victoria, good
crop; Chaumontel, immense crop from six bushes; Beurré
Diel, good crop; Joséphine de Malines, failure this year, ordi-
narily good ; Ne Plus Meuris, good crop; Bergamotte Esperen,
immense cropper (see notes on thinning) ; Easter Beurré, good
crop; Catillac, failure this year, generally good; Colmar Van
Mons, failure.

_Apples.—Pitmaston Pine, King of the Pippins, Cox’s Orange
Pippin, Cox’s Pomona, Ribston Pippin, Northern Spy, Keswick
Codlin, Nonesuch, Blenheim Orange, Guernsey Pippin, and
Flanders Pippin. All these have a good crop this year, and
have in many instances required vigorous thinning.

I have been in the habit of thinning the fruit, and this I
consider a very important part of culture, as allowing the trees
to overbear themselves weakens them and takes away from
the quality of the fruit. As an example: from one tree of
Bergamotte Eeperen, about 7 feet high and not more than
4 feet through, I removed last week 117 Pears about the size
of a walnut, leaving quite enough on to ripen. The fruit will
be larger and the trees not distressed, and also less liablo
to be attacked by insects. I observe that the grub always at-
tacks at the points of contact. A Pear bored into is ruined ;
it will not keep to ripen, but rots. I never leave two fruits on
one spur. Ihave been in the habit also of disbudding when
the tree has shown evidence of blooming too strongly. I
believe the production of an excess of pollen is injurious to
the tree; I have noticed that more fruit sets from a moderate
blossoming than from an excessive one. I take care with regard
to pruning to remove in the spring any unripe wood of the
previous season, as it is worse than useless.

With regard to Apples I have much fewer failures to record
this year than on the Pear trees. Of the eighty Apples in
bearing not more than six have proved total failures, and this
I do not attribute to the weather during blooming, but rather
to other causes needless to mention. With regard both to
Pears and Apples I have followed strictly the rules laid down
by Mr. Rivers—summer-pinching, shifting, and root-pruning ;

mulching with good stable manure, and watering during the
very dry summers we have had sometimes of late. The trees
have had no protection from the frost. I extract from my me-
moranda, April 12th, 1876—Snowstorm, Pear blossom entirely
covered with 2 inches of snow, yet I had an excellent crop last
year.—A Constant Susscriser, Alverstoke, Hants.

ROYAL AQUARIUM NATIONAL CARNATION
AND PICOTEE SHOW.

In all respects the Exhibition surpassed the anticipations of
its promoters. The date could not easily be altered, and within
a few weeks of the show the most experienced growers thought
that the best collections in the south could not be in in time.
Mr. Turner was a week too late, and the best flowers of Mr.
Dodwell’s collection I hear Were not in. High praise is due to
Mr. Robertson, the Manager of the Royal Aquarium, for the
manner in which the promoters of the Exhibition were enter-
tained by him, and for the excellent arrangements made for the
convenience of both exhibitors and judges,

All the classes were well filled; in some of them as many as
six prizes were awarded to the same number of exhibitors. As
in the case of the National Auricula Show, lovers of the flowers.
came from distant parts, and all of them, as far as I could learn,
were well pleased with what they saw. The only drawback was
the fact that the flowers had suffered considerably from the gas,
and those who came the second day did not see them at their
best. If a two-days show is held next year lovers of the flowers
would do well to visit the exhibition on the first day.

I looked over the stands after the judging and made a few
notes of the best flowers. Beginning with Scarlet Bizarres,
there was nothing to surpass the old flowers that we have grown
and loved for many years. Admiral Curzon (Hasom) was at
the head of the class. True Briton (Hepworth) in my stand of
twenty-four was very fine indeed, and Dreadnought (Daniels)
was but little behind the premier flower. In Crimson Bizarres
there is a considerable advance on the old flowers. I am not
sure whether a new flower sent out in the autumn of last year
will not head the list. I have it now fine indeed, but being of
the Jenny Lind stockitis late and I could not cutit for the show.
The name is John Simonite (Simonite) ; {he markings are brighter
by far than in any other flower, and the guard petals are beauti-
fully cupped and smooth on the edge. Rainbow (Bertram) was
exhibited in the stand of the raiser, and is also superb. Only
one flower was exhibited; if two had been put up the variety
must have been honoured by a first-class certificate, a rule of
the Society forbidding awards to be made to a single flower.
J. D. Hextall (Simonite) was also shown in fine form; no col-
lection is complete without it. Lord Raglan (Bowers) was fine,
the colours being very brilliant, full of life and beauty. These
were all the newest and best in this class.

We now come to the Pink and Purple Bizarres, the weakest
class, where Sarah Payne (Ward), a lovely flower, was the best.
Next to it came James Taylor (Gibbons), a smaller flower, but
even more striking in its regular and well-defined markings.
Falconbridge (May) was also good as shown. A new flower not
yet in commerce, named Satisfaction, was shown in my stand
of twelve. Mr. Rudd says of it, “Pale in its colours, but in
form, habit, and rich lustrous white a perfect gem.” Raised by
Mr. T. Bowers.

Purple Fiakes were well represented, and at the head of the
list I must place James Douglas (Simonite). The purple is very
bright, and the formation of the flower is not surpassed by any
in the class. Premier (Milwood) was very fine in my stand.
In Mr. Turner’s collection I noted as being of great merit Flo-
rence Nightingale (Sealey), and Squire Trow (Jackson).

Scarlet Flakes were also well represented. Prominent was
Sportsman (Hedderly), certainly the best in its class. Next to
it I must place Clipper (Fletcher), shown in London for the
first time; in my stand of twenty-four was a fine specimen of
it. Marmion (Bertram) is quite new and was exhibited by its
raiser, but I can only place it in the list of second-rate flowers 5
the petals are well formed, and the flower full and nicely
rounded, but the white is not pure, and lacking this no flower
can be placed in the highest position. John Bayley (Dodwell),
Mr. Battersby (Gibbons), and James Cheetham (Chadwick) all
deserve honourable mention. fi

Rose Flakes constitute what may fitly be termed the ladies”
class, and although it contains some most beautiful flowers some
of the new varieties will certainly surpass the old sorts. At
the head of the list must be placed the flower that gained the
premiumas the best Carnation in the Exhibition—Sybil (Holmes).
Tt was shown by Mr. Turner, and well deserved the honours it
received; its beautiful shell-like petals regularly marked with
cherry rose on a pure white ground seem to leave nothing to be
desired. Mrs. Dodwell (Lord) was shown in Mr. Dodwell’s
stand ; the petals are of the finest shape, and the flower is regu-
larly marked with bright rose—a first-class flower not yet in
commerce. Of older flowers James Merryweather (Wood),

100

John Keet (Whitehead), Mary Ann (Fletcher), Flora’s Garland
(Brooks), and Lovely Ann (Ely), were the best.

Picotees were remarkably well shown. In the class for red-
edged flowers the Picotee that gained the premium as being the
best flower in the Exhibition was found in my stand of twenty-
four—viz., John Smith (Bowers). It is a heavy red, the edge
broad on a pure white ground without bars; when better known
this flower will be much sought after. Princess of Wales (Fel-
lowes) is a very fine heavy red, and is often equal to John Smith.
J. B. Bryant (Ingram) and Leonora (Fellowes) made the four
best heavy reds in the Exhibition. Light reds are a weak class,
and in the single blooms only one flower was staged, a very fine
specimen, however, from the collection of the Hon. Secretary—
Thomas William. Although the flower was small the petals
were well formed, ground colour pure white, and the edge
without any feathering—a perfect wire. Mrs. Bowers (Bowers)
was well shown in my stands. The ground colouris not suffi-
ciently white, else it would be avery superior flower; the petals
are large, beautifully formed, and the edge well defined.

In purple edges there were many flowers exhibited of the
most faultless character. I am inclined to place Ann Lord (Lord)
at the head of the list. The flowers shown were of the most
perfect_character—the edge a light wire; petals without spot or
bar, and white, clear, and lustrous. This is a new flower sent
outin 1874. Alice (Lord) is also very fine and will yet maintain
a high position ; similar inits style tothe other. Zerlina (Lord),
a beautiful heavy purple, quite distinct; the edge is not so broad
as in Norfolk Beauty, Alliance, and others of that type, but I
fancy it will hold a high position for many years. Minnie,
another of Mr. Lord’s flowers, is at present very fine at Loxford,
and with it may be named Prima Donna and Sylvia, two of Mr.
Ben Simonite’s flowers, which will take a long time to surpass
in light edges. Of older flowers in this class that were well
shown may be named Mary (Simonite), Mrs. Little (Hooper),
Mrs. May (Turner), Nymph (Lord), Picco (Jackson), Mrs. Sum-
mers (Simonite), and Cynthia (Turner).

We now come to the last and most delicately beautiful class,
and many flowers were shown of the highest merit. There was
one new flower to which a first-class certificate was awarded,
named Lady Louisa; it has a very bright medium rosy red edge
much in the way of Fanny Helen (Niven), but is altogether a
better flower than that; the white is very pure indeed. It was
exhibited by Mr. Turner, but Dr. Abercrombie of Cheltenham,
who also exhibited a flower of it,is the raiser. Dr. Abercrombie
exhibited several fine seedlings, amongst them No. 170, a light
rose edge with a most beautiful clear white petal, in the way of
Mrs. Allcroft. 186, heavy rose, of the Edith Dombrain type,
has the material to make a first-class flower. Older sorts shown
in superb condition were Mrs. Allcroft(Turner), Ethel (Fellowes),
Miss Lee (Lord), Juliana (Turner), and Miss Woou(Wood). Mr.
Turner’s new Clove Carnation Mrs. Matthews is a most valuable
acquisition. I do not know another flower of such properties
in cultivation; it is pure whites, deliciously scented, and of the
most vigorous growth. It received a first-class certificate.—
J. Dovctas.

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, anp FRUITS

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM SuTHERLANDI. Wat. ord., Ficoidex.
Linn., Icosandria Di-Pentagynia.—Flowers pink. ‘‘ Mezem-
bryanthemum Sutherlandii was sent to the Royal Gardens by
Dr. Sutherland, Surveyor-General of the colony of Natal, in
1870, and has flowered annually in the summer months since
1872.”—(Bot. Mag., t. 6299.)

Satyra Scuimper:. Nat ord., Labiate. Linn., Diandria
Monogynia.—‘ The subject of the present plate is a robust
Sage, suited for the herbaceous ground, belonging to an
Oriental group of the genus, and closely allied to the fine
8S. asperata of Kashmir. It was discovered by Schimper in
the mountains near Axum, in Abyssinia, at an elevation of
7000 to 8000 feet above the sea, flowering in October, and was
introduced by Mr. Bull, who sent the specimen here figured to
Kew in July, 1875.”—(Ibvid., t. 6300.)

AuoE cHrIvensis. Nat. ord., Liliacer. Linn., Hexandria
Monogynia.—‘ Our present plant is clearly quite distinct
specifically from A. barbadensis. The leaves are never more
than half the length of those of that species, and are spotted
more or less copiously both on back and fac after the fashion
of A. abyssinica: the raceme is very much laxer, and the
stamens are very much shorter. We have had it for a long
time in the Kew collection, and have received it from other
gardens, but never, so far as I know, with any definite in-
formation as to its native-country. The drawing was made
from a plant that flowered at Kew this spring. The flowers
have a strong and decidedly unpleasant scent. Its affinity is
resol) barbadensis, abyssinica, and consobrina.’’— (Idid.,
t .

HApPLOPAPPUS SPINULOSUS.

Nat. ord., Composite. Linn.,

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

Syngenesia superfiua.— A widely distributed native of the
prairies bordering the Rocky Mountains, from the boundary of
the British possessions as far south as New Mexico, apparently
common about the source of the Saskathchewan, Platte, and
Colorado rivers. It forms a low corymbosely branched bush,
1 or 2 feet high, with innumerable branches from the root,
clothed with small leaves, and bearing masses of flower-heads.
One specimen from Mr. Veitch’s garden, about 10 inches in
diameter, bears nearly a hundred golden heads an inch in
diameter, and I cannot doubt but that they will prove a most
ornamental hardy garden plant when fully established, pre-
ferring, no doubt, a rather dry soil and climate, and flowering,
like many other Composite, late in the year. The specimen
figured was raised by Messrs. Veitch, who introduced it. It
flowered with them in August, 1874.”—(Ibid., t. 6302.)

Lycaste Lineueiis. Nat. ord.,Orchidacew. Linn., Gynan-
dria Monandria.—‘ Lycaste Linguella is, according to Reichen-
bach, supposed to be a native of Peru. It was imported by
Messrs. Veitch, from whom it was received by the Royal Gar-
dens, where it flowered in January, 1872. It was described in
1871 by Reichenbach, who states that it has a close affinity
with L. ciliata and L. lasipes.”—(Ibid., ¢. 6303.)

Tous PuLcHELLA. Nat. ord., Liliacem. Linn., Hexandria
Monogynia.—‘' It is a native of the alpine region of the Cili-
cian Taurus, where it was discovered by Kotschy in 1836, and
of course is perfectly hardy. It has only very lately been in-
troduced into cultivation in this country. For the specimens
figured we are indebted to the Rev. H. Harpur-Crewe, who
flowered it at Drayton Beauchamp in the spring of this present
year, and exhibited it at one of the meetings of the Scientific
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.”’—(Zbid., t. 6304.)

NEGLECTED ROSES.

Tae Otp Montuiy Curya Rosz.—Very sorry am I to find
that Messrs. Veitch and Messrs. Wood are the only nursery-
men who still find space for this old favourite in their Rose
catalogue, and I congratulate them upon their courage in
retaining a good thing after it has ceased to be fashion-
able. Exhibition flowers have driven it not simply into the
background, but quite out of many gardens; and yet what
other sort, even among China Roses, is at all equal to the
‘©old Monthly”? in that most valuable property an abundant
and continuous production of flowers? Even when the full
charms of ‘ Teas,” ‘‘ Noisettes,’ and ‘ Perpetuals”’ are
before us, the eye wanders involuntarily to the large bushes
of the Rose—one cloud of blossom, most charming to the
lover of what is really beautiful in nature, but just so many
“horrors”? to the rosarian who sees no beauty in any flower
that is not ‘‘large, full, and of fine form;’’ and in autumn,
when most other flowers have passed away and the exhibition
boxes are put by till another season of National and Palace
contests comes round again, there is still the ‘‘ old Monthly”
as fresh and gay and certainly more conspicuous than ever,
imparting an air of brightness, life, and animation that is most
pleasing at that season of dullness and decay.

Let it not be thought that I am at all insensible to the high
merit of our best exhibition Roses; but, while yielding to them
the praise and admiration of which they are so worthy, I hold
that they should not be planted to the exclusion of those sorts
which, however deficient in the excellencies of prize flowers,
possess attractions ofno mean order as simple garden flowers.

To have the “ old Monthly ” in full perfection the pruning
knife should never come near it except to restrict its growth
within due bounds. We do not look for fine flowers, but
rather for a mass of them, which is precisely what we have
when it is left to grow into a regular thicket. I have never
tried a hedge of it, but I have no doubt it would form an
admirable one in a short space of time, that might be kept in
good order by clipping in winter toa precise formal outline, the
stiffness of which would disappear in the new growth of spring.

BELLE DE BorpEavx.—W bo has not tried to grow this Rose
and has not thrown it away in disgust? Glad enough am I to
say I have tried, and, after failing to obtain a single good
bloom for four years, am this year well rewarded with dozens
of really magnificent blooms, every bud expanding into a per-
fect flower—large, full, and of fine form; the abundant broad
recurved shell-like petals being of a rosy pink colour softening
to a more delicate tint at the edges, and the under sides of a
deep pink hue. The flowers attain an average size of 4inches
in diameter, and the foliage is also very fine, some of the
leaves being 5 inches long by 3 broad, so that in both foliage

August 2, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

101

and flower it has merits which are infinitely superior to those
of most other Tea-scented Roses.

I cannot give its history, but I believe it is not at all what
we should term an old Rose, and yet when I turn to the
catalogues I can only find it in an old one of Mr. W. Paul’s,
bearing the date of 1871-2. All of them appear to have found
it an incorrigible bud-bound rogue—Turner, Veitch, G. Paul,
Mitchell, Wood, Rivers, Lane, Standish, Fraser, Henderson,
Smith of Worcester; in vain dol turn to any of them. All
have turned their backs upon it. Mr. Charles Wood, who
grows Roses by the acre and thousands of Tea Roses in pots,
when he saw it the other day exclaimed, ‘‘Why! I had no
idea it was so fine a Rose; we have discarded it as worthless.”
And, as few nurgerymen grow Roses on such an extensive scale
as Messrs. Wood, this observation affords conclusive proof
that everybody else has also discarded it. I would therefore ask
whether there has not been a little undue hasto in so doing.

Why have I at length induced its flowers to expand as freely
as a Cabbage Rose? Is it because the growth has only been
pruned very slightly, precisely as one treats Cloth of Gold? Is
it owing to the great vigour of the tree, which is now 10 feet
high trained to a wall facing eastwards? Or is it owing to
some peculiarity of the present season? Pray tell me, rosarians ;
and if you have an odd corner or a few square feet of wall
space to spare, just give it to a plant of Belle de Bordeaux,
and some day you will have a rich treat, and if that treat only
occurs in every fifth year it will be well worth waiting for.
Moreover, the foliage is so handsome and so superior to that of
most other Roses that one might well afford some space even
for that alone.—Epwarp Luckuourst.

IN FLORA’S DOMAIN.

THERE are fashions in the cultivation of plants and flowers
as in everything else, and it is often unfortunate that, when a
change takes place, what is good of the old style is not retained
and blended with the new. My thoughts were turned to this
subject in the autumn of last year by seeing a very fine speci-
men of Magnolia, in full bloom, trained up a house in the
Uxbridge road, opposite Holland Park, Bayswater. For some
years after the introduction of the Magnolia it was without doubt
very popular, and evidently met with duo appreciation, for in
most suburban gardens of a certain age we are nearly sure to
find at least one fine specimen of this handsome evergreen,
while the modern villa garden containing such a plant would
be a remarkable exception. Indeed so little is the Magnolia
known to the general public that last autumn, when the tree
before mentioned was in bloom, I was repeatedly asked what
the name of the plant was. Fashion after certain intervals,
like history, repeats itself. We look forward to the time when
the Magnolia shall again flourish in unlimited numbers on
suburban house fronts and villa garden walls.

Between two and three hundred years ago, about the time of
the Charleses, more particularly during the reign of Charles II.
it was evidently a very prevalent fashion to plant Mulberry
trees. Many living evidences of this fact exist in and around
the metropolis, notably a magnificent tree in Lambeth, which
tradition says was planted by the merry monarch’s own hands
and which has borne the burden of nigh upon three hundred
years right royally, giving each summer a most umbrageous
shade, and a wealth of fruit not to be equalled by younger
members of the same family, in situations which might be
supposed to be far more congenial to their healthy develop-
ment. In what domain or in whose grounds the tree was
originally planted history sayeth not; but many changes must
have passed around since the time of the Cavaliers, for the
tree stands in a strip of garden ground surrounded by houses,
and its goodly proportions were some two years ago beginning
to fall a prey to the mischievous propensities of many juveniles
over whose miniature back gardens it threw its wide-spreading
boughs. This noble old tree flourishes on the south side of
the Thames in 2 now densely populated part of Lambeth.
Beyond the Mulberry tree already cited many such magnificent
trees are to be found in London, but they are all without
exception fine old trees. Gardeners of the present generation
have forgotten the Mulberry tree with the Magnolia. Effect
to be gained by gorgeous contrasts of colour as displayed in
bedding-out is the order of the day, not permanent interest
in the garden engendered by the growth of perennial plants
and trees, offsprings of our care and objects of our tender soli-
citude and our hopes year by year.

A certain phase of gardening, much in vogue some years ago,

was the growth of semi-hardy evergreens in tubs: a relic may
be seen in the fine specimens of Orange trees placed in the
gardens of Kensington Palace every summer. At the present
time when the-exigencies of space and the wants of a rapidly
increasing population are compelling us to build towns on a
uniform plan of straight fronts and backs, with no gardens,
or rather only square air-spaces dignified by that name, with
forecourts or areas of damp-proof uncompromising concrete
which cannot of course by any possible means be made into
a garden, it would be an excellent thing were householders to
turn their attention to the cultivation of evergreens, flowering
shrubs not necessarily evergreen, and creepers,in tubs and pots.

Among the modern features of town gardening the very
general cultivation of the Virginian Creeper is much to be com-
mended; but unfortunately a run has been made upon this
plant to the almost total exclusion of other plants quite as
suitable and handsomer, in this respect that they are as re-
markable for beauty of bloom as for gracefulness of growth.

The Passion-Flower is not exacting in its requirements, and
there is no valid reason against its flourishing on the same
house front and festooning the same balcony as its American
rival. It is not only of a free graceful habit, but it puts forth
its particularly conspicuous flowers in positive profusion; and
in autumn, when vegetation all around is subsiding into its
winter sleep, the Passion-Flower is gay with numbers of bright
golden fruits. Then also there is the unique Wistaria, with
its graceful racemes of pale lavender blooms and its elegant
foliage, which unfolds of an exquisite delicate brown and gra-
dually becomes green. Ivy needs no comment. Those who
appreciate its dense foliage and rapid growth will be sure to
grow it, while some persons cannot endure the plant from an
objection to the strong smell of the leaves when bruised, or
its almost inseparable connection with scenes of ruin and
decay, as exemplified by the late Charles Dickens’s ever-popular
poem ‘“ The Ivy Green.” Although less rapid and rampant
in growth than the plants already mentioned, the Japanese
Honeysuckle with its small variegated foliage is invaluable for
training around windows and along balconies. We might
enumerate many other suitable subjects, but for the present
let the foregoing suffice as a hint at what may be done even
in towns by those who will observe and think for themselves.
—T.58. J.

STAMPING OUT INJURIOUS INSECTS.

My position with regard to the proposal brought forward by
Mr. Andrew Murray for the extirpation of injurious insects is
rather a neutral one, and there is much that might be stated
which would give his theories a somewhat different aspect.
Like the old lady, who when charged with stealing a saucepan
proved conclusively to the jury that she could not have stolen
the article if she would, and then appended the statement that
she would not have thought it worth taking if she could have
got it, I am not sure that such a thing as stamping out a
species belonging to the fauna of a country, and of general
distribution, could be done, nor-that a very positive benefit
would result if it were feasible. A strictly local insect may be
snuffed out, as witness the disappearance of the Large Copper
Butterfly, so also might a newly arrived visitor which has
not succeeded in establishing itself. But the destruction of
one pest may be followed by a large accession of numbers in
the case of another pest, and arresting the increase of insect
enemies has now and then apparently favoured the growth of
fungoid or other parasites belonging to the vegetable kingdom.
Nor are we always able to answer the question conclusively as
to what is or what is not an insect gardeners should view as a
foe, for our opinions undergo a change as our knowledge of
entomology increases. For instance, there are certain flies
of the Dipterous order which frequent flowers, and which had
some years ago an evil repute because it was supposed they
disfigured the blossoms by biting them. This they may occa-
sionally do; but then we now find that they prey upon smaller
species, which, breeding in the leaves or roots of plants, also
resort to flowers, but which are kept in check by their parti-
cular foes. Other flies, again, long esteemed useless, are of
much service in horticulture by their activity in the work of
pollen-distribution. The excellent remarks of ‘“‘A. N. G.” in
@ recent number are deserving of general attention. Preven-
tion is far better than remedial measures, and in the instance
of the great bulk of moderately sized plants there is little
doubt they are only insect-infested when they have been neg-
lected or are in an unhealthy condition. One unavoidable evil

102

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ August 2, 1877.

when we are attempting to eradicate insects while they are in
full play is this, that with them we also destroy their natural
enemies. Thus I have recently noted how numerous were the
ladybirds and Syrphi that fell victims during the removal of
aphides from plants. This could not be helped; but if we
pushed our warfare against any species to the stamping-out
point we might discover at last that we had stamped out the
wrong insect.—J. R. 8. C.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

WE were confident that this year our third sowing of Peas
would be a great success, as much pains had been taken in the
preparation of the ground. It had not been cropped for some
time previously, and was in good condition at the time of sow-
ing, but

‘‘ The best laid schemes of mice and men
Gae aft aglee,
And leave us nought but grief and shame
For promised joy.”

In fact, we have been ashamed of them, until on a visit to Chis-
wick last week we found the Peas under the care of Mr. Barron
in much the same condition, and another first-class gardener
said that his crop was in the same unsatisfactory state. Part of
the crop was watered, and those rows are even worse than tho
others. It is not easy to say what is the cause of such a failure,
as we have done pretty well with Peas when the weather has
been quite as dry in other years. We were so disheartened
with our failure that we did not think it worth while to sow for
a later crop. What an advantage the Scotch gardeners have
over us in this respect. If they area little later before they
gather in early ‘summer, they can continue gathering until the
frosts-cut down the haulm in October.

There have now been genial showers, which have well
moistened the ground and prevented the Potato haulm from
dying off prematurely, as it would otherwise have done, as the
ground was quite dusty dry. In fact, the growth of some of the
later sorts had been checked to that extent that the roots are
what is called ‘“‘ growing out,” or making a second growth from
the tubers which were first formed. The most promising variety
of recent introduction is “ Schoolmaster.” We expect that it
will form a valuable succession to the Harly Shaws, a variety
well known in the London district as the best market round

variety. It will come in between the Shaws and Dalmahoy |

Regents, and promises to be a better cropper than either.

We have been working the Dutch hoe in amongst all growing
crops, especially Coleworts, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, &c. It is
no use expecting such crops to give satisfaction if the ground
around the plants is not kept loose by frequent hoeing. We
would also urge the necessity of great care being taken in the
transplanting of all such plants, especially indry weather. The
small fibrous roots are the life of the plants, and how often do
We see persons pull the plants out of the seed beds without any
care aS to whether the roots are wrenched off in the effort or
not. Such treatment is most objectionable. To do the plants

justice they ought to be pricked-out in beds a iew inches apart :

when the first rough leaf is formed, and the plants should be
put out before they are too large, first loosening them with a

fork, and instead of planting with a dibber the work may be |

performed with a small planting trowel, and see that the plants

are made firm about the roots, but not to be choked at the

neck, as is not unfrequently done when they are planted care-

lessly with a dibber. As the ground is cleared of summer vege-

tables we prepare it py digging or trenching for the winter crops.
VINERIES.

At this season the work in this department is reduced to its
minimum; but no Vines ought to be neglected altogether. We
have already alluded to the importance of cleansing the leaves
of red spider ; where the fruit has all been gathered the drench-
ings with the garden engine must be repeated until the pest is
destroyed. Thrips do not attack the leaves so frequently as red
spider, but if they do so in considerable force the best plan is
to close the house and fumigate strongly with tobacco smoke
on three successive nights at intervals of three days. We were
once very much annoyed with thrips attacking our Vines in the
early Muscat house, and were two years in quite eradicating
them. When the loose bark was removed from the canes in
midwinter scores of healthy full-grown insects were found
securely nestled under the bark. Of course this was all removed
as much as possible, and the canes were well washed with the
mixture we recommend at that season, of which the principal
part is strong soft-soapy water and flowers of sulphur. A few
appeared the next season, but with their appearance the tobacco
smoke came into requisition, and since that time no thrips have
nestled on our Vine leaves in summer or under the bark in
winter.

It is highly important that Vines in pots intended to be forced

early should be in a place where the buds can be well plumped
up while the leaves are yet green, and the strongest canes
require the greatest amount of attention in this respect. When
the wood is quite brown and hard throughout the length of the
cane intended to be forced, and the eyes are prominent, it isa
good plan to place the pots out of doors against a wall facing
south or west; but do not allow the soil in the pots to become
overdry. We never give any manure water, nor do we surface-
dress the pots until the Vines have started into growth next
season.
CUCUMBERS AND MELONS.

In the remarks on these in the number for July 19th it was
stated that artificial heat would not be required for the next
six months; it ought to have been six weeks, and even this
applies to the south of England only, as the reports from the
north are that the weather is very cold indeed, and it is certain
that in our treatment of such plants with ripening fruit we
must adapt our treatment to surrounding circumstances. Young
gardeners especially will do well to take notice of the excellent
article in last week’s number on Melons. Our own experience
has been similar to thatof “J.W.” We have gained first prizes
with green and scarlet-flesh Melons in London, and have, with
other fruits that it was necessary to keep longer, been left out
without any prizes. The difficulty with us, as we grow but few
plants, is to obtain fruit of the proper age on the day of exhi-
bition or to present it on the table when it is most wanted. We
are not using any artificial heat, and Cucumbers are producing
well and the fruit is of most excellent quality. Melons ripening
should have plenty of air admitted, and the house to be kept
moderately dry.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSE.

With the advent of August the days have very perceptibly
diminished in length, and cold nights areexpected. The influence
of the sun’s rays have not such a burning effect on the plants,
and it is well not to allow the blinds to be down, except to
prevent the plants from receiving injary; indeed shading such
plants as Ixoras, Stephanotis, and others of this character is
very injurious to them after this date. We seldom visit any
gardens where the plant stoves are quite free from mealy bug,
and our own experience leads us to believe that at this season
the pest spreads very rapidly indeed. No opportunity ought to
be lost in order to destroyit. We generally attack it with soapy
water and a sponge, removing the insects, which are easily
killed, and then washing off ail the woolly substance and filth
that may have accumulated.

Climbing plants, whether permanently trained to the rafters
or grown in that way to be afterwards trained to a trellis to
form specimens, should have the growths regulated, and these
should not be allowed to twine round the wires, else it is very

| difficult to remove them afterwards without considerably in-
| juring them. When climbers are planted out in borders they

generally grow too much wood and do not flower freely. The
best way to restrain exuberant growth is to withhold watar,
even to the point of causing the leaves to flag; this will pro-
bably aid in the formation of flower buds, but the drying-up
must not be carried to the point of causing the plants to shed
their leaves. The showy Allamanda Schotti not unfrequently
runs mora to growth than flower. A drier atmosphere and p
lower night temperature is desirable for those plants that are
entering upon their season of rest for early flowering next year.
Orchids require very similar treatment as regards temperature
and atmospheric moisture to stove plants. Dendrobinms an@
Cattleyas must have all the light they will endure withoutinjury
from the sun. Cattleyas will do without shade altogether
except in days when thesun is scorching hot. Those who have
a house devotad entirely to this class of plants will be able to
give them the treatment best adapted to their wants, but in our
little house we have Anguloas, Odontoglossum citrosmum,,
O. phalznopsis, O. hastilabium, O. pulchellum, and others that.
succeed best in the Cattleya house, but many of them will not.
bear so much sun as Cattleyas. If any plants require re-
potting it ought to be done at once, else the plants will not
become established before the dull dark days of antuma and
winter. Some plants which were potted a few weeks ag» are:
making strong healthy roots. Tho cool house requires abuudant.
supplies of atmospheric moisture; but this must not be carried
to excess, as we find the young growths will damp off under a
saturated state of the atmosphere, especially when the shadings
are kept on too much. Masdevallias and Odontoglossum crispam
which were potted early in July are also making very satis-
factory progress in the formation of new roots. All plants of
this character that require to be kept very moist at the roots
require to be repotted oftaner than Cattleyas and Leelias, which
do best if the material in which the roots are is kept rather dry.
We mostly pot our Oattleyas once in two years, but some of the
best growers will allow plants to remain in the same compost
for at least seven years. They say that as long as the plant
continues to make strong flowering growths it is batter not to
pot it. It is qnite certain that if suitable compost cannot be
obtained it is much better to let well alone. If any white scale

—

August 2, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

103

should appear on the pseudobulbs see that it is at once washed
off, as ib Apeedily causes the leaves to become yellow and
seriously interferes with the health of the plants. Admit as
much air as possible, but do notallow the winds to blow directly
on the plants. A canvas screen over the ventilators is a wise
precaution.—J. Douauas.

TRADE OATALOGUES RECEIVED.
Vilmorin-Andrieux & Cie, 4, Quai de la Mégisserie, 1 Paris.—
Catalogues of Flower Seeds, Bulbs, and Strawberries.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

* * All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ The
Editors,” or to ‘‘The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions atonco. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

EXHIBITING ASTERS AND GLapIoLI (Giles).—The best way to exhibit
Asters is in a stand, with a neat white card placed under each flower. Gla-
dioli should be exhibited in stands. Those made by Chapman of Gloucester
are the best.

CULINARY VEGETABLE (G. C.).—The Cucumber is certainly a culinary
vegetable, for it is cooked in various ways, and consequently is a kitchen
vegetable.

Merton Puant Farina (7. R. C.).—The plant seems to have ceased pro-
ducing fibrous roots. The cause we cannot tell. The watering with cold
water during a hot dsy may have been the cause.

AMERICAN PeErRropicat (4, 8. J.).— Write to Messrs. Sampson Low & Co.,
Booksellers, Fleet Street.

Want oF BLUE IN GARDENS.—‘“‘ A Lady Gardener” observes that we
want more blue in our flower gardens. She saw this spring the Red Campion
of our hedges made to grow as a compact garden flower, and she wants to
know if the same could not be done with the blue-flowered Cichorium Intybus
(wild Chicory or Succory).

KLEINIA REPENS (J. B.).—Send your address to Mr. ©. Chisholm, 300,
King’s Road, Chelsea.

CINERARIAS (Amateur).—Sow the seed now on light soil previously
moistened, and cover very slightly with very fine soil; place in a frame or
shady position in the garden, covering the seed pot or pan with a square of
glass, and place the pan in a saucer containing a little water. The soil must
never become dry, and the seedlings will soon appear and be ready for
pricking-off or potting. As slugs ate your first lot of seedlings you must
take special care of the second. Sometimes when a pan is placed in water
the soil becomes too wet, but your plants will be equally secure against slugs
if you invert a flower pot in a deep saucer of water and place the seed pan
on the inyerted pot.

Roses (George).—We cannot name varieties. (Twrkey).—We cannot tell
the name of the grubs unless we saw live specimens. Dusting with lime
might destroy them, and syringing the trees the next day would remove the
whiteness.

Foneus on Lawn (4 Very Old Subscriber).—Sprinkle common salt over
the places where the fungus grows. We should remove the fungi before
using the mowing machine.

Roses FOR A Town GARDEN (Stephen).—Yes, you may use charcoal
advantageously, but remember plenty of rich manure is the mainspring of
success. In your somewhat unfavourable position for Rose culture it will be
best to confine yourself to varieties of robust growth. Here are a dozen such
—Gloire de Dijon, John Hopper, Paul Neron, Boule de Neige, Madame C.
Joigneaux, Baronne de Rothschild, Charles Lawson, Paul Verdier, Anna
Alexieff, Gabriel de Peyronny, Countess of Oxford, Charles Lefebyre, and
Reine du Midi, to which add the old Cabbage Rose, very pretty and very
sweet-scented. November is the best month for planting. Consult your
own taste as to what form of trees you plant, dwarfs and half-standards
BRINE quite upon a par as regards freedom of growth and production of

oom.

Rose LEAVES INSECT-EATEN (J. E. Coleby).—They are attacked by the
grubs of a small moth called Microsetia centifoliella.

Wrreworm Inrestine Corn Crops AND PoraToEs (Sigma).—Gas lime, of
which you have been advised, is a capital application. It may be applied in
March at the rate of twenty bushels per acre, or in autumn at the rate of
thirty bushels. If applied in autumn it may be ploughed under, but if in
‘spring it should remain on the surface until after rain, the ground being
then worked prior to sowing or planting. Grain crops may have a dressing
of nitrate of soda when the crop is well up, at the rate of 1 cwt. per acre, or
twenty bushels of salt, but the nitrate of soda is the most powerful agent
in the destruction of vermin.

Warer Lity Puantine (H. B.).—The best time to plant is in spring from
March until May, so that the plants may become well established before
winter. The roots should be in not less than 1 foot depth of water, and not
exceeding 3 feet. If the bottom be soft a stone or half brick may ba secured
to the root-stem with wire, and the plants be dropped or thrown into the
water where required; but should the bottom be hard the plants should be
planted in strong loam in shallow wicker baskets. The plants will be
established before or by the time the basket decays. They must be secured
te the bottom by some means to prevent them floating. Thsre are a number

of kinds of Water Lilies—vyiz., Nymphxa alba, common white Water Lily;
N. odorata, very sweet, and a variety of it, N. odorata minor. N. candidissima
is noted for its pearly whiteness, N. pygmma for its smallness of growth,
and N. tuberosa for its large root-stems. ‘The yellow Water Lily is Nuphar
lutea, another good kind being Nuphar adyena, and a very dwarf kind,
Nupher pumila minima. One of the sweetest of aquatics is Aponogeton
distachyon, which with its small form minor is also very suitable for growing
in a pan in the greenhouse.

MImDEW ON GOooSEBERRY BusHEs (Idem).—It is probably due to dryness
of the soil, and the remedy will be a more liberal dressing of manure
annually, or copious applications of water with liquid mancrein dry weather.
Syringe the trees with a solution of soft soap, 2 ozs. to the gallon of
water.

GERANIUM LEAVES PERFORATED (A. Boyle).—The leaf is perforated by
some insect, probably a weevil or beetle, which usually commit their depre-
dations at night. We should place a white cloth on the ground and shake
the plants over it after dark, when the pests may fall on to thecloth. We
should also water the plants overhead with paraftin water just after dark,
allowing a wineglassful of the oil to three gallons of water, stirring well up
and letting it stand twenty-four hours, then skim off the oil rising to the
surface, and then use the water, taking care to thoroughly clear it of the oil
before use.

STRAWBERRIES FOR Fororne (C. M.).—The best varieties are Keens’ Seed
ling, President, Sir Charles Napier, and Sir Joseph Paxton. It is not desir-
able to keep the plants very dry in the winter—just sufficient to keep the
roots in a healthy growing condition. If the small rootlets suffer from over-
dryness the crop of fruit will be jeopardised.

PropaGaTiInG Roses FRom Currines (Flora).—October is perhaps the
best month for this, but they may be put in at any time when the wood is
firm. The cuttings ought to be taken off at the base with what gardeners
term a heel. [f » quantity of cuttings have to be inserted we would place
some suitable seil in the frame and then plant out the cuttings init. Keep
the lights close until they are rooted. When inserting the cuttings press
the +oil (which ought to be two parts loam, one leaf soil, and one of sand)
firmly round the base of the cuttings. Some sand should be placed on the
surface before inserting them.

Vines ATTACKED BY PHYLLOXERA VASTATRIX (C. TJ. D.).—There is no
remedy for this disease, and no one ought to tamper with it. The wisest
plan is to root the Vines out and burn them, removing the soil to a safe dis-
tance from any Vines. Not u single bit of root ought to remain in the
ground. ,

Sow1ne CaBbaGe SEED (G.N, R.).—The Falham or Early Battersea, Non-
pareil, and Atkins’ Matchless are as goolas any. A sowing should be made
about the 2lst of July for final planting-out early in September, many plants
of which will be turning in between Michaelmas and Christmas and in early
spring. The second and most g*neral time of sowing, to raise plants for
almost the whole year’s supply, and of any kind, including the Red Dutch
and its varieties, is from the oth to the 12th of August, and the seedlings
may remain in the seed bed all the winter if not too thick, or any number
may be finally planted in the open quarters from Oetober to November, or
pricked-out into nursery beds, banks, &e., so as to have a good stock of plants
for final planting-out whenever favourable opportunities offer. The soil
should be soaked with water twelve hours before the seed is sown, for after
raking and forking it is thus rendered less liable to become hard and surface-
bound. The seed should also be soaked twelve hours previously to sowing in
dry weather. In hot dry weather the evening is always the best time to sow,
not covering the seed more than a quarter of an inch; and the seed beds
should be slightly shaded with boughs, straw, or any other article of a similar
description, until the young plants are just appearing above the surface,
when the covering must bo removed. A slight sprinkling of water must then
be applied and a top-dressing of charcoal dust, so that it may adhere to the
young plants while moist, which will not only prevent the attacks of the fly
but promote growth. When about 3 inches high thin the seedlings to
4 inches apart, and prick out those removed into beds prepared as for the
seed bed, planting them 4 inches apart. Wenever make but two plantings
in the year: one from the 2lst of July sowing, which planting is made
during the first fortnight of September, and the second planting is made in
the spring, towards the end of Febraoary or beginning of March. Plant in
rows from 1} to 24 feet asunder each way, the smaller earlier kinds being
planted the closest.

Squirrexs (4. 0. W.).—The gun is your only resource to preserve your
nufs from squirrels.

Sooty qua CucuMBER (South Wales).—We do not know of its being eaten
raw, but we do know of its being boiled and eaten with rice, melted butter, &c.

Fucusta Sunray.—*B, C.” wishes to know if this is “an intermediate
variety or a self.”

Roses (P. B. C.).—The small pink Rose is Manetti.
common and useful, but we never heard it named.

GRAPES CRACKING (Clericus)—The Chasselas Musqué and Madresfield
Court are yery liable to have their berries crack. Allow the Vine to have a
full crop, keep the roots rather dry when the fruit is ripening, and, if the
berries still crack, cut a notch in the branch below each bunch to reduce the
supply of sap to it.

Hor Puant Dyinc (J. Huish)—Examine the roots; something has
probably destroyed them, as the other Hop plants are healthy.

AquinrGias.— J. B. J.” asks, ‘‘ Where can I get plants of the Aquilegias
mentioned by your correspondent Mr. Addison? The A. glandulosa flowers
very freely here, and is beautifal. ‘he soil requires to be very rich.”

Srx DIFFERENT Kinps oF Fruit (J. F.).—T wo varieties of Grapes ought
not to be admitted in the class so restricted.

Names or Prants (J. A.).—The Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella):
(Somerset).—1, Geranium sanguineum; 3, G. sylvaticum; 2, Veronica spiv
cata (white-flowered varie'y); 4, Santolina. Chamecyparissus; 5, Hemer™
ocallis falya; 6, Lilium martagon. (A.H. S.).—1, Catasetum deltoideum (?);
2, Eulophia sp. (a Novice).—The shrub is commonly called Southernwood,
Astemisia abrotanum. The fleshy-leayed plant is Sedum azoideum vyarie-
gatum. (R. T.).—The Fern is Adiantum trapeziforme. (D. G. R.).—1, Oxalis
sp.; 2, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium); 3, Ceataury (Erethrea Centaurium);
4, Heracleum Sphondylium ; 5, Cherophyllum temulum; 6, Tradescantia vir-
ginica. (Ff. T.).—1, The Acer seems to us only A..pseudo-Platanus ; 2, Tri-
folium procumbens; 3, Lathyrus pratensis. (Helena),—We cannot name
florists’ varieties. No.1 has no fructification.

The white is very

104

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 2, 1877.

SSE Re eee ee SS SS

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

LABELS.

Worse than ever grows this grievance. It surpasses, if it is
possible, the catalogue difficulty. The latter, however, we have,
as far as we are concerned, simplified by never ordering a cata-
logue at all, as it seems to us needless expenditure to put several
pence into a society’s pocket for no derivable good whatever. The
label trouble, however, is less easy to deal so summarily with,
for if once fanciers exbibit—labels and their consequent diffi-
culties have to follow. Labels fail to arrive at all—not in an
isolated instance, as that may always occur with any show by
some postal mistake or by the secretary’s overlooking a name
accidentally ; but some half-dozen or so at one time fail to arrive.
Again, when the birds ought to have been near the end of their
destination the labels sometimes come, when they are quite
useless for that show. Now,in such cases what has to be done?
Provided a receipt has been previously forwarded, it is generally
safe to send the birds on to the secretary’s care; but these label
mistakes seldom occur at exhibitions where receipts are for-
warded, for those are too well worked; but when no receipt
has-been sent, and no labels come to hand, what should be
done? How can the exhibitor know the entries have ever been
received, and that accommodation has been provided for the
exhibits? We know this same difficulty happened the other day
to Mr. Darby. He had entered eight pens for Bath, and had
sent the 40s. to pay for the entries. The latter never reached
Mr. Goodwin, so he could not send the labels. Mr. Darby, how-
ever, had often before received his labels late, and so he imagined
this to be another such case, and so he sent on his birds. On
their arrival they had never been entered, and he had incurred
labour, trouble, and expense for nothing. Now, had all secretaries
a general rule that receipts were to be sent for all entries, and
this was understood, then the non-arrival of labels should gene-
rally mean that the entries had never come to hand or not been
accepted. There are, however, some societies which accept
entries long efter the advertised date of closing—take them,
in fact, so near to the date of the show that it is impossible

to get the labels sent away in time to reach their destination |

when they are required. These post entries, however, are not
80 much in vogue as they were, for we have heard of many lately
who had their entries returned for being too late. We are
extremely glad of it, for, apart from the label annoyance it fre-
quently causes, the system is not fair to those who have entered
in the due time.

Another objectionable practice we have to condemn among the
label managers of exhibitions is the plan of writing the address
upon them before they are forwarded to the exhibitors. It is
odious for several reasons, especially because the postal address
and the train address of many people are often quite different.
We know, for instance, a village, the post town of whichis Bath,
and yet the inhabitants have no less than twenty or more stations
which are much more convenient to them than their post town’s.
Again, some may want to send the birds on to another show,
or to some friend who keeps them for them; or again, some
exhibitors may have a town address where their place of
business is, while they themselves live out in the country and
keep their birds there, so if a label comes disfigured by being
addressed, as we have often had them, itis difficult to write the
desired address upon them plainly. We have had, too, one single
label addressed and stamped with a halfpenny stamp, and then
sent us by post without any envelope or wrapper. Can any
plan be more stupid? It is a great chance that it gets lost in
transit through the many hands it naturally would have to pass.
Another most objectionable sort of label is a one-eyed one,
where it is possible to affix by one end only. Plenty of cases are
on record to tell how such a label has failed entirely in its
object. We remember two or three summers ago sending a
basket of birds to the Middleton Show; the label had but one
eye, and was consequently fixed but in one place. On one side
was the show address, while our own was written on the other
side for the return of the basket at the close of the show. The
basket got as far as Crewe, when the parcel clerk, looking into
the van, saw the basket of birds and read the side of the label
for the home journey. Out of the van he took them, and back
went the birds to London. ‘“ How quickly they have come back
this time,’ said our poultryman: very quickly, but they had
never seen at all the smoky country of Middleton. And so we
could tell of other instances, most of which could have been
obviated by a properly-made Jabel. Some societies, again, send
labels as large as a cheese plate, others about as small as a
crown piece; very likely neither of them with the county printed
at all. Those committees surely must forget that there are
scores of little stations in England which are used by exhibitors
where the porters or booking clerks are of such simple education
as to be perfectly ignorant of the locality of many towns. It
would tire us to tell of instances where we have heard how

trains have been missed or birds misforwarded from want of
proper knowledge on the part of the railway officials as to the
county where the package had to go to. Once we remember we
had long hoped for a certain cup at Fakenham. Thelabelhadno
county on it, and the parcels clerk had no more idea than the
fowls themselves where Fakenham was. The train was moving
from the station, he afterwards told us, and he did not know
what to do, so in @ fit of despair he popped them into the train,
labelled “ via Reading.” He could not have made a worse shot,
and it is needless to say the coveted cup did not fall into our
hands.

And so from all these little things we can collect into one idea
what a label should be to be of general cervice. It should be
made of stout linen of a medium size, with an eyelet hole at
each end; it should be printed clearly with the name of the
county, and it is of no advantage to see, as we frequently do,
“To the Poultry Exhibition” printed in gigantic capitals, while
the name of the town or village is in modest little letters under-
neath. Above all, the labels should be despatched at least four
days before the show is to take place, and sooner if possible.
They should be printed reverse ways, on the back and front, so
that at the close of the show when the packer turns the double
label over to send off the birds he may find that the printing
always turns over in away to be at once legible. We have avast
number of important shows coming on in the next three months,
and we hope they will in their label arrangements set an example
to the smaller exhibitions, that complaints of this particular
kind may be less constant than they have previously been. We
are sure this is not a trouble of all cry and no wool, for we have
on our table before us some dozen letters of the past month
alluding to the subject in some form.—W.

BRADFORD, TONG, AND DUDLEY HILL
POULTRY SHOW.

Tue annual Show was held at Dadley Hill on the 2Sth inst. in
the Cricket Grounds. The poultry were shown in the open field
in Turner’s pens, and unfortunately the day proved wet. Some
of the classes were badly supported with entries, but the quality
was good, Game being a fair section, and the awards correctly
made. A class was provided for single hens, the first going to
a grand Silver Polish, and second to Spanish. Hamburghs, for
the few shown, were really good. Game Bantams very good.
Piles first and Black Reds second.

In Pigeons, which mustered better than poultry, there were
meny well-known winners. The Carriers very good. First
young Black cock, which should have yielded to a grand Black
hen from the same loft, but which was taken for a cock by the
Judges. Tumblers.—First Black Bald Long-face, second Blue
Short-face, the latter capital in head but foul on thigh. In Ant-
werps first was a capital Dun, second a better-headed Red, but
not so good in colour. Owls (English) very good. In the
Dragoons the winners were Blues; but we preferred Pen 3, a
grand Yellow hen. : .

Rabbits (Lops) ten entries, among which were some very
good animals. In the Variety class first was a Himalayan,
second Silver-Grey, and third a Grey Dutch; bunt the best
Silver in the class was Pen 13 (Burton).

POULTRY.—SpanisH—l, J. Thresh. Donxines.—l1, H. Beldon. Cocum-
Cuina.—l, C. Sedgwick. 2, W. Mitchell. Game —Black-breasted or other Red.
—1l, W. Schofield. 2, H.C. & W. Mason. Duckwinged or other Grey or Blue—
1, H. GC. & W. Mason. Black, Brassy-winged, or Pile.—l, H.C. & W. Mason. 2,
R. Walker. Hen.—1,H.Beldon. 2, W- Firth. vhc,J.Hoigson. HamBurcHs.
—Golden-spangled.—1, H. Beldor. 2, B. Rawnsley. Silver-spangled.—i, Faw-
cett & Anderson. 2, H Beldon. Silver-pencilled—l, B. Kawnsley. 2, H.
Beldon. Poxrisu.—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. Branwa Poorra.—l, H.
Beldon. 2, W. Schofield. vhc, H. W. & H. King. BantTaMs.—Game.—1 and 2,
W. F. Entwisle. <Any other variety—1, J. F. Crowther. 2, H. Beldon. Any
BrEED.—Cock.—1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. GEEsE.—1, H. Beldon. 2, J.
Rawnsley. _Ducks.—Rouen.—l, J. Newton. 2, J. R. Pollard. <Any other
variety.—l, J. Newten. 2, H. Beldon. -

PIGEONS.—Carerers.—l, J, Booth. 2, J. Wright. Tursits.—l, H. Beldon.
2, T. Holt. vhe,S. Dewhirst. TumBLERS.—i,J.Thresh. 2, 6. Rawnsley. vhe,
W. Lund. Jacoprss—l, T. Holt. 2, G. S. Burton. Fantarms.—l, H. Beldon.
2,J.S. Pickard. CroppER oR PouTER.—1,H. Beldon. ANTWERPS,—l, E. Tor-
doff. 2, W. F. Entwistle. vhe, A. Brook. Nuns.—l, H. Beldon. 2, H. & J.
Tetley. Owts.—English.—1 and 2, J. Thresh. vhe, J. Ingham. ANY OTHER
Variety.—l, J. Thresh. 2,H.Beldon. Dracoons.—l and 2, W. Lund.

RABBITS.—SpanisH.—Buck cr Doe—1 and vhe, C. Clouch. 2, Found and
Chappel. Common.—Buck or Doe—l and2.J.Oddy. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1,
J. Robertshaw. 2and3,J.8.Swithenbank. vic, G.S. Burton.

JupcEs.—Messrs. Cannan & Dixon.

BOSTON POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts Exhibition, which we are informed was a very good one,
was held on the 26th and 27th ult., in connection with the Show
of the Lincolushire Agricultural Society. The following awards
were made by the Judges :—

POULTRY.—Dorx1nGs.—1 and 4, J. Hornsby,
GamE.—Red, or any other Dark colour—l, C. Chaloner. 2, W. G. Waters.
White Piles, or any other Light colour.—l, C. Chaloner. 2, W. G. Waters.
Cocutns.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, J. Walker. 3, Dr. E. Snell. BranMis—l, J. F.
Smith. 2,J. Walker. 8, Dr. B. Snell. SpanisH.—l, R. Newbitt. 2, E. Bigga-
dike. Hampnrous.—Spangled.—l, J. Long. Pencilled.—l,C. W. Gibbs, 2and
8, Dr. E. Snell, Hovpans.—l J.E. Pilgrim. 2, Rev. A. B. Skipworth. 3, Mrs.

2, J. Walker. 8, B. Smith.

August 2, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

105

nn

Crevze-Caevrs.—l, C. W. Gibbs. 2, Robinson & Myers. Potanps.—1
Dark colour.—1 and 8
Newbitt. 2 and 3, W.

Cross.
R. Newbitt. 2,3. Long. Banrams.—Red, or any other
R. Newbitt. 2, J. Atkinson. Any Light colour.—l, R.
Roe. ANY OTHER VaRreTy.—l, J. Long. 2, Dr. E. Snell. 8, Mrs. Cross
SELuING Cuass.—Cock—l, J. T. Coding. 2, R. Newbitt. 8,C.W. Gibbs. 4, J.
Long. Hens.—1,J. Hornsby. 2, W. Roe. 8, Mrs. Cross. 4,J. Long. GEESE
—1, Br. E. Snell. 2, J. Walker. 8, B. Armitage, jun. Duoxs —Aylesbury.—
land 8, J. Walker. 2,Dr.E.Snell. Rouen.—l and 3, J. Walker. 8, W. Bygott,
jun. Any other variety. and 2, J. Walker. TurKeys.—l, J. Walker. 2, Mrs.
Grundy. GurinEA Fowis.—l, Dr. E. Snell. MIsoELLANEOUS SELLING CLass.—
1, R. Newbitt. 2, W. G. Waters. 8, W. Bygott, jun. 4, Dr. E. Snell. 5, J.

ornsby.

PIGEONS.—Carniers.—l, H. Yardley. TumsieRs.—l and 2, H. Yardley.
Fanvaris.—l and 2, J. F. Leversidge. ANY OTHER VaRreTy.—l, H. Yardley. 2,
R. Foster.

WHITCHURCH SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tats Exhibition was held in a covered tent in connection
with the Salop Agricultural Society’s Show. The entries were
not large, but the quality in most classes was excellent. Mr.
Dixon of Bradford and Mr. Lane of Birmingham awarded the

rizes.

Pine Dorkings opened the catalogue. The cup went to a
large pair shown by Mr. Walker; they were square-shaped good
specimens. The cock in the second pen had a bad comb, while
the third were but a fair pair. The next class, for Silvers and
Whites, had no entries, and the former one had only five pens.
Brown and Partridge Cochins followed, where again there were
only five pens, and Messrs. Percival’s and Wood’s being empty
Mr. Tudman walked his three pens in for the three prizes. Of
Buffs there were six pens, and for the time of the year the
quality was good; pen 12 (Darby) were alittle faded in colour,
or else as good as any pen. In the next class Blacks and Whites
met together. There were three pens of the latter colour and
one of the former. The cocks here were in better plumage than
the hens, the first-prize bird being in grand feather, and was
the same bird we fancy which we sawat Banbury. In Dark
Brahmas, of which there were eight pens, the cup pen was
good and very silvery in colour; the second pen, too, belonging
to the same exhibitor, were of much merit, as too was the
highly commended pen (25) of Mr. Aspden. In Light Brahmas
a pen of chickens came in second. There were half a dozen
pens of this colour. Game made fine classes, as is usually the
case in this district; not many pens, however, save the winners
were in good condition. The cup pen of Black Reds were
splendid, being really good all round. In Brown Reds the
winners were well chosen; and in the next class a fine pen of
Piles won easily, second and third going to good Duckwings.
Spanish made only six entries, five of which were noticed.
‘Lhe cup pen was good, the winning hen being excellent. In
Spangled Hamburghs Gold, Silver, and Gold won in this order.
All the three pens were in good trim. Pens 76 (Rawnsley) and
77 (Beldon) were two excellent pens of Golds. In Pencils Mr.
Beldon won the cup with a smart pen, both birds in good
feather and condition. French had nine entries, where the
quality was good. Créves won first, and good forward Houdan
svhickens second, Créves being third again. Game Bantams
produced fourteen pens, of which Messrs. Fraser's, Cock’s, and
Adams’s were without occupants. The cup went to capital Piles
five months old as the catalogue terms them; second were
Dackwings ; and third pretty Black Red chickers. In the next
class good Blacks were first and third, while a charming pen of
Silver-laced came in between them. In the Variety class,
which contained ten entries, Silver Polands of grand quality
came in first, very lustrous Black Hamburghs being second,
and Scotch Greys third. 124 (Darby) were good Black Polands;
the cockerel had a large crest, but not a very prettily-shaped
ne. In the chicken class, which comprised twenty-two pens,
Dark Brahmas were first, Brown Red Game second, and Houdans
third. Turkeys had four pens. The winners were very large
and in good condition; second were a large pair also, and third
‘went to good Cambridge. Geese made five pens; the winners
wera large birds, all of fine quality. Aylesbury Ducks made only
four pens, the winners large and clear in bills; second not quite
so heavy in appearance, butvery good. The Variety Duck class
was truly excellent. Of the other nine pens seven won cards
from the Judge.

The Pigeons were of fair quality in most classes. The Fan-
tails especially good; a sweetly pretty pair of young Whites
were first, and another good pen of the same colour were second.
Nans only brought three pens and Barbs the same number, and
Pouters again only a trio, and we are afraid many of these
classes will bring much loss on the Committee. In Owls the
winners were very pretty and good; the second Blues we much
admired. In the Variety class fine Black Trumpeters were first,
very fair Red Turbits second. Of Dragoons there were eleven
pens, Mr. Wood’s taking both honours with excellent Blues and
Yellows. Antwerps, too, made a large class, and here Duns of
fine quality came in first,

POULTRY.—Dorxines.—Dark.—Cup and 1, J. Walker. 2, Mrs. R. E. Jones.
8, T. Brocklebank. CocHtns.—Brown and Partridge—Cup, 1, 2, and 8, B. Tud-
man. Cinnamon and Buff—i, H. Tomlinson. 2,R.P. Percival. 3, F. Robert-
son. Any other variety.—1 and 8, A. E. W. Darby. 2, R. P. Percival.
BrawMas.—Dark.—1, Cup, and 2,J.F. Smith. 3,E. Pritchard. Light.—1, R. P.
Percival. 2, C J Naylor. 3, H. C. While. Game.—Black-breasted Red.—i,

) a good shade, and secondly uniformity of shade.

Cup, and 8, S.Matthew. 2,R.Ashley. Brown-breasted Red.—1,R. Ashley. 2,
T. Burgess. 8,J. White. Duckwings, or any other variety.—l, S. Matthew. 2,
W. C. Phillips. SpanrtsH.—Cup, J. W. Holden. 1,J.Boulton. 2, S.L. Edwards.
8, J. F. Sillitoe. Hamwsurcus.—Gold or Silver-spangled.—l, T. Blakeman. 2,
Ashton & Booth. 8, S. R. Harris. Gold or Silver-pencilled.—1 and Cup, H.
Beldon. 2,J. Rawnsley. 8, W.L. Bell. FrencH Fowus.—1,L. Booth. 2, C.J.
Naylor. 8, H. Feast. BANTamMs.—Game.—l and Cup, W. F. Entwisle. 2, G.
Hall. 8,J. Platt. <Any other variety.—1, Ludlow & Rackham. 2,M. Leno, 38,
Morris & Cameron. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—l, H. Beldon. 2, Rev. W. Serjeant-
8, W. B. Etches. Chickens—l, E. Pritchard. 2, W. Perrin. 8, C. J.
. TurKeys.—l, W. Wykes. 2,S. H. Stott. 8, S. Jones. GrxEse.—l, J.
. 2,8. HB. Stott. 8,J. K.& R. R. Fowler. Duoxs.—Aylesbury.—1, J.
Walker. 2,J. K.& R.R. Fowler. 8,J. Hedges. Rowen.—l, J. Walker. 2, 3.
H. Stott. 8, F. Robertson, Any other variety.—l and 8, Rev. W. Serjeantson.
2, J. Walker. SELLING Cuass.—l, J. Derricutt. 2, S. L. Edwards. 3, J.
Parker, jun.

PIGEONS.—TuMmBLERS.—1 and 2, H. Yardley. Carriers.—l, H. Yardley. 2,
J. E, Butler. Fanraris.—l and 2, Rev. W. Serjeantson. Nuns.—l, H. Mears.
2, Miss C, Brooke. Bargss.—l, H. Yardley. 2,S.M. Morris. ANTWERPS.—1, W.
F, Entwisle. 2, H. Yardley. Dracoons.—l and 2, R. Woods. PourzRs.—l ani
2,H. Pratt. Owxis.—l,E. Lee. 2, A. Yardley. ANY oTHER VaRIETY.—l, C. A.
J.H. Pearson. 2, J.E. Platt.

THE SILVER-GREY RABBIT.

Tue Silver-Grey, although one of the smaller breeds, is con-
siderably larger than the Datch or Himalayan varieties. Seven
and 8 lbs. are the usual weights of good healthy full-grown speci-
mens, anything above 8 lbs. being an exception to the rule. The
appearance is neat and pretty, rather stumpy and well-con-
ditioned, with an arched back. The legs are wel Iset and strong,
the head rather small and inclined to be sharp at the nose. The
eyes are usually of a dark colour, and very brilliant in appear-
ance. The ears ara short and erect without any tendency to
lopping, although they occasionally fall a little outwards. The
best appearance is that of the common hutch Rabbit, with the
ears nearly parallel and falling rather forward than otherwise.
The whole form is neat, and seldom fails to attract admiration.

The variety may, for the purpose of description, be advan-
tageously divided into two parts—the dark shade and the light.
Opinions differ as to the more valuable, public esteem having
veered from one to the other and back again until now the shade
most admired is a mixture between the two. To such an extent
has the shade question been worked that prizes are to some
extent monopolised by certain strains, although as some jadges
prefer one shade and some another, while others prefer a mix-
ture of the two, the monopoly is not likely to do much harm or to
check their culture. The shade is decidedly peculiar, and the
appearance is often strange before a close inspection has shown
how things are ; the fact is, the animal has two distinct qualities
of hair—a light and a dark. The latter is almost black and
rather short, hence when born the animal is black. The other
hairs are of a silvery shade—a sort of bluish grey; these are
much longer, and do not make their appearance until the Rabbit
is a month or two old. The great points to be aimed at are first
The former
may generally be obtained by care and diligence, but the latter
desideratum is not a goal easy of access. Fancy, that fickle
and hard-to-he-pleased goddess, calls loudly for dark nose, ears,
and toes in the Himalayan, and, like the man in the fable
who blew hot and cold with the same breath, calls equally
loudly for uniformity in these points with the remainder of the
body in silver-grey. The head is generally a shade darker than
the body, especially among the darker or Chinchilla variety. It
does not detract at all from the animal’s beauty, and, except in
very close competition, does not tell much against it, provided
of course that the comparison is not very obvious and that the
shade is good. The nose often gives much trouble, there being
two crimes of which it is occasionally guilty. In the first place
it sometimes has a white spot upon it, and this is a heinous
offence, not only to the fancier but also to the casual spectator,
as it detracts considerably from the beauty. Then again it will
sometimes refuse to “silver,” as the fancy callit. The longer and
lighter hairs do not make their appearance, and hence the short
and black are only visible, and the nose retains its pristine
blackness, and that which would make the heart of the Hima-
layan breeder dance for joy has a very contrary effect upon the
keeper of Silver-Greys. The feet, too,sometimes err. It is rare
that these members are too dark, but they not unfrequently
present a scraggy grey appearance that is far from being proper.
As to the colouring of the belly and under quarters, it is of
course much lighter and often approaches pure white. There
is a great variety of shading; the best of all, in our opinion, is
the uniform medium shade, as preferable to the heavy or maaly,
while of the two latter we prefer the former.

In order to obtain the desired strain very careful breeding is
required, and as the strains generally breed pretty true if reason-
able care is employed there need be little fear of success. The
crossing of a heavy swell with a mealy doe will often produce
the desired shade. Beware always of white noses, and if possible
kesp them from the breeding stock. There can be but little
doubt that this is the result of a cross, however far back, and
these remote crossings give much trouble to eradicate.

The Silver-Grey is very prolific. The litters will be as fre-
quent as discretion calls for them, and the number of young
may generally be relied upon to exceed halfa dozen. The doe

16 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 2, 1877.

is a most zealous and anxious mother, preparing her nest with | What must I do with them? Would you put more ekes under

forethought and skill, and tending her little black progeny
with great attention. The young are born perfectly black,
and remain so for some time, the period of ‘‘silyering,” or the
growth of the longer heirs, being dependant chiefly upon the
atmosphere in which the animal is kept, a warm congenial
temperature being calculated to hurry on the process, while a
cold unfriendly climate will have the effect of retarding it.

The Silver-Grey is easily tamed and soon becomes accustomed
to its feeder, resenting any change, It is described as being
unusually docile; but while frankly giving it a name for being
a tame pleasant animal, we can hardly go so far as to point
out its docility as a speciality. They will not agree together
when full grown, being decidedly pugilistic to one another.
The doe will protect her young jealously, and will attack any
intruder.

The skin of the Silver-Grey is its chief mercantile utility,
being very usefal for muffs and the like. The fiesh is very
good, and as the animal will attain a large size and put on
flesh very readily it will do well as a pot animal. It is thus
seen that Silver-Grey keeping is by no means an unprofit-
able investment.—GrEra.

THE PRESENT BHE SEASON.

Tur letter of “B. & W.” at the end of May would have
tempted me to ask you to insert a letter in your next issue,
taking a different and more hopeful view of our prospects, had
it not come from so high an authority on bee subjects. The
state of affairs at the end of May this year was certuinly better
than 1876, which subsequertly proved a splendid honey season,
and I fondly hoped for a similar turn of affairs this year. This,
indeed, we had as far as June was concerned, nearly every day
from the 4th to the 20th yielding a large crop of honey. Then
came the usual cessation, which has continued till the present
time, and seems only too likely to continue unless we very soon
have dry and very hot weather. The latter, I think, is the great
desideratum for bee-keepers. This, I believe, explains why
“3B. & W.’s” hives, as well as everyone else’s, seem to be almost
empty of bees compared with what they appeared during the hot
weather of June. Should the weather now become thoroughly
hot for a week or two, I believe all bee-keepers who have not
noticed the effect of sudden hot and fine weather would be
surprised as well as delighted at the result; of this I feel
certain, after carefully reading my notes of last reason, when
honey was gathered until the 8th or 9th of August. If cold
and damp weather continues, however, the only possible success
of this season remaining must come from the moors. My ex-
perience of 1875, with its splendid May and nothing afterwards,
does not make me altogether anxious for early seasons. The
earlier the season—z.e., the spell of hot weather, the sooner, as
a rule, it is over, and the longer will the bees have to live on
their stores. ,

As following-up the subject of Mr. Pettigrew’s letter of the
week before last, I will state the result of queen-raising in my
unicomb hive last year and this. In 1876, on July 15th, I re-
moved the queen with a few bees, placing them in a hive of
brood from which I drove its own bees. Good results followed
with both these hives. The new queen was hatched on the
thirteenth day, the egg from which she was raised being, as I
supposed, three days old when started. The other queen cells,
nine in number, were at once destroyed. This year, on the
afternoon of June 30th, I removed all the combs and the queen
from my observatory, giving the bees two large combs of Italian
brood. Next day I found queen cells commenced on both
combs. Thinking it impossible for a queen to emerge from her
cell earlier than the thirteenth day, I intended to remove these
combs on the twelfth day and use the young queens in other
hives; but on the morning of July 11th—7e., a little over ten
days after introducing the combs, I found a young queen at
liberty, and all the cells on the same frame torn open. In the
middle of the same day I removed the other comb with four
queen cells uninjured (the new queen not having found them),
and gave them to other bees. I thus proved without doubt that
it was the young queen herself who commenced destroying her
rivals. But will some more experienced apiarian kindly tell
me what becomes of the theory that a queen takes sixteen days
to hatch, and that the process must be commenced before the
egg is over three days old ?—J. B., Maiden Newton, Dorset.

HONEY SEASON IN NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE.

«‘T sHouLp like to know what sort of season this has been for
bees in the southern parts.of England. It has been a very bad
one in this locality (North Staffordshire). Swarmingcommenced
here on the second week of June. Half the number of hives in
this neighbourhood never swarmed at all. From eleven stocks
Thave had six swarms only. Two of my non-swarmers have
filled ekes and are again clustering outside in great numbers.

them ?—R. W. J.”

If our correspondent intends to take his bees to the heather,
which is plentiful enough in North Staffordshire and the adjoin-
ing county, his hives should be eked or supered before their
removal. His non-swarmers are strong in bees and capable of
great feats on the moors. Bees do not usually gather much
honey from clover later than July; ekes, however, may be used
for shelter to the clustering bees. By-and-by the bees will sit
more closely together, when the ekes may be removed.

We hope some of our friends in the south are able to send
better accounts of bee-keeping this year than those of Stafford-
shire and Cheshire.—A. PETTIGREW.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Fowt’s Foot Swornen (J. Hobbs).—Have the floor of the fowl house
govered 2 or 3 inches deep with sand, and do not let the fowl roost, but sleep
on the sand.

Matays aT THE ALEXANDRA PaLace.—I have recsived the following
amounts towards the prizes in the Malay class:—Mr. Stanley, 10s.; Mr.
S. B. Perry, 7s. 6d.; Mr. A. Smith, 5s.; Mr. G. Burnell, 5s.; Mr. Lecher, 10s. ;
Mr. Hawkins, 2s. 6d.; J. Hinton, 5s.; Mr. T. B. Lowe, 5s. I shall be obliged
to any Maley fanciers for a trifle to help in swelling this amount.—JosEPH
Hinton, Warminster.

CHICKENS PaRaLyseD (A, E. N.).—They are fed too stimulatingly, and are
grown too fast. Indiaa cornin the morning and barleymeal mash at night
would be quite enough as they have a grass rnn.

Youne Turkry Buinp (C. L, M.).—Wash the head daily, or twice daily,
with tepid water. Give sulphate of copper, one grain, mixed in oatmeal
mashed with ale, and plenty of green food. Separate the bird from alk
others.

Lice on Pigeons (J. T. P.).—Dust thoroughly under their feathers and
their nests with flowers of sulphur.

Ravsanp WINE (E. F.).—Take 5 lbs. of rhubarb cut as for tarts, then add
to such quantity one gallon of cold water; place itin atub or vessel, where it
may remain eight or nine days, taking care to stir it well up at least two or
three times a-day; then strain it off, and to every gallon of liquor add 4 lbs.
of loaf sugar, then juice of a lemon, with part of ths rind of the same; put it
into the cask with a little isinglass dissolved. The cask must not be stopped
down for a month, and you may bottle it in ten or twelye months.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CaMDEN Square, LonpDon,
Lat. 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altituda, 111 feet. -

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day. |
39 |
< éHe@.| Hygrome-| 85 ade Tem-| Radiation | -5
1877. |BSR 3 ter. 38 erature. |Temperature.|
July. |2835| | Eta In) On | _
As S7) Dry.| Wet.| AS Max.| Min.| sun. |grass-
—
Inches.| deg. | deg deg. | deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | In
We. 25 | 29.905 | 645 | 56.8 W. 601 | 69.3 | 52.2 | 120.9 | 46.2 | 0.384
Th. 26 | 29.763 | 62.2 | 60.9 N.W. | 61.2 | 736 | 55.7 122.1 | 54.0 =_
Fri. 27 | 84.149 | 68.6 | 59.4 | S.W. | 61.0 | 72.9 | 52.1 116.0 | 458 _
Sat, 28 | 39.170 | 613 | 56.3 | S.S.W.| 60.6 | 706 | 506 92.9 | 49.1 | 0.010
Sun.29 | 30.250 | 73.9 | 67.3 W. 61.7 | 83.2 | 59.4 182.0 | 568 =
Mo. 30 | 30.308 | 63.1 | 605 | S.W. | 64.0 | 83.3 | 56.1 125.5 | 54.3 —
Tu. 31 | 80.159 | 73.5 | 64.3 | W.S.W.)} 65.7 | 87.1 | 57.2 | 183.9 | 553 =
Means] 30.086 | 66.0 | 69.8 62.0 | 77.1 | 548 1205 | 51 0.3894
REMARES,
25th.—Fine morning and forenoon, dull afternoon and evening, and rain after

9 P.M.

26th.—Raining heavily at 9 A.m., but soon clearing off; the remainder of the
day fine, and the night splendidly bright.

27th.—A fine pleasant day throughout.

28th.—Grey morning, and rather so all day; aslight sprinkle of rain about
4PM.

29th.—The finest and hottest day we have had for some time, but there was
a pleasant breeze to temper the heat.

80th.—Grey morning, but a brilliant and hot summer day, but still a pleasant
breeze.

81st.—Morning and forenoon very bright; afternoon and evening rather
cloudy, but the heat intense and scarce any movement in the air.

The last three days excessively hot, and this more tryingas the temperature
previously had been rather low.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Avetst 1.
Prices remain the same as last week.

FRUIT.
s. d. 8.d. 8. d. 8,

Apples....- }sieve 0 Uto0 0] Melons.......... each 8 Otos 9

Apricots - dozen 1 6 8 0Q/| Nectarines . dozen 6 0 20 0

Cherries lb. 0 8 1 O| Oranges........ #10010 0 16 V
Chestnuts . bushel 0 0 9 O/| Peaches........ dozen 8 0 80 9 -

Currants. jtieve 3 0 4 6) Pears,Kitchen.. dozen 00 0 0

}sieve 4 0 5 0 dessert ...... 00 04

dozen 8 0 12 0| Pine Apples. PLU Ghiel!)

lb. 0 06 O O} Plums. 00 090

1b. 0 0 0 | 06 1°

Gooseb }bushel 8 6 4 6 06 16

Grapes, hothous: Ib. 2 0 8 O 56 Oo.S &

Lemons ........ P1009 6 0 10 0 00 ud

August 9, 1877. j

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

107

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day | Average | san Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s | ,Clock | Day

f of AUGUST 9—15, 1877. Temperature near | psec. : : 0n's | befor £

as te 3 | ondons | Rises. | Sets. | Rises, Sets. Age. ‘Sane |Year.
Day. |Night. Mean.| h. m. | bh. m.| Lh. m:| hk. m.| Days.| m. 5s.

9 TH 74.9 | 49.6 | 62.2 | 4 88) 7 382 | 4 36 7 AT (e) 5 14 | 221
10 |F ic Society (Anni at Lp. 75.1 | 51.9 | 635 | 4 39} 7 81|-6 1} 8 2 1 5 5 | 292
Teroqlea Royal Botanic Society ( versary) at 1 | Ge | Paola esera lair ill eeraaot lieeran lecute a | 3 56 | as8
12 | Sun | 11 Sunpay arree Trriry. | 75.1 | 50.5 | 628 | 4 48|) 7 27] 9 10) 8 29 3 | 4 46 | 224 |
13 M | 74.5 | 50.0 | 62.3 4 44 | 7 25 10 37| 8 43 4 | 4 86 | 225
14 | To | Clay Cross (Chesterfield) Show. | 72.9 | 508 | 618 | 4 46] 7 23] 0a2/ 9 0 5 | 4 95 | 226 |
16 WwW | Dover and Shrewsbury Shows. | 73.1 | 50.0 | 61.6 4 47 7 21 1 27 9 22 6 | 4 14 | 227

\ | !
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 75.0°; andits night temperature

CLOSH PLANTING VINES—ALTERNATE
CROPPING.

I CCASIONALLY Vines are planted at half
the usual distances apart with a view to a
fuller and earlier supply of Grapes, and the

calculated to secure greater first results, but
by alternate cropping of the Vines it was
thought to possess permanent advantages.
«J. W.,” some time ago, requested informa-
tion upon this subject; but I did not think
it desirable to respond until fortified with
at least an apprenticeship of experience.

In the spring of 1870 I took charge of two vineries
with the Vines planted 27 to 30 inches distance apart.
They had been pruned to the bottom of the trellis, and
all eyes removed but the three uppermost. The object
was to have fruit quickly—a means wide of the mark
for securing it, inasmuch as had every other Vine been a
fruiting one and fruited in the pot placed on the border,
or, better, the hot-water pipes, and well fed, a dozen
bunches might have been had from each Vine the first
season ; but under the circumstances no more could be
anticipated than proving of the kinds, to which wrong
labels had been attached to several.

In 1870 the Vines reached the top of the house, and

laterals being rather freely encouraged they had in|

autumn strong well-ripened canes. These were cut back
to one-third their ultimate extent, the object being to

have them in full bearing as speedily as possible—in full |
The rods were de- |

crop in three years after the first.
pressed early in 1871, and as bleeding took place the
ends of the canrs were dried with a red-hot iron and
then smeared with the patent knotting used by painters.
The break was good; every shoot showed fruit, some two
and three bunches. The shoots were disbudded, resery-
ing shoots 18 inches apart on each side, or as near as
they could be had at that distance, and a bunch of fruit
was allowed on each. Ample laterals were allowed from
the leaders, and the finish was satisfactory.

1872. The Vines fruited two-thirds the extent they
were to occupy, and were quite equal in finish to the
preceding crop. In 1873 the Vines were in full bearing,
allowing each Vine a full crop, twice the quantity of fruit
to what would have been the case with half the number
of Vines; but the finish was not so good as in the two
first years of fruiting, it being clear that the foliage was
already becoming too crowded.

_1874. Smaller bunches, smaller uneven berries, and in-
different finish marked the produce of this season ; plenty
of fruit, but unsatisfactory. If failure was to be avoided
prompt steps must at once be taken. Half the produce of
‘the Vines would have made a serious void in the supply,
otherwise out at once would have come every other Vine;
and I have no question as to the effect upon the remaining
Vines, for with more space the foliage would not only be
larger but be more able to perform its important functions.
Things must remain as they were for at least another year.

No. 854 —Vou, XXEIIL, New Series.

plan was at one time advocated as not only |

In 1875 I took a shoot from the base of every other
Vine and trained it along the rod to the top of the house,
stopping tho laterals to one leaf. These Vines, not-
withstanding the increased foliage of the cane—greater
crowding of the foliage—finished their crops better than
the other Vines. When the fruit was cut the old rods
were cut away and the young canes took their places.
A strong well-ripened cane with roots ‘that had supported
if and a rod with spur shoots carrying twenty bunches of
Grapes in 1875 ought to produce the like quantity of
fruit in 1876. I had previous experience upon the matter,
and resolved not to try it again, inasmuch as though a
| cane would afford twenty bunches of fruit, it became
so exhausted in the performance as to be of no further
use—at least not without resuscitation of its energies by
| a period of rest: therefore I left the cane one-third its
| length, and had a good show of fruit, but considerable
divergence in character upon the kinds grown, which as
it appeared to me interesting Imaynote. Black Ham-
| burgh, Mill Hill Hamburgh, and Buckland Sweetwater
| were very loose in the bunches, indifferently furnished
| with berries for their size, and had a large per-centage
/of small seedless berries. Muscat Hamburgh (Black

Muscat) though the bunches were large contained many
| stoneless berries, not many of which were full sized.
Lady Downe’s were in a similar state, yet having larger
_bunches than from spurs. Mrs. Pince, Gros Guillaume,
and Trebbiano afforded good bunches, but were stamped
with a looseness of bunch and seedless berries, yet not to
/an extent that a good thinning did not rectify. The
| finish of the cane fruit was not so good as that of the
spurred rods, which showed a decided improvement in
| 1876 over the crop of 1875, the greatest advance being in
| Muscat of Alexandria, Gros Guillaume, and Lady Downe’s;
those with Mrs. Pince and Trebbiano requiring more
space for their foliage than Hamburghs, and Hamburghs
| demand more foliage space than the Frontignan, Sweet-
water, and Muscadine Grapes. I may mention White
Frontignan as not showing any improvement from having
| increased space; but as the ercp was good and had been
| equally so from the first no complaint can be lodged
against it, indeed I find it one of the best kinds for early
forcing. Thisseason the rod Vines have so improved that
the cut-down Vines between them will, so soon as the
crop from them is cut, be cleared out.

It has been asked if there is any fear of the roots of
Vines left in the soil engendering fungus to the injury of
the roots of the remaining Vines? I have no dread of
such an occurrence—in fact I have taken often away much
older Vines, and found no evil results attend the leaving
of some reots in the border. They will decay no doubt,
the decay causing a nidus for some fungus to vegetate in,
hastening the work of decomposition, that itself being
of a kind as likely to benefit the Vines as to prove
injurious, at least I have not experienced any injury to
Vine roots by fungus generated or fostered by decaying
roots. Ihave therefore not had cause to fear any evil
from fungus in a Vine border.

Nothing is gained by the close planting of Vines, unless

No. 1506.—Vou. LVIII., Orp SEEIEs,

108

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 9, 1877.

the object be to obtain the greatest result in the briefest period,
rooting out the Vines afterwards; nor is anything good had
by crowding the foliage, every leaf requiring full exposure to
light and air for the due performance of its functions—the
perfection of the present crop, and the no less important
condition of perfecting growth for producing future crops. A
creat Vine is not necessary: of more consequence is the ex-
posure of the foliage fully to light and air, and when this is
provided, with the other elements of culture, a Vine in a
ground vinery or an amateur’s small greenhouse will afford
Grapes of equal quality with the giant of Cumberland Lodge
or the mammoth at Hampton Court.

I may inform those who differed with me as to Gros Guil-
laume being a shy bearer, that it still maintains the free-bear-
ing property attributed to it some time back. It bears freely,
one critic said, whilst the spurs were young; another gaye
instances of its shyness of bearing. I do not know what may
be called an old spur. I have seen spurs 2 feet and more long;
but not being an advocate for more old useless wood than is
absolutely necessary to act as conduits of the sap to the bear-
ing parts, my spurs are short, though not so short as I could
wish, or they would emanate from the main rod annually;
yet I have spurs upon Gros Guillaume of seven years’ growth
producing in each year a bunch of fruit, the show of fruit being
as good upon the shoot from the first spur at the base of the
Vine as at the top. This year the largest bunch is at the base
of the Vine, the bunch measuring 18 inches in length and
16 inches across the shoulders; those at the top are not more
than 16 to 17 inches in length and 13 to 14 inches across the
shoulders, the Vine itself not having a rod much over a dozen
feet in length, yet it carries eight such bunches, and ten equal
to them were cut away when thinning. All it requires is to
have the foliage ample, and the shoots thin, so that the wood
bscomes perfectly ripened, and it then fruits freely.—G. ABBEY.

VARIORUM NOTES ON ROSES.

Gorne about as I do all over the country exhibiting and
judging, I have many opportunities of taking notes of persons
and things, and the longer I live the more I learn about Roses,
their requirements, their strength, and their weakness. It
occurred to me that perhaps at this dull time of the year a few
notes might be acceptable to the Rose Journal on the subject
of Roses viewed in an exhibition light.

It may be remembered by some of your readers that in one
of my former letters, before the exhibition season commenced,
I expressed my anxiety as to the result of this season’s ex-
hibition to myself, inasmuch as I had made rather a bold
experiment. I determined for once to grow my Roses without
dressing them with farm or other manure in the autumn or
spring. Iwas led to adopt this plan—first, from a visit paid
to me by Mr. Walters of Exeter, who expressed his opinion
that my soil had been so manured of late years that it could
not hold any more; secondly, from the difficulty and expense of
procuring manure; and thirdly, from the untidy appearance
that the beds assume when the manure is left on the surface.
Itherefore relied entirely on guano in the spring, surface-moving,
and any amount of liquid manure. Concerning guano I know
there is a great difference of opinion. Many people hold that
it is of no use at all for Roses, others say that it is beneficial,
but must be employed with the greatest caution. I hold that
guano is one of the finest manures for Roses we have, and my
experience this year (to my mind at least) proves it.

I pruned very late in order to suit the National fixture, and
I am confident that here I made a great mistake. When I say
late, I mean late for this neighbourhood, for it was the middle
of March before I pruned a Rose. Anyone who remembers
the late season will, I think, agree with me in saying that we
had a mild if not a very mild winter. February was so mild
(for the season) that the Rose trees grew wonderfully, and
when I came to cut them they were almost in full leaf, at least
the leaves were all formed. I then cut tremendously hard,
almost down to the ground. The check here must have been
very great, but after the pruning was finished a season of un-
exampled severity set in which checked all growth, and so
naturally my plants refused to grow. The very maid servants
here shook their heads as they saw such hard pruning to plants
in full growth, and Iam convinced that, be the shows when they
may, it does not do to defer pruning to suit them. In the first
week of June I looked round my roseries and saw no growth,
no buds, and no signs of being in form. Then in desperation
I called Peru to my aid, and put on the guano very carefully

and in small quantities, and though my plants did not grow at
all as they ought to have doneI had fair blooms. Every rainy
day (we had only three all June and till the 15th of July), I
put on guano again. Now as to results. I think anyone who
has read my accounts of shows will absolve me from any wish
to speak of my own success, and believe me that I only mention
what I have done to “‘ point the moral and adorn the tale.”

I showed at the Crystal Palace in one class, at Exeter in two
classes, at Torquay in four classes, at the Alexandra Palace in
two classes, at St. James’s Hall in four classes, and at Bristol
in five classes—ecighteen classes in all at the great shows; and
I won three first prizes, eight seconds, two thirds, and three
fourth prizes, or sixteen prizes with eighteen exhibits. This,
of course, is not in any way @ grand result, but just a decent
success; but it has been achieved without the employment of
a single load of stable manure, and I only mention it to show
that, where itis almost impossible to procure this, something
may still be done with artificial aids like guano.

I must also mention in self-defence for not doing better,
that owing to our having no late trains on the South-Western
Railway, 1am compelled to cut either fifteen hours before my
great rivals do, or else to cut and stage in the hot sun. And
this leads me to the discussion of a point of much interest and
importance to men who, like myself, are obliged to cut a long
time before our rivals. Is it better to cut at 3 4.u. with the
dew on the blooms, or to wait till 2 or 3 pu. and cut in the
hot sun? What say the authorities ?

Mr. Keynes says, or did say some seven years ago when
asked by myself, ‘‘ Undoubtedly it is better to cut in the early
morning, even twenty-four hours before the show, than to cut
in the sun however near you can do it to the time of judging.”
Mr. Keynes’ foreman said last week when I told him that my
Alexandra trebles were cut in the sun, ‘‘ Well, sir, and if you
have the stuff in your Roses it is best to do so.” Mr. Curtis,
I am told, positively recommends it; Mr. George Paul con-
demns the practice; and Mr. Robert Baker, the champion,
says that under no circumstances would he cut in the morn-
ing. He always is able to cut at night; but if he were not, he
would cut in the sun rather than at three or four in the morn-
ing. ‘‘ There is one thing,” he added, ‘‘ one advantage you have
in cutting in the sun—you need never putin a bad bloom,”
and when cutting in the early morning young blooms to last
for thirty hours, you often do; in fact, you cannot fail to put
in some poor blooms. However, the idea of cutting in the
sun is quite new. It is like Wagner’s music, violates all esta-
blished rules, sets custom at defiance; but whether it, like his
music, will prove to be the “ rage of the future,’’ or whether it
will even be scoffed at then as it is now by the great majority
of rosarians, remains to be proved. My own idea at present,
and one which I shall follow out with extensive practice next
season, is to cut very young and cut in the sun, unless the
South-Western Railway mend their ways and carry the mails
instead of being content to see them carted thirty miles as
now away from their system. Any advice that your corre-
spondents will kindly give on this momentous question through
the winter will be of great service, and be most highly appre-
ciated by a Wyld Savage. The great charm, or at least one of
the great charms of the National Rose Show at St. James’s
Hall, was the great freshness of the blooms. Mr. George Paul
cut as late as he could see the night before the Show, and
travelled-up slowly, and quietly, and coolly during the soft
night air. Mr. Turner cut all his blooms the morning of the
Show; and Mr. Cant not only cut very late on the eve of the
Show, but also left his foreman to run over his plants and
bring-up fresh blooms on the following morning. Here, then,
were three of the great nurserymen showing blooms many of
which had only been cut five instead of the usual twenty-eight
hours.

And now let me give one or two instances of the great
energy shown by the leading amateurs so that their blooms
might be as fresh as possible at the great tournament of the
year. Mr. Jowitt loaded his Roses on his own trap at Here-
ford, had the trap placed on a carriage truck at the station,
and did not unload it till he carried his boxes into his own
private dressing-room at St. James’s Hall. . His great rival
‘Hercules,’ who ran him so close at the National for the cup
and beat him on his own ground at Hereford, positively iced
all the water with which his tubes were filled, and he tooka
spare bloom for every Rose he staged. He showed in thirteen
classes and took £32 in prizes. Was ever such a wonderful
success known? Next year Mr. Cranston’s cup at Hereford
and also at St. James’s Hall will be keenly competed by these

‘Augast 9, 1877.1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

109

two giants, and the contest even at this distance of time is
talked about, and is the cause of much interest and excite-
ment. Looking back over the exhibitions and comparing
notes I am struck with one thing which is of rare event, and
that is the number of excellent new Roses which have been ex-
hibited this year. By new Roses I do not mean plants sent
out this year, but those of the two last years. Both from
France and England good novelties have been put in com-
merce, and we cannot be too thankful that this is the case
when we remember what a lot of rubbish is usually sent.

Abel Carriére is a great acquisition to the Pierre Notting
class of flower, while Avocat Duvivier is equally good. Mr.
George Paul’s seedlings are all great gains to this class of
colour, particularly Duke of Connaught and Sultan of Zanzi-
bar. Madame Prosper Langier and Madame Emilie Verdier
are most important additions to our rose and carmine shades,
while Marguerite Brassac is a worthy partner of Charles
Lefebvre. Monsieur E. Y. Teas is all that can be wished in
a Rose, and too well known to require description. Mr.
Turner’s Royal Standard and Mrs. Baker are gems of the first
water, and these with Duchesse de Vallombrosa and Souvenir
de Arthur Sansal make a quartet of light beauties quite worthy
of the company of Monsieur Noman, Marguerite de St. Amand,
and Mdlle. Marie Cointet. Mr. Cant has given the Rose world
a priceless jewel in Prince Arthur, and many other French
Roses will prove, if I mistake not, worthy of a place in the
best stands.

Among new Teas Marie Guillot, concerning which a corre-
spondent inquires, is in my opinion—and one which is founded
on much experience—positively worthless out of doors. It
is a splendid grower, and perhaps indoors would do well, but
in the ‘‘ open” she will not open. It may be punning to say
50, but it is strictly the truth. I have given the Rose the best
and fairest trial I can. I have grown her under a south wall
in the sunniest and most sheltered spot in my garden, and I
have a splendid lot of standards with an eastern aspect, and
also another lot with a south aspect, and wherever they are
they disgrace the rosery. They grow, they form huge intensely
double buds, but when these try to open they cannot perform
the operation; it is too much for them, and so they become
first dirty and then die. Shading I do not think would do
any good, but perhaps a magnifying, or what schoolboys use
and call a ‘‘ burning” glass might. I have as yet seen no
good new Teas shown. I was not at the Alexandra, but was
at all the other shows except Hereford, and no nurserymen
staged any new Teas. So as far as I can judge there are none
worth growing. This, if so, is a great loss, as we are very
much in want of a few new good Tea Roses. For the last
eight years at least no Haglish nurseryman has produced
a new Tea, always excepting Mr. George Paul’s Hybrid Tea
Cheshunt Hybrid, and I cannot understand how it is when
he and Mr. Charles Turner have produced so many good
Hybrid Perpetuals they cannot send out a new Tea. Is it that
the seed will not ripen? or are the Teas barren in England ?
or what is the reason? Depend upon it the English nursery-
man who does produce a Tea Rose which will rank with Cathe-
rine Mermet or Marie Van Houtte will have earned undying
fame, and be the greatest benefactor that the Kose world has
ever known. Devoniensis was an English-raised Rose, and
came from fair Devon. Why, then, cannot we have more of
the same sort? Perhaps some learned gentleman will answer
to illuminate the ignorance of a—Wvyip SavacE.

POTATOES.

I am growing upwards of thirty sorts this year; some of them
are quite new, and some are to my certain knowledge fifty-
eight years old. These are London Don, Blue Don, Glasgow
Buff, and Perth Red. Those sorts up to 1845 and 1846 were
in general use, and they were very fine, but they are apt to be
badly diseased in wet seasons. They are now very little
grown. I think if they were grafted on some free-growing
sort, such as Champion, that in a few years they might be
restored to their pristine vigour, and it is worth trying.

Some of the new sorts 1am trying. Alpha seems to bea
useful early sort, and not a robust grower. The foliage is not
the least curly, it is 18 inches high. Schoolmaster is growing
very freely, and is about 2 feet high, but it does not look to be
so early as Alpha. Covent Garden Perfection grows freely,
and is 14inches in height. Yorkshire Hero is growing well
and full of promise, and is about 2 feet high. It appears to be
like the Lapstone Kidney, which is a very fine sort. Porter’s

Excelsior was recommended to me by a nobleman’s gardener
of high standing, and I bought a stone of it, but it seems a
puny-growing sort, and is not above 7 inches high. There are
a few amongst them, one out of twenty, that grows more freely
and is 14inches high, and though they are growing beside
those named, and have the same treatment, they look like
Pharaoh’s lean kine among the strong roots. Climax is not
very new, but it is new to me, and is much grown by the
market gardeners for the Edinburgh market. It is 2 feet
high, has fine full foliage, andis very promising. Extra Karly
Vermont, a sort very like the American Rose, is equally pro-
mising, but I have grown it for the third time. I sold some
this season for seed at 24s. per cwt. They left me a good profit.
When I lift the crop I will give you an account of them.

I saw a patch of blight this week on the Karly Vermont ;
the haulm was much decayed, and some of the roots were
rotting. The position was rather damp, and sheltered by
Currant bushes. The weather is now dry and rather cool,
and I hope there will be no more of the disease.—J. ADDISON,
Ormiston, Edinburgh.

A GARDEN LUXURY.
Tre Ashantee hammock of Messrs. Seydel & Co., which has
found favour in tropical countries by travellers and others, is
adapted for use on the shady lawns of English gardens.

K PACKED IN CASE
WITH STRAP TO HANG OVER SHOULDER.

Fig. 24.

Especially, perhaps, by invalids it will be cherished for the
comfort it is capable of affording to them; and if those who
are unfortunately more or less afflicted can enjoy it, it can be

Fig. 25.—Ashantee Hammock Suspended.

enjoyed the more by those who are hale and hearty. It has
been awarded a gold medal at the recent Oporto Exhibition.
As a garden requisite it is alluded to, and the accompanying
figures show its nature and appropriateness as a garden ap-
pliance during the summer months.

STRAWBERRIES FOR LIGHT SOIL.

A FEW years ago there was a Strawberry election in the
Journal, and several interesting and instructive letters were
published from correspondents on Strawberries and their culti-
vation in vol. ii., 1872. I was induced to try three or four
fresh sorts, and have now given them a fair trial, and propose
to say a few words about them; but in the first place will
refer to Keens’ Seedling. This sort I have had a long time,
and it is undoubtedly the best early Strawberry. I have a
bed 8 yards long and 7 wide which has produced about seventy
quarts of Strawberries this year, and nearly the same last year.
This bed has been down about eight years, and the plants
look likely enough to go on for another eight. There is
nothing particular in the management. They are 2 feet apart,
and annually manured with well-decayed hotbed manure.
They are trimmed up in autumn, and all the leaves cut off
but about five or six at thetop. The manure being thoroughly
decayed, there is never any necessity to rake it off. The fork,
as a rule, is never used, but there was an exception this spring.
The soil was rather caked over on the top of the bed of which
I now write, and it was dug over with the point of a small

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

border fork with advantage. The fork went into the ground
deeper in the centre of the alleys and very shallow close to
the plants. Even this small disturbance would be injurious
to one-year-old plants.

The newer sorts I have tried are Harly Prolific, Sir J. Pax-
ton, President, La Constante, Eleanor, and Wonderful.

Early Prolific is a fine good-flavoured Strawberry, but is
not robust enough in growth to please me, and rather uncer-
tain; but it is about a week earlier than Keens’ Seedling, so
that either the Prolific or Black Prince must be grown. A very
good plan is to plant them side by side and see which will
answer the purpose best.

Sir J. Paxton and President have done exceedingly well this
year. The former is a noble Strawberry and worthy of all the
praise given it at theelection. President is also a good Straw-
berry, rather later than the other, but not equal to it in my
estimation. La Constante is a fine-flavoured fruit of dwarf
habit, very useful for a shady part of a garden. Wonderful,
alias Myatt’s Prolific, I have seen weil spoken of by some
people and very much found fault with by others. I have
given it a fair trial, and planted out a long single line running
east and west. The plants were manured in the autumn, and
the fruit branches supported with little forked sticks and kept
apart from each other, and some wire pea guards put over all
to keep the birds off, which by the way are excellent for the
purpose. There certainly was a wonderful quantity of fruit
showing at one time, but the performance was not equal to
the promise. There was a fair crop of fair-flavoured fruit
without any green tip. It is only a second-rate Strawberry,
and I should not care to grow it as long as better kinds succeed
well; but it is quite possible it may be useful in gardens where
mauure is not available.

Of the late kinds I need not say much, but I wish we had
some later still. The Elton Pine I have had a long time and
it does very well; it is the best late Strawberry here. Frog-
more Pine and Eleanor have been recommended; the former
is a very good-flavoured fruit, but it is not late enough, or I
have the wrong sort. Eleanor I do not very much like at pre-
sent, but must give it a further trial. It may turn out rather
later than the Elton; if so, it will be an acquisition.

I gathered the first dish of Strawberries on the 30th of June,
Early Prolific and Keens’ Seedling nearly together this year,
and the last on the 3rd of August, principally President. There
will be a few more stragglers.

Since writing the above I have seen the remarks of “ W.S. P.”
I regard the annual renewal of beds as only a last resource,
and is certainly not desirable except in a few places. I do not
think with any amount of eare I could obtain half the crop I
can from established plants. Two feet apart I think a very
good width, but when there is a very large crop, like there was
this year, you cannot gather the fruit very well, and have to
pick the fruit all round you and clear a space with your hand
before you can set a foot anywhere. I think it would be better
to leave a foot of extra space between each third row to enable
you to gather on each side. Keep the plants at all times free
from weeds, but on a light soil beware of letting in the rays
of the sun too much. In avery dry season I do not cut off
the runners in early summer, or trim up the beds in autumn
unless the soil is sufficiently moist, but wait for rain.—
AMATEUR, Cirencester.

THE ROSE YEAR.

Amonest the Rose lore of the Journal I am gratified by
finding that Roses for garden decoration as well as Roses
for exhibition are still cherished by many. Yet, we have a
rosarian—a, modern orthodox advanced rosarian—who grows
hundreds, perhaps thousands of Rose trees—no, ‘planis,”
and who on the 23rd of July writes a valedictory account of
‘‘the year that is just over’’—the Rose year of 1877. With-
out applying a stronger term, I will say that the admission of
‘©Wrnp SavacE”’ is a libel on the Rose. He has told us that
he wag not ‘‘in” at the Crystal Palace Show (June 23rd), and
‘‘out””? a month after that date. Thus he has had about three
weeks of Roses for forty-nine weeks of preparation. Fancy
the drawing-room of a rosarian being destitute of Roses for
forty-nine weeks out of the fifty-two! If Mrs. Savage can
endure that without a murmur she must be possessed of
anything but a savage disposition—must, indeed, be angelic.
Why, few prisons—L mean the governor’s quarters—can, I
think, be so destitute, and I trust no hospitals are roseless for
such an unreasonable time. Have I placed the matter too

{ August 9, 1877.

strongly? Let me quote ‘* Wyi~p Savacn’s”’ own words. On
page 47 he has stated, ‘‘ For fifty weeks in the year the whole
of my front has looked hideous,’ and at the time of writing
that gloomy sentence he gives dismal emphasis to the cireum-
stance by saying that he had then ‘‘ nothing in the shape of a
flower,” nothing for poor Mrs. Savage’s drawing-room except
(it is only right to mention this) the lovely Teas.

Let me ask that some spare corner, some place unfavourable
by site or soil for exhibition Roses, be vouchsafed for garden
Roses — drawing-room Roses, and so make the garden less
‘hideous ”? and the room more cheerful. Ican enjoy a perfect
bloom and an exhibition of Roses, and am willing to admit
that few sights are more beautiful, more imposing, but I can-
not admit that Rose shows shouid be the be-all and end-all of
Rose cultivation.

I earnestly hope that there are hundreds besides myself who
do not regard the Rose year as being over, but hope to enjoy
in gardens and rooms hundreds of Roses for months to come.
Iam happy to say that if there were no Teas the drawing-
room that I have catered for during several years would never
haye been without Roses from the beginning of May, when a
few are produced in the greenhouse, until Christmas. Surely
if ‘* Wytp SayacE’’ can grow hundreds of ‘' plants’”’ for.pro-
ducing exhibition blooms, he can afford space for a few trees
and bushes for yielding drawing-room flowers, and so remove
what I think is the reproach that now rests on his garden.—
A Parson’s GARDENER.

IN THE NORTH.—No. 1.

HOWICK HOUSE, PRESTON, LANCASHIRE,
THE SEAT OF T. M. SHUTTLEWORTH, ESQ.

Ir will have been seen that my steps have again been north-
wards, and although Preston was taken in my homeward
journey, yet there are reasons why I should give my notes of
it first. It is well known that the provincial meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society is to be held there next year, and
that Mr. Shuttleworth is to be the local Secretary; but it is
not equally well known that a Company of which he is Chair-
man has guaranteed the sum required by the Society’s ar-
rangements, and that thus one material difficulty has been
got rid of; and anyone who knows the indomitable energy and
pluck which characterise him is thoroughly persuaded that
there will be no fiascos as at Bath, and that the comfort and
convenience of all concerned will be considered. Beyond this
step and the securing of a place for the Show, which will be
held in a field of twenty-two acres about two miles from the
town, but little has been done; in a short time, however, we
may expect to see the usual announcements and a liberal prize
schedule issued. Preston, like most of these northern towns,
is not an inviting place, and I can hardly imagine anyone
choosing the town itself as a place of residence, but it affords
many facilities for an exhibition. It is central, in the midst
of a dense population who are given much to holiday-iaking ;
and there is no doubt if the one element on which everything
of the kind depends—if weather be favourable, that the meeting
will be a very successful one.

Howick House has only been in the possession of Mr. Shut-
tleworth for about four years, and during that time has been
metamorphosed, although the alterations are not yet completed.
The house is an old-fashioned roomy residence with no great
pretensions to beauty, but pleasantly situated, and has within
it the elements of being, what I have no doubt it will be by-
and-by, a perfect place. The soil is arich deep loam, in which
Roses and Strawberries grow to perfection. Two large beds of
dwarf Roses were wonderful for their vigour, and I should not
be at all surprised by-and-by to find the Roses from Howick
occupying a distinguished place. Of this I am sure, if once the
idea seizes my good friend he will not rest until he is at the top
of the tree, and no Hercules or Agamemnon or any other hero
will deter him; and I say this from what he has already done.
In the course of a few years he has become one of our leading
exhibitors of plants, has carried off a number of Mr. Bull’s
cups, has won the ladies’ gold medal at Preston, and the gold
medal at the International at Dundee, and the gold medal at
the last great summer show of the Royal Horticultural Society ;
and no one who saw the splendid examples of foliage plants
then exhibited could doubt that the position attained by Mr.
Shuttleworth was rightly his due. Like many another exhi-
bitor he has worked his way up. He is fond of telling his own
story, how some years ago when he was a greenhorn he had
sent some twenty entries to a provincial show, and feeling that

August 9, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

111

as he had a good deal of the toil he ought to have some of the
Yeward, he wrote to the secretary to say that it would be better
to forward him a cheque for the amount of his prize money.
This was quite impossible, not from its large amount but the
reverse, as it amounted to 9d.—somewhat different to his last
Manchester winnings, which amounted to £70. Still, perhaps
that ‘‘ miserable ninepence’’ was the spur to urge him on.

During the four years the present range of houses has been
erected and further alterations are in progress. These houses
are filled with plants, every one of which is a specimen in
itself, and they are interesting to those who know the excel-
lence of culture which is required to bring plants to this per-
fection; and here are to be seen those giants by which his
renown as an exhibitor has been obtained.

Amongst the plants for which Howick House is famous the
Gleichenias hold a foremost place, and I am not quite sure but
that they are the favourite plants of the owner; nor will it be
too much to say that such a collection is nowhere to be seen.
The grand masses of G. semivestita, flabellata, speluncs, pec-
tinata, rupestris, circinalis, &c., were in vigorous health, most
of them 7 and 8 feet in diameter, and not the least surprising
fact is the short time in which these grand masses are deve-
loped. When in two or three years plants fit for exhibition
can be obtained it must be clear that their culture is well
understood. The plants were also perfectly clean, no appear-
ance of thrips or any of the ills to which plant are subject,
and not a little of this is to be attributed to the fact that they
are grown in a much lower temperature than is usual. Because
they come mostly from the southern hemisphere they are
treated often as if they were tropical plants; but Australia,
New Zealand, and Tasmania are not tropical countries, and if
plants indigenous to those countries can be kept in a lower
temperature free from frost they will do well. The climate of
the Genoese Riviera, as Dr. Bennet tells us, is favourable for
all Australian plants, and so Mr. Shuttleworth is but following
nature when he refuses to treat the greater portion of them
as stove plants. Cyathea dealbata with its silvery fronds is
very fine, and so is Cibotium princeps, one of the grandest
of Ferns. Then Todea superba is in such condition as it is
rarely seen in—wmagnificent fronds of the liveliest and brightest
green. But Mr. Shuttleworth’s love for Ferns is not confined
to exoties; he has a choice collection of British Ferns, many
of them of large size, which have already gained exhibition
honours, and doubtless are destined to do so again. In the
sume house are two grand specimens of Cordyline, one of which
is I suppose unequalled.

And what magnificent stove and greenhouse plants are to ba
found in all directions! Here is 2 plant of Phormium tenax
variegatum so large that it has to be kept tied in. Then the
Statices with their masses of lavender-coloured flowers were
especially gay, preparing, too, for contest in another field.
Then there are plants of Croton marvels of beauty, amongst
them a fine plant of Disraeli with leaves nearly 2 feet long
with golden yellow midrib and afew scattered spots of the same
colour; Croton spirale with its curiously twisted leaves, and
many others. Here again are fine plants of Dipladenia amabilis

with its lovely pink flowers, also of Dipladenia Brearleyana, a :

most floriferous kind, with the flowers of a much deeper crimson
than in any other variety, diffusing its delicate perfume through
the house. There are also grand plants of Hucharis amazonica,
and of the, if possible, still more useful EHucharis candida—
more useful because smaller, and therefore more suitable for
bouquets, as I have seen many otherwise very beautiful spoiled
by a centre flower of Eucharis amazonica. Seldom, too, have
I seen a more beautiful specimen of Maranta Veitchii. Larger
I have seen, but they have too often been ragged and dis-
coloured: this was clean and sound. Heaths, too, which we
do not often see now well grown, are here in capital condition.
Two lovely plants of Hrica Parmentieri and Parmentieri rosea
in full flower make one sigh over those days when they were
so generally grown and exhibited in such perfection. One of
the finest plants of the lovely Lapageria alba that I have seen
is here, a plant, I think, only three years old, with six strong
suckers from it, and likely soon to be amass of beauty. Then
there are Zamias, Dions, Dracenas, &c., all in first-rate order,
and all grown for exhibition. The Azaleas are grand in size
and in rude health, the masses of Anthurium Scherzerianum
in magnificent flower; and it was with some interest I saw
the place where the seeds of this plant did unquestionably
settle the rats—a too valuable cure, I fear, to be used generally,
but apparently most effectual. Camellias too are in fine order,
and in fact to enumerate the plants would be simply to go

through the lists of those stove and greenhouse plants which
we see on all great occasions; and I am convinced that, both
at Carlisle and Preston, whoever crosses swords with my good
friend will find that they have something to do to beat him,
for the cleverest plantsman will find him a foeman worthy of
his steel.

The zonal Pelargoniums grown for exhibition are grown in
a low span-roofed structure, the sides as well as the roof being
of glass, the plants raised up close to the top so as to give them
abundance of light and air. This had resulted in the produc-
tion of plants of large size, great freshness of foliage, and
abundant promise of bloom, and in them, as everywhere in
this plant, excellence of culture is the rule. Of course it is
not everybody who has the inclination, and I may add the
means, to enter so largely into the growth of exhibition plants ;
and I could not help thinking as I walked through the houses
and surveyed these plants, how much do the promoters of
flower shows owe tosuch enterprising growers. Itis commonly
thought that the balance is on the other side, but I am con-
vinced this is incorrect. A gentleman of Mr. Shuttleworth’s
tastes might very well do without flower shows, but flower
shows cannot do without him; and if committees were to con-
sider these things a little more they would perhaps endeavour
to make themselves more agreeable to exhibitors instead of
paneer pi that the exhibitors ought to be vastly obliged to
them.

I have endeavoured to give some little idea of the character
of this place, but, as i have said, it is in transition; and if
any of the visitors to the Preston Show next year find their
way to it, as I have no doubt many will, they will find it much
altered. Mr. Shuttleworth has a thorough knowledge of plants
himself and is a really practical gardener; but it would be
unfair not to bear witness to the intelligence and zeal displayed
by his head gardener Mr. Thornber, for to him must be attri-
buted in good measure the excellence of the collection. Master
and man work well together, and success is the result; and I
may, without injury to others, wish more of that success to the
hearty, genial, and hospitable master of Howick.—D., Deal.

ROSES IN SCOTLAND.

‘(A Rose bud by my early walk
Adown a corn-enclosed bawk,
Sae gently bent its thorny stalk
All on a dewy morning.”

“Tr’s a far cry to Loch Awe,” and go it is from Galloway to
Fleet Street, but as you have had news of Welsh Roses per-
haps you can find room for a few notes from Scotland. Year
by year the culture of the Rose is extending rapidly in this
country, and nowhere perhaps more rapidly than in this south-
west corner of the ‘‘land of brown heath and shaggy wood.”
I live (is it not written in the book of ‘‘ D., Deal?”’) in the
very windiest spot in Britain, and I try to grow Roses, and my
friends and the local prize lists say I succeed. If, then, it be
of any interest to your readers here is a list of Roses which are
“certainties,” even in such a trysting place for rude Boreas
and his kindred crew as this wee garden of mine :—La France,
Marquise de Castellane, Cheshunt Hybrid, Alfred Colomb,
Jules Margottin, Baronne de Maynard, Marguerite de St.
Amand, Baroness Rothschild, Bessie Johnson, John Hopper,
Duke of Edinburgh, Maurice Bernardin and his confréres
Francois Michelon, Mdlle. EHugénie Verdier, Marie Finger
(these two are here certainly distinct in colour, and the latter
superior to the former), Centifolia Rosea, Anna Alexieff,
Madame Lacharme, Madame Knorr, Homére, Souvenir de la
Malmaison, Marie Baumann, Princess Mary of Cambridge,
Madame Berard, Senateur Vaisse, Thorin, Vicomte Vigier,
Comtesse d’Oxford, and Thomas Mills. On a@ wall I find
Belle Lyonnaise facile princeps, then Devyoniensis (both
kinds), Rubens, Bougére, Goubault, Duchess of Edinburgh,
Madame Willermoz, Safrano, Catherine Mermet, and Triomphe
de Rennes do best, though I find the blooms on the last-
mentioned Rose very small this year. The Maréchal after a
three-years trial I give up. I admit he is a glorious Rose,
but the swirl round the corners of my domicile is too much for
him. ‘“D., Deal,” says, Grow Réve d’Or, and so I will. I
grow many other kinds, but the names given are those which
do best here, and doing well here they will do anywhere in
Britain. f

OE new Roses I find the following do admirably here:—
Madame Ferdinand Jamin, Miss Hassard, Malle. Marie Cointet,
Monsieur E. Y. Teas, The Shah, John Stuart Mill, Villaret de

112 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 9, 1877.

Joyeuse, Hippolyte Jamin, and Bernard Verlot. I will give
other new sorts a further trial, but so far they are a snare and
delusion.

In a blacksmith’s garden close by me there is the most
glorious bush of Souvenir dela Malmaison I ever saw. It really
is a bush, about 3 feet high and 4 feet through, and is at this
moment a mass of magnificent blooms. It is never pruned,
only the dead wood cut out. If Mr. Abbey had seen some
blooms of pegged-down Cheshunt Hybrid here I think he
would have altered his opinion about the siza of blooms on
pegged-down Roses, and they were not disbudded.

The Galloway Rose Show has given a decided impetus to
Rose-growing in this district, and we are greatly indebted to
Messrs. Cant, G. Paul & Son, Dickson & Sons, and Robertson
and Galloway for the support they have given, and I sincerely
trust will continue to give, to the local efforts in honour of the
queen of flowers. Mr. Cant, in his genial speech at the Rose
Show dinner, told the Galloway amateurs that they were
ahead of the rest of Scotland, and truly ‘‘ approbation from
Sir Hubert Stanley is praise indeed.” So, fired with en-
thusiasm by the backing of such a champion in the Rose
lists, I venture to hope that some day in the coming Julys
we may be able to break a lance with the Sassenach, though
Heaven forbid he comes in the armour of a Baker, a Jowitt,
a Pochin, or the war paint of the ‘‘ Wyip Savacr,” for if he
does I fear me much the meeting will not result as did an
encounter between Robert the Bruce and Sir Aymer de Val-
lance, Earl of Pembroke, at Glentrcol (a lovely spot near here,
unknown to the tourist tribe), for this was the end thereof, as
the quaint old rhymer hath it—

“© And Sir Amery that was wise
Departed in meikle pain,
And went to England home azain.”
—Homoncuuts.

P.S.—I cannot persuade Charles Lefebvre or Madame Victor
Verdier to give me the blooms of former days. How is this?
I think it would be a great boon in this year’s Rose election, if
any particular Rose does specially well on a particular stock,
this fact were published by adding to the name of the Rose the
initial letter of the stock, as M. or 8.B., &e. Is this too much
to ask from the amateur’s benefactor, Mr. Hinton ?

WHEN SHALL WE TAKE UP THE POTATO?

Tuts is the question that now exercises the minds of all
careful cultivators of the noble tuber, and a very important
one it is, for success or failure in preserving the crop intact
from the ravages of disease very much depends upon what
answer our actions shall give to it. Timely lifting saves the
crop. It is this important fundamental rule that I have for
years been trying to enforce; and now ‘‘ NorTHERN GARDENER”’
tells us that it is only to the warm and genial south that my
teaching is applicable. I cannot agree with him, and will pro-
ceed to show cause why I cannot do so.

Dig up the Potatoes as soon as the tubers stop growing and
you will sustain no loss from blight. I have done so most
successfully for some years here in the south. Why cannot it
be done in thenorth? Because, says ‘‘ NoRTHERN GARDENER,”
the tubers swell so late, and there is a lack of convenience for
storing them thinly. But if the tubers do swell late that can
be no hindrance to lifting them as 200n as they cease swelling ;
and as for the want of store sheds, surely the building of such
must be a sound, safe, and wise investment of capital, point-
ing, as it most certainly does, to an immense saving of whole-
some nourishing food. The entire matter is really one of
national importance, and it is quite foreign to British energy
and enterprise to say that a method of saving an important
article of consumption must fail simply for want of convenient
storage. How can anyone who is really in earnest suffer such
a trifling obstacle as this to stand in his way? I am nowin
the enjoyment of excellent storesheds. Why? Simply because
I showed ample proof for three consecutive years that it must
answer to build them let the cost be what it might. When
first Potatoes were grown here in quantity there was not a
shed or outbuilding of any kind, and yet the entire crop was
lifted early and stored thinly. Where? Why, in an old loft
over a cow shed about a mile off, which I managed to get hold
of while the Potatoes were growing.

Storing appears to be the great difficulty, and yet it is one
which I may venture to say could hardly prove insurmountable
in a single instance. What after allis required? Darkness to
avoid greening, ample space for the tubers to be spread out

thinly, a free circulation of air, immediate protection from
rain, combined with subsequent protection from frost, all
which are, of course, best obtained in a storehouse replete with
shelves, doors, ventilators, andshutters. But failing the store-
house a host of contrivances present themselves. Take for
example the case of a grower for the markets, having a field
many acres in extent, wishing to lift his crop and store it in
the field, sending it thence at various subsequent periods direct
to the railway station or markets, and thus avoiding the loss of
time and expense which carting at the time of lifting would
involve. What can he do? Just this: Make one or a num-
ber of beds of earth about 4 feet wide—level, beaten hard with
the back of a spade, raised a foot above the surrounding sur-
face, and running the entire length of one side of the field if
necessary. Upon theso beds the tubers are taken as they are
lifted, spread out thinly, and immediately covered with hurdles
thatched with straw, and arranged in the form of a continuous
ridge, straw being bound over the top of the ridge and up the
ends of the hurdles, thus excluding light and rain while allow-
ing a free circulation of air, and affording every facility for the
examination and turning of the tubers on fine days. Then
when the ripening process ‘is finished they are thrown together
in large compact heaps or ridges, a suitable covering of straw
or other available litter put on, taking especial care to let it
slope at an acute angle so as to throw off rain readily, and the
crop is safe. —

Let me conclude with a word of warning. When the tubers
cease swelling the haulm is invariably green. Let not this
prove a hindrance, but lift immediately after you are convinced
the tubers have attained to their full size; if you do not and
rain sets in, the haulm will put forth lateral or side shoots, the
tubers will sprout and produce a crop of other small worthless
tubers, thus becoming converted into what are termed seed
Potatoes, and losing all excellence of quality, to say nothing
of the disease which invariably follows the rain. In a word,
the crop will be spoilt, and the time-worn outcry raised once
more, How badly the Potatoes are blighted !

Great alarm is being manifested about the Colorado beetle.
Well, if it come we must do what we may to get rid of it, but
meanwhile let us be up and doing all we can to combat the
two certain evils of blight and supertuberation, and I repeat
that the best way of doing so is to avoid them altogether by
early lifting. Early kinds have been in the store-shed for some
time, and the seed placed upon the seed trays; second early
kinds, such as Yorkshire Hero, are also lifted, and by the time
this isin print I hope to be taking up the Victorias, and so once
more preserve early, intermediate, and late kinds safe and
sound, untainted by blight, and unspoilt from second growth.—
Epwarp Luckuorst.

HARDY ANNUALS FOR SPRING BEDDING.

No doubt many of your readers find asource of great interest
in the articles that appear from time to time on spring flowers,
and doubtless there are many, especially among the numerous
class of amateurs, who read those articles with deep longing,
and imagine that spring bedding is a luxury only to be enjoyed
by those who can keep professional gardeners and have un-
limited means at their disposal ; for how often do we meet with
gardens, tastefully and elaborately decorated with the usual
summer occupants of the flower garden, which are left bare and
unsightly till such time as these can be placed in position ?

Very much has been written in commendation of hardy
annuals as spring bedders, and for effectiveness, cheapness,
and easy management they are unsurpassed for this purpose.
Early in last September I commenced the laying-out of a
flower garden, and, not caring to have this garden barren till
the middle of June, I some time previous began to consider
for means of making a spring display. Not being in pos-
session of any of the plants so much used for this purpose,
such as Pansies, Aubrietias, Daisies, Polyanthus, &c., and not
haying the means wherewith to obtain large quantities of bulbs,
I was compelled to fall back upon annuals, and to trust to
them to bring about the effect I was desirous of obtaining. I
am happy to say they have not betrayed my trust, but pro-
duced as fine and effective a display of colour as one could
desire to see.

But what in my estimation renders these plants so recom-
mendable is the small amount of expense and labour or skill
required for their production and maintenance. Any piece of
ground that may chance to be at liberty about the end of
August will be suitable for raising them. My method is to

August 9, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

113

sow the seeds thinly over a good space, and allow the plants to
remain where sown till removed to the flower garden. Onthe
appearance of the seedlings, should they be too thick, thinning
is resorted to, allowing the plants sufficient space to develope
themselves. By this means thousands of sturdy plants are
obtained at a minimum cost of time and labour. The plants
are removed to the flower gardon at the latter part of October
or beginning of November, choosing mild open weather for the
operation.

The varieties I find most useful and reliable for spring
bedding are Silene pendula rubra and alba, S. compacta rubra
and alba, Myosotis dissitiflora, M. sylvatica, Limnanthes
Douglasi, white and crimson Candytuft, Nemophila insignis,
Saponaria calabrica and alba, and Collinsia bicolor. In addi-
tion to the above I secure a few plants of Pyrethrum aureum,
which should be sown about midsummer in a cool situation.
There are many others that are doubtless good, but I have
found the above succeed best with me, and quite sufficient for
my purpose. The following are some of the most effective
arrangements :—

For large beds—1, Contre Myosotis, band of Limnanthes
Douglasi, edge Silene compacta rubra. 2, Centre Silene pen-
dula rubra, a band of Nemophila insignis, edge Saponaria alba,
3, Centre Silene pendula alba, band of Saponaria calabrica,
edge Nemophila insignis, which will require slightly pegging-
down. For smaller beds either of the taller Silenes edged with
Nemophila will make an effective bed, alao Saponaria calabrica
or Silene compacta edged with Pyrethrum have a good effect.
The Nemophila will also make a pleasing bed edged with
Pyrethrum or white Saponaria. These annuals also make
most effective ribbon borders either for spring or summer, and
from their slight cost and easy culture are within the reach of
all lovers of 2 garden.—A. E., Heanton Satchville.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Aueust 7TH.

Fruit Commirter.—Rev. M. J. Berkeley ia the chair. Mr. J.
Ollerhead, The Gardens, Wimbledon House, sent an excellent
Queen Pine weighing about 6 lbs., to which a cultural com-
mendation was unanimously awarded. Mr. R. Gilbert, The
Gardens, Burghley, Stamford, sent a seedling Melon, the result
of a cross between Hero of Bath and Cox’s Improved, but it was
too far gone. Mr. J. Thomas, The Gardens, Brockham Park, sent
a seedling Green-fleshed Melon, but it was not thought worthy of
commendation. Messrs. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, Herts,
sent a dish of Hale’s Early Peach from a cold house. The fruit
were large and of fairly good flavour. It was considered to be
the best of the early Peaches, and on this account a first-class
award was voted to it. A dish of Pine-Apple Nectarine was
sent by the same exhibitor. The fruit was large and flavour
first-rate. A cultural commendation was awarded to it. Nec-
tarine Advance, a new variety, was also sent, but the fruit were
emall and the quality inferior. A collection of Cherries was
also sent by Messrs. Rivers. Early Rivers was excellent, of the
Black Circassian type; Black Bigarreau was not good; Bigar-
reau Napoleon, large and of good flavour, an excellent sort;
Bigarreau Noir de Schmidt, an excellent Black Cherry; Bed-
ford Prolific, a form of Black Tartarian, but as shown was of
poor flavour; Bohemian Black Bigarreau is an excellent
variety well worthy of extended culture ; Monstrueuse de Mezel,
a good Cherry of the Bigsrreau type, of the largest size, but the
flavour was not first-rate ; Bigarreau Gros Coeuret is of a similar
character and considered worthy of commendation.

The Welbeck Seedling Nectarine was sent by Mr. Tillery of
The Gardens, Welbeck; as shown the fruit did not seem to be
different from Elruge. Anexcellent dish of the Grosse Mignonne
Peach was also sent. A cultural commendation was awarded to
My. Tillery. A dish of Peaches and one of Nectarines were sent
by Mr. H. Pressley, gardener to G. Jennings, Esq., Nightingale
Liane, Clapham Common. Acultural commendation was awarded.
Mr. Lane, gardener to Major-General Fytche, Pyrgo Park,
Romford, sent a dish of Barrington Peaches, to which a letter of
thanks was awarded. Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn,
Esq., Loxford Hall, was awarded a cultural commendation for
excellent Strawberries, also Kerry Pippin Apples from the
orchard house. The former were very highly coloured. A
dish of Chasselas Hatif de Tonneins White Grape was sent from
Chiswick, and was recommended by the Committee as the best
out-of-doors Grape. A new Black Currant was sent by Messrs.
Carter & Co. of High Holborn. The Committee requested to
see it again in September, as it was recommended for its late-
hanging properties.

Mr. Thomas Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe
Abbey Gardens, sent some splendid examples of Tomatoes, a
variety named Stamfordian. It was thought to be a good se-

lection of Hathaway’s Excelsior. Mr. Hunter, Lambton Castle,
sent a dish of a new Fig, but the Committee decided that it was
not different from Brunswick, although they did not doubt its
being a seedling. H. M. Dunnett, Esq., of Messrs. Carter & Co.,
sent a brace of Cucumbers, to which a cultural commendation
was awarded. Mr. G. Cooling, nurseryman, Bath, sent seedling
Potatoes, but the Committee did not comment upon them.

Fiorat Commirrer.—W. B. Kellock, Esq., in the chair.
Amongst the more prominent of the exhibits on this occasion
were two magnificent plants of Odontoglossum vexillarium from
Sir Trevor Laurence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking. O. vexil-
larium roseum had six spikes and fifty-four richly coloured
flowers of great size and substance. The foliage also was in
exuberant health, being deep in colour and leathery in texture.
O. vexillarium, the old form of this fine Orchid, had eight spikes
and upwards of seventy flowers; a cultural commendation was
awarded, and a medal was also recommended to be given. Sir
Trevor Laurence also sent Epidendrum nemorale and Eulophia
guineénsis. The Eulophia resembles somewhat a large Calanthe
in growth, with a robust spike 2} feet high, having about twenty
rosy crimson flowers with triangular-shaped lips. A first-class
certificate was awarded for this plant. The condition of the
plants exhibited by Sir Trevor Laurence reflected much credit
on his grower Mr. Spyers.

Messrs. John Laing & Co., Stanstead Park Nursery, exhibited
thirty plants of perennial Phloxes in 8-inch pots. The dwarf-
ness, freshness, and vigour of these plants, with their varied
colours and delightful perfume, render them valuable for con-
servatory decoration, and it is a little surprising that Phloxes
are not more generally grown for that purpose. The plants
exhibited were extremely fine, and a cultural commendation
was worthily awarded for them.

Mr. J. Puttick, florist, Acton, exhibited a collection of Balsams.
The plants were dwarf, well branched, and in excellent con-
dition, and the flowers were perfectly double and very fine; the
colours were scarlet and white, many of the flowers being at-
tractively marbled. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Mr. B. S. Williams, Holloway, sent a small collection of stove
plants, to two of which, Dracena Bausei and Dendrobium sua-
vissimum, first-class certificates were awarded. The Dendrobe
resembles D. chrysotoxum with a dark centre; and the Dra-
cena is one of the most richly coloured of any in cultivation,
every leaf being broadly margined with crimson.

Mr. Cannell, The Nurseries, Swanley, exhibited Pelargonium
echinatum, a fine old Cape species, valuable for winter bloom-
ing; also P. echinatum Spotted Gem, the flowers being purplish
rose with dark blotches on the petals, the centre of each petal
being white. A first-class certificate was awarded for this chaste
gem. Mr. Cannell also exhibited Antirrhinums and Pent-
5temons.

Hybrid Begonia Defiance, a brilliant-coloured dwarf variety,
but deficient in substance, was sent by Mr. Chambers, Westlake
Nursery; also a salmon variety named Safrano, also Strepto-
carpus Rhexi and the elegant Fern Asplenium viviparum.
Messrs. T. Sander & Co., St. Albans, sent a basket of their Tom
Thumb Candytuft, which is extremely dwarf and floriferous.
Celosia cristata variegata (Messrs. Vilmorin et Cie., Paris) was
exhibited, but is more curious than beautiful; also a collection
of Stocks and double Pelargoniums. These came from the
gardens at Chiswick, as did Major Clarke’s beautiful Begonia
Moonlight, Mr. Laing’s fine Fuchsia Karl of Beaconsfield, and
some Abutilons.

Messrs. James Carter & Co. exhibited cut blooms of two
varieties of Dianthus Heddewigii named Crimson Gem and
Eastern Queen. The size, substance, and richness of the flowers
were remarkable. These varieties will be valuable for garden
decoration, especially as they have been proved after some years
of trial to come quite true from seed.

Messrs. G. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, exhi-
bited a very fine and extensive collection of cut Roses, for which
a cultural commendation was awarded; also a new Rose, Mar-
quis of Salisbury, a very fine Rose, somewhat resembling Alfred
Colomb, but fuller and finer than that good Rose, which is high
praise; it is, however, not quite so bright in colour as Alfred
Colomb. It received a first-class certificate.

Mr. Parker, Tooting, sent cut sprays of Asclepias tuberosa, a
hardy North American species with orange flowers, and was
awarded a voteofthanks. Messrs. Jackman & Co., Woking, sent
dwarf Conifers; Mr. Woodbridge, The Gardens, Syon House,
sent flowering sprays of Tamarix gallica, a fine seaside plant,
and Ceanothus americanus roseus; and Mr. Dean very fine
African Marigolds.

PARAFFIN OIL AND PLANT VERMIN.

Tuis powerful remedy must be used very carefully. I -
followed the last prescription of one gill of paraffin to three
gallons of water, and found that where the Bean plants had
accidentally received @ double watering the leaves were all
killed by it. I have therefore reduced the quantity to a wine-

114

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 9, 1877.

glass for the same quantity of water, and found that it can
then be safely and advantageously used to very many plants
for the destruction of vermin of all kinds.—G. 0. S

THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE BLOOM
AT SLOUGH AND CLAPHAM.

At the date of the National Carnation and Picotee Show
held at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, many good flowers
were not in bloom, and some that were exhibited required a
week longer for the properties of the flowers to be fully deve-
loped ; I therefore gladly availed myself of an invitation from
Mr. Charles Turner of Slough to inspect his collection when
at its best, which was a week after the Exhibition. At that
time Mr. Turner could have exhibited a very much better lot
of blooms than he did at the Show. I had seen the plants
about the end of May, and thought they were in better con-
dition than our own at Loxford Hall, and the state of the
plants at the time of my visit fully verified the expectations
formed at that time that there would be a most magnificent
bloom. Besides the largest and most select collection I may
safely say in the world of the oldest and most recent named
sorts, there are perhaps several hundred pots of unnamed
seedlings, and amongst them a few that have been selected
for distribution during the ensuing autumn. It is a very diffi-
cult matter to select a batch of seedlings in which every flower
will be superior to others in the same class which have already
been sent out. Indeed, no one who has been accustomed to
purchase new flowers expects to find this to be the case. What
we have a right to demand is that they are quite distinct from
other varieties already in existence, and that they are quite
equal to them in those properties recognised amongst florists.
I believe a goodly number of the Slough seedlings satisfy these
requirements, and some of them are not only distinct but
superioz to the finest varieties already in existence in the same
class.

To do the Carnation and Picotee well the plants must be
grown in pots, and the pots should be removed to a glass
house where they can be protected from wet, high winds, and
bright sunshine. The arrangements at Slough are, as one
would expect, perfect in this respect. There are two large
houses, one a lean-to against a wall facing south. Running
along the front of the house is a platform about 2 feet wide
filled with plants, which can be inspected to the best advantage
from the path between this platform and the back stage, on
which other pots are arranged. This house is well adapted
for bringing plants forward for exhibition, but the exhibitor
always requires to retard as well as to push flowers on, and for
this purpose there is a similar house against the same wall
facing north, and at the time of my visit both structures were
a perfect blaze of beauty. There were also large numbers of
plants in other positions: some out of doors quite unprotected,
others were under old frame lights with the air circulating
freely underneath night and day. The growers seem to be
devoting their energies more to the raising of Picotees than
Carnations, which is a misfortune if not a mistake. I noted
the following amongst the new flowers—yviz.,

Morna (Fellowes).—Heavy red, the white is very pure;
flowers large, colour brilliant; there are a few bars on some of
the petals.

Horace K. Mayor (Fellowes).—Another heavy red, the colour
very brilliant, and white pure. If Mr. Fellowes can raise a
flower with an edge like this and without any bar on the
white it will be a grand bit.

Rev. J. B. M. Camm (Fellowes), heavy purple, is a large
flower with clear white petal edged with broad rich purple.

Tsabella (Matthews) is quite a novelty and a very full showy
flower, which will be well adapted for the border or home stage,
as it is of very free growth; the edges of the petals are
bizarred with maroon and purple. :

Estelle (Fellowes).—Light rose edge; the petals are beauti-
fully formed, clear white, with wire edge like Mrs. Allcroft.
There is not a spot or bar on the white. The best flower yet
raised in this class.

Lady Louisa (Abercrombie).—This is a heavy rose already
described, but as seen at Slough it was finer than the blooms
exhibited at the Royal Aquarium. Fanciers will recognise the
merits of the flower when I say it has a better petal and purer
white, with the beautiful distinct rose shade of Niven’s Fanny
Helen.

All the above are Picotees, and the only Carnation I noted
as new and good was a fine crimson bizarre raised at Slough,

named Unexpected. It is a flower of good properties and
gained the highest honours in its class at the Royal Aquarium.
It is a better flower than Eccentric Jack. I noted many fine
older flowers, but it would be waste of space to go into details
of them. I will therefore merely give the best in each class
for the guidance of those forming collections.

Carnations.—Scarlet Bizarres.—Admiral Curzon (Easom),
Campanini (Turner), Garibaldi (Heap), Lord Derby (Heap),
Lord Lewisham (Bonn), Mars (Hextall), Mereury (Hextall),
Sir J. Paxton (Ely), and True Briton (Hepworth). Grimson
Bizarres.—Albion’s Pride (Headly), Eccentric Jack (Wood),
Graceless Tom (Wood), John Simonite (Simonite), Lord Milton
(Ely), Lord Raglan (Bowers), Marshal Ney (Headly), Rev. G.
Rudrick (Reeves), and Rifleman (Wood). Pink and Purple
Bizarres.—Faleonbridge (May), James Taylor (Gibbons), Lord
Clifton (Puxley), Purity (Wood), Sarah Payne (Ward), and
Satisfaction (Bowers), 2 new flower with beautifully formed
petals; very distinct. Purple Flakes.—Dr. Foster (Foster),
Earl Stamford (Elliott), Excellent (Hooper), Florence Night-
ingale (Sealey), Mayor of Nottingham (Taylor), James Douglas
(Simonite), Premier (Milwood), Squire Trow (Jackson), True
Blue (Taylor). Scarlet Flakes.—Africana (Puxley), Annihilator
(Jackson), John Bayley (Dodwel!), Mars (Puxley), Mr. Battersby
(Gibbons), Sportsman (Hedderly), Superb (Ingram), and
Clipper (Fletcher). Rose Flakes.—Flora’s Garland (Brooks),
James Merryweather (Wood), John Keet (Whitehead), Lovely
Avn (Ely), Mrs. F. Burnaby (Turner), Rose Magnificent
(Reeves), Sybil (Holmes), Mary Ann (Fletcher), and Samuel
Newman (Hooper).

Prcorres.—Red-edge.—J. B. Bryant (Ingram), John Smith
(Bowers), Leonora (Fellowes), Miss Small (Fellowes), Mrs.
Bowers (Bowers), Mrs. Dodwell (Turner), Novelty (Matthews),
Mrs. Hornby (Turner), Peeress (Turner), Princess of Wales
(Fellowes), William Summers (Simonite), Thomas William
(Flowdy). Purple-edge.—Alliance (Fellowes), Ann Lord
(Lord), Cynthia (Turner), Alice (Lord), Jessie (Turner),
Minnie (Lord), Mary (Simonite), Mrs. Little (Hooper), Mrs.
Niven (Marris), Mrs. Summers (Simonite), Picco (Jackson),
Rival Purple (Hooper), Zerlina (Lord), Sylvia (Simonite), and
Prima Donna (Simonite). Rose and Scarlet-edge.—Brilliant
(Payne), Edith Dombrain (Turner), Ethel (Fellowes), Idalia
(Fellowes), Estelle (Fellowes), Lady Louisa (Abercrombie),
Fanny Helen (Niven), Juliana (Turner), Mrs. Allcroit (Turner),
Miss Wood (Wood), and Purity (Payne).

There are many other interesting objects at Slough, which
must be reported on at another time. Especially fine were
the Chrysanthemums, a new flower for Mr. Turner, but he
has taken it up with his usual spirit, and has also hit on @
plan which promises to be a great success. There are two or
three hundred standards with stems 3 or 4 feet high. About
150 of these have been grafted with four or five distinct
varieties on each head, and the grafts have taken remarkably
well. These plants are quite a new feature in Chrysanthemum
culture, and will have a very remarkable effect.

LARKHALL RISE, CLAPHAM.

The collections of Carnations and Picotees belonging to
E. 8. Dodwell, Esq., I also visited, and found it in the same
condition as that of Mr. Turner’s—just a week too late for the
show. There were many fine flowers at their best, and the
plants were also in splendid condition, showing the care that
has been bestowed upon them; and how well they repay the
ardent cultivator in our large cities and towns, this and many
other collections abundantly testify. Mr. Dodwell’s collection
is most select as to varicties. Being an excellent judge of
what constitutes a first-class flower, and haying ample oppor-
tunity of becoming acquainted with them when in the hands
of the raisers, Mr. Dodwell selects all that he deems worthy
of culture, and after he has proved them under his own care,
if they do not come up to the florist standard they are rejected.
There are, for instance, some flowers which do well in the
north but are worthless under our treatment and southern
climate. I may mention in Picotees a light red-edged variety
named Thos. Jivens (Flowdy) ; its raiser has taken “premium”
with it at Newcastle, but Mr. Dodwell and I have both dis-
carded it. In Carnations Mrs. F. Burnaby is one of the finest
rose flakes under a northern sky. Mr. Dodwell I do not think
grows it, and with me the colour is so pale that, though I had
good blooms of it at the show, I did not venture to place it in
the stands or even stage it as a class flower. Guardsman
(Turner), is a very showy scarlet bizarre, but it is much better
adapted for the border than being placed as an exhibition

August 9, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

115

flower in the south. We ought to be very careful, then, in
condemning any flower merely because it does not happen to
do well under our treatment; others may cherish what we
reject. Amongst a great number of fine blooms I noted the
following :—

Sir Joseph Paxton (Ely).—A noble scarlet bizarre. As seen
here the petals are large, broad, and beautifully cupped. It
seems to be a different flower from that grown at Loxford
under the same name.

Capt. Stott (Jackson).—A very beautifully marked crimson
bizarre. The colours of this flower were very bright and the
petals well formed. It is a very desirable sort.

Warrior (Slater).—In the same class I noticed as being an
indispensable flower both for the home stage and exhibition.
It is of the same type as Capt. Stott.

Rev. George Rudrick (Reeves), is another crimson bizarre
with smooth petals and the colours of the Jenny Lind type
but brighter. The most showy flower in the collection.

In Picotees, Clara (Bowers) arrested my attention as being
very pretty; the edge seemed to be slightly serrated, an un-
pardonable offence as a florists’ flower, but the colour was
very bright white, pure, and a sort no grower should lack.

Cynthia (Lord), is a very pretty light-edged rose; a very
refined flower that will be an acquisition in a class rich in
first-rate examples.

When looking over this fine collection I could but wish, and
have every reason to hops, that the culture of Carnations and
Picotees will be extended to the owners of villa gardens close
to our large cities, for these flowers will flourish where Roses
and many other flowers barely exist. We want to see some-
thing different from the scarlet Geraniums, Calceolarias,
Chickweeds, Houseleeks, ribbon borders of Beet and variegated
Tobacco plants, Cabbage, Kales, &. We waat sweet and
beautiful flowers that can be cut and placed in vases where a
few pleasant moments may be spent admiring them and dis-
cussing their points.—J. Douauas.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

WE have received the schedule of the ‘‘ Great INTERNATIONAL
Fruit SHow’’ which is to be held at the Alexandra Palace on
September 13th, 14th, and 15th. The schedule is divided
into ten divisions, and contains sixty-seven classes; the
amount offered in prizes being about £350. For a collection
of sixteen sorts of fruits the prizes are £16, £12, and £8.
There are also good prizes for collections of twelve sorts of
fruits. Pines have three classes, and Grapes twenty. For
eight varieties, one bunch of each, the prizes are £8, £6, and
£4. There are six classes for three bunches each of six
specified varieties, and a similar number of classes for single
bunches. Prizes are also provided for the best-flavoured black
and white Grapes, bunches to weigh not less than 1 lb. each;
also prizes for the heaviest bunch of black and white Grapes.
Classes of this nature have brought out mammoth bunches in
the north, but in the south the ‘‘ big’ bunches exhibited have
been comparatively poor and rarely worth the prizes awarded
tothem. A class for one bunch of not less than 1 lb. weight,
showing the finest bloom and finish, would have been worthy
of a place in the schedule. A similar class has brought out
splendid Grapes in the north, and will probably do so at Car-
lisle. As the compilers of the Alexandra schedule have ‘“ gone
in” so largely for Grapes it is unfortunate that a class of the
nature alluded to has not been provided. Hardy kinds of fruit
are well provided for, and there are several classes set apart
for foreign exhibitors only. Fora collection of sixteen varie-
ties of vegetables prizes of £6, £4, and £2 are provided, and
similar amounts are offered for a dinner-table so arranged as
to show the best means of utilising fruit and flowers in its
adornment. Good prizes are provided for cut flowers—Dahlias,
Asters, and Hollyhocks; but there is no class for Gladioli.

A CORRESPONDENT, in referring to the Marquis or Burn’s
VINEYARD, Says that if as much sagacity were exhibited by
English as by French cultivators that Grapes would be grown
on the sunny slopes of hills in the southern counties. He
states that if terraces were formed in favourable positions in
England the same as is the case in France, and ordinary cul-
tural care was exercised, that there is no reason that such
early Grapes as the Black Cluster and Royal Muscadine should
not ripen profitable crops in sheltered localities. He submits
that very little, if any, more heat is required to ripen early
varieties of Grapes than ig required to ripen Tomatoes, which
he observes are now grown as field crops in the valley of the

Thames. He remarks that he has seen Grapes ripen in warm
valleys in France where the Wheat harvest on the hills is little
if any earlier than the harvest in Kent and Sussex.

—— WE last week alluded to the wholesale manner in which

Tomatoes are grown in the London market gardens, and not
much less remarkable is the appearance presented by acres of
VEGETABLE Marrows. In Messrs. Bagley’s grounds the plants
were turned out under handlights about the 22nd of May, the
station for each plant being made with a large barrowful of
fermenting manure. The plants are about 16 feet apart, and
so rapid has been their growth that the ground has been com-
pletely covered for some time, and thousands of fine Marrows
have been sent to market. The growth is never pruned nor
stopped, but rambles at will, and it is surprising how fruitful
the plants are. The sort grown is the old cream-coloured
Marrow, but is a longer variety than is commonly met with in
private gardens. Vegetable Marrows are in great demand by
the London public, and they will probably be used to a greater
extent than usual this year for preserving for winter consump-
tion, since fruit is so scarce and dear, and Vegetable Marrow
jam is much relished by children.
Autupine to the article on Mrnons on page 65 “A
SourHerN GROWER,” who was a successful exhibitor of them
last year, states that his Melons in frames are not doing so
well this year as they did last year. He attributes this to the
cold weather during May and the early part of June, which
checked the growth of the plants in their early stages; and
Melons, he remarks, should not receive any check either by
low temperature, excessive pruning, or lack of water. Last
year his Melons in frames were the best; this year those in
houses are in the most satisfactory condition.

Our correspondent ‘‘ A NorrHERN GARDENER” states
that in his opinion there is a disease common amongst Cucum-
BERS quite distinct from that figured by Mr. Smith. He has
seen Cucumbers grow with great Juxuriance and with apparently
healthy root action, and certainly without any nodosities on
the roots, and yet the leaves and shoots become so suddenly
and severely affected as to render the crop worthless. He does
not think it is caused by mites in the soil, because the extremi-
ties of the growths are first and chiefly affected, the lower
portions of the plants appearing quite sound and healthy,
while in the disease figured by Mr. Smith the lower portion of
the plants are the first to afford evidence of the malady that
affects them.so seriously. Cucumbers, he remarks, are more
liable to what he calls the ‘‘root disease” when grown in
light than in comparatively heavy soil.

— Onz of the best annuals for spring decoration is SmmENE
PENDULA. It is perfectly hardy, grows freely, and makes
glowing pink beds or lines in April and May. It is alluded
to now because the present week is the best time for sowing
seed. It should be sown thinly in drills, and the plants be
thinned early to 6 inches apart, in order that each plant can
become sturdy and hardened by thorough exposure to the air.
Frequently the Silene is not sown until September, which ig
too late, the plants not having time to become large enough
for covering the ground quickly, and flowering early, strongly,
and profusely. The variety S. p. compacta should not be
overlooked, well-grown plants in 5-inch pots produce a charm-
ing effect in the early spring months. This variety is becom-
ing popular in Covent Garden Market, which is good evidence
of its merits as a decorative plant.

We have received from Mr. W. Lovel, Weaverthorpe,
York, a little pamphlet detailing ‘‘How to Grow STRAWBERRIES
with Svucczss.” The author states that his object is to give
some ‘‘plain cultural directions, the result of practical expe-
rience,” on a subject with which he appears well acquainted.
The pamphlet appears at an opportune time, and contains
good and reliable advice on the cultivation of this esteemed
fruit.

—— AsnHorr time ago Mr. Douglas alluded to the adapta-
bility of FucHsIas FOR TRAINING ON THE ROOFS OF GREENHOUSES,
and he enumerated some varieties suitable for that purpose.
One, however, that he did not name, although an old variety,
is one of the best for that or any other mode of culture—viz.,
Venus de Medici. This extremely free-flowering and very
elegant Fuchsia is now in fine condition at Kew, both as
trained on the roof of one of the houses and also as a column
or slender pyramid reaching to the roof of the temperate house.
Many Fuchsias are planted in the borders of that house and
are nearly 20 feet high, but no variety is more beautiful than

116 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Venus de Medici, its healthy glossy foliage enhancing the
effect of the blush sepals and purple corolla.

—— WE regret to hear that the Potato DISEASE is very pre-
valent in some parts of Cornwall, the American sorts being the
most severely affected. A resident in the district states that
‘it is worse than has been known for some years.”

— Ir is not often that a new plant attains popularity
so quickly as has been the case with Harrison’s new Giant
Musk, Mnrcnvs moscuatus Harrisont. Itis already established
as a market plant, and will shortly be as common on the
flower-barrows in the London streets as are Fuchsias, Helio-
tropes, and Geraniums. As a window plant, a greenhouse
plant, and probably as a bedding plant in cool and rather
shaded situations, it is likely to become fashionable. Its flowers
are not only conspicuous and attractive, but are produced pro-
fusely and continuously, and the fragrance of the plant is
nearly if not quite equal to the common Musk—qualities
which have established it in popular estimation, and rendered
it in a comparatively short period # general favourite.

_CLAYTONIA VIRGINICA.

Tue Claytonias are hardy herbaceous perennials which were
more popular half a century ago than they are now. Old

Fig. 26.—Claytonia virginica.

plants are, however, being inquired after again, and we happen
to be able to answer the question of a correspondent, ‘‘ TyRo,”
who asks ‘‘ what sort of plants the Claytonias are,’’ by pub-
lishing a figure of one of the oldest of the species. The genus
was named after John Clayton, a collector of plants in Virginia.
The plant figured was introduced to this country in 1740; it
only grows a few inches high and has pretty white flowers. It
succeeds best in a moist soil and a shady situation, and is
seldom found except in botanical collections. This species is
also known as C. tuberosa; the roots are eaten in eastern
Siberia.

Aynnvats For AurumnaL Sowinc.—As the season for sowing
the above is fast approaching I hope that some of your ama-
teur garden readers and workers will interchange opinions on
the best annuals for this purpose. I have found the following

[ August 9, 1877.

to succeed best :—Godetia, most beautiful and lasting; Virginian
Stock, very early, and lasting in flower much longer than
when sown in spring; Saponaria calabrica, very good; and
Sweet Alyssum.—G. O. S.

THE SUCCULENT HOUSE AT KEW.

Tuts house, which is represented in the accompanying illus-
tration, is generally acknowledged to be one of the leading
features in the Royal Gardens. The structure is 200 feet long
and 30 in breadth, affording from one end to the other an
unsurpassed view of the most characteristic types of vegeta-
tion adapted to flourish in dry regions.

Immediately on entering at the north end we find in flower
several of the Stapelias, or Carrion-flowers of South Africa.
Two of these, S. primulina and S. Sarpedon, are quite new;
the former is not much unlike the flower of a Primrose, and is
singular in the genus from being of nearly the same colour.
S Sarpedon is a fine flower, nearly 5 inches in diameter; it is
vinous purple in colour, with pale cross-bars, and the edges
are fringed with fine hairs. S. angustiloba has remarkably
narrow corolla-lobes. S. bufonia is really handsome, and
also one of the most easily cultivated. The flower is yellow,
wrinkled on the surface, and variously spotted with duli
purple. Many others are in bud or flower, and the collection
is particularly rich in new and undescribed species.

The new genera, Decabelone and Hoodia, are both repre-
sented, the former by D. Barklyi and D. elegans. The stems
of D. Barklyi are indeed pretty, having no equal in any of the
allies. The flowers have been compared to Foxglove, which
it resembles in shape. It has quite the odour of Stapelia,
but requires to be sniffed from the depth of its tube. The
Hoodia just referred to was believed to be H. Barklyi until its
present blooming, when it fortunately proves to be entirely
new. The name has not yet been given. It issimilar in habit
to H. Gordoni; the flowers are of much the same colour, but
are distinctly cup-shaped.

Turning to the right, attached to an Euphorbia is a specimen
of the curious Tillandsia usneoides, which flowered a short
time ago for the first time in this country. It is the “Old
Man’s Beard’ of the south United States and the West Indies.
It has narrow leaves and slender stems, hanging in twining
masses from the branches of trees, and is covered all over with
white scales, as if bedecked with hoar frost. It is used for
packing and other purposes, even inclusive of medicine. The
flowers are green and inconspicuous.

Of Euphorbias there is an unrivalled collection, including
many species yet unnamed. One may be mentioned in par-
ticular: the stem is divided by constrictions into short joints,
where it then expands into broad wings, bearing enormous.
spines 14 or 2 inches long, spreading in all directions. E. stel-
lespina is choice and rare, while Cereus-like in shape it
is covered with branching spines. EH. resinifera is most im-
portant from an economic point of view. It yields the true
euphorbium, a drug used by the ancients, and though now ob-
solete ag an internal remedy twelve cwts. were imported in
1870, perhaps for the composition of a paint used to preserve
ship-bottoms, it being said to be in some demand for the pur-
pose. Its collection was described by Dioscorides and Pliny,
though until a few years ago the true source was unknown to
botanists. Unmistakeable as the Euphorbias usually are, they
sometimes bear a close resemblance to plants widely distinct.
E. mammillaris in some of its shoots is extremely like Echi-
nopsis cereiformis, and which, allied to Stapelia, was some-
time ago known as S. cylindrica. Sarcostemma Brunonianum
was found some time ago doing duty for Euphorbia pendula,
the one yielding a refreshing juice, and the other poisonous. A
grand specimen of E. canariensis faces the door, spreading its
square succulent branches almost to the width of the bed. A
nearly allied genus, Pedilanthus, is peculiar from the foot-
shaped form of the flowers, and P. tithymaloides is now in
bloom.

Bromelia antiacanthe, or B. sceptrum as it is more often
called, is now in striking condition; the lower bracts, a foot
long, are flame scarlet, those subtending the flowers are pure
white, some with scarlet tips. The inflorescence measures
13 foot in height; the flowers occur in clusters, and are of an
unusual violet purple. The mutual dependance between plants
and insects, apart from the subject of fertilisation, is beauti-
fully illustrated by Acacia spzrocephala, the Bull’s-thorn
Acacia, and a species of ant, both found in Nicaragua. In this
Acacia the stipules are transformed into immense hollow

te

ae

August 9, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER. 117

thorns, wherein the ant makes its home, and finds food also | against enemies, keeping off those insects which would other-
growing on the same tree. Every leaflet developes at the tip | wise affect the tree.

a little body, which apparently has no other use than to serve The Aloes constitute a genus to which much attention has
as food. In return for all this hospitality the ant acts as guard | lately been given, resulting in the discovery of new species

Fig. 27.—THE SUCCULENT HOUSE AT KEW.

under old names, and considerable change in the nomenclature. | supposed by some to be a form of A. grandidentata. This it is
A plant long known as A. Salm Dyckiana proves undescribed, | not, and will shortly be published as A. tricolor. A. Greeni is
and is now called A. platylepis; there is also a variety lutea. | a splendid new form; the leaves are long, curving to the apex
Aloe cesia var. elatior is quite a distinct species, and now to | with large spines, and light green in colour with bars of pale
be called A. drepanophylla. For several years a beautifully | spots. The first results, we believe, of hybridising Aloes may
spotted kind has been grown without name in gardens, though | here be seen. One is exactly intermediate between its parents

118

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 9, 1877.

A. albocincta and A. grandidentata, the same plant being pro- | several new additions, and includes the older choice kinds.

duced by reversing thecross. It may be described as a spotted
albocineta with large spines. A. Thraski is most distinct, the
leaves being channelled in the way of Yucca concaya. A. dicho-
toma was perhaps the rarest of all until the recent distribution
of seedlings from Kew. It is one of the branching species,
which in Damaraland and Namaqualand forms a large tree. It
roots with great difficulty, and an imported specimen appears
neither inclined to grow nor die.

Beaucarnea Hookeri is one of the queer examples of Mexican
vegetation, and two plants are about to flower. They have
immense almost globular boles, from which spring a number
of grass-like tufts. The Hlephant’s-foot (Testudinaria ele-
phauntipes) isrepresented by a fine specimen, and the flowering
stems form a column reaching to the roof. Its hemispherical
trunk is about 2 feet in diameter, and presents a strange
appearance by the splitting of the bark into large conical
seales.

Next in order come the Gasterias and Haworthias, both in-
eluding new species, and the latter in particular with pretty
forms, some as it were sprinkled with pearls.

Arundo conspicua at the cool end is a fine object for many
months in the year, and though hardy is almost an essential
inmate of the conservatory. It is much more elegant than the
Pampas Grass. Here are several fine examples of Dasylirion
and Beaucarnea, which are among the most stately of yreen-
house plants, either with long ribbon-like leaves gracefully
curving and drooping to the stem-base, or with rigid spiny and
glaucous leaves forming a dense head.

The Crassulacee, commencing at the south end, contribute
many showy flowers in their season, and include some of the
most attractive and useful of succulent plants. Crassula cor-
data is curious from the multitude of litile plantlets growing
on the old flower stems. C. Bolusi is new and extremely
pretty ; it is scarcely 2 inches high; the leaves are obspathu-
late, with numerous pits darker-coloured than the rest of the
leaf. C. nemorosa is rare and most attractive; the leaves are
heart-shaped, very fleshy, and deeply glaucous. The Rocheas
now fall into this genus. C. pallida is white-flowered, in the
way of C. perfoliata. Cotyledon and Echeveria, including all
the noteworthy species, with several hybrids, must here be
passed over.

The Caps Groundsels are striking in comparison with other
species of Senecio. One is precisely like an Ivy with large
yellow flowers. S. articulata is the well-known Candle-plant.
S. Haworthii flowers in cultivation with extreme rarity ; it has
spindle-shaped leaves covered with a dense white cottony felt.
8, chordifolia is new; it has curved terete leaves longer than
others of the section Kleinia, to which it belongs. Othonna
crassifolia in one of the cases forms an elegant groundwork for
the several Echeverias with glaucous leaves; being of a very
pale green it shows them off to advantage.

On this shelf are two highly ornamental plants of Olden-
burgia arbuscula, doubtless the only examples in cultivation.
Their stems are nearly 2 feet in height, growing with extreme
slowness; the leaves are a foot long, covered with white hair.
It is surprising to many that this belongs to the Composite.
With the mention of these unique specimens we are brought
to Dyckia argentea, a plant still more striking, and the only
one in Kurope. The leaves are 2 feet long, and recurve on
the pot so as to hide it completely; they are set with large
spines along the edges, and are covered with silvery scales so
us to appear like frosted silver.

Vitis macropus always arrests attention. Widely different
as it is in form from the Grape Vine, it is still nearly re-
lated. It has an obese succulent trunk with two branches
bearing a few heavy leaves The stems increase with great
slowness. The year’s growth is nearly all cast off with the
leaves, leaving generally less than aninch. The separation is
quite natural. V. cirrhosa produces sfems several feet in

. length, all to be cast off with the exception of about 2 inches.
By a recent observation it is shown that some plants (of which
Castilloa is a good example) separate their barren branches
by an articulation just as a leaf. The fertile branches are
cast off in other cases. Those of Reidia glaucescens resemble
pinnate leaves, and, though bearing flowers, are often seen to
fall without suspicion of their real character.

The Agave group is without doubt the most imposing in
the house. The finer specimens are those of A. glaucescens,

Almost at all times there are to be found plants in some con-
dition of flower or fruit. Fourcroya Selloaand F. cubensis are
now sending up their quick-growing scapes.

The Cacti, though yet unmentioned, are of the first import-
ance. With the exception of about two species all are native of
the New World. Many are grotesque to a striking degree, often
with flowers of the most brilliant colour. Among the prettiest
of the Mammillarias are M. Schiediana, M. candens, M. nivea,
and M. minima. Of Hchinocactus we may draw attention to
the new E.cylindraceus. It has very long spines of red colour,
and is quite fierce in appearance. KH. viridescens is also new
and distinct. Of E. Pfeifferi, E. Stainesii, and some others
there are very fine specimens. Hchinopsis also contains many
fine representatives. The Turk’s-cap is now in bloom; its
flowers are pink, and come from between a mass of spines and
thick hair forming the cap or inflorescence. It is said that the
fruit is sometimes ejected to a considerable distance in conse-
quence of pressure from the spines and hair.

Leuchtenbergia principis is about to flower, and is anomalous
in bearing its flowers on the mamme, which perhaps submits
to the same explanation as of those cases where the peduncle
in Erythrochiton and Helwingia is united with the stalk and
midrib of the leaf. Rhipsalis Cassytha is covered with berries
like Mistletoe; the stems are round and long.

A large space is devoted to the gigantic species of Cereus,
and to the Prickly Pears or Opuntias. Of Opuntia decumana
there is a large specimen, the flat stems of which excite general
notice. Cereus Jamacaru planted in the ground has grown
with immense strength. It has deep-angled stems of glaucous
blue appearance. We may briefly allude to C. multangularis
and C. Tweediei. The first is rare and densely covered with
short spines so as scarcely to admit the point of a pencil.

On the rafters are many interesting plants. A leafy Cactus,
Pereskia Bleo, is bearing its large pink flowers. Further on
are fine specimens of Cereus Macdonaldia, C. triangularis, and
other night-blooming species. Aloe ciliaris suits well as a
climber, and has very brightly coloured flowers.

While having mentioned the most important and interesting
of the plants, there are many others deserving of notice.
Several of the Cacti, the species of Asparagus, the Grass-gum
trees, frutescent Sempervivums, Rhynchopetalum montanum,
a rare Lobeliad with tall perennial stem, and many others, are
deserving of the visitor’s attention.

NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY.

Tue northern Show was held again this year in the Botanical
Gardens, Stretford, Manchester, on Saturday, Monday, and
Tuesday, August 4th, 6th, and 7th, in conjunction with the
Cottagers’ Flower Show held this year for the first time. It
was not expected that a good snow could be held at so early a
date ; none of the growers were quite ai their best, and some of
them were not able to exhibit, notably Mr. Robert Lord of Tod-
morden and others in that district; another grower whose
flowers were not in condition is Mr. Thomas Bowers, Bradford,
Yorkshire, a celebrated raiser of new sorts and a most ardent
cultivator. Notwithstanding the many drawbacks the Society
has had to contend with this year, about three hundred blooms
were exhibited fresh and in good colour. I noticed last year
that some of the exhibitors had tut the calyx round in order to
let the outer petals fall back and thus enlarge the flower, and I
have been told that some exhibitors have even added a sound
calyx from another flower in place of one that has been split.
Of course none of the principal growers would stoop to such
practices, and the first rule of the Society provides for the dis-
qualification of any stand that has mutilated flowers. It reads
thus: “ Any stand containing a mutilated flower—i.e., one with
a false pod, petals clipped smooth, or calyx clipped, will be dis-
qualified.” Rule 5 says: ‘‘ Flowers having self petals or bizarre
petals in flakes, or inserted petals, will be disqualified.”

I am indebted to Richard Gorton, Esq., of Gildabrook, Eccles,
for the following notes of the Show and list of awards. The
principal prizes went to Mr. Benjamin Simonite, Rough Bank,
Sheffield, who showed some grand flowers, especially in purple
flake and crimson bizarre Carnations. Mr. George Rudd of
Bradford, Yorkshire, also exhibited some excellent stands; his
scarlet bizarre Carnations, notably Sir J. Paxton, were in
splendid colour. In Class A, twelve Carnations all dissimilar,
My. Simonite was first; Mr. J. Booth, Failsworth, Manchester,
second ; and Mr. S, Brown of Birmingham third. In the win-
ning stand Dr. Poster (Foster), p.f.; John Keet(Whitehead), r. f. ;

A. potatorum, A. Hookeri, A. Kewensis, A. karatto, and | James Merryweather, r.f.; and Sportsman, s.f., were the best

A. Noackii, with its several branching stems. Several others
might be mentioned in point of size. The collection has

flowers. Mr. Booth had Admiral Curzon and Sportsman very
fine. In the next class Mr. Simonite was again first, Mr. Brown

een

August 9, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

119

second. Mrs. Allcroft, Mrs. Niven, Miss Sewell, and one or two
seedlings were fine. Class C, twelve Carnations, not less than
nine varieties, Mr. George Rudd was first and Mr. R. Gorton,
The Woodlands, Eccles, second. In Mr. Rudd’s stand the
blooms of Sir J. Paxton were marvellous examples of size and
quality ; Admiral Curzon, Mars, Clipper, and Marshal Ney were
very fine. In Mr. Gorton’s stand the best flowers were Christi-
gala, r.f.; Sybil, r.f.: Eccentric Jack, c.b.; and Dr. Foster, p. f.
A third prize was awarded to Mr. Brown, and fourth to Mr.
Thomas Mellor. Class D is a corresponding class for Picotees,
and here Mr. Rudd was again an easy first, his best blooms being
Zerlina, Alliance, J. B. Bryant, Mary, und Fairy Queen, the
latter a light-edged rose of good quality. Mr. Brown was se-
cond, and Mr. T. Mellor third. In Class H, six distinct Carna-
tions, and limited to growers of 120 pairs, Mr. Stack of Chester-
field was first, and Mr. Taylor of Middleton second. Class F is
a corresponding class for Picotees, and here the first honours
went to S. Cooper, Esq., of Timperley, Cheshire; Mr. Taylor of
Middleton being second and Mr. Slack third. In Mr. Cooper’s
stand Ann Lord and Mary were good blooms.

We come now to the classes for single blooms, where Mr.
Simonite was again champion; be won first, second, fourth,
and fifth in scarlet bizarres with Dreadnought, Seedling, Mars,
and Admiral Curzon; Mr. Booth was third with Admiral Curzon.
In crimson bizarres Mr. Simonite won all the five prizes with
J. D. Hextall, to one of which the blue ribbon of the Exhibition
was awarded, and a grand specimen it was, full of petal, colour,
and quality. In scarlet flakes Mr. Rudd was first with Sports-
man, second with Clipper; Mr. Simonite third with a seedling,
and Mr. Booth fourth and fifth with Sportsman. In rose flakes
Mr. Booth was a first with Sybil, the remaining prizes going to
good blooms of James Merryweather and Jobn Keet. In purple
flakes Mr. Simonite gained all the prizes, the winning blooms
being placed in the order of their names—Dr. Foster, James
Douglas, Mayor of Nottingham, James Douglas, and Squire
Meynell.

In light red Picotees Mr. Simonite was first, second, fourth,
and fifth with his own seedlings, Mr. Cooper third. The first-
prize flower in this class was of excellent quality. In the heavy
red class Mr. Booth was first with J. B. Bryant, and Mr. Gorton
second with Miss Small. In light purple edges the first prize
went to aseedling, the remaining five prizes going to Mr. Cooper
for fine blooms of Ann Lord. In heavy purples the three first
prizes went to Mr. Chadwick, Ashton-under-Lyne, for blooms
of an unnamed seedling, the three last prizes to Mr. Booth for
Picco. Heavy rose-edged was a poor class. Mr. Chadwick was
first and Mr. Booth second with Mrs. Lord, Mr. Gorton third
with Juliana. In light rose Mr. Simonite was first with a fine
variety of hisown raising, named Teresa; this was also selected
as the premier flower in the Exhibition. The other varieties
that gained prizes in this class being Miss Wood and Miss
Sewell.

Mr. Simonite had made a mark in the floral world at many
previous exhibitions, but I question whether he ever stood so
high as he has done on this occasion. He may not only be
proud of showing the premium Carnation and Picotee, but the
flowers were both his own seedlings; and if his flowers had
been at their best, even better varieties would have been shown,
especially in the crimson bizarre class of Carnations, and light
red Picotees. In the former Samuel Barlow, John Simonite,
and Frank Simonite are all advances on existing varieties. In
the latter his Mrs. Simonite is a model of what a Picotee ought
to be; it is a red-edged Mary with pure white petal. Mrs. F. D.
Horner and Mrs. R. Gorton are also fine light-edged reds worthy
of a place in the best collections. It was a misfortune that Mr.
Lord’s flowers were not in, as some of his seedlings not yet dis-
tributed are of high-class quality. I question if there are any
flowers in the heavy rose class to be placed before Miss Horner ;
and his Mrs. Dodwell, rose-flake Carnation, is a most refined
flower.—J. Doveuas.

PAINTING.

WHAT can be more annoying than, after being at the expense
of constructing and painting a fine large glass house, to find
the whole of the internal paint covered with a black fungus?
This has been my case, and to remedy this evil I made tho
following experiments. Five years since = had an orchard
house painted with a thin kind of creosote, at a temperature
of 180° or thereabouts. In a month after this painting I
painted a door of this house with only one coat of paint (oil
and white lead). This coat still looks well and there is not a
particle of mildew or fungus to be seen on it. Since that time
I have carried out the same mode to some considerable extent,
and nothing can look better. Thecreosote gives a good smooth
body, it destroys all germs of fungus, and at half the expense
of labour and material. Many persons are now adopting my
plan. The creosote to be used costs 5d. per gallon; itis not
the common sort, but that used for steeping timber without

being heated. I always heat it, as it penetrates the wood much
better and dries more rapidly. I can strongly recommend this
mode of painting for any kind of work.—OxsERvER.

EXPERIMENTS ON THE FLOW OF THE SAP.
[Read at the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.]
(Continued from page 71.)

Tue system of vegetable physiology now in credence was built
upon the faith of the existence of a circulation of the sap, and
everything has by degrees been arranged to fit neatly into it.
I think I have shown to be rotten Sachs’ theory, and in remov-
ing it, without having avy other props to put in its place, down
must come the hypothesis that the plant derives all its carbon
from carbonic acid ir the atmosphere, or its nitrogen from free
uncombined nitrogen through the leaves, and, of course, all
power of taking anything into the system through the leaves,
and all hypotheses of feeding, whether vegetarian or carnivorous,
through these organs. These theories of circulation by imbi-
bition, diastasis, endosmose and exosmose, I regard as already
defunct. Six weeks’ unavailing effort to get the slightest in-
dication of any of these phenomena in the living plant seem
enough for me. The current is steadily upward, and not only
permits nothing to come down against it, but is too powerful to
permit anything to deviate from its own place and force its way
into another, even by uniting with it on the way upwards. IE
say, therefore, that for a plant to absorb carbonic acid whether
free or combined through the leaves for the purpose of supply-
ing it with that important element involves a physical im-
possibility, and yet this is one of the best-received vegeto-
physiological hopotheses. It has the advantage of giving a
glimmer of an explanation how plants may have first originated.
They consist of carbon, nitrogen, and mineral ingredients,
besides oxygen, which may be derived from the latter. It is
open, then, to say that plants derive their mineral constituents
from the degradation of rocks, and their carbon and nitrogen
from the atmosphere—and some plants (as Lichens) may.
But when we come to test the hopothesis by common sense
and experience they tell us all that you may try to grow a
plant in mineral ingredients and leave it to get its carbon from
the atmosphere as much as you like, but it wo’n’t grow. As far
as common people can see it will only thrive in humus, in other
words where its roots can draw carbon from the organic matters
already elaborated in the soil by the long-continued accumu-
lation of past ages. But Sachs states it very broadly. ‘The
fact is unquestionable,” says he, ‘ partly established by direct
researches on vegetation, partly inferred from the circumstances
under which many plants live in a natural condition, that most
plants which contain chlorophyll—e.g., our cereal crops, Beans,
Tobacco, Sunflower, many saxicolous Lichens, Alg, and other
water plants obtain” (through the leaves—he does not say so
here, but it is implied, and is of the essence of his theory) ‘‘the
entire quantity of their carbon by the decomposition of atmo-
spheric carbon dioxide, and require for their nutrition no other
compound of carbon from without.”—(Sachs’ “ Text Book”
(Dyer’s Trans.), p. 620.) :

Now in the first place one of the principal of the circum-
stances to which he certainly above alludes must be the in-
fluence of light on assimilation, his interpretation of which I
have endeavoured to refute. Next I may mention another
phenomenon which seems to me equally adverse to his views—
viz., that the plants of which we are speaking exhale oxygen
during the day, and carbon during the night. If carbon in what-
ever form passes up from the root to the leaves during the day,
and a chemical decomposition takes place whereby it or other
ingredients are altered in their way, oxygen must be liberated,
and after being carried on with the stream of sap will be set free
when it reaches the leaves, while the carbon will be used up in
the plant; and this is just what takes place by day. But at
night, when no feeding or assimilation is going on, no chemical
action takes place either, but the carbonic acid with which the
sap is charged escapes through the thin cuticle of the leaf, as from
an uncovered vessel, without any interchange of oxygen at ail.

As to the experiments referred to by Professor Sachs, I he-
lieve the principal one was made by De Saussure about the be-
ginning of this century (1805), but uuhappily I have been unablo
to see the paper containing it. I know no recent experiments
with carbon. As recorded, Saussure’s experiment proved that
plants in sunlight increase in their amounts of carbon, hydrogen,
and oxygen at the expense of carbonic acid and water. But there
is no indication whethcr he attempted to determine whether
the carbon was taken up by the leaves or the roots; and as that
was not what he was trying to find out, I am disposed to infer
that no precautions were taken to decide that point. He seems
to have been very careful in measuring the contents and con-
stituents of the air, the plant, and the earth; but as it is plain
from that very fact that they were all three subjected to the
game experiment at the same time, I do not imagine that the
experiment could touch our point.

120 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 9, 1877.

It must not be inferred that I dispute altogether the possi-
bility of the air supplying a portion ofits carbon to the plant:
Carbonic acid may be carried down into the earth by showers)
and there put in a fit condition for the plant which may then
take it up by the roots. All that I say is, that it does not enter
free into the plant through the leaves, and that the idea of its
descending from them, and supplying the plant with carbon for
its structure, is an absolute impossibility.

With a glance at one other class of experiments which bear on
this point Ihave done. I do not know that Sachs has relied on
it, but other physiologists have. It has been maintained that
not only carbonic acid, but nitrogen free and uncombined, is
taken up by the plant through its leaves, and it is plain that if
the one can be so taken up there seems no very good reason
why the other should not also—possibly not so readily, but
still taken up. Both are constituent gaseous elements found in
the plant, and if it could obtain one of them through the leaves
it should follow that it might equally well have obtained the
other also, Now with nitrogen the question has been fairly
tried by many first-rate chemists and physiologists, and a great
multitude of experiments have been made; and although dis-
crepancies have occurred on points which do not concern this
question, I think I may say that, with one exception (De Villa),
the conclusion has been unanimous in the negative. It would
be tedious to mention all the experimenters, but when I name
Boussingault as commencing the inquiry, and Lawes and
Gilbert terminating it, no question as to the efficiency of the in-
quiry can arise. Mr. Lawes’ concluding words were, ‘“‘In view
of the evidence afforded of the non-assimilation of free nitrogen
by plants ander the wide range of circumstances provided in
the experiments, it is desirable that the several actual or possible
sources of combined nitrogen to plants should be more fully in-
vesueated both quantitively and qualitatively.” — ANDREW

UBRAY,

MR. RICHARD WEBB.

On Thursday, July 26th, at his residence, Culham House,
Reading, died Richard Webb, Esq., of Calcot, aged 79. Seven
years have passed since we visited this worthy and consistent
gentleman at his country residence, and these were our notes
upon him and his surroundings :—

We were introduced to ten dogs, and then to sixteen cats,
fathers and mothers of fourteen kittens, all alive and not
doomed to a brick-and-water death. ‘‘ Their master must be
a kindly man,” and so we found him—a lover of animal and
vegetable life too—a man who does firmly what he thinks has
to be done rightly, and the evidence was before us. There
was a stone monument bearing this inscription—

“ Beneath this stone lies buried
Our race’s deadliest foe;

Myriads he has hurried
Down to the realms of woe.

* More mischief he produces

Than filled Pandora’s box,

And more disease induces

Than plagu’d th’ Egyptian flocks.
“ Evils attend his reign,

Yet thousands own his sway,

And madly hug the chain

That drags their souls away.

“ Reader! beware his wiles,
He lurks within the bowl,
And stabs you while he smiles,
Then oh! shun ALCOHOL.”

The burial took place more than forty years since, and there
were on the occasion committed to their grave three hogsheads
of strong beer, two casks of home-made wine, and some dozens
of foreign wine and spirits. After the ceremony a harvest-
home supper was provided on the lawn under a tent, when
nearly 150 persons sat down to a good substantial meal con-
fisting of a roast sheep, two rounds of beef, barley puddings,
and a copper of coffee, after which they listened to a good
temperance lecture, and then returned home free from any
intoxication. There has not been a drop of alcoholic drink
allowed in the house or on the premises since, not even for
medicinal purposes, nor has the deed ever been repented of,
but, on the contrary, rejoiced over.

Calcot includes ten acres, entirely enclosed with a brick wall
about 8 feet high, hollow, and with mock chimneys at uniform
intervals, justifying a popular comment, ‘‘ He may well have
good crops of fruit, for he warms the walls!’’ It is especially
devoted to fruit-growing, and trees—Pears, Apples, and Plums
—all most healthy, and free from disease and moss, are there
mostly at judicious distances; but the underwood (for the term
is justified by the abundance) is composed of Nut bushes.
These are not bearers of common kinds, but of more than
thirteen varieties raised by Mr. Webb and shown by him at

the Great Exhibition of 1862. We tasted specimens of their
fruit, Cobs as well as Filberts, and, late as the season is, they
were all good, but we especially liked those called Hugénie and
Garibaldi.

The Nut bushes are never pruned, but they are of an uniform
height of about 10 feet. Last year they produced nearly eight
tons of Nuts.

Lastly we will note an extraordinary Black Hamburgh Vine.
Tts stem is 2 feet 3 inches in circumference at the ground’s
surface ; it has eight branches.

No.1 is about 51 feet long, with laterals 9 feet long.

No. 2 is about 24 " cf 10 feet long.

No. 3 is about 24 7 7) 7 feet long.

No. 4is about 41 a ” 7 feet long.

No. 5 is about 62 9 ” In a greenhouse.

No. 6 is about 80 ” ”
No.7 is about 30 2 7 7 feet long.

No. 8 is about 25 39 9 7 feet long.

Thus this Vine covers 1539 feet of wall, without including
any part of the roof of the greenhouse which it clothes, nor
various portions of branches, which, having taken root, are not
to be considered as sustained by one stem—they are rooted
layers, but unsevered from the parent. The two largest Vines
mentioned by Speechley, are one growing about a century
since at Northallerton in Yorkshire, and the other at Bury
St. Edmunds. The first covered 1320 square feet, and the
second 1233.

In a greenhouse.

MOSS ROSES FOR MARKET.

Ar every turning in the neighbourhood of Covent Garden we
find huge piles, baskets, and bunches of Roses. In whatever way
fashion may vary as to flowers in our gardens, there is always
a large demand for Moss Roses in London. The white, though
not very common, and two or three reds,and a pink one are the
kinds principally supplied; and the old Provence Roses, too, are
among the most beautiful. The common Moss, a sport from
the old Cabbage Rose of our cottage gardens, is not largely
cultivated by market growers, the reason being that it is not
considered either robust or floriferous enough to give remunera-
tive results. The sort most preferred is a deep red kind, which,
though not nearly so mossy as the lighter-coloured varieties,
is remarkably floriferous, and the buds being cut before they
are too much expanded their mossy surrounding is more
noticeable, and consequently the blooms are more valuable.
To supply the enormous demand for Moss Roses some market
growers near London devote several acres of land to their
culture. The plants are, however, seldom grown on one spot,
but are distributed about in rows or patches—some occupying
a warm border sheltered from the north winds by a wall,
hedge, or row of fruit trees, whilst others occupy positions
right under orchard trees, the main crop being generally
grown on an open quarter. By this arrangement a lengthened
season of cutting is secured. The border plants furnish the
earliest blooms; these are followed by those under trees; and
those in the open quarters give a Jater supply. As regards
culture, the plants are cultivated much after the fashion
adopted for Raspberries, with the exception that the old wood
of the Roses is allowed to bear several crops before it is cut
away, whilst in the case of Raspberries the wood is removed
every year. When well established, Moss Roses are so produc-
tive of young growths from their bases that it is found neces-
sary to keep the bushes well cleared of both the old wood and
the weakest of the young growths. The plants themselves are
grown on their own roots, and probably under these conditions
much better results are obtained than would be the case were
any form of budding or grafting on other stocks practised.

As an under crop Moss Roses are most profitable. They
thrive well under orchard trees, and the shelter afforded by the
overhanging boughs often sayes the buds from frost in the
spring, when those in open quarters often suffer severely. The
usual mode of increasing the plants is to lift the old shoots,
strip them of the outside growths, which are planted in rows
3 feet apart each way. During the first two years after plant-
ing vegetable and salad crops are grown between the rows; but
the third season, if the Roses do well, they require all the
room. As before stated, during the winter the old shoots, as
well as the weakest of the young shoots, are thinned ont and
the most robust are shortened back. The soil between the
rows is then forked over, and a heavy mulching of half-rotted
manure is applied. Thus treated the plants receive no further
attention until the spring, when the blooms are fit for gather-
ing. Some growers plant Moss Roses between Gooseberry and
Currant bushes, but it is not a desirable method, as in avery

August 9, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

121

short time the trees get so crowded that both crops are | avoided in arranging flowers. What can be uglier than the

seriously injured.

Early in June the buds are ready to gather. The plants are
gone over each alternate morning, and every bud sufficiently
open is cut off; and now the superiority of the red kind above
referred to is more than ever apparent. Its buds nearly all
open at the same time—that is, all the buds on each truss.
This allows of the whole truss being cut at once, which is a
great saving of labour, and the produce is of greater value in
the market. As they are cut the blooms are laid in large
baskets or hampers, which, when fall, are placed on waggons
and sent to market, where they are rapidly bought up by
hawkers and women with baskets, who wire the blooms with a
little foliage attached, and sell them for the coat at a penny
a-piece. After the plants have done blooming some growers
layer the branches on each side of the rows; they are firmly
pegged down and covered with soil. In the autumn these will
have taken root, when they are lifted and separated from the
parent plant, and after being trimmed are used to form new
plantations. This is a capital plan, inasmuch as young
vigorous plants are easily obtained without severely injuring
the existing plantations. Moss Roses and the Poet’s Narcissus
(N. poeticus) are sometimes planted alternately, and the flowers
of the latter being all gathered before the Roses come into leaf
neither crop is in any way impaired.—W. (in The Gardener).

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—BASTARD BALM.

One of the least of the families of hardy herbaceous plants,
and in all probability it is one of the least known and least
cultivated. This cannot arise from their having no attractions.
In a botanical point of view they are an interesting family, for
it only falls to the lot of a few to have the pleasure of securing
specimens of these rare Labiates in their native habitats, but
when go seen and secured they are a prize indeed.

They are of dwarf and pleasing habit, and are well adapted
for either rockwork, border, or pot. They will bear full ex-
posure, but they are the better for having partial shade afforded
them. They require thorough drainage and a good, sound,
free loam to develope themselves in. They are increased by
division in spring when growth has commenced. Until well
established they require care, time, and patience to work up a
stock. I have not to the present time been able to increase
them from seed.

I only know of three kinds—Melittis alpina from Switzer-
land, of very dwarf habit, adapted for rockwork; very seldom
met with. M. grandiflora is a charming plant, deserving ex-
tensive cultivation. M. melissophyllum makes up a trio of no
mean order. They are telling plants for exhibition in a col-
lection of herbaceous plants, and cannot fail to repay by their
beauty any labour bestowed upon them.—VeriTas.

ARRANGING CUT FLOWERS.

Aw article in ‘St. Nicholas” on the arrangement of flowers
contains the following directions which may be read by all
who love flowers, and yet have not the knack of arranging
vem to the best advantage in bouquets or in vases for the

able :—

The colour of the vase to be used is of importance. Gaudy
reds and blues should never be chosen, for they conflict with
the delicate hues of the flowers. Bronze or black vases, dark
green, pure white, or silver always produce a good effect, and
80 does a straw basket; while clear glass, which shows the
graceful clasping of the stems, is perhaps prettiest of all.

‘The shape of the vase is also to be thought of. For the
middle of a dinner-table a round bowl is always appropriate,
or a tall vase with a saucer-shaped base. Or, if the centre of
the table is otherwise occupied, a large conch shell, or shell-
shaped dish, may be swung from the chandelier above, and
with plenty of Vines and feathering green, made to look very
pretty. Delicate flowers, such as Lilies of the Valley and
Sweet Peas, should be placed by themselves in slender taper-
ing glasses ; Violets should nestle their fragrant purple in
some tiny cup, and Pansies be set in groups with no gayer
flowers to contradict their soft velvet hues; and—thia is a
hint for summer—few things are prettier than Balsam blos-
soms or double variegated Hollyhocks massed on a flat plate,
with a fringe of green to hide the edge. No leaves should be
interspersed with these; the plate should look like a solid
mosaic of splendid colour.

Stiffness and crowding are the two things to be specially

great tasteless bunches into which the ordinary florist ties his
wares, or what more extravagant? A skilful person will untie
one of these, and adding green leaves, make the same flowers
into half a dozen bouquets, each more attractive than the
original. Flowers should be grouped as they grow, with a
cloud of light foliage in and about them to set off their forms
and colours. Do not forget this.

It is better as a general rule not to put more than one or
two sorts of flowers into the same vase. A great bush with
Roses, and Camellias, and Carnations, and Feverfew, and
Geraniums growing on it all at once would be a frightful thing
to behold ; just so a monstrous bouquet made up of all these
flowers is meaningless and ugly. Certain fiowers, such as
Heliotrope, Mignonette, and Myrtle mix well with everything ;
but usually it is better to group flowers with their kind—Roses
in one glass, Geraniums in another, and not try to make them
agree in companies.

When you do mix flowers be careful not to put colours which
clash side by side. Scarlets and pinks spoil each other, so do
blues and purples and yellows and mauves. If your vase or
dish is a very large one, to hold a great number of flowers, it
is a good plan to divide it into thirds or quarters, making each
division perfectly harmonious within itself, and then blend the
whole with lines of green and white and soft neutral tint.
Every group of mixed flowers requires one little touch of

| yellow to make it vivid ; but this must be skilfully applied. It

is good practice to experiment with this effect. For instance,
arrange a group of maroon, scarlet, and white Geraniums with
green leaves, and add a single blossom of gold-coloured Calceo-
laria; you will see at once that the whole bouquet seems to
flash out and become more brilliant.

NOTES on VILLA anv SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Ir there is one period of the year more than another when
there is some cessation from labour in the garden it is during
the month of August. The flowers are then at their brightest,
the fruits at their sweetest. It is the harvest of enjoyment, the
reward oi toil—pleasant health-giving toil in the case of the
amateur gardener—the period of repose, brief indeed, but plea-
sant, and such as all who labour have a right to enjoy. Itisa
period also for instruction—the time when not only successes
can be appreciated, but failures detected and improvements
suggested. It is during late summer that the plans for another
year should be formed, when the quantities required of different
plants—of flowers and veyetables—should be determined on.
This cannot be so well effected at any other time. It is those
who decide on their plans early who succeed the best; labour
and space then become utilised, and waste of either, which is
inevitable in the absence of a definite plan of action, is in a
great measure avoided.

But in order that a garden may be thoroughly enjoyed neat-
ness must prevail everywhere: there must be no weeds on the
walks or the borders. The margins of the beds must be trim,
and the lawns must be smooth. The flowers must also be
orderly by the removal of decayed parts, and the due use of
stakes or pegs to support those which need such assistance.
Carnations are now fading—those sweet and beautiful flowers
which should be seen in every villa garden in town or country.
Some of the best varieties have recently been alluded to in the
Journal—the high-class florists’ varieties ; but there are others
equally worthy of notice, such as the crimson and white Cloves.
Let these be increased. Layering may still be done if it is
done promptly: the manner of doing it was lately described
in another column. Let any choice Geraniums be increased.
There can be no better time for inserting cuttings of these than
the present, and no better place than light soil in the open
garden. If care is exercised several cuttings may be taken
without injuring the plants or beds. When rooted the cuttings
can be taken up and potted for preserving through the winter.
When the greatest possible numbers of plants require to be
wintered in the least possible space cuttings of ordinary decora-
tive kinds should be inserted closely—that is, an inch or two
apart, in pots or boxes, there to remain until the spring. The
pots must be well drained, and the soil rather sandy and rather
firm. The cutting pots or boxes should be placed in a sunny
position in the open air. Show Pelargoniums may still be cut
down and the cuttings be inserted. Plants which were cut
down a fortnight ago will have commenced making fresh growth.
When they have grown about half an inch the soil, every par-
ticle of it, should be shaken from the roots, and the plants
should be firmly potted in small pots. \

Plants that are flowering freely, such as Fuchsias, Baleams,
Geraniums, &c., will be much benefited by liquid manure.
Nothing is better than a little cow, sheep, or horse dung dis-
solved in water, or failing this, half an ounce of guano, not

122

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 9, 1877.

more, may be dissolved in a gallon of water and the plants be
watered with it twice a-week. Chrysanthemums must be well
supported with water. It is only by good attention given to
them now that a fine autumn display can be provided.

Small plants of Cinerarias and Primulas must be potted and
placed in cool shaded frames, and be kept regularly moist and
free from insects. These plants are very valuable for spring
decoration. Seed of Calceolarias—the richly-spotted Calceo-
larias—should be sown now. Drain the pots well, fill them
with light sifted soil, water thoroughly, and then sow the seed
thinly. A dash of silver sand may be sprinkled over the surface
after the seed is sown, and the pots should then be placed in a
dark cool frame. If each pot is placed in a saucer containing
half an inch of water the soil will be kept moist by absorption,
and the seeds will germinate freely : light must then be gradu-
ally admitted to the seedlings.

Well trees and wall plants generally must have their shoots
secured, and superfluous growth removed. Nothing is more
untidy than disorderly wall trees, and nothing more inimical to
future crops of fruit or flowers than overcrowded shoots. These
remarks apply with special force to outdoor Vines, which are
frequently much injured by permitting the shoots to grow into
a wild tangled mass. There are many sunny walls in villa
gardens where refreshing Grapes might be produced if the ad-
vice given from time to time by Mr. Douglas were strictly
carried out.

Kitchen-garden crops must never be overlooked. One of the
most important of crops to be provided for now by sowing seed
thinly is the crop of Cabbages. If the ground is dry water it
well before sowing the seed, and shade it for a few days to
assist germination. An excellent small Cabbage is the Cocoa-
nut. Carter’s Heartwell. Marrow is a new sort worth growing,
and Enfield Market is one of the best larger sorts. Seed of
Cabbage Lettuces may be sown for producing a supply during
the early winter months. The Victoria and Hardy Hammer-
smith are useful sorts. Winter Onions may be sown thinly in
drills; the White Tripoli is a serviceable variety, the Giant
Rocca often growing thick-necked. The crop of winter Onions
is a very useful one, as the bulbs are seldom injured by the
grub, which is often so destructive to the spring-sown crops.
Remove all decaying Pea haulm, and hoe and rake if needed
bare ground, for neatness is a chief element in making a kitchen
garden attractive.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WHEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Tue Strawberry runners have been cut fromthe parent plants,
and they are very strong, though red spider as usual has gained
a footing on the leaves. It will be necessary to dip the leaves
in soapy water, which will effectually destroy the pest. We
have not yet been able to plant out the runners in the open
ground, as we could not get the quarter ready owing to a crop
of Peas being on it. We seldom have sufficient rainfall for the
plants in autumn, and it is always best to plant in a shallow
depression in which to retain the water when applying it from
the rose of a water pot. Hach plant has also a little loam and
rich manure placed round the roots to encourage quick growth.
“W.S. P.” in last week’s Journal has written well on the cul-
ture of this fruit. It has always been stated that our soil is a
sandy loam, and it is of the greatest importance that information
should be supplied from different classes of loam. It is also
certain that sorts which do well in light soil are often the reverse
in soil of a heavy nature. Our estimate of sorts is rather dif-
ferent from that of “W.S.P.” We still retain Black Prince
for earliest; next Keens’ Seedling, followed by President, James
Veitch, Auguste Nicaise, Duc de Magenta, British Queen, Frog-
more Late Pine, and Loxford Hall Seedling, 2 most abundant
bearer either for culture in pots or out of doors. It was later
by a week than Frogmore Late Pine this year. We had to
discard Vicomtesse Héricart de Thury, Sir J. Paxton, Elton,
Dr. Hogs, and a sort that is now asked for—Anna de Rothschild.
La Constante will not be grown again. —

Wall fruit trees still require considerable attention. They
should be looked over to see that no branches have been dis-
placed, and any growths that are loose must be nailed-in close
to the wall. If the shoots are not close to the wall they shade
the fruit and also look very untidy. If the fruit of Peaches and
Nectarines is shaded by the leaves the foliage ought to be re-
moved, else the fruit will not colour well. A leaf on a fruit will
cause a green mark, while the rest of the skin may be red. Fig
trees should also be looked to. Some persons prefer allowing the
young wood to hang loosely about, but this system does not
answer in a well-kept garden. Seldom in large gardens is much
wall space devoted to Figs, but where it is the shoots must be
laid-in to the wall the same as has been already recommended
for other trees. The fruit must also be exposed to a certain ex-
tent to the sun to bring outits full favour. Currants, Cherries,
and late Gooseberries should be covered with netting to protect

the fruits from birds. We have gathered a few of the earliest
Apples, such as Red Juneating, and Irish Peach is also coming
in for use. Cherries from wall trees have been bearing most
abundantly. Elton and Bigarreau Napoleon have been quite
loaded with fruit. Both the above sorts are well worthy of
extended culture; the latter is particularly useful, as the fruit
hangs so well after it is ripe.

PINES.
Fruit near the ripening stage should be freely ventilated, and
to do this in a place where only a few Pines are grown requires

| that 2 compromise must be made with plants in growth. The

latter require 2 rather close moist atmosphere, and the house to
be closed early in the afternoon. This treatment will not do for
ripening fruit, but when we have any of this description in the
house we do not shut the ventilators closely, and we also keep
the atmosphere of the house a little drier. As soon as the fruit
is cut the plants are destroyed, unless there are suckers required
from them which are not yet large enough to remove. The
suckers will grow at a much more rapid rate if they are left on
the parent plant until they are of large size. We do not take
off and pot small suckers if we can help it. On the other hand,
plants which have fruit formed and swelling require the same
treatment as growing plants. It is requisite to pay particular
attention to the roots at this season. The plants must on no
account suffer for want of water. The young plants intended to
fruit next summer should be encouraged to make plenty of
roots, so that the pots are fairly well filled with them by the
end of August. The treatment required must be regulated by
the state of the weather, which so far is very changeable, but
do not draw the plants by a too close and moist atmosphere.

Orange and Fig Trees in Pots.—If instructions given in
previous numbers have been carried out, the surface dressings
will have become matted with roots, and the trees will be in
vood health and well furnished with ripe or ripening fruit. As
soon as the Figs are nearly ripe syringing the trees must be dis-
continued, but if this has been done well so far, spider will not
damage the leaves until all the fruit is gathered. Watering at
this time must be done in a careful manner: the trees must not
suffer by the want of it, neither must they become water-logged
from receiving too much; in the latter case the fruit will be
watery and flavourless. When all the fruit has been gathered
we remove the trees to a cool house where air and light is freely
admitted to them, and enough water only is applied to them to
prevent the roots from receiving injury. The Orange trees
must be kept in a house with the night temperature about 65°
or 70°; they ought to be syringed twice daily with tepid water
applied with considerable force. The fruit takes a long time to
ripen.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

We have just turned the stage Pelargoniums out of doors, and
after being exposed for a few days the plunts will be cut down,
cutting the growths back to within two or three eyes of the
old wood. The best parts are saved for cuttings, rejecting the
long-jointed pithy wood. Small shoots with fresh green leaves
strike roots freely. The pots with the cuttings should be placed
on a stage or shelf close to the glass. About a day or two after
cutting-down the plants the wounds will be dried-up, when
water may be applied to the roots. If there is no room for the
plants indoors a good plan is to place them in an exposed
position out of doors, but this does not answer in wet districts,
as an over-supply of water will probably cause ‘‘spot” on the
leaves. The best place is near the glass in a half-span or span-
roofed pit. Air should be freely admitted at this season night
and day. When the plants have started into growth, and the
shoots are about an inch long, turn the plants out of the pots
and shake nearly all the soil from the roots, repotting in pots a
size smaller than they had been previously potted in. We have
arranged a collection of Lilies and herbaceous Phloxes in the
place of the Pelargoniums, and a few plants of the most choice
varieties of zonal Pelargoniums, which are excellent decorative
subjects, and when well treated they flower very freely, produc-
ing their brilliant trusses of bloom until the Chrysanthemums
are in bloom.

Cinerarias and Calceolarias require to be grown in low-roofed
frames or pits, and unless these are shaded by some object on
the south side sonre slight shading should be thrown over the
glass to prevent the sun from acting injuriously on the fleshy
leaves. No plants are more liable to be attacked by red spider,
and none show the effects of it sooner. Fumigate at once when
the pest appears.

A correspondent wishes to know the names of the best varieties
of Pinks and Carnations for forcing. It may be useful to other
readers to know that there are varieties specially adapted for
this purpose. The ordinary florist types would be spoiled if
subjected to a high temperature early in the year. Tree or
perpetual-flowering Carnations will continue producing flowers
all through the winter and spring months in a night temperature
of 50° or 55°. Some of the best varieties are Guelder Rose,
Rose Perfection, Defiance, Empress of Germany, Gloire de
Lyon, King of the Belgians, Prince of Orange (Picotee), Proser-

——

August 9, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

123

pine, and White Swan. Clove Carnations require a little forcing
to have the flowers in from May onwards. The best are Bride
(Hodges), King of Yellows (Abercrombie), Purple Prince, and
Sentinel (scarlet); add to these the new variety Mrs. Matthews,
forcing Pinks Derby Day, Coccinea, Lady Blanche, Lord Lyons,
and Rubens. All the above plants are most useful for the
greenhouse in winter and early spring.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

< We have now plenty of lateral srowth on the Pinks, and shall
insert a few more pipings to make up those that have failed.
The pipings already rooted will be planted in fine soil out of
doors, or perhaps in boxes, a8 we do not require a large quan-
tity and the boxes are convenient. We have still some fine
flowers on the Pink beds from late growths. We have very
nearly finished layering the Carnations and Picotees; the plants
having been grown under glass, they were placed out of doors
for a few days before laying down the growths. An amateur
called at Loxford the other day and said layering was a mystery
to him. He was quite delighted to see how easy the operation
was performed. We remove the surface soil of the pots and add
some fresh light soil, into which the young rootlets enter freely.

_ Those who have not yet potted their Auriculas should lose no
time in doingso. When at Slough the last week in JulyI found
they were making preparation to repot their whole collection.
Ours were potted in May, but many small offsets which have
grown too much for their pots will now be shifted into others
of a larger size.—J. Douauas.

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 unayvoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Mr. Appison, Ormiston, Edinburgh, writes to say that he can supply
“J. B. J.” with the Aquilegias required.

REEDLING SWEET WittiaMs (W. C.).—They are very pretty and varied in
colour.

Harty Onrons (Amateur).—The earliest brown spring Onions which are
sent to Covent Garden are grown from transplanted bulbs. Seed is sown very
thickly in May in rather poor soil. The plants are not thinned, and they
form small bulbs by the end of July. They are then pulled up and dried,
and are planted in drills very early in the spring. The bulbs when planted
are about the size of hazel nuts. Several acres of Onions are thus grown in
the London market gardens, and the crop is a lucrative one.

EXHIBITING Dwarr Ferns (G. S.).—We do not know what is meant by
“three British dwarf Ferns, distinct varieties ;” but if you have quoted from
the schedule correctly, ‘‘small-growing varieties of Lastreas, Athyriums, and
Polystichums ” cannot be disqualified.

Dicksonra anrarcrica (C. R.).—It is an exotic Fern.

ARTIFICIAL FERTILISERS.—Will “J. B. K.” oblige “PAcEy” by stating in
what proportion the superphosphate, potash, and nitrate are to be mixed,
and how applied in the autumn to dwarf Roses on the Manetti, and whether
applicable at any other season of the year to those and other outdoor plants ?

GRAPES DisEasED (A. C.).—They are severely affected with what gardeners
call “‘the spot,” and is caused by the roots being not sufficiently active to
supply the demands for the upper growth. Removing the soilfrom above the
roots, replacing it by some richer compost; and covering the surface at night
and during heavy rain with mulch, and uncovering during sunshine, usually
removes the malady. If the roots have descended into wet or ungenial sub-
soil they must be brought to the surface in the autumn.

Driep Horse Droppines ror Musnroom Brp (St. Edmund).—The
droppings would probably heat were you to sprinkle them lightly with water,
better the drainings of a dunghill. If you conld add some fresh droppings
so much the better, mixing with the old after sprinkling the latter with
water or liquid manure. In a week or so after making-up the bed you will be
able to ascertain whether the materials are any good or not, by their heating
or otherwise. All that is wanted is a gentle heat of about 75°, and if that
be secured the material is little inferior if any to fresh; indeed, we have had
some good beds formed of similar material, ‘

CrEosorEe ror Nets (@. O. S.).—* We obtain our creosote from Churchill
and Williams, Tonbridge Wells, but it can be obtained in any large town,
bearing in mind it must be the thin creosote. We merely draw the net
through it, the excess being strained off by pressure. We also use the cloth
of which the hop pockets are made, 5d. per squareyard. This when creosoted
lasts many years, and is yery good for protecting wall-fruit trees. The pro-
tection by means of paper is an idea of Mr. Bréhaut. When used in the
way I stated in the Journal it forms a very efficient and economical protec-
tion for yarious kinds of spring vegetables. The net should be so formed
ae so) alloy the meshes to lie parallel to one another when stretched out,—

ER.

GATHERING EVERLASTING Frowers (Mrs. T.).—If you gather the flowers
before they are fully expanded they will not break off in the manner of which
you complain.

PRUNING Tra Roses (A Constant Subscriber).—They should be pruned in
spring when the buds are swelling, early in April being a good time.

LriuM LANcIFoLIumM (Idem).—We have bulbs producing more than twelve
flowers. We have grown them for several years, the newly-formed bulbs
becoming larger annually. They ought not to be kept quite dry at any time;
the soil should be perceptibly moist even during the winter.

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES FOR EXHIBITION (P., Tulse Hill).—You will

find in another cclumm a selection by Mr. Douglas of the best varieties in
their respective classes

TROPSOLUM sPpEcIosuM (M. P.).—It is a hardy and yery beautiful climber,
and produces a brilliant effect on walls in Scotland. It does not appear to
be easy to establish in England, but Mr. G. F. Wilson has exhibited flowering
sprays from his garden at Weybridge. A cool moist situation should be selected
for the plant in England; in Scotland it appears to flourish in any aspect.

ABNORMAL GRow?H oF Poraro (EH. C.).—It is unusual for tubers to form
in the axils of the leaves, and generally results from some check having been
received in the early stages of growth. We have seen similar instances of
aérial tubers. Last year a Potato was exhibiled at South Kensington which
had been grafted on the Tomato, and tubers much larger than the one you
haye sent to us formed freely in the axils of the leaves.

Marcu Nrex Ross UNHEALTHY (LZ. M. N.).—The leaf gent suggests that
it does not receive sufficient nourishment. Remove the surface soil and replace
with manure, apply also liquid manure during dry weather.

SEEDLING Perountra (J. Hood).—The specimen sent is one of the finest of
its colour we have seen, and is well worthy of being cultivated as a named
variety. The fringe is not peculiar, as it is found in other varieties of con-
tinental origin.

WEED IN Mreapow (G. S. D.).—It isthe Rest-harrow or Cammock (Ononis
arvensis). Can any of our readers inform us how it can be cheaply
exterminated ?

InsEctTs ON Roses AND PenArcontrums (J. B. B.).—The foliage has been
much infested with aphis and is now mildewed. Remove the worst leaves,
and sponge and syringe the remainder with soft-soap water or a solution of
Gishurst compound, made by dissolving 2ozs. of either soft soap or Gis-
hurst in a gallon of water. Remove the shanked Grapes as soon as you can
perceive they are affected. There is no advantaze in breaking off the shoots
of your wall trees; cutting is quite as. effectual and more neat.

CATERPILLAR ON AMERICAN W1iLLOw.—The insect sent has nothing to do
with the Potato, nor is it ever known under the name of the ‘ Potato dog’’
(a name unknown to collectors). It is the caterpillar of the common puss
moth (Cerura vimula), and is not likely to be injurious to plants.—I. O. W.

Names or Puants (St. Vincent).—Spirea sorbifolia. (John Davies).—
Hedge Mustard (Sisymbrium officinale). (J. R.).—Specimen insufficient, per-
haps an Eucalyptus. (J. Shearer).—1, Cuckoo-flower (Cardamine pratensis) ;
2, Wood Crane’s-bill (Geranium sylvaticum); 8, Red Rattle (Pedicularis palus-
tris) ; 4, Cotton Grass (Eriophorum angustifolium). (H. Pickard).—Leyces-
teria formosa; specimen insufiicient. (J. Dunlop)—The Marvel of Peru
(Mirebilis Jalapa). (J. H.)—1, Ginothera sp.; 2, Calamintha grandiflora ;
3, Nepeta angustifolia; 4, Helichrysum arenarium. (J. A.).—Sisyrinchium
striatum. (4. H. S.).—Stanhopea zebrina. (A Suffolk Subscriber).—Catalpa
syringefolia. (Devonian).—l, A variety of Polystichum aculeatum; 2, It is
an Acrostichum, but the specimen is insuflicient.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

GREAT HORTON SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tue eighth annual Show was held at Great Horton on the
4th inst. This was by far the best ever held by the Society,
the entries being good in every department, the poultry and
Pigeons being unusually well represented. Turner’s pens were
used in the open air, and the weather was fine and hot. F

Game headed the list, some of the best birds of the day being
shown, but many otherwise good were very badin moult. Spanish,
Cochins, and Brahmas were not numerous but uncommonly good,
and the Hamburghs also a very choice lot. In Bantams the
Variety class showed up in finest plumage. Most of the Game,
though good, were quite out of feather. Of Habbits with three
classes there were some grand animals, notably in the Variety
class, where several extra prizes were awarded. First a Dutch,
second Silver-Grey, extra second an Angora, third Silver Fawn,
and extra third Belgian Hare.

Pigeons a capital entry, and the classes generally good.
Pouters were—first a Blue cock, second Red, and third a Blue.
Carriers, first a Dun, an easy winner ina good class; second and
third Blacks. In Dragoons the winners were good but the rest
poor. Hnglish Owls were a really good lot and mostly Blues.
Turbits, first and second Blue, and third Yellow. In Short-
faced Tumblers, first and cup for the best in all classes a capital
Almond hen, second Almond cock, and third Yellow Mottle.
Antwerps produced a good entry, and there was, as may be
thought, keen competition, the young class proving specially
good. In the Variety class first was a White African Owl,
second Magpie, and third Fairy Swallow.

POULTRY.—Gamr.—Brown Red.—Cock.—l, W. & A. F. Fenwick. 2, W
Rudd. Black Red.—Cock.—i, W. Rudd. 2, J. C. Dixen. vhe, J. Waddington*
Any other variety.— Cock.—1, H. Walton. 2,W. Rudd. Hen.—l,R. Walker. 2
W. Rudd. Black or Brown Red.—Hen.—1, W. Scholefield. 2, A. S. Sugden:
Chickens.—1, H. Walton. 2, BE. Lund. SpanisH.—Black.—l, J. Thresh. 2, J°
Powell. Cooxuty-Curna.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, C. Sedgwick. Branma PooTRa?
—1, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. vic, W. Scholefield. Any oTHER VARIETY
EXCEPT HAMBURGHS AND GaME.—Chickens.—l, J. Powell. 2,C. Sedgwick. vhe.
H. A. Barclay, R. P. Percival. Hamporcus.—Silver-spangled.—1, H. Beldon,
2, Fawcett & Anderton. Silver-pencilled—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley’
Golden-spangled.—1, J. Rawnsley. 2, H. Beldon. Golden-pencilled.—i, H.
Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley. Black.—l, C. Sedgwick. 2, Hobson & Robinson,
Chickens.—l, C. Sedgwick. 2, J. Sharp. Potanps.—l and vhc, H. Beldon. 2,
J. Rawnsley. ANY ofHER VarieTy.—1,G. Furness. 2, H. Beldon. BanTams.
—Game—i, E. Walton. 2, W. F. Entwistle. Cock.—l, J. Blamires. 2, W. F.
Entwistle. Chickens.—1, W.F. Entwistle. 2, E. Walton. Any other variety.
—l, E. Walton. 2, J. F. Crowther. Ducxs.—<Aylesbury.—l, J. Newton. 2, K.
Craven. Rouen.—l, J. Newton. 2, H. Hanson. Any other variety.—l, H.
Beldon. 2, J. R. Pollard.

PIGEONS.—Povuters.—Cock ov Hen.—l, J. BE. Crofts. 2 and 8, E. Horner.
Carrimrs.—Cock or Hen.—1, H. Yardley. 2, EH. Horner. 8, Mrs.Belk. vhc,J.
E. Crofts, J. Tomlinson. Dracoons.—Cock or Hen.—1,R. Woods. 2, J. Booth.
8, B. Horner. vhe, E. Mawson. Owxs.—English.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 2,
Ward & Rhodes. 8, R. Woods, vhke J. Thresh (2). Toursits.—Cock or Hen.—

124

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 9, 1877.

land 3, R. Woods. 2, E. Horner. TuUMBLERS.—Short-faced.—Cup, 1, and 2, H
Yardley. 3,E.Mawson. Long-faced.—l,J.Thresh. 2, A. Smith. 8, R. Woods.
vhe, E. Horner. Barps.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 2, Mrs. Belk. 3, H. Yardley.
ANTWERPS.—Long-faced.—Cock —1 and 8, S. Wade. 2, B. Rawnsley. Hen.—1,
B. Rawnsley. 2, S. Wade. 8, J. Cockett. Short-faced.—Cock.—1, W. F.

Entwistle. 2, H. Yardley. 8, A. Brook. Hen.—l, W. F. Entwistle 2, H.
Yardley. 8, T. Bottomley. Mediwm-faced.—Cock.—l, S. Wade. 2, W. F.
Entwistle. 3, B. Rawnsley. Hen.—l and 2, W. F. Entwistle. 3, S. Wade.

Chickens.—1 and vhe, W. F. Entwistle. 2,S. Wade. 3, B. Rawnsley. Any
Chea NP EteEE COCK, or Hen.—l and vhe, Ward & Rhodes. 2,E.Horner. 38,

. &. Crofts,

RABBITS.—Lop-EarED.—Buck or Doe.—l, H. Woods. 2, R. Murgatroyd.
Himatayan.—Buck or Doe.—l, J. Robertshaw. 2, J. Mills. vhc, H. Woods.
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—l, E. Pepper. 2, J. S. Swithenbank, S. Buckley. 3, E.
Robinson, J. Firth. vhe, J. Robertshaw, J. S. Swithenbank, S. Buckley.

Jupces.—Mr. T. J. Charlton, Blenheim, Manningham, and
Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey.

GLAMORGANSHIRE POULTRY SHOW.

Tats Show was held at Aberdare on the 2nd inst. A good
prize list with great provision in pens, marquee, and attend-
ance only brought about one hundred entries, no doubt be-
cause the Show is little known and badly advertised. Dorkings
were very good. First Grey, second White. Brahmas good,
but Game out of feather, and Spanish very good and well shown.
In cockerel and pullet first were grand Dark Grey Dorkings,
second Brahmas, and third Buff Cochins, three pens equal to
holding their own at any show. Hamburghs were very good
but not numerous. Polish.—First Silver, second Gold, and both
good. French were very good. In Bantams Blacks were first,
Scotch Greys second, and Silver Sebrights third. Ducks and
Geese were, as usual, very good here.

POULTRY.—Doruines.—Grey or Coloured.—1, Miss M. Leyshon. 2 and 8,
H. Feast. BrauMa Poorra.—l, E. Lawrence. 2,S. W. Thomas. 8, H. Feast.
GamE.—l, E. Winwood, 2, R. Pearson, 8, The Powell Dufiryn Coal Co.
SpanisH.—l, J. Kitchen. 2, H. Feast. Cocuin-Curna.—l and 8, B. Clatworthy.
2, H. Perkins. Chickens.—1 and vhe, M. Leyshon, 2, E. Lloyd. 8, E. Clat-
worthy. Hampurcus.—Gold-pencilled and Spangled.—1, J. Carr. 2, J.
Rossiter. vhc, H. Feast. Silver-pencilled and Spangled.—1 and 2, H. Feast.
PoLanps.—l and 2, H. Feast. vhe, E. Lloyd. Hovupans.—l and 2, S. W.
Thomas. CREVEs.—1 and vhe, H. Feast. 2, E, Lloyd. Banrams.—l, T. F.
Phelps. 2,S.Hosgood. 3 and vhc, Morris & Cameron. ANY OTHER DIsTINcCT
BREED.—1 and 2, H. Feast. 8, O. Hurford. Ducxs.—Aylesbury.—1, H. Feast.
2, E. Floyd. Rouen.—1. Miss C. Leyshon. 2, J. Moody. vhc, H. Feast. GEESE.
—1,J.Thomas. 2, Miss Harrys. TuRKEYS.—1, Miss Harrys. SELLING CLAss.

—Fowls.—1 and 3, H. Feast. 2, D.Lewis. Ducks.-1, Mi . y .
Wheeler. 3 and uke, H. Feast. a ese eaie Cy eevencnsy 2A

JuDGE,—Mr. E. Hutton.

RYHOPE SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tuis Show took place on the 6th inst., and was a pretty good
one as regards the quality of the exhibits. Dorkings did not
muster well, but the Cochins were really grand, not alone in
size but also in quality of plumage. In Brahmas first were
Dark and second Light, but the rest were poor. Spanish @
grand lot. Polish were moderate, but the Game good through-
out. The single cocks were placed—first Brown Red, second
Black Red, and third Piles, and Brown Reds won in pairs.
There were some good chickens. Hamburgns were as good as
any section of the Show, the winners such as will be difficult
to beat. Bantams, always an importantsection here, were good,
but not as numerous as we have seen them. In Reds were
some good birds; the first Black and second Brown Red, and
in the following class Duckwings were first and Piles second,
the latter out of feather. Ducks a good section, but the birds
mostly out of feather. Ornamental Ducks, first and second Pin-
tails, and third Carolinas.

2, R.
y vhe, W.
Chickens.—1, J.D. Booth. 2, R. Shield. PoutsH.—1, R. Sewell. 3
A. Clark.

Weatheral.

Holmes & Destner. Chickens.—l, R. Keenleyside. Silver-spangled.—l, J. G.
-Walker, 2 and vhe, Holmes & Destner. 8, G. Alderson. Chickens.—l, W.
Bearpark. Golden-pencilled.—1, & G. Kidson. 2 and J. G. Walker.

a 8,
Chickens.—1 and 2, T. & G. Kidson. Silver-pencilled —1, D. Clow. Chickens.—

Young. 8,D. Clow. vhe,J. Pattison. BARNDOOR Fowrs.—l, J. ’. Hedley. 2

Jupce.—Mr. H. Hutton, Pudsey.

COMMON RABBITS.
WHERE mere amusement, the table, or profit is the object
sought common Rabbits are most satisfactory. They will bear
great exposure to cold, and thrive well on almost any kind of

food. Too much moist or succulent food, as cabbage leaves or
vegetables generally, is not proper for them any more than for
the fancy varieties, for it is likely to disorder the bowels and
render them too relaxed, particularly if young; bran, oatmeal,
oats, or split peas should be mixed with them, and a little new
or fresh hay given occasionally. The fancy varieties, on the
contrary, must be kept warmer; the atmosphere of the place
in which they are kept should never be less than temperate or
they will degenerate. Wet or damp is particularly injurious to
them, and they must be carefully protected from all chills and
draughts.

Common Rabbits exhibit a variety of colours. Of these the
brown, the grey, the black, and the black-and-white are in some
respects to be preferred. The white with pink or red eyes are
rarely good mothers, and are certainly the most tender in con-
stitution.

In selecting Rabbits for breeding be careful to choose those
of the largest and strongest build and from the most healthy
stock. The doe should not be less than seven months old and
the buck eight or nine months. A grey or brown doe and a
black-and-white buck, or the buck grey or brown and the doe
black-and-white, generally produce the finest progeny; at any
rate do not paira buck and doo of a similar colour or from the
same or similar stock. In-and-in-breeding, as it is termed—
that is, from the same stock or parentage, never succeeds, and
where it is repeated every fresh brood becomes weaker and
wesxker. The greater strangers the buck and doe are to each
other the better and stronger will their progeny be. A few days
before a doe is ready to kindle you may see her nibbling the hay
or straw and pulling the down from her breast to make a soft
warm bed for her expected young. As soon as you observe this,
or rather @ week before you have reason to look for the young
brood, take care to supply her with a little soft fresh hay or cut
straw to make her bed with; brushed straw well rubbed together
with the hands until no longer brittle is very good for this
purpose.

In a day or two after the doe has kindled take the opportunity
when she is feeding to look at her brood and examine if they all
appear fairly formed and healthy. Do this quickly and care-
tully, as some does are jealous of their young being interfered
with, and will forsake them if she observes them to have been
touched or moved. If she keeps so much in her sleeping place
as to give you no opportunity to inspect them, endeavour to
entice her out by giving her some fresh favourite food, as a
cabbage leaf, the top of carrots, or the like, or take her out of
the hutch. If you find too many in the nest (more than four if
good Rabbits or six of the common kind), and one or more of
that number appear weak or puny, take it or them away, and
the remainder will be all the better for it, as too numerous a
litter will weaken the mother and prove too many for her to
support. If you happen to have another doe with a smaller
number of young about the same time, you may put the little
thing among her brood, and she is very likely to suckle and
bring it up.

When the doe has kindled give her a small slice of bread
soaked in warm milk, but with no more milk than the bread
absorbs, once or twice a-day. When suckling her young the
doe should be well supplied with succulent nutritious food—
cabbage leaves, nuts, thistles, lettuce, green corn, dandelions, &
little parsley, or the tops of carrots are very good at this time.
A little barleymeal mixed up with warm milk or water, fresh
brewers’ grains, or bruised malt made into a warm mush should
be given occasionally, but not too much at a time, as it sours
and is then injurious. Morning and early in the evening are
the best times to feed her, and then take care that she has
plenty, for a doe while suckling requires at least twice as much
food as when she has but herself to feed. So soon as her young
begin to feed be sure to supply them with as much as they can
eat at least three times a-day.

When about ten or twelve weeks old the young if strong and
healthy will not require to be suckled any longer by the doe, and
should be removed to another hutch and kept by themselves.
By the time they reach the age of four or five months they must
be separated, particularly the bucks from the does, for they are
quarrelsome little animals and rarely agree as they approach
maturity. Never allow the young to be put in a hutch with a
buck, as he will worry them terribly and even kill them. Be
sure also to keep them free from rats and other vermin, or the
little helpless creatures will soon become victims.

In not less than a week or two after the young are removed
from the doe she may be allowed to take the buck again, unless
it be too near the end of the old or early in the new year, when
the cold is too severe for the young brood, in which case breed-
ing should be postponed until milder weather sets in. The
fancy varieties should not be permitted to breed more than
three times in the year, or it will exhaust strength, so that the
young will be weak and unlikely to live. After the third year
has passed the best thing you can do with either buck or doe is
to feed and fatten it for the table. Common Rabbits may be a
year older if strong and healthy.

August 9, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

125

If a buck is kept a single hutch—that is, one with but one
compartment, with wired door and feeding trough, will do well
to keep him in. A similar hutch if of sufficient size, say not
less than 2 feet in length, will do to put the young progeny in
when taken from the doe; but they must not remain together
after four or five months old, indeed as soon as you observe
them beginning to fight they must be separated and kept apart.

Rabbits naturally feed on vegetables, and readily eat most of
the edible productions of the field or garden. Meadow grass
cut green, milk thistles, carrot tops, cabbage leaves, clover,
tares, hare parsley, stalks and leaves of chicory, leaves of white
beet, parsnips, new hay, and Jerusalem artichokes are all good
for them, and may be given occasionally to vary their food.
Too much green vegetable food must not be given them, as it is
too apt to relax their bowels, but should be served out to them
with or after their dry corn food, and at all times must be a day
or two old.—(The Pet Stock Bulletin.)

CANARY BREEDING.

Tuer breeding season is fast drawing to a close, and birds, both
old and young, will soon be in heavy moult; in fact the young
from early nests are already pushing forth their new and more
showy plumage. There is not much advantage gained in pro-
longing the breeding of Canaries beyond the end of July, owing
to the old birds becoming sick and weakly and the young from
such not thriving so well as those hatched in the months of
April, May, and June. Already many breeders have cleared
away all nesting materials, pulled down the breeding partitions,
and cleansed and appropriated the same for moulting or pre-
paring the most promising young for the coming season’s exhi-
pitions. Some breeders have sets of partitions or cages specially
set apart for moulting their birds, keeping one or two birds in
each compartment; and others will moult several broods to-
gether in some corner of a room or snug recluse, the birds being
kept in a state of semi-darkness to prevent them from pulling
each other’s feathers during the moult. I consider it quite as
essential to cleanse the breeding places and cages at the end of
the breeding season as it is when putting-up the birds to breed,
for if there should be any vermin lurking about it is not possible
that the birds can remain undisturbed during roosting. And this
is a matter much to be regarded whilst birds are moulting, for it
prevents or at least checks the birds (which become uneasy and
fretful through the vermin) from pecking their quill feathers at
a time when they are charged with blood, the starting of which
hinders the free growth of the feathers, and not only retards the
maturity and unfolding of the same but weakens the birds.

Respecting the remarks upon Canaries and their eggs alluded
to in page 339, No. 840, Mr. Hervieux further states :—

“Thunder is another accident, for when there happens any
extraordinary thunder on the seventh or eighth day after the
hen has been sitting the little ones which are scarce half-formed
sometimes perish, and the eggs that were thought to be good
because they were dark and somewhat heavy are quite spoiled
by the thunder. When the thunder happens in the daytime
and the hen is gone off the eggs to ease herself or feed, there is
much cause to fear the eggs will be spoiled, and therefore you
must then endeavour to make the hen return to her nest, for
when on them she commonly saves them from that accident,
and therefore the thunder is not to be so much dreaded at night,
because the hen is then on her eggs. :

“Some put a bit of iron into the nest to hinder the effect of
the thunder, but I will not prescribe that asa sovereign remedy.
When the thunder happens on the eleventh or twelfth day the
hen has been sitting it is not so much to be feared, because the
little ones are stronger, though still in the shell, and.very often
it only makes them hatch twenty-four hours before their usual
time, :

“Thunder sometimes is so violent that it destroys both old
and young, and if they are ever so little out of order otherwise,
that thunder makes an end of them, and they are found dead
and stiff in their huts, without any other cause.

“The eggs are generally thirteen times twenty-four hours
under the hen—for instance, you place five or six eggs under your
hen on a Saturday at seven in the morning, and you will have
young hatched the second Friday following in the morning.
Some, but very rarely, hatch one day before the usual time:
either the thunder or the great heats, as in July and August,
may cause them to advance; others, on the contrary, come
twenty-four hours later or thereabouts, and that is occasioned
by cold, as sometimes happons at the first sitting in April; or it
may proceed from having handled the eggs too often, as has
been said ; or lastly, the hens being sickly or weakly may hatch
a day or more later than usual.

“The fear of breaking the eggs when handled makes us take
them up trembling, and even so we often break them, either
pressing them too hard between the fingers, or else letting them
fall for want of-holding them fast. To obviate this accident,
which daily happens to the most experienced persons, they are
not to be handled unless in case of necessity, and when you

cannot avoid it. You must take them up unconcerned and
without dread, for the fear of breaking them often proves a dan-
gerous precaution. If, therefore, you boldly take up your eggs
in your fingers by the ends, but never by the middle, as I ob-
served before, you will be sure not to break them; and if still
you be apprehensive notwithstanding all these precautions, you
may make use of a small thin spoon to take them up with, and
that way you will still be safer.”

Even with the foregoing precautions of Mr. Hervieux (which
are worth observing), still accidents may and will otherwise
occur to eggs through overgrown nails puncturing the shells,
or through the claws being clogged with dirt gathered from the
cage bottom, which will frequently cause the egg-shell to become
indented. The former obstacle may be obviated by carefully
cutting the hens’ claws (the nails) before they commence sitting ;
and the latter may be prevented with the cage bottom being
kept scrupulously clean and well supplied with grit sand and an
occasional bath. But the trimming of the nails will only be
necessary when the hens are above one year oid.—GrorGE J.
BaRNESBY.

LARGE HIVES.

Dorine last winter I bought ‘A Handy Book on Bees,” by
Mr. Pettigrew, and having read it I determined to try his system
of large hives, of course for honey or profit, but more especially
to break down the prejudices of the bee-keepers in this district
(Northumberland), where small hives only are used. I ordered
some hives from Manchester 18 inchesin diameter and 12 inches
deep inside measure. I bought three stocks in small hives from
an old man and set up my apiary, determined to succeed; but
when I had the first swarm on June 14th and put it into the
large hive I was laughed at by an old bee-keeper who assisted
me to hive the swarm, and who assured me it was no use, the
bees would never fill it, for he had had fifty years’ experience,
and 4 stones was the greatest weight of honey he ever had.

On the 22nd I had another swarm, and on the 27th I had the
third, both of which I put into large hives. I also had two
second swarms, which I put into small hives. The third hive
did not swarm a second time, for the floorboard had a feeding
trough in it, and the bees filled it with comb, and I simply
lifted the hive off the board, and with it came the comb out of
the trough. I had by me ready another board with a large hole
in it, under which I placed an 18-inch eke. I lowered the comb
through the board into the eke, and the latter is now nearly full
of comb. But as I wish more particularly to speak of the large
hives I will not at present say more on the second swarms or
stocks, but if you think it worth while to insert this I will write
again after the moor season is over.

To return to the hive of June 14th. It was full of comb and
honey in five weeks, but the board and hive only weighed 34 lbs.
That of the 22nd is also quite full; that of the 27th is not yet
full, but quite three-fourths, and it is a 20-inch hive, which was
sent by mistake. These facts in the face of the worst season for
many years proves that Mr. Pettigrew’s system is very good,
and those who have not read his little book should do so at once.
__I will send my bees to the heather on the Ist of August, and
if it is a good season hope to get 100 lbs. of honey from each
hive. It is a sight to see the bees at work. ‘The doors ara
3% inches wide, and the stream in fine weather is nearly constant,
and often I think the bees are swarming. I should like to know
the best plan of getting bees out of supers, and I would farther .
inquire why it is that there are often, say, from ten to twenty
bees on the ground, evidently dying, in front of the hives. Are
they robbers “come to grief,” or workers having lived their
natural term, ‘‘ shuffling off this mortal coil ?”—Harpy or THE
His, Northumberland.

DRIVING BEES.

I Have read with much pleasure the two articles from my
brother amateurs on bee-management in your Journal of
June 21st, page 474, and July 5th, page 24; and although I have
not been quite so far in my experiments as Mr. Kendal, yet my
little experience may be helpful to some young beginners,

First I would say it is from your Journal that I have gained
most of my experience or information. Until I read your
pages, like many others I thought the sulphur pit must be
the doom of our little friends, and I hated such a barbarous
practice and did not care to keep them; but when I saw they
could be managed in a more humane way I resolved to make a
beginning,

Last September I bought one swarm in a very small skep, for
which I gave 15s. I fed them a little in the autumn, and they
stood the winter very well. I commenced feeding them again
about the middle of April, and continued feeding until swarm-
ing time. The quantity of syrup I gave was from 6 to Slbs. I
intended swarming them artificially, but they were forwarder
than I expected, and on the 30th of May a fine swarm issued
naturally, which I hived successfully in a large 18-by-12-inch

126 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 9, 1877.

ao eho SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSSSSSsSSs—

Pettigrew hive which I made myself, and they have now almost
filled it with comb.

On the 22nd of June I resolved to turn them out, as I did not
get a second swarm, buf they hung round the flight-board for
several days, and I thought they were doing no good. But here
arose a difficulty; the hive they were in was so much smaller
than the one I wanted to transfer them to. The one they were
in was only about 14 by 12 inches, and the one I wanted to put
them in was a large Pettigrew hive 18 by 12inches. At last I
thought of a plan. I had one of Mr. Neighbour’s super covers,
which was just about the size of my stock hive. I then turned
the hive bottom upwards, put on the super cover; then I had at
hand a round roller towel, which I bound tightly round the
junction, and it answered the purpose well. I then commenced
knocking the hive with the palms of both hands, and I kept on
for about twenty minutes. I then unpinned the towel and
lifted- up the super cover, when I found all but a dozen or two
of the bees had ascended from the combs into the super cover.
I then turned up my large hive and poured the bees in like
shaking in a natural swarm. I then turned the hive up and
placed it on the stand where the old hive stood before, and they
took to the new hive well, and the next day they started on at
work, and now they have more than half filled the hive with
comb. Afterwards I took out the combs from the old hive,
broke them up and ran out the honey into a pan, and whenI
came to weigh it I found I had about 111bs., some of which I
sold for 1s. and some for 10d. per pound. So [ thought, taking
all things into consideration, I was very successful; then, if all
is well, my hive will be well filled with good clean combs for
the winter, and also the bees will be in a good roomy hive,
which I think must be much the best.

I may remark that I tried the artificial swarming from one of
Neighbour’s hives, and I managed to take a very good swarm of
bees; but I suppose I was not successful in getting the queen,
for they all soon went back, and I did not take them again, and
in a few days they came off naturally. t :

I am now making another 18-by-12-inch Pettigrew hive, which
I want to fill with condemned bees if I can get any, and feed
them up with sugarsyrup. But I wish many others would give
us the result of their experience in the autumn feeding as to
the feeding apparatus to use and the best way to feed, whether
on the top or at the bottom of the hives. No doubt a few hints
on these points would be useful to many others as well as my-
self. I fed at the top of the hive and used a cistern holding
three pints of syrup, with a trough 6 inches long, and placed
in a box with a hole in the bottom, and stood it on the hive with
this hole just opposite the hole in the top of the hive, so that
the bees could come up into the box and take the syrup down,
and no foreign bees could get near them as the cistern was shut
in the box, but they did not take it very fast that way.—J. F.

REMOVING BEES TO THE MOORS.

As it is now time to remove bees to the moors to catch the
heather bursting into blossom, it may be well to remind your
readers that before removal the hives should be well ventilated
and their combs well supported. The closing of the doors of
hives prevents natural ventilation, and the disturbance of
yemoval causes commotion, and thereby greater heat inside,
hence the cases of suffocation and breakdowns we so often
hear about. Suffocations and breakdowns are avoidable. Hives
4ull of bees need much fresh air while on a journey from one
place to another. By placing fly-proof wire over the doors and
crown holes of hives we let the bees have a current of air
through them that prevents overheating and suffocation. Cross
sticks to which the combs are attached keep all in their places
steady and secure, and thus prevent breakdowns. All hives
should be nailed to their boards or well tied down, and sent off
in their natural position. To turn hives upside down and send
them off bottom upwards is avery foolish and dangerous process,
for in this position the dip of the cells is reversed, causing the
honey to run out of them more readily. Hives without cross
sticks should be turned up two or three days before removal,
and have two or three half corks placed between every two
combs with a view to keep all steady and firm. Ii the pieces of
cork are properly placed or wedged between the combs the bees
fasten the combs to them in less than twenty-four hours, and
when thus fastened they are the best possible substitute for

88 sticks.
ton Saturday last, August 4th, three Manchester gentlemen
took their hives to the Glossop moors, and saw their bees at
work on the early blossoms of heather as soon as they were let

out.—A. PETTIGREW.

OUR LETTER BOX.

BrxEs.—A correspondent asks if Mr. W. H. Attwood will oblige by stating in
what neighbourhood it is possible to obtain bees at 1s. per hive, a8 mentioned
in his letter on page 86, and whether they could be easily transmitted into

cestershire. N x "
bias BreEs (Colin Cig el a can easily drive your bees if you
uge a similar hive, into which they will better move than into a square box.

As soon as they haye gone up and are quiet you can dash them out upon the
ground by a sudden blow on the hive top, and if you set the square box near
them with one side a little {raised they will quickly enter into it. You will
have to feed largely and continuously, and it would be better to wait till late
in August, when there will probably be but little brood.

Hive SwArMInG wiTHout Drones (4.).—It is asked whether “a hive

full of combs, but in which the cells are exclusively those of workers and none
of drones, can or will send out a swarm.” We have no experience to guide us
in a case like this, but we should expect to find small drones bred in worker
cells, as sometimes happens, in sufficient numbers for the wants of theswarms
which might issue. Mr. Ruddock does not seem to have made allowance for
the fact that brood does not always develope at the same rate. He is Tight
as to the rule, but in this, as in other cases, there is no rule without an ex-
ception. Our correspondent asks why it should have given pleasure to W. H.
Attwood to find there were no young bees in his hive which had been driven
or had swarmed.
_ CanaRy UNHEALTHY (W.).—It is a natural consequence for birds to fall
into moult at about this period of the year, and such no doubt is the case
with your birds. Still from the description given your sufferer is affected to
2 greater extent than birds generally are in the moulting sickness, and may
have taken cold. If it is no better give it a warm bath by immersing its feet
and stomach in water (blood heat), and afterwards absorbing with asoft cloth,
such as a pocket handkerchief, all moisture from the feathers, and gently
drying the bird before the fire. In addition to the ordinary food add daily a
little bread and milk. In the daytime keep the cage partly covered, and
wholly so at night, and ont of all draughts. In about a week after the birds
have had the bread-and-milk food let them have a little plain biscuit slightly
soaked with a few drops of sherry. Discontinue the sugar and replace it
with a little piece of salt, and keep a rusty nail in the water.

Fox TERRIER (JV. L.).—We know of no special management. Buy “The
Dog,” written by “ Ipstone,” and published by Messrs. Cassell.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SquaRE, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 32’ 40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 AM. In THE Day.
e dhe .| Hygrome-| 85 \SS.s Shade Tem-|_ Radiation 4
1877 Bane ter. S58 | aa 3| perature. |Temperature.| ¢
ates oo
Aug. |2525 | 2 on In | On
Ase") Dry.| Wet.| AS |F Max. Min.| sun. |grass:|
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. deg. deg. | In.
We. 1 | 29.862 | 6£0 | 57.0 | Ne | 67.2 | 70.7 | 57.3 | 126.3 | 57.4 =
Th. 2 | 29.951 | 60.0 | 52.9 Raa | 65.4 | 67.9 | 49.2 118.2 | 47.1 |-0012
Fri. 3 | 39.027 | 61.1 | 52.2 | N.W. | 63.2 | 68.7 | 46.4 122.0 | 44.1 | 0.030
Sat, 4 | 30.055 | 606 | 53.9 | N.W. | 63.0 | 728 | 516 122.3 | 50.1 _—
Sun. 5 | 3 2 | 67.3.) 59.6 | W. | 64.0 | 79.3 | 53.8 126.7 | 50.2 —
Mo. 6 | 29.933 72.8 | 61.0 S. | 64.9 | 80.0 | 57.0 124.0 | 50.9 | 0.190
Ta. 7 | 29.65: 69.5 63.6 Ss. | 65.5 | 71.7 | 61.0 | 106.3 | 57.4 | 0.193
Means 65.0 | 57.2 | 647 | 73.0 | 538 | 1208 | 51.0 | 0.495
| |
REMARKS.

1st.—A very fine pleasant day, much cooler than yesterday, rather cloudy
towards the evening.

2nd.—Fine morning, but rather cloudy and stormlike before 11 4.m.; a very
pleasant day though showery; one sharp shower for a short time about
4p.m., afterwards fine and a starlit night.

3rd.—F air but rather cold and dull; rain at 6 p.a., and again in the evening.

4th.—Dull in early morning, very fine by noon; fair all day, but at times
heavy and stormlike.

5th.—Very fine all day ; much warmer and more cloudy toward night.

6th.—Fine day, but close and stormlike towards evening; rain after 9P.m.,
and during ths night.

7th.—Fine and pleasant till noon, then showery till nearly 9P.n1., after that
time starlight.

Mean temperatures during the week very similar to those of the one pre-
ceding, but more equable.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Avetst 8.

THE bulk of the soft fruit is now to hand, and a good supply of Apples is
reaching us. There has been scarcely any alteration in prices since our last
report, with the exception of hothouse fruits, all kinds of which are ex-
periencing a considerable fall owing to the finish of the London season; all
classes of vegetables have likewise receded in value.

8. d. 8. d. .d. 8. a
3 Oto4 6} Melons....... OtoS 0
1 6 3 0} Nectarines. 018 0
0 £ 1 0} Oranges... 0160
3.0 + 6| Peaches . 3 0 200
4 0 5 Oj Pine Apples. 20 50
2 0 9 O| Raspberries. 06310
3 6 4 6] Strawberries . 06416
1 0 8 0Q| Walnuts.......... bushel 5 0 8 0
VEGETABLES.

s.d. s.d. 5.0. 1s.
dozen 8 0to6 0} Mushrooms 1 6to2 u
3100 0 0 O 0} Mustard & C: 02 04
bushel 4 0 5 0} Onions 0000
dozen 16 8 0 i 04 06
Broccoli........ bundle 0 9 1 6 : 20 00
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 0 0 0 GO| Parsnips......... dozen 00 00
Cabbage........ dozen 10 2 0 Ga quart 0 6 10
Carrots .. bunch J 6 O 9 t bushel 5 0 O 0
Capsicums.. #100 16 4 0 Kidney ....... bushel 5 0 7 U
Cauliflowers.... dozen 2 0 .4 0} Radishes.. doz.bunches 10 1 6
Celery.......---. bundle 1 6 2 0| Khubarb.... bundle 06 10
Coleworts doz. banches 2 0 4 4 Salsafy ........ bundle 0 9 10
Cucumbers ...- each 0 8 O 9|Scorzonera .... bundle 1 0 0 0
Endive . 6 dozen 1 U 2 u| Seakale ........ basket 00 0 0
Fennel.. bunch 0 8 O 0} Shallots lb 0 38 0 6
Garlic .. Yb. 0 6 O Oj} Spinach bushel 2 6 4 0
Herbs .. bunch 0 2 O 0} Turnips.. bunch 0 5 U 8
Lettuce dozen 1 0 2 0} Veg. Marro . each 0 2 0 4

Leeks bunch 0 4 0 0

August 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun Sun | M M Moon’s | Clock | Day
AUGUST 16—22, 1877. Temperature near t oon oon oon’s ,
Roti ot | F Mo atdGte Rises Sets Rises. Sets. Age. peters yon
| i Dia ya uant: Bleane Ly ne h. pas h, mj bk. m Days.|m. a.
16 ‘— | Shrewsbury Show closes. 2.2 | 7 2 47) 9 51 7 4 2 | 228
| F a 72.7 | 50.1 | 614] 4 51| 7 17] 8 58/10 82] 8 | 8 99 | 229
18 8 73.2 | 50.7 | 62.0 4 52 yb 4 56) 11 25 9 8 86 | 230
7 Say || i pee 731 | 49.2] 62 | 4 54} 7 18] 5 89! mor} 10 | 3 99 | 981
20 M 72.8 | 50.6 | 61.7 4 55 OA Abl 6 10 0 30 11 8 8 | 282
21 | Tu | Royal Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com- | 72.6 | 49.7 | 612 | 4 57) 7 9] 6 82) 1 41 12 2 54 | 283
22, | WwW | Chepstow Show. [ mittees at 11 au. | 71.6 | 49.7 | 55.6 | 4 59/ 7 7/] 6 48| 2 55 18 2 39 | 284
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 72.8°; andits night temperature
27.

INARCHING VINES.

HE present time is the best of all the year
for inarching Vines. If the work is done
now, when much of the wood is only half
ripe, the canes unite quickly and form a
lasting connection before pruning time.

be as well for me to explain for the benefit
of your readers who are not familiar with
the term ‘“inarching,” that it is simply the
easiest of all ways of grafting, and there are
none more sure of success. In beginning operations, sup-
posing a white and black Grape to be growing side by
side, the one may be inarched on the other. We intend
doing this next year, where there is a Muscat Troveren
and Black Hamburgh growing together. There is not heat
enough in the house to grow the first properly. When the
Vines begin growing next year a shoot will be allowed to
grow from the lowermost part of the Hamburgh. This
will be brought alongside the Muscat, and when ready
the Hamburgh wood will be joined to the Muscat, and the
latter will be cut away altogether from where they are
connected.

Tnarching new sorts on old and inferior varieties is a
very quick way of testing new Grapes. By inarching a
small cane of any new sort on a good root this season it
would make sufficient growth to bear fruit next year, but
it would hardly do this perfectly if planted out.

In thinking of inarching any Vine, no matter what it
is, the first thing to be ccensidered is the securing of a
proper stock. Some varieties of Grapes do very much
better on another’s roots than on their own, provided
the stock is well selected. That is a point that must be
considered to avoid failure. There are only two stocks
which I dare recommend for every Grape; they are
Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria. Grapes
that will fail on both of these stocks will not flourish
anywhere. Other stocks might do well for a time, or
perhaps altogether, but it is a chauce which I would not
risk with any valuable sort; but where neither of these
stocks are growing others may be tried. Always choose
the most robust grower. Never try one with tender roots
like the Muscat Hamburgh. After deciding on a stock,
select the young Vine that has to be added to it. If it
has to be sent for from a nursery, state what it is wanted
for, and procure a cane becoming brown half way to the
point.

Tn inarching one Vine on another the head of the stock
is afterwards entirely cut away; therefore the nearer the
root the two are united the better. Some Vines catch
the wires close to the surface of the soil, others go up
2, or 3 feet to the first wire, and, as a rule, I have found
this part the most convenient point to inarch at.

The operation of inarching is very easily performed,
and no one need fail at it. With a very sharp knife cut
a clean slice off the part of the wood where it is desired

to make the connection. This slice should be 2 inches

or more in length and should penetrate the wood about
No. 855 —Vou. XXXIIL, NEw SERIES,

| Perhaps, before going any further, it will |
| a stool in a convenient position.

| suffer by the ligatures being too tight.

| one-eighth. Then cut a piece off the one that has to be

put on exactly the same size as the one just finished, so

| as when they are placed face to face the edges and other

The best part to unite a young Vine
is about a foot or so from the root. Nearly all young
Vines which are inarched are in pots.. When they are
united near the ground the pot may rest on the ground;
but when this cannot be done, the pot must be raised on
Lay the cuts together,
and about 1 inch from the end each way tie a round or
two of matting. This assists greatly in keeping the canes
firm and steady. When the cut parts are pressed against
each other bind them closely round with soft matting and
tie it firmly. This completes the inarching. The two
will be united in a month, when the wood will begin
swelling, and the matting must be cut, or the wood may
‘Leave the top and
bottom tie, however, in case anything might come against
the united parts and separate them. It is well to leave
these ties on until pruning time.

Water the roots in the pot regularly throughout the
season. At pruning time cut the young Vine away close
to the tie next the root, and do the same with the old rod
above the tie. This will leave the new rod free to take the
place of the one just cut out; and if all goes well it will bear-
fruit freely the following season.—A KircHmen GARDENER.

parts may meet.

AUTUMN ROSES.

“More about Roses!” I can well imagine some reader
may exclaim on seeing the above heading. “ More about
Roses! Surely we have had a surfeit of Roses. Articles
on exhibition Roses, on garden Roses, on old Roses, on
new Roses; letters on climbing Roses, on Roses suited
for towns, and last week on neglected Roses. What more
can be said? Happy shall I be when I can parody the-
grace of the guest who was fed for one whole day on
nothing but rabbits—

“¢ Roses old, and Roses bold,
Roses tender, Roses tough,
I thank the Lord I’ve had enough.’”

No, my dear but testy reader, you may not sing your grace
at present; we have no intention of letting Roses drop
out of the columns of the Rose Journal for some little
time, and there are still many subjects connected with
the Rose left to us. What would you say, my friend, to
an article on Roses suitable for churchyards? “Ah, good! !
(you chuckle) ; the best place for them. Bury them, sir,
bury them, and along with them inter the Wyld Savage ;
then we shall have peace for a time, and can look to our
Dahlias, and write about our Phloxes and Gladioli, and
other seasonable flowers. Bury them.” Mcariwinle let
me say a few words on autumn Roses. =" AEE STE
What do I mean by autumn Roses? Well, Rgses
which do as well, if not better, in the autumn as in
summer. By autumnI mean August and September—
the present time, in fact. There are some Roses which
bloom much later than the generality of Hybrid Per-
petuals, whilst others bloom much better in the autumn
No. 1507.—Vous LVIII., Oup SERiEs,

128

than in the height of summer. I do not know the reason ; it
must be something in the nature of the variety unknown to
everybody but themselves. At all events, be the reason what
it may, itis very rare to see good blooms of some varieties in
exhibition stands. Some readers of these notes may wish for
the names of a few Roses which are thus late in blooming, or
which, according to my judgment, bloom better in the autumn.
They may wish to prolong their blooming season, £0 as to
have Roses of some kind or other from May till December ;
and they can do this if they wish by planting good free climb-
ing sorts against a south wall for early spring blooms, and by
filling the interval between the first and second blooms by
planting Roses such asTam about toname. All of these are
the finest exhibition sorts, for I grow none other.

First I would name that magnificent dark Rose Pierre
Notting. How splendid the blooms are in a dry autumn!
while in summer one rarely sees a good bloom. This Rose
ought to be grown in partial shade. The place above all others
for it is in a south border which has some huge evergreens or
thick trees at the east end, so that the sun is not on the Roses
till late in the day. I wish I could show the blooms which
are on my trees to-day (August 5th).

Next to this Rose I should name Duc de Rohan. This fine
old Rose never, to the best of my experience, comes to the
front in June. It is a most distinct variety, being wonderfully
built up, and of a bright crimson colour—altogether what one
may call a superb Rose.

Then I would name Emilie Hausburg; I know of no better
formed Rose than this. The colour exactly resembles that
great delicacy strawberry ice, and the form is in my eyes per-
‘fection. Intensely double and globular, each petal encircles
-the other ; you sometimes see an eye, but rarely in the autumn.
In the summer this Rose does not bloom well, but now we
have no better variety among the lights. Abel Grand, how-
ever, runs her very close. In the autumn I think this fine
Rose is even grander than in the summer; and the same may
be said of La France, the sweetest of Roses.

And now I come to a Rose concerning which I fancy there
may be a great diversity of opinion, but I only speak from my
own experience. With me this Rose rarely (and never this
season), gives a good bloom in June and July. I allude to
Madame Victor Verdier. As I have more than once said in
the Journal, my Roses are grown in all aspects and in various
parts of a somewhat extensive place. Wherever Madame
Victor Verdier is, she is blooming freely and splendidly now.
She is a magnificent Rose, and one I doubt not which will take
a very high position in the Rose lists.

Still keeping to Hybrid Perpetuals, I should next name
Maréchal Vaillant as being a grand autumn Rose. This old

~variety has been a little elbowed out of his place by some
novelties, but in the autumn the old Maréchal is equal to the
best of them. After the soldier I should place that somewhat

- capricious lady Mdlle. Annie Wood. How rarely in the sum-
mer do we see her unfold her charms without having an
eye too many; never, however, a black one, suggestive of a
‘‘fiohting character,” but at times a little green, as if she was

“jealous of the beauty of her sisters. But in the autumn she

' shuts her eye very close and blooms in the most bewitching
manner. She always has intense colour, and now she has
grand form. Duchesse de Caylus, again, is always better in
the autumn, and Horace Vernet too.

And now I come to a Rose which I do not hesitate to class
98 an autumn Rose; I mean Charles Lefebvre. Over and
over again have I seen this grand Rose far more magnificent

-in the autumn than I have ever seen it in the summer. It
attains to a deeper colour, and is often more globular than
earlier in the season. Sénateur Vaisse is another old variety
which is grand in the autumn, asalso is Alfred Colomb. There
is, t00, a variety not very well known but deserving of ex-
tensive cultivation, which is fine at the present time. I refer
to a Rose called Lena Turner. This is a crimson Rose of
lovely form, a little cupped, but each petal regularly placed
behind the other, somewhat after the form of Horace Vernet.

There is one other Rose, not a Hybrid Perpetual but a
Bourbon, which is never good except in the autumn, but is
often grand then. Souvenir de la Malmaison is discarded by
a great many exhibitors, but it is quite worthy of a place in
any garden for its autumn blooms.

All the Teas are good autumn bloomers, and to mention
any names would be to take a list and write them down one
after the other. But one or two shy gems must be named
which rarely open early in the season—viz., Madame Jules Mar-

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURH AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 16,1877.

gottin and Comtesse de Nadaillac. Of the Roses I have named
there are beautiful examples blooming in my garden, and I
doubt if during the summer I have ever had more lovely
flowers than on this the 5th of August. There are not, of
course, many, but what there are are good.

Another recommendation too have these autumn Roses, and
that one which is not lightly to be estimated—their great
fragrance. It isa perfect treat on a still August day when the
winds of the capricious summer have at last sunk to rest,
when there has been no rain for a week or so, when all nature
is quiet and the soft balmy air does not stir a leaf in your
rosery, to lift up a bloom of Madame Victor Verdier or La
France and to inhale its perfume.

Then, again, autumn blooms are free from one great defect
which their summer brothers and sisters have—they are rarely
dirty. How often do we find grand blooms in summer bearing
traces of the hard weather they have had to face—a burnt
petal here, a damaged leaf there. How many a lovely Rose
might plaintively sing—

“The Spring, she is a young maid
Who does not know her mind,
The Summer is a tyrant
Of most unconscious kind.”

But in autumn the spring frosts and the cold summer nights
are over, and if ever we have settled weather it is now; so
the Roses can unfold their blooms at their leisure unprovoked
by their foes. The grubs have become—something or other
(I am no naturalist), and the caterpillars have blossomed into
butterflies. ‘The very aphides seem satiated with their sum-
mer feast, or are suffering remorse, or, psrhaps (let us hope so),
hot coppers from overeating, and they, too, leave the blooms
alone, and so the Rose has a chance, and well does she avail
herself of it.

“ But what of strength of constitution ?” I fancy I hear some
one ask. ‘‘ Does your autumn bloom last as well? Will it
bear knocking about in Rose boxes like the summer Roses ?
or when you arrive at the autumn shows do not you find half
your Roses showing eyes, or past and gone?” Well, perhaps
Charles Lefebvre does not last so well now, but of the others
that I have named I can never find any difference; but all
depends upon the strength of the plant, and my experience
tells me that the plant in autumn after good cultivation iy
stronger than in summer. My plants never seem to get hold
of the soil till the summer is over. The soil is so light that
it is a mercy the wind does not blow it away. But there isa
silver lining to every cloud, and the soil in which a Hybrid
Perpetual Rose can scarcely live is the very kind above all
others for the Teas, which, however, I must not discuss now,
or there is no telling when I shall stop, and the capacity of
the Journal’s columns is limited, and the patience of their
readers too; so I will conclude by expressing my conviction
that some autumn Roses are quite equal to any summer Roses,
and that if anyone thinks that they are not, let him say so
and expose the ignorance of a—Wyb SavaGE.

(Mr. George Paul’s fine collection of Roses at South Ken-
sington on the 7th inst. contained blooms we think richer in
colour than any he has previously this year exhibited.—Ebs. |

EUPATORIUM GRACILE ODORATUM.

Tuts is by no means 2 common plant, though none are easier
of propagation and culture. It is a sub-shrubby, half-hardy,
or cool greenhouse plant, with opposite oblong lanceolate
leaves, and terminal corymbs of white flowers and scented.
E. riparium also has white flowers, and HE. Weismannianum
has rather large corymbs of bloom, but neither of them are
fragrant. The heads of bloom of E. gracile odoratum are
looser than those of the Ageratum, and, though white when
first expanded, afterwards become suffused with pinkish purple.
The habit is dwarf yet rather loose, and inclined in specimens
to be decumbent, attaining to a height of 1 to 2 feet, flowering
in spring up to June. Its flowering sprays are useful for
cutting.

Propagation is readily effected by cuttings of the young
shoots. If they are inserted in June and placed in a close
frame they root quickly. When struck they should be potted off
singly and grown in a cold frame, stopping them when 3 inches
high, and again at that extent of growth they form good plants
for flowering in 6-inch pots. If larger plants are wanted
the plants may be stopped at every third joint, shifting into
larger pots as they fill with roots. After flowering the flowered
shoots only require to be cut back to firm growth, and when

August 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

129

the fresh shoots are an inch or two long remove most of the
old soil and return to the same or a slightly increased size of
pot. Shade for a few days and afterwards expose fully. Stop
the shoots as they advance in growth, but not after February,
when the final potting may be given.

Plants are easily obtained by seed, and they make more
vigorous plants than from cuttings. If sown as soon as the
seed is ripe good plents are had for next year’s bloom. Seed-
lings, however, flower rather later than plants from cuttings.

Three parts loam with a fourth of leaf soil or well-decayed
manure will grow the plants well, good drainage being provided.
Free watering is necessary, and a light airy situation. In
summer the plants may be placed outdoors, housing them
before frost.—G. ABBEY.

PACKING.—No. 3.

PEACH BOXES are 4 inches deep inside. Hach fruit is wrapped
in tissue or other very soft paper, and afterwards in wadding.
All are then laid in the box go closely that they cannot possibly
move, corners and all interstices being stuffed with wadding
or waste paper, and the box altogether made just a little more
than full, remembering that it is even better to crush the fruit
a little in packing than to allow the possibility of its moving
about during transit. However, there is no difficulty in pack-
ing the fruit in such a manner that unless it meets with ex-
tremely rough usage it will arrive at its destination uninjured.
The best wadding is the cheapest, it being the most elastic,
and can be used many times over. There is more fruit injured
by being packed too loosely than there is in the opposite
direction. People are afraid to give it a little pressure, and
then when it passes through the rough hands of the car-
riers and turned upside down, endways, sideways, and thrown
about any way except the right one, some of the fruits shift
closer together, leaving a little space perhaps at one end, and
then all is over, for every movement afterwards will make
matters worse. We must always bear in mind that a package
is liable to be thrown from the top of a railway carriage on to
the platform, and we must pack accordingly. If it does not
happen to receive this sort of treatment all is well, and if it
does all is well too so long as the necessary precautions have
been taken to have plenty of elasticity combined with firm
packing.

Every fruit has to be perfectly ripe and ready for immediate
use when packed for a gentleman’s table, because we cannot
expect those whose hands it afterwards passes through to have
the requisite knowledge of judging when it is fit for use; this
takes a considerable amount of experience, which even those
who profess to have it are often short of. In packing for a
London fruiterer the case would be entirely different, as the

consignee would probably know more about the peculiarities |

of the fruit than the sender. Something, too, depends on the
manner of gathering the fruit. Once every day at least all
ripening fruit on the trees should be tried, grasping it in the
hand in a similar way as one would a cricket ball, dividing
the pressure as nearly as possible equally all round and giving
a gentle pull. If the fruit is ready the stalk will either come
out of it easily, or the fruit will be felt to be slightly elastic
and may then be pulled off, laying it on wadding in a basket
or box at hand for the purpose. A practised hand never
bruises a fruit in gripping it in the way I have tried to de-
scribe; it is only the unskilled who bruise by pressing too
much in one place, and perhaps with the finger and thumb
only instead of with the whole hand. The fruit is not gene-
rally fit for table for a week or ten days after it is gathered.
It should be kept lying on wadding in the fruit room cr other
Saitable place, and be examined and placed on fresh dry wad-
ding every second or third day, as the wadding sometimes
gets damp underneath the fruit.

Figs are packed in a similar way to Peaches, and are rather
more difficult to manage, as a Fig is of no use at all unless
it is fit to be put in the mouth immediately it is taken from
the tree. This is especially the case with White Marseilles,
which is perhaps the best and the worst sort in cultivation,
according to the time and manner of gathering it. It must be
allowed time to attain to its delicate yellowish-green colour,
be quite soft at the eye, and the skin just commence to crackle.
It is good only under these conditions, and of course wants
exceedingly good packing. The sort named above and the
Brown Turkey are the best I know for both indoors and out.
Instead of using tissue paper I generally wrap Figs in a soft
Vine leaf (Hamburgh preferred) and afterwards in wadding.

Where very soft, clean, elastic moss can be had I have no
doubt it would do as well, or nearly ag well, as wadding; but
nothing should be used for the purpose which would be likely
to partially wither, and consequently leave a vacant space in
the box.

Strawberry boxes are 10 by 8 inches outside and 2 inches
deep inside. A layer of wadding is placed at the bottom, and
then each fruit is laid on a separate leaf, so that no two
fruits can touch. The manner of proceeding is something like
the following: The fruit is gathered carefully by the stalk and
placed in single layers in cane-bottomed sieves; if wet, as it
frequently is, it is left in a dry airy position for a time pre-
vious to packing. The operator when commencing to pack
places the sieve to the right of his box and plenty of dry
Strawberry leaves, with the stems picked-off closely, in front of
him. The wadding being placed in the bottom of the box, he
commences by placing a leaf at the corner nearest his left hand
in such a way that the fruit when laid on it will neither touch
the side of the box nor the wadding at the bottom; he then
takes a fruit by the stalk in his right hand and places it side-
ways with the stalk outwards and depressed a little to the
bottom of the box, so as not to be in the way of other fruits to
follow. He holds the fruit in position by the stalk with his
right hand, while with his left he takes another leaf and piaces
it so as to protect the second fruit from the first one as well
as from the wadding; he now holds the leaf, gently pressing
against the fruit with his left hand, and the right is free to
take up another fruit. He works in a line away from himself,
and then, after making the first line perfectly secure, he follows
with a second one, packing all so closely together that a fruit
cannot possibly move, and yet without bruising one. When
the layer is completed it is covered with a single layer of Vino
or Strawberry leaves, then a layer of wadding over all, and the
lid is fastened. If the fruit is small, the depth of box I have
given will require an extra layer of wadding or more leaves;
but 2 inches is none too deep for good fruit of President or
Dr. Hogg. From four to six boxes are tied together, except
when they are enclosed in other packages.

Grapes are packed in stiff cardboard, rolled up to a point at
one end as the shop boys do sugar papers, turning the ends
carefully down, and wrapping afterwards in brown paper 80 a8
to keep all right without tying. A good size for boxes is 2 feet
by 1 foot, and 7 inches deep inside. The interstices are filled
with chopped straw.— WILLIAM TayLor.

ROSE GOSSIP.

AuTHouGH it may need some apology on the part of an ob--
scure Rose-grower for presuming to record his humble opinion
respecting Roses and Rose-exhibiting in ® Journal so replete
with information from the highest authorities, yet perhaps it
may be as well to have the subject ventilated occasionally by
growers in a small way, and on such an understanding I will
proceed. Respecting the new varieties I can say but little, for
although I possess strong plants of most of the new French
kinds, the bloom has not yet been sufficiently general to enable
me to judge. I may mention in passing that from observation
and information we may find some of the best among the
following :—Madame Devert (Pernet), Madame la Baronne de
Medeni (E. Verdier), Madame Sophie Fropot (Levet), Marie
Louise Pernet (Pernet), Marquise A. de Murinais (Schwartz) ;.
but of these I hope we may soon have fuller information from
some of the leading growers. .. have bloomed the new Tea
Triomphe de Milan, and have every confidence that it will
prove an acquisition. Respecting last year’s lot, English and
foreign, I am disposed to think favourably of Abel Carriére,
Duke of Connaught, Duchesse de Vallombrosa (very good),
Due de Montpensier, Jean Liabaud, Madame Prosper Langier,
Magna Charta, Marguerite Brassac (superb), Mrs. Baker, and
Oxonian, but I cannot at present endorse the good opinion ex-
pressed regarding Avocat Duvivier, Empress of India, Madame
Ferdinand Jamin, Mdlle. Emilie Verdier, Queen Eleanor,
Triomphe de France (a good bedder), and others, of which the
names I fancy will speedily drop out of our lists. Among recent
acquisitions I think we may class Casimer Perrier, Comtesse de
Serenyi, Hippolyte Jamain, La Rosiére, Mons. HE. Y. Teas,
Rey. J. B. M. Camm, Royal Standard, Sir G. Wolseley, and
Star of Waltham. All these I think are well worthy of culti-
vation for exhibition purposes. p

One word respecting garden Roses, and especially summer
Roses, for I cannot banish them altogether; surely every
rogarian ought to find a place for such old favourites as

130 JOURNAL OF HORTICULLURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 16, 1877.

Charles Lawson, Coupe d’Hébé, Juno, Panl Perras, Paul
Ricaut, Comtesse de Lacépéde, Fulgens, Madame Plantier,
Madame Zoutman, &c. I rejoice in the possession of trees
or bushes of the above and other varieties, and I can truly
say they are worthy of cultivation by all those who can see
beauty in a Rose not calculated to shine upon the exhibition
table in the present day. Some of these old favourites of
my youth have disappeared altogether from the catalogues,
where I look in vain for a few I would fain replace. Does any-
one grow these Roses now—Princess Clementine (H. Prov.),
Comte Plater (H. Prov.), George IV. (a.c.), Charles Duval
(a.z.), Le Capitaine Sisolet (H.B.), Beauty of Billiard (x.c.)?
Methinks I shall obtain but little sympathy from a ‘‘ WrLp
Savace,”’ but at least ‘‘A Parson’s GARDENER” may claim a
kindred spirit in one who still admires the good old garden
Roses, although he has achieved, and hopes still further to
achieve, some little success as—An AmaTnuR EXHIBITOR.

STRAWBERRIES FOR LIGHT SOIL.

No doubt the success of “‘ AMATEUR,” as detailed on page 110,
is primarily attributable to his keeping the surface of the soil
protected from the rays of the sun. When this important
matter ig attended to Strawberries may be grown almost as
well in tolerably light and deeply worked soil as on stronger
ground, and especially if the light soil is kept firm by little or
no digging being done between the rows. It is important to
remember that some light soils appear to be favourable to the
Strawberry. The soil of many of the fields in Kent, for in-
stance, where Strawberries are grown by tons, is light and
gravelly, but the plants bear heavy crops for two or three years.
The soil of “ AmargeuR’’ must be in some way peculiarly
suitable to the Strawberry, or the crops would not continue so
profitable for ‘‘eight years, and likely to go on for another
eight.” It is not the mede of culture that has been adopted
that has rendered the plants so perennially profitable so much
as the natural adaptability of the soil to the crop. I do not
suggest that the culture has been wrong, for the results prove
that it has been right; but the same plan if carried out in
many light soils would probably have a different and less
favourable result. It is a rough-and-ready mode of culture
that I have occasionally seen successful, but far frequently the
reverse has been the case.

The more reliable practice to adopt on light soils is to plant
strong early runners annually. I have often planted such
runners in August just a foot apart, leaving out every fourth
row for a path, and have gathered a splendid crop of dessert
fruit from such beds the following year. The plants when
planted thus closely do something to shade the soil, and lawn
mowings do the rest. I have occasionally allowed these beds
to remain untouched a second year, and have gathered from

hem a prodigious crop of smaller fruit for preserving, but after
that they have been of little further use.

I prefer clearing away the runners immediately after
gathering the crop, not cutting off any of the foliage of the
plants, and then covering the soil between the plants with
lawn mowings, to the somewhat rude practice adopted by
“¢AvareuR.” Although it has answered well in his case I do
not think it is generally recommendable.

Mr. Douglas recommends the plants being placed in slight
-gayvities. The plan is good provided the cavities are ‘‘ slight.”
I once saw a large bed planted where the word ‘‘ slight” had
been largely interpreted. The plants had been placed in con-
siderable hollows, and in the winter the heavy rains washed
the light soil into them, injured the hearts, and spoiled the
erop and plants.

Some of the varieties mentioned by Mr. Douglas I have not
grown. One sort I shall look forward to with special interest—
oxford Hall Seedling. A good free-bearing late Strawberry
is greatly required. Frogmore Late Pine, Elton, and Hleanor
are all shy bearers with me. The last-named is the larger of
the three, and if not sweet is always very welcome on the table
on account of its good appearance. Elton is of good size,
also acid.

I agree on all that has been written on the general usefal-
ness of Keens’ Seedling, but if I were condemned to grow one
variety only it would be Sir Joseph Paxton.— W. 8. P.

NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SHOW.

In the reports of the Show held at Manchester last week,
the Journal says Mr. Simonite won premier both for Carnations

and Picotees. In the Gardener's Chronicle report it is stated
that the premier Picotee was Chadwick’s Miss Chadwick.
Which is right ?—Ex-Exuritor.

{I believe the Gardener’s Chronicle report is wrong, ss I
have two independent reports of the Show, and one from Mr.
B. Simonite, in which he says, ‘‘I also took premier Picotee
with Teresa, light rose edged, though some thought my bloom
of Mrs. Alleroft was the best.’’? Another correspondent says,
‘Ben was first (and premier) with Teresa, a good bloom show-
ing quality all over.” As the premier flower in the Exhibition
is of great importance to fanciers, and as Mr. Simonite won
both with his own seedlings, I think this explanation neces-
sary.—J. Dovauas.]

BY THE SEASIDE.—MEADOW SWEET.

No greater contrast in gardens could be found than in two
on which I now look daily, and which are side by side, divided
by a low party wall. One of those gardens is totally covered
with unmown grass, yet it was once cared for; but the hands
which once tended it, and the head which arranged it, ané the
heart which loved it, are at rest in the cemetery. There
remains one plant which, though neglected, still clings to the
wall, and still yields flowers. It is a Passion-flower, and
suggested a flower sermon that would be misplaced to repeat
here. The other garden is well cultivated, and without any
regard to order let me note some of its tenants. There are
Tamarisks with their pink flowers now out and peeping from
among the multitude of fine pale green needle-form leaves.
Near it is the Viburnum Lantana or ‘‘ Wayfaring Tree,” a
name which suggested these lines—

“Wayfaring Tree! what ancient claim
Hast thou to that right pleasant name ?

Was it that some faint pilgrim came
Unhopedly to thee

In the brown desert’s weary way,

*Mid toil and thirst’s consuming sway,

And there as ‘neath thy shade he lay

Bless’d the Wayfaring Tree ?”
Tho Rose trees are numerous, and all exempt from mildew and
brown-blotched leaves, seemingly indicating that a climate uni-
formly temperate and air impregnated with saline particles,
iodine, and other marine emanations, are preventive of mildew
as they are of other fungi. Among those Roses, far superior
to their junior relatives, are two genuine and ancient Moss
Roses—giants compared with others dwarf of stature and
flimsy-flowered, and
‘“ Vaulting o’er banks of flowers that glow

In hues of crimson, gold, and snow.”

The old gardener who was hoeing among the border flowers
ig a quaint character, full of practical knowledge, but totally
ignorant of garden literature. You will need no other proof of
this than that he had never before heard of the Journal of
Horticulture ; yet he wished for information, and asked who
the ‘‘ Polly Hanthus” was called after! This paralleled the
inquiry of the woman who during the Peninsular war asked,
“What Sally Manker Lord Wellington had been with?”

The old gardener I have mentioned was earnest in com-
mending some of our wild flowers for garden ornamentation,
and Mr. Abbey thus writes of one—‘‘ A moist piece of land in-
clining to a brook is profusely studded with the Queen of
the Meadow—Meadow Sweet (Spireza Ulmaria), adorning moist
meadows, brook and river banks, and ditch sides, perfuming
the air with its sweet Hawthorn-like scent. Scattered patches
or even clumps, a3 we see them in pleasure grounds, are de-
lightful, but to meander amid acres of such sweetness is truly
pleasing alike to sight and smell. A voice close by pronounced
it ‘ A beautiful thing, Llikeits scent far before Spirza japonica,
Tll warrant it would force well; in fact, someone stated in
the Journal that it had been so employed successfully.’ ‘In
what Journal were the statements made ?’
Horticulture.’ My friend went on—‘ A great batch of it would
look well and smell better than the honey-like sickening smell
of Spirza japonica in any moist piece of land, as the sides of a
feeding stream to a pond; and patches here and there in
pleasure grounds would be superb, especially if planted in well-
manured ground, and occasionally top-dressed with decom-
posing matter, with good waterings and doses now and then
of liquid manure. It would make a famous specimen, just
what is wanted in front of shrubberies, for see how fine it is
wild, and imagine how much finer it would be under culti-
vation.’ I must admit now, as I did then, the force of those
remarks, but I must return and pass from plants wild to plants

‘In the Journal of .

= eb

August 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

131

cultivated ; yet I would note that I observed few Sloes, fewer
Crabs, many haws, lots of berries, Hollies’ and others, and if
bloom be any guide there will be an abundance of heps and a
plentiful crop of Blackberries—a good prospect of food for our
feathered friends in autumn and winter.”

STOCKS FOR ROSES.

In reply to ‘‘ Homuncuuvs,’’ I do not quite see how his sug-
gestion as to the stock that best suits each Rose is to be carried
out in the Rose election. There would be a great variety of
opinions on each geparate Rose, and even then much would
depend on the soil. Not many years ago—two I think—we had
the battle of the stocks, and perhaps if ‘‘ Homuncutvs”’ refers to
that he may see something that will suit him. Such an election
could only be conducted by singling-out some half dozen Roses,
and asking on what stocks they have been found to do best.
But then, again, how difficult to reply. Take Charles Lefebvre
for instance, and suppose circulars were sent out to A, B, and
C thereon. A replies §.B., the Rose having succeeded admir-
ably thereon, he not having tried or found it necessary to try
any other. Now possibly the soil exactly suiting the Rose, it
would have succeeded as well on Manetti. B may have tried it
on every stock unsuccessfully, the climate being unfavourable.

From the replies I have already received as to the present
exhibition election, I may say that some startling results are
probable, as already two persons, considering it right to reply
to the question by giving their experience in their own Kose
grounds of the best forty-eight varieties, wholly exclude from
the forty-eight each one a different Rose, because, treat it as
they would, they could never succeed in growing a bloom fit
for exhibition or that could be placed in a stand without
ruining its chance. These will be noticed in due course.

“‘ Homuncunus’’ mentions the glorious bush of Souvenir de
la Malmaison. I have a standard bush of Charles Lawson. I
budded it quite sixteen years ago; the stem is now at least
2 inches in diameter, the head is at least 5 feet through, as for
a couple of years I have let it grow as it pleased. This year
it has been a sight. I have cut at least one hundred of its
beautiful pink blooms, whilst as many more have remained on
the tree. The tree stands as a tree, and has long since declined
any support.—JospeH Hinton, Warminster.

VINES.

Tue readers of the Journal may recollect that I wrote an
article some months since on pruning Vines on the quarter-
rod system—a plan something between the rod and the spur
system. This season we are reaping the full benefit of this
plan, for we have not only had to cut off one-half the buuches,
but at this time Iam sure we have left one-third too many.
At the same time, since there is a much larger amount of
wood left by this plan than on the long-rod-and-spur system,
a Vine can bear @ heavier crop.

I will first refer in a few words to my plan. Supposing the
main stem to be 16 feet in length I allow four laterals to ramble,
say 6 feet in length; when I perceive that the wood is getting
ripe I cut each rod down to 4 feet. By this plan I get 4 feet
of young wood thoroughly ripe. If I had allowed a rod to run
up the whole length of the main stem only half of this rod
would be thoroughly ripened; at any rate, the other half
would not be in such a condition for bearing fruit as if only
4 feet of a rod had been left. This I have now proved.

With regard to the spur system. In order to keep these
spurs within bounds it is necessary to cut them off nearly
close to the main stem, so as to got a bud from the axil, which
is never so strong or so well developed as the buds further
from the axil; besides which the lateral has in all probability
given a bunch the previous year. On my plan four or five
new thoroughly ripened rods are produced every year on which
no fruit is allowed until the following season.— OBSERVER.

AURICULA APHIS.

Wuen I last wrote on the re-appearance of this pest I had
no idea of the extent to which it had gone, but on looking over
the next frame I found that there was hardly a plant that was
not affected by it, convincing me that Auricula growers have a
most formidable enemy to contend with. I do not think that
I was sufficiently alive to its insidiousness when I repotted,
but I feel that however venturesome it may be to turn all my

It seems to insinuate itself first into the creases of the’ stem
and under the roots which emanate from it just below the
surface, and then to work its way down. It does not seem that
dipping either in salus or Gishurst kills it; so I have taken a
small painter’s brush and brushed diligently all round the
collar and every root separately, examining every part with a
pocket lens, and afterwards dipped it in a solution of one or
the other of the above mixtures, and when it has sufficiently
dried have them repotted. If I do not get rid of it thus I
shall be in despair.

I wrote at once to Mr. Llewelyn who first drew attention to
it, and in his reply he says, ‘‘I find the aphis on my plants,
although they were all thoroughly washed and repotted in
clean soil in May and June. Apparently the early life of the
aphis would be within the tissues of the root where the soft
soap will not reach them, or in the wrinkles of the neck where
it, seems first to appear. I have but little of it; still enough
to warn and put me on my guard.”

This morning’s post brought me a letter from an Auricula
grower in the midland counties, who says, ‘‘ Since I saw the
account of the disease that has destroyed many of your Auriculas
I have carefully looked over my plants frequently ; perhaps
from time to time I have found from twenty to thirty aphides
It appears to be a small woolly aphis quite white. The downy
substance is deposited round or on one side of the plant just
above the coil and as far as the roots are exposed, and even
extends to roots making their way to the surface and not con-
nected with the stem; above the soil they become covered
with a white down or mould.” This is evidently the same,
although the description does not quite tally with mine. My
correspondent has dressed with tobacco ashes, and although
he thinks it efficacious I doubt it very much. We want to
know something more of aphis’s history. It is distinct from the
woolly aphis of the Apple, and is a terrible nuisance to anyone
who is visited by it.—D., Deal.

THE CIDER FRUITS OF HEREFORDSHIRE.

Our readers will have observed an advertisement which ap-
peared a few weeks agoin the pages of this Journal announcing
the publication by the Woolhope Club of the ‘‘ Herefordshire
Pomona.” It is now many years since Mr. T. A. Knight pro-
duced his ‘‘ Pomona Herefordiensis,” the object of which was
to illustrate the cider Apples grown in that county, and to
introduce to the attention of orchardists some varieties of his
own raising which he expected would supersede the old varie-
ties grown for cider, and which he considered had become s0
much exhausted as to be on the brink of extinction. Happily
Mr. Knight’s fears have not been realised any more than his
hopes ; for those varieties of his own raising which were in-
tended to take the place of the older ones have received little
attention from planters, and in the county in which they were
raised they are perhaps less known and appreciated than they
are in other parts of the country.

The ‘“‘ Pomona Herefordiensis” of Knight was, even at the
time of its publication, a very fragmentary and imperfect work.
The plates by which it was illustrated were not specimens of
high art or even of average merit, and the letterpress that
accompanied them did not consist of such descriptions of the
fruit as would enable anyone to identify the variety. Tho
members of the Woolhope Club, being convinced that 2 matter
so intimately connected with the great commercial industry of
their county was worthy of a better representative, have de-
termined to issue a ‘‘ Herefordshire Pomona’’ which shall be
worthy of the subject ; and while it will embrace all the native
and other varieties employed in the production of cider, it will
also figure and describe others which are used for dessert and
culinary purposes and which are not indigenous to the county,
being cultivated merely on account of their merit. In this way
the ‘‘ Herefordshire Pomona’? will become of wider interest ;
and we doubt not that if it receives the support of all fruit-
growers, as we have no doubt it will, its scope may be extended
so as to take in all the varieties of fruits worth cultivating in
the gardens and orchards of the country generally. We know
that the best artistic and literary talent are already engaged
in the work; and from what we have seen of tho original por-
traits we are convinced that the Woolhope Club have under-
taken the production of a work which will be of universal
interest, and one that willbe of great usefulness to the country
at large.

Those who appreciate the possession of such a work will

‘stock out again I must do it, and indeed have already begun. | obtain all information respecting it on application to J. Regi-

132

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 16, 1877.

—_—_—_—_—_——————— ees

nald Symonds, Esq., Honorary Secretary of the Club, Bridge
Street, Hereford.

As an example of what the letterpress will be which will
accompany the beautiful coloured plates, we subjoin a speci-
men descriptive of the old Herefordshire Apple the Fox-whelp.

THE FOX-WHELP APPLE.

“ Cider for str ength and a long-lasting drink is best made of the Fox-whelp
of the Forest of Deane, but which comes not to be drunk till two or three
years old.”—( Ap pendix to Evelyn's “ Pomona.”)

The Fox-whelp Apple is the favourite cider Apple of Here-
fordshire. Its origin and its singular name are alike obscure.
Mr. Knight in the ‘‘Pomona Herefordiensis,” published in
1811, thought it ‘‘ certainly a true Herefordshire Apple,” and

it may readily be supposed that the stray seedling sprung up |

near a fox’s earth, and thus when it had shown its character

Fig. 28.—Fox-whelp.

obtained its name. Some devoted admirers think they see in
the eye of this Apple a distinctive resemblance to the physi-
ognomy of a young fox, but here surely the name has guided
the imagination. Wherever it grew the brilliant colour of its

Fig. 29.—Fox-whelp.

fruit would render it conspicuous, and its taste with a judge
of Apples would proclaim its merit.

The earliest record we have of the Fox-whelp is by Evelyn
in his ‘‘ Pomona,” which is an appendix to the Sylva ‘ con-
cerning fruit trees in relation to cider.” This was first pub-
lished in 1664, and at that time and long after the great Apple
of Herefordshire was the Red-streak. The Fox-whelp is dis-
posed of in a few words—‘‘ Some commend the Fox-whelp.’’
Ralph Austen, who wrote in 1653, makes no mention of it
when he says, ‘‘ Let the greatest number of fruit trees not
onely in the orchards but also in the feilds be Pear-maines,
Pippins, Gennet-Moyles, Red-streaks, and such kinds as are
knowne by much experience to be especiall good for cider.”
Neither is any notice taken of it by Dr. Beale in his ‘‘ Here-
fordshire Orchards, written in an epistolary address to Samuel
Haritlib, Esq.,” in 1656. The first notice of it after Evelyn is
by Worledge in 1676, who merely says, ‘‘ The Fox-whelp is
esteemed among the choice cider fruits.’’ In Evelyn’s time it
appears to have been regarded as a native of Gloucestershire,
for Dr. Smith in the ‘‘ Pomona” when writing of ‘‘ the best
fruit (with us in Gloucestershire)” says, ‘‘ The cider of the
Bromsbury Crab and Fox-whelp is not fit for drinking till the
second year, but then very good ;” and in the quotation at the
head of this paper ‘‘a person of great experience’ calls it
‘the Fox. whelp of the Forest of Deane.’

Although all who have noticed the Fox-whelp up to this
period have spoken of its merits as a cider Apple its cultivation
must not have been on an extensive scale, otherwise it would
have been better known than it appears to have been. Even

| Philips in his celebrated poem on ‘‘ Cyder’’ seems as ignorant

of its existence as many of the writers on orchards were at that
period. The first appreciative notice of it with which we are
acquainted is found in a letter to a friend written by Hugh
Stafford of Pynes in Devonshire, Esq., bearing date 1727. He
says, ‘‘ This is an Apple long known, and of late years has
acquired a much greater reputation than it hadformerly. The
fruit is rather small than middle-sized, in shape long, and all
over of a dark red colour. I have been told by a person of
eredit that a hogshead of cider from this irnit has been sold
in London for £8 or eight guineas, and that often a hogshead
of French wine has been given in exchange for the same quan-
tity of Fox-whelp. It is said to contain a richer and more
cordial juice than even the Red-streak itself, though something
rougher if not softened by racking. The tree seems to want
the same helps as the Red-streak to make it grow large. It is
of Herefordshire extraction.”

The fruit is roundish, inclining to conical or ovate, with an
uneven outline, caused by several obtuse ribs on the sides, and
which terminate in ridges round the eye; in good specimens
one side is generally convex, while the otheris flattened. Skin
beautifully striped with deep bright crimson and yellow; onthe
side next the sun it is more crimson than it is on the shaded
side, where the yellow stripes are more apparent. The surface
is marked with several dark patches like scabs, which are a
never-failing character of the Fox-whelp. Hye very small, set
in a narrow, shallow, and plaited basin; segments short, some-
what erect, and slightly divergent. Stalk three-quarters of an
inch long, obliquely inserted by the side of a fleshy swelling,
which pushes it on one side and gives it a curving direction.
Flesh yellow tinged with red, tender, and with a rough and
acid flavour. Calyx-tube funnel-shaped. Stamens marginal.
Cells of the core wide open. It belongs to group 10 of Dr.
Hogg’s New Classification of Apples.

(To be continued.)

ROSES AT FERRIERES.

Ir may be interesting to your readers to know what varieties
of Roses are grown by Mr. Ferdinand Bergman at Ferriéres.
What is wanted there is not to have fine Rose trees but plenty
of blooms, as the demand for them is very great. About fif-
teen thousand blooms are required and used in the course of
the year for bouquets, table decorations, &c., for Ferriéres and
for Paris as well. You may therefore imagine that to supply
such a quantity of Roses it is necessary to have a great number
of those varieties which bloom very freely. Many varieties are
grown, but those grown in quantity are the following :—Paul
Neron, Maréchal Niel, Baronne de Rothschild, Gloire de Dijon,
Madame Boll, Madame Lacharme, Annie Wood, La France,
Belle Lyonnaise, Charles Verdier, Jules Verdier, Souvenir de
la Malmaison, Souvenir de la Reine d’Angleterre, Elizabeth
Vigneron, Madame Falcot, Capitaine Christy, Le Roi, La Reine,
Général Jacqueminot, besides a number of other Teas and
Noisetteg. The varieties preferred for forcing are Le Roi, La

August 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

133

Reine, Jules Margottin, Madame Boll, Maréchal Niel, and Gloire
de Dijon.

Napier is heavily cropped. Heléne Gloede, a later and im-
proved Frogmore Late Pine, is good, and Lucas is one of the

No Roses are grown in pots; those for forcing only are placed | finest Strawberries in cultivation.

in pots to be taken to the forcing houses, and after they have
done flowering they are planted in theopen air. Every spring
a thick dressing of short dung is placed between the Roses,
and in the autumn the ground is ploughed. very three years
the trees are removed and planted in a trench 2 feet deep, with
horse and cow dung mixed and in quantity. The pruning is
done in March and April after the frosts are over. About one
half of the Roses are standards and the other half dwarfs,
some on Briars and some on their own roots. It has been
found that Roses on Briars bloom freely, while Roses on their
own roots give much better flowers. As climbing Roses they
have especially Maréchal Niel and Gloire de Dijon. At the
end of December they began cutting Roses in the houses from
Le Roi, La Reine, and Jules Margottin; that is about their
usual time.

Paul Neron, which is not much liked in England, is put in
the first line at Ferriéres, and is considered the best for their
purpose. It grows well, has shoots of 2 or 3 feet long, gives
large blooms, and stands well; but above all its first quality is
that while all other trees round it suffer from mildew, it is the
only one that is not so attacked. Ernest BERGMAN.

YORKSHIRE FRUIT CROPS.

Hayne previously alluded to this subject, I will now com-
plete my observations upon the fruit crops of this year.

Apricots on every aspect but a south one and well protected
are a complete failure. The crop against a south wall is
moderate. The only kinds that carry a fair crop are Blen-
heim or Shipley, Royal, Kaisha, and Moorpark.

Peaches and Nectarines against a south wall and well pro-
tected have totally failed. The trees were a pitiful sight from
the prevalence of “blister.” The kinds that have suffered
most are Violette Hative and Barrington, the most healthful
being Malta, and next to it Noblesse.

Plums must be recorded a failure. The only kinds that
have fruit against walls are Early Orleans, Pond’s Seedling,
Victoria, and Yellow Magnum Bonun, those having a moderate
crop, whilst there is just a sprinkling of Belgian Parple, Coe’s
Golden Drop, Jefferson, and Green Gage. In the open ground
Orleans and Victoria carry a moderate crop, there being a
sprinkling of Karly Prolific and Oullins Golden Gage.

Cherries in the open have signally failed, the only one with
fruit being Impératrice Eugénie, but bush or pyramid Morellos
are loaded. The north aspect of the walls are occupied by
Cherries. Morellos carry a heavy crop, and so do May Duke,
Harrison’s Heart, and Elton.

Pears are for the most part fruitless. The only kinds carry-
ing a crop of fruit with the benefit of a wall are General
Todtleben, Hacon’s Incomparable, Glou.Morceau, Alexandre
Bivort, Napoleon, Beurré Diel, and Bergamotte Esperen, with
a fair crop of Doyenné d’Eté and Jargonelle, and just a sprink-
ling of Beurré d’Amanlis, Passe Colmar, Winter Nelis, and
Joséphine de Malines. Inthe open Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon
Chrétien, Beurré Diel, Bergamotte Esperen, and Zéphirin
Grégoire have fair crops.

Apples may be said to be a fair crop, some kinds being
loaded, notably Warner’s King (but the foliage much cut and
the fruit ‘‘pitted”), Cox’s Pomona, Dumelow’s Seedling,
Bedfordshire Foundling, Holland Pippin, Northern Greening,
Cellini, Lord Suffield, Mére de Ménage, Cox’s Orange Pippin,
Margil, Court of Wick, Irish Peach, and Yorkshire Greening.
Keswick Codlin and Manx Codlin, with many others, are
almost destitute of fruit, but considering the great scarcity of
other fruits it is gratifying to see even a few Apples.

Bush fruit, particularly black and red Currants, carry very
heavy crops ; but Gooseberries are variable, some kinds being
heavily cropped, such as Whitesmith, Antagonist, Crown Bob,
and most of the Lancashire kinds, but Red Warrington is very
thin. Raspberries a good crop, but late.

Strawberries a good crop, that of President being enormous.
I do not grow many kinds, our wants being met by Keens’
Seedling, or that form of it often confounded with Sir Harry,
which is a great cropper and a first-rate forcer. La Grosse
Sucrée is not a great though a certain cropper both out and
indoors, and one of the best for forcing. Sir Joseph Paxton is
producing heavily upon two-year-old plants, but last year’s
runners are sparse of fruit. Duc de Malakoff is neither so
heavy in crop nor the fruit so large as usual, whilst Sir Charles

Fruit trees generally are making very vigorous growth, and
have for the most part clean healthy foliage. Aphis has been
very troublesome upon Plums, making the leaves curl, and the
shoots have a distorted appearance; but as I keep the growths
closely stopped most of the aphides disappear with the re-
moved sprays. I like as many leaves as possible around the
spurs, and not long sprays. There has been a great prevalence
of grubs and caterpillars that feed upon the foliage of fruit
trees, all of which have great enemies in birds. Sparrows
have looked after the Apricot grub so well as to need no help
from us. The number of grubs sparrows destroy in feeding
their young must be enormous—not only in the nest, but for
a time after the young take wing. Sparrows only do harm
when in undue numbers, as they may be in a town garden.

I write from north Yorkshire, over 500 feet above sea; soil a
peaty loam with a variable subsoil, mostly sand, gravelly, or
rocky. In the orchard, which is not less than 100 feet lower
than the garden and sheltered on every side by woods, the
crops of fruit are more scant; no Plums except Farleigh Dam-
son, no Pears, and not many Apples.—G. ABBEY.

FERTILISERS AND THEIR APPLICATION.

As it is clear that I have been misapprehended by “J. B. K.,”
a few further explanatory remarks become necessary. I cer-
tainly do not give up the point of quantities, for the reason
that I never recommended any such extravagant applications
as those deduced by your correspondent. After I stated that
not a particle of guano was applied between the rows of Peas
(more than four-fifths of the ground), it was, I-think, super-
fluous for ‘‘ J. B. K.” to assume that it was used there. As to
the same quantity of liquid manure haying been applied to
a square foot of the surface of an Onion bed that was poured
into the hollow trench of a Pea row, anyone haying sufficient
experience in watering such crops knows to be impossible in
the ordinary mode of watering: hence deductions founded on
theory alone are so often fallacious.

I was requested to name what I considered a proper strength
of using guano water for garden crops, also how much water
to apply to those crops. I advised mixing guano at the rate
of something less than 14 oz. to a gallon of water, and recom-
mended as much being applied as the ground would take. I
am unable to give more practical advice on watering than
that. If crops require watering they should be watered tho-
roughly, for much experience has satisfied me that half water-
ing does more harm than good. Ialso and particularly reeom-
mended (bearing in mind the large quantities of water that
some ground will take) that if the crops are first watered with
clear water the ground will not take more than half the
quantity of liquid manure that would otherwise be required.
That I submit is the best—the most economical and effectual
—way of using liquid manure, applying fertilisers, and when
so applied the quantities named are not extravagant at all, but
are reasonable. I further, in order to prove that the strength
of the guano water named was not injurious (poisonous), de-
tailed my experience of using if in an extraordinary season,
and the crops when so treated showed conclusively how bene-
ficial the applications were, for such crops were full and luxu-
riant when all surrounding crops that had no such cultural
assistance were dead. I have great respect for the labours of
scientific men, but none for a practice that results in dying
crops.

In an exceptional season like the one referred to—such a
season as I do not hope to see again, demanding such excep-
tional labour to preserve the crops—guano when applied in
farm or double farm quantities and left, as has been advised,
to be washed-in by the rains, is simply wasted. How can it
be otherwise when no rain falls for several weeks, and when
the crops are ‘‘dead failures?’ On the farm I alluded to I
know it is a fact that more than twenty times the guano was
used than was applied in the garden, and yet the farm (as the
owner well remembers) was a complete failure that year,
while the garden, as he readily admitted, and admits still, was
a great success.

I will now go a step further, and submit proof that even in
the exceptional year named the large quantities of liquid
manure used were not superfluous. That the crops appro-
priated all the water I do not for a moment suggest. The
atmosphere may have absorbed half of it for aught I know to

134

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 16, 1877.

the contrary ; but this I do know, that had the water, &c., not
been given the crops would have been worthless, as I think the
following facts, extracted from my garden diary, will afford
sufficient evidence. On June 27th, 1868, twelve long rows of
Ne Plus Ultra Peas were sown in unmanured trenches. The
heat was intense; no rain nor dew for several weeks. The
Peas came up blue and wiry. I was satisfied that nothing
could save them but heavy soakings of liquid manure. My
kitchen garden man differed. Four rows were placed at his
disposal for him to do as he liked with. Two of the rows were
not watered at all, and the Peas died when 6inches high. The
other two were watered with clear water, and the Peas attained
a height of 3 feet, and two small dishes of Peas were gathered
from each. The other eight rows were soaked once a-week
with guano and salt water, quite filling the trenches at each
watering. Finer rows of Peas than these I never saw. They
grew luxuriantly, especially after the autumn rains com-
menced, and Peas were abundantly produced; in fact the
crop was a full one, and no mildew was seen on the foliage.
“J.B. K.” is quite welcome to consider that the guano and
labour was wasted, but I know the owner who had both to pay
for did not think go, and I am of the same opinion now as he
was then.

I do not dispute that your correspondent has had some
practice with fertilisers, but I think he has never produced a
full and regular supply of fruit and vegetables for thirty people
from an acre of ground, and this for several years without a
failure, or he would not betray so much fear of poisoning the
vegetables or advocate homeopathic doses of fertilisers. Such
limited applications may do in some soils and under some
circumstances, but to enable the majority of gardeners to meet
the heavy demands on them and the soil they cultivate liberal
applications become necessary, and are the most profitable in
the end.

I agree with Mr. Douglas and ‘J. B. K.” that good farm-
yard manure is preferable to any so-called artificial dressing,
but how few there are who can obtain enough of it! I do not
hesitate saying that not one kitchen garden out of twenty is
sufficiently manured and trenched. I form my opinion on the
practice of the best of the London market gardeners. Your issue
of the 2nd inst. contains a note on the heavy manuring that
is adopted in the ‘‘ market grounds,” and the success of some
of Mr. Bagley’s crops are alluded to. It so happens that those
grounds were my school for kitchen gardening; and if manures
are so poisonous as ‘‘J. B. K.’’ has suggested, it is a little
strange that Messrs. Bagley’s vegetables continue being held
in such high esteem. Those celebrated growers use infinitely
more manure than the ‘extravagant’ quantities I have re-
commended, and I never knew the crops or ground poisoned,
except on the sites of the Mushroom beds, and there, of course,
the manure has lain 3 feet thick for six months. Not long ago
I paid a visit to the ‘‘ old school,” and found them manuring
as freely as ever. What does “J. B. K.” say to upwards of
80 tons of dung per acre being used at one application? and
yet Mr. Bagley assured me that they used half a ton to the rod
(304 square yards); in fact, I have seen them applying it at
that rate. Why do they use it thus liberally? The answer is
obvious, Because it pays to do so, and yet the dung has to be
purchased and carted six or seven miles. Soot is also freely
used in the market grounds in addition to stable manure, and
the condition of the crops tell how much they enjoy the rich
food.

Instead of danger existing of poisoning the crops a greater
danger by far is that of starving them, and I do not withdraw
one word that I have written on the subject wherein “J. B. K.”
imagines I have erred so seriously—A Rrrirep GARDENER.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Tue Great INTERNATIONAL Fruit anp FLower SHow at
Carlisle on 6th, 7th, and 8th of September. We are glad
to learn that Lady Muegrave has increased the prize offered in
the schedule for table decorations, and her ladyship will now
present a cup valued at £25 to the successful competitor. The
latest date for entries is now extended to the 30th of August,
and a spirited competition is anticipated. Lady Musgrave,
Eden Hall, and Lady Lawson, Brayton, have agreed to act as
judges in this section.

— A errer from Fulham informs us that there has not
been such a good season for Dwarr Kipney Beans and ScarLet
Runners for ten years past. The market gardeners are re-
ceiving strong orders for the former, from the large pickle

manufacturers no doubt embracing the opportunity, as the
quality may not be as good for some time to come. Vegetable
Marrows are also a fine crop. Mr. Bagley’s firm sent to
market in one load about 4 tons on Saturday morning.

—— WE have received the schedule of the twenty-second
annual exhibition of fruit and cut flowers to be held at the
Crystan Panace on September 21st and 22nd. There are
twenty-six classes for fruit, ten for cut flowers, and two for
vegetables. The chief prizes are £8, £6, and £4 for twelve
dishes of fruit, and £6, £4, and £2 for a collection of vege-
tables. Besides good prizes being offered for Dahlias and
Asters we are glad to find that encouragement is given to
Gladioli growers, prizes of £3, £2, and £1 being offered to
nurserymen for thirty-six spikes, and the same amount to
amateurs for twenty-four spikes. Third prizes are provided in
every class; and as the prizes are liberal without being extra-
vagant, a good exhibition should result in a place where so
many good displays have been geen in past years.

—— Tuer annual Exhibition of the Isuu or THanet Hortt-
CULTURAL Association is to be held this year on the 29th inst.
by the kind permission of Latham Tomlin, Eaq., in the grounds
of Dane Court, St. Peter’s, when upwards of 450 prizes will
be competed for. A primary object of the Association is to
encourage cottage gardening, and it receives the patronage of
the Archbishop of Canterbury and many distinguished ladies
and gentlemen of the district. C.D. Smith, Esq., 8, Marine
Terrace, Margate, is the Hon. Secretary.

A coRRESPONDENT forwards to us the following descrip-
tion of FRUIT-GROWING ON A RAILWAY EMBANKMENT in Brittany.
“The whole of the usually waste ground by the sides of the
line was planted with fruit trees, chiefly Pears and Apples.
They were planted about 3 feet apart each way, each treo
having two stems. One was bent to the right the other to the
left, and when these limbs crossed each other they were tied
together, so that the whole presented a continuous trellis of
fruit trees, and as they were then (first week in May) in full
blossom they added beauty to the scene.”

—— WE have received from Mr. P. Mitchell, Sydenham, a
small case containing the Conorapo Porato BEETLE in its
various stages, modelled by Messrs. Stallwerck Brothers,
Cologne, and for which Mr. Mitchell informs us he is the
principal agent. The beetle is well shown, and the low price
at which it is distributed places it within reach of all culti-
vators.

Tue Committee of the National Rose Society have
determined on publishing a ‘‘ Rosarians’ YEAR Book,” ex-
clusively devoted to the Rose, and to contain a full report of
their great show, critiques on new Roses, and other papers of
interest connected with the queen of flowers.

— Honrricunture at the AnriropEs would appear to be in
@ prosperous state, aud a favourite pursuit of the well-to-do
population, if we may judge from the copious catalogue of
Messrs. Giles & Son of Magill, near Adelaide. This is a very
full list of trees, shrubs, and plants. Amongst tho latter are
included the best varieties of Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Dahlias,
Clematises, &c., which are found in the lists of Hnglish
nurserymen and florists. It is pleasant to notice this instance
of antipodean enterprise, and the trade which evidently exists
with the ‘‘ mother country.”
A CORRESPONDENT Of one of the daily newspapers recently
observed that ‘it is probably not generally known that the
region in which General Gourko has been lately operating with
his Cossacks is the land whence by far the greatest quantity of
ATTAR OF ROSES comes to western Hurope. Kasanlik is the
centre of one of the most remarkable species of horticulture,
or rather agriculture, to be found in the whole world. Around
it or near it are the districts of Cirpan, Giopca, Karadshah-
Dagh, Kojun-Tepe, Jeni-Saghra, all of which are devoted to
this peculiar husbandry. The Mussulman tradition assigns
the origin of the Rose to the night of Mahomet’s journey to
Heaven. The white Roses sprang from the drops of sweat
which fell from the forehead of the prophet himself in the toil-
some ascent; the sweat of Borak, the miraculous animal he
rode, gave birth to the yellow ones; while the celestial drops
which fell from Gabriel were the source of the red Rose.
Count von Moltke, who was well acquainted with Bulgaria and
the Balkans, has styled the valley of the Tundja ‘the Cash-
mere of Europe, the Turkish Gulistan, the land of Roses.’
Roses are not grown there as with us in isolated patches in
gardens, but in fields and in ridges, as if they were no better

August 16, 1877. ]

than Potatoes. It would be difficult to imagine anything more
charming than the appearance of those Rose fields, and any
painter who should attempt to reproduce this picture would
assuredly be charged with exaggeration; but it would be im-
possible to catch the infinite alternations of colour both among
the Roses themselves and the green leaves of the shrubs.
Hundred of millions of Rose leaves strew the ground, and are
useless for the chief object in view. It is calculated that about
one-fourth of the leaves are lost in this way ; perhaps as much
more either fail to come to the requisite perfection or are
unavoidably wasted. The entire produce of the Tekne or
region, of which Kasanlik is the centre, is estimated at between
800 and 900 kilogrammes (from 195 to 220 imperial gallons)
of Rose oil. The wealth of water in the valley is prodigious ;
springs are not only numerous but most abundant in yield.
There is a general system of irrigation which, remembering
that the country is Bulgaria and not Lombardy, is admirable.
The whole valley was a picture of prosperity, the result of
natural fertility carefully tended by human industry. Where
Roses are not cultivated heavy crops of Maize are gathered,
and along'the slopes and down by the waterside are numerous
herds and flocks. Kasanlik itself is a town of 10,000 inhabi-
tants, and is surrounded by magnificent Walnut woods, which
also are a source of commercial industry.

— Messrs. Dick Rapcntyrre & Co. have received a silver

medal from the Cape Exhibition for seeds, and one also from
Oporto for ferneries and aquariums.
Tue American ‘Gardener’s Monthly” contains the
following on wintering CAMELLIAS IN COLD rramEs :—‘‘ We have
here a few single-flowered Camellias, which on account of our
crowd of tropical plants are denied greenhouse space; hence
we winter them in a deeply-sunk cold frame, which has no
covering in winter beyond single sashes and single wooden
shutters. Theze plants are not in pots or tubs, but each one
has amassed a ball of roots. Latein April, or early in May,
they are planted out, and on the approach of winter are lifted
and heeled in the frame. As might be expected, they live un-
scathed, but this year each Camellia was as full of blooms as
any specimen in Hovey’s conservatory, and too, these blooms
expanded fully, and were large and bright, and at their best in
early May. Not a bud dropped.”

— FINE SURFACE CULTIVATION is the secret to success in

gardening. All good farmers know that it is the best means
of successful cultivation in all of what are called the hoed
crops of the farm. That it is so in garden culture must be
plain to every intelligent man, since the seed of most garden
crops are minute, and the plants themselves are, for a con-
siderable time after germinating, delicate. The first requisite
to success in gardening is, of course, a thoroughly rich soil;
the next is drainage; the third is such surface culture as shall
keep the plants growing as fast as possible. These are, in
fact, three great points for successful cultivation with any
crop, but especially so with those of the garden.—(Prairie
Farmer.)
In many parts of India, says the American Garden,
the flowers of a tree called Bass1a tatironia form a really
important article of food. These blossoms, which are succu-
Jent and very numerous, fall at night in large quantities and
are gathered early in the morning and eaten raw. They have
a sweet but sickly taste and smell. They are also dried
and stored as a staple article of food. A single tree will
afford from 200 to 400 lbs. of flowers. These trees are of so
much importance to the natives that when an invading force
threatens to cut them down the threat generally insures the
submission of the tribes. The blossoms of another species,
Bassia longifolia, are used in a similar manner in Malabar and
Coromandel. These are eaten either dried and roasted, or
bruised to a jelly and boiled. The last are made into small
balls, which are sold or exchanged for fish, rice, and various
sorts of small grain. The seeds of all varieties of Bassia
are no less useful than the flowers. Oil and soap are made
from some, and from others a fatty substance called butter
is extracted. This is of white colour, has an agreeable taste,
and keeps well. It is an important article of commerce in
Sierra Leone.

—— Mr. W. Fatconsr writing in the American ‘‘ Gardener’s
Monthly”? on Bovagarnviitma sprcTapiuis, states, that ‘ Al-
though a native of tropical South America, this gorgeous
climbing shrub feels quite at home with us in our Acacia
house, which is an airy house with a winter night temperature
of 38° to 42°. It is growing in a shallow tub, in a compost of

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

turfy loam with a little peat and leaf soil, and is trained up a
pillar, thence along the top of the house. In summer we give
it lots of water, but in winter keep it as dry as a Cactus.
About the 10th of April its paniculate inflorescence and wealth
of showy rose-coloured bracts become conspicuous and last all
through May.’ We recently observed B. glabra in splendid
condition in the greenhouse at Kew. It was planted-out and
trained near the glass at the end of the house.

A prorrssor of the Cornell University, N.Y., lately stated
that Professor Buckman late of the Royal Agricultural College,
Cirencester, in a prize essay on ‘‘ Agricultural Weeds” enume-
rated 156 kinds in the cultivated lands of Great Britain, whence
came most of the weeds that trouble the farmers in the
United States and Canada. The number of seeds, says the
American professor, produced by a perfect plant of the Dan-
delion is 2000; by the Ox-eye Daisy, 13,000; Dock, 13,000;
Burdock, 24,000; May Weed, 40,000; Red Poppy, 50,000;
Charlock, 4000; Wild Carrot and Wild Parsnip, 1200 cach,
showing an increase from 1200 to 50,000 fold, while the cereals
are set down from 20 to 300 fold.

Rererrine to a note in our columns relative to the
PuyiLoxera, the American ‘‘ Gardeners’ Monthly ”’ dispels the
idea that American Vines are Phyllexera-proof, but on the
contrary states that ‘‘there is little doubt but the Phylloxera
first appeared in the vicinity of Bordeaux, and was introduced
by American Vines.’ Our contemporary further records that
‘Professor Planchon discovered that some American Grapes
had a sort of contempt for the Phylloxera, while some—and
all European Grapes—had their fibres injured by the insect.
They gave up at once, as if asking, What’s the use of resistance ?
But the Concord, Clinton, Norton’s Virginia, and one or two
others set to work and made wore young roots at once, beat-
ing the Phylloxera by sheer perseverance.’ We do not dispute
the correctness of that statement, but at the same time we can-
not quite reconcile it with that portion of the report of the
President of the Vine-growing Society of Pyrenees Orientales,
which asserts that ‘each plantation of American Vines is the
signal for a fresh invasion of the Phylloxera.” It is just
possible, however, that the American Vines are less vigorous
in Europe than in their ‘own country,’ and which may
account in a measure for the discrepancy alluded to.

THE ROSE YEAR.

Wett done, ‘‘ Parson’s GARDENER ;’”’ you had me there—you
scored one in your last letter. I do not wish to stop your
chuckling at all, but feel obliged just to moderate it by telling
you that since the Rose season commenced our drawing-room
and our church have never been without Roses.

It is true that the Roses in my front garden were soon over,
indeed my remarks in the Journal were not beyond the mark.
But I am far too wise to carry all my eggs in one basket. I
grow my Roses in all sorts of places, 80 when one part is quite
done I have others to fall back upon. My front is one of the
most sheltered and best situations you can possibly imagine,
and there the Roses come and go very rapidly, but in other
parts of my place I can keep-up a succession and shall not be
without Roses of some kind till November. I have no glass
wherein to prolong the blooming like my critic has, but with-
out that aid I will back my Roses to last ag long as even the
older garden sorts of “‘ A Parson’s GARDENER.” ;

But still my own idea so far agrees with his that I intend to
make an alteration in my front, and noi to devote thé whole to
exhibition Roses. I intend, however, to make an herbaceous
border, and I do wish some of your staff or readers would give
me, through the Journal, a list of herbaceous plants which
must not be left out from it. The border is about 70 feet long
and 5 broad, and the only plants I have at present are a few
varieties of Aquilegia, Iris, and Phloxi—Wvyup Savace.

Rosr Suows 1x Scornanp.—I read with attention ‘D.,
Deal's,” report of thé’ Galloway Rose Show, and was glad tu
hear that so much was thought of the Rose in Galloway as to
induce them to have a special show for Roses. If the Gallo-
wegians fancy they are at the top of the tree in regard to Roge-
growing in Scotland, I hope they will now throw their compe-
titions open at least to all Scotland, so that those who have
not the privilege of residing in their little corner may have
an opportunity of trying their mettle. I sincerely hope that
next year we in Scotland may have an earlier and better season

136

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 16, 1877.

for Roses than we have had this year. Except a few days in
June it hag been rain almost every day, and cold along with
it.—A. A.

STRIPED QUARRENDEN APPLE.

WHEREVER ripe dessert Apples are wanted about the end of
July and the beginning of August this variety should be grown.
We have been using it for some time now in excellent con-
dition. The fruit is about middle size, pale yellow, streaked
with red outside, and white, juicy, and rich in the flesh. It is
grown under several other names, as may be found in the last
edition of Dr. Hogg’s ‘‘ Fruit Manual,” which contains under
the name of Margaret the following descriptive and historical
account of this good Apple :—

‘A first-rate early dessert Apple; it is ripe in the beginning
of August, but does not keep long, being very liable to become
mealy. To have it in perfection, it is well to gather it a few
days before it ripens on the tree, and thereby secure its juicy
and vinous flavour.

‘‘ The tree does not attain a large size, being rather a small
grower. It is a good bearer, more so than the Joanneting, and
is quite hardy, except in light soils, when it is liable to canker.
It is well adapted for growing as dwarfs, either for potting or
being trained as an espalier, when grafted on the Paradise or
Pomme Paradis stock.
® “‘ This is a very old English Apple. It is without doubt the
Margaret of Rea, Worlidge, Ray, and all our early pomologists
except Miller; Mr. Lindley, however, is of a different opinion,
for he believes the Margaret of Miller to be identical with that
of Ray. That this variety is the Margaret of Rea, his descrip-
tion is sufficient evidence. ‘The Margaret or Magdelen Apple
is a fair and beautiful fruit, yellow, and thick striped with red,
early ripe, of a delicate taste, sweet flavour, and best eaten off
the tree.’ Ray gives no description of it, but it is only reason-
able to suppose that it is this variety he refers to, seeing it is
the Margaret of all authors both immediately preceding and
subsequent to him. And indeed in no instance is that of
Miller noticed by any English author but himself anterior to
Mr. Lindley.”—A KitcHEN GaRDENER.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—LILYWORTS.

We have not a native representative of this charming order
of plants. I wish we had. We have a plant bearing the name
of Lancashire Bog Asphodel (Narthecium), but then it is nota
Lilywort. As to their wherefrom, they reach us from many
places far over the sea. The King’s-spear Lilywort (Aspho-
delus ramosus) is from southern Europe, and has long been an
occupant of our borders, but has not received that amount of
attention it ought to have done. Truly it is a noble plant
when established, and wants leaving alone. It is said to cover
immense tracts of land where it is located, and affords good
nourishment for sheep. It was sacred to Proserpine, and used
at funeral ceremonies. Asphodelus luteus is most commonly
met with, and when well cultivated is a very useful early and
long-continuing border flower. A. luteus flore-pleno is a very
desirable plant, and an improvement on the parent. A. fistu-
losus, said to be from France and Italy, is but very little known
and seldom seen. Perhaps the least interesting of the family,
yet useful for filling up spaces in waste or out-of-the-way
places, is A. creticus. A. capillaris is one of the dwarfest of the
race, and ought to be much more cultivated than it is at
present. There are other kinds that might be enumerated,
but the foregoing are found in general cultivation.

They are not particular as to soil or situation, but are all the
better for having liberal treatment afforded them. They enjoy
light, and thrive well in ordinary garden goil mixed with
sandy loam and well-decomposed vegetable matter. The
spaces they are intended to occupy should be well broken up to
the depth of 2 feet, and the above compost mixed with the goil.
They are benefited by thorough drainage, and water when the
weather becomes dry. If mulched they are all the better, and
they require staking to prevent the wind from breaking them.
They are increased by seed, but more easily by division, either
in set autumn or early spring, when growth is commencing.
— VERITAS.

ROSES FROM CUTTINGS.
A FEW years ago I was persuaded to strike some Roses from
cuttings. I did so, and was very successful, and I have been
following the game plan every year since} without failure.

Early in October I procured some good cuttings, and cut them
with a sharp knife and let them dry slightly at the ends, and
planted them firmly in a bed of common garden soil mixed
with a little old lime rubbish. The result has been that eight
out of every ten cuttings have rooted. I have struck nearly
all sorts up to the present time. As I notice you have had
some inquiries from correspondents who want to increase their
stock of Roses I advise them to try this simple plan.—S. J. W.,
Trowbridge.

IXORAS.

Few stove plants are more valuable both for exhibition and
decorative purposes than Ixoras. As large specimens with
rich deep green foliage and noble heads of flowers they have
an imposing effect, while as smaller plants with from one to
half a dozen trusses few plants can excel them during their
period of flowering. —

Ixoras are purely tropical plants, and the imported species
are almost exclusively from tropical Asia. An Asiatic name
has therefore been appropriately given to the genus, Ixora
being a Malabar idol, to which the flowers of Ixora stricta (as

ills

Fig. 30.—Ixora for decoration.

it was originally named, but now known as coccinea) are offered
by the natives. This species is the first that was introduced
to Europe nearly two hundred years ago, and it is popular and
deservedly so, even when it has as rivals several beautiful
garden hybrids which have recently been raised and distributed.
Txoras can be easily propagated by cuttings. Take a short-
jointed half-ripened cutting about 6 inches long and insert it
firmly in a small thumb pot in a compost of peat, leaf soil, a
little fibrous loam, and a good admixture of silver sand.
Plunge the cutting pots in bottom heat in a moist well-heated
stove or propagating house, and not many days will elapse
before roots are emitted. When these reach the sides of the
pots transfer them to pots a little larger, and eventually into
48-sized pots, using the same sort of soil as described for the
cuttings. Healthy plants in 5-inch pots are of great use for
table decoration, while medium-sized plants with 6 or 7 trusses
of flowers on them are very valuable for many purposes of
decoration, as may be judged from the example shown in the
accompanying illustration, fig. 30. The next shift should be
into a 32-sized pot. Future shifts must be at the discretion of
the grower, according to what size plants are required, but large
shifts should never be given, which often result in sour soil
and unhealthy plants. A little liquid manure may be given
occasionally when the plants are established. Do not give the
plants too much water in the winter time, and avoid drips
from the roof, especially on such tender varieties as Colei, for
drip at that period is fatal to good foliage. During the growing

season afford plenty of heat and syringe twice a-day, the pots ~
if possible being half plunged in a hotbed. Any shoots

August 16, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

137

threatening to steal strength from the others should also be
stopped to give two or three shoots instead of one. If fly,
or thrips, or bug appear there must be smoking and sponging
at once.

This treatment should continue, with alittle shade from very
bright sun, until September. The pots should then be raised
out of the hotbed, the plants placed nearer the glass and in full
light; and though syringing may be resorted to at times, it

SG
SSS

should gradually be discontinued, and water at the roots also
lessened, but never so as to cause the plants to flag. The object
is to ripen the shoots formed. During October and November
the water must be lessened, and the temperature fall then and
on to February to 60° and 55°, the roots just kept healthy and
no more, and care taken of the leaves by syringing and spong-
ing ona fine bright day. The rest is thus given at the dull
season, as the flowers are much more pale when produced in

Fig. 31.—IxoRA REGINA.

winter. About March, or earlier, the plants are to be moved
into a higher temperature by degrees, and at first the pots
partially and ultimately three parts plunged in a sweet hotbed,
with openings below the pot to secure drainage. The tempe-
rature may be gradually raised to 75° and 80° with air, and of
course waterings at the root will be more needed as the tem-
perature rises, and the syringe must be pretty well used before
the bloom trusses show. Then a drier atmosphere should be
given and the plants be lifted out of the bed as the flowers
open, and kept cooler and drier to preserve the bloom.

Txoras cannot be grown in a low temperature. On this
point a good authority has written as follows :—‘‘ I would par-
ticularly allude to this high temperature and moist atmosphere
in summer as essential to success, as I have had several com-
plaints that the Ixoras cannot be managed in a warm green-
‘house temperature—about 50° in winter, and very airy in sum-
mer. itis waste of time attempting such plants under such

circumstances. I haye given them up for a time because I
have not enough heat for them. Those who can command &
dryish atmosphere of from 55° to 65° in winter and a ferment-
ing bed in spring and summer, securing a bottom heat of from
80° to 85° and 90°, and a top temperature of from 70° to 85°,
and 5° to 10° more in gunshine, with abundance of atmo-
spheric moisture, will no doubt succeed with these lovely
plants, which are well deserving all such attention.”

A few of the best varieties are I. coccinea superba, which still
maintains its position as an exhibition plant ; I. Williamsii, one
of the very best of all, so free in flowering and has such large
trusses; I. Prince of Orange, very distinct and fine; I. floribunda
nana, valuable as a very free flowering variety in its young
state; I. Colei, the best white; I. Dixiana, and I. regina.
The last named is a new and splendid variety now being dis-
tributed by Mr. Bull, and of which the accompanying figure is
a faithful representation. The plant is of dwarf floriferous

138

habit,"the) colour of the flowers being salmon sufiused with
violet. There are other very good and distinct sorts, which
anyone can choose by looking at a trade catalogue.—D. L.

CAMPANULAS.

I Reap with much interest Mr. Harding’s article on Cam-
panulas which appeared in your Journal a few weeks ago, and
can fully endorse what he says respecting the usefulness and
beauty of this class of plants, more especially some of the
strong growers. I have tried one in particular, which pleased
me and everyone who sawit. It is C. Medium calycanthema,
blue and white. I sowed the seed about the middle of July
last year, potted-off the seedlings, and grew them all through
the autumn and winter, not letting them starve for want of
pot room until they were potted into 11-inch pots about the
end of March, using a compost of three parts good strong
loam‘and one part good manure with a little sand. By the
middle of June, when they commenced flowering, they made
pyramids of 3 to 4 feet high, and 2 feet 6 inches in diameter
at the base. They continued flowering until the last week of
July. During that period I know of no plants more useful for
halls, corridors, or the conservatory than these handsome Cam-
panulas. They will propagate easily from eyes in the same
manner as Hollyhocks are propagated in summer, which is a
good plan for keeping the best varieties, as from seed a portion
of the plants produce single flowers.—J. PrrHers.

[We saw the Campanulas referred to, which were extremely
offective.—Eps. ]

TAKING UP AND STORING POTATOHS.

Mr. Lucxuurst, I must presume, is possessed of a sanguine
temperament, which is perhaps inherent in a man of energy;
and that he is a skilful cultivator and sound adviser none, I
think, can doubt. A man who can laugh at the Potato disease,
not only as affecting early varieties but also the main-crop
sorts, must be listened to with respect on a subject on which
he is so well able to speak.

As I have previously said, I have found no real difficulty in
preserving my crops of early Potatoes from the murrain; but
the late sorts, such as Paterson’s Victorias and York Regents,
have, I have always felt, been in a great measure beyond my
control in the district of my experience. Mr. Luckhurst has
made a worthy attempt to remove my difficulty on the early
digging and thin storage question, but I am bound to state
that his arguments lose force just in the ratio that they travel
northwards. Your correspondent hag in his last communi-
cation afforded tolerably good proof that cultivators on the
Yorkshire flats and Lincolnshire levels have a difficulty to
contend with that is much minimised, even if it is a difficulty
at all, in the favoured vales of Sussex. I do not mean io
suggest that no credit is due to a grower because he lives in
Sussex and saves his crops; I only submit that the difficulty
is so much the greater in saying the crops in a locality where
they appear to be quite a fortnight later in ceasing swelling,
and where the autumn rains do not postpone their visit until
the Potatoes attain a marketable size.

According to the remarks on page 112 we may presume
that Mr. Luckhurst’s crop of Paterson’s Victoria is lifted and
stored. In that case he has almost certainly avoided the
disease. But to have lifted the same variety in the locality
where, I daresay, more Potatoes are grown in an area of five
square miles than are produced in the entire county of Sussex,
were to have secured a crop of ‘‘ seed tubers” only, for by the
second week in August they had not attained to a sufficient
size for table use. Thatis the real difficulty—late ripening,
and autumn rains occurring, not merely before the haulm has
decayed but before the tubers of late sorts have ceased swelling.
In the district to which I allude, unless sorts are grown which
are ready for lifting before the grain harvest, it is practically
impossible to give the necessary attention to securing them
until the harvest is completed. Hence the safety of an im-
portant crop iy unfortunately in a great degree a matter of
chance: if the autumn proves fine all is well, but if wet much
is lost. These remarks do not apply to a few sacks, or even
to sufficient for the supply of one large family, but they apply
to thousands of tons which are grown to feed the multitude of
London, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, and other large centres
of hungry humanity.

But while I am conscious that the late ripening of the crops
in the north is an impediment that does not occur to the same

{ August 16, 1877

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 7.

extent in the south, I am also ready to admit that greater
efforts should be made to save the crops, more enterprise should
be exercised, and the habit of clinging to old customs should
be relaxed to the securing of that important object. Hence
IT am glad that Mr. Luckhurst has endeavoured to show cause
that his system is as applicable to Yorkshire as to Sussex,
although he has not satisfied me on that point go well as he
has satisfied himself. He has, however, made it plain that
much may be done, and has given proof that many places—
‘*gentlemen’s places ’’—do not possess the conveniences desir-
able for making the best of a valuable crop.

That the crop of Potatoes is worthy of special care, even as
well worthy of suitable storing houses as fruit is, I am quite
convinced ; but the difficulty is to convince others whose sanc-
tion is necessary for providing such proper means of storing
the tubers. For years past I have given proof incontrovertible
that Potatoes dug when the haulm is green and the skins not
‘‘get’’—tubers which have jast attained their full size but
still unripe—ripen perfectly if properly stored, and become of
equally good quality with tubers which had been left in the
ground to ripen. I have also proved that the cropping quality
of Potatoes so treated does not in the slightest degree deterio-
rate, because the same stock is fully as productive now as it
was twenty years ago; yet notwithstanding I have never been
favoured with suitable means of carrying out the practice on
a scale commensurate with its importance, and have been
obliged to make shift with such shelter as has happened to be
within my reach ; and I have often been obliged to see many
tons of valuable food ruined when I have felt that much of the
loss might have been averted by a different plan of treatment.

Leaving out altogether the question as to the period of
taking up the tubers, immense loss is often incurred in the
manner of storing. I am certain that if instead of the per-
nicious custom that is prevalent of placing the tubers in im-
mense heaps to save covering material, if the necessary cover-
ing was liberally provided so that thin storing, at least for a
time until the tubers were dry and carefully sorted, the gain
would be great. It is of the greatest importance that the
tubers should be stored dry and kept cool. Moisture and heat
in combination are a primary source of disease. A large num-
ber of thatched hurdles or some such shelters, which would at
the same time exclude wet and admit air, would be the means
of saving much produce if the plan were carried out on an
extensive scale, and the tubers were placed in narrow heaps or
ridges.

Ii has frequently fallen to my lot to see Potatoes carted into
immense heaps by the sides of stacks and buildings and covered
with tarred rick cloths, and men, women, and boys have been
engaged for weeks afterwards in ‘“‘sorting’’ from a reeking
mass of decay. How could it be otherwise ? The moist tubers
in such bulk could not fail to heat, and the cloths could not
fail to prevent the heat escaping. Far better were it that the
Potatoes were placed in thin narrow ridges, not wider at the
base than the distance of a paix of cart wheels, and simply
covered with straw, even if it did not exclude the wet. Pro-
vided Potatoes are kept cool, even if they are not dry, decay
will not spread amongst them with a quarter of the virulency
that it will in mojst heated heaps. But covered hurdles placed
over the Potatoes and not laid on them would be by far the
preferable plan, and this suggestion of Mr. Luckhursit is well
worthy oi consideration ; but the tubers of Paterson’s Victoria
do not cease swelling ‘nearly so soon in Yorkshire as in
Sussex, and immunity from disease in the north becomes
proportionally lessened—all the more reason, your correspon-
dent may suggest, that efforts to combat it should be the more
determined and persistent.—A NorrHERN GARDENER.

Arter the evidence given by Mr. Luckhurst on page 112, I
think we cannot do wrong in lifting all varieties of Potatoes
when the tubers cease swelling. On or about the 20th of July
I began to think the crop was going, and having a special
favourite among my exhibition sorts called Alpha, I lifted
the entire row perfectly green, placing the tubers on shelves
carefully. The skins were so tender they could scarcely ke
touched without rubbing them off. In three days the skin
had set perfectly tight, and the tubers were firm, which gave
me to understand that I had not done wrong. On the 6th of
August I commenced in earnest, and lifted twelve varieties,
consisting of Lord High Admiral and eleven other sorts, which
may be termed second earlies. I never had a more happy
day’s work than in lifting these grand Potatoes, the rows of.
which were 30 yards long. There was not a speck of disease.

August 16, 1877. ]

Among the most prolific is Early Vermont, which produced
14 stone per row; Porter’s Excelsior, a grand Potato, 11 stone;
Myatt’s Kidney 9 stone. Next week I intend lifting King of
the Harlies, Early Vermont, and others, although all the tops
are green, and I would certainly advise all my friends to be
up and doing, and try to preserve a crop, which is truly, as
Mr. Luckhurst says, of national importance. One thing is
next to certain, if the crops are left untouched until autumn
the one-half at least will be lost.—R. Ginperv.

I can testify to the soundness of Mr. Luckhurst’s remarks
on the early lifting of the main crop of Potatoes. I think it
behoves everyone who grows Potatoes to be on the alert and
secure the crop, for from what I can hear and see many crops
are becoming badly diseased in this county (Bedford). Both
early and late kinds seem to be affected.

Perhaps it may be useful if I relate a case of early lifting of
Potatoes in 1876. This was a plot of Regents. After a period
of two or three weeks of hot dry weather the Potatoes in
question were at a standstill, but after a fall of rain I could
plainly see that a second growth was about to take place, so I
determined on having the crop lifted, although the tops were
as green as they well could be. Many people said that taking
them up so early (July), with the haulm quite green and before
the skins were set, was not the right thing to do. The skins
may rub-off a little, but if they do they soon form another
covering. The result of this early lifting was as follows :—The
Potatoes were of medium size, and of good quality; in fact I
could not wish for better quality, they were like balls of flour,
and they remained go until the second week in July, 1877. I
may remark that my neighbours who did not lift until late in
the season lost more than half of their crops, and when plant-
ing-time came round some growers had not sufficient left for
seed.

It is too common a practice when lifting late Potatoes to
store them too thickly, whereby they become heated. They
should be laid thinly and examined frequently. At the present
time I am having all late Potatoes lifted as fast as possible
with a view to saving them from disease, but owing to many
men being in the harvest field I am having the tops pulled up
and cleared away until such time as I can have the crop dug.
The removal of the haulm will to some extent save the crop,
even if the tubers are not taken-up for some little time to
come.—G. R. A.

I quire agree with Mr. Luckhurst in raising Potatoes as soon
as the tubers cease swelling. I once knew a farmer who dug-
up all his Potatoes in August. The men employed were obliged
to pick them all from the haulm. These Potatoes all kept
well, but those left until the tops had died-down were scarcely
half of them good. This is one instance out of twenty. We
are taking-up our Victorias, Deyon Reds, and Hundredfold
Flukes.—J. P., Devon.

FALMOUTH FLOWER SHOW.

THE display, which was both extensive and attractive, was-

arranged in the Volunteer Drill Hall and a tent erected outside.
Colonel Tremayne, the Rev. Thomas Phillpots, Mr. M. H
Williams, Colonel Bull, and Mr.
and beautiful collections of plants.
Phe Exhibition was very strong in high-class stove plants,
the majority of which were sent not for competition. At the
higher end of the hall nearly forty of the choicest specimens of
the Carclew houses were effectually grouped by Mr. Palmer.
Towering above all was a grand Seaforthia elegans, with other fine
Palms extending on eifher hand. Striking objects in the centre
were a large Allamanda Hendersonii, Bougainvillea glabra, and
brilliantly coloured Crotons. The Rev. Thomas Phillpotts from
Portiwidden sent an excellent collection, well arranged by
Mr. Hogbin. The wealth of Pengerrick was exemplified in the
best Gold and Silver Ferns in the hall, a good Alsophila excelsa,
a Gunnera scabra with monster leaves and showing its curious
fruit, and the freshest and largest Todea superba in the west of
England. The cultivation exhibited in the collection was a
credit to Mr. Thomas Evans, Mr. Fox’s skilful gardener. Mr.
M. H. Williams, Tredrea (gardener, Mr. Murton), was the only
exhibitor of Orchids, and his specimens were greatly admired.
Mr. W. H. Lean won close upon a dozen prizes, mostly firsts.
In stove and greenhouse Ferns he ran Col. Bull very close, who
exhibited the finest collection ever seen in the district.
The nurserymen supported the Exhibition admirably. Messrs.
. Curtis, Sandford, & Co. from the Devon Nursery, Torquay, sent
twenty Roses, which had no difficulty in gaining the premier

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

W. H. Lean exhibited large |

139

prize. J. Hodge & Son, St. Austell, had the best twelve Roses,
and were placed first also for Gladiolus. Messrs. Mitchinson
and Co. won the principal prizes for Dahlias, Asters, Cucumbers,
collections of cut flowers, besides making a large display of
blooms not for competition—Roses, Carnations, Geraniums,
Fuchsias, Marigolds, Zinnias, &c.

The cottage gardeners made a capital display, the Cabbages
and Onions being exceedingly fine. The small fruits were for
the season good, particularly Red Currants. The Judges were :—
For plants and cut flowers, the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen,
Mr. W. N. Carne, and Mr. Marton (Tredrea), and Mr. Gill
(Tremough). For cottagers’ exhibits and fruit, Mr. Lobb
(Devoran), Mr. Tyerman (Tregony), Mr. Hogbin (Porthwidden),
and G. Palmer (Carclew).

PREPARATION OF FRUIT TREES FOR FORCING.

Ir is pretty well understood by thoge in charge of forcing
houses that more depends on the treatment of fruit trees after
the crop is gathered than on anything that can be done whilst
the trees are actually carrying their crops. Especially are
these remarks applicable in the case of Vines and other early-
forced fruit trees, whose period of rest is, in the natural order
of things, the time when root and branch should be in full
activity and vigour. The different views held regarding the
reciprocal action between root and branch at various stages
of growth have long occupied considerable attention, and that
is by no means so clear as it should be, if We may judge
from the conflicting statements we read from time to time
in the various horticultural journals. Whether the action of
root and branch is simultaneous, or that the latter precedes
the former, is to our own mind clear enough. It is fortunate
that there is no dispute as to the union that exists between root
and branch, and that we know that the one cannot exist with-
out the other; and we think that the only rational view of the
matter is that during the period of inactivity or rest the dis-
tribution of latent sap is leas active, consequent on the want of
propelling power after the fall of the leaf. What we wish to
urge in the case of early-forced Vines and other trees is the
difficulty to be encountered in working out, according to dif-
ferent circumstances, the natural growth inherent in each indi-
vidual Vine or tree, and in settling how the future supplies
encouraged by such growth are to be directed into the ordinary
fruiting channels, and consolidated there in ample quantity to
furnish food for the following season. We take it as an undis-
puted fact, that a Vine or Peach tree will yield fruit in pro-
portion to the amount cf healthy food that is concentrated in
every individual bud and branch ; therefore our efforts should
be directed to the carrying-out of such measures as shall best
attain the object we have in view. As before remarked, the
great difficulty in this respect rests with very early-forced trees ;
for however unnatural it may be to change their winter into
summer, they will yield submissively to the infinence of heat
and moisture; but it is quite another thing to impose upon
them a season of perfect rest when the thermometer stands at
80° in the shade. From this point of view we regard the
month of August as the most critical month of the year for
early-forced trees. Vines are sometimes taken out of doors
and covered with litter in order to retard them, and Peach
trees may have the sashes removed from over them altogether ;
still there is the natural warmth and growth tending to excite
‘against the unnatural remedies tending to retard. The one
principle acts against the other, and the crops that follow are
in proportion to the skill with which the two principles are
managed. Vines, for instance, that are forced, however skil-
fully, to have ripe Grapes in March, become quite unmanage-
able in a few years, and will break away in the month of
August, notwithstanding all the counteracting means that can
be brought to bear upon them. Peach trees that ripen their
crops early in May require careful watching lest the mild
autumn weather should lead to premature excitement, which
means the loss of all such buds as are unduly disturbed from
their natural slumber before the proper time. —

The principles laid down for our guidance in these matters
are of such a nature that they cannot be applied to all cases
alike; or perhaps we had better put it that the difference of
circumstances renders the universal application of them im-
practicable. When early houses are so situated as to be in-
fluenced in some degree by their neighbours, such an arrange-
ment aggravates the difficulty of inducing rest and consolidating
growth. Warmed shallow borders, unless by the most com-
plete arrangement in heating, are to be avoided as much as
possible: the cure is worse than the disease, and of the two it

140

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 16, 1877.

i: sometimes the greater evil; for in order to avoid one extreme
we are driven to another still greater. To escape the dilemma
with anything like success a careful eye should be kept on the
progress of root and branch towards maturity. Individual
cases must be judged by their respective claims to our know-
ledge of their requirements. Healthy progress of root and
branch will always go hand in hand. Healthy root-action,
properly supplied from healthy sources, is sure to yield a
healthy return in well-matured wood and leaves. Overfed or
neglected trees are as easily distinguishable to the skilled culti-
vator as a declining patient is to a doctor. What we want is
a full and natural season of growth; but we want the fruits of
that growth properly directed and organised.

Vines and Peach trees require great supplies of water at certain
times, but they also require that great discrimination shall be
exercised in its administration. A Vine begins to make roots
in earnest when the first tint of autumnal brown shows itself
at the base of its young yrowth; and the supplies of water and
other stimulants must be measured according to the health
and age of the Vines, the condition of their roots, the state of
the border they are growing in, &¢, atmospheric moisture
being supplied in moderate quantities at the same time.
Borders are drenched, and Vines grow and swell and finish
their crops; but is the benefit of all the labour entailed properly
directed towards concentration, and do we organise all avail-
able strength as we should do into the fruiting spurs of another
season? These questions are the great points of vital interest
to be considered in preparing both root and branch for forcing.
Worn-out Vines are often allowed to ramble as far and how
they will in graceful pendant streamers. They have no ten-
dency towards rectifying a disordered system or of centralising
what little strength is left, nor will it add in any appreciable
degree to the rooting power of the Vines for future crops—in
fact, the contrary is our own opinion. We regard all growth
except for fruiting purposes as superfluous, and superfluous
growth we consider as over-taxation on an already enfeebled
system. The Vine, being naturally of a travelling habit, will
produce thickets of young wood annually; hence we see in

many cases to what a mischievous extent attempts are made |

to combine the extension principle with a sort of semi-restric-
tive one. Young rods are encouraged to travel along the sur-
face of inside borders, down back walls, or any other space at

command where a young shoot can be encouraged, ostensibly |
for the best reagon in the world—that of promoting vigorous |

root-action. Is this principle correct or not? and what facts
have we to support it? Has the idea merely emanated from
someone who may have succeeded beyond the region of his
compeers, and ascribed his success to this principle of ex-
tension ?
ation whatever : it is mere conjecture, or something akin to it;
its virtue is supposed to lie in its power to sustain and make
roots. Well, but what about the ripening of them? We believe
in the maturity of roots as well as of branches, and we can
hardly strain our mind into the belief that growth made so far
away from the influence of sun and light will ever mature
roots that could survive the winter; and growth that is inca-
pable of ripening its roots is practically valueless. And is it

not also a gain to the Vine if by conserving wasted strength

we can establish a more vigorous and fruit-producing power,
and a tendency to health and longevity ?

Our remarks are only intended to apply to certain modes of
forcing, and to indicate how far we think certain means tend
to recruit the failing power of trees which are supposed to
have been reduced by early forcing and cropping. We say the
full and natural development of all growth that can be exposed
to thorough ripening influences is beneficial, and on the
character that that growth may assume depends the future
crop.

After the completion of natural growth the two main in-
fluences we have to study during the period of maturation are
air and water; for heat we have the advantage of the all-
powerful aid of the sun—a better agent than any artificial one
we can employ.

Next to be considered is the co-operation of these influences;
they must not be separated, but must work together towards
one final end. Roots are formed according to the time and
quantity of the feeding-power supplied, and if that be given in
excess too late in the season the result will be the imperfect
ripening of root and branch; whereas if the former is growing
in a healthy border of adequate firmness and substance, and
water is gradually withdrawn, a border will be secured of rich
fibrous roots thoroughly ripened, which will serve as feeders

We think the principle is deserving of no consider- | and tasteful designs worked with them and spring-blooming

capable of supplying double the nourishment that could be
expected from a less carefully prepared system of root-and-
branch treatment.—W. Hinps (in The Gardener).

NOTES on VILLA anv SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Tue preparation of spring-flowering bedding plants should
now occupy the attention of all who pride themselves on the
gayness of their flower beds during the early spring months.
Daisies, both the double white and pink varieties, bloom very
early. They may be increased by offsets and dividing ths roots.
We generally divide and plant them at proper distances apart
at the time of removing them from the beds in early summer,
and they require very little more care than freeing them from
weeds and occasionally watering; but where such has not been
done, and they have been merely laid-in in masses, separate
them at once and transplant from 4 to 6 inches apart. To per-
petuate the different varieties of Pansies and Violas offsets and
cuttings must be inserted now in a shady place. These are
most useful for givirg distinct lines of colour, and are very gay
and free-blooming; but if distinctness is not required any
quantity of plants may be raised from seed sown now. That
pretty spring-flowering plant Myosotis dissitiflora is best raised
annually from seed. Seedlings of it should now be transplanted,
and old plants may also be divided; they then become sturdy
and hardy to withstand the severity of the winter. Polyan-
thuses in variety are also very gay, and from a packet of seed
an immense number of varieties can be procured. Seedlings of
these ought also to be transplanted now. The same remarks
apply to Wallflowers, which are among the first plants to bloom
in spring, and the perfame wafted in every direction by the
wind is most delightful. They should be grown in all gardens
and shrubberies. The plants ought now to be of good size, and
be planted 9 inches apart in an open situation. The various
kinds of Silenes should also be now sown. Beds of this annual
when well massed together in the spring have a splendid effect.
Silene pendula is the best for large beds, and the dwarf variety
of it, S. pendula compacta, for-small beds and pots. It is only
by sowing early and having the plants strong that they flower
sufficiently early to give place to summer bedding plants. The
pretty annual Collinsia bicolor and other varieties of Collinsia
are very desirable for spring flowering in herbaceous and mixed
borders, as also are Nemophila insignis, Saponaria calabrica,
and Limnanthes Douglasii. The Saponaria should be sown at
once, the others towards the end of the month. The seed
should be sown in drills a foot apart, and the seedlings be
thinned out as soon as they can be handled. The plants then
become sturdy and sufficiently hardy to endure ordinary winters.
Golden Feather is sometimes used for colour, but it is not always
to be depended on during the winter, though it is occasionally
very bright and gay; the best plants are undoubtedly young
seedlings. Many of the Sedums and the hardy Sempervivams
used in summer carpet bedding can be used again in spring,

plants.

Flower beds are now at their best. The carpet designs are
well filled. All such that have a tendency to encroach on their
neighbours must be pinched-in; bold but clear defined lines
are necessary where designs are carried out. Go over beds of
Geraniums and other flowers, and remove all faded flowers and
set everything that may be out of place in proper trim, for neat-
ness and compactness add much to the beauty of the flower

arden.

S “T cannot think what can be the matter with my Grapes;
they were doing well, and all at once they appear to die off.”
Such are the expressions which have fallen from several of our
amateur friends who have a small house or two and do not keep
a gardener, but merely have ‘‘ help” now and then. Neverthe-
less their small vineries afford them much pleasure and healthy
exercise. From the description given to us of these Grapes we
imagined they were scalded, and on inspection found it to be so.
The very hot days we have occasionally had without sufficient
air having been given early in the morning is the cause of it.
With the houses closed up evaporation condenses on the bunches,
and the berries become scalded. The only remedy now is to
cut out all such with a pair of Grape scissors. Regulate the
growths in these small houses, and do not let them become over-
crowded or the wood will not ripen.

The work in the kitchen garden will principally be keeping
down weeds and taking and storing Potatoes as they ripen,
filling all ground as it becomes vacant with Coleworts, or sowing
Turnips thereon if required. A sowing of Prickly or Winter
Spinach should be made, and if Carrots are short a sowing of
Early Horn or James’s Intermediate will be found very useful
for pulling while young. Celery will require attention; plenty
ot both clear and manure water is beneficial in promoting rapid
growth. Some of the earlier-planted rows will require earthing.
Tomatoes growing either in open beds or on walls must have the
shoots stopped and thinned out. It is surprising how much
more readily the fruit sets after all growths above the clusters

August 16, 1877]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

141

of bloom are pinched. Every facility should be given them to
ripen their fruit before the dull days of autumn are upon us.—
J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WHEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

We have again during the week had genial showers, which
have been a great boon to us, as the ground was very dry and
hard, which made digging and trenching a work of some diffi-
culty. The 8th of August is said to be the proper day to sow
the early Cabbage seed, the produce of which will be ready to
cut in May and June next year. Our own seeds were sown on
that day, but it is quite ridiculous that any date should be chosen
in preference to another within a week of the time. The seeds
are sown on a piece of ground that does not receive much manure,
and we like to sow thinly. We have tried many different
varieties, but no sort succeeds so well as the dwarf form of
Early York, seeds of which are saved in our own neighbourhood.
A true stock of Enfield Market is very desirable, as it hearts
later. This year Wheeler’s Imperial has been sown for trial
with the others. It does not say much for our progression in
raising new sorts of Cabbage when this same Early York was
grown fifty years ago.

It is as well to make two sowings of Cawliflowers, as it depends
somewhat on the weather as to which will turn out the best.
The first sowing with us will be made about the time this
appears in print, and again in the last week of the month. It
woulu be rash to say that the above dates are right for other
portions of the British Isles; still we would not care to sow
before the middle of the month unless it was a good way north,
as the Cauliflowers are apt to button when the seeds are sown
too early in the month.

As there is now plenty of spare ground it is a good time to
make & sowing of Prickly Spinach for furnishing a supply during
the winter months. We know that the best Spinach is produced
on rich ground, but when this lata crop is grown too strongly it
is more apt to suffer from severe frost. Itis well if possible to
sow a reserve piece on ground that is not so rich. The best
winter Spinach we ever saw was grown on a border facing south
and sheltered in all directions from winds.

The market growers are very busy plauting Coleworts, Sprout-
ing Broccoli, and in some cases a late crop of Savoys. The
recent rains have been very helpful tothe planters. Plants that
were set out about three or four weeks ago are much strength-
ened by having the hos worked amongst the plants, and where
the plants are sufficiently advanced the rows are earthed-up
with the draw-hoe. A sowing of Parsley may be made for winter
and spring use. It is also a good time to make a sowing of
Turnips for winter use. The plan’about here with the market
growers is to run the cultivator over the Potato ground and then
harrow it, sowing the seeds broadcast, harrowing again, and
running a heavy roller over the ground. Those who delight in
American Cress should now make a sowing on a border under
a wall facing west; this will stand the winter well with a little
protection, and will come in useful in the early spring months.
We shall very soon sow the Paris White Cos Lettuce in the open
ground in rows a foot apart. Some of the plants will be thinned
out, and will be planted in another place, enough being left in
the sead drills fora crop. As the crops of different vegetables
are gathered see that the refuse is removed to the rubbish heap
at once and the ground hoed, the weeds being burned or in some
way destroyed; or the ground may be dug, the weeds and refuse
being buried.

VINERIES.

The Lady Downe’s Grapes in the late house are now colouring,
and have passed the stage when scalding of the berries is to be
feared. The house will now be kept rather closer, and a tem-
perature of not less than 65° will be maintained at night. It is
well to see that the Vines have a thorough watering with ma-
nure water just at this time, and the surface of the border should
be kept damp by frequent sprinklings. We have insisted on
plenty of ventilation and other details of the work quite recently.
‘We are not much troubled with wasps and bluebottle flies in
this neighbourhood, still they did us much damage one season,
and we had a supply of medicated bags which were recommended
very much at the time by some writers in the horticultural
press, but the bags did more damage to the berries than the
flies and wasps, by rubbing the bloom off the berries, and also
causing many of them to beattacked by mould. It was there-
fore necessary to be continually removing the bags to get at
the berries. We would never use such bags again; better by
far is it to keep the insects out altogether, and this can easily
be done by nailing some hexagon garden netting over the ven-
tilators. ; p

ORCHARD AND PEACH HOUSES.

We continue to syringe freely, and will do so until the first
fruits are nearly ripe. The trees in pots receive large supplies
of water at the roots, and it is necessary to make sure that the

Peach border has a thorough watering—enough to reach the
roots at the bottom of the border. The treatment in all other
respects is the same as that recommended for late Vines. Red
spider will not do much harm until all the fruit has been
gathered; but there is more danger in this respect than used
to be the case when Royal George was the earliest Peach, the
others succeeded it so rapidly. We shall discontinue growing
Early Rivers; it is an early Peach, but more than half the fruits
have invariably split stones, and nearly all of them decay before
they are quite ripe. This sort requires peculiar treatment, and
might be well grown in a house by itself. Hale’s Early is the
best early Peach, followed by Early York, both sorts introdaced
from America. A house of these two would be a good specu-
lation for the London market. Early Grosse Mignonne is a
grand sort to succeed them before Royal George comesin. As
soon as the fruit is gathered the garden engine may be brought
into play upon the leaves; it will soon rid them of spider, but
will not thoroughly destroy the Peach aphis.

Strawberries.—It may be as well to state here that, although
we were late with the runners this year, the plants are now put
out in the oper ground, and we are busy potting all those
intended to frait in pots. The pots are placed on a hard
bottom, and are freely exposed to sun and air. In potting we
use good loam and rich decayed manure, in the proportion of
three to one. The compost is pressed firmly into the pots
with a wooden rammer.

PLANT STOVES AND ORCHID HOUSES.

We have still a number of specimen plants and Ferns that
require repotting. We have not yet been able to do all our
work just when it ought to be done, but we hope to have all
the large and small plants repotted within a week from this

ate.

Dipladenias have been potted, using very fibrous peat and a
portion of clean silver sand to aid in keeping the compost open.
Of all the flowering plants adapted for stove culture there are
none to surpass these beautiful twiners. The only difficulty that
we experience with them is that of keeping the house sufli-
ciently warm where they are growing. The temperature during
winter ought not to fall below 70° during the day, nor 60° to 65°
at night. The best of the Dipladenias do not succeed in the
lower temperature, which is suitable for most of our other
stove plants. Dipladenias are very much subject to be attacked
by scale, and, what is much worse, mealy bug. The plants do
not require a very abundant supply of water at any time, but
during the winter season vsry little suffices. In potting it is
necessary to drain well, and to piace some tough peat from
which most of the fibre has been removed over the drainage.
The finest species is D. Brearleyana, a garden hybrid between
D. crassinode and D.splendens. D. crassinode itself is a very
beautiful species; its flowers are rose-coloured, and are a sufii-
cient contrast to the large rich crimson blooms of D. Brearleyana.
D. insignis is similar in character to the latter, but the leaves
and flowers partake more of the character of D. crassinode.
Another beautiful species is found in D. boliviense, with its
white flowers and yellow throat produced in rich profusion.
Clerodendrons are making strong healthy growth, and the best
treatment is to train the growths near the glass, where they will
have an opportunity of ripening well before the dark days of
winter. Rich sandy loam suits C. Balfourianum.

Gleichenia speluncey is a most elegant species of Fern, and it
succeeds well with us in the warm end of a plant pit. The
plants now require repotting; we shall pot them in turfy
fibrous peat, and the pots will be half filled with drainage before
potting, as the roots of these Ferns do not descend into the pot
to a great distance. Other Ferns requiring repotting will also
be attended to. Adiantums succeed best when the compost is
principally good fibrous loam with just a little fibrous peat.
Indeed, we have been most successful with the beautiful
A.farleyense when the potting material has been all loam and
a little decayed stable manure. We have not grown the elegant
A. gracillimum, but it has been stated that this species does best
With the same potting material. Davallias, Dicksonias, Pteris,
and Gymnogrammas, indeed most other species, succeed well
when loam and peat are used together in equal proportions.

In the Orchid houses most of the plants are at rest, and no
more moisture is applied to the roots or in the atmosphere than
is necessary to maintain the plants in good health. Both the
cool and Cattleya houses have a temperature from 60° to 65° at
night, with the ventilators open a little, and not any heat from
tke hot-water pipes; with a little heat from the pipes, and
closing the house early, the temperature in the Hast India
house is about 70° as a minimum.—J. Dovueuas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Henry Cannell, The Nurseries, Swanley, Kent.—Autumn
Catalogue of Plants, Bulbs, and Strawberries. :

Giles & Son, Grove Hill Nursery, Magill, Adelaide, South
Australia.—General Catalogue of Trees, Plants, and Shrubs.

142

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ August 16, 1877.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

ConTENTS (R. C. Pilling).—No doubt the suggestion you make would have
its advantages, but we found that the demand for advertising space on the
front page was so great that we were pressed to remove the contents to some
other part of the paper.

Puants FOR A GRAVE (Constant Suhscriber).—Plant Rosemary, “that’s
for remembrance,” and the Pansy, “that’s for thoughts.” Then Forget-me-
nots, Primroses, Daisies, and Snowdrops will furnish a pretty constant suc-
cession of bloom. Don’t plant sad funereal Cypresses and Irish Yews; they
do not remind us of “ the life to come” as those lovely flowers do.

BeEcH TREE Dyine (X.).—The tree has probably been in failing health
for some time although you have not noticed it. We can only attribute its
injury and death to the wet subsoil, which is particularly inimical to the
Beech; indeed, Brown in the “ Forester” states that the tree will not live
long under such conditious‘as those youname. Possibly the roots may be in
@ natural cavity in the impervious lias bed and so have suffered injury, whlle
the other trees are apparently healthy.

Porarors SHOWN AS A VEGETABLE (T. B. R.).—The Potato is undoubtedly
a vegetable, and may be shown in a collection of vegetables.

Vines, &c. (Y. S. M.).—The Black Gibraltar is the same as Black Morocco.
The leaf you have sent is probably that of Isabella from the description you
give of the frnit. You will find a good treatise on Pine culture in “The
Pine Apple Manual,” published at our office, and sent free by post for 2s. Sd.
Your Lilium eximium is quite correct. It is dwarfer than longifloram. We
will give you some information on Troprolum next week.

HeEatine Smatt GREENHOUSE (A. B.).—We do not thiak the two lamps
would give off sufficient heat to keep out the frost from a house 12 feet by
6 feet. Why not have an ordinary stove and carry a pipe from it to the out-
side? The fumes from burning kerosine are as injurious as those from any
other heating material.

_ PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER AND Sprine (X. T.).—It
is somewhat late for sowing seeds of some of the spring-flowering plants,
especially the various kinds of Myosotis (Forget-me-not), which should be sown
about the last week in June; a little seed might however be sown now, and if
the autumn prove mild plants sufficiently strong to afford abundant flowers
inay be had. Sow now Saponaria calabrica, pink; S. calabrica alba, white;
Silene pendula, pink, and S. pendule alba; Alyssum maritimum, white;
Nemophila insignis, blue; Candytuft (Iberis), crimson, white, and purple;
the red and white Virginian Stock, and the yellow-leaved Pyrethrum. When
the seedlings are large enough to handle thin them, pricking some of them
out into nursery beds, transplanting them thence into the flower beds when
the autumn flowers are removed.

_GRAPES ScanpEp (C. T. D.).—As Lady Downe’s Seedling suffers so exten-
sively every year, and the other Vines in the house are not injured, the best
advice we can give you is to train up an additional cane from the best of the
other sorts and remove the rod of Lady Downe’s entirely. This variety is
very prone to have its berries scalded. The cause of the injury is not so
much in the border as in deficient ventilation. Scalding usually arises from
air not being admitted sufficiently early in the morning. As you do not
appear able to manage this variety we should cut it down and occupy the
space with a rodfrom one of the other Vines. (W.S.)—Scalding of the berries
results chiefly from a vinery becoming unduly heated by the sun early in the
morning before the moisture which has condensed on the berries during the
night has evaporated. As a preventivo of scalding, vineries should not be
damped too late in the afternoon; a chink of ventilation should be left at the
top of the house allnight, and additional air should be given very early in the
morning—the moment the thermometer in the house commences rising.

CucUMBER FOR WINTER FoRcING (Grains)—Telegraph is an_ excellent
variety for growing during the winter. There must be no delay in sowing
the seed or striking cuttings. Many growers fail by commencing too late.
Smaller varieties, which are esteemed by many, are Lord Kenyon’s Favourite
and Munro’s Duke of Edinburgh.

Fuousias Not Turivine (4. R.).—We cannot account for the leaves and
flower buds dropping off as they do, except that you probably have made the
compost too rich, er they received a check in moying them from a Cucumber
frame to a cool greenhouse. The best compost is turfy loam five parts, leaf
goons part, decayed manure one part, and sufficient sand to keep the com-
post open.

Fics Not SuccEEDING (J. B. J.).—Figs never do well under the shade of
Vines ; and the fact that your first crop is good and the later crop indifferent
aneeeets that the Vine leayes haye an injurious effect as the shade becomes
more dense.

CARRION IN VINE BorDER (Idem).—We fancy the Vine doing so well where
the pigs are buried is not attributable to the pigs. You will not find any live
roots amongst or near the carrion; the roots must have wandered somewhere
else. Plant two Black Hamburgh Vines in a border at the same time, treat
both alike, and it does not follow that they will be the same two or three
years hence; very likely the one may be much stronger than the other.

New Aquimeeras (M. R.).—Aquilegia cxrulea hybrida and A. californica
hybrida will probably be distributed by the Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea in the
form of plants during the ensuing autumn. They have also a stock of
A. leptoceras lutea, which is the same plant as A. chrysantha.

PropaGatTine Ravs cotinus (H. G. M.).—Layer the shoots at the present

’ time, preyiously notching or tongueing them, and in due time they will emit

roots. The flower sent may be one of Leycesteria formosa, but it is too frag-
mentary for us to decide with certainty.

WINTERING BeppinG Puants (N. J. M.).—If you will send a list of the
plants yor purpose preserving in cold frames we will state which of them we
consider may be wintered in such structures.

SeRvicE TREE (EH. A. White).—You have been rightly informed that the
fruit of this tree makes very good jam, but it is, of course, quite a matter of
taste as to its equalling Guava jelly.

VEGETABLE Marrow Fatinc—Ants (4 New Subscriber).—The roots have
probably penetrated the manure, and you water too much. Sprinkle guano
over the nests of the ants, and repeat the spriukling until they emigrate,

Roses (Tyro).—It is very difficult to give reasons for the failure of certain
plants when we haye not seenthose plants. Charles Lefebvre, Alfred Colomb,
and Fisher Holmes are not good varieties for pot culture. Plant these in the
open ground. This month is the best of all othérs for planting out Roses
from pots. They get established before the winter. Peter Lawson is a small
dark yelyety Rose, and rather a weak grower. W2 do not know Triomphe

d’Amiens. Perhaps Rev. W.F. Radclyfie can describe it. Blairii No.2 is not
suitable for growing asa standard. It is a climber, and should baleft like a
Banksian to roam at will wherever and in any way it chooses.

AUTUMN-SOWN ONIONS FoR Exurpition (H. 8S. F.).—The seed should be
sown the second or third week in August. The ground should be trenched
2feet deep, or as deep as the soil will admit without bringing up any bad
soil, though if the bottom soil be bad it is well to loosenit. A good manur-
ing should be applied, mixing it well with the soil, the manure being thoroughly
decomposed. The ground should be made firm, and the seed sown in drills
a foot apart. When the plants have a pair of leaves thin to 2 inches
distance apart, and keep clear of weads, stirring the soil between the rows.
To avoid the maggot, when the plants show: the second leaf water overhead
with paraffin water—a wineglassful to three gallons of water, stirring well
up; let stand twelve hours, then stir again, and after standing another
twelve hours skim off the oil from the surface, watering the plants with
the clear or skimmed water only. This may be repeated in the early part of
April, May, aud June respectively. In March you may remove every three
plants, leaving. the fourth, planting them in well-manured deeply trenched
ground in rows a foot apart, and 9 inches apart in the rows, the ground being
well firmed before planting. All that is wanted is to water until established
and to keep clear of weeds. A sprinkling of soot may ba given every month,
commencing with March and continuing until June, applying in such quantity
as just to blacken the surface, applying. guano between the soot applications
at the rate of 21bs. to 304 square yards, which will cause the manures to be
applied at fornightly intervals. If the weather be dry at the time of apply-
ing the manures they should be given in liquid instead of solid form—one
peck of soot to thirty gallons of water, and 2 lbs. guano to the same quantity
of water, the watering to be at the rate of one gallon per square yard. Sow
Giant Rocca.

Tacsoni4 VAN-VOLXEMI.—“ Franklin” would be glad to be informed
where he could see this climber flowering in the neighbourhood of London.

VEGETABLE Marrows IN Market Garpens (4. M.).—Holes are made to
receive the manure, which is stable manure, or sometimes an admixture of
stable and cow manure, and two plants are planted on each station.

CocumpBers DisEAsED (C. W. Major).—The soil is too rich and too moist?
and the temperatare too low.

STRAWBERRIES WITH Leaves Cur Orr (N. J. M.).—If the crowns are
aninjured, the plants being young, they will soon form young leaves, and the
plants will be none the worse on account of those they have lost. Itisa
practice with some persons to cut the leaves off with a scythe after fruiting, but
we do not approve of the practice. You cannot do anything to help the plants.

PHYLLOXERA ON VINES (Capt. Paul).—We haye had rather too much ex-
perience with this pest, and are truly sorry to hear that’it is widely dis-
tributed in the British Isles. It has twice appeared in our Vines, and each
time it has been stamped out by destroying the Vines, root and branch, and
carting away the soil where it could not do further harm. We advise you to
do the same. As your Vines are young the loss will not be great. A friend
of ours had it in a vinery of yocng Vines. The Phylloxera appeared on one
Vine in April; he thought it a pity to destroy all the Vines, and had the
affected plant removed with all the soil in contact with its roots. The rest
of the Vines grew well, and he was satisfied that he had destroyed the pest.
However, early in the following year he thought he would examine the roots
of the Vines, and to his surprise they were a moving mass of Phylloxera.
This time he wisely destroyed the whole of the Vines, and truly glad he was
that the pest did not spread to other houses a few score yards distance. We
earnestly advise you to exterminate the pest by destroying the Vines.

DestRoyING Wrireworm (4. N.).—Dress ths ground with gas lime, one
peck (level measure) per square rod, distributing equally over the surface, it
being best applied in autumn and forkedin. The ground should be forked
over again so soon in spring as the ground is in working order, and again
before putting in the crop. It wil) drive them away if not destroy them.
Many may be destroyed by baits of Carrots or Potatoes buried in the soil
1 to 2inches deep, which should be examined daily, and the wireworms that
have penetrated the baits destroyed, re-inserting them in the soil. If the
baits have a stick thrust through them, so as to serve as a handle, they are
more readily taken up and examined.

Names or Fruits (St. Bridged).—It is a difficuls matter at any time to
name Strawberries unless thsy are seen growing, but the three you sent were
quite smashed, and therefore it was impossible to do so.

Names oF Prants (W. M.).—1 is Cunninghamia lanceolata; 2 we cannot
name without seeing the flowers. Neitheris hardy. (B. Smyth)—Eccremo-
carpus scaber. (4. O.).—Lysimachia thyrsiflora. (J. P.).—Aloe variegata.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

A BATCH OF SCHEDULES.—Parr 2.

WE have again received several schedules, some of them show-
ing much improvement since last year and others none at all,
while some are fresh in their new birth. Of the latter perhaps
Ramsgate claims the earliest attention. Hverything on the first
page is ‘“‘very swell.” There are correspondents in Paris and
Boulogne, there are to be especial boats from and to Boulogne,
and a private wire will be laid into the Show yard. This is
pretty fair for one page, but unfortunately the nominated Judges
seem to have had the wrong duties allotted, for we find Mr.
Esquilant put down for poultry and Messrs. Teebay and Hewitt
down for the Pigeons. The other poultry Judge, Mr. Teget-
meier, is fully at home in either section. On the second page
we find a noble President, seven lady patronesses, eight county
patrons, and sixteen local ditto; and then on the next sheet we
come to the rules—there are thirteen of them. Some of them
are very much as usual, and others of a novel turn—e.g., Rule 4
tells us that the post-card which acknowledges the safe arrival
of the entries will also admit the bearer free. This we entirely
approve of, and-consider a good rule and a saving of future
trouble to both exhibitor and Secretary. ule 5 tells us of an
Hon. Sale-master, which we never remember to have seen before.

- August 16, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

143

Rule 7 says all birds in the Sale classes must be in separate
baskets, which is also thoughtful; but rule 8 is very important
to exhibitors. We give it in full—‘ No third, fourth, fifth, or
sixth prizes will be paid in classes in which there are less than
six, eight, ten, or twelve entries respectively ; and in classes in
which more than two prizes are awarded to one exhibitor the
two largest only will be paid, and when a cup is awarded the
first money prize in the class will be withheld.” The early
part of this rule in our opinion takes off all the glory of the
many prizes per class, and will prove a serious impediment, we
fancy, to entries; and then finally a part of rule 11 is excellent
—viz., ‘‘ tops and backs of Game pens will be canvassed to pre-
vent injury to the birds.” We turn over the page and come to
the classes. Partridge, White and Black Cochins all compete
together, Game Bantams have one class only, Black Rose-combs
none at all, and class 51 has a special cup given by Col. Shakes-
peare for the best pair of black-legged table fowls, which entirely
upsets the world-wide-known fact that white legs should be
aimed at for table chickens. There is a class too for Black Ducks,
which will consequently include the Cayuga as well as the Hast
Indians.

After this we come to a little Show which is to take place in
connection with the Shirley (Southampton) Horticultural So-
ciety. This we hear is put out as a feeler to see if a show on a
large scale would be supported at Southampton in the winter,
and we should imagine it would. Chepstow follows in a violet
cover, which is rather a humdrum list, and only has the novelty
of the Game being obliged to be undubbed. We come next to
Aylesbury, which has had a total bowleversement in its classes.
Unfortunately it clashes with Weymouth, Ipswich, and other
shows, which with the new classification will not, we think, im-
prove the entries. Single bird classes have come into operation
here, and the Committee haye been foolish enough to sweep
away all the third prizes. The first prize now is only 30s.,.and
the second 10s., and as the entry fee is still 5s. we cannot see
much improvement. Pigeons and Canaries have ‘been added,
with a 16s. first prize and a 5s. second. On the whole we think
the old schedules were much the best, and here is a case of so-
called modern improvement without much chance of good re-
sults. Weymouth falls on the same day, and is a good schedule;
but again the difference between the frst and second prize is
wholly disproportionate. The classes are numerous, the prizes
are for chickens, and most varieties have classes for single birds.
‘We only regret that Ipswich will clash, for though the latter
schedule will probably be very good, Weymouth, Aylesbury, and
others must injure the number oi their entries.

Whitwick and Newbury again clash on August 2ist. The
former is a fair schedule, with classes for single birds of any age
and some good local classes, which we highly approve of to in-
crease the cultivation of birdsin the district. Their Judges are
Mr. E. Hutton and the Rev. J. F. Hodson. Newbury is also
much changed in its schedule. The first fourteen classes are
now for old birds only, while chickens have seven classes. This
Show is always well managed, and deserves support. Mr. W. J.
Nicholls is to award the prizes, as he did.at their last meeting.

Sandy holds its horticultural meeting and poultry show on
the last day of this month. ‘The classes are for chickens, which
have four silver cups to compete for. There are 30 Vice-Presi-
dents, 18 Committeemen, besides 43 district Committeemen,
2 Secretaries, and 870 subscribers. We heartily congratulate
the Society, and shall expect to find next year an improved sche-
dule as far as poultry are concerned. Next follows Henley-on-
Thames, which is printed on a huge sheet, inthe centre of which
® Spanish cock, a Cochin cock, and a Dorking cock surrounded
by Turkeys, Geese, and Pigeons, are apparently enjoying the
most charming peace in the same farmyard. Would that our
own cocks agreed so harmoniously as these appear to do. Mr.
Nicholls here judges the poultry, and Mr. Baker of Kew Bridge
the Pigeons. ‘here are no Committee published in the schedule.
The local prizes are fair, and we are told that they are confined
to a circle of five miles, and that the winning pens of the first or
Second prizes are disqualified for the local prizes. The North-
amptonshire Agricultural Society this year passes its boundaries,
and meets in Leicestershire, at least we were taught that Market
Harborough isin that county. The Committee comprise six well-
known men, and the schedule is improved, inasmuch as three
prizes are now given in all the classes. The Hon. Sec. still
resides at Weedon, and is Mr. J. M. Lovell.

This ends our batch of schedules for this week. More will be
noticed in due time, and the next batch will probably comprise
many famous shows which are soon coming on in the metropolis
and elsewhere. We wish the managers of shows would try to
study each othex’s interests more, as the present plan of three
or four of our best shows in one week must prove disastrous to
one or two of them.—W.

_ MALTON POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

Tuts Exhibition was held on the 9th inst. in the Lodge
Grounds by the kind permission of Capt. Copperthwaite. The

schedule was well arranged, for the classes were numerous,
though the prizes were not very large; but the entry fee was a
low one. There were classes for Silkies and Cayuga Ducks,
which are not generally found in most schedules. Mr. Dixou
awarded the prizes, with help from Messrs. Ferguson and
Temple, and their awards were well received. The Hamburghs
wore of excellent quality, Mr. Beldon’s Golden-spangled hen
being of good quality, as too were the first Silver-pencils. Buff
Cochins were very good, the prize pens of Mr. Sidgwick and
Mr. Proctor were of much merit. A good pen of Howdans won
also in their class, and the prize Polands were of great quality.
The first-prize pen of Silkies were well clawed, and the hen had
a large crest, but being adult birds were a little out of feather.
The winning Game Bantams were capital birds, shown in fresh
condition and smart in carriage. There was a class for chickens
of the year, but there had to be three birds in a pen, which
rather militated perhaps against the number of entries. The
Waterfowl were excellent. The first Aylesburies clear in bill
and large in size. Geese, too, and Turkeys made a fine display.
There was, moreover, an excellent class of Guinea Fowls.

The Pigeons were the most noticeable for the ample classes
which were furnished, there being classes for Spots, Nuns,
Archangels, Trumpeters, &c., in addition to the ordinary classes
for the more cultivated breeds.

There were also six classes for Rabbits, where the competition
was large for the prize money offered, and the quality good.
These were judged by Mr. Lamb. We furnish the list of poultiy
awards below.

POULTRY,—GameE.—Black Red.—1, W. Rudd.
—l, W. Rudd. 2, J. Cass.
SpanisH.—l, J. Tlwesh.

2, E. Wharton, Brown Red*
Any other variety.—1, W. Rudd
2, J. Powell.

Boupans.—ls
CREVE-Ceurs.—l, 0. E. Wise. 2, J. Mack-
well. Potanps—l and 2, H. Beldon. Farmyarp Cross.—l, G. Robinson. 2»
A. Russell. Ghickens.—], G.Gaxbutt. 2,T. Greenhalgh. Sivxrms.—l, Rev. Re
5..S. Woodgate. 2, Master R. L. Russell. Banrams.—Game.—l and 2, We
¥F. Entwisle. Any other variety.—1,H. Beldon. 2, H. Halmshaw. Any OTHER
Variety.—Chickens.—l, C. Sidgwick. 2, R. P. Hockey. GuinEAa Fowis —l, F.
G..S. Rawson, 2, Holmes & Destner. Ducks.—Rouwen.—l, F. G. S. Rawson.
2,G. Garbutt. Aylesbury.—l and3,E. Snell, 2 and 4, T. Scoby. Cayuga.—l
and 4, Mrs. Coulson. 2,2. Pierson. .8,W. Marshall. Any other variety.—l, T.
P. Carver. 2, T.H. Qhambers. GrEsE.—l, G. Pounder. 2, F. G.S. Kawson,
8, Miss Watson. 4,E.‘Snell. Turkeys.—l, J.Moorey. 2,F.G.S. Rawson. 8

Mrs. Jordan. 4, Mrs, Harriman. SELLING Cuass.—l, J. Cass. 2, J. Newall.

DRIGHLINGTON POULTRY SHOW.

Tue annual Show was held at Drighlington on the 12th inst.
Turner’s pens were used, and arranged in the open air. In
numbers the entries were very good. In poultry Spanish
headed the classes with good pens, the first old and secoud
chickens, Dorkings being placed in the same position. Cochins
and Brahmas were very good in both cases. Game were not as
numerous as we have often found them here. In the first class
Brown Reds were first and Black Reds second. The best cock
was in pen 1, but the hen was badly duckfooted. In the next
two classes Duckwings and Piles won the prizes. Hamburghs
were poorly represented as to numbers, but were very good. In
Game Bantams first were a pair of Duckwings and second Pile
chickens, and in the Variety class Black and Silver Sebrights
won. . Geese were asplendid class; the whole were Toulouse, and
every pen very large and good; the Ducks in all the classes
being better than ever we have found them in this quarter,
which boasts of its aquatic birds.

Pigeons.—In Carriers first was a Black hen, recently hurt and
bleeding much, but far a-head of the rest. Pouters.—Blue first
and Whites second. Almonds third. Any other Tumblers.—
First a Short-faced Blue Bald, second an Agate; and there were
some capital Black Baldpates. In Barbs first’ was a Yellow
cock and second a Black. Antwerps a moderate class, a hand-
some Dun Short-face being put first. In Turbits the first was
not in good feather, but was a grand Blue, and second a Red
hen. Jacobins good, two Reds winning. Owls were but poor.
In the Variety class first was a Fancy Swallow, second a Red
Magpie, and third a Blue Dragoon. j

A few Rabbits were exhibited, but the prizes were poor in
these classes. Himalayans a moderate lot. The Variety class
was a very good one. ‘he first, a Silver Cream, was excellent ;
extra first an Angora, second a Silver-Grey, and extra second a
Black Dutch.

POULTRY.—SpanisH.—1 and 2, J. Powell. Dorxines.—l, J. A. Walker. 2.
J. Rawnsley. Coomin-Cuina.—l, J. A. Walker. 2, Sedgwick. Branma
Poorra.—l and 2, W. Schofield. vhe, J. A. Walker. Gamr.—Black-breasted or
other Red.—l, W. Schofield. 2, H. C. Mason. Duckwinged.—l and 2, W. J.
Mason. Any other variety.—l, R. Walker. 2, J. J. Mason. HampurcHs.—
Golden-spangled or Silver-spangled.—1 and 2, J. Rawnsley. Golden-pencilled
or Silver-pencilled.—1 and 2, J. Rawnsley. Black.—l, J. Rawnsley 2, C.
Sedgwick. ANy oTHER VARIETY.—1 and 2, J. Rawnsley. SELLING CLASS.—l
and 2, J. Rawnsley. BantamMs.—Game.—l, F. Holt. 2, R. Swailes. uhe, J.
Sugden. Any other variety —l, J.Grashon. 2,J,F. Crowther. GrEse.—l, J.
A. Walker. 2,J.F. Crowther. vhe, J. Rawnsley. ‘Ducks.—4dylesbury.—l and
2,3. W. Walker. Rouen.—1, J. J. Pollard. 2, J. Newton. vhe, J. A. Walker.
Any variety.—1 and vhe, J. A. Walker. 2, J. Rawnsley.

PIGEONS.—Careriers.—Cock or Hen.—1, J. Booth. 2,J.E. Crofts. Pourers.

—Cock or Hen.—1 and 2 J. E. Crofts. TumpiErs.—Almond.—Cock or Hen.—

144

J.E. Crofts. 2,G.S.Burton. Any other variety—Cock or Hen.—1, B. Rawns-
vhe, J. Oldfield (2), J. Thresh,G.S. Burton. Barss.—Cock or Hen.—l, W.
2, J. Thresh. vhe, J. E. Crofts. ANTWERPS.—Cock or Hen.—1, W.

or Hen.—1, W. Rudd. 2,
Milner, B. Rawnsley. Fantsrus.—Cock or Hen—1 and 2, T. E, Hainsworth.
JacoBrns.—Cock or Hen.—1, J. E. Crofts. 2,G.S. Burton. vhc, B. Rawnsley
(2). TRumpETERS.—Cock or Hen.—1, J. E. Crofts. MaGpre ork SwaLtLow.—
Cock or Hen.—1 and 2, J. E. Crofts. Wriip.—l and 2, J. E. Crofts. Owts.—l,
J. Thresh. 2, T. E. Hainsworth. ANY oTHER VaRIETY.—Cock or Hen.—l, J.
E. Crofts. 2, W. Rudd (2).

RABBITS —Lop-EsRED.—Buck or Doe —1and 2, R. Murgatroyd. HrmaLayan.
—Buck or Doe.—1, T. Hart. 2, R. Murgatroyd. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—Buck
or Doe—1, J. Firth. 1 and 2,—Burton. 2, W. Wailes. vhc, J. Firth, R.
Murgatroyd. Point Prize, J. E. Crofts.

CATS.—Male or Female.—1, S. A. Bell. 2, J. Cooper.

JupGE.—Mr. E. Hutton.

T. E. Hainsworth. vhe, W. Rudd, G. S. Burton, T.

THE LOP-EARED RABBIT.

THERE are several theories as to the origin of this the king of
the Rabbit tribe. The two most probable are, that it is a native
of Persia and has been imported into this country, and that
it is merely an improved strain of the common Prick-eared
Rabbit. We are inclined to the former idea, although there is
no doubt that it has been greatly improved in this country, as
shown by the fact that a few years ago 22 inches across the ear
was considered excellent! and 23 impossible, and that now 23

=
— SS

th. 2, T. Milner. vkc, W. Rudd, B. Rawnsley, W. Firth. Tursits.—Cock |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 16, 1877.

from tip to tip was at one time—not many years ago—thought
excellent, and anything over 21 very good. Now 22 and 22} are
thought decidedly good, and 23 and upwards first-rate. Twenty-
three and three-quarters and 23; are about the best lengths at
present being shown. We remember seeing at a show in the
neighbourhood of the Edgware Road, a gallant Lop 24 and, we
think, one-eighth, in length. The Rabbit was certainly a beauty,
but the measuring was a little strong, as the Rabbit, if shown
since, has certainly not been credited with such prodigiousness.
Still the length was, no doubt, 24 inches, and if we recollect
another was shown in the opposite corner of London about the
same length a few months afterwards. These figures show
plainly that very rapid strides have been made in this particular.
Length, however, is not all. Breadth must also be looked to,
and although an improvement has certainly taken place lately, no
such rapid strides have been taken as have been done in the
length. The quality of the flesh of the ear should be very fine
and thin. The outside of the sheets, for they can be called nothing
else, are covered with a meagre covering of short hair, but the
inside is quite devoid of hairiness, the skin being clean and
smooth, only disturbed by the veins which course down and in
which the pink of the blood can be plainly discerned. The fallor
carriage of the ear used to be a question of vast importance, as
indeed it is now, only that the enormous weight generally drags
them down into the correct position or something likeit.; ,|They

Fig. 32.—THE LOP-EARED RABBIT.

and a fraction is common, and 24 has
ener ne been managed two or

The points of the Lop are very easily described, although they
are not so easily attained. We will take a full-grown specimen
and run through its points, afterwards dealing with colour and
markings.

The body should be firm and strongly set, with a decided fall
at the shoulder and rise at the hip, so that when an animal is
in a reclining position the hinder portions of the back are much
higher than the head. The “carriage ” of a Rabbit depends to a
great extent upon its deportment in this respect, a long-bodied
and flat-backed specimen being considered decidedly inferior.
The hind legs should be long and bony and nearly twice as long
as the front ones. These latter should in youthful animals be
straight and nearly parallel, although if they area little bandied
in an old and well-fleshed specimen, it is, perhaps, not a great
drawback. The legs should, however, be straight when young
or not fleshy, any crookedness being a decided disadvantage.

The head should be of good size and the forehead prominent,
the eyes set well apart, and the nose fairly pointed. The eye
should be firm, full, and well set. The colour will be dark,
brown, or blue, the latter being, perhaps, the most common.

The ear is the most important organ of the Lop, and hence it
has been more orless tampered with from time to time—stretch-
ing, pulling, and working having been all called into use at one
time or another, but with very little effect. It is certain that if
the ears of a half-grown Rabbit be worked carefully and regu-
larly before a steady fire the effect will be to slightly lengthen
them ; but the best specimens shown are those that have long,
broad, and natural ears, andnotlongand narrow. The first point
of excellence is in the length. As already stated, 22 inches

should fall well from the roots, and be of equal declension on both
sides. The inside of the ear should fall towards the cheek, leav-
ing the outside or the hairy portion only visible when standing
infront. The great length of the ears generally causes them to
drag a little on the ground, causing them to be drawn a little out
of the correct position and causing the ends to be bent back. The
chest of a good well-conditioned Lopis full and prominent, some-
thing like that of a Pouter cock, and the skin being loose and so
full of fat that it causes a perfect resting place for the chin, and
adds materially to the animal’s appearance. It is called the
dewlap. It seldom makes its appearance till after the Rabbit is
a twelvemonth old, or quite full-grown. Other positions of the
ear beside the full lop used to be known and to give trouble,
including the horn lop, in which case the ears fell over the face
in a most unsightly manner, almost blinding the animal and
presenting anything but a pretty appearance. Scarcity generally
conduces to value, but in this case, although the appearance
was very rare, it has never been liked. Another appearance
was the half-lop, which was divided into two kinds, and one in
which the ears both fell on one side of the neck, and the other
in which one ear fell and the other stood erect. Another
position was the oar-lop, in which case the muscles of the ears
were too strong to allow them to fall, and then stood out on
either side of the head like the oars of a boat. This last form
was very common, and is often found in bucks of considerable
physical power.

Colour is an important feature of the Lop. Ifa self-colour, it
is purely a question of taste whether black, blue, grey, fawn, or
white is liked the best. Grey used to be disliked very mane,
but fanciers are not so fastidious now-a-days, and ifa Rabbit’s
points are otherwise good, a little fall-off in the respect of taste

August 16, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

145

will be allowed to go by unchallenged. If a broken-coloured, ]
the back or saddle should be wholly of the dark colour without
any white hairs. The head should be pretty dark, and the ears
quite so. The markings of the head, as of the body, should-be
regular, and sometimes the face presents a very pretty appear-
ance. The various forms of smuts are all pretty, but the
butterfly smut is the prettiest of all. At one time the head
markings were thought a great deal of, but now all has given
way to the ear rage.

The Lop is not very prolific, nor is the doe quite as good a
mother as some of the other breeds; hence nurse does are
generally used, Dutch being the commonest and the best. In
disposition they are a little spiteful often, and are not very good
pets. As they are very delicate and require a great deal of extra
care, they are not the best breeds to begin with.—GrrTa.

FANCY PIGEONS AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

WHEN recently in London I went to the British Museum to
inspect the new acquisitions in sculpture from Ephesus, and
having gazed my fill upon the wonderful chiselled stones of the
temple of the great goddess Diana, which not only St. Paul
might have seen but must have seen, I not unnaturally took a
turn among the stuffed birds, admiring the admirable manner
in which they are “set-up’’—so life-like, so true to nature are
eye and attitude ; particularly is this the case with the Raptores.
Along the wall the specimens are wonderful, but perhaps the
very best and most striking is the Eagle Owl or great Horned
Owl, which stands ont clear towards the centre of the room.
The bird is standing in the attitude of anger or combat, almost
every feather separated and erect. This is a marvel in the art
of taxidermy. Going on further I sought out the Columbida,
and the foreign varieties are excellent, but on searching for the
English fancy Pigeons I was grievously disappointed. Up ina
corner, high up and not easy to see, are a group of mere objects
—bad specimens of fancy Pigeons to begin with, birds that would
never take a prize in the smallest show. Then, in addition,
they are wretchedly stuffed, evidently by an artist in taxidermy
who had no idea of the points of fancy Pigeons. Their con-
dition is not good either. They more resemble the class of
stuffed birds one sometimes sees at a country auction. Ap-
parently they are very old as well as very inferior, and wholly
unworthy a place in our great imperial, for it is more than
national, for itis not the English but the British Museum. I
saw a red Jacobin, long-beaked and badly frilled, with wrong
eyes and the not only low cut—that might not be objected to by
some—but with a dash of white goingdownthe neck. A strange-
looked bird is marked as ‘‘a Horseman.” There are Tumblers
not Tumbler-shaped; indeed, the whole group, happily half
hidden in a corner, are unworthy of their names and place. Now
that we have more than one admirable Pigeon artist it would be
easy surely to stuff birds according to the pictures given by
Mr. Harrison Weir or Mr. Ludlow. I think it is a matter of
much regret that fancy Pigeons should be so badly represented
in the British Museum. The ornithological authorities cannot
be ignorant that at the Crystal Palace there have been for years
exhibitions of fancy Pigeons of singular beauty of form and
feather, and while the Museum gathers the best of all kinds and
varieties of birds, it is hardly right therefore that so beautiful a
class should be so miserably represented, and that the British
Museum should be s0 behindhand. These specimens were col-
lected probably in days when a Jacobin was a Jacobin and that
was all, and few cared or knew about superior specimens or in
what superiority consisted. Now it is all altered, and I should
like that admirers of Pigeons should be able to go to the Museum
to see good birds properly ‘‘set up.’’ There would be no diffi-
culty, for the very best Pigeons are from their delicacy fre-
quently dying, and their skins could be procured.

Asa contrast to the stationariness of the British Museum I
must notice the advance of the London bird shops. I took a
stroll through the Seven Dials and some other localities where
Pigeon shops are to be met with. In most of these there is a
marked improvement upon the mongrels formerly to be seen.
Even fair Pouters are in cages for sale. Hvyidently the sweep-
ings of good lofts come into the bird-dealers’ hands now, and not
merely birds to be sold so much a dozen as Blue Rocks. The
mark of progress in the fancy is shown now very generally in
both London and provincial bird shops. Better poultry, often
capital Bantams, Pigeons of a higher class, and Canaries much
superior to the very common sorts seen in dozens in former
years. Ican only hope that improvement will indue time reach
the British Museum.—Wu.tsuire Rector.

APIARIAN EXPERIENCES IN 1877.—No. 2.

I rorcor to mention that Thad given the bees of my strong
stock five sectional supers (Abbott’s pattern) about the 16th of ,
May, in the hope that they would fill it with apple-blossom |
honey. They took to it in force, almost occupying its whole

length ; but, owing to the wretchedness of the weather, all they

did was to make two small bits of comb up to the time of their
Swarming on the 31st. I then took off these sections and gave
them to another hive, where again I was disappointed, as the
bees swarmed and no honey was to be had, the cells being
merely enlarged somewhat, then filled and emptied by the bees
themselves. So I fear that I shall have no experience to report
with regard to sectional supers this year. I see in my notebook
a) entry at that date in the following terms :—‘ Never knew so
pvor a year for honey. Not a single pound visible anywhere.
Still feeding two stocks.”

My next strongest stock swarmed on the 8th of June, by which
time the weather had much improved, and almost a glut of
honey followed, but only for a few days. This swarm (alluded
to before) behaved strangely; first trying to get into an empty
hive adjoining, which had some clean comb ready for use, but
many of the bees entered the hive below, out of which came
swarm of May 3lst. Then trying tosettle on an Apple tree, they
finally returned to their own hive, but in considerably diminished
numbers. It became evident by the hive piping before the re-
issue of this swarm on the 18th of June that they had lost their
queen during their first attempt. As I said before, my belief is
that at that time their queen entered the hive below and perished
there. Be this as it may, the swarm again returned home, their
instinct leading them to prefer a well-filled hive to the chances
of starvation at a separate establishment in so unpromising a
season, for by this time all honey-gathering had ceased again.
Fearing this result,and wishing to increase my number of hives,
as soon as they had re-entered the parent stock I drove out the
whole available population and made a strong swarm thereof,
hiving them in one of my largest hive boxes. This was put in
the place of the parent stock, which I shifted to another part of
the garden. Of course there was an abundance of brood coming
on, and several royal cells in every stage of development. When
I left home on the 9th of July these bees, both swarm and parent
stock, were doing as well as the circumstances of the bad season
would allow.

On the 22nd of June—expecting a strong stock of black bees
to swarm which had partially filled a small super, and wishing
to substitute a half-bred Italian princess for their own queen—
I drove out the whole population, killed their black queen on
the spot, and hived them in a Woodbury bar-framed hive. This
had been prepared beforehand by adjustment within the frames
of several combs of pure Italian brood taken out of a weak stock
whose queen had been imported by me last September. On the
same day I had previously driven the pure Italian bees with
their queen into a temporary box, but I subsequently turned
them into the hive out of which I had driven the black bees.
I thus gained a double object, italianising a common English
stock and strengthening a weak Italian one.

With regard to the Woodbury, I have to remark that on ex-
amining it on the 4th of July I saw a beautiful Italian princess
(very lively) perambulating the combs; she was therefore but
twelve days exactly in being reared, and the bees can have lost
not a moment of time in replacing their old queen.

My last operation before leaving home on the 23rd of June
was similar to that just described. My sole remaining stock of
black bees was deprived of its queen and made to change hives
with a weak hive of hybrid Italians which had just reared a
prolific young queen.—B. & W.

PLEASURES AND PROFITS OF BEH-KEEPING.

Some people keep bees for pleasure, some for profit, and some
for both. In some instances pleasure and profit are bound to-
gether and go hand-in-hand. I keep bees for profit, and in
doing so derive a large measure of enjoyment. Bee-keepers
with open eyes and ears have grand times amongst their bees.
How often a stroll through the apiary drives “dull care away.”
What lessons of contentment and unity, fraternity and equality,
industry and cleanliness, may be learned from bees. How
many hundreds and thousands of times have I after nightfall
placed and gently pressed my ear against the sides of hives to
listen to the wonderful hum inside. What a wonderful buzz
is there heard night and day continually. Itis a hum of com-
motion and concord, of health and activity. No sound of dis-
cord, no jarring note is heard in any part of a bee hive. Bees
have not time to grumble, nor occasion for grumbling, as every
inmate of a hive works willingly and unerringly. Injustice and
wrong-doing find no place in a bee hive. Magistrates and au-
thority of all kinds are unnecessary. All the working inhabitants
are free-born citizens with unfailing courage and loyalty. While
human beings lock their doors and go to bed, and while the
millioned city of London is lulled into quiet for a few hours
after midnight, the hum of a bee hive goes on unceasingly.

And what real enjoyment the bee-keeper has from seeing his
favourites at work outside carrying home water for the day before
honey can be had, before the dew evaporates, in seeing them
afterwards going off in continuous streams to the fields and re-
turning with heavy loads of polien and honey, in witnessing the
expansion oi the city by comb-building, the increase of popu-

146

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ Augast 16, 1877.

SSS a ee Sl Eee

lation by breeding, the swarming of bees, the multiplication of
stocks, and the signs or prospects of a harvest of honey! What
real and inexpressible enjoyment have we seen marking the
faces of working people, both husbands and wives, at harvest
time when they have had a great take of honey! Good hives
and good harvests buy golden nuggets, and golden nuggets help
to soften the hardships and sweeten the lives of honsst well-
behaved working people.

My sympathies have ever been with working people. Bee-
keeping has been commended to their attention, and my- efforts
to help them have been well appreciated, and far more influential
than [I expected at one time. The letters of thanks that I re-
ceive amply reward me for past efforts, and encourage me to go
on and work while it is day. The profits of bee-keeping are
relative. An income of £10, £20, or £40 a-year in addition to
that of wagesis a great consideration toa working man ; whereas
it is but “dust of the balance” to gentlemen of position and
ample means. Forty shillings profit per hive annually is, in
my opinion, an average and satisfactory return from bees well
managed. The old-fashioned bee-keepers who have gone before
us, and others who are coming after us, have been satisfied with
an average return of £2 per hive yearly. If a working man has
time and convenience to manage ten hives of bees and com-
mence bee-keeping in earnest, he will find in time that the
figures now given will represent approximately the average of
his returns, if the price of honey continue at the present rate.
We know that hundreds and thousands of working people in
the country have both time and convenience for bee-keeping if
they had the will and inclination. Any bit of a garden in a
country town, or outside the town, will answer for an apiary.
Any corner of a plantation, or wood, or a nest of whins, pro-
tected from boys and cattle, will do for bees. I am thankful
to pay for the privilege of nestling a few hives underneath a
hedge, or sticking them in a thicket anywhere in the neighbour-
hood of good pasture. I have not found an unfavourable position
for bees, and care nothing for shade or sunshine—east, west,
north, or south.

To those who inténd to commence bee-keeping let me firat
say, Buy your hives as near home as possible. If you begin
with stocks or hives at work they should come from a distance
of about two miles. But swarms could be moved with safety
on the day of swarming from any-place near. If you cannot
procure bees in modern hives, buy old-fashioned small English
hives and begin with them. Make or buy larger hives for the
swarms you obtain from these, for large profits cannot be had
from small hives. Secondly, Increase the number of your hives
by swarming till you possess. the number you intend to keep
and manage. Suppose four hives are bought in autumn and
doubled in number by swarming next year, and suppose further
that by taking the honey from the first swarms £5 or £6 profits
could be realised during the first season, what should be done?
If the profits are absolutely necessary in the first year reduce
the number of stocks; but if not it will be better to keep all the
stocks, and thus put yourself in possession of the means cf gain-
ing £15 or £16 a-year.

While the stocks are being increased in number the owner
gains experience and lays his plans for future action. If a good
aud successful beginning be made, a bright and successful
future lies before him, if weather permit. If he follows the
swarming system of management his eight hives will be multi-
plied into sixteen or twenty. By taking the honey in autumn
from eight or twelve of the best he will pocket 2 handsome
return as his first-fruits of bee-keeping, and have larger and
better stocks for the year following.

In good seasons we have two harvests of honey, as most of
the readers of this Journal know. The first one comes from
the stocks three weeks after swarms, and the later one from the
first swarms at the end of the season.

On the non-swarming principle both super-comb and run
honey may be obtained, but no increase of stocks of course. A
hive that gathers 40 lbs. or 50 lbs. of honey into supers generally
gathers a great deal in the hive beneath. After removing the
supér or supers I drive all the bees from a non-swarmer,'take
its honey and feed the bees into a stock hive. ate

Some bee-keepers follow both systems of management, and
some swarm all their hives with a view to fill supers. They
put their first swarms into small (16-inch) hives, and super them
soon after. This is a very commendable and profitable system.

Both systems, swarming and non-swarming, admit of various
modifications. Happy and forturate are those who begin well
and recéive encouragement and confidence at every stage of
their course.—A. PETTIGREW.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Maccors In CurtcKENs’ Crops (J. Douglas).—Pour a few drops of spirits
of turpentine down their throats, A few drops will do, letting one drop ata
time trickle down, and the spirit arising therefrom kills the maggots. Per-
haps a little meal saturated with the spirits, given in the form of a pill occa-
sionally, might have the desired effect. J

Foun Broop (Ryecroft).—There is no cure for foul brood in hives; no

known method of preventing it from spreading when once there. i
you to drive the bees from all your aicoased a into cuits RNS aantee
them into stocks. When the bees are driven into empty hives they will form
yery small swarms, which at this late season should be united in pairs or placed
in small hives. The hives containing the foul brood should be emptied, well
scraped and cleared, and thus prepared for use again. We have used hives
that were diseased again and again, but neyer found that the hives them-
selyes contained or carried infection.

Drrvinc BEES—FEEDING (Novice).—You may easily drive the
your small hive into a larger one. When the dial hive is tacisa' uae
down tie a large towel or cloth round the rim, so that the larger hive may
rest on it while the bees are being driven up. Drom pretty hard and con-
stantly for twenty minutes. After the bees have fairly settled begin feeding
them. One pound of sugar boiled in a pint of water should be given every
night for four days, then double the quantity every night for eight days.
thus giving the bees 20 lbs. of sugar in ali in about twelve days. Keep the
hive warmly covered, and contract the door to promote comb-ouilding. It
anes nak matter much whether the syrup is given at the top or bottom of

e hive.

CHLOROFORM FoR TakING Honey (4. B. C.).—In taking bses from combs
chloroform may be used in various ways. A Piece of rag about 6 inches
square may be saturated with a teaspoonful of chloroform, placed on a plate,
and covered with perforated zinc. Raise the hive and place the plate with
its contents on the board, and then close the door for fifteen minutes or less.
The bees fall down on the board helpless and prostrate. The hive should be
removed and the bees exposed to the atmosphere. The shorter the time the
bees are under the effects of the chloroform the better is the chance of safe
recovery. Though we have used chloroform successfully and without appa-
rent injury to the bees, we do not recommend its use. If your heavy hives
have young combs part of their contents may be removed, but if the combs
are two years old the bees should be driven into empty hives and fed. Sucar-
made stocks cost little and generally do well. Ki

SUPERS NoT FILLED (J. Thatcher)—You have been very fortunate in
having @ super nearly filled on your first swarm this very unfavourable season.
Your two stocks and the later swarm having had room enough below never
needed the supers. If the season had been a honey one your bees would have
filled all the supers. The casting-out of brood in unfavourable seasons is &
common occurrence. It is an indication that the bees are either greatly
discouraged by weather or fear the approach offamine. The brood of drones,
useless members of the community at the close of seasons, is first sacrificed
by a marvellously wise and instinctive economy. The heap of young drones
now lying beneath the flight board is there because the bees want all the
food of the hive for themselves. On examination you will perhaps find that
they have hardly enough for the winter months. As the season for honey-
gathering is over we advise you to remove the super that is nearly fall, other-
wise the bees may carry its contents below.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CamMDEN Square, LonDoN.
Lat. 51° 3240” N.; Long. 0° $0” W.;* Altituda, 111 feet.

Date 9 aM. | Ix THE Day.
eT 2k 3 .| Hygrome BES +|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation 4
a Sane ter. 3a | perature. |Temperature.| ¢
zAug. /2uES | & = In On
As a™! Dry. Wet.| as Max.| Min.| sun. |grass
Inches.| deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg.| In
We. 8 | 29502 | 634 | 59.4] SE. | 358 | 1130 SLi 0.340
Th. 9 | 29.627 | 626 | 58.0 | W.- 58.1 | 129.0 | 562 | 0:109
Fri. 10 | 29 86 65.9 | 594 | S.W. 55.2 117.0 52.8 =
Saf, 11 | 29.972 | 63.1 | 561 | N.W. SL. 120.8 | 494 =
Sun.12 | 39.069 | 62.0 | 56.5 | N. 48'8 | 123.8 | 458 _
Mo. 13 | 29.912 | 66.5 | 62.8 ; N 57.7 124.6 | 54.9 =
Tu. 14 | 29.796 | 69.8 639} N. 59.1 | 130.0 | 55.8 | 0.010
Means| 29.520 | 64.8 | 59.4 55.1 121.2 | 52.4 | 0.459
REMARKS.
8th.—Very bright early forenoon; cloudy showery afternoon, and very wet
night.

9th.—Dull morning and very showery day, rather better towards the after
part of the day.
10th.—Very fine morning; a very beautiful day throughout, except for a very
short time about hali past six, when it was very dark and stormlike.
1l1th.—A fair and pleasant day, rather rainlike abont 2 p.m, and cloudy
though fair during the remainder of the day.
12th.—Fine morning and pleasant day, though occasionally close and cloudy.
pon ater morning: at times cloudy and stormlike, at other times yery fine
and bright. 4
14th.—A splendid summer day, bright, warm, and almost clondless.
A week of moderately equable temperature, and although the mean is
ON in excess of last week, the heat has not been oppressive.—
. J. SYMONS.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Avevst 15.

BUSINESS remains quiet. We have no alteration to make in the price of
vegetables.

FRUIT.
i s. da. s d. 8. d. s.

Apples.......... $sieve 3 Oto4 § Melong.......... each 3 Otos 3
5 1 6 3 0) Nectarines .... dozen 4 0 18 0
0 4 1 0} Oranges ........ #10010 0 16 0

00 9 Ai pecachos maneineee dozen 8 0 20 0

8 0 4 6! Pears,kitchen.. dozen 0 0 0 0

40 5 0| dessert ...... dozen 16 8 0

20 9 0| Pine Apples .... Ib. 208 5 0

0 6 O 0} Plums - gsieve 06 00

0 0 O | Raspberries .... Ib 06 10

86 4 6 | Strawberries ve Ib. 0 6 16

1 OFS 0 ES 50 8 u

6 0 1) 0! oo uo

August 23, 1877. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 147

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Verses Sun Sun | Mo M 13 | Clock | Day
f AUGUST 23—29, 1877. Temperature near | 7. soe oon | Moon’s ’
one Week. , ee ane Rises. | - Sets Rises Sets. Age. peiord von.
Day.|Night.|Mean.| h. m.| h. m.} bh. m./ bh. m.| Days.|m_ a.
23 | TH | Reading Show. 718 | 49.0 | 60.4 Oe Sey a cere @ 2 923 | 285
24 |F a re aay Sea) rig Syl 2120 eben Ou penG 2 7 | 286
25 | 8 Shotley Bridge Show. 74. . . SPAS HET. AON 7 22) | GEYSOy |e 1 51 | 287
26 | Sun | 18 Sunpay ae TRINITY. 72.5 | 484 |} 604 | 5 5|/ 6 58} 7 81} 7 40] 18 1 84 | 288
27 M 73.3 | 49.1 | 61.2 5 66 6 56 7 42 8 50 19 1 17 | 289
28 | Tu | Pocklington Show. 72.7 | 49.7 | 61.2 Sew Sal 654) 7% bd | 108 20 1 0 | 240
29 | W Isle of Thanet and Chippenham Shows. 712 | 47.6 | 59.4 / 56 10} 6 52] 8 11] 11 19 al 0 42 | 241
From observationstaken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 72.4°; andits night temperature

THE CULFORD GRAPE-VINE SPORT.

OSSIBLY it may be in the recollection of |
some of the readers of the Jowrnal of |
Horticulture that this very unlooked-for |
production was described in its pages, as
well as in that of some of its contemporaries,
during the latter part of the year 1874, and
frequently alluded to at periods subsequent
to that date; and it may also be recollected
that one or two writers upon the subject,

| berries, &e.

who had not seen the sport in question, |

appeared to doubt very much the correctness of the |

opinions formed regarding it by those who had seen it.
At the time when these doubts were expressed in the

gardening periodicals the sport or bunch of Grapes in | i

question was not of course in existence ; and the matter
so far as it concerns the general public, or at least the
portion of it who felt any interest in the subject, neces-
sarily remained in doubt, as during the two succeeding
seasons, although shoots were produced by the spur which
had produced the remarkable bunch of 1874, these shoots
showed no fruit during 1875 and 1876. During the pre-
sent season, however, a bunch is again produced on the
same spur, so that anyone who may feel interested in
the matter may now examine it.

As many of your readers, it may well be supposed,
have not seen the correspondence which took place upon |
the subject, or who may have forgotten all about it, I
will recapitulate in as few words as possible the circum-
stances connected with the case, which are as follows:—
Some twenty-five years since a house here was planted
with what was at that time considered one of the best
late varieties of Grape Vines—viz., West’s St. Peter’s, and
some five or six years afterwards one of the Vines was
cut down and grafted with the Black Alicante variety.
A few years afterwards three distinct shoots of the Black
Alicante had inarched upon them three very distinct and
comparatively new varieties—namely, the Trebbiano, the
Golden Champion, and Mrs. Piace’s Black Muscat, each
variety forming a distinct rod, which during several years
continued to produce their respective kinds of fruit not
apparently in any degree influenced by the stock, or
rather the compound stock, upon which they grew. In
January, 1874, the Golden Champion rod was cut out
altogether, the severance taking place at a few inches
below its junction with the Alicante stock; and during
that season the two remaining rods—yiz., Trebbiano and
Mrs. Pince, bore their respective kinds of fruit as usual,.
with the singular exception of the Trebbiano rod, which on
one spur near the centre of the rod produced a bunch
entirely different from all the other bunches upon the
rod, above as well as below this remarkable sport or de-
Viation from the normal type of the Trebbiano variety ; the
appearance of this bunch beixg in all respects identical
with that of the Golden Champion fruit, samples of which
were close at hand and frequently compared with it. —

Upon this circumstance being made public Mr. William
Thomson of the Tweed Vineyard, Cloyenfords, who was

No. 856.—Vou. XXXIII., NEw SERIES,

|

the raiser of the Golden Champion variety, expressed his
decided disbelief of the circumstance as related, and
assured all who had seen it (he had not seen it himself)
that they were deceived by the appearance of a bunch
of the Trebbiano variety with unusually well-developed
By this time the buds which were upon the
shoot which had produced this bunch had been inserted
as eyes, and I promised to send a plant to Mr. Thomson
as soon as they became established in order that he might
fruit it, but from some cause the buds all died. But at
the end of the following season I sent him eyes from a
shoot which had been produced from the same spur, but
which had shown no fruit; and I think Mr. Thomson
has stated that he had succeeded in striking them, and
it is possible that some of them may now be in fruit, and
if so, it will be interesting to know if they differ in any
degree from the ordinary Trebbiano. No doubt Mr.
Thomson will kindly furnish this information.

With regard to the bunch of fruit produced by the spur
in question during the present season it is now (August
15th) approaching to a ripe condition, and this is very far

from being the case as regards the other bunches borne

upon the same rod; while the berries of the former are
at least twice as large as those of the latter.

It has of course been very naturally supposed by some
that the circumstance of the Golden Champion variety
having for some years grown upon the same stock may
in some way have influenced the Trebbiano rod as to
induce this production ; and this may or may not be the
case. Sports or lusus natwre occasionally occur in the
vegetable as well as the animal kingdom, when it is, I
believe, quite impossible to point to a cause for their
development; and if the existence of the Golden Cham-
pion variety upon the same stotk as the Trebbiano be
suppesed to have produced this effect upon the latter it
seems strange that it should not have been developed
until the former was removed. While again, if there is
any truth in Mr. Murray’s theory of the non-descent of
the sap, then the one rod could have no influence upon
the other whatever, as it will be seen that it is only by
the action of a descending current through the medium of
the stock that this could have been effected.—P. GrinvE.

DISAPPOINTED EXHIBITORS OF ROSES.

In the great (and every year increasing) competition of
the present time it stands to reason that many exhibitors
at our Rose shows are left out in the cold. No prize card
adorns their stands, and after all the trouble they have
taken and the expense to which they have been put, not
only in rearing their plants but in bringing their blooms to
the show, the result is very trying, and they are what these
notes are intended to treat of—disappointed exhibitors.

There are very few of the most successful Rose growers,
whether professional or amateur, who have not been in
this sad plight some time or other, and I cannot well
imagine anything more disappointing than to show in all
the classes at a great show and to be placed in none.
But recognising this, let us see what course is open to those

No. 1508,—Vou. LVIII., OLD SERIES.

148 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 28, 1877,

who, as a general rule, score blanks at the shows. ‘‘ Cease to
show,” perhaps someone will suggest ; ‘‘ if you are always being
beaten it shows that you have no idea of growing and show-
ing Roses, so you had better retire.” By no means, I answer;
never say die, never give in; provided that you have the will
you will find the way. Love mocks at all obstacles, and will
obtain its object in the end.

My advice is not to aim at too great things; be content with
moderate results. And why? Because it is evident that a
large proportion of the exhibitors of the queen of flowers must,
in some way or other, be placed under great disadvantages.
They are what I may call handicapped, it may be as to time,
or soil, or distance from the shows, but handicapped they are.
By time I allude to inconvenient trains. Hercules at Heavi-
tree begins to cut his blooms at 7 pu., at which time I am
wellon my way to London. At the National and London shows
many exhibitors cut their blooms the same morning. Now it
is evident that the latter have a great advantage over those
who are obliged to cut twenty-four hours earlier.

Then as to soil: some of our most successful exhibitors have
splendid Rose soils. Mr. Jowitt at Hereford has one of the finest,
not in England alone but I should say in Europe; Mr. Baker also
has a rich red marl, the very sight of which puts you in agood
humour... The same may be said of many other exhibitors ;
while, on the other hand, a great number have, like myself, a
most miserable light, flinty, hungry soil, which is for ever
erying, Give, give, and gives nothing in return. It does not
stand to reason, then, that we can show on equal terms with
men who enjoy all the advantages that we lack. So that we
should be content with a less prominent position and du our
best to secure not first, but second, or even third prizes. I
am quite content if I get second to Mr. Baker at any time,
and at the National was overjoyed at getting even a fourth.

But if first must be won by hook or crook, and nothing but
the blue ribbon will satisfy, then I would recommend any
ambitious exhibitors who are suffering from certain drawbacks
or disadvantages to confine their attention to one class in the
schedule, and let them have that class in their mind’s eye,
not only when they stage, but all the season through, and
even the winter before. Let them buy their Roses so as to
suit the class. If they are wise they will leave forty-eight
distinct varieties to giants like Messrs. Baker, Jowitt, and
Hole; and even thirty-six I would recommend them to leave
alone. Twenty-four singles, or when obliged twenty-four
trebles, is the class to suit them. In the autumn let them
decide on the Roses which they purchase, not from the cata-
logues but from experience. Let them only buy those Roses
which they know do well in their soil, and let them buy these
in large numbers. However tempting Marquise de Morte-
mart or Madame Furtado, or any other weak growers may look
on paper, let them not be induced to buy them. A man who
wishes to show twenty-four trebles well ought to have about
fifty good plants of thirty sorts (not including Teas). These
should be planted with the greatest care, and great attention
should be paid to the requirements of the various Roses.

Light Roses, such as Marguerite de St. Amand, Mdlle. Eugénie
Verdier, Baronne de Rothschild, and the like, should be planted
where they can have the most sun; but dark Roses, such as
Baron de Bonstetten, Pierre Notting, Prince Camille de Kohan,
and others, which are apt to burn and shrivel under a fierce
sun, should be placed where there is partial shade.

Every conceivable attention should be paid to these plants
throughout the season. They should be mulched soon after
planting, for I do not approve of digging-in rank manure at
the time of planting, as I once lost a whole season’s purchase
by 80 doing ; but the manure should be placed on the ground,
leaving the winter rains to wash its virtues into the soil. In
the early spring the ground should be lightly forked over,
but care must be taken lest the roots, which then are just
beginning to grow, be disturbed. About the middle of
February the plants should be pruned, and, excepting the very
strong growers, I recommend exceedingly hard pruning. After
pruping the second dressing of manure should be applied, and
about the first or second week in May the guano should be
brought into requisition, but it must be sown with the very
greatest care, and be used with great caution. It would per-
haps be wiser for anyone who doubts as to the quantity to
avoid sowing it at all, but to reserveit for liquid manure. It is
80 very easy to overdo it, as I know to my cost. During May
and June when the weather is dry liquid manure of some kind
or other must be frequently applied, and remembering that one
good soaking is better than two or three insufficient waterings.

Ti all this care is taken and the season is moderately favour-
able, the man who shows twenty-four singles or even trebles
from such a patch of Roses as I have named will, to say the
least, not be a disappointed exhibitor.

Bat, if after all our labour the competition is so great that
we find ourselves again left out in the cold, let not that faci
dishearten us, or, what is still more to be dreaded, sour our
tempers. Ido not think we often find at our shows men who
cannot stand defeat, but we do sometimes at very rare inter-
vals meet with them. I have heard of exhibitors, and leading
ones too, being so annoyed at their defeat as to threaten re-
moving their boxes. Others, too, seem to think a personal
wrong has been done them, and determine never to show again,
at that place at all events. But for the most part old exhi-
bitors take the matter of defeat as calmly and as pleasantly as
if they had won the first prize, and that is the only way if we
are to have pleasant meetings and happy faces. We cannot,
perhaps, help feeling disappointed, but we can hide our feelings,
or at all events not let our faces proclaim them.— WD SavaGE.

STRAWBERRIES.

Waicu are the best kinds of Strawberries? is the query of
many a puzzled beginner just now, and the answer is but too
often preceded by an inquiry about the soil, as if certain
sorts would only answer in certain soils, the fact being that all
kinds grow strongly and bear fruit abundantly in a rich loam,
or in soil that is brought by cultivation as nearly as may be
into a similar condition to it. If, therefore, your soil be of a
very light and sandy nature do not despair of growing fine
fruit, but stir it deeply, mixing a heavy dressing of rich ma-
nure with every part of it, striving gradually to give ‘‘ body”’
to it by such dressings of heavier svils as may be forthcoming.
Tf, on the contrary, it isa heavy clayey soil, drain it thoroughly,
mix as much leaf soil and rough gritty matter with it as you
can obtain, so as to enrich, lighten, sweeten, and disintegrate
it, and you will have an excellent Strawberry soil. But if,
having a heavy soil of a close adhesive nature, and therefore
very retentive of moisture, you do nothing more to ameliorate
its crude condition than to dig-in a dressing of manure, you
certainly establish no stronger right to assert that the sorts of
Strawberries which fail in your mismanaged soil are only suit-
able for light soils than does the man who cultivates such light
soil in a similar slipshod fashion to say that his failure arises
from the planting of sorts that require a heavy. soil, and I
shall be glad to learn if anyone can advance any reason beyond
the fact of their own failures in support of assertions that are
calculated to puzzle and also to mislead.

Turning now to the special object of this note—a compari-
son of the relative value of different sorts new and old. The
points of excellence which have most weight in making a selec-
tion are in the fruit sweetness, aroma, size, and form; in the
plant fertility, a robust free growth, and hardiness. The early
kind in which these points are most strongly developed is
Vicomtesse Héricart de Thury, otherwise known as Léon de
St. Saumer and Duchesse de Trevise. This is a wonderfully
robust and hardy variety, cropping most abundantly, always
having plenty of well-ripened medium-sized fruit in its season,
very good in flavour, and a sure kind for preserving. It is
quite the best sort for a small garden possessing no special
facilities for high-class culture, and I strongly recommend it
to your amateur readers, very few of whom can afford space
for experimental gardening. Next in earliness come La Grosse
Sucrés and Sir Joseph Paxton, both of much excellence; and
as a midseason variety I must claim a leading position for Dr.
Hogg, which under good culture is certainly our best kind in
point of full rich flavour and size of fruit, which is very large,
flat, and wedge-shaped. It answers admirably in pots as a suc-
cessional crop to the early forced kinds; but I can only advise
its use for pot culture in a large establishment having plenty
of spare space under glass. Lucas is another fine-flayoured
kind, old, but not half so well known as it ought to be. I
have this season been through a very extensive collection of
Strawberries containing very many old standard kinds and all
the latest novelties, and I have to record that Lucas bore away
the palm from every one of them for sweetness—sweetness
which was most pleasing to the palate and quite devoid of in-
sipidity. F'rogmore Late Pine still holds the first place among
late kinds; its abundant fruit is wonderfully juicy, sweet, and
yet having a brisk acidity most grateful to the palate. I can
hardly suppose ‘‘ AMATEUR” of Cirencester has the true variety,
as it is quite as late and infinitely superior to Elton.

—_—

August 23, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

149

T have selected these few old kinds from a large number of
others, many cf which are of much excellence, as I have no
doubt that most gardeners will agree with me that it is far
better to grow a few sterling varieties well than to waste space
upon a lot of second-rate sorts merely for the sake of saying
one has them. Among new kinds I can speak very highly of
Laxton’s Traveller. The long, tapering, handsome, and highly
coloured fruit is most delicious in flavour, and so firm in tex-
ture as to well merit its name. Laxton’s Exquisite, too, must
become a general favourite; the fruit is globular in outline,
very bright in colour, and of most delicious flavour. To these
two must be added The Countess, termed by the grower the
Strawberry of Strawberries. It has handsome fruit, in colour
a very dark crimson, which is all the more striking from a very
brilliant gloss upon its surface. So full of promise is the ripe
fruit that one is apt to regard its fine flavour quite as a matter
of course. I am very much mistaken if this trio of excellent
novelties does not become very popular. I tasted 2 good many
other new or but little known kinds, among others Maréchal
MacMahon, Heléne Gloede, Auguste Nicaise, and Marie
Nicaise, but none of them impressed me as being worthy of
a place in a selection of really choice kinds.

For those who care for largo sensational fruit I may name
La Marguerite, Due de Malakoff, Heléne Gloede, and Cocks-
comb, but it must not be forgotten that here we have size at
the expense of flavour. If a white sort is wanted we have
none better than Bicton Pine, an old but very good one.—
Epwarp Lucxuurst.

TROPHOLUM JARRATTI CULTURE.

Tus is stronger in growth and has larger flowers than
T. tricolorum, the flowers of both being searlet, yellow, and
black. Both are very neat twining plants, charming for cover-
ing trellises, which may be flat (in which form they form ad-
mirable floral screens) or globes; the leafless top of a Larch
or Spruce tree when well covered has a fine effect.

The tubers require to be potted so soon as they begin grow-
ing, which is usually in August. They should have pots pro-
portionate tothe size of the bulbs. Large bulbs require 8 or
9-inch pots, whilst a 7-inch pot will accommodate a medium-
sized bulb. I employ 9-inch pots, and have three bulbs in a
pot, having a Spruce top for training the shoots to. Tho bulbs
are placed triangularly in the pot, leaving a clear space in the
centre for the introduction of the stem of the Spruce, which
clear of the pot will be 24 to 3 feet high, and half the height
in diameter at the base, running up to a point so as to form a
pyramid. I prefer this form because the plants take up less
room.

Drainage is given to the extent of one-fourth the depth of
the pot, covering it about an inch deep with the rough of the
compost, which consists of equal parts of light turfy loam,
leaf soil, and sandy peat, and a sixth part of silver sand. Fill
the pots to within 2 inches of the rim, place the bulbs with
the growing side upwards upon a little silver sand, and surround
with the same material. Cover about an inch deep, the potting
being done moderately firm. It is well for the soil to be ina
moist state, but not wet, when employed for potting, so that
necessity for watering may not arise until growth takes place.

The plants may be placed in any light airy cool house, and
as soon as the shoots are long enough training should com-
mence. The object should be to cover the trellis of whatever
form if may be equally in every part with flowericg shoots.
Upon this depends in a great measure the beauty of the speci-
men, to secure which very frequent regulation of the shoots is
required, not leaying them until they become entangled, it
being difficult to disentangle them without much injury re-
sulting.

Water should be given rather sparingly at first, avoiding at
all times making the soil sodden, and yet the plants must not
be allowed to suffer by want of water. If water be given when
the soil is dry—a thorough supply—all will be well, making it
liberal when the plants are in full leafage and advancing for
flowering. When the flowering is past the leaves will shortly
after turn yellow, when water should be gradually withheld,
discontinuing it when they are all in that state. The bulbs
after the stems are withered should be taken up and kept in a
cool dry place until potting time again arrives.

They succeed admirably in a winter temperature from fire
heat of 40° to 45°. Aphis sometimes attacks them. It is best
destroyed by famigation with tobacco, but it is necessary that
the foliage of the plants be dry and an overdose be not

given, or the foliage is liable to suffer. If your correspondent
“Y.S. M.” follows out this practice he will succeed in grow-
ing this attractive twiner.—A.

CUTTING DOWN VINES.

From time to time I have heard much about cutting down
old trees to renovate them, and occasionally I have seen some
wonderful effects from it in the orchard, &., and it may be
interesting to some of your many readers to record a case that
occurred to a neighbour of mine, a market gardener, of success
in cutting down Vines. Mealy bug unfortunately was intro-
duced into his vineries and caused him much labour and
anxiety, for he could not subdue the determined foe, and his
Grapes were in a great measure unsaleable. These Vines were
dressed by a powerful solution, which not only killed the bug
but prevented the Vines breaking freely, and the rods were
consequently cut down to the bottom of the rafters. New
shoots were soon produced, and two canes were trained up
from each old stem. These canes grew with great rapidity
and soon reached the top of the house—beautiful clean rods,
with foliage like leather that would have delighted any Grape-
grower, very unlike the puny-leaved rods which were cut down.
In the year following (1876) 60 lbs. weight of Grapes*were cut
from each Vine, or 30 lbs. off each of the young rods. I did
not at all approve of such heavy cropping thinking it must
injure the Vines, but on seeing them a few days ago I found
them bearing I believe even a heavier crop.

I do not suppose that all old Vines treated so would show
similar results; but where the soil is suitable, bunches turning
small and Vines showing signs of being worn out, it might be
worthy of consideration whether to make new borders and
replant with young Vines or to try the cutting-down system. No
doubt in the present case the odds were very much in favour
of the cutting-down system, and the owner could not have
hoped under the most favourable circumstances to have cut
any such quantity from young Vines, and that without entail-
ing the heavy expense of making new borders.

Another useful lesson may also be learned from the above
occurrence—namely, the danger of applying strong remedies
for destroying insects on a large scale before first having tested
them on a single branch. I remember having read a few years
ago of the virtues of paraffin oil as an insect-destroyer, and
thought I would try it on a Green Gage Plum that was badly
infested with scale, when it killed the scale by killing the tree.

I am well aware that the cutting-down of old Vines is not a
new idea, as I have seen it practised many years ago, and have
also seen the plan recommended in your Journal, yet the case
mentioned was such a marked success that I could not resist
the temptation of putting it on record.—J. B. S.

TRANSPLANTING TREES.

For some years I haye adopted the plan I am to relate with
great success. Where there are large plantations to make it
is almost impossible to transplant all the trees in the months
of October and November (the oniy really good months for
transplanting) unless some different plan be used to that
commonly adopted. I became so tired of seeing men spending
two or three hours in digging up a tree—cutting off a large
number of small roots or fibres, on which the tree depended
for its growth—that I set to work to tind out some quicker
method. I commenced by making some yery strong three-
pronged forke, so strong as to admit of their being driven into
the ground with heavy wooden mallets. I used them thus:
Supposing you wish to operate on a Fir tree, say from 7 to
8 feet in height, a fork is driven in on each side of the tree ;
it is then moved backwards and forwards slightly and with-
drawn. These forks are then driven in again between the two
last cuts, and the tree is hoisted in the air, earth and fibrous
roots coming up together. Supposing the tree has long
strageling roots, it is necessary to cut them off at 4 or 5 feet
from the stem. It is easy to see the direction in which the
roots run during the time the tree is being suspended. To cut
these roots I had a saw made by Burgess & Key, consisting of
a stout stem 3 feet in length with a sickle-shaped saw at the
end. This is thrust into ground, and the root is then cut off.
When the tree is free and suspended a strong square plate of
iron with rings at each corner is dragged under it, the tree is
tied to each ring, and horses draw it to its destination. I
moved eighty Fir trees last season. Hvyery one has grown con-
siderably. If there are no straggling roots the time occupied

150

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 23, 1877.

2 ee ee eS ee ee ee

for moving each tree is exactly two minutes.
this subject.— OBSERVER.

I will return to

SPIRHA FILIPENDULA PLENA AND OTHERS.
® Your notice of S. ariefolia (page 94) prompts my referring
to the very beautiful S. Filipendula nlena. Foliage dense and
Fern-like, forming an elegant clump with branching heads of
suow-white flowers, double, therefore very enduring; flowering
in July and August onward; very pleasing alike in borders,
and for affording sprays (not scented) for bouquets and vases
—a combination of qualities rendering it one of the best of
hardy flowers. It attains to a height of 14 to 2 feet, though I
have seen plants over a yard across and as much in height.
Masses of it stand out grandly in the front of shrubs. Its
roots are tuberous or knotted, propagation being effected by
division in gpring. Every crown with a portion of root will
grow.

Although Spireas in nature appear to prefer a moist situ-
ation, yet such is not by any means absolutely necessary, it
being of far more consequence that they have a soil containing
vegetable matter in a state of decay, or, failing that, liberal
applications to the soil of leaf soil or manure. All they want
is an abundance of humus. If the soil be dry we have only to
water copiously and top-dress with rich vegetable refuse liberally.
The best manure that I have employed is dried cow dung; it
does not induce rank growth like the more stimulating horse
and fowls’ dungs.

There is no questioning the beauty of these plants in borders,
nor their great usefulness for affording flowers for cutting, to
say nothing of their remarkable adaptability for forcing; yet
there is another purpese they might be put to with marked
advantage—specimens dotted irregularly on grass, or a mass
with irregularly disposed isolated specimens, there being a
great want of colour in most pleasure grounds, and in many
instances of form, which these and similar graceful or elegant
plants or grasses would to a great extent supply. S. ulmifolia
is a stately plant, S. venusta lovely, and 8S. palmata is very
valuable.

All the Spirzeas named, along with our very fine but neglected
S. Ulmaria, and its red variety (S. Ulmaria rubra) and the

variegated Meadow-sweet (S. Ulmaria variegata), are all avail- |

able for forcing ; but the most easily forced is 8. japonica,
though the others force readily enough if strong well-developed
crowns areemployed. But all havea decided dislike to tobacco
smoke, the foliage being always more or less damaged by it
whenever the house in which they are grown is fumigated;
hence during fumigation I always have the Spireas removed.
8. japonica (Astilba barbata) with 8. palmata are not with me
hardy, the foliage being nipped by frost if after-growth has
commenced in the spring; but the plants soon recover and
make fresh foliage quickly, and flower later than usual. I
nave plants on a north border now (early August) well flowered.
—G. ABBEY.

ROSE ELECTION.

Ovr friend Mr. Hinton’s decision to have an exhibition Rose
election this year I think a very good one. In common with
many of my professional brethren I wish, if not too late this
season, it could have been extended to seventy-two exhibition
varieties, the number required for a first-class stand, instead
of forty-eight.

My reasons for wishing or suggesting it are that the exhi-
bition class cannot at all be fairly represented by forty-eight
varieties, when every amateur who exhibits in the class for
forty-eight must grow at least seventy-two of the best exhibition
flowers to meet the vicissitudes of our seasons. If a cold
showery rosetide sets in, very many of our grand double Roses
contained in the first forty-eight list will stain and not como
out so well as thinner and often second-rate varieties, so that
amateurs should grow nearly double the number of kinds they
intend to exhibit to be ready for any season.

I am aware it may be said the collective number of varieties
sent in by numerous rosarians as last year would swell the list
to more than seventy-two to select from; but this, I think,
will not meet the case, as in some of the previous Rose elections
many of the old yet good second-rate Roses very well known
were repeated over go many times that an undue prominence
was given to them over better Roses less seen and known. I
would ask Mr. Hinton if it would not be best to more distinctly
divide this forthcoming exhibition election into two classes—
northern and southern exhibitors; and if some, say twelve able

southern professionals, as well as an equal number of “ ex-
professional” amateurs, would kindly send in their lists of the
best seventy-two exhibition Roses, arranged, as Mr. Hinton
suggests, in order of merit, we should then have a truly valu-
able official guide for all exhibitors throughout the southern
half of England. The same thing would of course be done
for the northern half—Scotland and Ireland.

I will conclude these remarks by giving the names of the
southern professionals who I earnestly hope will this season
give our able returning officer their lists and support, as it will
greatly help the exhibition cause—making more rosarians, en-
abling them to spend their energy and strength only on the best
varieties to the exclusion and weeding from our too lengthy
catalogues of worthless varieties which have not been proved
on the exhibition table. A word another time about the best
garden Roses—the stay-at-homes; they must and will be
sharers in the spoil. Here follow names and invitation to
Messrs. Cant, Cooling, Corp, Cranston, Davison, Darbin,
Keynes, Mitchell, Paul, Prince, Turner, Walters, Curtis.—H. C.,
Torquay.

THE CIDER FRUITS OF HEREFORDSHIRE.
THE FOX-WHELP APPLE.
(Continued from page 132.)

Fic. 28 at page 132 is taken from a good specimen of the
fruit which was exhibited at the meeting of the Woolhope
Club at Hereford in 1876. The fruit came from a tree which
had been in possession of the same family for 130 years, and
the tree itself is supposed to be 200 years old. Fig. 29 (page
132) represents a longitudinal section of the fruit exhibiting
the structure of the eye, the tube, and the core; and the lower
part is a transverse section of the same fruit showing the
formation of the cells.

The form of the fruit varies according to the age of the tree,
and this is the case with most varieties. Figs. 33 and 34 are
taken from fruit grown by John Bosey, Esq., of Lyde, and
exhibit the result of successive graftings from one graft taken
originally from one of the old trees of the Fox-whelp. Fig. 33
represents a fruit from a tree which is the result of four suc-
cessive graftings, the scions being taken in each instance from
the tree grafted the previous year; and fig. 34 is that from a
tree which has had the grafting repeated five times.

The home of the Fox-whelp Apple, be its origin what it may,
is in the deep clay loam of the old red sandstone in the central
districts of Herefordshire, and especially in the valleys of the
rivers Lug and Froome. The chief orchards in the villages of
Lugwardine, Westhide, Withington, Holmer, Lyde, Moreton,
Sutton, Wistaston, Marden, Bodenham, Burrup, Wellington-
on-the-Lug, and those of Weston Begard, Yorkhill, Stretton,
Granditon, Eggleton, the Froomes, the Cowarnes, and other
villages on the Froome, are seldom without several old trees
of the Fox-whelp Apple. The broad valley of the Wye does
not generally present so good and rich a soil. The river has
been so erratic in days gone by that large beds of gravel and
marl are to be met with in all directions, and the orchards of
repute therefore are only to be found on the rising slopes of
the valley out of the river’s reach. Here are many excellent

August 23, 1877.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

151

orchards from King’s Caple and Holme Lacey by Credenhill to
Kirmersby, Samesfield, and the Weobley district. The Fox-
whelp may be found in any of them, and wherever it is found
it is treasured greatly for its own cider, unmixed where the
trees are sufficiently numerous to makeit, or for giving strength
and flavour to the mixed cider where they are in fewer numbers.

The Fox-whelp Apple tree is upright and handsome in growth
where age has not rendered it rugged and gnarled. In some
situations its growth is peculiar; it bends at an angle as the
branches are given off, and these elbows will here distinguish
the Fox-whelp tree from those of other kinds; but this is not
general. The tree is hardy and productive, and its fruit in
great demand. There is yet a want of young trees generally,

Fig. 34.

for, be the reason what it may, grafts of late years have not
succeeded well.

The Fox-whelp cider when pure is of great strength, and
always has a peculiar aroma, so marked that it can be detected
directly the cork is drawn from the bottle. In taste it is gene-
rally rough and strong, with the peculiar musky flavour that
gives its aroma. In ordinary seasons, unless made with great
care, it is not sweet enough to be acceptable to strangers, and
the taste which enjoys its peculiar flavour fully must in such
circumstances, perhaps, be acquired; but in a favourable yoar—
a year of sunshine and genial showers, when the fruit has been

ripened to perfection—happy is he who has a good hit of it. |

If he carries it well through the process of fermentation and
keeps the flavour of the fruit and its sweetness too he has
cider in perfection—a cider that will sell readily in its own
district at a guinea a dozen. It will not all be sold, however,
for it is the pleasure and pride of the cider-growers of Hereford-
shire to have always ready for a iriend a bottle of good Fox-
whelp cider of agood year. The Fox-whelp Apple is, however,
most used to give strength and flavour to the cider of mixed
fruit, and when this is well made it is perhaps more generally
popular than the very strong and pure Fox-whelp. A cider of
this kind, excellent in quality, can be got at 1s. a bottle from
the growers. The Fox-whelp cider has the character of chang-
ing colour very quickly on exposure to the air, and even at the
table if not drunk quickly the dusky greenish tint will show
itself. Some other strong ciders have also this peculiarity,
which is certainly not a virtue.

The Fox-whelp Apple sells well in September as a “ pot
fruit.” Its brilliant colour recommends it to everyone, and its
piquant rough flavour is pleasant to all who have learnt to
appreciate its cider. It is an excellent cooking Apple for pies
and puddings, and ‘the Apple of all others to make sauce for
the Michaelmas goose or a roast leg of pork.”

A Fox-whelp Apple of good size and colour yielded 74 drachms
of a strongly acidulated juice with its own flavour, and of the
specific gravity of 1068; and others of smaller gize gave

| groups of admiring visitors throughout the day.

54 drachms of juice with a specific gravity of 1074. Mr.
Knight gives the higher specific gravity of 1076 to 1080, which
perhaps might be due to a more favourable year.

ferent Apples have been in favour with cider makers at
diflerent periods. The Genuet Moyle had to give way to the
Red Streak, and both have had to yield the palm to the virtues
i Lard Fox-whelp. Beyond all question this is now the favourite

pple.

There are several varieties of Fox-whelp, called ‘‘ Bastard
Fox-whelp”’ in common language. A “ Black Fox-whelp”’ is
also thought much of in some orchards, and is said to be the
same Apple that is so highly esteemed in Somersetshire.

g

TAUNTON DEANE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Tue handsome and cleanly county town of Somerset once
more put on its holiday attire on the occasion of the tenth annual
Show of this Society, and entered, as is the wont of these west-
ern towns, com amore into the engagements of the day. To all
classes it seemed a general holiday, the county gentry attending
in large numbers, while the market people and labouring classes
seemed to enter into it with as much interest as their leaders.
The Vivary Park, in which the Show was held, was thronged
with visitors, contrasting most fuvourably with the cold and
hesitating manner in which such events are regarded in the
east of England. The Exhibition itself was a remarkably good
one, and both amateurs and nurserymen contributed in great
force to its success. There were five tents, one devoted to the
productions of nurserymen—plants and flowers, a similar one to
those of amateurs, another to fruits and vegetables, a fourth
to cottagers’ productions, and a small one for the contributions
of ladies in table decorations and bonquets. Of the whole Show
it may well be said that the exhibits were remarkably good.
It often happens at provincial shows that a good deal of rubbish
is allowed to be put up, but with only one or two exceptions
nothing unworthy of the exhibitors was shown. One or two
features marked this as distinct from its predecessors of the last
few years—the disappearance of Mr. Cypher, who has disposed
of his large plants, and the re-appearance as an exhibitor of that
hearty and enthusiastic patron of horticulture, Mr. Marshall of
Taunton, whose charming residence of Belmont I once attempted
to describe in the Journal.

In the classes for large plants, stove and greenhouse and
exotic Ferns, the chief prizes fell to Messrs. Lucombe, Pince,
and Co., whose plants were marvels of good cultivation; and it
is clear from what I saw here that it is only the great distance,
trouble, and expense that prevents this well-known firm from
successfully competing at the metropolitanshows. Their Ferns
were truly grand, and the splendid examples of Allamandas,
Ixoras, Clerodendrons, &c., were worthy of all the admiration
they received. In the cut flowers there were some splendid
exhibits. Messrs. Kelway & Son exhibited, not for competition, a
grand collection of their seedling Gladioli (three dozen), amongst
which were some quite new flowers of great excellence, to which
no fewer than six first-class certificates were awarded. They
occupied one extremity of the staging, and were surrounded by

In Roses
Mr. Corp of Oxford was the chief exhibitor. I have seen a few
Roses in my day and think I know something about them,
but I can safely say that I never saw in the month of August
such stands of blooms, and in this opinion I was not singular.
Devienne Lamy, Charles Lefebvre, Marguerite Brassac, La
France, and others were simply magnificent, especially the first-
named; they were all grown on the seedling Briar, and afforded
another proof of the value of that stock. In Dahlias Mr. Keynes
was first with blooms displaying the well-known finish and
excellence that always has characterised the Salisbury blooms.
Mr. 8. Dobree, an amateur, was an excellent second. As the
class was an open one his Verbenas also were very fine.

In the amateurs’ tent the chief prizes for plants were awarded
to Mr. Lawless of Exeter and to Mr. Marshall. These plants,
although not so large as the nurserymen’s, were very good, and
the Ferns especially so. Mr. Marshall also took first prizes for
Gladioli and for some splendid examples of Achimenes such as
we are not in the habit of seeing about London. The chief
prizes in florists’ flowers fell to Mr. Dobree, whose Dablias,
Verbenas, Asters, &c., were very fine.

The fruit, as might have been expected, was not remarkable,
but the vegetables were very fine; and the cottagers’ produc-
tions were both numerous and very excellent in quality, while
aay displayed a good deal of taste in their arrangement of

owers.

The weak point of the Show was the table decorations. Fair
prizes were offered, and yet but two exhibitors competed, and
of these the less said the better. As I have once before said this
is a wonder, for they have had benefit of the very best examples,
as Miss Hassard once exhibited here, and yet nothing could be
poorer than the two tables arranged on this occasion.

Need I add that the arrangements were excellent, that the

152 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 23, 1877.

Secretary and Committee worked heartily, and that kind feeling
and good fellowship marked all the proceedings of the day,
which I hope may also have proved financially a success.—
D., Deal.

STRAWBERRY CULTURE.

I AGREE with ‘‘W.S. P.” that there is a great difference in
the proper treatment of Strawberries on light and strong soils.
My soil is a sandy loam, and runners, however carefully
prepared, will not give a good or full crop of Strawberries the
next season, but the second—that is, two years after planting,
they are fine, and if proper care is taken in eutting-off the
runners and separating the plants immediately after the fruit-
ing season is over, not delaying the work till the rows are
matted into one whole bed, there will be jast as good if not a
better crop, with a winter’s mulching of manure, the third year
as the second. Strawberries in light soil by careful manage-
ment may be made to bear good crops for many years. No
doubt in strong soils the plants may be fruited one year after
planting and produce good crops, but Strawberry runners in
strong soils are seldom fit for early planting.

It is a good plan, if the ground is not ready to plant early in
August, to prick runners in rich soil under a cold frame. I
have frames for this purpose about 9 feet long and 2 feet wide,
the glass being merely loose strong sheets of 21-oz. glass
2 feet long and 20 inches wide laid on the top of the frame
and secured with a wire pin. The frames are made slightly to
slope, being about 7 inches high at the back and 34 in the
front, and grooved at the back to hold the glass. The corners
of the frames are raised on bricks. As the Strawberry runners
grow care is taken to keep them well watered, and to prevent
fresh runners being thrown out. If planted about 5 or 6 inches
apart they may be taken-up with balls and transplanted when-
ever the ground is ready, and they will do better than runners
taken off the plants earlier and put into their fruiting quarters
at once. As to distance, the rows should not be less than
2 feet apart nor less than 20 inches between the plants. Never
make a bed of more than three rows, then leave a space of
4 feet so as to make your distance between the beds double
that between the rows; this not only gives room for picking,
but prevente the sorts running one into another and becoming
mixed. In light soils mulch well in the winter months. Take
the mulching off in the middle of April, leaving the beds
exposed to the full sun and air till the flowering season, then
litter the ground (after giving a good watering with liquid
manure if the soil is at all dry), with chopped straw strewn
not too heavily between and amongst the plants. It has one
great advantage over long straw, that the plants do not require
to be go much pulled about by the hand, and that no snails or
slugs can work amongst it, especially if barley straw with
barley chaff is used. Now as to sorts.

I have discarded Black Prince and Keens’ Seedling. I find
no sorts so good for general purposes as Vicomtesse Hericart
de Thury, Sir Joseph Paxton, Lucas, and President; then
for late, Myatt’s Eleanor and Eliza. Dr. Hogg and British
Queen do not do well with me. Amongst other very good sorts
are James Veitch, a fine large Strawberry and free bearer ;
Cockscomb, Bonne Bouche, and John Powell. Among newer
varieties Traveller promises exceedingly well; La Grosse Sucrée
is a very handsome fruit, but not so good as it looks; Souvenir
de Kieff is with mea decided failure, only slightly better than
Sir C. Napier, which is soft and tasteless. Amongst other
sorts I have tried and discarded are La Constante, Carolina
Superba, Aromatic, Royalty, Sabreur, and Triomphe de Paris
(the latter ig very fine flavoured but delicate), Ne Plus Ultra
and Comte de Zahn. Another Strawberry I have forgotten to
mention is Princess Dagmar, very good in point of flavour,
evidently with a cross of the old Hautbois in it; and Filbert
Pine is worth trying in most gardens.

I was in hopes of being able to give somo report of twelve
seedlings kindly sent me by Dr. Roden, but the season has
been s0 very bad for Strawberries here, especially in a new
quarter recently added from a grass field, even though the top
spit with the grass on it was carefully buried not far from the
surface, that I cannot give a very definite report. » Those
which I was much pleased with were Harly Filbert Pine,
Scarlet Pine, Excelsior, Enchantress, Duke of Edinburgh, and
Hundredfold; but the trial has not been a fair one, as after an
Open winter we had cold winds and bitter frosts in April and
May till nearly the second week in June, then a period of dry
weather for three or four weeks, followed by deluges of rain
just as the fruit had set, and the quarter where these plants

were growing proved too light and sandy, and exposed too
much to fall sunshine. The sorts I had on trial were Sir John
Falstaff, Bonny Lass, Gipsy Queen, Amy Robsart, Hundred-
fold, Alpha, Excelsior, Scarlet Pine, Early Prolific, Duke of
Edinburgh, Early Crimson Pine, and Enchantress. They nearly
all seemed to be a high quality of fruit and good bearers, but
for the reasons before stated the trial has not been satisfactory.

To conclude, I do not on the whole know three better Straw-
berries for general purposes than Lucas, Sir Joseph Paxton,
and President. I do not think Lucas is sufficiently known or
grown. It is not a very large Strawberry, but possesses fine
flavour, is very firm, and stands all weather well, is a sure
setter, and lasts a long time in season.—C. P. P.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Aveusr 21st.

*

Onty a little fruit was submitted to the Committee on this
occasion, yet the Council-room presented an attractive appear-
ance, for the tables surrounding the room were quite filled with
plants and flowers, several of which well merited the marks of
approval expressed by the Committee.

Frovir CommittrE.—Henry Webb, Esq., V.P.,in the chair.
Mr. Barnett, The Gardens, Deepdene, sent a well-netted and
good-flavoured fruit of Melon Incomparable, for which a letter
of thanks was voted; a similar mark of recognition being
passed to Mr, Long, gardener to J. S. Law, Esq., South Lodge,
Reigate, tor a very large and good seedling Melon named South
Lodge. Mr. Tillery, The Gardens, Welbeck, sent a dish of very
fine Victoria Nectarines, and was awarded a cultural com-
mendation. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, sent Cucumber
Lord Beaconsfield, which was not considered sufficiently dis-
tinct from the old (not Rollisson’s), Telegraph ; also Prince of
Wales, which closely resembles Daniell’s Duke of Edinburgh.
Mr. Morse, gardener to W. Proctor Baker, Esq., Bromwell
House, Burlington, Bristol, sent a seedling Grape the result of
@ cross between the Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria:
It is amber-coloured, but as exhibited was not considered to
possess special merit. Louis Killick, Esq., Langley, Maidstone,
sent a dish of “Stone” Apple, an early free-bearing kitchen
variety which is very popular in Kent, but the fruit was not
sufficiently ripe for adjudication. From the Society’s Gardens
came a dish of American Crab, very good; Madeleine Royal and
Royal Muscadine Grapes, Trebons Onions, and a coarse-look-
ing Cabbage named “‘ Santung.” In answer to an inquiry ar to
classing Rhubarb as a fruit or a vegetable, it was decided that
it might be most properly exhibited as a vegetable only.

Fiona Commirrre.—G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the
chair. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries,
Chelsea, exhibited a collection of choice plants, including
several Orchids. Cattleya gigas had gorgeous flowers, and
Cattleyas Loddigesii and dolosa, Lelia Dayana, Dendrochilum
filiforme, and others were very attractive. Lapageria alba, a
small plant with handsome wax-like flowers, spoke for itself of
its great value as a decorative plant. Abutilon Boule d’Or, a
new free-flowering variety of great promise, was exhibited by this
firm. The flowers are a soft yet bright yellow, and contrast
effectively with the dark green foliage. Also a very distinct
Begonia, Queen of Whites, of the B. Veitchii type, the flowers
being almost pure white, large, and of great substance. A first-
class certificate was awarded. A similar award was made for
Oncidium pretexum, very free, yellow lip margined with
chestnut.

Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, staged
a small collection of plants, including a splendid specimen of
Txora Williamsii, showing its floriferous character, the plant
having flowered twice previously this year. It is one of the
most distinct and valuable of the Ixoras. Mr. Williams also
exhibited Croton fasciatus with very large Magnolia-like foliage,
veined and margined with yellow; also Lilium auratum macu-
latum, densely spotted; and Phaius Dodgsoni. This is a fine
Orchid, the growths of 2 to 3 feet high, terminating with short
spikes of a dozen flowers, ivory white with pale cinnamon lips
—very attractive. A first-class certificate was awarded to this
plant, and a vote of thanks for the Ixora.

Messrs. Kelway & Son, The Nurseries, Langport, Somerset,
exhibited spikes of fifty varieties of new Gladioluses, which
produced a rich effect. A vote of thanks was awarded for the
collection, and first-class certificates for the following five va-
rieties :—Cymbaline, pink with faint stripes of rose, and white
centre; the prevailing colour of the flowers being much like
that of Odontoglossum vexillarium; very smooth and fine.
Prince George, a rich flame scarlet with crimson base and faint
wh te stripes; very effective. The Odalisque, creamy white,
with claret throat—a smooth charming flower of great sub-
stance of petal. Charles Noble, orange scarlet, flaked and
feathered with rose and white; striking. Baroness Burdett
Coutts, white with a claret blotch, shaded with violet; extra

—

August 28, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER,

153

fine. Mr. Kelway also exhibited spikes of Hyacinthus can-
dicans.

Mr. Long, gardener to J. S. Law, Esq., South Lodge, High-
gate, exhibited several plants of Tuberous Begonias which had
been potted from the open ground. They are seedlings raised
by the exhibitor, and are dwarfer in habit and more floriferousin
character than any we have hitherto seen, and are undoubtedly
admirably adapted for flower-garden decoration. A vote of
thanks was awarded.

Mr. J. Fraser, The Nurseries, Lea Bridge Road, London,
exhibited two seedling Ixoras, to one of which—I. formosa,
bright lemon-coloured, and very free—a first-class certificate was
awarded, Mr. Perkins, Leamington, had a first-class certificate
for Begonia Empress of India, rich crimson, vigorous, and fine.
Mr. Perkins also exhibited some bright seedling Phloxes.

A “Blue Spruce’”—Colorado Menziesii—was exhibited by
Mr. Anthony Waterer of Knap Hill, Woking, and received a
first-class certificate. It is free in growth, dense, and of fine
glaucous tint; very distinct. Cones of several Conifers were
also exhibited by Mr. Waterer, and flowering sprays of Andro-
meda arborea, for which a vote of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Cannell, The Nurseries, Swanley, Kent, exhibited cut
blooms of double Pelargonium Madame Thibaut, one of the
most valuable of the double varieties; also of dwarf Lobelia
Brighton, very dense and rich. A vote of thanks was awarded.
Mr. Green, Holmesdale Road, Reigate, exhibited Streptocarpus
Greeni and a rosy white variety named Delicata, very free and
attractive, for which a first-class certificate was awarded. Mr.
Green, gardener to Sir G. Macleay, Bart., Pendell Court,
Bletchingly, had a second-class certificate for Cologyne corru-
gata. I. Anderson-Henry, Esq., Edinburgh, sent a species of
Primula from Sikkim. The plant is small, leaves much toothed,
and flowers rich violet. A botanical commendation was awarded.
Mr. R. Parker, Exotic Nursery, Tooting, submitted flowering
sprays of Rubus fraticosus flore-pleno, very double, and received
a vote of thanks,

From the Society’s gardens, Chiswick, were exhibited Abutilon
Lemoinei, the same as noticed in Messrs. Veitch’s collection
under the name of Boule d’Or, to which a first-class certificate
was worthily awarded, a sitailar award being made for Torenia
Fournieri, richer in colour than T. asiatica, and having in addi-
tion a golden blotch on the lip; a free-grower and bloomer, and
an attractive plant. Also double Pelargoniums, to two of which,
Littre (Lemoine), purplish crimson, and Lafayette (Lemoine),
rosy salmon, first-class certificates were awarded; a splendid
collection of Dianthuses chinensis, Heddewigi, and other varie-
ties, and brilliant-coloured Salpiglossis.

A resolution was passed by the Committee recommending to
the Council the importance of a speedy issue of the schedule of
the provincial show to be held next year, in order that exhi-
peers may have ample time afforded them to prepare their
plants.

THE MARQUIS OF BUTE’S HARDY VINEYARD.

For the last two or three years gardeners of all grades, and
many others besides gardeners, have wondered how the under-
taking of a hardy vineyard would succeed. It is only now that
Success is beginning to show itself. Previous to this the Vines
have been establishing themselves; now they have passed
into a fertile state. The vineyard is not at Cardiff Castle, but
five miles from it at Castle Coch, which is an old British
fortress, and stands upwards. of 300 feet above sea level.
Here the Vines are planted in an ordinary field with a common
hedgerow round it. The soil is moderately light red loam not
more than 2 feet deep, and rests on a rough naturally-drained
bottom of limestone. The field has a very sharp slope to the
south. A wooded hill shelters it completely from the north,
and plantations screen it from east and west, but to the
favourable south it is fully exposed; and standing amongst
the Vines and looking in this direction the Severn and coast
of Somerset and Devon a delightful prospect is looked upon.

Three thousand Vines were planted three years ago, other
three thousand were planted or inserted as cuttings like Goose-
berries this spring. All are planted in rows 3 feet apart. The
oldest are supported by stakes 4 feet high. At this height
the Vines are permanently stopped. Two and three shoots are
taken up from each root. The sorts are principally Gromier
Noir, black, and Melier Blanc, white. The first-named is the
freest fruiter. All are bearing fruit, some of them having as
many as seven bunches. Hardly any of the bunches are more
than 1 foot from the ground. No kind of vegetation could
‘possibly be in better health or more vigorous than the Vines.
The wood is strong, very firm, and the leaves most luxuriant.
Up to the present time the progress and state of the whole

concern may be briefly summed up as follows :—Site the most | held in The Shrubbery, Upton, near Plaistow, Essex.

factory condition, management so good and intelligent that if
Mr. Pettigrew fails no other one need try on this side the
English Channel.—M.

GLAMORGANSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SHOW.

Turs Show was held at Cardiff on the 15th inst. The arrange-
ments were very complete. The whole exhibits were divided
into six classes, and each class had a suitable tent to itself.
Plants were generally good, cut flowers and vegetables abundant,
but fruit scarce. Altogether, however, although only about £300
were offered in prize money, we have seen a much inferior dis-
play where more than double that amount was given. There
was one great omission on the cards—the names of the em-
ployer and gardener were given, but where they came from
there was no possibility of learning.

Fruit, as we have already said, was scarce, and this we know
was alike regretted by gardeners and other visitors. There is
nothing about an exhibition of this kind so attractive as plenty
of fruit, and committees will find out in the long run that it is a
great mistake to make fruit a minor consideration in their
autumn schedules. For a collection of nine sorts of fruit only
£3 was offered. Lord Tredegar was first, Colonel Page second,
and Mr. W. Banes third. Hach collection was composed chiefly
of Grapes, Melons, Peaches, Plums, and other small fruits of
average merit. For one Queen Pine Mr. Pettigrew, Cardiff
Castle, was first with an excellent fruit, and although others
were staged this was far in advance of them. Mr. C. P. Phillips
was first for three bunches of white Grapes with Muscat of
Alexandria. The three weighed 18 lbs., had well-swelled berries
and good-shaped bunches, but not quits ripe. Mr. Pettigrew
was second with well-finished bunches of Foster’s Seedling.
For three bunches of black Grapes Mr. Phillips was also first
with Black Hamburgh. These were riper than the Muscata
and weighed 16 lbs. Where Mr. Phillips came from we cannot
say, but we heard that his place is new and his Vines only
three years old, and if this is the case we may expect to hear of
him again, as his bunches were much above the common size.
Lady Clive, who had many prizes for other exhibits, was second
in this class. For the best Melon of any kind Mr. Pettigrew
was first with Read’s Hybrid. The prizes for Peaches, Nec-
tarines, Figs, Apples, Pears, Plums, &c., were mostly won by
Lord Tredegar, Colonel] Page, Mr. Barnes, and Lady Clive.

£15, £10, £5 were offered for twelve stove and greenhouse
plants. This brought-out four or five collections. The first prize
was awarded to Mr. Pilgrim of Cheltenham; the second to Mr.
Barnes; and the third to Messrs. Heath & Son, nurserymen,
Cheltenham. Dracsnas, Crotons, Palms, Heaths, Dipladenias,
and plants of this description were in each of the collections.

For eighteen varieties of Roses, three blooms of each, Messrs.
Davidson & Co., Hereford, were first; Messrs. Cranston & Co.
of the same place second; and Mr. Treseder, Cardiff, third.
Some of the blooms were very fair, but many of them too open.
For twelve Teas Lord Tredegar was first, Messrs. Cranston and
Co. second, and Messrs. Davidson & Co. third. These stands
were much superior to the last named.

The special prizes offered by Mr. Hooper of Bath for twelve
Carnation blooms, and the same number of Picotees, were won
by Mr. Francis and Mr. Catley. Like all provincial shows at
this season, there were immense quantities of Phloxes, Pent-
stemons, &c.,shown. Vegetables were also shown in great abun-
dance and of superior quality. The principal prizetakers in this
class are named amongst the fruit exhibitors above named,
Potatoes, although much affected with disease in South Wales,
were shown in good condition.

Floral devices and decorated dinner tables were attractive
For the latter Miss Watson was first with a very elegant arrange-
ment, Miss James second, and Miss Binns third, Where any
deficiency occurred in the tents, especially the largest tent,
groups of flowering plants from Cardifi Castle filled-up the
blanks and added very much to the general effect.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

WE are requested to announce that a aranp Summer SHow
of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held in 1878, at
South Kensington, extending over four days, from Tuesday,
May 28th, to Friday evening, May 31st, inclusive. The
schedule is already prepared, and may be obtained on appli-
cation to the Secretary at South Kensington. We are also
informed that no time will be lost in preparing a schedule of
the great provincial Show to be held at Preston in June, 1878,
and that the preliminary arrangements are already far ad-
vanced.

— On Saturday last an exhibition of ‘a novel character was
The ex-

favourable in the United Kingdom, Vines in the most satis- | hibitors being children connected with the South Hssex Band

154

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 23, 1877.

OR

of Hope Union. There were 145 exhibitors, and twelve prizes
were awarded; a large proportion of the plants were par-
ticularly well grown, especially the Fuchsias and Geraniums.
The prizes, which were composed of useful and ornamental
articles, were much appreciated by the boys and girls who
were fortunate enough in winning them. The Show was very
creditable indeed to the Committee, but another season it
would be desirable to increase the number of prizes, as 2 num-
ber of well-grown plants were omitted out of the prize list alto-
gether for want of funds. From the gardens of Mr. Alderman
Finnis, Park Gate, Wanstead, came a collection of Orchids and
fine-foliaged plants for exhibition, also a group from Forest
House, Leyton, the residence of Mr. Fowler. And we also
noted a collection of Gladiolus spikes sent from the gardens of
F. Whitbourn, Esq., Ilford.

Mr. Corer, Seeretary of the GARDENERS’ BENEVOLENT
Institution, will, we understand, attend the principal horti-
cultural shows for the purpose of inducing gardeners to sub-
scribe to the Institution.

ALTHoUGH rain in the northern and some of the mid-
land districts has been excessive, the neighbourhood of Lon-
don effords unmistakeable signs of drought. The commons
southward of the City, such as Clapham, where the soil is
gravelly, are quite brown and have a much more baked ap-
pearance than they have previously had during the summer.
The trees, such as Chestnuts and Limes, have a rusted
appearance, and their leaves are commencing falling. Rain,
which was needed in gardens, also fell heavily yesterday
morning.

— WE are informed that rain has been falling almost
every day lately in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and that
great fear is entertained that the Poraro pisEAsxE will be very
destructive unless a sudden and favourable change should
occur to check its progress. In the south the fine weather
continues favourable for the grain and Potato harvesis.

Our correspondent ‘‘ B. G., Co. Down,” writing on the
PoTavTo DISEASE IN IRELAND, states that he has seen the mur-
rain in many districts. The spring was very backward, and
the seed was late planted. Much loss is anticipated amongst
the late varieties, as they are now in full growth. The Skerry
is almost blight proof, but cannot be cultivated except in fields
or on maiden soil.

— Mr. Rozert Osporn of the Fulham Nurseries informs
us that he has purchased, as from the 1st January last, the
nursery and seed business, carried on for many years at
Fulham and Sunbury by his late uncle and father, William
and Thomas Osborn, and his grandfather, Robert Osborn.
This arrangement has received the sanction of the Judge of
the Chancery Division of the High Court under whose direction
and control the business was conducted for the last few years
prior to the present proprietor buying the same. The style of
the business will remain as before— Osborn & Sons.”

— Ar the Fuoran concert to be held at the Agricultural
Hall on the 28th inst. prizes varying in amount from £50 to
£2 are offered for flowers, fine-foliaged plants, fruits, fountains,
and other subjects connected with gardening. It ought to be
a largely attended assembly.

— Tue London Medical Times states that the mines of
Laurium are generally known to be largely encumbered with
scorie, proceeding from the working of the ancient Greeks,
but still containing enough of silon to repay extraction by the
improved modern methods. Professor Hendrich relates that
under these scorie, for at least fifteen hundred years, has slept
the seed of a Poppy of the genus Glaucium. After the refuse
had beén removed to the furnace from the whole space which
they had covered, have sprung up and flowered the pretty
yellow corollas of this flower, which was unknown to modern
science, but described by Pliny and Dioscorides. This flower
has disappeared for fifteen to twenty centuries, and its repro-
duction at this interval is a fact parallel to the fertility of the
famous ‘*mummy ” Wheat.

— Dr. Grorcr Brrpwoop writes in the ‘‘ Academy :”—
“The most sacred plant in the whole indigenous materia
medica of India is the Tunst or Horny Basm (Ocymum sanc-
tum), sacred to Krishna, and called after the nymph Tulasi,
beloved of Krishna, and turned by him into this graceful and
most fragrant plant. She is, indeed, the Hindu Daphne. The
plant is also sacred to Vishnu, whose followers wear necklaces
and carry rosaries (used for counting the number of recitations
of their deity’s name), made of its stalks and roots. For its

double sanctity it is reared in every Hindu house, where it is
daily watered and worshipped by all the members of the house-
hold. No doubt also it was on account of its virtues in disin-
fecting and vivifying malarious air that it first became in-
separable from Hindu houses in India as the protecting spirit
or Lar of the family. In the Deccan villages the fair Brah-
minee mother may be seen early every morning, after having
first ground the corn for the day’s bread and performed her
simple toilet, walking with glad steps and waving hands round
and round the pot of Holy Basil, planted on the four-horned
altat built up before each house, invoking the blessings of
Heaven on her husband and his children—praying, that is, for
less carbonic acid and ever more and more oxygen. The scene
always carries one back in mind to the life of ancient Greece,
which se often is found to still live in India, and is a perfect
study at once in religion, in science, and in art.”

—— WE are informed that a considerable number of entries
have been received for the great show to be held at Carlisle,
and that preparations for the Exhibition are in an advanced
state, the show-ground already being enclosed.

—— THE employés of Messrs. James Carter & Co. were
entertained by the firm to a dinner at Sydenham on Saturday
last. Forty-four of them—twenty-two from the Holborn
establishment and the same number from the Forest Hilt
Nursery—haying previously engaged in a cricket match, when
the countrymen proved the victors. The proceedings were
much enjoyed by the large assemblage.

— “G,. A.,” writing to us on PyRETHRUM AUREUM LACINI-
ATuM, states that in their early stage the-plants were more
quick in growth than the familiar Golden Feather. They were
planted out in June in much better condition than Golden
Feather, not from any greater care being taken of the young
plants, but clearly from the great freedom of growth of the
new variety. Both varieties are beautiful, yet their beauty is
of a different description. Golden Feather is deservedly popu-
lar from its close compact dwarf habit and bright yellow foliage,
The Cut-leaved on the other hand has very finely-divided foliage,
and though it is perfectly golden in colour, its many divisions
cause the golden tint to be softer, less bright, contrasting only
moderately well with Lobelia, but admirably with bolder foliage,
as Iresine Herbsti and massive succulents.

Mr. Kine in his volume entitled ‘‘ The Southern States
of North America,’ observes that ‘‘ the fitness of Florida for
the growth of TRoPIcAL and SEMITROPICAL FRUITS is astonishing.
Not only do the Orange, the Lemon, the Lime, and the Citron
flourish there, but the Peach, the Grape, the Fig, the Pome-
granate, the Plum, all varieties of berries, the Olive, the
Banana, and the Pine Apple grow luxuriantly. Black Ham-
burgh and White Muscat Grapes fruit finely in the open air;
the Concord and the Scuppernong are grown in vast quantities.
The Guava, the Tamarind, the wonderful Alligator Pear, the
Plantain, the Cocoa Nut, and the Date, the Almond and the
Pecan, luxuriate in southern Florida and the Indian River
country. Within these boundaries a tropic land, rich and
more strange, will one day be inhabited by thousands of fruit-
growers, and where beautiful towns and perhaps cities will
spring up. A good tree will bear from 1000 to 3000 Oranges
yearly. Some trees at Mandarine have produced 5500, many
of the Oranges weighing nearly a pound. One young grove on
Indian River, with 1350 trees, produced in a season 700,000
Oranges. They were sold for $25 to $68 per 1000 case, and
netted to its owner over $20,000. Col. Heart’s grove nets him
from $12,000 to $15,000 yearly. Dr. Moragne has a grove that
nets him over $20,000 per annum. Only one man is required
to attend one of these groves, who requires one or two negro
men to help to pick and market them. The culture of Oranges
will certainly become one of the prime industries of Florida.”

HOYA CARNOSA.

Iv may perhaps interest some of your amateur readers to
know that this plant succeeds perfectly as a greenhouse climber.
There is a plant here, trained to the back wall of a cool green-
house, which occupies about 25 square feet of wall, and I have
to-day counted 105 fully expanded trusses of bloom upon it,
besides numerous other trusses in all stages of development.
This plant receives little care or attention. It is growing ina
narrow border composed principally of loam. It has water
whenever the other plants in the border appear to require
it, and this, with an occasional tie or the cutting away of a

August 23, 1877. ]

rampant shoot, constitutes the sole attention it receives. The
ventilators of the house in which it is growing are open to
their full extent day and night during the summer months,
and in winter the temperature often falls to within a degree or
two of the freezing point, yet the plant flourishes admirably, and
the last two seasons has made sufficient growth to cover double
the space it now occupies, but which is all that can be afforded
for it. Its wax-like flowers are extremely beautiful.—A. E.,
Heanton Satchville.

HYDE PARK.

NowHEreE have flowers and flower beds so many admirers,
nowhere are they better appreciated, and nowhere are they
more skilfully arranged and better managed than in the
London parks. The high-class mode of decoration adopted in
all the chief parks render them much more than pleasant
places for the promenade of the million, although that is their
chief object—an important object, for the issues resulting when
- art in its higher forms and Nature in her most attractive aspect
are blended have a much deeper effect than merely gratifying
the eye. The London parks afford lessons in garden decoration
which are learnt by passers-by of every grade, and hundreds of
gardens are consequently made more attractive and homes more
enjoyable by the artistic employment of plants and flowers.

Geraniums continue, and are likely to continue, to be the
most popular of bedding plants. In Hyde Park there is a
choice selection of them. Varieties new and old are employed,
and the public can see for themselves which are the more likely
to satisfy in private gardens. A great advantage is that every
sort is legibly named, which renders the beds additionally
interesting. The Geranium beds commence near the Marble
Arch, and are continued along the narrow eastern enclosure
next to Park Lane. The Geraniums have passed their best,
but are still beautiful, and a glance at some of the varieties
may be useful during this the period of propagating. Some of
the beds are partially shaded by neighbouring trees, and this
with close planting, rich soil, and a season when showers have
been tolerably frequent, and intense heat has not prevailed for
many consecutive days, have promoted the free growth of the
plants and somewhat diminished their season of beauty.

Amongst the crimson-scarlet varieties General Outram and
Wellington are two of the finest bedders. They are free
growers, form a tolerably level surface, and produce numerous
and fine trusses of extremely rich colour. A trifle lighter in
colour and brighter is Sir Henry Stanhope ; this is a very fine
bedder, compact in habit, free, and brilliant. Brutus is very
good, but not equal to those named, and Milton of the same
type of colour is irregular in growth. The older variety Bon-
fire is a blaze of beauty, and must not be lightly discarded.
It has not large trusses, but they are numerous, and the colour
is extremely rich. Of the brighter scarlets Chunder Sen is
dwarf and lively in colour. A. Rogers is rather dull and irre-
gular in growth, and Maud Holden is a little shaky. There
are no really good pure scarlet beds. As a rosy crimson Amy
Hogg is yet good; but the best bedder of this colour is Fire
King, a dwarf-growing Nosegay variety with 2 profusion of fine
trusses all of the same height. Pioneer, a dwarf variety with
cherry crimson flowers, is very distinct ; it is more novel, per-
haps, than effective. Different in tint to any of those named
is Jealousy, a slight tint of yellow playing on the soft scarlet
petals is very pleasing. It has well-formed flowers, but evi-
dently requires rather poor soil and an exposed sunny position
to bring it to perfection as a bedder. It is a free grower, but
apt to become a little irregular in over-rich soil; it is much
admired by visitors. Amongst the lighter colours Amaranth,
rosy lilac, is very good; and of the rosy pinks Mrs. Gibbons
is certainly one of the best. Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Holden, Lucy,
and Princess of Wales are very fine, surpassing Sibylla, Tri-
omphe, and Master Christine. There is not a good bed of
white Geraniums, La Vestale being irregular in growth, and
the only good white with salmon centre as a bedder in the
Park is Maurice Bernadine, which is dwarf and floriferous.
The Geraniums are surrounded with a ring of blue Lobelia
edged with Golden Feather.

A few mixed beds afford an agreeable change, such as Iresine
Lindeni and Gazania splendens; silver variegated Geraniums
and dwarf Ageratums; and Iresine Lindeni and golden-leaved
Geranium. Some beds have a ring of Mesembryanthemum
and an edging of Lobelia, but the Mesembryanthemum is too
dwarf for such a position. The fine specimens of Bays, Palms,
and Cordylines disposed down the centre of the lawn add con-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

155

siderably to the beauty of this portion of the Park. It is here,
too, where the ‘“ carpet beds”’ are to be seen, and it is indis-
putable that they are more lasting in beauty than the Gera-
niums. The artistically arranged beds of dwarf foliage plants
will be attractive for weeks to come, and long after the Gera-
niums have assumed a.seedy and weedy appearance.

The carpet beds in this Park have never been better than
this year, and their condition reflects much credit both on
those who have designed the patterns and those who have
“‘worked them out.” In some of the beds the designs are
bold and simple, in others more intricate and flowing. Some
of the beds have fiat smooth surfaces, others have raised lines
and figures and sunken panels. It is useless attempting to
describe minutely what is indescribable, but an outline of the
general character of some of the beds may be briefly submitted.
One of the ‘bold and simple’? beds has squares and inter-
fitting triangles of Coleuses on a ground of Golden Feather.
The bed is margined with Alternantheras and edged with
Echeverias. The next bed is more elaborate. It has a centre
of Iresine Lindeni somewhat in the form of a Maltese cross,
scrolls of Alternantheras amcena and paronychyoides on a
groundwork of variegated Mesembryanthemum, and angles of
green Sedum, edged as before—yery chaste. Another bed is
of a Turkey-carpet pattern, the centre and edge being formed
of the green Gibraltar Pennyroyal (Mentha Pulegium gibral-
taricum), the greater portion of the bed consisting of an in-
tricate design cf Alternanthera on a groundwork of Golden
Feather and Sedum glaucum. The next is a panel bed, the
raised portions being composed of Pachyphyton, Mentha, and
Iresinoe, with sunken panels of Leucophyton Browni, the whole
having a band of Golden Feather and an edging of Lobelia.
It is a novel and effective bed, somewhat marred, however, by
the Lobelia. Another panel bed has an elevated design of
Tresine; raised cushions—diamonds and circles 18 inches in
diameter—of Mentha; sunken panels of Leucophyton and
Antennaria tomentosa, and bands of Golden Feather and Alter-
nanthera—efiective. Near it is a bed having central squares
of Golden Feather surrounded with interlocking bands of two
distinct Alternantheras; angles of Antennarias, a band of
Lobelia (too tall), and an edge of Echeverias—distinct and
novel. The next bed represents a flowing tracery of Golden
Feather and Alternanthera, the bands being about 6 inches
wide; angles of Sedum acre elegans, sunk panels of the Cob-
web Houseleek, and an edging of Alternanthera—very chaste.
Such are a few typical beds. They are large and the plants are
in excellent colour and condition, the only failure, perhaps,
being the Lobelia, which is not dependable for this artistic and
elaborate style of ornamentation. The visiting public linger
over these beds admiring and criticising. The style is un-
doubtedly popular and is well carried out.

Along the Knightsbridge side of the Park comes another
change, and an agreeable one. The long stretch of irregular
lawn—green and in perfect order, dotted with fine trees at

| irregular intervals and having isolated specimens of Yuccas,

Palms, and Cordylines, with mop-headed Acacias (Robinia
inermis) and evergreens, a few groups of subtropical plants,
and here and there bright beds of Geraniums—has a cool re-
freshing appearance, which is very acceptable after the glare
of the Geraniums and the trim formality of the carpet patterns.
This is a delightful and enjoyable portion of the Park, but not
more so than the tropical forest scene known as the Dell.

This is the western extremity of the decorations, and is a
worthy finish to the varied attractions of the Park. From the
walk fronting the Dell a sloping lawn 5 or 6 yards wide descends
to the water—a moat-like stream 12 or 15 feet wide, which
forms a semicircular boundary to the semitropical grove. On
the near bank of the stream the Royal Fern with Grasdes and
Sedges luxuriate. On the opposite bank are bold Ivy-clad
knolls surmounted with Monsteras and Phormiums. Beyond
is an irregular expanse of turf of triangular shape, the ground
rising almost abruptly from the base to the distant apex.
Sheltered by surrounding banks of Rhododendrons and shaded
by the thinly disposed trees, the “‘tropicals’’ are artistically
grouped. Prominent is a grand specimen of the Fan Palm
and a few scattered specimens of Phormiums, Monsteras, and
other isolated specimens. Near the sides are bold groups of
Musas and Cannas, and in the centre a grove of towering Cor-
dylines. This dell, viewed from any point—from the lower
ground looking upwards or from the higher looking downwards
—igs extremely beautiful and contributes greatly to the attrac-
tions of the Park.

S >veral beds which were formerly in the interior of the Park

156

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 23, 1877.

have been turfed over, and the change is an improvement.
The fringe of flowers noticed on the sides of the Park is suffi-
cient, and a large expanse of grass in the interior is more in
keeping with the nature of the Park, and renders the garden-
esque portion more distinct and decided. Never has the Park
looked better than during the present season ; and the chief au-
thorities at the Board of Works, Mr. Gibson the Superinten-
dent of the Park, and Mr. Chamberlain the practical Manager,
are to be congratulated onits excellent condition,—J. W.

PENTSTEMON CYANANTHUS (AzuRE-FLOWERED
PENTSTEMON.)

A most beautiful blue-flowering perennial kind, bearing a
spike of bloom more than a foot long. It is an inhabitant of
the upper valleys of the Plate River, in the Rocky Mountains,
where seeds were collected by Mr. Burke. From these seeds

!
|

plants were reared by Megsrs. Lucombe, Pince, & Co., in whose
nursery at Hixeter the plants flowered in the open air in May,
1849. The species is quite hardy, and a great acquisition to
our flower borders. It is desirable to have a succession of
young plants always on hand, which may be raised by cuttings
early in the summer, and which should be sheltered in a frame
during the winter, but with as much exposure as the weather
will allow.

Fig. 85.—Pentstemon cyananthus,

* ARTIFICIAL MANURES FOR ROSES.

I necRetT that ‘“ Pacey’s”’ inquiry how much mineral ma-
nure I would apply to Roses at this season should have acci-
dentally remained for a week unanswered. He must remember,
in the first place, itis an experiment. As I said before,I have
no direct experience with Roses, though I have with other
plants. Trusting to this analogy I would mix intimately
three parts of best superphosphate of lime with one part of
muriate or sulphate of potash, and of the mixture I would
sprinkle a quarter of a pound round each Rose, say within a
radius of 20 inches from the stem. If rain does not come to
wash it in water should be applied slowly and repeatedly. A
little of the lime will remain in any cage on the surface undis-
solved. If the soil is poor and the Rose not succulent in
growth, half an ounce of nitrate of soda or of nitrate of

potash (saltpetre) might be added to each Rose; but as a rule
I would defer this last ingredient till spring, when that
quantity might be given several times in conjunction with the
mineral manures above referred to.

The controversy between ‘‘ A Retirep GARDENER’? and my-
self may now be regarded as closed, neither, I daresay, having
expected to convince the other, but having written for the
judgment of the public. But as ‘‘A Retrmep GARDENER”’
asks me what I think of 80 tons per acre of horse manure ap-
plied by a market gardener, I will only say that I do not doubt
it was a very proper quantity for the crop to which it was
given and the crops which would follow. But the subject of
discussion has been guano and nitrate of soda, which involve
totally different principles and practice.—J. B. K.

DISTINGUISHED BOTANICAL TRAVELLERS.
No. 2.
JOHN FRASER.

Amonast those who have enriched our gardens by their dis-
coveries in other lands few have been more persevering and
more successful than this celebrated traveller. He was the
man to whom Europe is indebted for the magnificent hybrid
Rhododendrons that of late years havecaused the ‘‘ American
grounds’ of the Old World to heave with a perfect ocean of
beauty and grandeur. Who, then, knowing this, could look
on such scenes of splendour as are afforded by large collections
of these gorgeous shrubs, and not venerate the name of John
Fraser? But it was not alone the Rhododendron Catawbiense
(which is the basis of almost all these hybrids) that he dis-
covered and introduced to this country, it is to him we are in-
debted for Andromeda floribunda, and all that is interesting in
Azaleas, Kalmias, Andromedas, Vacciniums, Magnolias, Men-
ziesia globularis and ferruginea, many species of Oaks, Pinus,
Phlox, Ginothera, and a list too long to enumerate here,
amounting to somewhere about 220 distinct species of American
plants, all collected under hardships and privations crowned
with less remuneration and with more hopes disappointed than
any collector either before or since has ever experienced. He
started on his perilous undertaking single-handed and alone,
with no society to support and no patron to encourage him ;
his labours were labours of love, and his reward—a too-much-
forgotten name.

This extraordinary man was a native of Scotland; he was
born in 1750 at Tomnacloich, near Inverness. His father was
a highly respectable farmer, and occupied the same land which
his ancestors had done for many generations previously. How
his early life was spent cannot now be ascertained, but it is
supposed that he arrived in London abont the year 1770, being
then in the 20th year of his age. During the early part of his
life he laboured under a delicate state of health, being, in fact,
affected with consumption. Finding his health declining, his
friend, Admiral Campbell, then commanding the Newfound-
land station, induced him to accompany him to that colony,
with the view of arresting the progress of the disease; he
accordingly left England, and arrived in Newfoundland in
1780. He had not been long there before he found himself
thoroughly restored, and he devoted his time to exploring the
botanical productions of that country. He was always an
ardent lover of plants, and here he found an extensive field
and new objects for admiration, among which he remained till
1784. He had now acquired such a taste for discovery, and
such a habit of restlessness, which so prevented him from
settling down to any fixed occupation, that in 1785 he set out
on a journey to the Southern States of North America, and
during two years he was engaged in investigating the botany of
that country, which resulted in many valuable additions being
made to the collections at home, He again leit England in
1788 on a second expedition to the Southern States, and this
was attended with as great success as the former, for on this
occasion algo he sent home many new and yaluable plants.
While on this journey he formed an intimacy with the elder
Michaux, who had then just entered on his labours as collector
for the French Government.

Between the years 1789 and 1796 he twice visited North
America, still with the same object in view, and still with the
same success. During this period he traversed the Alleghaney
Mountains, penetrated into several of the Indian settlements,
and exposed himeelf to an amount of privation and hardship
such as few other men could have undergone. And here, be it re-
membered, the America of seventy years ago was not the America
of to-day; much of the soil that is now traversed by the locc-

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157

motive, and gladdened by the joyful sounds of progress and
civilisation, was then the hunting field of the Indian and the
scene of many a bloody conflict. Where now the ploughshare
and the pruning-hook pursue their quiet and ennobling course
the scalping-knife and tomahawk savagely reigned. Few now
can realise what a traveller like John Fraser had then to
undergo.

After his return to this country in 1796 he visited Russia,
taking with him a large collection of plants, the result of his
labours in America. These he submitted to the Empress
Catherine, who so highly appeciated their value and esteemed
the character of the man that she requested him to set his

own price upon them, which was accepted. After the death of
the Empress Catherine he was requested again to visit Russia,
when he received commissions from the Empress Maria to
supply further collections to the Imperial Gardens of Gatschina
and Perlorskoe; and such was the favour with which the
imperial court regarded him, that in 1798 an ukase was
issued, signed ‘‘ Paul and Maria,’ appointing him their bo-
tanical collector. This gave a fresh impulse to his untiring
spirit, and in 1799 he for the sixth time crossed the Atlantic,
accompanied on this occasion by his son John, to prosecute
in the Northern and Southern States that discovery in which
he had already been go successful. Having on this expedition

penetrated to the far west, it was on the summit of the Great
Roa, or Bald Mountain, that he discovered the Rhododendron
Catawbiense. Speaking of this occasion the son told the
writer of this, ‘I shall never forget so long as I live the
day we discovered that plant. We had been for a long time
travelling among the mountains, and one morning we were as-
cending to the summit of the Great Roa, in the midst of a fog
so dense that we could not see further than a yard before us.
As we reached the top the fog began to clear away, and the
gun to shine out brightly. The first object that attracted our
eye, growing among the long grass, was 2 large quantity of
Rhododendron Catawbiense in full bloom. There was no other
plant there but itself and the grass, and the scene was beau-
tiful. The size of the plants varied from soedlings to about
2 feet in height, the habit being evidently diminutive from
the high altitude at which they grew. We supplied ourselves

with living plants, which were transmitted to England} all of
which grew and were sold for five guineas eac ae

On the termination of this journey through the States they
visited Cuba in 1800, but on account of the war which then
existed between Spain and Great Britain they were obliged
to procure passports and travel as American citizens. On the
voyage they were wrecked on a coral reef, about forty miles
from land and eighty from Havanneh. For six days they, with
sixteen of the crew, endured the greatest privations, until
picked up by a Spanish boat and conveyed to land. Through
the interest of the American consul they were allowed to pro-
ceed overland to Havannah, where they met with the celebrated
travellers Humboldt and Bonpland, from whom they received
the greatest kindness, and to whom they communicated the
nature of their journey. Humboldt relating in confidence to
the Spanish Governor that they were Englishmen and bota-

158

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[ August 28, 1877.

nical collectors, he replied, ‘‘ Though my country is at war
with England she is not at war with the labours of these men.”
They pursued their course unmolested, visited the mountains
of Cuba, and discovered many new and valuable plants, among
which was Jatropha pandurefolia. Having made his collections
they returned to America in 1802, and thence embarked for
England, but after being some time at sea the ship sprang a
leak, and was obliged to put into Port Masson in New Provi-
dence. On arriving in England a greater disappointment
awaited Mr, Fraser, for on landing he heard that the Emperor
Paul was dead, and the Emperor Alexander refused to sanction
the engagement entered into by his predecessor. In the
Dowager Empress Maria, however, he met with a friend, for
she fully discharged his account, and, in addition, presented
him with a handsome diamond ring. When in Russia in 1796
he procured the Black and White Tartarian Cherries, which
are sometimes called Fraser’s Black and Fraser’s White Tar-
tarian Cherries, and introduced them for the first time into
this country.

In 1807 he made his seventh and last voyage to America,
again accompanied by his son, and again he was successful in
many new discoveries, with which the son returned to Hng-
land, leaving the father to prosecute his discoveries. He again
visited Cuba, and in 1810 returned to England. During this
last journey he had the misfortune to fall from his horse near
Charleston, and broke several of his ribs. From this accident
he never fully recovered, and, after forty years of unwearied
zeal and activity he died at Sloane Square, Chelsea, in April,
1811.

After his second return to England from America Mr.
Fraser established the ‘‘ American Nursery ” in Chelsea, as a
receptacle for the plants which he discovered and introduced.
This nursery was situate on the east side of the present Royal
Military School, and extended over twelve acres.

Thus lived and thus died John Fraser, F.L.S., one of the
most zealous and disinterested, and at the same time most
euccessful, botanical collectors which this country has ever had,

CLAYCROSS (DERBYSHIRE) FLOWER SHOW.

Tue twentieth annual Exhibition of the Claycross Floral and
Horticultural Society was held on the 14th inst. in the beautiful
park-like grounds adjoining the residence of Charles Binns,
Esq. This has now become one of the greatest exhibitions in
the midland counties, and the Show of the 14th inst. was quite
equal to any of its predecessors. It was feared that the long-
continued depression of trade in the colliery districts would tell
against the success of the Show, and that there would be fewer
visitors, and consequently the money taken at the gates would
be less than usual. However, the state of trade did not affect
the Exhibition, for the numbers were on the increase. Last
year it was estimated that upwards of 14,000 people visited the
tents, and as the money taken at the gates this year exceeded
that of 1876, the number of visitors could not have been less
than 15,000.

The Exhibition took place under three spacious tents, which
formed three sides of a square. The side tents had tables
yunbing down the centre, which were filled with plants of every
shape, size, and hue, and the benches down each side were
devoted to fruit, cut flowers, and vegetables. The end tent was
a circular one, and contained a fine collection of plants sent by
the Duke of Devonshire from his rich stores at Chatsworth,
end also the collections of twenty plants open to nurserymen
snd gentlemen’s gardeners. The exhibitors were divided into
five classes, the first, second, and third being chiefly cottagers
and farmers, the fourth amateurs residing within twelve miles
of Claycross, and the fifth was open to all subscribers of £1 and
upwards. Here liberal prizes were provided, for the amount
offered in this class alone was upwards of £167.

In the collection of plants sent from Chatsworth, not for com-
petition, were several Disa grandifloras, a fine Anthurium
Scherzerianum, Dipladenias, Bougairvillea glabra, several fine
Ericas, and also some excellent Palms and Ferns, including a
very fine Adiantum farleyense, also the Ouvirandra fenestralis,
the singular Lattice Plant. ’ .

For the collection of twenty plants, including eight stove or
greenhouse plants in bloom, six fine-foliage or variegated plants,
und six exotic Ferns, for which prizes of £25, £20, £15, £10, and
£5 were offered, there were only three competitors. Messrs.
E. Cole & Sons of Withington, near Manchester, secured the
premier prize with some magnificent plants, including a fine
Statice profuea upwards of 3 feet in diameter, Ixora coccinea,
T. coccinea, superba, a remarkably well-grown plant; several
Ericas, some fine Palms, Crotons, Cycas revoluta, and noble
Tree Ferns. Mr. Tudgey, gardener to T. F. G. Williams, Esq.,
of Handwick Grange, near Worcester, obtained the second prize

with some fine Hricas, Tree Ferns, a very fine Pandanus
Veitchii, and some well-grown Hricas. Mr. J. House of Peter-
borough was placed third. He had some very excellent stove and
greenhouse plants, such as Clerodendron Balfourii, Stephanotis
floribunda, Phormium tenax variegatum, Croton irregulare, and
some good Ferns.

For the collection of six stove or greenhouse plants in flower
Mr. Ward of Riddings House was first; Mr. Reynolds of Oyston
Hall second; and Mr. Egglestone, Claycross, third. Mr. Ward
had some excellent plants in his collection, including Plumbago
capensis, a very fine Statice profusa, a capital Ixora Williamsii,
two fine Ericas, and a Dipladenia amabilis. Mr. Ward was also
first for ornamental or variegated-foliage plants, six distinct
species ; and in the group of not less than twenty plants arranged
for effect on a table 3 feet wide, Messrs. H. Cole & Sons were
first ; Mr. Beard, nurseryman, Stonegravels, Chesterfield, second ;
Mr. Ward, Riddings House, third; Mr. John House, Peter-

» borough, fourth;and Mr. Proctor, Chesterfield, fifth. In the

smaller collection of plants Mr. Ward had the lion’s share of
prizes.

Of hardy fruit there was a very creditable display, Goose-
berries and Currants being fine and abundant. Mr. Froggett,
gardener to the Hon. F. C. G. Hunlake of Wingerworth Hall,
won the first prize with a fine collection of hardy fruit, but the
crowd was 80 great that we could not get near the stand to ex-
amine the dishes. Jor the best collection of hothouse frait
Mr. Ward of Riddings House was first, and at the distance we
could see some fine bunches of Grapes on the tray. For black
and white Grapes Mr. Ward was the first with excellent
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh, the
two latter bunches weighing about 9lbs. Noother Grapes were
worthy of notice.

Of Roses there were some good stands. For eighteen distinct
varieties Mr. House of Peterborough came iu first with a mag-
nificent box, and Mr. Frettingham of Beeston was a tolerably
good second. There were also boxes of twelve and sixteen dis-
tinct sorts shown, which contained some noble specimens. Of
Dahlias there were some excellent stands, those sent by Mr.
Haslem of Hardstof being specially noteworthy. Hand bouquets
and dinner-table flower stands were well done. The flower-
garden designs came in for a large share of attention by the
visitors, but the barbarity of the arrangements almost gave us
the headache. Marigolds were specially well grown, as were
also the Hollyhocks,

Of vegetables there was a grand assortment, Potatoes being
fine in quality and clearinthe skin. Upon the whole the gene-
rality of the exhibits were good, and the Show in all respects
was a great success. All praise is due to Mr. Stollard, the
Secretary, for his arduous labours in bringing about such satis-
factory results.

WARDIE HOUSE,
THE RESIDENCE OF MISS HOPE.

Tus is situated on the seaside and about three miles from
Edinburgh. The house and pleasure ground cover a space of
two acres surrounded by a high wall. The view from the
houge is beautiful. The Firth of Forth, and the Fife coast,
and the distant hills afford a fine subject for an artist. Tho
flower plots are laid out on the turf. Many borders are filled
with Roses and all sorts of spring, summer, and autumn-
flowering plants, and I may say there is not such another
choice collection in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. The
plots in the grass are chiefly filled with hardy plants. Some
oi the figures are divided into patterns with dwarf Thyme,
Heaths, &c.; some are filled with the scarlet Phlox Drum-
mondi, Cuphea platycentra, Lobelias, &¢. One plot took me
very much by surprise: it was a circle, and filled with Orchis
maculata superba and Spirewa Filipendula plena,and the con-
trast between the white and purple was very effective. Miss
Hope has between one and two hundred plants of that beauti-
ful Orchis. The spikes are very strong, and the flower part of
them is upwards of 6 inches high, and it is worth going long
way to see. This plant is very scarce about Hdinburgh. I
never saw it till last year. The common O. maculata I have
seen forty years ago, and it is worth growing as a variety. I
saw at Wardie a fine spike of Yucca gloriosa, one of the best
Tever saw. From top to bottom of the flowers it is 44 feet
fully. Miss Hope grows a great quantity of Hellebores, some
of them yery rare. Taking the place as a whole it is far more
interesting to me and many others than a modern flower
garden in all its glory. The latter comprises twenty to thirty
different varieties, the former hundreds. There are no forcing
houses, only a greenhouse for Geraniums, &o.

To persons interested in hardy flowers Wardie is worth
seeing, and Miss Hope is most courteous and affable to any
respectable person who is fond of flowers; and I never met

August 23, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

159

es

with any lady who knows plants so well and very few gentle-
men. I never go there but I must let her know, and if she
is not engaged is sure to come out and walk round her
flowers, and if I look at a plant she is sure to ask if I will
accept of a part of it. Outside the pleasure ground in a field
there are nearly two acres of ground for fruit and vegetables,
and this appears to me a far better arrangement than having
a hotch-potch garden with vegetables, fruit, and flowers.—
J. Appison, Ormiston, Edinburgh.

NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE
EXHIBITION.

WHEN I sent a few notes and prize list of the Show in the
Botanic Gardens, Manchester, I stated that some of the growers
were not ready at all, and none of them at their best; it was
therefore decided amongst the growers to hold another Show
later, and for this purpose a large room in the centre of the city
was engaged. Thursday the 16th was the day fixed, and a really
fine exhibition was the result. Taken as a whole it was thought
to be the best ever held by the Society. The flowers exhibited
gave evidence of careful culture, most of them being large, full,
and beautifully marked. The same schedule was retained as
on the previous occasion. Class A is for twelve distinct Car-
nations. It will not be necessary to give a list of the names, as
the best varieties have been so often quoted in previous numbers.
Mr. Ben Simonite of Rough Bank, Sheffield, was first, Mr.
Jonathan Booth of Failsworth second, and Richard Gorton, Esq.,
The Woodlands, Eccles, third. In the corresponding class for
Picotees Mr. Simonite was first, Mr. Booth second, and Mr. T.
Mellor, Ashton-under-Lyng, third. The next class is for those
whose collection does not exceed four hundred pairs, twelve
Carnations, nine at least dissimiiar. The first prize was gained
by Mr. Gorton; Mr. J. Chadwick of Dunkinfield second, who
held the same relative position in the class for twelve Picotees.
In the class for growers whose collections do not exceed 150 pairs
Mr. Wm. Slack of Chesterfield gained the highest award for six
Carnations, and Mr. Wm. Taylor of Middleton the second. Tor
six Picotees the honours were reversed, Mr. Taylor being first
and Mr. Slack second.

Come we now to the classes, which is always a most inter-
esting part of the exhibition. In the Scarlet Bizarre class of
Carnations Mr. Booth was first, second, third, and fifth, and
Mr. Simonite fourth. In Crimson Bizurres Mr. Simonite gained
all the five prizes—a sufficient testimony to the high quality of
the flowers he has introduced. In Pink and Purple Bizarres
Mr. Simonite was first and third, Mr. Mellor second, Mr. G.
Rudd of Bradford fourth, and Mr. Booth fifth. In Scarlet
Flakes Mr. Booth was first, second, and third, Mr. Simonite
being placed fourth and fifth. In Rose Flakes Mr. Simonits
was first and third, Mr. Booth second, Mr. R. Gorton fourth,
and Mr. Rudd fifth. In Purple Flakes Mr. Simonite was first,
second, and third, Mr. Booth fourth. In Picotees the best
heavy-edged Red was staged by Mr. Mellor; Mr. Simonite
second, and Mr. Booth third, fourth, and fifth. In light-edged
Red Mr. Simonite was first, Mr. Gorton second, Mr. Booth third
and fourth. In the heavy-edged Purple class Mr. Simonite
carried off the first, second, third, and fourth prizes, and Mr.
Mellor the fifth. In light-edged Purple Mr, Simonite was first
and second, Mr. Booth third and fourth. In heavy-edged Rose
or Salmon Mr. Simonite was first, Mr. Gorton second, Mr.
Mellor third, Mr. Booth fourth, and Mr. W. Bradshaw fifth.
In light edged Rose or Salmon Mr. Simonite was first, the re-
maining prizes being won by Mr. Booth. The premier Carna-
tion in the Exhibition was a grand specimen of Admiral Curzon
(Hasom) from Mr. R. Gorton. The best Picotee was a very per-
fect bloom of Mary (Simonite) from Mr. Booth.

Tam indebted for the above list of prizes 10 R. Gorton, Esq.,
who states that the Show was a most satisfactory one, there
being two long tables well covered with blooms. Another
correspondent says that some of Mr. Simonite’s seedlings were
grand. It is very disheartening to him to feel that very possibly
many of them will be killed by the smoky sulphur-loaded atmo-
sphere of Sheffield before they can be introduced to the public.

Notwithstanding all that has been said about the greater
interest taken in florist flowers north of the Trent, it does not
appear that the number of exhibitors was so large at the
northern shows as they were in London, nor do they stage a
greater number of flowers. I hope that next season some of the
great societies, such as the Royal Horticultural and Royal Bo-
tanic, will include florist flowers in their schedules and arrange
a goodly number of classes for them. Auriculas about the 20th
of April, Tulips for the 20th of May, Pinks the 20th of June,
Carnations and Picotees about the 20th of July, Gladioluses and
Phloxes the 20th of August, Dahlias the 20th of September.
The 20th of October will rather puzzle the florist, but the noble
Chrysanthemum will do well to fill up the 20th of November.
If those in power will kindly note the above dates it will save
some trouble afterwards. Prizes for Carnations and Picotees

have been offered the first week in July, and on one occasion on
the 30th of June. It is not possible to show good flowers at
that time, unless the season should be exceptionally early.
—J. Dovenas.

STANSTEAD PARK AND RUTLAND PARE
NURSERIES. °

Ar the metropolitan shows and at the meetings of the Royal
Horticultural Society the firm of Messrs. John Laing & Co. is
frequently represented, and always in a creditable manner.
The senior member of the firm, Mr. John Laing, knows, as
the popular phrase goes, a “good thing” as well as most of
his fellows, and of some particular plants few have a better
selection than he has. Of Phloxes, for instance, there is no
better collection in the south than at Stanstead Park, and of
Golden Bicolor Pelargoniums some of the first varieties of the
day had their origin in this nursery. These with Caladiums,
Pentstemons and Tuberous Begonias are, perhaps, the speci-
alities of the nursery, which, however, is very general in its
character, and is furnished with selections of most of the
popular families of plants for in aud out-door decoration. Fruit
trees and Roses are also largely and excellently grown by the
firm.

The Stanstead Park Nursery, the head-quarters of the firm,
is not extensive. It may, perhaps, consist of half a score acres
of land which is not of the most fertile nature; hence all the
fruit trees, Roses, choice shrubs, &., are grown in the Rut-
land Park Nursery—the ‘‘ head-quarters,’’ containing plant-
ations of coarser trees and crops; also glass structures and
collections of plants in pots. There are about a dozen span-
roofed houses besides pits and frames, and all full. .One house
is wholly oceupied with Tuberous Begonias, to which Mr. Laing
has latterly been devoting special attention. The double
varieties, Gloire de Nancy, Balsaminiflora, and Lemoinei, are
growing and flowering freely, the flowers appearing to improve
as the plants arrive at maturity. The single variety, Paul
Masuriel, is a giant in its family, stately in growth and with
flowers 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Oriflamme is very bright
and free, as also are William Pfitzer, Acme, and many others.
Unnamed seedlings are growing by thousands, some of the
flowers expanding being of considerable promise. A new house
—a low, light, span-roofed structure, 70 feet long by 20 wide,
is occupied by Vines in pots ripening their canes close to the
glass, Caladiums and other fina-foliaged plants, the shade of
the Vines just suiting the Caladiums. The stock of these
plants is very extensive and varied. There is a demand for
them in summer for furnishing purposes, but they are
principally grown for distributing in a dry state during their
dormant period. The new varieties—Madame Alfred Bleu,
Aristide, Souvenir de Madame E. André, Madame Laforge,
Pyrrhus, Romeau, and Paul Veronesse—are great acquisitions ;
and not much less beautifully marked, veined, and marbled
are such sorts as Felicien David, Laingii, Louis Daplessus,
and Madamede la Deransaye. The golden varieties—the royal
group—Princess Royal, Princess Teck, and Princess Alexandra
are also attractive. Another house contains Palms—three
thousand small plants of Areca lutescens, also large batches
of A. rubra, A. aurea, small Dicksonias, Lomarias, &c., and in
au adjoining structure is a fine stock of the distinct Maiden-
hair, Adiantum macrophyllum. The plants have been grown
without the aid of artificial heat and are in superb health. In
this house several plants of Todea (Leptopteris) superba are be-
coming established after their long journey irom the Antipodes.
The plant stove is filled with Gardenias, Crotons, Dracwnas,
and a general collection of ornamental-foliaged plants. Dracena
hybrida (Veitch), a beautiful plant when well grown, is in ex-
cellent condition. A large house is devoted to Cucumbers.
Stanstead Rival—this is a very fine Cucumber, the result of a
cross between Telegraph and Blue Gown. It is of large size
yet not coarse, prolific, of a fine dark green colour, smooth,
straight, and of excellent flavour. The bed containing the
roots is surface-dressed with spent hops, which arrest evapo-
ration and afford a medium which the roots apparently enjoy.
Such is a brief sketch of the houses and their contents. Tho
collections of plants outside demand notice, notably the
Phloxes, Pentstemons, and Golden Bicolor Pelargoniums.

Puuoxres.—Eixtremely fine are these; in fact, no plants in
their season, and which can be grown so easily, can produce a
more imposing effect. They are striking by their bold spikes
of handsome flowers, yet without the slightest approach to
gaudiness. Their colours are most varied, ranging from

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{ August 28, 1877.

purplish crimson to pure white, almost every intermediate
shade being represented, many of the varieties having shaded
petals and distinct dark centres, and their perfume is delight-
ful. The plants are grown in 8-inch pots placed in the open
air, and receive much the same treatment as Chrysanthemums
—minus, of course, stopping their shoots. No attempt has
been made to grow large specimens similar to some that Mr.
Laing hag exhibited in previous years, but the object has been
to produce medium-sized handy decorative plants, such as
would fittingly adorn conservatories, corridors, and halls, and

managed garden. The plants now flowering so finely were in
quite small pots last year at this time, and only good soil and
ordinary attention in watering them have been given to bring
them to their present excellent state. Such plants are worthy
of being extensively grown, and could not fail to add to the
' attractiveness of any conservatory during the summer months.
They contrast admirably with ornamental-foliaged plants, and
afford an agreeable change to Geraniums, Fuchsias, and Achi-
menes. Phloxes in pots require no ‘‘ shelves near the glass”’
for growing them—no shading nor fumigating, a timely stake
to each plant and good support being the chief and simple
essentials of culture. In borders they are beautiful, but to
have them in fullest beauty a fewshould be grown in pots, and
no summer-flowering plants will give a better return for the
necessary labour bestowed on them. A few of the finest
varieties are the following :—Valentien, rosy salmon; Gustave
Duchesne, purplish crimson; Alfred Crousse, salmon suffused
with purple; La Croix de St. Louis, lilac, edge of petals
white; Madame Antin, crimson; Victor Lemoine, rich rosy
salmon; The Duke, lilac, shaded rose; George Grieve, rosy
salmon; Man of Kent, rosy carmine; Mons. Crousse, rosy
crimson; Mons. Malet, lilac, white centre; Mons. Taillard,
reddish salmon; Mrs. Dombrain, white, crimson eye ; Queen of
Whites, French white; White Lady, very pure; Souvenir des
Ternes, white and purple, fine; J. M. Purvis, white, crimson
eye; Delicatum, white and lilac; and Madame la Comtesse de
Turenne. Those named are all superior; only the prevailing
colours are given, but most of them have distinctly coloured
eyes. They all belong to the decussata or late-flowering section,
and are more vigorous in habit, more lasting in beauty, and
more generally satisfactory, at least in the southern counties,
than are varieties of the suffruticosa or early-flowering group.
PENTSTEMoNS.—Of these there is an excellent collection, and
not many autumn-flowering plants are more elegant in habit
and more beautiful for border decoration ; they also produce
an excellent effect when grown in pots. The flowers of some
of the varieties are almost as large and quite as richly spotted
as Foxgloves, and the colours are extremely varied, including
crimson, scarlet, purple, lilac, rose, and white. Although not
quite hardy they are as easily cultivated as Phloxes, their
chief requirements being good soil, an open situation, a few
stakes, and an adequate supply of water. Small plants struck
in the autumn and wintered in small pots in cold pits and
frames flower freely and attractively during the following
season. They are admirable for large beds, lines, and mixed
borders in gardens, and these are many, where flowers are par-
ticularly desired from August until November, and where
Geraniums, varied as they are, are not considered the ‘‘ be-all
and end-all” of garden ornamentation, and where ‘“ carpet
beds”’ are not regarded as the climax of the gardener’s art.
Pentstemons are effective without being formal, elegant in
habit, sprightly, and cheerful. A few excellent varieties are
here named—Count Munster, white throat; James Rothschild,
crimson purple, white throat; J. H. Stanley, red, white, and
claret; Lady Coutts Lindsay, pure white; Lord Carington,
purple, peach, and white; Mrs.G. Patrick, bluich purple, white
throat; Novelty, pink, blotched crimson; The Bride, white
and rose; W. EH. Gumbleton, purplish rose and white; W. M.
Dolben, purplish red and white; William Paul, rosy crimson ;
Black Knight, maroon and white; Brilliant, rosy purple and
white; Emilie Chaté, soft roseand white; and Mrs. J. Douglas,
claret and white. The above are established varieties. Some
fine newer sorts are Lord Salisbury, Midhat Pasha, Dr. Masters,
Raphael, Maréchal MacMahon, Richard Wallace, Empress of
India, Robert Whyte, and Chloris.
GoLpEN Bicotor GERANIuMs —Some years ago Mr. Laing
set up an ideal standard to be attained in the foliage of this

very effective section of a popular family of plants, and he!

has about attained it. Stout leathery foliage of circular out-
line, clear zone and margin, and sharply defined and rich con-

| fection.
such plants that may be equally well grown in any well- |

“The Czar is the darkest of all.

in view, and the result is varieties which make their way out
of the nursery as fast as they can be propagated. No Gera-
niums are more easily cultivated than these, for they grow as
freely as the green-leaved kinds, while their brilliant golden
colours and rich chestnut zones render them singularly gay.
Their chief requirements are plenty of light and air, with good
soil and support to keep their roots moving. Open-air culture,
with only slight shelter in extremely inclement weather, is the
mode adopted during the summer to bring the plants to per-
They are now being partially rested and matured
preparatory to being pruned and propagated. Some of them are
highly effective bedding plants, notably Maréchal MacMahon.
This is the best of all for beds, the growth being free yet com-
pact, and the colours bright and distinct. The newer variety
Exquisite is also very telling when planted out. This is a
splendid variety, and if surpassed by any it is by John Jenner
Weir, which is strikingly uniform and rich in colour. Japan is
a fine new variety, as also are Australian and Richard Thornton.
The Shah, Warrior, Prince
Bismarck, Count Munster, Mrs. F. J. Horniman, and W. H.
Gumbleton are all distinct and good.

Besides the plants named there are collections of nearly all
other flower-garden and greenhouse plants, including a con-
siderable stock of the new Chrysanthemum Golden Empress of
India, which is an admirable grower and very sturdy in habit.
Another plant having its ‘‘ home” in this nursery must not
be passed in silence—Fuchsia Lord Beaconsfield. It is the
result of a fortunate cross between F. fulgens and one of the
garden varieties, and has received e first-class certificate from
the Royal Horticultural Society, also at the Royal Botanic
Society and at the Crystal Palace. Itis a distinct and striking
variety, with immense flowers with rosy carmine tube and bright
carmine corolla. It is a strong grower and most profuse and
persistent bloomer, rendering it valuable for decoration, and it
can scareely fail to become very popular as a ‘‘ market plant.”
Yet another plant worthy of note is a new double Petunia
Souvenir de Chiswick. It is rosy purple striped with white,
and has crimped petals, and is extremely effective.

Rurpanp Park Nursery.—This is twice the size of the Stan-
stead Park Nursery, and the soil and situation are specially
suitable for the cultivation of fruit trees and Roses, both of
which are extensively grown. Finer trees—standards, pyra-
mids, and trained trees of Apples, Pears, Plums, Apricots, and
Cherries—could not be desired than the robust short-jointed
stock in this nursery. Roses are grown by thousands, and
thrice the usual number are being budded this year, so great
has been the demand. That rich dark Rose Louis Van Houtte
is unusually brilliant on this soil. Perhaps the finest bloom
of it ever exhibited was staged by Mr. Laing at the Bickley
Show. There is a “great run’? on this variety, also on
Belle Lyonnaise, which has all the good properties of Gloire
de Dijon with greater purity of colour. All the most popular
varieties of Koses are extensively grown, and the second is a
fine one. Ornamental trees and shrubs also thrive well; in-
deed, the nursery is an excellent one, and is in capital order,
and a meed of praise is consequently due to the foremen of
the firm—Mr. Badman at Stanstead Park, and Mr. Wakelin at
Rutland Park.—Visrror.

FLOWER FARMING IN FRANCE.

In the south of France the Jasmine is cultivated in enormous
quantities for perfumers’ use. The cuttings are planted in
rows nearly 3 feet apart and 2 or 3 inches from each other;
during the first year vegetables of certain kinds are grown
between the rows. In the second spring the Jasmines are fit
for grafting.. Ordinary cleft grafting is practised, the stocks
being headed down to an inch or two above the soil. A good
workman, aided by 2 woman to tie the graft, will work one
thousand to two thousand Jasmines a day, the man earning
5 francs, and the woman 1} franc a day. In July and August
flowers are produced, which must bs gathered perfectly dry;
and if there is seen during the night to be any danger of rain,
men are sent into town at three o’clock in the morning to
summon the women to the farm to pick the flowers before the
rain comes,

The proprietors of the flower farms at Grasse have the right
to use the sewage of the town, which is collected in cemented
tanks and distributed by irrigation. One thousand plants of
Jasmine in good soil will furnish in the second year after
grafting about 120 Ibs. of flowers. In subsequent years the

trasting colours, were the objects which have beensteadily kept | production of flowers is very much larger, so that from 3500

August 23, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

161

to 4000 Ibs. are raised on an acre. The general duration of a
plantation of Jasmine is from fifteen to twenty years, and the
net annual receipts from an acre of well-established plants is
about $450 if the season prove favourable. This industry gives
employment to thousands of labourers, both men and women,
in the sunny fields of France.—(Cultivator.)

BOOKS.

The Royal Parks and Gardens of London, their History and
Mode of Embellishment, Gc. By Natwan Cour, Kensington
Gardens.

We are pleased to see that the communications from Mr.
Cole published in our Journal have been republished by him
in this handsome volume. It is full of useful information on
modes of embellishment, arrangement of colours, and the pro-
pagation and culture of the plants employed.

Ferns, British and Foreign, &c. By Joun Surry, A.L.S., New
and Enlarged Edition. Hardwicke & Bogue, London.
Small 8vo., pp. xy. and 450, with a plate and very numerous
woodenuts.

Tuts, as the title implies, is 2 new edition of an approved
and very useful publication. The first edition appeared in
1866, a second in 1876, and we have now a corrected reprint
showing that out of the 2646 known and well-distinguished
species, exclusive of varieties, we have more than a third in
cultivation. Weare quite rejoiced to see that the author, not-
withstanding increasing infirmity, is still eo actively employed
about his favourite Cryptogams.

The work consists of a very interesting history of the de-
velopment of Fern cultivation up to the time when Mr. Smith
was no longer able to carry on personal investigations with
the microscope, then of an explanation of the terms used in
describing Ferns, a matter quite indispensable to the majority
of cultivators. To this succeeds the main object of the work
—viz., an enumeration of the genera with distinctive charac-
ters, to the understanding of which the numerous and nicely
executed woodcuts are absolutely necessary, as in cases where
the generic characters are founded on the venation it would
be scarcely possible, except to advanced botanists, without
their help to grasp with certainty the distinctions, even with
the aid of the preceding explanatory division. A most useful
chapter follows giving the meaning of the generic names, which
when once realised are a very great help to the non-classical
cultivator. A valuable chapter is added on the cultivation of
Ferns, succeeded by a list of authors and books quoted in the
work, together with a very perfect index, the want of which so
often takes so much from the usefulness of many an excellent
work. The specific characters are not given, as it would have
increased the bulk of the book so much as to make it very ex-
Pensive, and where these are desired there are many excellent
works to which reference may be had, and which are indicated
everywhere throughout the synonyms. From the very nature
of the work it is obvious that it does not admit of many
extracts; instead, therefore, we make some observations on
points to which the author refers but briefly.

Bat little is known of hybridity in Ferns. The most no-
torious case is that of Gymnogramma, where numerous varie-
ties, if not hybrids, spring up abundantly in cultivation. One
of the most singular cases is that communicated from Phila-
delphia by Mr. Robinson Scott, an apparent hybrid being pro-
duced between Camptosorus rhizophyllus Lk. (Antigramma
rhizophylla, J. Smith), and Asplenium ebeneum. An account
of this is given in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural
Society, u.s., vol. i., page 137, with figures, together with
Suggestions for the production of hybrids, which if successful
Would amply reward the experimentalist. Mr. Smith gives us
an account from Leszezye Suminski of the male and female
fructification produced on the prothallus of the germinating
Fern. A little nico manipulation might transfer the sperma-
tozoids of one Fern to the female embryo of another, but no
One seems, as far as we have heard, to have been successful in
such attempts. The position of the bodies in question makes
it improbable that the spermatozoids should often be trans-
ferred naturally, and that such is not in general the case
may be inferred from the fact that the species or forms which
from time to time appear in cultivation, always prove either
mere varieties or well-known species which have been acci-
dentally introduced. The multitudes of forms which occur in
fale catalogues are often mere abnormal conditions, and it is

curious that where a portion of a frond only is abnormal
spores taken from that portion will reproduce the peculiar
form. Mr. Smith makes some valuable remarks as to the result
of halving or quartering the prothallus with the production in
each part of a perfect embryo, while in general one only is
fertilised ; but this is the less surprising since the observation
of Dr. Harlow, that a new frond is sometimes produced on the
prothallus without fertilisation.

One great difficulty which often occurs in the raising of Ferns
from spores is the occurrence of a minute species of mould,
which goon spreads over the whole pot and destroys the crop.
This will be remedied in many cases, if the first appearance of
the mould is watched, bysimply sprinkling a little well-washed
white quartzose sand on the infected prothalli. The black
mould belonging to the genus Fumago which occurs on Fern
fronds is very troublesome, even in their own native loeality.
Like other species of the genus it follows the attacks of aphides
or cocci, or where a honey-like deposit is formed on the leaves.
A careful observance of the early stages of the fungus will at
once suggest the proper treatment. If allowed to gain much
head it is very difficult of eradication. Ferns are not troubled
much with epiphyllous Fungi in cultivation. Uredo filicum is,
however, sometimes very troublesome, but mostly to Ferns in
open-air cultivation. In such cases the only remedy is the
removal of all infected fronds and burning them.

We conclude our remarks with a short extract relative to
the black fronds which sometimes occur on Ferns in culti-
vation, and the more so because it is suggestive as to the too
familiar spot in Orchids. ‘‘In order to raise vapour a prac-
tice prevails with many cultivators to throw water over the
hot-water pipes or flues. There is no objection to this pro-
vided the air out of doors is warm, but in the winter season it
is often done in the evening, in order to counteract the dryness
of the air caused by the extra heat of the pipes required at
that season. The house then becomes filled with vapour,
which coming in contact with the glass of the roof condenses
and falls in a shower of cold drops on the plants; at the same
time the temperature of the house rapidly falls, thus causing
black fronds, spots in Orchids, and such-like complaints.”
We cannot too cordially recommend this excellent little work
to the notice of our readers.

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, anp FRUITS.

Hovuuerr prora. Nat. ord., Orchidacew. Linn., Gynan-
dria Monandria.—Flowers cinnamon and yellow. ‘ H. picta
was discovered by Schlim in New Grenada, along with other
very similar species of the genus, collected up to an elevation
of 4000 to 6000 feet above the sea. It was first flowered at the
celebrated Orchid garden of Consul Schiller at Hamburgh, and
later at Farnham Castle, from whence the specimen here
figured was obtained.”’—(Bot. Mag., t. 6305.)

Tris sprcunatrix. Nat. ord., Iridaces. Linn., Triandria
Monogynia.—F lowers lilac and white. ‘It was discovered in
April, 1874, by a Chinese workman attached to the botanical
garden of Hong-Kong, on a hill facing the sea between Vic-
toria Peak and Mount Davis in that island. Its general habit
is more like that of one of the Cape or Angolan Moras than
that of the ordinary Irises of the north temperate zone, but in
structure it belongs clearly to the small group of crested Irises,
of which I. japonica, commonly grown in gardens under Ven-
tenat’s name of I. fimbriata, is the oldest and best known
representative. Of this group seven species are now known, of
which two are North American, and the others all Japanese,
Chinese, and Himalayan. For the fine living plant from which
the present plate was made the Kew collection is indebted to
Mr. C. Ford of the Hong-Kong Botanic Garden. It was re-
ceived in April, 1877, and came into flower immediately after
its arrival in this country. The plant is not likely to prove
hardy in England.”’—(Ibid., t. 6306.)

Tunipa UNDULATIFOLIA. Nat. ord., Liliacew. Linn., Hex-
andria Monogynia.—‘‘ It was discovered many years ago by
M. Boissier on the Tartali-dagh, just above Smyrna, but was
only brought into cultivation two years ago by Mr. Elwes.
It flowered at Kew early in May of the present year. This
spring Mr. Maw has procured a good supply of bulbs from
Boissier’s original station, which he has distributed with his
customary liberality.” —(Ibid., t. 6308.)

TILLANDSIA USsNEOIDES. Nat. ord., Bromeliaces. Linn.,
Hexandria Monogynia.— This, the Spanish Moss, Old Man’s
Beard, and Long Moss of the southern United States and the
West Indies, is well described in Sloane’s ‘ History of Jamaice,’

162

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 23, 1877.

as a ‘mossie plant . . . with stalks the bigness of a thread,
consisting of a thin skin, whitish, as if covered with a hoar
frost, having within that a long tough black hair, like a horse-
hair . . . very often a yard long, hanging down on both
sides from the branches of the trees they adhere to, being
curled, or twining and winding within another, and making a
show of an old man’s beard (whence the name), or as if they
were made to climb, which I never saw they did.’ Further on
he says, ‘It is used to pack up anything which otherwise may
easily be broken, as cotton is sometimes made use of with us;’
and, again, ‘the inward black hairs of this Moss’s stalk are
made use of by the birds called watchipickets for making their
curiously-contrived nests hanging on the twigs of trees.’ To
this description I have little to add, except that the Spanish
Moss is a very. widely distributed plant in the hotter parts of
America, from Carolina to South Brazil, and on the Andes,
hanging in bunches sometimes many yards long from the
branches of trees. It has frequently been sent to England as
packing for Orchids, but rarely alive, and it is not till quite
lately that it has been successfully cultivated at Kew, from
plants imported as packing from Jamaica. It now thrivesin a
damp stove, growing on pieces of Tree Fern and other sub-
stances, and flowering in spring.”’—(Ibid., t. 6309.)

Prar.—The Peach Pear.—‘t We adopt the above name,
given to us by Dr. Hogg, for this useful but not very hand-
some summer Pear, with some hesitation, since other pomo-
logical authorities inform us it is not that variety. It was re-
eeived under the name of Beurré Giffard, but that is certainly
an error, the Beurré Giffard being a more highly-coloured
pyriform fruit. The Pear ripens about the middle of August.
It varies somewhat in shape, some of the fruit examined being
slightly narrowed towards the base; the largest measured
24 inches across near the upper end, and nearly 3 inches in
length, both eye and stalk being set in shallow depressions,
the eye closed, and the stalk of moderate thickness, and about
14 inch long. The colour of the skin is pale green, changing
to yellow green, and freckled over with light brown spots,
russety around the stalk. The fiesh is melting and juicy, with
a brisk and sweet pear flavour. Altogether the variety is a
summer Pear of considerable merit.” —(Florist and Pomologist,
3 g., X., 157.)

PARAFFIN versus ONION MAGGOTS.

Last year my Onions were very much affected with the
maggot, in consequence of which I lost the crop. This season
I have beds in three different places, one lot of which began
to show symptoms of the maggot. I thought I would try the_
new receipt, and I made rather a strong mixture of two pints of
paraffin to twelve gallons of water, which I poured on one rod
of jand in the last week of May. In a few days I had expected
to see Onions, maggots, and everything else killed, but to my
surprise the maggots were as lively as ever. In a fortnight
from the first dose I gave them another of the same strength,
but allto no purpose. As a proof I drew some Onions, took
out the maggots, and immersed them in paraffin for two or
three minutes, took them out laid them down, when they went
wriggling off very little if any the worse for it. So I believe
the maggot will stand a larger quantity than the crop.—A. Fas,
York.

CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOR GARDENERS.
No. 19.

THovucH my recollections do not extend far back towards
the opening of the century, I can perceive a notable difference
in the attitude of gardeners towards insects. Insect pests
used to be to many such a constant worry that the very name
of insect was abominable to them. You might exhibit to
them some beautiful moth in the Lepidopterous order we are
now considering, and even if assured that the species injured
neither flowers, fruit, nor vegetables, they would yet hardly
give it a good word. But though our gardeners destroy by
expeditions methods far more insects than did their pre-
decessors, with an increase of entomological knowledge there
has come about adifierent feeling, and the majority will admit
that the insect tribes by their appearances and motions give a
charm to the country scene which one could ill spare, while
even in the garden there are some which are positively bene-
ficial and a host of others comparatively harmless.

The latter may be asserted of the lively moths called the

caterpillars feed often in sheltered spots; but the ‘‘ Foresters”
themselves love to disport in the sunshine of July. Kensing-

-ton Gardens had, no doubt, a very different aspect to what it

now has when Rennie saw the common Forester (Precris
Statices), flying on the bank of the Serpentine. Even the
Sorrel on which the caterpillars formerly fed seems to have
now disappeared from the locality. Occasionally, however, this
moth has been seen of recent years hovering over railway
banks to the north of London, and in some counties it is rather
common. We have two other British species of some rarity.
All the three as haunters of flowers come now and then into
gardens, displaying their wings of greenish gold which only
expand about an inch. The caterpillars are peculiar, being
short, somewhat woodlouse-shaped, and downy or bristly.
Also in those gardens near Clover fields do the conspicuous
but small moths of the family of the Zygonide show them-
selves during the summer, but the caterpillars chiefiy feed
upon the species of Trefoil and the Vetch called Heppocrepis
comosa. These caterpillars are not so stout as are those of
the Procridz, and mostly yellow studded with black, the silken
cocoons which they spin in June being very observable on the
stems of plants, or on palings, in places where they occur.
Excepting the Irish Burnet (Z. Minos), which has all the wings
dull red, the others present a very similar aspect, the blackish
green of the wings being adorned with red spots varying in ,
number and also in their arrangement. The commonest of
our six species is Z. filipendule, which shows itself by hundreds
on the chalk slopes, as in Kent and Sussex.

A small family, the Nolide, contains a little moth frequently
seen sitting on the leaves of trees in gardens, the fore wings
being raised and set out triangularly, and when startled the
insect hops rather than flies to another resting place not far
off. This rejoices in tha name of ‘The Short-cloak,” or in
Latin form, N. cucullatella. The caterpillar, which is seldom
noticed, is dingy brown and hairy; but although it occasion-
ally feeds on Plum trees I have not found it included in any
list of our insect enemies. There are three more British
species the caterpillars of which seem to give the preference
to Oak as their food plant. In the family of the Lithoside,
which follows, there are eighteen British species probably, the
bulk of them having a strong family likeness. Many of them
furnish illustrations of what is called mimicry, for when the
moths are at rest the wings are wrapped round the body, and
from their form and usual colouring the eye at first is apt to
take one of them for a curled-up leaf or a bit of a twig. On
tapping a hedge with a stick during their season we may often
notice them dropping to the ground and lying there as if dead,
through which device they possibly delude birds that would
otherwise seize them. The familiar appellation, Footmen,
given to these did, as I suppose, originate in their habit of so
falling at the foot of the by-passer. Some of the caterpillars
have yet to be discovered, but it may be assumed that the un-
known as well as the known are not obstructive to horticul-
tural success, for if seems to be the habit of most to feed on
tree lichens, or sometimes on the leaves of the trees on which
the lichens are growing. A good representative of the family
is L. complanula, with smoke-coloured fore wings and pale
yellow hind wings, common near London in many places
during the summer. Another species presents to view what
the old naturalists would have called a ‘‘ freak of Nature.’ In
this, the Red-necked Footman (UL. rubricollis), all the wings
are black, but the collar is red, thus contrasting with its
brethren, which generally exhibit hues of brown, yellow, or
grey, sometimes with black markings. The “ Footmen”
caterpillars are now and then blown off their food plants in
high winds during early summer, and they have a dingy ap-
pearance, being dotted over with hairs, as if they were trying
to cultivate a hairy coating like their relations the ‘‘ Tigers,”
but could not quite succeed in so doing.

The moths last referred to afford an example of what is not
uncommon in entomology, the transference of the name which
has been given to certain prominent species in a family to the
whole of that family. It may, indeed, be argued by some
hereafter that the name ‘Tiger’ befits the group from the
ravenous ‘disposition of the caterpillar, but it doubtless arose
from the tiger-like markings of four of the moths. The Cin-
nabar (Euchelia Jacobea) receives its name from the Ragwort,
on which it feeds, seldom flying more than a few paces from
the common or chalk-pit where the caterpillars have fed up,
and where in August they may be noticed busily stripping that

Foresters’ and the ‘‘ Burnets.’”” Why ‘‘ Foresters’ Iscarcely | plant, ofiering, one would think, by their black and yellow
know, since they do not particularly haunt forests, though the ‘ markings a good bait to birds. Mr. Newman pronounces the

August 23, 187

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

165

Scarlet Tiger (Callimorpha Dominula) to be one of the hand-

somest of insects British or foreign. It is far scarcer than

- the preceding, yet, like it, is usually found on or near waste
ground, where the caterpillar feeds on the Hound’s-tongue.
Of especial importance to us, however, are those Tigers which
in their larval state frequent gardens. There are three that
are capable of doing some amount of injury, the largest species
being the Great Tiger (Chelonia gaja), the veritable ‘“ woolly
bear” of juveniles, and which one often sees in suburban
roads performing perilous journeys across, seeking a change of
diet probably. The long hairs, which are of a silky hoariness
in the adult caterpillar, prove, when the caterpillar has rolled
itself into a ball, an admirable protection from birds. It is
one of the species that hybernate in the larval stage, and of
the numerous changes of skin (amounting to eight, I think),
part are gone through in the autumn and part in the spring.
The leaves of the Hollyhock are much liked by this caterpillar,
but in the garden it will attack various plants. The Buff
Ermine (Arctia lubricepeda) is not properly a garden insect,
but whenever Docks and Chickweed are allowed to grow in the
vicinity of gardens the caterpillars of the species readily shift
themselves to cultivated ground. This caterpillar is palish in
colour with light brown hairs; that of the White Ermine
(A. Menthastri), where the moth is lighter in colour, is much
darker, and though this occurs in all sorts of places during the
autumn, it is quite at home in the flower or the kitchen garden.
Both species spin their cocoons before winter, and these should
be looked up and destroyed during the dull season, as every
female killed means the extinction of two or three hundred
eggs. Most of the moths of this family are sluggish, but not
so the Clouded Buff (Huthemonia russula), which flies on
heaths during the day pretty briskly. ?

The family of the Liparide contains several species of im-
portance, which may now be passed over with slight mention,
as they have been fully spoken of in a previous series of papers.

~ Two species which do much harm on the Continent to the
fruit trees are the Gipsy (Liparis dispar) and the Brown-tail
(L. chrysorrhea). The former of these was once of not un-
frequent occurrence in Britain, but it has now become quite a
rarity; the latter, though local, is abundant where it is found,
yet seems now with us to restrict itself to the Whitethorn and
Sloe. Its next-of-kin, the Gold-tail, is generally distributed,
and the caterpillar feeds also on the Whitethorn; in disposi-
tion, however, it differs from the Brown-tail, for while the
caterpillars of L. chrysorrhea construct a common abode in
which each brood tarries during bad weather, the individuals
belonging to L. auriflua construct separate cocoons in the
autumn, where each caterpillar leads a hermit life until the
spring. The rather inconspicuous imago of the Pale Tuseock
(Orgyia pudibunda) is produced from a gay caterpillar of light
green with black bands, having brushes or pencils of hair,
which originated the name“ Tussock” applied to this and
some similar species. Hop-pickers call this caterpillar the
“‘Hop-dog,” though it is not limited in its choice of aliment,
as if visits numerous trees and shrubs. To this family also
belongs that funny little moth, the Vapourer (O. antiqua),
and if the caterpillar feeds on a great variety of plants in
shrubberies and gardens, by that circumstance it is prevented
from doing much harm to any one species, for it is not exces-
sively common. The eggs may easily be destroyed in the
winter, as they are deposited on the cocoon by the wingless
females. It is one of the very few insects that has for cen-
turies brayed the noise and smoke of the city of London,
breeding on the Limes, which struggle for life amid the gloom
of some old churchyards there. Lastly, it should be noted
that in the family Liparide we have this peculiarity, that the
pupa or chrysalis is hairy as well as the caterpillar_—J. B.S. C.

SILVER VARIEGATED DECIDUOUS TREES.

Tux golden and scarlet variegation among trees is justly
admired and eagerly sought by connoisseurs. Of equal beauty,
although of softer brilliancy, is the silver variegation. The
silver-frosted vase has its own charms, even in contact with
that which is golden-chased. Among these silver trees the
following are worthy of notice :—

Variegated Ash-leaved Maple (Acer Negundo variegatum) is
well known, and has a pure white variegation, covering half
the leaf. Its effect upon a lawn is particularly fine, and it is
highly valued in England and one or two localities in this
country. It suffers fatal injury from our summer suns, and
is not much used here except as a pot plant.

Variegated Ash is a very beautiful variety, not yet known in
Europe, but recently sent to Flushing from Japan by Thomas
Hogg. Its white is well defined and pure, covering nearly half
the leaf and fairly rivalling the preceding in its beauty. It will
be a very valuable addition to this class of trees.

Another variegated Ash from Japan is a new and curious
variety, with its irregular blotching of silver or gold. . Being
of dwarf habit, it would find a striking position in front of a
mags of dark-foliaged shrubs.

Variegated Japan Dogwood (Cornus brachybotrya variegata)
was also sent from Japan by Thomas Hogg, and promises to
be the most striking and valuable of the silver variegations.
Its hardiness has been thoroughly proved in this country, both
in winter and summer. The white, or light yellow, is clear,
pure, and well defined, covering half the leaf, gnd a group of
it on a lawn would be a striking object. It is very difficult to
propagate, and must remain rare some time.

Another variegated Dogwood is the Cornus mascula variegata,
which runs from silver to gold, but of a decided and permanent
colour. It is a tree of moderate growth, scarcely above the
largest of the shrubs. Its fruit, like that of the common
variety, is esteemed by many. It formed a pleasant addition
to my daily dessert when spending a few months in Lausanne,
Switzerland, in the markets of which it was regularly offered
for sale.

Silver-edged Oak (Quercus pedunculata variegata) is a very
beautiful variety, clearly and permanently marked with a well-
defined margin of white, which the hottest sun does not affect.

Spotted Oak (Quereus pedunculata punctata) is spotted with
white points, and is somewhat changeable in colour.

White-and-green Oak (Quercus pedunculata albo-viridi) ig
irregularly blotched with white, changing more or less into
gold.

Variegated Cherry (Cerasus Mahaleb variegata) has downy
glaucous shoots, ovate glaucous leaves, and a white margin.
It is a striking variety.

Silver Medlar (Mespilus argentea variegata). The leaves
have a faint pink tinge, with a silver-marbled variegation.

Mottled Elm (Ulmus campestris punctata variegata). A
mottled variety, with broad blotches of silvery white following
the nerves.

White-edged Elm (Ulmus montana albo-marginata). Deeply
silver-variegated towards the top and margins, with reddish
leaf stems.

Japanese Silver-leayed Maple (Acer polymorphum albo-varie-
gatum). A variety with deeply cut leaves, variegated with
white, yellow, and green, and apparently of very recent intro-
duction.

The preceding are a few of the best variegated trees, and
are all perfectly hardy against our coldest winters.—S. B.
Parsons (in Rural New Yorker).

NOTES on VILLA anv SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Now that flower gardens are at their brightest and the various
colours are clearly defined it is the time to make notes of pro-
posed alterations, to prepare plans, and to renew fresh stocks in
accordance with the requirements for another season’s supply ;
therefore push forward the propagation of all kinds of bedding
plants as rapidly as possible. Cuttings of almost everything
invariably strike more readily and have time to become sturdy
and well hardened-off if inserted now than when inserted later
in the season. The considerable improvements made in carpet
bedding during the last three or four years have caused a very
noticeable falling-off in both the Gold an@ Silver-variegated
sections of Geraniums, nevertheless they are still preferred by
many amateur growers who do not possess the convenience of
keeping the more tender subjects so necessary for the arrange-
ments of carpet beds during the long winter months; whereas
Geraniums are kept alive with a modicum of trouble, requiring
just merely heat enough to prevent damp and to exclude frost.

The present season around London has been very favourable
to the growth of our various bedding Geraniums, and the plants
are now just in the prime for yielding cuttings. These should
be tolerably hard and firm, as gross watery shoots are liable to
damp-off. But in selecting cuttings the beauty and immediate
effect of the beds must not be destroyed; a judicious thinning
in the case of Geraniums is the best, and let this be done so
evenly and regularly that anyone not seeing the operation
performed could not tell from whence a cutting was removed.
We generally go over the sorts required and take the cuttings
off with a sharp knife, and place them in a basket and take
them to the potting-shed, where the base of each shoot is cut
clean across and the bottom leaves are removed; in the case
of very strong cuttings of Geraniums the leaves are further

164 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

removed halfway up each cutting. When the whole of one sort
required are made they are placed for awhile in the sun in order
that the cut may become dried of its sap; this causes them to
heal aud emit roots the sooner.

The modes of striking bedding plants and stowing them away
for the winter are many, each plan having certain advantages.
One of the oldest plans, and still perhaps one of the best for
amatears if there is plenty of room, is to strike the cuttings in
an open and well-prepared piece of ground, and when well rooted
(which is generally about six weeks after the cuttings are inserted)
to pot them singly in small pots, and place them onshelves near
the glass to remain throughout the winter. This is a very safe
way and one which we can highly recommend. Where a very
large number are required pots are often dispensed with, but a
quantity of roughly-made boxes are in readiness ail of one uni-
form size, the sizes varying according to taste; but we have had
them made 2 feet long, 10 inches wide, and about 6 inches deep.
In preparing these boxes to receive the cuttings place about an
inch deep of rubble over the bottom of each box, then the roughest
of the soil, filling-in the remainder with fine soil, and placing a
layer of sand over the surface. The cuttings are then inserted,
each box containing about sixty. A good watering is then given
to the boxes, which are placed in an open position out of doors,
where they are left to remain until there are signs of much wet
or frosty nights, when they must be removed to their winter
quarters. Where a large quantity of Geraniums are required
this undoubtedly is one of the best means of storing away large
numbers in a limited space; and temporary stages under Vines
aud other places have oftentimes to be utilised to hold them.
There is another useful method adopted—that is, inserting four
or five cuttings in 60-sized pots, and allowing them to remain in
these pots until February before potting them off. The same
remark applies to cuttings placed in boxes; they will require
potting-off about February, in order to attain full-sized plants
for planting at bedding-out time. Commence propagating the
choicest Tricolor and other variegated Geraniums first, as these
take the longest to root, following with the other sorts; then
with Verbenag, Coleuses, Alternantheras, and such-like anbjects,
finishing off with the more hardy Calceolarias. The following
sorts are among the best Geraniums:—Bedding Golden Tri-
colors: Mrs. Pollock, Sophia Dumaresque, Lady Cullum, and
Sir Robert Napier; Goiden Bronze: Beauty of Calderdale, Pe-
rilla, Bronze Queen, and Mrs. John Lee; and of the plain Yellow
section Crystal Palace Gem and Robert Fish; White-edged
varieties : Queen of Queens lower of Spring, Bijou, and Little
Trot; and of the bedding Nosegay and Zonal sections: Vesu-
vius, Star of Fire, Waltham Seedling, Wellington, Warrior, Lady
Kirkland, Lucius, Rose Bradwardine, Bonfire, H. M. Stanley;
and Master Christine, the old Christine, and Amaranth among
the Pinks. Madame Vaucher and White Clipper are the best
white-blooming varieties.

Verbenas are not so extensively grown now as some few years
since, still they are associated with the memories of past-gone
days, and are cherished accordingly. They are beststruck in seed
pans or pots of 6 or 8 inches in diameter, giving plenty of drain-
age, and filling the pot with some light soil in which a large
proportion of leaf soil and silver sand have been incorporated.
Tako off short-jointed growths and insert them thickly all over
the pots, water them to settle the soil, and keep close and shaded
for a few days, when air can be admitted. These will not require
potting or pricking-off as in the case of Geraniums, but will
remain in those store pots, and furnish numerous cuttings, which
will strike most readily in the spring and make healthy plants.
Petunias may be treated in exactly the same way. Both the
double and single varieties are old associates and bloom very
freely; the double variety Mrs. Wilson is one of the best for
beds. The clippings or trimmings of numerous kinds can be
all utilised as cuttings instead of being thrown to the rubbish
heap.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF "THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Tue time has again arrived when it is necessary to gather the
crops of hardy fruits and to store them away for future use. It
is well to have the tables and spaces in the fruit room thoroughly
scrubbed. The walls ought also to be lime-washed, to make all
sweet and cause a healthy atmosphere. Hverything ought to be
quite dry before the fruit is taken into the house. Some persous
gather the fruit before it is ripe; but this is quite a mistake, as
it neither keeps well nor is it of good flavour when gathered
thus. The experienced cultivator can tell by the appearance of
the fruit whether it is ready to gather or not; but a good test is
to cut one (not the ripest), and if the pips are brown the fruit
may safely be gathered. The more choice Apples may have the
crops gathered at twice, or even a third gathering may be made.
In the case of Pears this is quite necessary, as otherwise the
crop would not last nearly solong. The dry weather is seriously
affecting the quality and weight of the crop. It may seem

[ August 23, 1877.

scarcely possible to our northern friends who are having so
much rain and complaining of the want of sun when we make
this statement; but soitis. As we write this there are threaten-
ing clouds gathering in the west, but most of the farmers would
rather that it did not rain for at least two weeks, as they are in
the midst of the Wheat harvest. The same circumstance that is
checking the growth of our fruit has encouraged clouds of aphis
to settle upon the Plum trees, where they have increased to an
alarming extent. We never saw this pest attack the Privet
before, but the hedge is quite smothered with it. There seem to
be several species of aphis. Those that attack fruit trees differ
considerably from the green fly of our soft-wooded greenhouse
plants, and also of the Auricula and Carnation. Our Auriculas
are quite close to Morello Cherries, and although the aphis from
the latter frequently drop upon the plants, they wander about
but do not settle to extract any nutriment from the leaves.
Syriuging the trees with a solution of soft soap and a little
tobacco liquor added to it is the best way to clear the trees of
the insects.

As opportunity offers we are cutting the young wood away
from all the trees in the garden where it is not required for a
crop next season. The method of doing this has been described
in previous numbers, both as regards wall fruit and that on the
open borders. Much of the fruit is attacked with the Apple-
boring maggot. It does most damage to the Apples, but Pears
and Plums suffer to a considerable extent from it. The fruit
ripens prematurely and drops from the trees. On examining
any of the specimens a small hole may be observed, and if this
is traced the maggot may be found, and most frequently at the
core. Itisa wise plan to gather all the fruit that is attacked
and have it destroyed. Strawberry plants recently put out are
making rapid growth, but it has been necessary to keep the
plants well supplied with water. Considering that Raspberry
bushes like a deep moist soil the growth has been very satis-
factory, owing possibly to the continued wet weather when the
young growths started.’

PINES.

As long as the nights continue warm and the sunlight is suffi-
cient we will not apply artificial heat. Much can be done in
this way by careful and patient attention to ventilation, espe-
cially at closing time, and this ought to be as early as possible
in the afternoon. Hither immediately before or after shutting
up the house should be damped, and if this is done sufficiently
the moisturo will gather thickly upon the glass, which to a con-
siderabie extent prevents the sun from injuring the plants. Ifthe
plants intended to frnit next year are not yet potted into their
fruiting pots no time ought to be lost in potting them. Com-
plaints have been made this year about the plants not throwing
up their fruit when expected to do so, but instead starting into
a second growth. This is most likely to happen if the pots are
not quite filled with roots before the plants are put to rest, and
much also depends upon the manner of starting them and also
the time. We have given the different details of this work at
the proper time; at present our work is to see that the plants
are well matured by being thoroughly exposed to the sun, and
as much ventilation as possible must be insisted upon. The
temperature of the house ought not to be less than 65° at night
(of course it is as high as that now without artificial heat); by
day 10° to 15° higher than this is desixable, but during hot days
the thermometer may range even 20° higher, and that with
plenty of ventilation. Those that will be started about Christ-
mas should now be very near their resting period.

CUCUMBERS AND MELONS.

It is now a good time to sow seeds to produce plants for bear-
ing Cucumbers at Christmas. The plants ought not to be
allowed to come early into bearing, nor ought they to produce
much fruit if it is intended that they are to bear well from
Christmas onwards. Muoro’s Dake of Edinburgh is one of the
very best for bearing at that time in the estimation of some,
others still hold to Telegraph as being the best; with a true
stock of Telegraph there will not be much danger of failure.
We fancy that the half-span house is as good as any other for
growing winter Cucumbers, others prefer a lean-to. Whichever
form is adopted, a main consideration is to have plenty oi hot-
water pipes, 80 that the temperature during a severe frost may
be kept up to 65° without overheating the pipes. As the plants
progress in growth they must be trained, and the shoots should
be stopped frequently in order to obtain a uniform stocky growth
all over the trelliswork. ‘This ought to be about 10 inches
from the glass in the winter. When the plants are young and
producing their first leaves these are usually of large size, and
when they overshadow the young growths it is usually better
to remove them altogether. Melons ripening should have the
ventilators open night and day, and not much moisture to be
permitted in the house. Cut the fruit and remove it to the
fruit-room as soon as it begins to crack where the stem is
attached to if.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. 4

We are not doing much in this department except attending
to the plants which are in flower and removing any decaying

a

August 23, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

165

leaves and flowers. Those who have not yet grown Phloxes in
pots for greenhouse decoration should do so. There is s0 much
variety in the colour of the flowers ; and the tall spikes of bloom,
arranged s0 that they tower erect over other dwarf flowering or
foliage plants, have a charming effect, and the flowers moreover
are sweetly scented. The culture is so simple, too, that glass
protectors in any form are not needed. It should be mentioned
that our stage Pelargoniums are intended to flower rather late
in the season, else the plants ought to have been cut down much
earlier. We have now cut them down and the young growths
are starting freely. A few specimens of the aphis tribe have
been observed; the house will be fumigated with tobacco smoke
until all traces of them areremoved. We are also moving other
greenhouse plants into the house, in each case seeing that no
insect pests or mildew are allowed upon any of them. A few of
the younger specimens have quite filled the pots with roots;
and although it is so li “9 in the season we shall repot them, as
the weather is very fav ‘urable indeed for this purpose. Pro-
bably most of them will 3 repotted before this appears in print.
Climbing plants trained to the roof must be well thinned ont,
as tho leaves shade the plants too much, especially at this season
of the year.
FLORIST FLOWERS.

We have now inserted more pipings of Pinks in shallow boxes
and placed the boxes in a shady place, just placing some squares
of glass over them to retain a moist atmosphere. They strike
best and quickest with a little bottom heat, but we are trying
them without it. The first lot of pipings rooted much better
than we expected, and there is now a goodly number of fine
plants. Some few of them, such as James Hogg and Dr.
Masters, are not easily managed, but with care we have never
lost any variety after it has become established.

Auriculas never looked so healthy as they are doing now, and
they are making very goodgrowths. The plants have been care-
fully looked over, and all decaying leaves removed with the off-
sets. These last have been much more numerous than usual.
Some sorts, such as George Lightbody (Headly) have produced as
Many as six offsets from one strong plant. We would rather
that they had not run so much to producing young stock, as the
main stem is considerably weakened thereby. One or two of the
best old sorts have still baffled all our skill to make them grow
vigorously. Freedom (Booth) is one of the most difficult to
manage, but still we will not despair of achieving the same
success a8 Mr. Horner has done. He was years before he could
get vigorous development into his plants; now the leaves are
large and of a healthy dark green colour. Page’s Champion
seems to be, as the Scotch would say, a very ‘‘dirty” variety,
and the leaves have a tendency to curl. A plant of any sort if it
is in good health ought to have the leaves spread out, thick, and
crisp. We have the plants fully exposed to the air night and
day; the lights are placed over them merely to throw off the
rains. The offsets have been potted in small pots in light soil,
and the pots are placed in handlights, where they are kept close
except on still calm days, when the lights are removed.

We have just finished layering the Carnations. We could not
do them sooner, because the flowers were still fresh on many of
the plants ; indeed, we had to cut several dozens of flowers on
the 17th in order that the layering might be done. Considering
that a good stand of flowers could have been cut on the first
week of July, and that a hundred blooms could have been cut
any day for a period of about six weeks, no one can say that the
flowers of Carnations are ofa fugacious character. After layer-
ing the plants are placed in an exposed position out of doors.
—J. Dovetas.

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

Dickson, Brown, & Tait, 43 and 45, Corporation Street, Man-
cherie eran Catalogue of Dutch and French Flowering
lbs. ; ;

TO GORRESPONDENTS.

** All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ The
Hditors,”’ or to ‘‘The Publisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions 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.

SEEDLING Guoxinras (S. H. K.).—There is no novelty in your seedling
Gloxinias, and there are much better strains already in cultivation.

Roses (Gorilla).—We have no communication from you.

Porarors DisEASED (H. Stanly).—The tuber you have sent is affected by
dry gangrene. Change of seed and change of soil are needed.

SrRewinG Ruswes AND F'Lowers (H. W. S.).—The custom at your
village festivals and ceremonies is a remnant of an old and excellent mode of
complimenting. Thus some lands at Aylesbury were held by the service of,
amongst other things, finding ‘‘ herbam ad juncandam cameram [Regis] ”
—that is, “ grass or hay to strew after the manner of rushes in the King’s
chamber.”—(Blount, Frag. Antig. 181.) Hentzner notices that Elizabeth’s
presence-chamber at Greenwich was strewed with hay. Shakspeare introduces
a groom strewing rushes at the coronation of Henry V. The stage was com-
monly strewed with rushes.—(Collier’s Annals, iii. 864.) Occasionally the
strewing was of a more costly character. The bride used “to walk to church
on flowers,” and the strewing of flowere is even yet used at our coronations.
This subject is treated in Brand’s ‘‘ Popul, Antiq.,” vol. ii., p. 46, and Nares’s
* Gloss.,” p. 440. Several illustrative passages from Shakspeare have been
there noticed, but not the following:—Grumio inquires, ‘‘Is the supper
ready, the house trimmed, rushes strewed ?’’—(Taming of the Shrew, iv. 1.)
And Romeo at the masked ball exclaims—

“Tet wantons light of heart
Tickle the senseless rushes with their heels.”—Romeo and Juliet, i., v.

These, it will be observed, are both instances of the use of rushes in private
houses upon occasions of more than ordinary ceremony.

Grapes Crackine (A Constant Reader).—As you cannot diminish the
supply of moisture to the roots of the Vine you can only check the sapply
of sap to the Grapes by cutting half through the spurs jost below the
bunches, and removing some of the leaves above them.

CortaGE GARDENERS’ DicTIoNARY (——).—It has not been revised for
nine years, Apply to the publishers for information.

ARTIFICIAL Manures (G@. C. E.).—Small quantities may be purchased of
Mr. 8. Hawley, Manure Merchant, Suffolk Street, Forest Gate, Essex.

Dessert Appies (J. H.).—To succeed the Ribston Pippin yon may cul-
tivate Cox’s Orange Pippin, Court of Wick, and Court Pendu Plat. In our
“ Garden Manual” you will find information about Roses.

CLIPPING Yew (A Constant Reader).—You may clipit now, but many prefer
clipping early in spring.

Metons Unneauruy (R. A. P.).—The Melons we think have been over-
cropped, and also over-excited. The foliage is large and thin in texture,
suggestive that the househas been too hot, and especially too close. Probably
had the temperature and ventilation been correct the plants would have been
sufficiently robust to have carried the crop, which is now too heavy for them.
The leaves are also infested with red spider. The night temperature should
be about 6U0°—not below, nor many degrees above that figure—with just a
chink of ventilation at the top of the house all night. The plants should be
freely syringed during the afternoons of clear days, except when the fruit is
setting or ripening, closing the house at a temperature of 85° or 90°. Air
must be admitted very early in the morning—as soon as the thermometer
commences rising, increasing the ventilation gradually as the heat of the
house increases to its maximum of 85°. During sunny days keep the paths
of the house moist, letting it become fairly dry, however, once a-day for a
short time. Employ as little fire heat as possible, but take full advantage of
sun heat by closing the house early in the afternoon.

Stoninc Porators (A meader).— We strongly advise you to keep the
tubers spread thinly in a cool dry place, at least for a considerable time to
come. They should not have too much light or they will turn green. If you
must “clamp” them let them be perfectly dry first, and keep them dry and
as cool as possible. -

SrRawBeERRIES (Idem).—Threoe useful sorts, in addition to those you have’
are President, Sir Joseph Paxton, and Frogmore Late Pine. They will thrive
in any good soil. You will not err by ordering from one of the nurserymen
advertising in our columns. We cannot break the rule to which you refer.

Scate on Ferns (S. H.).—We think the frond sent is one of Asplenium
bulbiferom, but the specimen is very imperfect. As you have not time to
sponge the fronds and Myrtle foliage we advise you to dissolve 2 ozs. of soft
soap in a gallon of water, and syringe the infested plants with the solution at
a temperature of 120°. Lay the plants on their sides on a mat, so that the
warm soapy water does not saturate the soil. Repeat the syringing at
weekly intervals.

Ticer Lies (J. W. S.).—The little embryo bulbs on the stems of
Lilium tigrinum may, as soon as they are ripe and come off freely, be
planted 4 inches apart in rather light soil which is not likely to get water-
logged in winter, and they will form flowering bulbs in two or three years.

CHERRY TREES Unrrurrrun (C. H. P.).—Without knowing the nature of
your soil we canoot be certain as to the cause of your Cherry trees growing
luxuriantly without perfecting fruit, but a soil too rich in vegetable matter
and deficient of lime would produce like results. Try the effect of a dressing
of bone manure, or even common lime. Your Yucca recurva is very fine, and
favours the idea that your soil is too rich for stone fruits. They would be
likely to make more growth than they could mature, and although they pro-
duce blossom freely and beautifully it may be imperfect in some respect, and
consequently cannot produce perfect fruit. If you are sure the failure is not
caused by a deficiency of lime try the effect of root-pruning, which may be
done at once.

GERANIUMS FOR WINTER FLOWERING (Fly). — Cattings of the Zonal
section strack in the spring, and the plants potted-on as they increase in
growth, are the best for winter flowering. The trusses of bloom should be
removed during the summer and autumn months, the plants must be placed
near the glass, and the temperature of the house be about 50°. Nearly all
the varieties flower freely. They do not flower so well in large pot»; 6 and
7-inch are sufficiently large, and no manure should be mixed with the potting
material. The early-flowered section of Stage Pelargoniums are very useful
for succession, such varieties as Triomphe de St. Maude, Duchess of Edin-
burgh, and the more recently introduced Duchess of Bedford.

TRIPs oN VinES (E. N.).—It was stated a few weeks ago in “ Doings of
the Last Week” how this pest was destroyed. We would certainly fumigate
on three nights, at intervals of three days. Very probably the insects would
not all be destroyed after that. The wood of both Vines and Peach trees
ought to be washed in the winter after removing all loose bark from the old
wood.

GESNERA CULTURE (J. 4., Croydon).—You do not say what is the species
or variety ; we presume it is G. zebrina splendens or G. exoniensis, both fine
winter-flowering plants. They succeed admirably in a stove having a winter
temperature of 60°, falling to 55° at night; and 65° by day with a rise of 10°
or more from sun heat. Ours are kept in the stove constantly, and when the

166

plants have ceased flowering they are not watered except to prevent the
foliage flagging, and when that decays it is removed, no water beihg given,
but the pots receive some moisture consequent upon sprinkling the house two
or three times a-day. Shortly after the foliage decays the tubers are care-
fully removed from the soil. The pots are cleaned inside and ont, drained a
fourth of their depth, an inch of the rough of the compost is placed over
the drainage, and they are filled to within an inch of the rim with compost,
consisting of two parts of light fibrous loam, one part each of leaf soil or
old dry cow dung and sandy peat, with a half part of silver sand, the whole
broken up fine and well mixed. The bulbs are placed about 3 inches apart
all around the sides of the pots, and so that the growing end is about an
inch therefrom, and covered an inch deep. Only the largest tubers are used.
No water is given. They are placed in the stove. The soil is kept more or
less moist through syringing, but no water from the pot is givea until the
plants are an inch above the scrface, then it is given in moderate quantity,
avoiding making the soil sodden. The plants when growing are sprinkled
overhead twice daily, and slightly shaded from bright sun in summer. A
suitable summer temperature is 65° af night from fire heat, 70° tc 75° by day,
up to 85° or 90° with sun. When the flower heads show weak liquid manure
is given once a-week. The plants with us commence flowering in November
or December, and are often fine until February.

PLANTING ONIONS FoR SEED (4. B. G.).-—Select the largest and best-
formed bulbs, and plant them in February in an open situation, but if
possible sheltered from wind. Drills may be drawn 8 or 4 inches deep, plant-
ing so that the crown is just covered with soil; or the bulbs may be planted
with a blunt-ended ditble. The rows should be 1 foot apart and the bulbs
6 inches asunder, leaving a path 2 feet wide between every fourrows. Keep
clear of weeds, and when in flower stakes should be driven in, and tarred
cords stretched horizontally on each side of the row of stems a few inches
below the heads, to serve as a support and prevent their being broken down.
In August the seed will be ripe, which is intimated by the husks becoming
brownish ; the stalks should be cut off near the ground, laid on a cloth in
the open air for a few days to dry, but during that time they must not be
exposed to rain. When dry the seeds may be rubbed out, cleaned of the
chaff, and stored.

Sowrne BroaD BEANS FoR SEED (Idem).—The seed should be gown the
end ot February or beginning of March. Early Mazagan and Longpods may
be sown in November, but all the sorts will ripen seed perfectly if sown at the
time named.

GRAPES NoT CoLOURING (H. O.).—As your Vines are old and have only
small bunches we should attribute the deficiency of colour to weakness,
which may probably be remedied by allowing more foliage—lateral growth,
especially so as to maintain active root-action until the fruit is perfectly
ripened. The flower was too much smashed for identification.

RASPBERRIES (Swhscriber).—Carter's Prolific and Fastolf are good red
sorts. Those and the Sweet Yellow Antwerp will be likely to suit you.

SEEDLING GuLoxinra (H. L.).—The flower sent is very good. It is of
great substance, and the colours—exterior of the tubes very pale rose, with
crimson lobes edged with pinkish white—contrast effectively. Messrs.
Veitch, however, frequently exhibit flowers of equally good quality.

Litres Dyinc FRoM WIREWoRM (D. C.).—Place slices of carrot on sticks
and bury them a few inches underground, examine them daily and destroy
be wireworms found attached to them. If the ground is damp you must

‘ain it.

List oF Roszs (Idem).—“ Real” pink, Duchess of Edinburgh (Bennett),
Lyonnaise, and Mdlle. Thérése Levet; dark red, Alfred Colomb, Maréchal
Vaillant, and Sénateur Vaisse; good pink for forcing, Princess Beatrice,
Duchess of Edinburgh, and Lyonnaise, or La France may be substituted,
but it is a pale peach colour.

BomeErR (Winter Garden).—No one could recommend any one confidently
without seeing the places to be heated. Consult some gardener who has
houses like your own.

InsEcrs (Lancashire Old Subscriber).—They are familiarly called ‘‘ Ruby-
tailed Flies” of the family Chalcidids, the species being, we think, C. ignita.
Though designated “flies” they are in the order Hymenoptera, and are
parasitic in habit, the larvye being deposited in the nests of solitary bees and
wasps. The abdomen is furnished with # peculiar ovipositor, which is also
Stated to have the power of stinging. In the garden it is neither injurious
nor beneficial. (J. H.).—Those accused of attacking the Gladioli are not
properly insects, but a species of Julus or Millipede. Like others ofthat family
it is difficult to deal with. We know of no better remedy than careful hand-
picking. The hardaess of the integuments probably would defy the effects of
a solution of ammonia, which is often found so successful in the case of
worms and other subterranean feeders.
banish the vermin.

Name oF Fruit (Connaught Subscriber). — Your Plum”™is Belle de
Louyain.

Names oF PLANTS (Three-years Subscriber).—Hoya bella. (W. W. A.).—
Apparently Dendrobium transparens, but material very scanty. (A. C. R.).—
1, Specimen insufficient; 2, Rhus cotinus; 8,Spireaopulifolia. (J. G.).—J and
2, Lastrea Filix-mas; 3,Polypodium yulgare; 4,Spireasalicifolia. (Ff. T. F.).
Lucern (Medicago sativa). (Constant Reader).—1, Liatris spicata; 2,
Achillea ptarmica; 8, Antennaria margaritacea; 4, Catananche crulea.
(D. G. R.).—1, Palicaria dysenterica; 2, Butomus umbellatus; 3, Ranunculus
Flammula; 4, Scrophularia nodosa; 5, Lysimachia ciliata; 6, Senecio
aquaticus. You should get some book on British plants. (&. P.).—1, Pteris
serrulata; 2, Nothochlcena distans; 8, La-trea Filix-mas, crested variety; 4,
Adiantum hispidulum; 5, Pella hastata; 6,7, Pteris tremula; 8, Asple-
nium trichomanes. (Constant Reader).—1, Adiantum formosum; 2, Pteris
incisa; 3, Aspidium coriaceum. (Lady C€. Turnour).—l, Aspidium acro-
stichoides; 2, Nephrodium marginale; 3, N. noveboracense; 4,N. dilatatum
var. intermedium.

Guano round the bulbs might

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE,

COTTAGERS’ POULTRY SHOWS.

THERE are in many districts in the present day local cottage-
garden shows, and there is hardly a village that has not some
annual gala—a fair, a club, or a friendly society’s meeting. We

‘ JOUBKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 23, 1877.

should like to see attached to some such annual festivity, of
whatever kind it may be, some classes for table poultry, Dacks,
and Rabbits belonging to cottagers only. Where possible, such
classes would be best if they could be added to a cottage-garden
show, so that at one time the various exhibits from the cottages
of the district could be on view. We have long thought such
little shows confined to some certain number of villages would
prove of much value and interest. We believe they would tend
to excite our humbler friends to cultivate poultry, which we
never believe our present system of poultry exhibitions will do ;
in fact, the shows of prize fowls which are now weekly taking
place do not in the remotest degree help to increase the cultiva-
tion of poultry as food. There may be isolated cases to the con-
trary, but the breeders of prize poultry for exhibition do not, we
believe, think of their fowls in any way as articles of food, and
the cottagers who have not the means, or opportunities, of breed-
ing very high-class stock are consequently quite debarred from
the pleasure and usefulness of exhibiting. We know of several
villages where the cottagers keep three or four hens each, and
by tke sale of their eggs and the produce of a brood or two of
chickens are enabled to have many little extra comforts which
they would otherwise have to go without. Again, we know of
some villages where a brook or stream of water runs through
the place. The cottagers here keep two or three Ducks and ob-
tain good prices for their ducklings. Such people want en-
couragement, end what one village can do many more can also
perform. Poultry fit for the table will always command a
remunerative price, and chickens and ducklings in all localities
will always find a ready sale, while eggs are frequently sought
for through the autumn and winter months in vain. We
should all try to help the small incomes of a labourer’s family
in an honest way, and we verily believe some classes for their
poultry and Ducks tacked on to the district cottagers’ show
if there is one, or held in some neighbouring barn or shed
at the time of the annual village festival, would soon effect
much good.

For the classification of such a little meeting we would have
the simplest titles. We would have no particular breeds: we
should recommend that the classes should be something like
the following—(1) for the whitest skinned and legged pair of
chickens: (2) for the heaviest pair of ditto; (3) for the most
useful-looking cock and hen; (4) for the ditto drake and Dack;
(5) for the heaviest pair of ducklings; (6) for the largest buck
or doe Rabbbit; (7) for the heaviest pair of young Rabbits;
(8) for the heaviest dozen of single-yolked eggs.

One, two, three, or more prizes could be offered in each class,
and other similar classes could be added at pleasure. Such
classification would surely place all cottagers on the same foot-
ing, and would make them keep a large and useful breed of
fowls, which would give them so much the more chance of a
prize. The prizes need not be large; a 5s. first prize, 3s. second
ditto, and 1s. third would answer most purposes, and the honour
of the prize and the better sale of chickens which would con-
sequently be obtained would have nearly as much effect as the
money prize itself. We would have no classes whatever for
Bantams or fancy breeds, for though they may be very inter-
esting to some home circles and be made great pets of, they
have pothing to do with our present object—viz., of encouraging
cottagers to keep poultry for profit and to increase the supply
of wholesome food.

We have had to do with two such little meetings this summer.
The one we judged, and for the other we acted as honorary
secretary, and we do not hesitate to say for first shows the success
and the interest taken in them fairly surprised us. Excellent
white-legged chickens were on view, well-grown ducklings, and
large Rabbits; but perhaps the most satisfactory part of all
was to hear the cottagers’ remarks and to note their earnest
attention to what the Judge in future required, such as white
skins and straight breasts, and, where possible, uniformity of
colour in a pair of birds. Repeatedly we Heard one remark
to the other that they should try another year, for what the
next-door neighbour achieved they concluded they could also
perform.

We have seen in some schedules a class ‘‘ for cottagers only ;”
but such are really quite useless, for the schedules never fall
into the hands of the desired people, and, if they did by any
chance, such would not haye the money to risk in entrance fees
and carriage, or have proper baskets to send their birds in by
rail. Neither do we think that a class for “cross-bred table
fowls” is of the slightest use, for exhibitors in general do not
care to have to do with such classes, and farmers but very rarely
hear of them. We trust that those who have the interest of
their villagers at heart will try to establish some such system
and give the shows fair trial of two or three years, for we venture
to think a most unlooked-for result will crown their efforts. We
do not speak so much of the northern counties, for many villages
in Lancashire and Yorkshire have an annual show on a much
larger scale, where the people would laugh at the simple classes
which we propose ; but in the southern and western counties we
believe there is a good opening, and that there are scores of

August 28, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

167

villages which would eagerly support a cottegers’ poultry
show.—W.

DURHAM COUNTY POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

Tur annual Show was held at West Hartlepool on the 17th
inst. The entries were not large, the prizes offered not being
such as to induce great entries, although the birds were pretty
well divided. First on the list were Dorkings, and the winners
were very good Dark Greys, and the Cochins unusually good.
In Polish first were very fine Black Polish, the remainder being
Golden. Game were very good but not numerous. Hamburghs
were good in all classes, but the best pen of this variety was in
the chicken class, the second to them being good Buff Cochins,
and third White Dorkings. In Game Bantams first were a pen
of Piles good in every respect, and second and third Black Reds.
In Bantams any other, first and second Blacks, and third Silver
Sebrights. Ducks were uncommonly good in both classes, the

Aylesburys especially fine.
pineone wae poor, except in the Turbits, Jacobins, and Owls.

Rabbits, Lop-eared, first a Fawn and second a Tortoiseshell.
Angoras, only winners good, and Himalayans moderate, as they
were very much faded on the feet. In the Variety class first
was a Silver-Grey, and second a Grey-and-white Dutch.

POULTRY.—Dorxrnes.—l, J. White. 2, M. S. Buston. 8, W. Morrison-
Cocurms —1, 2, and 3, G. H. Proctor. SpanisH—1, E. Nicholson. 2, T. New
lands. Brana Pootras.—l, Miss Cotes. 2, J. Hardy. Potanps.—l and 3, J-
T. Proud. 2,J.Gargett. Game.—I, J. A. Nelson. 2,G.Alderson. 3,J.Hamil-
ton. Hamsurcus,—Golden-spangled.—l. R. Keenleyside. 2, G. Grainger.
Silver-spangled.—l, G. Alderson, 2, Maude & Scott. 8,G_ Grainger. Golden-
pencilled.—l, G. Alderson. 2, J. P. Carver. Silver-pencilled.—l, D. Clow. 2
and 8,G. Alderson. Banrams.—Game.—l and 8, J. A. Nelson. 2, F. S. Hocka-
day. Except Game.—l and8,G.Alderson. 2,J.Muir. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—
1, ‘a Hawkins. 2, G. Alderson. 8, J. P. Carver. Any Breep.—Chickens.—l,
G. Alderson. 2,G.H. Procter. 8,H.Cockton. Ducks.—Rouen.—l, F. E. Gib-
son. 2,J.A.Nelson. 8 and vhe, Miss Robinson, Aylesbury.—1, 2,and 3, F. E.

ibson. vhe, W. Porter.
oOIGHONS<_CannrEns:—1, J.L. Nicholson. 2, C.F. Cockhill. TumBLEers.—
Almond.—1 and 2, G. Alderson. Any other variety. —1 and 2, J. Davison. Fan-
rTarts.—l, P. Wilson. 2,G.Alderson. TrumpeTers.—l,G. Alderson. 2, Maude
and Scott, Barss.—], G. Alderson. 2, E. Nicholson Jacopins.—l and 2, G,
Alderson. vhc,J.Davison. Turpirs.—l and 2, G. Alderson. vhc, Maude and
Scott. Ow1s.—l and 2, G. Alderson. Povurrers.—l, P. Wilson. 2, G. Alderson.

RABBITS.—LoneG-EAaRED.—1, J. S. Robinson. 2,G. H. Young. ANnGoras.—l,
A. Richley. 2, J. S. Robinson. MHuvatayans.—l and 2,'M. Fletcher. Any
OTHER VaRIETY.—l, J. W. & O. Moses.

Juper.—Mr.-E. Hutton.

PIGEON NOTES.

No creature is so thoroughly helpless as an infant Pigeon;
but this is a wise dispensation of Providence, for the young
squab is less likely than more precocious birds to get into
danger during the absence of its parents in search of food for
themselves and young. They have just instinct enough to hold
up their heads and feel the bills of their parents, who at first
feed them in acurious manner with a soft curdy secretion, which
is produced in their crops at the end of the period of sitting.
This secretion of soft food, says Mr. Tegetmeier, cannot be
delayed; consequently if the young birds do not emerge from
the egg on the eighteenth day, the old birds desert the nest,
refusing to sit longer. The production of the soft food, however,
may be hastened a day or two. If a pair of chipped or hatching
eggs be placed under a pair of birds that have been sitting
sixteen days, their presence will always stimulate the secretion
of the soft food, and the young will be duly nourished.

The formation of this curdy secretion—true Pigeon’s milk—
is a very remarkable fact. It seems determined altogether by
the process of sitting; it is produced equally in both parents,
though the hen sits about twenty hours and the cock only four.
To receive this nourishment, the young thrusts its beak into the
side of the mouth of the old bird, in such a position that the
soft food which is disgorged from the crop of the parent with a
sort of convulsive shudder, is received into the lower mandible
or jaw, which is widely extended in order to receive it. As the
young advance in size the soft food lessens in quantity, and the
grain and seeds that constitute the nourishment of the parents
become mingled with it; and when about eight or ten days old
the young are fed with disgorged grain and seeds only, until
such time as they are able to fly and seek their own nourish-
ment.

The proper time to kill Pigeons for the table is just before
they leave the nest, when they are about a month old. As soon
as they begin to feed themselves they begin to grow lean, and
their flesh loses that tenderness and delicacy of flavour which
belongs to young Pigeons.

Parasites.—Pigeons are subject to five unpleasant and trouble-
some insects, which will infest their houses and breed among
their plumage unless the most scrupulous cleanliness is ob-
served. A little snuff sprinkled over the birds and into their
nests will give temporary relief, but the nuisance can only be
thoroughly eradicated by burning the infested nests, lime-wash-
ing the inside of the loft, and washing the nesting places with
limewash or tobacco water. These vermin are fleas, lice, feather
lice, mites, and ticks. These parasites are a peculiar species,
which do not fix themselves on the human skin. The fleas are

smaller and blacker than the common flea, They may be got
rid of by brushing out the nests and corners, and prevented by
not allowing dirt, dust, and feathers to accumulate.

Lice usually infest sick or delicate birds, breeding chiefly
about the head and neck, but also running over the whole body,
annoying the birds and keeping them from getting strong.
Butter or lard rubbed on the skin is said to kill them, but a
little powdered sulphur dusted in among the feathers is the
best remedy. Cleanliness and keaping the Pigeons in good
condition are the best preventives.

Feather lice are elongated and flattened in form, very tough,
and difficult to remove from the feathers, between the fibres of
the veins of which they frequently swarm. They do not seem
to cause the bird any inconvenience; and as their food is the
down at the quill end of the feathers, it seems almost as if they
were intended to reduce the warmth of the bird’s covering in
summer, for their number must be very much decreased at
moulting-time by the quantity cast off with the old feathers,
and not until spring can they increase sufficiently to thin the
warm under-covering of down, which in summer is not s0 neces-
sary for the Pigeons as in the cold months of winter. Never-
theless, they are always decreased by attention to cleanliness ;
and as “cleanliness is next to godliness,” and its necessity to
health has been insisted on by the greatest physiologists, the
theory cannot be maintained.

Mites are the smallest, most common, and troublesome of
these pests; the largest are not larger than grains of poppy
seed. They are generally black, with white streaks or spots on
their bodies. They do not appear to live on the bodies of the
Pigeons, but inhabit the chinks in the walls, the cracks in the
wood, and dark corners of the nesting-places, and often con-
gregate in thousands in the nests, whence they issue at night
when the Pigeons have gone to rest, and feed till they are red,
instead of being black and white. Squabs suffer more than the
old birds with them. The mites get into the ears of the young
birds and torment them much in warm weather, making them
lean and miserable, and retarding their growth, ofter causing
their death. A drop of oil in the ears, under the wings, and
where else the mites may be seen, will prevent their annoying
the young. Powdered sulphur strewn in the nests, and dusted
among the feathers of the old birds, is the best plan I know of,
As a preventive means, stop all cracks and chinks, let the wood-
work be planed and painted, and do not give the Pigeons hay
for nests; heath and birch twigs are the best. Washing the
walls, painting the woodwork so as to stop all cracks however
minute, and perhaps the addition of powdered sulphur in the
limewash, may be a good precaution.

Ticks are the largest and most disgusting, and fortunately the
most rare of these parasites. They generally infest the head
and back of the bird, and grow as large as tares, when, the
feathers not being sufficient to hide them, they may be picked
off. Mr. Bent says they proceed from:an ugly, curious flat-
looking fly, about the size of the common house fly, of a slaty
grey colour, and very flat in form. Cleanliness and flour of
sulphur are the only remedies.

Diseases are generally the result of mismanagement, exposure,
lack of ventilation, cleanliness, exercise, proper accommodations,
or pure water for drinking and bathing. However, in such evils
as falling of the gizzard or navel, and the like, that are indi-
cations of a weak constitution, the birds are better killed.—
(American Fanciers’ Journal.)

PREPARING STOCKS FOR WINTER.

Apart from the heather the season for honey is over, and the
sooner stocks are prepared for winter the better. The prepara-
tion of stocks in autumn is not the least important part of
apiculture. Now is the time to lay a solid foundation for success
another year. Young apiarians about to engage in this work
will, I trust, permit me to give them three watchwords :—
1st, Plenty of young bees; 2nd, Plenty of food for them; and
3rd, Warm and comfortable houses to live in.

Owing to unfavourable weather many of the late swarms have
not filled their hives with combs, and have little or no honey in
them. They are not worth taking for their honey. Are they
worth keeping? Asa few strong hives yield more profit than
double their number of weak hives, it is often advisable to
unite the bees of the weak to stronger hives, and thus make
sure of having some excellent stocks. Every bee-keeper must
decide for himself how many and what stocks he will keep for
another year; but let me say that hives not full or strong now
may be made stronger by artificial treatment. Vigorous and
constant feeding at the present time would cause the bees to
commence breeding afresh, and comb-building too where neces-
sary. Thus weak and comparatively worthless hives may be
fed into pretty good stocks before the end of September. Two
hatches of six combs of brood would make a hive by that time
strong in young bees. Part of the syrup given to promote
breeding and comb-building would be stored up for winter food.
Far more good will be accomplished by feeding now than bv -

168

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 23, 1877.

doing it later in the season, so far as breeding and comb-building
go. Bees are easily stimulated into active efforts during warm
weather, whereas they are more difficult to move in the way
of extension and expansion daring the chilly weather of autumn ;
then they naturally abstain from comb-building and cluster
closely together.

In breeding and comb-building there is necessarily a great
consumption of food. Harly and continuous feeding produces
better stocks, and thereby necessitates a larger supply of food.
Some of the larger supply goes for comb-building, some for
brood, and some is needed for the increased population of the
hives. What a stupid and strange mistake some writers on
bees made in asserting that a small population in a hive needs
as much food as a larger one! The readers of this journal know
better. I know that 40,000 bees require twice as much food as
20,000. Ifa large swarm of 40,000 bees (about 8 Ibs. in weight)
be placed in an empty hive at the end of August it will require
about 20 lbs. of sugar (40 lbs. of syrup) to make it safe for the
winter. From the 40 lbs. of syrup the bees would fill or nearly
fill their hive with combs and brood, and store-up food enough
for themselves till the end of March. About one half (20 lbs.)
of the syrup is used in comb-building and for brood and bees
during the month of September. The other half is stored up
ior winter keep, and in ordinary seasons is enough for a very
strong hive. Hives that are full of combs do not require so
much syrup, and if hives have bees enough for winter con-
tinuous feeding should be avoided. The more rapidly such
hives are fed the more food is stored up, because less is con-
sumed in the excitement of feeding. The principal idea I am
seeking to convey in this letter to youthful apiarians is this—
that syrup given regularly every night to healthy hives will
cause the bees to recommence breeding, and thus replenish
their hives with a numerous and valuable population. Feeding
should be commenced as soon as possible, and be continued
without halt tillitis completed. Late feeding is attended with
the danger of causing the bees to breed at an untimely season.
Bees may be lost in going out for water, and brood may be
chilled to death.

Our third watchword is a good warm housa for bees to live in.
It is much to the interests of the bee-master that his little
industrious servants be well provided for, and be well protected
during the winter months. Bees deserve comfortable houses
with all proper sanitary arrangements, including proper and
perfect ventilation, for the internal moisture of hives is often
more hurtful to them than anything else either outside or inside.
Many of my readers would be astonished, if they were to turn
up their hives at the present time and examine their insides,
what a hurtful mess of-condensed moisture they would find on
the inner surfaces of their hives. This discovery would per-
haps lead to asecond examination and the consideration of the
importance of the ventilation of hives. In touching this sub-
ject on former occasions I have given offence to some parties,
but my object is to enlighten public opinion and advance apiarian
science, Hives that let their internal moisture sift out and
escape are far more comfortable and better for bees than those
that keep itin. Many bee-kespers have this lesson yet to learn.

Hives of proper materials—indeed, hives of all kinds—require
protection by covering from the storms of winter. Hives stand-
ing out of doors cannot be too warmly covered during the
winter and early spring months. This lesson is easily learned,
but more difficult to practise, especially where many hives have
to be covered.—A. PETTIGREW.

FEEDING BEES.

I HAve tried two ways of feeding—with barleysugar and
syrup, sugar and water boiled to a proper consistence. The
former I find very useful, putting the sticks on the top of the
hive, as I find feeding at the top always best. Some time ago I
found a quantity of fat left by the bees from the barleysugar,
and it is a curious fact that they should be able to suck-out the
saccharine matter and leave the fatty. To make the syrup I
put only sugar and water boiled to a proper consistence, fill a
wide-mouth bottle, tie-down with muslin, and turn over and
insert into the hole at the top of the hive. This I find a good
plan when regular heavy feeding is required, but watching is
necessary that the syrup may be renewed. I have never found
it become candied, although some persons object to it on that
account. But it would very soon be found out and remedied.
Beer or vinegar may be added to it. I have never tried either
—R. B. BR.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Marxine Pountry.— A. B.” asks fora simple method of marking poultry
so as to distinguish readily birds of one year from those of another year.
There is the drawing of a ring for the purpose in our twenty-sixth volume,
new series.

CoNFINED Space FoR Fowzs (J. S. T.).—Cochin-Chinas or Houdans
would endure the confined space much better than any variety of Dorking.

TxKInG Honey (4 Novice).—We adyise you to drive the bees out of the

old straw hives and put them into empty bar-frame hives. Probably the
hive that-you have made is as good as any you can buy, but the “ Italian
frame hiye” which you have purchased is not a proper hive for bees in thig
country. The people and country that produce and use such hives are not
far advanced in the art of bee-keeping. Mr. Lee of Windlesham, Bagshot,
and others about London can supply you with hives far superior to the
Italian one. First drive the bees into straw hives or round boxes, then cast
them into the bar-framers and place them where they now stand, Boil 30 lbs,
of sugar in thirty pints of water, and give all the syrup to the two swarms
in fourteen days—about 2 lbs. of syrup every night to each swarm. In this
way you will get the honey from the old straw hives and two good stocks in
frame hives. Do not attempt to fill the frames with old combs—a most
foolish practice with some bee-keepers, for bees readily make fresh combs
from syrup, and thrive and prosper amongst them exceedingly. If you want
the honey from your large circular box the bees should be driven from it and
hived in a bar-framer. Your three swarms in smaller boxes may remain as
they are for stocks. You will have to venture sometime on the task of driving
bees, and you may as well begin at once. All you want is a little courage
and self-possession. As soon as the bees are driven from the combs see that
the honey is run from them. Honey should be run before it cools.—A. P.

Bee Pasturace (G. C.).—The bees will obtain honey from the pepper-
ming. They have been proved to visit flowers nine miles distant from their

ve.

CrEeosore.— MW. 4. H.” asks what are the proper proportions of creosote
to mix with water to steep different kinds of woods in, and more especially
prepared oak for waterwheels at a corn mill? Will water counteract the
desired effect ? and will creosote take the same effect on firs and pines agson
all hard woods ?

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SquarE, LonDon.
Lat. 51° 3240” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 AM. In THE Day.
22 a =I
_- |938..| Hygrome-| 84 |¢+.:/Shade Tem-| Radiation | 2
1877 Beas ter. 38 aa g perature. |Temperature. é
Aug. |253,5 | se |Sa- In On
Qee™! Dry. | Wet.) as |F Max.| Min.| sun. |grass.
| | a
Inches.| deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. Zz. deg. | deg.| In,
We. 15 | 29908 | 64.2 | 61.7 Ww. | 64.0 | 79.5 Bl 1299 55.8 _
Th. 16 | 29955 | 66.0 | 60.5 W. | 645 | 77:4 | 3 125.9 54.6 —
Fri. 17 | 29.948 |"666 | 60.4 Ww. 64.6 | 74.6 5 127.0 51.3 _
Sat, 18 | 30.064 | 648 | 59.4 WwW. 64.0 | 766 7 112.8 48 2 _
Sun.19 | 29.757 | 72.9 | 66.8 We: 663 | 77.4 0 118.1 681) —
Mo. 20 } 29.813 | 75.8 | 67.8 S. | 65.2 | 82.9 0 124.0 60.6 | 0.050
Tu. 21 | 29569 | 67.9 | 61.5 | Ww. 66.7 | 763 3.2 | 127.7 | 61.6 | 0255
Means| 99.959 | 68.3 | 62.5 | | 65.0 | 77.8 | 58.3 | 123.6 | 55.5 | 0.305
|
REMARKS.

15th.—Very thick morning, but soon clearing off, and the day beautifully
fine; starlit night.

16th.—Fine pleasant day; cooler towards evening, and bright starlit night.

17th.—Another bright fine day.

Toten hazy in the morning, bright pleasant day, and not quite so

ot.

19th.—Grey morning and forenoon, afternoon close and stormlike, with
sudden gusts of wind both afternoon and evening.

20th.—Hazy in morning, but very fine by 9 4.x1.; fine all day, and very hot
in the afternoon and evening.

2ist.—Rain af 6 A.m., fair but with high wind at 8 4.m., forenoon rather
cloudy, afternoon looking stormlike,a short very heavy shower between
4and 5p.m., and strong gusts of wind more or less all day, and the
temperature much ccoler.

A fine pleasant week. The mean temperature about 8° above that of last
week. The heat was rather oppressive on Monday the 20th.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Avevsr 22.

No improvement in business, the supply of home-grown fruit being nearly
limited to Apples and Nuts. Large quantities of Grapes are now arriving
from the Channel Islands.

FRUIT.
s.d. s.d. s.d. s. d
Apples. ysieye 2 6to3 6/| Melons... each 3 QtoS 0
Apricots . dozen 1 6 3 0| Nectarine iozen 4 0 18 0
Chestnuts 00 9 0} Oranges #10010 0 16 0
3 0 8 6) Peaches dozen 8.0 20/0
6 6 7 O| Pears, ki dozen 00 00
2°0" 19°10 dessert dozen 1 6 8:0
0 6 O 0} Pine Appl Ib. 5.0 8 0
0 0 O U| Plums.. ¥sieve 0.0 0.0
8 6 4 6) Raspbe: -fib. O76 10
Grapes, hothouse ib. 1 6 6 0} Walnuts =bushel 5:0 8 0
Lemons . - £100 6 0 10 0} editto _._%100 0.0 00
VEGETABLES.
s.d. s.d. s.d, s.d
Artichokes...... dozen 3 0to6 0} Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 U
0 0 O 0} Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
4 0 5 0} Onions ........ bushel 0 0 00
16380 pickling ...... quart 0 4 O 6
0 9 1 6] PRarsley. doz. bunches 2 0 0 0
0 0 O 0} Parsni ere dozen 00 00
I 0 2 0} Peas quart 06 10
0 6 O 9} Potatoe bushel 5 0 0 0
Capsicums...... 146, 20 Kidney .. bushel 5 0 7 0
Cauliflowers.... dozen 2 0 4 0} Radishes.. doz. bunches 1 0 i 6
Celery.......... bundle 1 6 2 0] Rhubarb.. - bundle 06 10
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0] Salsafy . bundle 09 1v0
Cucumbers .... each 0 8 O 9] Scorzonera bundle 10 00
Endive ... 1 0 2 0} Seakale .. basket 0 0 0 0
Fennel. 0 8 O 0} Shallots .. Ib. 0 3 0 6
Garlic. 0 6 O 0} Spinach .. bushel 2 6 4 0
Herbs .. 0 2 O O} Turn:ps.... bunch 05 OU 8
Lettuce 1 0 2 0} Veg. Marrows..: 2. each 0 2 O 4
Leeks ... OR SOKO:

August 30, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 169
WEEKLY CALENDAR.
Day | Day Average Sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s| ,Clock | Day
| —SE E 1877 Temperature near . A befor
fiat oe AUGUST 30—SEPTEMBER 6, 187 Pedone Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets Age. Sany vor.
Day. |Night./Mean.| bh. m.| h. m.| bh. m.| bm. | Days. |m s.|
30 | Te 745 | 48.2 | 618 5 1L 6 50 8 35 0287 21 0 24 | 242
31. |F | sandy Show 7.5 | 474/594] 5 18/ 6 47] 9 8] 1 66] ¢€ | 0 6 | 28
ren ss British Museum closes. at ae aos tA | 6 a aq 8 yi 5 28 0 15 | 244
| a 0 7.6 | 593 | 3 2 0 82 | 245
a Sux 14 Sunpay AFTER TRINITY. 718 | 47.7 | 59.2 D as | & ay morn. | 5 os 25 0 52 | 246
4 | tu al Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com- | 71.0 | 46.7 | 589 3: 0°26) 5-2 26 1 11 | 247
5 | Ww iad Re i [ mittees at 11 a.m. | 70.4 | 47.1 | 588 | 56 21/ 6 36/ 1 58) 5 49 27 1 81 | 248

From observationstaken near Londonduring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 71.5°; andits night temperature

HERBACEOUS BORDER FLOWERS.

<j N page 135, in an article entitled ‘‘ The Rose |
Year,” ‘‘Wyip SavacE” states that he in- |

tends to make an herbaceous border, and

list of herbaceous plants that must not be
left out of it. At this season of the year

a few general remarks on some of them
may not be out of place. I will endeavour

would like some of your readers to give a |

when many herbaceous plants are in bloom |

toname a few good old border flowers which |

are worth haying in any garden; many of them may still |

be found in gardens where the mcre modern style of
embellishment is not carried out. I myself hope others
of your readers will contribute a list of old plants, for
they are well worthy of more extensive cultivation.

First of all I will name a few dwarf plants that are
suitable for the front row of the border next the grass or
gravel. Gentiana acaulis, very dwarf, with large dark
blue flowers produced in the spring and early summer
months, grows admirably in damp situations, and when
well established is a very attractive plant. The Christ-
mas Rose (Helleborus niger), flowers in December and
January, makes very pretty patches if the weather is not
too rough; but if plenty of flowers are wanted of it for
house decoration it is best to plant it in quantity, so that
a frame and light may be placed over it when it begins
to show flower. It also does well in 6-inch pots, and is
useful for conservatory decoration, flowering freely in the

same pots for two or three years in succession without |

repotting. Oampanula pusilla alba and C. turbinata are
two dwarf species, the former being very pretty when in
flower in June or July. Caltha palustris pleno, or Double
Marsh Marigold, is a plant with yellow flowers, very
pretty in May and June. Alyssum saxatile, Aubrietia
purpurea, and Arabis alpina are three well-known spring
bedding plants, and good clumps of them are very telling
in a mixed border. The Arabis makes a very pleasing
bed from the middle of February until the middle of
May, especially if single scarlet Van Thol Tulips and blue
Crocuses are planted about 9 inches apart between the
Arabis. It is easily increased by division after flowering,
setting the pieces in rows, aS many as are required for
bedding, about 6 inches asunder, watering well until roots
are emitted. The Hvening Primrose (Giinothera macro-
carpa) isa good old plant with large yellow flowers pro-
duced throughout the greater part of the summer. He-
patica triloba rubra and H. triloba exrulea are two pretty
spring-flowering plants. Phlox Nelsoni and P. subulata
form charming masses of bloom in the spring; so also
does Saponaria ocymoides. Any of the plants above
named are good for the front of a border; nor should
“Wyitp Savace” forget to have a few patches of Mig-
nonette, Snowdrops, Crocuses of sorts, Hyacinths, Jon-
quils, double Daisies, and common Bluebells; also
Squills, Scilla pracox, 8. siberica, S. campanulata, and the
Feathered Hyacinth, Muscari comosum and monstrosum,
which are very pretty when in bloom,
No. 857,—Vou. XXXIII., NEw SERIES,

| hundreds of flowers.

I will now enumerate a few taller-growing plants suit-
able. for an herbaceous border, some growing a foot and
others 2, 3, 4, and 5 feet in height, some of which require
stakes to support the stems and flowers. What can be
better for cutting from than good clumps of common
white Pinks, Sweet Williams, Mule Pinks (Dianthus hy-
bridus), Carnations, and Picotees? all of which can be
increased by layers, cuttings, or seed. Plants of the
common kinds of Pinks two or three years old will furnish
The Sweet William (Dianthus
barbatus) is usually treated as a biennial, but sometimes
it will keep alive and do well in the same place several
years in succession. A good late summer plant is the
Torch Lily (Tritoma Uvaria), known to many as the Red-
hot Poker plant, clumps of it 4 or 5 yards apart in a long
border have a very telling effect; so also is the Tiger
Lily (Lilium tigrinum) and the common white Lily (Lilium
candidum). Four or five bulbs of the two latter-named
plants should be planted in patches 6 inches deep in en-

|/riched soil in the autumn, they will take care of them-

selves after.

A fine old plant for borders is Iberis corifolia ; it strikes
readily from cuttings placed in a close frame, but it takes
two or three years before it has a telling effect. Plants
of it that I have seen on the Cruciferous bed of a botanic
garden, which have been in the same station for ten or
twelve years, are perfect sheets of white when in bloom,
4 feet in diameter, resembling in outline and contour the
famous specimens of fancy Pelargoniums that used to be
so conspicuous at the metropolitan shows some twelve or
thirteen years ago, as shown by Messrs. Turner of Slough,
and Fraser of Lea Bridge Road Nurseries. It requires
no training and no sticks for support. It is in bloom from
the beginning of May till the end of June, a period of
nearly two months, and taken altogether Iberis corifolia
is one of the finest hardy plants I am acquainted with.
I. saxatilis, I. Garrexiana, and I. sempervirens are also
good sorts.

A very useful plant is the Sweet Woodruff (Asperula
odorata); I have found that it does very well under the
shade of trees when well established, and the foliage
when cut and dried is very sweet-scented. Dielytra spec-
tabilis is a well-known useful plant for borders, good also:
for forcing. D.eximia is a pretty dwarf plant with laci-
niated foliage, the flowers only rising about 6 or 7inches in
height; it may occasionally be seen in old cottage gardens:
in company with such plants as the old hardy Fuchsiags
and Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus), the Fritillaria or
Crown Imperial, Canterbury Bells, Rockets, Lavender,
perennial Asters or Michaelmas Daisies, London Pride
(Saxifraga umbrosa), Golden Rod (Solidago altissima) 4 or
5 feet in height, Lupines, Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum
multiflorum), Lily of the Valley, Mignonette, Marigolds,
and Brompton Stocks, all of which are useful old plants.

Delphiniums, of which there are many varieties, are
useful for cutting. D. formosum is still as free and hardy
as any I know, but D. Hendersonii has finer flowers.
Saxifraga granulata, 8. paniculata, and S. crassifolia are
good border flowers; the latter has bold handsome foliage.

No. 1509.—Vou. LYIII., OLD SERIEs.

170

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 30, 1877.

EEE

The Meadow Sweet (Spirea Ulmaria) and Dropwort (Spirea
Filipendula), Veronica spicata, the Virginian Spiderwort (Tra-
descantia virginica), Statice Gmelini, S. latifolia, the flowers |
of the two latter-named are useful for mixing with Hverlast- |
ings for winter decoration ; (inothera biennis, growing to 5 or |
6 feet in height, the flowers of a bright primrose colour, and |
beautifully scented; some of the different kinds of Tris, Colum- |
bines, Antirrhinums, Pyrethrums, Pzonies, Pentstemons, and |
Gladioluses are all suitable for planting in borders.

A few more good plants, though some of them are seldom |
met with, are Dictamnus Fraxinella,2 feet in height ; Hchinops
ruthenicus, with Thistle-like heads; Onosma taurica, a plant
of the Boraginaceous family with bright golden flowers; Cory-
dalis nobilis, Chrysocoma linosyris, Liatris squarrosa, Lobelia
cardinalis, Linum flavum, L. perenne, the latter a beautiful
blue-flowering plant; Monarda didyma, the scarlet flowers and
leaves of which have a beautiful perfume; Lyschnis chalce-
donica, L. dioica rubra. Iris foetidissima, with its bright red
seeds in the capsule like Holly berries (the variegated kind
is also ornamental), and Centranthus ruber are all useful to
cut fromto mix with the ‘‘ handful of flowers’ that is often
asked for. Campanula carpatica, C. carpatica alba, and C. coro-
nata make splendid border plants, seeds of which if sown now
will make flowering plants next year. Coreopsis lanceolata
and the Leopard’s Bane (Doronicum austriacum) are two fine
yellow-flowering plants ; also the Day Lily (Hemerocallis fiava).
Funkia ovata and #. subcordata have bold-looking and hand-
some foliage, as may be seen by their use in the London parks;
Achillea Millefolium roseum and A. Millefolium aureum are
pretty in June, and Anemone Honorine Jobert is a capital
September-flowering plant. : 3 :

A good deep soil and well enriched with decayed manure is
necessary before planting a border with herbaceous plants. It
may be taken as a guide that soil that will produce Potatoes

-or Cabbages well will also suit most herbaceous plants. They
should be planted so as to leave ample space between them
-for hoeing and raking in summer time; room may also be
left for having good patches of annuals—Stocks, Zinnias,
- Gaillardias, Wallflowers, Asters, Pansies, Hollyhocks, Dahlias,
and Chrysanthemums, the Pompon section being very useful ;
-also a few scarlet Geraniums, Salvias, Heliotropes, &c.; for
a border made exclusively of herbaceous plants has towards
the end of summer a very dull appearance. None of the plants
T have named are of recent introduction ; all have conspicuous
-flowers, and are well known tomany. There are many more
good, but these are a few out of the many good old garden
plants, and if “ Wrtp Savace”’ cannot obtain all of them I
would recommend that the following should not be left out of
“his herbaceous border :—

Theris saxatile Funkia subcordata Linum flayam
Aubrietia purpurea. Saponaria ocymoides L. perenne
Ginothera macrocarpa Carnations Fuchsias (hardy)
Echinops ruthenicus § Ponies Tritoma Uvaria
Dictamnus Fraxinella Dahlias Coreopsis lanceolata
Gentiana acaulis Heliotropes Veronica spicata
Hemerocallis flava Arabis alpina — Polygonatum wmultifio-
Delphinium formosum Alyssum saxatile Tum

, Lupinus polyphyllus Campanula pusilla alba Scilla campanulata
Dielytra spectabilis C. carpatica Saxifraga crassifolia
Solidago altissima C. carpatica alba _ Pinks
Monarda didyma Anemone Honorine Pansies
Statice Gmelini Jobert Hollyhocks

~Spirza Filipendula Doronicum austriacum Chrysanthemums

—A, HamppDING.
STRAWBERRIES ON LIGHT SOIL.

As an amateur I venture to send you a few notes on Straw-
berry culture which may interest some of your readers. About
five years ago I took possession of a garden in the eastern
counties with a southern aspect, having full exposure to the
sun and partially sheltered by surrounding buildings, which,
however, greatly aggravate the destructive force of south-
easterly winds in the spring and south-westerly gales in
autumn. The soil was very poor and light, with gravel at
2 feet from the surface ; and the existing Strawberry beds being
evidently exhausted I at once dug them up and trenched
the ground, working-in plenty of good farmyard manure and
spread 3 inches of clay over the surface, which after being
exposed to frost all the winter was forked-in the following
spring, when runners of all the best kinds I could procure
were planted. All through the growing season the young
plants were watered when necessary, mulched, and duly looked

aiter, and by the autumn were well established for fruiting the
next year, when the crop fully repaid the trouble taken with it.

After gathering the fruit the plants were watered and kept free
from runners, &c., and in the winter a second dressing of clay
was given. The second season the fruit was more abundant
than the first; but though the total weight was greater the
individual berries were not so fine, and consequently only half
the beds were left for the third season and a fresh plantation
of runners made. The three-year-old plants received the same
attention as the new plantation, but the fruit of the latter
proved so superior in every way that I shall not again allow
any plants to stand over the second season, and should be
inclined to renew all annually, except for the fact that the fruit
from the two-year-old plants comss about a week later than
that from the runners, and thus helps to prolong the season—
a most desirable object in Strawberry culture, especially with
the British Queen variety, which has no later kind to follow it
at all approaching it in flayour.

As to varieties, Black Princeis the earliest, with nothing
else to recommend it. Keens’ Seedling is the best early sort,
though complainis are sometimes made of its being a bad
bearer, which I believe is owing to carelessly taking the
runners from the strongest instead of the most fruitful plants.
Alics Maud is good and a free bearer; Oscar and Roden’s
Early Prolific are worth trying, the latter in some seasons
being a few days earlier than Keens’.

For mid-season, Lucas has proved the best, being large and
when quite ripe very richly flavoured. President is very large,
and, though hardly equal to Lucas, excellent for preserving.
Sir J. Paxton and Sir Harry arealso good. Vicomtesse Héricart
de Thury is an abundant bearer of medium-sized fruit. Rivers’
Eliza seems to require some special treatment, as it does not
prove equal to what I have tasted from other gardens. Can
any of your readers say how it ought to be grown?

The best late sort is British Queen, surpassing all others
in flavour, and when fully ripened perhaps the finest fruit
grown in English gardens. Its leaves are very liable to injury
from red spider, and after the fruit is gathered, if intended to
stand a second season, it should receive special attention as to
watering and mulching. Dr. Hogg and Mr. Radclyiie seem to
be mere varieties of British Queen, and no improvement on it.
Carolina Superba is another variety of the same strain but
distinct, being much sweeter and richer than the Queen.
Frogmore Late Pine proved no later than British Queen, and
decidedly inferior to it. Elton and Eleanor are later but acid,
and the latter, though large and handsome, is too coarse to
eat after tasting the Queen. A variety that would come in
after the Queens are over, and anything like equal them in
flavour, would be a decided boon.

Ag to recent novelties I only know of one worth recommend-
ing, named Loxford Hall Seedling, which Messrs. Veitch are
now sending out. It combines the richness of one of its
parents (British Queen) with the constitution of the other
(La Constante), and will doubtless succeed in many places
where the Queen fails. I intend growing it myself, and advise
my friends to try it.

On good heavy soil anyone can grow abundant crops of
Strawberries, even on the lazy-bed system; but on lighé soils
I am persuaded that success can only be secured by carefully
preparing the ground, and if very light adding some heavy
loam orclay. Plant early and far apart, water when necessary,
and mulch, which saves much watering; and last, but not least,
allow no plants to remain over the second season.—HssEx.

AUTUMN ROSES.

‘“‘Wrntp Savace”’ has recently referred to autumn Roses.
Ican fully confirm all he says on our queen of flowers. On
the 14th and 15th of August I cut magnificent blooms of
Maréchal Niel, Gloire de Dijon (as usual always first and last
to flower), President Grevy, a most beautiful dark Rose, of
unusual excellence as an autumn Rose; indeed, it seems
specially adapted for that purpose, it not having given me any
good blooms till now. Old John Hopper again is giving fine
blooms, and last year fine blooms of it were produced from a
south border in my rosery, for, as ‘‘ Wy~p SavacEe”’’ says, I
do not grow my Roses all in one place, those doing best now
being on a north border.

Paul Neron, though he is a coarse Rose in summer, is now
throwing me some really magnificent blooms of beautiful
form; Capitaine Christy, too, has just been doing good
service. I cut some really beautiful blooms of this lovely Rose
on August 15th. Madame Victor Verdier, Madame Charles
Wood, Sénateur Vaisse, and Souvenir de la Malmaison have

August 30, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

171

been doing splendidly, the latter being now covered with fine
blooms. I cannot omit to mention Perfection des Blanches,
although of no use as a ghow variety. It is covered with buds
and blooms, and looks as if it would continue flowering for a
long time to come; indeed, there is no variety I know so
useful for cutting blooms from for the drawing-room and other
places where Roses are much used for decorating. Louis
Van Houtte is now blooming freely. Many other varieties I
could mention, but I must content myself with the few
already named.—SHROPSHIRE GARDENER.

KALOSANTHES COCCINEA CULTURE.

As greenhouse plants of easy culture, suitable alike for the |

small house of the amateur and the imposing conservatory

of the aristocrat, Kalosanthes are specially recommendable. |

Large specimens also have a telling effect in collections of
plants at the summer exhibitions.
and compact growth render the plants anything but unsightly
even when not in flower, but when covered with their glowing
trusses they are really gorgeous; they continue also a long
time in beauty. Quite small plants in 4 or 5-inch pots, each

having one stem terminating with a head of flowers, are ex- |
tremely useful for many purposes of decoration ; and plants in |
proportionally larger pots, with from six to twenty and more |

heads of flowers, are splendid objects where large plants and
rich masses of colour are required.

For producing small plants for flowering next summer cut-
tings should be inserted at the present time. Whe extremities
of strong healthy shoots should be cut off about 4 inches in
length, an inch of the base of each cutting being divested of
leaves. The cuttings after being made should lie on a shelf
for a few hours for the sap to dry-up and the wounds to heal.
Each cutting should then be firmly inserted in the centre of a

small pot in a compost of loam, crushed bricks, and silver |
sand, and be placed on a ghelf in the greenhouse, and not |
shaded from the sun. The soil must be kept moderately moist |

but by no means wet, and each cutting will emit roots speedily.
Water may then be given more freely for a short time until
the pots become quite filled with roots, when it must then be
given less copiously, and be gradually withheld as the dark
days of winter approach. The plants must remain in the

same pots on a dry light shelf throughout the winter, and for |

three months (November, December, and January), scarcely any
water should be given to them, but the leaves should be per-
mitted to become limp and flaccid, and if they lose their bright
green tint no harm will result. The partially-drying process
induces the flower heads to form in the tips of the plants, and
as the spring approaches they may be plainly felt, each tip
when pressed between the finger and thumb feeling as if it
contained a small nut. When in that state and the days
become lighter and longer the plants may be watered again,
and the limp leaves will become rigid and their pale brown
colour will change to a lively green.

They may then be shifted into their flowering pots, 48's,
potting them firmly in turfy loam and a little old dried cow
dung, incorporating also crushed bricks and charcoal freely.
The plants must still have a very light place on a shelf in the
greenhouse, and must have plenty of air to keep them dwarf
and sturdy in habit. In due time the flowers will expand, and
not many plants will be found more useful nor be more gene-
rally admired. A dozen or a hundred of such plants—as may
be required—should be grown in all gardens where attractive
flowers are coveted during the early summer months. Few
plants can be produced more easily, and scarcely any flower
with greater certainty when managed as above described, but
it is important that no delay occurs in inserting the cuttings.
T have occasionally had good flowering plants from cuttings
inserted in September, but August is the better month.

When the plants have ceased flowering water should be
partially withheld, and they should be cut-down to within 4 or
5 inches of the root. Fresh growths will then form, which
must be thinned-out to the number required, and the plants
be repotted, removing a portion of the old soil. Growth should
be encouraged until October, when the plants should be partially
dried as before. When cut-down early and well managed the
young growths will flower the following year, but otherwise
they will not all do so; and when really fine plants are re-
quired it is well to have two sets of them, so that a clear
Summer’s growth can be afforded—one set of plants flowering,
and the others growing for the following year’s display. Satis-
factory resulis are then sure to follow, and plants produced

Their neat fleshy leaves |

which will do credit to any cultivator and add beauty to any
| conservatory. rae TP j
A few attractive sorts are coccinea superba, splendens,
‘Napoleon grandiflora and miniata, the first named being,
perhaps, the best of the quartet.—Ex-ExHIbiTor.

TEBBS’ UNIVERSAL TRAVELLING POT.
Unver the above rather formidable yet expressive name a
paper flower ‘‘ pot ” has been submitted to us by Messrs. Blake
and Mackenzie, which we regard as a very simple, sensible, and
serviceable invention. The following advantages are claimed
| by the inventors for this novel flower pot—great saving of

Fig. 38.
Ready for market, &c., or
carrying by hand.

time in packing, as no mossing-down is required. Plants
packed in these pots occupy considerably less than the usual
space, and, being unbreakable, can be packed close together,
thus making a saying in packages. The plants being turned
out of their ordinary pots reduces
their weight to nearly one-half,
thus reducing the important item
of carriage considerably. They are
also cheaper than ordinary pots—
an important consideration where
large quantities of plants are sent
away, as the pots they have been
growing in can be retained for home
purposes only. Where large quan-
tities of plants are sent out for im-
mediate planting or bedding, or for
market purposes, the saving of
labour and cartage will be consider-
able. :

The above engravings show how
the pots are to be used—viz., turn
a plant out of the ordinary flower
pot, and while holding the ball in
one hand place one of the paper
pots over it, press it down, and fold
down the flaps; these keep the whole in shape. They are
made of strong brown paper lined with a waterproof material
to retain the moisture about the roots, thus preventing the
plants suffering through any delay in transit. Upon arriving
at their destination they can be replaced into the same sized
pots from whence they were originally taken, or shifted into
larger, or planted out as required. The paper pots are made
at a cheap rate of various sizes from 24 inches to 6 inches in
diameter, and larger sizes will afterwards be introduced if
required.

Fig. 37.
Showing plant placed in one
of the pots.

Fig. 39.
Plant packed for sending long
distances.

THE ROSE ELECTION.

Very hurriedly a line in reply to “‘ H. C.’s” suggestion as to
the limit of seventy-two varieties instead of forty-eight. I think
I recognise him and wish I could meet his views, but already
several of those named have returned their voting papers,
though Iam sorry to add that thus far the nurserymen are
sadly in arrears, and comparatively few have returned lists.
Tam afraid the suggestion coming so late would rather inter-
fere with the present election. I have no objection to try and
meet him this way. Very few amateurs, I fancy, ever stage
seventy-two, and it would perhaps interfere with the election

172 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 30, 1877.

to suggest seventy-two to any but the largest amateur growers.
If H.C.” will use his influence with, say, 2 dozen of the
southern growers, getting them to name seventy-two, I will on
receiving the replies from him tabulate the results after the
forty-eight election.

To the forty-eight exhibition Rose election I shall be glad to
have replies without delay.
for closing open to the middle of September, and want replies
from successful exhibitors, marking—Ilst, the best twelve
exhibition Roses; 2nd, the next best twelve, and then the
next best twenty-four. If placed in order of merit, so much
the better.—JosrrH Hinton, Warminster.

GRAPHS.

Some time ago a Grape was brought out (I think by Messrs.
Veitch & Sons) called the Champion Muscat. Referring to
their catalogue just issued, as well as to those of some other
nurserymen, I find no mention is made of it in their list of
Grapes. Can anyone tell me why this is the case? as here it
is one of the very finest both in bunch and berry that I ever
saw—it is simply grand, and the flavour is superb; in my esti-
mation it is the best Grape I ever tasted. I have seen it
described as a grizzle in colour, here it is a rich red purple,
certainly not a black, but a beautiful colour with a light bloom.
It is a strong grower, and ripens well in'a cool house or even a
ground vinery. Taking it altogether it is the most desirable
Grape Lhave. Then why is it no longer in the lists of Grapes ?

My Venn’s Muscat has proved itself totally distinct from
the old Muscat Hamburgh, its growth being exceedingly strong
andit is extremely prolific. Even now, though the fruit is nearly
ripe, fresh bunches are continually appearing on the laterals.
The flavour is different to the Muscat Hamburgh, and it ripens
well in a cool house. The berries are not so large as the old
variety, but still of fair size, therefore I place it as good, and
later than the Muscat Champion. I have also a house of Mrs.
Pince’s Muscat, a wonderful crop and colouring well. How is
it that one scarcely ever sees this fine Grape well finished ?
Madresfield Court is doing well, but does not come up to the
foregoing. Ihave planted a Duke of Buccleuch, but it seems
delicate. Has anyone done well withit? It is a weak grower
with me, but I think very highly of it as a white Grape, and
Pearson’s Golden Queen as an amber from what I have seen
and tasted; but, as I have said at the beginning of this
article, the Grape of Grapes for me is the Champion Muscat.
—Harrison WER, Weirleigh, Brenchley, Kent.

THE POTATO DISEASE IN SOUTH WALES.

I HAvE seen Potatoes grown and Potatoes diseased in many
parts of the country, but I never saw them so badly affected
as they are in this neighbourhoad this season. Until about
the middle of July there were no signs of spot or blemish on
‘stem or tuber, but then we had much muggy mild wet weather ;
and since then Potatoes have gone bad on all soils in a most
violent manner. Many of them became quite black and de-
cayed in the stems in a few nights, and the roots were affected
as quickly. Rivers’ Royal Ashleai Kidney was one of the
worst, and although the tubers were lifted and dried and
stored in a shed carefully, many of those which looked perfectly
sound have since become soft and decayed. Gloucestershire
Kidney was not quite so much decayed as Rivers’, but the
Cornish Kidney is much worse. Prince of Wales, Giant King,
Early Mealy, Model, Robson’s Champion, Walnut-leaf Kidney,
and Snowflake are so bad that not over ten per cent. of them
are fit for use. The only two kinds which remain good- are
Bresee’s King of the Harlies and Climax. Like all the others
the crop of these is heavy, and it is to be regretted they are
not drier when cooked. King of the Harlies especially is very
seldom mealy. Our late varieties, which include Paterson’s
Victoria, Paterson’s Blues, Regents, Rocks, and Sutton’s Red-
skin Flourball, are not lifted yet, but I fear they will be as bad
as the others, as the stems are quite black.

Several writers have advised lifting the roots as soon as the
stems show signs of becoming black, let the tubers be rips or
unripe. With the exception of Rivers’ not one of ours was
ripe when the stems became black, and many of them not half
swelled, As yet I have failed to learn, either by practice or
reading, that lifting these half-swelled Potatoes is the best
thing to do to preserve them when attacked by the disease.
Wet weather is the sure propagator and promoter of disease,
A few days’ rain will start decay, and should wet continue

I propose now to leave the date |
\ they ?

it will progress rapidly; but when dry weather follows the
the disease is checked and ceases to spread, while the tubers
continue swelling and become matured. But what is the
result when the tubers are lifted at the first appearance of
disease before they are much more than half swelled or half
ripe? Simply this, such Potatoes are never good for food;
and as for seed, they are not fit to plant anywhere. How can
What kind of produce would any gardener expect from
such as Peas or any other kitchen-garden seed which was
gathered before it was half grown and put away into some
shed to shrivel up and dry? Plant Potatoes next year from
those lifted before they were matured this season and they may
grow, but their growth will be weak and their constitution
weaker, and therefore much more subject to disease. For
these reasons I am never in too great a hurry to lift Potatoes
until I am sure they are ripening, even although a few more
of them should fall a prey to the plague.

In a wet season like this I do not think situation is of much
avail to ward off the disease. We have Potatoes growing in three
different gardens, in light soil and heavy soil, and they are all
much the same. In the cottage gardens, where some are high,
some low, some surrounded by trees and others fully exposed,

none have escaped. The farmers have not begun to lift their

field crops yet, but I see the stems there are also black and
withering up. Altogether it is one of the most unprosperous
Potato years that has ever been known about here; and I
doubt it is not much better all over Wales, as Mr. Pettigrew,
the Marquis of Bute’s gardener at Cardiff Castle, and Mr.
Slater, Lord Cawdor’s gardener at Stackpool, told me the
other day that there was great cause for complaint in those
districts.—J. Muir, Margam Park.

THE ROSEH’S HISTORY.

Tuer Rose was known more than 2500 years ago, for it is
mentioned both by Solomon and Isaiah. It could not escape
their notice, for it is common in Judea. Sandys, one of our
earliest travellers, found Roses wild and abundant near Jeru-
salem ; and Doubleday, another early traveller, mentions that
there were hedges formed of Rose bushes. In the flower
market at Athens it held a prominent position, for the Greeks
esteemed it the most beautiful of flowers, and therefore appro-
priately dedicated it to Venus. All the Roman writers on the
culture of the soil include special directions for the propagation
and management of Roses.
was dedicated to Aurora, of love and beauty to Venus, of
danger and instability to Cupid. It was given by the latter as
® bribe to Harpocrates the god of silence; whence perhaps
originated the custom, of which we are told by Rosenbergius,
that obtained among the northern nations of Europe, of sus-
pending a Rose from the ceiling over the upper end of their
tables when it was intended that what passed at their enter-
tainments should besecret., And this undoubtedly is the origin
of the common expression ‘‘ Under the Rose.’’? The ancients
tell us that Roses originally were white, but were changed to
red by the blood of Venus when her feet were lacerated by
their prickles in her attempt to protect Adonis from the rage
of Mars. Theocritus, and Bion, however, are of opinion that
it was the blood of Adonis himself that altered their colour.
Another tale relates that Cupid, leading a dance in heayen,
stumbled and overset a bowl of nectar, which falling upon
the earth stained the Rose. Ausonius has made the Rose
blush from the blood of Cupid. Busbequius informs us that
the Turks have a similar superstition upon the subject,
and believe that Roses originated from the sweat of their
prophet Mahomet. Nor has the ingenuity of monkish writers
been at a loss to stamp Roses in some measure with divinity,
though in a different manner. Marulus tells a story of a holy
virgin named Dorothea, who suffered martyrdom in Cmsarea
under the government of Fabricius, and who conyerted to.
Christianity a scribe named Theophilus by sending him some
Roses in the winter time out of Paradise. A golden Rose was
considered so honourable a present that none but crowned
heads were thought worthy either to give or to receive it.
Roses of this kind were sometimes consecrated by the Popes
upon Good Friday, and given to such potentates as it was
their particular interest or wish to load with favours; the
flower itself being an emblem of the mortality of the body, and
the metal of which it was composed of the immortality of the
soul. Boéthius says that William King of Scotland received a
present of this sort from Pope Alexander III., and Henry VIII.
is recorded to have had a similar gift from Alexander VI. The

As the emblem of youth the Rose ~

August 80, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

173

seal of Luther, which is well known to have been a Rose,
may haye been symbolical of the same things as the golden
presents of the Popes. Roses were employed by the Roman
emperors 88 @ means of conferring honours upon their most
famous generals, whom they allowed to add a Rose to the
ornaments of their shields, a custom which continued long
after the Roman empire had ceased to exist, and the vestiges
of which may yet be traced in the armorial bearings of many
of the ancient noble families of Europe.

Itis a mistake to suppose that double Roses are of some-
what modern origin, since they are particularly mentioned by
Herodotus, Athenzus, and Theophrastus, and more especially
by Pliny, who enumerates several sorts, among which is a
centifolia. It is remarkable that Pliny does not mention the
Rose of Pastum, nor any growing in that neighbourhood.
This omission makes it impossible even to guess at what was
meant by the ‘‘biferi Rosaria Pasti.’”” The only Rose Mr.
Woods found about Pestum was R. sempervirens.

The name Rose is derived by De Theis from the Celtic
rhodd or rhudd, signifying red, whence, he thinks, have origi-
nated the synonymous names rhos in Armorican, rodon in
Greek, and rosha in Sclayonian.

The Rose was first assumed as a device by Edward III.’s
sons. John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, adopted the red
Rose, and his brother Edward, Duke of York, adopted the white
Roze. By marriage in 1486 the two Roses were united and
became the royal badge of England. The 67th Regiment,
called also the South Hampshire Regiment, bear what is termed
““The Hampshire Rose’’ as a badge on their colours. The
legend is that it was given to the Hampshire trained bands
by Henry V. for their gallantry at the Battle of Agincourt.
Mr. Reynolds Hole says that the Rose, born in the east, has
been diffused, like the sunlight, over all the world. A flower,
writes Pliny, known to all nations equally with wine, Myrtle,
andoil. It is found in every quarter of the globe—on glaciers,
in deserts, on mountains, in marshes, in forests, in valleys,
and on plains. The Hsquimausx, as, Boitard tells us in his
interesting ‘‘ Monographie de la Rose,’”’ adorn their hair and
their raiment of deer and seal skin with the beautiful blossoms
of the Rosa nitida, which grows abundantly under their stunted
shrubs. The Creoles of Georgia twine the white flowers of
Rosa levigata among their sable locks, plucking them from
the lower branches of climbing plants which attach them-
selves to the garden trees of the forest, and bloom profusely
on their boles and boughs. The parched shores of the Gulf
of Bengal are covered during the spriog with a beautiful white
Rose, found also in China and Nepaul; while in vast thickets
of the beautiful Rosa sempervirens (a native also of China)
the tigers of Bengal and the crocodiles of the Ganges are
known to lie in wait for their prey. The north-west of Asia,
which has been called the fatherland of the Rose, introduces
to our notice the Rosa centifolia, the most esteemed and
renowned of all, with which the fair Georgians and Circassians
enhance their fairness.

In modern times Lyte, writing in 1578, says the calyx was
then called ‘‘ the five brothers of the Rose, whereof two have
beards, two have none, and the fifth hath but half a one.”
He says the white Rose was the Rosa Damascena; the red
Roses were called ‘‘ of the common people Double Roses;” a
third kind were called Roses of Provence and Damaske Roses ;
a fourth kind smelling of cassia was the Civet Rose or Bastard
Musk Rose; and a fifth the Musk Rose. Parkinson, in 1629,
states that he had ‘thirty sorts at the least, every one notably
diffsrent from the other, and all in the garden fit to be enter-
tained.” The double yellow, he adds, was introduced from
Constantinople ‘ by Master Nicholas Lete, a worthy merchant
of London ;” but his trees failed, and it was subsequently
established here by another merchant, ‘Master John de
Franqueville.” Tobel, in 1581, published engravings of ten
Species, but Dr. Lindley in his ‘* Rosarum Monographia” par-
ticularises 101 species. There are now probably more than
three thousand varieties, for in 1829 Desportes published a
catalogue of 2562. ;

WILD FLOWERS FOR DECORATION.
Puerecia Saxirraca (Burnet-leaved Saxifrage) has umbels
of exquisite white flowers, compact in growth; the stem is
firm, and the whole plant fairy-like. Just now I have vases,
&e., filled with it and Purple Heath; Ferns as foliage. It
grows most abundantly on Red Hill, and no doubt on most com-
mons; looked down upon the flowers seem like most delicate

lace. I find wild flowers most effective when massed. Snow-
drops dotted about in moss, Cowslips and Bluebells, Prim- |
roses and their leaves, Forget-me-nots and Sweet Woodruff,
Ox-eye Daisies, Bluebottles, fresh grass flowers, and a little
scarlet are charming. For foliage nothing can be prettier than
Tansy (such lovely shades of yellow-green), Cow Parsley, or
Earth Nut.

Of all our wild flowers Ox-eye Daisies are the most effective
for decoration. They set off exotics well, and last a very
long time.—Boranist, Red Hill.

OUTDOOR PEACH-GROWING.

Ir is to be feared that not only is the Peach crop scantyfthis
year, but that the trees themselves are in many cases irre-
parably injured. Such I am sorry to say is the case with
many of them here, although they were covered with frigi domo
every cold night from the 27th of February till Jane. They
also had coping-boards more than a foot wide above them, and
I am almost positive that the frost never actually touched
them once. We have generally had much lower temperatures
and the trees haye gone through unscathed, but the lower tem-
peratures have seldom lasted so long, and Peaches have rarely
been so forward as they were last February. On the 27th of
that month many flowers were fully expanded; the covering
was put on them for the first time, and we had 11° frost; 12°
followed the night after, and this was the lowest temperature
registered during the season. But much dull weather with
east wind came next, which had the effect of producing a semi-
congelation of sap, and causing the trees to remain in a glorious
mass of bloom for a longer time than I ever remember to have
noticed before. It is always a bad sign when the bloom re-
mains long on fruit trees, they must be moving forward or they
will go back. The cutting east wind rendered progression im-
possible, therefore they did go back, and the memory of the
gorgeous bloom is nearly all we have left to pay for our trouble.

Well, what is to be done? Shall we giveit up? Oh,no! I
think to be successful three years out of four with outdoor
Peaches in this country is much more than we have a right to
expect. We may not have such another untoward season
during the next decade. ‘ But it takes a decade to grow a
Peach tree to a fair size.” I know it does according to one
system of growing it, but there are at least two other systems
by which a wall may be completely furnished in two or three
years, and they both have the advantage of being much more
simple than the orthodox plan. One is the cordon, and this
is, perhaps, as good as any where the soil is light and poor;
the other system I do not know what to call it, and must
therefore attempt to describe it. Maiden plants are placed
against a wall upright, about 4 feet apart, and the laterals,
instead of being stopped as for a cordon, are tacked-in at
regular intervals and obliquely on each side. To make the
most of the time the trees must be planted as early in
November as it is safe to move them, and the knife must not
be used on them till the following midsummer unless to re-
move au odd shoot from the back of them. Any superfluous
shoots may be partially disbudded in spring, and finally re-
moved with a clean cut when the leaves are fully grown. It
is possible with this system to have a wall fully covered and
a fair crop of fruit in little more than two years and a half
from the time of planting maiden trees.

Although all the older trees have suffered more or less from
the severity of the weather, none of the maidens planted last
autumn have done badly, but are now in excellent health,
owing, I think, to their having received a check through re-
moval, and consequently starting into growth at a more fayour-
able season.

I have an idea of planting several screens of Hornbeam
across the borders at right angles with the wall as a shelter
from the east wind.

For constitution, quality, and succession, perhaps ‘he follow-
ing half-dozen sorts are as good as any—viz., Hariy Beatrice,
Early Louise, Hale’s Early Grosse Mignonne, B. liegarde, and
Barrington. Three good Nectarives are Lord \ «pier, Violette
Hative, and Pitmaston Orange.-—Wui1am TArLor.

TROPHOLUM SPECIOSUM.

Tnoricep that at a late meeting of tle Floral Committee
Mr. Wilson exhibited s spray of this ch.sming creeper, which
he had grown successfully in @ shay place. I have been
equally successful in growing it in te full sun, so much so

174

that my friends in Scotland from whom I procured the bulbs
were very much surprised to find that it had flowered with me,
as it has done, the first year. Iam therefore hopeful that we
may succeed down south with it as well as in Scotland, and
I intend myself to try it in various aspects this next season.
In Scotland it is almost a weed; in fact I heard of one place
in which it was treated as such. But we have not arrived
quite at that yet, still it is satisfactory to find that it can be
grown in the south.—D., Deal.

HOW TO MAKE MUSHROOM BEDS.

THE season ig near at hand when those who intend to grow
Mushrooms during the winter will have to do their best to
procure good materials for making beds to grow this delicious
esculent. No doubt many will say there are plenty of in-
structions before the public already whereby the merest tyro
<an find sufficient information, and that practical men do
not need lectures on this head. All very well; but still I
may have my say about the affair, being no novice in the
matter. Thirty years ago I had Mushroom beds in a brick
pit where Melons were grown during summer, and in which a
small pipe gave surface heat. This pit was cleared during
September preparatory to forming the Mushroom beds. Those
beds yielded a long succession of good Mushrooms, and so
strong in them was the run of the spawn that it came right
through the brickwork, and very good Mushrooms grew all
along where the path joined the wall.

During last autumn I prepared materials much in the same
way as I had done thirty years ago, but this time the bed
was made in an outhouse in which we could not command any
‘heat.. This bed was made up about the middle of October,
and, as in the former case, I had the dung from the bottom of
& deep pit into which the dung from the stables had been thrown
during the summer months. Hight or ten cartloads of this
manure had become white while pressed down in the dung pit;
during this time it had become one mass of white mouldi-
ness. We forked out the longest of the litter, not rejecting
the short bits of straw, and took good care while it was laid
in a heap outdoors that no rain fell upon it. When it gave
evidence there would not be any violent heat in the bed when
made up, we had it takenindoors. About three good cartloads
were placed in one bed, having about four barrowfuls of good
fresh soil mixed with this manure, thus giving the bed sub-
stance and firmness after being well trodden down, which is
much better than beds made up entirely of dried horse drop-
pings, in which case they are often a mere soft fluffy heap of
short dry dung, and but seldom bear over half the time beds
generally do when prepared as stated above. Our bed was
about 18 inches deep, and as the first violent heat in the dung
had been spent while in the dung pit we had no violent heat
sin the bed, and therefore we could spawn it the sooner. This
bed began yielding rather sparingly early in December, but
afterwards yielded abundantly, and continued doing so for
seven months. Always give a good depth to Mushroom beds,
they repay well for it; and do not make them with damp
materials, which often give off a violent heat at first and short
yieldings.—G. Dawson, St. John’s Nursery, Worcester.

VARIORUM NOTES ON ROSES—PERENNIALS.

I can endorse much that “ Wryip Savace”’ says about au-
tumn-blooming Roses. Pierre Notting does not do well in the
summer, because, like most dark Roses and all that have much
tint of purple, it cannot stand sun. The same is especially
true of Mons. Boncenne, which is rarely seen good except
shaded. Here I never cut a perfect bloom unless there has
been nearly a fortnight of dull weather. For perpetual bloom-
ing recommend me to La France; there is no other Rose to
touch it except Gloire de Dijon and the old Monthly. The
reason why Emilie Hausburg so often does best in autumn is
that its bud is round instead of conical, and the outer petals
are hardly large enough. There is no more perfect-shaped
Rose when it has time given it to expand, but hot dry weather
and long sunny days do not suit it. Another Rose he has not
mentioned is Thomas Methven, another of the round-budded
flowers, but one of the most beautiful at times, still a hard
Opener in summer. Again, for autumn-blooming there are
three Noisettes—America, Céline Forestier, and Triomphe de
Rennes ; and why should we omit the old Général Jacqueminot ?
Charles Lefebvre is anotlier of those Roses which require shade
in the middle of the day. Madame Victor Verdier, Alfred

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 30, 1877.

Colomb, and Marie Baumann are generally better in summer
than autumn ; but as a rule few Roses can stand early pruning,
then severe weather in March and April followed with hot dry
weather in May and June, and where Roses are pruned early
in early soils many of the Roses come to maturity too soon.

‘““Wrynp SavacE’’ has in his notes on Roses touched from
time to time on several points on which I feel inclined to add
afew remarks. First as to disbudding. Iam sure that this
may be overdone, especially as it adds much to the merit of
a stand in close competition to see good extra buds and foliage.
Some few kinds, as Baroness Rothschild, Paul Neron, and a
few others, if I may use the expression, seem to disbud them-
selves, as it is seldom that one sees more than one bud on
stem ; but some of our strong-growing sorts, as John Hopper,
can stand the extra buds without injuring the blooms.

Again, is it not a mistake for amateurs who wish to exhibit
in thirty-six and forty-eight to grow too few kinds? There
are many neglected sorts, as Francois Louvat, M. Boutin,
Duckesse de Morny, Madame Caillat, Berthe Baron, Cécile de
Chabrillant, Duchesse de Caylus, Madame C. Wood, and others
I could name which ought to be more grown. I agree with
him that Annie Wood is capricious, but I occasionally cut
Roses from it worthy of any stand. Madame Clemence Joig-
neaux and Antoine Ducher are another pair of good old Roses
which are in danger of being cast on one side, though perhaps
neither of them will do for exhibition purposes. Another Rose
I have seen very good is Clement Marot, and also Lord Suffield.
No Rose oftener disappoints me than Mons. Noman; the least
damp weather and the petals glue together. The same is the
case with Madame Lacharme. I have not, unfortunately,
been in the way of seeing new Roses this year, and should like
to know if any of the new ones beat Marquise de Castellane,
Etienne Levet, and Miss Hassard in their colours: the latter
seems to me a real acquisition. Shall I be talking treason
when I say I cannot think Cheshunt Hybrid can ever be a very
perfect exhibition Rose? It grows well with me, blooms freely,
but always hangs its head and is rough and quartered. I
know Mr. George Paul sets great store by it, but I think he
has sent out many a better. It seems to me, if that can be
the case, as if it had three crosses of blood in it—a cross
between a Tea and a Bourbon, crossed again with Duke of
Edinburgh or a Hybrid Perpetual of that class. At all events
there is so little of the true Tea in it that it can hardly be
classed amongst the Teas. Wilson Saunders seems a very fine-
coloured Rose and stands the sun well. I should like to know
other persons’ experience with regard to it.

A question has been asked and answered as to zinc labels. ~
Is it not more likely true that shoots on which labels are
fastened die away because persons are too fond of keeping in
the old wood on which the label is fastened instead of cutting
it away and tying a new one on to a fresh shoot? The older
shoots on trees, especially on the Manetti stock, are more aptto
die away than younger. Indeed, as I have before said in your
Journal, it is the nature of Roses to recuperate themselves
from the base; and if you wish to have good blooms and
strong shoots always cut away all shoots that are more than
two years old. This of course does not apply to standards or
wall-trained trees.

What course would ‘‘Wynp Savacr”’? recommend me to
adopt to grow Tea Roses in the open ground in this part of
Yorkshire? Some do fairly well, but they are generally disap-
pointing. I will in return give him a list of perennials for his
perennial border; but I shall promise him it shall not be a
very long one, for let him beware of the snare of trying to grow
too many kinds on the same border and same aspect. Add
to those he has named good varieties of Pentstemons, and Del.
phiniums, and Gladioli; and for early blooming Antirrhinums,
Sweet Williams, with Polyanthuses, Auriculas, and Anemones
for front of the border, to be followed afterwards with Sedum
Fabaria or spectabile and other dwarf Sedums. Another plant
to be added, though not strictly perennial, is Myosotis dissiti-
flora; and patches of Golden Thyme, if not allowed to over-
grow, look well in front. But the proper place for a perennial
border is in front of a shrubbery and not too near the house,
in my opinion.—C. P. P.

TRIGONIDIUM OBTUSUM.

Tuts is a pretty though small Orchid, native of tropical
America, with few coriaceous leaves and orange-brown flowers.
This genus is scarcely known in cultivation, and botanically is
quite distinct from every other. It belongs to the Vanden.

August 30, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

175

The species are all epiphytal, and bear solitary flowers on erect
scapes; the sepals are nearly equal, forming a tube below and
Spreading above. The petals of T. obtusum are very small,
almost hidden within the tube, and the labellum is even still
smaller. It is easily cultivated in a warm house, and several
plants in a pot make an attractive specimen.—L. K.

VICTORIA PARK.

SITUATED as it is in a neighbourhood densely populated by
the industrial classes, this Park serves an important purpose,
and serves it admirably, of affording wholesome means of
exercise and recreation to those to whom such provision is
especially beneficial, and, which is particularly gratifying, is
warmly appreciated. None of the metropolitan parks are
more thoroughly enjoyed than this is, and none are more
worthy of the patronage that is bestowed on it by the many
thousands of visitors who seek repose in its shady walks, take
exercise on its ample lakes, and derive salutary gratification
trom its brilliant flowers. Owing to the extent and excellence
of the floral decorations in past years Victoria Park has won
much more than local fame—fame which has increased yearly,
and which is splendidly sustained in the display of the present
‘Season. Those who delight in witnessing examples of floral
decoration in various aspects—old-fashioned mixed border
ornamentation Savouring of the taste of the past, middle-aged
lawn embellishment as exemplified in the Geranium-massing
Period, and modern artistic decoration embodied in semi-
tropical masses and geometrical carpet beds—can enjoy all
these modes, and the best examples of each, in this attractive
Park. The skilful Superintendent of Victoria Park, Mr.
McIntyre, takes a broad and comprehensive view of the sub-
ject of garden ornamentation. He is alive to the fact that the
British public, for whose benefit the public parks were estab-
lished, have varied tastes, and haye a habit of closely examin-
ing and keenly criticising their floral fare, and hence he pro-
vides accordingly, and the provision is varied and excellent.
‘He has no sympathy with those who denounce any one style
of garden decoration, but, on the contrary, believes that each
System is worthy of his best efforts. The mixed border has its
own charms and its appropriate position, and so with floral
Masses and carpet beds. Heis right. Does anyone doubt it?
Remove, then, in fancy, for it is not likely to be so in fact, any
one of these features from the Park, and the blank created
will settle the point.

The beauty of the flowers in this Park is greatly enhanced
‘by their setting—the handsome evergreens, especially Hollies,
and the rich greenery of the deciduous trees and shrubs.
‘These form a background and a foil which contribute in a
powerful manner to the general effect. Take the small
division, for instance, known as the West Park. The flowers
are bright and beautiful unquestionably, but this portion would
not be nearly so attractive were it not for the grand pyramids
of Hollies. These, judiciously disposed, relieve what would
otherwise be a tiring monotony of colour. A large circular
raised mound in this division of the Park is especially note-
worthy. _It is surmounted with fine cones of variegated
Hollies, literally in a ‘ring fence””—namely, a dwarf hedge
of Aucubas. From the hedge to the walk the ground slopes
sharply, and is effectively planted with flowers in concentric
rings, festoons, and diamonds of contrasting colours, such as
Coleuses, Centaureas, Geraniums, Golden Feather, &c., edged
with Kcheverias. This fine group is near the south-west entrance
of the Park, and worthily commands much notice from the
visitors. But bold as itis, it is only a trifle—an appetiser of the
feast to follow. Turning one’s back on this first instalment
we find the mixed border stretching away on the left, a broad
fringe to the belt of trees and shrubs which mark the western
boundary of the park. This flower border is 7 or 8 feet wide
aud nearly a mile long. The order of planting, to speak para-
doxically, consists in its irregularity. In this border there
is always something to attract. In the early spring the bulbs
which have been planted freely contribute their meed of
beauty. A fine collection of Irises follow with clumps of spring
flowers, notably the Iberises. I. corifolia is represented by large
dense semi-globular plants, which in the early summer are
masses of purity. This, one of the finest of hardy border plants,
is planted alternately and at intervals of a few yards with earlier-
flowering sorts, such as I. sempervirens and others. Then
there are Pinks, sweet common Pinks, by hundreds, with the
contrasting blue of stately Delphiniums. Campanulas, Antir-
thinums, Phloxes, Foxgloves, Lilies, annuals, &c., contribute

their share of beauty during the summer, and in the autumn the
Helianthuses, Dahlias, Michaelmas Daisies, and Tritomas are
the principal ‘‘ back plants,” and fine they are, with Gladioluses,
China Asters; &c., in front. Between the border and the
broad walk is a stretch of well-kept lawn containing flower
beds at intervals filled with Geraniums, Verbenas, Calceo-
larias, &c., and the effect of one style of decoration increases
that of the other. In these isolated beds the newer varieties
of Geraniums are grown, and such of them as prove worthy are
afterwards honoured by a place in the chief flower garden.

This is in the next division of the Park, and passing by several
beds of Yuccas (how splendidly Y. recurva flourishes here!) it
is soon reached. It is on the opposite side of the walk, and is
in a large recess—that is, the lawn containing the flower beds
has a bold crescent-shaped background of trees and shrubs.
Between the flowers and the shrubs further relief is afforded
by some fine specimens of American Aloes in tubs. The
flower beds are large, and are uniform and simple in outline—
circles of about 10 feet in diameter, and oblongs of the same
width and from 20 to 40 feet long between the circles. The
front row of beds next the broad walk are carpet beds and are
strikingly beautiful, the remaining beds—the oblongs—being
chiefly planted with Geraniums, with one or two in the back
circular line of Ageratum mexicanum. The round beds are
nearly all planted with Coleus Verschaffelti—beds which for
perfectness of outline and richness of colour have never been
surpassed. Good and well-worked soil, free healthy plants,
and very close planting have produced these fine beds. They
are edged with such contrasting colours as Gnaphalium lana-
tum, variegated Geraniums, Golden Stellaria, and dwarf
Lobelias. The Golden Chickweed is in splendid colour, much
brighter than the Golden Feather. It has been stated that
before Geraniums are admitted into this garden they must
have given proof of their satisfying qualities as bedders.
They are tested simply on their merits. An old sort is not
despised because it is old, nor over-estimated because it is
new. It must be good, have upright trusses, free, level, dis-
tinct, and continuous, and then it matters not from whence
it came or at what date it was introduced, it has a place of
honour in this design, where nothing must be left to chance,
but every bed must be as perfect as it is possible to produce it.
Note now the few Geraniums that come up to the high stan-
dard required. Asa strong grower for large back beds Lucius
is unsurpassed ; a8 a medium grower of glowing crimson colour
Waltham Seedling is pre-eminent ; while another of Mr. Paul’s
varieties (Nimrod) makes the best orange-scarlet beds; and ag
a pure dwarf scarlet Vesuvius bears the palm. The best of all
the pinks is Cleopatra, but Christine is also not yet discarded,
and the best salmon is the old Madame Rudersdorff. The beds
of the sorts named are simply grand, and to all appearance
will continue so for some time, while those of some of the
newer sorts with larger trusses, produced more or less ‘ side-
ways,’’ have been injured beyond recovery by the late rains.
The scarlet beds are chiefly banded with silver-variegated
Geraniums, and edged with Lobelias; and the pinks with soft
yellow-leaved Geraniums and silver Gnaphaliums. ‘There are
a few light beds, one for instance of the old friend Flower of
the Day; but Princess Alexandra is perhaps the best bedder
in this section, and as an edging plant none surpass Flower of
Spring. These Geraniums, associated with such plants as
Iresine Lindeni, which is extensively and well grown here,
afford an agreeable change to the higher colours. The best
yellow edging Geranium is Robert Fish. Creed’s Seedling is
also good, and Crystal Palace Gem makes an agreeable bed.
The edgings of Lobelias here demand special notice. Blue
Stone is dark and fairly compact, but L. pumila grandiflora
surpasses all others by its close cushion-like growth and its
wonderful profusion of bright blue flowers. These edgings
can only be expressed in one word—excellent. One large bed
of singular form in the centre of the group is distinct from the
others; it is much raised and is very conspicuous. Itis along
scroll-like bed with bold triangular spurs. In the centre of each
wing is a triangle of Mrs. Pollock Geranium followed in order
with broad bands of Coleus, silver-variegated Geranium,
Tresine Lindeni, Robert Fish Geranium, and two rows of
Echeveria secunda glauca—an arrangement which is strikingly
effective.

There remain yet the carpet beds to be noticed. What can
be said about them? An ‘‘inner voice” whispers, ‘‘ Let them
alone”—prudent advice which one would gladly follow were
it possible that all who are interested could visit the beds and
see for themselves; but they cannot, and yet they would like

176

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 30, 1877.

some idea of their nature. The beds are in duplicate—some
round, others oblong. They are all carpeted with the smooth
green Mentha (M. Pulegium gibraltarica). How suddenly
popular has this plant become! How marvellous has been its
increase! No plant, not even Golden Feather, established
its position as a general favourite more quickly. But what
beside the Mentha? Let just one bed be noticed as an
example, an oblong bed 20 feet long by about 12 feet wide.
The carpet of this square is Mentha. From the centre of
the bed rises another bed about 4 or 5 feet long and 3 wide;
it is distinctly above the Mentha level. The sides—the batter
—being planted with two tiers of Echeveria secunda glauca,
with an inner row, just on the level, of the green Semper-
vivum arvense. The surface of the bed is divided into longi-
tudinal panels with curved lines of Echeverias, the interspaces
being filled with Alternantheras. In the centre is a plant
of Sempervivum tabuleforme in a narrow ring of Golden
Feather. At each end of the raised square and at proper
distances from it are two round beds raised above the Mentha
in the same manner. They are 3 fect in diameter. The
edges and centres are the same as in the square elevation.
In the body of each centre is formed a star, the rays being of
Echeverias and narrow wire-like lines of Golden Feather, the
interspaces being filled with Alternantheras in brilliant colour,
with a single plant of Pachyphyton in each spur.
is rich yet chaste. The other beds are of the same character,
but with a different and well-wrought-out geometrical pattern
in the carpet of Mentha. The narrow golden streaks of Pyreth-
rum in these beds have a cheerful effect. ‘‘ Don’t like yellow
in carpet beds,” does someone mutter? Well, others do, and
even those who do not are provided for: for leave this bril-
liant example of flower gardening and follow a twisting walk
between the shrubs, stealing a glimpse in passing through the
vistas and admiring the scenery beyond—richly clad mounds
of foliage, smooth dells, and glistening water scenes, and you
arrive at another group of beds with not a flower in them, and
no yellow foliage. Here note the luxuriance of the “‘ tropicals”

—the Wigandias, Cannas, Indiarubbers, Loquats, &c., and the
Look at the quiet |

Fern-like masses of Acacia lophantha.
carpet bed at your feet—no colour there, all is neutral. The
carpet is of Sedum glaucum dotted with Cactuses, Haworthias,
Gasterias, and dwarf Aloes. Does that please? ‘‘Too tame”
is it, Mr. Hypercritic? Well, pass on, there is much to admire
en route—the trees, the shrubs, and the ‘‘peeps’’ between
them, and yet another series of carpet beds compels a pause.
The beds are nearly all round, and all are planted differently,
some soft, some gay, but all beautiful. Describe them. No,
an emphatic no. Go and see them and—find fault. Look at
the central bed—the scroll. It is called the ‘‘ jewel bed ”—a
happy neme, for the small bright designs and single plants at
wide intervals in the broad green expanse of Mentha render
the name appropriate.

No doubt many turn from these beds with a feeling of dis-
appcintment. Why? Because they cannot produce the like at
home; and why not? Let Mr. McIntyreanswer. He has been
a successful gentleman’s gardener, and now he is a successful
Government park superintendent, but he admits readily and
willingly that as a private gardener he could not achieve such
high-class decorative results. In a gentleman’s garden a
hundred things require attention; the resources are divided,
and decoration and bedding can only have its share. Here in
the Park it is the one object, and all the resources, all the
conveniences, all the skill are devoted to that object, hence
success. Itis only fair to mention this. Yet let all visit the
parks of London who can do so, for they will gain from them
many a hint that will serve them well in their home duties.

Much more in Victoria Park deserves to be noticed—many
excellent isolated beds. In one the new dark green carpet
plant Herniaria glabra, or rather an old plant devoted to a
new purpose. It is hardy, close-growing, and arich full green.
The rockery so varied with alpine gems, Cactuses, Aloes, Hy-
drangeas, Palms, and Monsteras; the groves and avenues all
Imerit inspection and approval, but the mere recording of them
must now suffice.

The whole of the plants employed are raised and wintered
in small houses in the Park. In the summer the honses are
occupied with ornamental-foliaged plants, such as Caladiums,

Coleusez, &c., with the laudable object of decorating the rooms
and tents in which the thrifty inhabitants of the district hold
their little exhibitions of window plants and florist flowers.
The Coleuses after serving their purpose are destroyed, and
the Caladiums are placed under the stages, so that they do not

The effect |

| weak stocks.

occupy useful space during the winter. Mr. McIntyre takes
great pleasure in thus aiding his neighbours, and he speaks
approvingly of the prudential habits of many of the industrial
classes at the ‘‘east end,’ adducing as proof the following
fact which is highiy worthy of being recorded. Near the Park
is a noble hospital for diseases of the chest, supported by volun-
tary contributions. In order to support this institution, and
at the same time to command its benefit, workmen’s clubs are
established in the locality, the members of which contribute
their pence weekly until sufficient accumulates to purchase a
life governorship. The members then ballot for the purpose
of deciding who shall represent them as life governor. It is a
most commendable system, and an honour to the district of
Bethnal Green. Bethnal Green is really a ‘‘ green’? now and
something more. Formerly a waste, a receptacle for broken
pots and refuse, it isnow an attractive square with lawns, walks;
and flower beds. It was levelled, laid out, and planted by
Mr. McIntyre, who has done his work admirably. The shrubs
and trees are growing freely, although a smoky mist hangs
oyer them almost daily, and a spacious and ornamental
pleasure ground is now established.

Victoria Park is highly worthy of a visit by all who are
desirous of seeing effective and artistic flower garden deco-
ration, and an ingpection of the beds will repay for even &
very long journey. It is best reached by rail from the Liver-
pool Street station, booking to Cambridge Heath. Many err
by going from Broad Street to the Victoria Park station, which
is a long distance from the fiower beds.

The Superintendent of this Park, like most able men, can
afford to be generous, and he is desirous that the experienced
head gardener at the Park, Mr. Bullen, should haye his full
share of the credit which is due to him for the manner in
which the decorations are carried out.—J. W.

NEW ROSES.

I se~pom buy these on weak stocks, as my situation is so
exposed and unsuitable for infants. The best that Ihave seen
lately are Queen of Waltham and the Star of Waltham. They
are very good and specially suitable for exhibiting. They are
on weak stocks, and have done wonderfully well for plants on
I have ordered six of each on strong Manetti
stocks to be reserved for me in the autumn, which I should
not have done had they not been worthy. Till Roses are put
on strong and suitable stocks and are established in the soil
we cannot tell their full merits. It strikes me that new Roses
are often written ‘“‘up’’ or written ‘‘down’’—according to
fancy, or favouritism, or non-fayouritism—before they have
emerged from the weakness of infancy. Some raisers cannot
do right, and some cannot do wrong.—W. F. RapcLyFreE.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Mr. NatHan Cote has received the following letter from
Balmoral, dated August 25th, 1877 :—‘‘ Major-General Pon-
sonby is commanded by the Queen to thank Mr. N. Cole for
the copy of his work on the ‘Royal Parks and Gardens of
London’ which he has presented to Her Majesty.”

— Accovnts continue to reach us from various districts
on the great virulence of the Potato pisEASE. We can offerno
better means of limiting the injury than by spreading the
tubers very thinly in sheds and covering them with dry sand,
to exclude the air and absorb the moisture. A correspondent
suggests dusting them with lime—an experiment which may
be easily tried, which cannot do harm and may do good.
Potatoes which are infected are better left in the ground for 2
time until the weather is cooler, than being taken up and
stored thickly in heaps, where they often heat rapidly and
decay speedily.

—— Mucu damage has been done in various distriets by
recent sToRMS AND FLoops. A Lancashire correspondent writes
that “flower gardens are despoiled of their beauty and the
plants are seriously broken and injured. In the low-lying dis-
tricts gardens have been flooded, and many acres of Potatoes
and other crops have been under water.” Inthe south showers
have been frequent, and the flowers in the London parks have
lost their brilliancy. The carpet beds, however, look as bright
as ever. The Potato disease is spreading, green crops grow-
ing, and weeds where undisturbed are making considerable
progress.

—— Mr, Mowenay, gardener to the Harl of Leven and

Avgast 80, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

177

Melville, informs us that his neighbour Mr. Wood, gardener to
Sir Erskine Perry of Fulmer, near Slough, has upwards of
fifty fiewers on one stem of Litium Avratum, the plant being
grown in an 8-inch pot. Tho plan of culture adopted by Mr.
Wood is to shake out the plants, removing all the soil from
the roots, immediately the flowers fade, and repot in fresh
compost—loam, leaf soil, and sand, and place out of doors.
The plants are buried in ashes out of doors, and there pass
the winter. We shall be glad to hear more precise particulars
respecting these plants and Mr. Wood’s successful mode of
growing them.

—— Ovnz readers will be glad to learn that the success of
the Caruiste INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION is now rendered cer-
tain by the large number of entries and the completeness
of the arrangements made by an energetic Committee. The
preparations are nearly finished and the show-ground en-
closed, and the erection of the marquees has commenced.
Horticultural buildings and many wmiscellaneous articles
haye also begun to occupy the space allotted to them. The
weather, too, has fortunately improved, and everything looks
favourable for the Exhibition next week, which will be a great
success if the bright days continue. The large premiums
offered by the Committee have attracted a great number of
competitors, and exhibitors are daily applying for space. The

general attractions of the Show will be numerous and varied, |

and not the least will be the presence of the splendid band of
the 2nd Life Guards in uniform during the three days, under
the leadership of Mr. Winterbottom. The Judges’ dinner will

be presided over by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumberland, Lord |

Muneaster, the Mayor of Carlisle being Vice-Chairman, and
will be attended by a distinguished company, including the
ladies who will honour this Exhibition by acting as Judges of
the bouquets and cut flowers.

—— WE are requested to state, that in consequence of the
Great International Show at Carlisle being held next week, the
usual monthly meeting and dinner of the Horricunruran Cuus
will be held on September 18th, instead of September 4th.

—— WE have received from Mr. Moorman a sample of the
SNowrtake Porato, asking our opinion of them. It is_as
follows :—More attractive-looking Potatoes were never grown.
The tubers are of the right size for table and contain few eyes,
and these small and indistinct, involving a minimum of waste
in paring. When cooked the Potatoes are almost as white as
Snow and are extremely delicate in flavour. They are not like
the proverbial “balls of flour,” but are sufficiently mealy for
many palates. Notaspeck of disease was found on the tubers.
As Snowflake is productive it must be pronounced an excellent
second-early variety for table use, and its handsome appearance
renders it indispensable for exhibition purposes.

— Tse Danni quarter in Mr, Tarner’s nursery at Slough
is now highly worthy of inspection. Athough late, the show
Varieties are producing some grand blooms, and the bouquet
and bedding varieties are in splendid condition. Yellow Pet
amongst the bedders is especially fine, but all are good and
eminently worthy of culture for producing a rich and varied
effect during the late summer and autumn months. The Car-
nations are nearly all layered—a splendid and unrivalled stock,
and the winter-flowering varieties are remarkable by their
health and numbers. Chrysanthemums appear to be receiving
special attention, and a grand and novel display may be anti-
¢ipated. The standard plants are unusually fine, the grafted
heads being as healthy as those not grafted. The plants were
kept close for a week or two when the grafts were put on, but
they are now growing in the open air, the unions being com-
plete. The huge Roses in pots are under glass; they have
made excellent growth, and will shortly be placed in the open
air for a week or two. Camellias, Azaleas, and Oranges are in
admirable condition. The Camellias are placed continental
fashion—between close rows of Lombardy Poplars, where they
have shade without drip. Liliums, especially L. auratum, are
remarkably fine. Roses are flowering with great freedom, but
Some not flowering are particularly noteworthy—plants in
pots of Maréchal Niel for roof-decoration, this season’s growth
of which is wonderful. The carpet and other bedding render
this nursery additionally attractive during the summer; but
the great feature during the next six weeks will be the Dahlias
above noticed.

—— Ay effort is being made by the inhabitants in the
weighbourhood of Kew to have the gardens opened at an earlier
hour than one o’clock, also to prevent the wall which surrounds
the gardens being raised beyond its present height. It will be

desirable to open the gardens earlier, particularly on special
occasions, such as bank holidays, if that can be done con-
sistently with securing their efficient management. The
changes which are being sought for, and apparently in a
reasonable manner, are worthy of much consideration on the
part of the authorities.

Mr. W. Tarnor writes to us that Porarors ARE WORSE
DISEASED at Longleat than they have been for many years.
Ashleaf and Myatt’s Prolific were taken up early in July before
the last-named sort was fully grown, as the disease was already
very threatening. Not a tuber of these has taken the disease,
and all are perfectly sound excepting where the skin was
broken by rough handling, and these have shrivelled some-
what. They require very careful handling when taken up
early. Fortyfolds, Dalmahoys, Regents, and other second
earlies were too small to be of any use when the disease
appeared. In the light soils the disease does not appear to be
quite so bad as it is in heavy soils.

A CARLISLE correspondent writes that visitors to the
great Show will find much to attract in the admirably-kept
nursery of Messrs. Little & Ballantyne; also in the nurseries
of Messrs. Clarke, Brothers, Stanwix; Messrs. J. Hamilton
and Sons, Messrs. Joseph Hamilton & Son, Mr. Armstrong,
Belah Gardens, &c. There are many fine gardens belonging
to noblemen and gentlemen within short distances of Carlisle
worthy of a visit, and visitors will be freely welcomed at them
all during the International Show. Our correspondent espe-
cially recommends a visit to Lowther Castle, the seat of the Karl
of Lonsdale; Brougham Hall, Lord Brougham; Eden Hall,
Sir R. C. Musgrave, Bart.; Corby Castle and the lovely scenery
of Corby woods, Philip Howard, Esq.; Naworth Castle, the
Earl of Carlisle; Rickerby House, Miles MacInnes, Esq.;
Netherby, Sir F. U. Graham, Bart.; and last, though not least,
the unequalled beauties of Drumlanrig Castle, the seat of his
Grace the Dake of Buccleuch: these are within easy distance
of Carlisle, and can be reached by rail or road.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
LAMORRAN.

In a quiet secluded valley, amidst steep hilly wooded slopes
in a cosy nook at the head of the waters of Lamorran Creek,
away from the beaten track of the busy world’s highway, is the
residenee of the Hon. and Rey. J. T. Boscawen, well known to
men of science and horticulturists as a wise counseller and
friend, who, although thus living apparently apart from the
world, is one of its most busy workers, ever ready to aid in
promoting those arts which he loves and understands so well,
and who has turned the very quietness and seclusion of his
home to good account by solving many a horticultural pro-
blem, evolving lessons of such value by the wonderful results
obtained in his garden that I can think of no more fitting title
for it than that of a book written by the hand of a master, every
page of which contains lessons as novel as they are useful.

It has very lately been my privilege to enjoy the hospitality
of Mr. Boscawen—to see his garden, to study the lessons which
it teaches, and in some measure to grasp their meaning,
sufficiently so I hope to enable me to explain their full signifi-
cance, and to show how what is really a great and pioneer work
may be accomplished within small bounds and without many
of those facilities which by many gardeners are considered indis-
pensable to success. It was not long ago that I strongly en-
forced the importance of planting objects of interest in gardens.
At Lamorran this principle was long ago understood and acted
upon, and the result in this sense is a garden so abounding in
plants and trees that are alike so varied and beautiful as to
positively embarrass one. It is a veritable storehouse of
treasures rich and rare, so skilfully cultivated and arranged in
such good taste as to be always fresh and always attractive.

When Lamorran House was built upon a narrow plateau
upon the face of and near the foot of a steep slope Mr. Bos-
cawen had to make immediate provision for screening both it
and the garden, which he contemplated making, from the
scathing blasts which so frequently rush in from the mighty
Atlantic over every part of Cornwall. Dense wild woods clothed
the slopes and shut in the valley above the house; but below
it was the bare expanse of water, a gradually widening valley
with trees on the hillside beyond the water, but with its own
particular slope almost bare of trees. What was to bs done?
Throw up a barrier and plant sturdy fast-growing trees across
the valley down to the very edge of the water? Expediency
might suggest such a course, but correct taste never would

178

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ Adgust 80, 1877.

agree to it, for the work would clash with every line and curve
of nature. The difficulty was overcome skilfully and well by
making tree-clothed banks from the natural slope at an irre-
gular acute angle up the valley, so as to offer the least amount
of resistance to the wind while it turned it away past the
garden completely. The natural appearance of these screens,
the perfect shelter which they afford, and their entire harmony
with the position and its surroundings, form a valuable study,
and convey a lesson in landscape gardening of the utmost value,
80 intimately do they combine the ornamental and useful.

The site of the garden itself is a long steep hillside, or rather
a series of irregular grassy slopes, stretching from a point high
up the valley’s lofty side downwards to a road skirting the
margin of the water. It is traversed by walks winding along
and up the banks in picturesque irregularity among shrub
groups consisting principally of Rhododendrons and Azaleas,

in perfect health and very vigorous growth, mingled with
other rare and choice shrubs and a pleasing variety of Conifers
and deciduous trees—trees planted by Mr. Boscawen, and now
become so large as to really merit the appellation of fine.
The pleasure with which one regards the trees arises from the
skilful way in which they are arranged and are made to blend
and become merged with the wild growth of the wood beyond,
up to which they lead, as well as from the elegant and stately
appearance which most of them present individually.

The most conspicuous trees are a number of magnificent
examples of Pinus insignis. This tree as seen here is cer-
tainly worthy of its title of ‘‘the Remarkable Pine.” All are
in perfect health, and some are wonderfully vigorous, being
80 feet high, with huge rugged stems feathered with branches
to-the ground, clothed with foliage of that bright rich green
tint which makes this tree so striking, and for which it is so:

Fig. 40.—LAMORRAN.

much valued. It makes a splendid tree, and judging from
what subsequently came under my notice during my tour in
Cornwall I have no hesitation in saying that it is quite the
best Pine for that county. It bears exposure perfectly, it be-
comes established quickly, grows with singular rapidity, and
its timber is really valuable, some boards of it which Mr.
Boscawen had nailed upon the gable of a building twelve years
ago and there left fully exposed without any covering of paint
being still perfectly sound and free from any traces of decay.
Several other Conifers must have notice, and first most
worthily comes a noble specimen of Sequoia sempervirens, the
Californian Redwood tree, to which a very picturesque effect
has been imparted by cutting off the lower branches so as to
show the curious bright red spongy bark, so soft as to yield to
the slightest touch. Picea cephalonica is well represented by
some excellent specimens; it is one of our best Conifers,
superior to P. pinsapo, but unfortunately not quite so hardy
in many situations. Cupressus Lambertiana, Thuja Lobbi,
the rough-barked Mexican Pine, Pinus Montezeumez, Pinus
maritima, and Cedrus atlantica are all growing into fine speci-
mens here, Cedrus atlantica being especially remarkable for its
strong free growth and perfect health, offering a striking con-
trast to the stunted sickly appearance of the Deodar, which
is evidently not happy here. I was glad tosee Picea Webbiana
in excellent condition and evidently full of growth, but it is

questionable whether it will attain to a very large size, as it is
already producing cones. Among other rare Conifers is a
beautiful specimen of Fitzroya patagonica 10 feet high, a
perfect gem, with graceful pendulous growth, forming an object
of great beauty; and, wonderful to tell, there is actually a
flourishing specimen of Dacrydium Franklini here, surpass-
ing all other weeping trees in the elegance of its long, graceful,.
pendant branches. It is curious to see how quickly even the
leading branches conform to the general character of the
whole tree, for after a very brief growth upwards down they
go, falling over each other in no regular order, but with an
easy careless air full of grace, to which the somewhat loose:
clothing of leafage adds another charm. The position of
this Dacrydium undoubtedly contributes something to its
effect; and I may usefully note here how much more telling
pendant-growing trees are when planted on slopes above a
walk than when seen on a plateau or level lawn. They are,
moreover, equally effective upon soft gentle slopes and steep
rocky declivities; while, on the contrary, trees of such precise
growth and rigid aspect as the Araucaria are not in keeping
with soft lines and sweeping curves, but require scenery of
bolder, wilder, sterner aspect. a

First among other varieties comes the Palm, a magnificent
specimen of Chamerops Fortunei 16 feet 4 inches in height—
a tree of stately aspect most pleasant to the sight, for it is

August 30, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

179

without a single blemish; the huge green foliage presenting a
striking contrast to the battered, lacerated, forlorn, decaying
aspect under which this Palm is too often seen when grown in
tubs and afforded the shelter of a conservatory in winter. I
believe this to be by far the finest specimen established in the
open air in this country. It stands low down on the Lamorran
slopes, well sheltered but yet growing alone on a little eminence
close by the gigantic Sequoia with its huge red bole and lofty
symmetrical growth, affording a striking contrast, and forming
a worthy associate to it, although so totally diverse in charac-
ter. There are other smaller Palms upon different parts of
the slopes, all of them in good health and evidently growing
freely.

Andromeda formosa grows here into huge shrubs 6 feet high.
Erica codonodes is also perfectly wonderful, having the pro-
portions and air of a shrub. Many specimens of it which

fringe a broad walk at intervals are apparently fully 10 feet
high; they grow upon the side of a steep bank with the
lower branches spreading downwards to its foot, and the top
one clusters upwards erect and plume-like. A fine specimen
of Olea ilicifolia 8 feet high proves perfectly hardy, having
passed unscathed through frosts which have cut off Bays to
the ground. Aralia japonica (Sieboldi) is so large that its
handsome foliage has a fine effect as seen in contrast with that
of surrounding trees. A flourishing tree of the Glastonbury
Thorn, raised from a graft taken from the original plant at
Glastonbury the year before it died, is a great curiosity, as it
never fails to have flowers open on Christmas day. In ap-
pearance it is identical with the common Thorn.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are to be seen in every part of
the grounds; the whole of them are choice kinds, and many of
the Rhododendrons are so rare as to be quite in keeping with

Fig. 41.—LamMoRRAN—VIEW IN THE GROUNDS.

the other treasures of this wonderful garden. Himalayan
kinds, such as arboreum, arboreum nivyeum, and arboreum
cinnamomeum, prove perfectly hardy here. The flowers of
these, with many other choice species and varieties, have for
years been subjected to such careful and skilful manipulation
that the place abounds with seedlings raised here by Mr. Bos-
cawen, who began this highly important work with a stock of
some 140 sorts about twenty-six years ago. The majority of
the kinds so raised prove very early ; so much go that the first
flowers are often cut off soon after they expand, to be quickly
succeeded by others which are not unfrequently also destroyed
prematurely. The wood-growth and foliage are so hardy that
Mr. Boscawen considers them most worthy of cultivation in
every garden where a spare glass house could be had to protect
them when in flower; for the flowers are so lovely, ranging
through such charming gradations of colour, as to well repay
for the work of lifting them and planting temporarily under
shelter for the flowering season. That the plan is practical
there can be no doubt, for we have no shrub that bears removal
so well as the Rhododendron.

_ The consummate taste displayed in the grouping and blend-
ing of various trees and shrubs here affords a valuable lesson.
Deciduous trees and Conifers are alike well chosen and well
placed, and in no garden that I have ever seen can we 50 well
appreciate the full value and beauty of the Tulip Tree, Birch,

Acacia, Scarlet Oak, Lime, Butter Nut (Juglans cinerea),
Arbutus, Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum), and Copper Beech,
every one of which affords relief and harmonious contrast to
the somewhat formal aspect of the Conifers. This is a matter
not nearly so well understood as it ought to be, and is so im-
portant as to merit special attention, hence I propose to refer
to the subject on a future occasion.

So many objects of interest occur at every turn in this
garden, and all are so good, that we hardly know what to
select and what to leave unmentioned. Virginian Creepers
climb the stems and festoon the branches of lofty trees, to
blend their brilliant crimson autumnal tints with the various
yellow shades of the trees to which they cling. Lilies abound
here. 1. giganteum has spikes more than 10 feet high, and it
has sometimes exceeded 12 feet. L. auratum, of course, finds
a home here. There are numerous fine spikes of it, some
with flowers just expanding, others will be much later. Many
of them are planted singly in irregular semicircles of Rhodo-
dendrons by the margin of the paths, which thus afford shelter,
while the deep green foliage forms a charming foil to the
delicate tints of the flowers. Lilium martagon was in full
bloom ; its flowers though small are very striking from their
brilliant rich scarlet colour. Rhododendron Thompsoni is
wonderfully vigorous. Lapageria rosea is thoroughly established
on the house (fig. 40), to the right of the principal entrance;

180 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 80, 1877.

it is some 20 feet high, is growing most strongly, and has a
considerable number of flower buds which, strange to say, all
spring from the old branches. One flower was just expanding,
and others will follow for some time to come.

In spring time and early summer, Crocus, Snowdrops, Nar-
eissus, Scilla, and a host of other spring beauties which have
their bulbs permanently established deep down beneath the turf
out of reach of the mice, push their growth through it by
thousands, bursting into flower a myriad of vernal gems, which
thus change the grassy slopes into one vast flower garden—an
easy and delightful method of spring gardening which will
commend itself to everyone, for who would not like to see
their lawns under such a novel and charming aspect? Nor is
the treat confined solely to spring, for under the branches of
the Conifers and such shrubs as appear suitable there are
Cyclamens of all sorts, Atkinsi, persicum, Coum, and hedere-
folium in all their varieties, with europeum, repandum, iberi-
cum, vernum, and macrophyllum. Under the Pinus insignis
there are whole beds of them covered by the old Pine needles,
which are never removed but are left to gradually form a tawny
carpet, through which the pretty flowers push their way all
through the winter months. I like this plan of leaving the old
Pine needles ; the effect is picturesque, natural, and certainly
not untidy.

A new feature here is an adit which has been driven through |

the shale of an upper slope. Along its sides are various nooks
and corners—just so many snug little homes for rarities, of
which there is already a goodly store. Ou these, however, I
must not dwell; nor must I do more than eall attention to
the numerous paniuls and beds of seedlings of shrubs and
lowers, every one of which may fairly be expected to prove
« something fresh,’ for they are all raised from seed resulting
from the cross-breeding and hybridising which Mr. Boscawen
is constantly carrying on. Iam tempted to dwell upon these,
but space forbids. A closing paragraph on the romantic scenery
of Lamorran must conclude my notes on this remarkable
garden. #

Lamorran is like a poet’s dream—always beautiful, yet ever
changing and presenting some new charm to the fascmated
eye. The long graceful sweep of the valley; the bright glisten-
ing waters stretching far away, cool and atill, yet abounding
with life ; the lofty hillside clothed down to the water’s edge
with a dense growth of trees, the tops of which mark the
flowing undulations of the slopes like the billows of the sea;
the pretty church standing amidst the graves of those who
worshipped within its walls long ago close by the water’s edge,
reminding one of thoseromantic old kirkyards still to be found
on the margin of many 2 Scottish loch; the house in the

very heart of the valley, deep down yet commanding its most

pleasing features, all combine to form a scene of romantic
beauty such as mere description can convey but a very faint
idea of, but which is in a good measure represented by the
accompanying engraving (fig. 41). On the last morning of my
visit, a bright and sunny day, the picture from the terrace
was perfect. There was 2 charming play of light and shade
among the trees which cast their shadows far out on the quiet
waters of the creek, where the eye rested on a foreground of
a large patch of Water Lily, past which swam slowly a white
swan and her train of dusky cygnets. Wild ducks too were
there, tamed for the moment under the influence of the quiet-
ness around them. A fringe of Fern, mingled with pendant
branches of Mountain Ash laden with bright scarlet berries
along the water’s edge; while high overhead sailed white fleecy
<louds, chequering the deep blue of the sky.

I am requested by Mr. Boscawen to invite any lover of
nature to call and see this charming valley and its garden;
and I have no doubt that those whom these notes may induce
to do so will agree with me that it is most beautiful—replete
with varied charms, and the very embodiment of repose.—
Hpwarp Luckuurst.

Romneya Covnrert at Guasnevin.—The Trish Farmers’ Ga-
zette describes a specimen of this which was only struck from
a cutting in the spring of last year and is now some 6 feet high,
4 or more through, and every branch and branchlet termi-
nated by a flower or flower bud. The expanded flower is fully
G inches across, quite flat, delicate in texture, and pure white
in colour; from the centre rises a great ball of gold, formed by
the close globular aggregation of anthers innumerable, forming
with the petals a brilliant and beautiful contrast of white and
gold. The protection afforded the plant during the past winter

was of the most trivial kind, and itis doubtful if even this was
absolutely necessary; a slight protection over the roots we
apprehend being all really required, perhaps not even that.
The present cold, sunless, and weeping summer was by no
means best calculated to bring out its grand flowers in the
quality and profusion seen under Californian light and sun-
shine. Nevertheless here we have it now blooming freely and
profusely for some weeks, and likely to continue to do so for
weeks to come. In its regard, therefore, three things are, we
think, very fairly established—firstly, its perennial character ;
secondly, its hardihood; and thirdly, its early flowering and
very striking and highly ornamental aspect.

TAKING-UP POTATOES.

I can testify to the soundness of Mr. Luckhurst’s and
‘‘NorrHerRN GARDENER’s’? remarks on early lifting of the
Potato crop, or the pulling-up of the haulms (not cutting, as
it only partially arrests the disease). But here in Dorset we
seem to be in the same predicament as ‘‘ NoRTHERN GAR-
DENER ;’’ the murrain has destroyed one-half the crop before
the main crop Potatoes have ceased swelling.

We have just lifted (August 22nd) a piece of Paterson’s
Victoria Potato, where the haulm was pulled away the 28th of
July, and we have a fair crop and next to none diseased, but
adjoining the same sort with the same treatment (excepting
the tops being taken away) one-half are diseased.

We had a plot planted with Snowflake Potato, and as the
time could not be spared the haulm was pulled away, and now
they are just lifted, all good-sized tubers, about three bushels
per perch, none diseased.

Removing the haulm is thought by many cottagers to be
useless, but in every case I have found they delayed doing it
till the stalks were much affected. I find it best to leave the
Potatoes in the ground for two or three weeks after the tops

are drawn away, if a convenient place cannot be found to dry"

and ripen them before storing.—A. P.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Avcust 24TH,

Fruit Comutren.—Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
The meeting was held at the Society’s Garden, Chiswick. The
collection of Tomatoes, which have been prown in pots under
glass, were first examined. The collection is represented by
over sixty differently named varieties, two plants of each being
grown. These the Committee had arranged into classes as dis-
tinct in appearance, and amounting in all to thirty-one, which
number may, however, be still further reduced or increased
when further examined in comparison with those growing in

| the open air. These Tomatoes at the present time are most

interesting and well worthy of inspection. The smallest variety
is represented by Red Currant, of about the same size as a
Currant; the largest variety is The Trophy; the earliest is
The Early Gem, and the latest De Laye’s, which is of little
value.

First class certificates were awarded to Little Gem (Bliss), a
medium-sized, round, deep red variety, very free-fruiting and
very early; to New Improved (Vick), a large smooth ovate
variety of a distinct rosy crimson colour, free-fruiting ; to Vil-
morin’s Large Red (Vilmorin), a very large slightly-ritbed
variety and a wonderful cropper; to Trophy (Carter & Co.,
Veitch, Wheeler), an exceeding large nearly smooth red variety,
of fine appearance and late. Hathaway’s Excelsior was found
to well merit the certificate that was awarded to it some time
ago; also Green Gage (Carter), as being by far the best yellow
variety. Conqueror, One Hundred Days, and Portsmouth
amongst the new varieties were greatly admired. ‘

The collection of cordon-trained Peaches and Nectarines on
open wall were next examined. These trees, which have this
season done good service, are in perfect health, and many of
them are bearing heavy crops. Prominent amongst all others
stands the Lord Napier Nectarine, which was awarded a first-

\ class certificate. The fruit is very large, roundish oblate, of a

deep dark purplish colour; the flesh is pale throughout, of rich
and excellent flavour, having a dash of the Stanwick init. Itis
of fine constitution and a free bearer. : :
Turnips were next examined. Of these a very extensive trial
has been made. The earliest varicties were found to be the
American Strap-leaf, White and Red-topped. This is an ex-
ceedingly fine Turnip, and completely takes the place of the
old White Dutch, which seems to be almost worn out; at least,
no true or good stocks of it have been grown here. Following
these come the Early Red Top, the Red Globe, and the Barly
Six-weeks or Snowball, which has numerous synonyms. This
is the main-crop garden Turnip, and the finest of all. Of other

hey ae:

August 30, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

181

varieties—all good enough in theirJ season, but including no
novelties—were noted a very good stock of the Long Vertus
pointed-rooted, which comes in very early, and is much used in.
France, although not in this country; the Round Black or
Chirk Castle, an excellent autumn sort; the Yellow Finland,
Yellow Malta, Orange Jelly, &c. The whole of those dry-fleshed
Turnips—as the Teltauer and others, so esteemed in some
parts of the Continent—proved a failure, as well as many of the
varieties generally grown for field culture. A later sowing of
Turnips has been made which will be in due course examined.
The collection of Savoys, it may be mentioned, are now nearly
ready for inspection.

Frorat Commirres.—Mr. Johu Fraser in the chair. This
meeting was held at Chiswick on August 27th. The Committee
proceeded with the examination of the zonal Pelargoniums, of
which there is a large collection planted out this season. Many
of the sorts have suffered severely from the recent heavy rains,
but the following varieties, being in excellent condition, were
deemed worthy of first-class certificates—viz., Excelsior (Denny),
scarlet, with distinct white eye; Charles Smith (Pearson), dark
scarlet; Mrs. Huish (Pearson), magenta scarlet; Portia (Denny),
magenta scarlet; Mabel Eden (Pearson), light magenta; Lais
(Denny), magenta scarlet; Mrs. Holden (Pearson), rosy pink;
Mrs. Lancaster (Pearson), rosy pink; Lord Giffard (George),
bright scarlet. Among the older varieties Triomphe de Stella,
Golden Harry Hieover, Vesta, Rose of Summer, Claude de la
Meurthe, Arthur Pearson, Princess of Wales, Mrs. Turner,
Christine, Cleopatra, Lady Emily, and Snowdon were conspi-
cuous.

The collection of Pelargoniums, consisting of all the newer
varieties which have this season been grown under glass, was
then examined, and the following being considered very suitable
for pot culture were awarded first-class certificates—viz., Miss
Wakefield (Pearson), orange scarlet; Louis (Pearson), rosy
purple; Lustrous (George), very bright scarlet ; Lady Eva Camp-
bell (Pearson), salmon; Mrs. Pearson (Pearson), bright orange
scarlet. Among other varieties Thisbe, Charies Smith, Miss
Strachan, Lizzie Brooks, Rebecca, Blanche Gordon, and Lord
Zetland were especially noticeable.

The double Pelargoniums, consisting of a selection of the
best varieties of last season and new sorts received during the
present year, were then examined, and first-class certificates
awarded to the following—viz., Deputé Aneelon (Lemoine), deep
magenta rose, and Le Nord Est, bright scarlet. Madame Thibaut,
Noemie, C. Gligm, Auguste Villaume, Meteor Flag, Mrs. Trevor
Clarke, Madame Amilio Baltet were also very fine.

Asrrers.—A large collection of these now in full bloom was
then examined, and the following were highly commended as
being excellent stocks—viz., Pompone (Dippe Bros.).—Of erect
moderately bushy habit, producing very close compact heads of
flower. Diamond (Haage & Schmidt).—This seems to be a larger
and more vigorous-growing variety of the Pompone. Dwarf
Chrysanthemum-flowered (Dippe Bros.; Carter & Co ).—This is
perhaps the best variety of any for general use, never exceeding
10 inches in height, and yielding in great profusion very large
and well-formed flowers.
ance seems to be a tall-growing variety of the Chrysanthemum-
flowered. Betteridge’s Exhibition Quilled.—A very distinct and
pleasing variety, throwing the flowers well up; and, being of a
hardy constitution, does not seem to be affected by rough weather.
A full report on these will appear in the Society’s Journal.

_ DiantHuses.—Of these beautiful annuals a very large collec-
tion has this season been grown, and on examination the follow-
ing received first-class certificates—viz., Heddewigi hybridus
flore-pleno (Benary), Heddewigi laciniatus (Benary), Hecdewigi
hybridus atro-purpureus(Benary), Chinensis flore-pleno(Benary),
Imperialis flore-pleno (Benary), Heddewigi plenissimus splen-
dens (Haage & Schmidt), and Heddewigi (Benary).

SELECT APPLES AND PEARS FOR THE NORTH
OF ENGLAND.

Havine been requested by a correspondent (‘'S. 8.’’) to name
a few choice dessert and kitchen Apples, also Pears, that will
grow in the north of England—the trees being required as
bushes and pyramids in a moderate-sized garden—I gladly
submit a few which I have found to succeed. As I have pre-
viously observed, I do not recommend planting just one tree
of a sort so as to have a great number of varieties, but prefer
to have duplicates of a few sorts which I find reliable, and
which afford a good succession of fruit during an ordinarily
good fruit year.

I will begin by naming a few good dessert Apples, placing
them in the order of ripening. Summer—Margaret, Early
Harvest, and Devonshire Quarrenden. Autaumn—Oslin, King
of the Pippins, Red Ingestrie, Kibston Pippin, and Cox’s
Orange Pippin, Winter and spring—Adams’ Pearmain, Court

Victoria Asters.—This to all appear- |

| Horticultural Society, which I believe is most successful.

of Wick, Claygate Pearmain, Scarlet Nonpareil, Margil, Court-
pendu-plat, and Sturmer Pippin. Kitchen—Lord Suffield,
Stirling Castle, Cellini, Small’s Admirable, Mére de Ménage,
Cox’s Pomona, Warner’s King, Fearn’s Pippin, Holland Pippin,
Yorkshire Greening, Dumelow’s Seedling, Norfolk Stone
Pippin, and Gooseberry Apple. The above Apples are hardy,
good growers, yet tolerably compact, and free bearers.
Pears—Citron des Carmes, Williams’ Bon Chrétien, Beurré
@Amanlis, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Comte de Lamy, Beurré
Diel, Zéphirin Grégoire, Ne plus Meuris, Beurré Sterckmans,
Koight’s Monarch, Joséphine de Malines, and Bergamotte Hs-
peren. The sorts named will afford, if planted in duplicate,
suflicient fruit for a moderate-sized garden, while one tree of a
sort will form a good collection for a small garden. It is ad-
visable when information on fruit trees is requested that the
number of trees required be stated. A NortHERN GARDENER.

A COTTAGERS’ SHOW.

“De minimis non curat,” not ‘‘lex” to-day, but lectores
of the Journal. ‘Then why, sir, do you write about such
minute things? Do you suppose the readers of the Journal
want to be bothered by an account of a wretched little cot-
tagers’ show, held, too, in the wylds of Dorset? Is there no
end to your words, or will the winter’s snows alone suftice to
stiffen the hand that writes such a pack of rubbish as ‘ Whit-
church Cottage Gardeners’ Show?’” Thus asks, perhaps,
more than one angry reader as his eyes see the above heading.
Turn the page, my dear sir; skip the letter, read the ornate
and clever writings to be found in the Journal on Orchids and
Grape culture, and don’t, please, let your anger at this article
interfere with your digestion. If, however, you do, am I to
blame? Are a few lines upon.a cottagers’ show so very inap-
propriate that the sub-editor should tear up the manuscript ?

In some letters that I have received from kind friends I
read, ‘‘I observe in your letter in the .? What? Not
Journal of Horticulture, or Rose Journal, but Cottage Gar-
dener, and for many years I believe this Journal was called by
that name, and many people still persist in calling it so. This
peing the case, why not write about a cottage gardeners’ flower
show?

In Whitchurch Canonicorum, in the county of Dorset (from
which hugs parish my own little one was carved, so that I
may almost say in my own pavizh), exists a Cottage Gardeners’
It
has only existed for about three years, but it is already the
most promising of any round here, and bids fair to be more so
every succeeding year.

Affiliated to it is a Cottage Garden Improvement Society,
which is doing useful work. Prizes are given to the best cul-
tivated gardens in the parish, and no less than twenty-six
entered their names for competition. The Judges were Mr.
Carmichael, the late head gardener to the Prince of Wales, and

| myself, and a most difficult though pleasant task we had to

perform.

The prevailing feature of the Show was, of course, the vege-
tables, and more particularly the Potatoes. I was again Judge,
with the help of a local seedsman, and never since I was at
school have I had such a hard task allotted me. Fancy me,
your ‘‘ Wyup Savacz,” your demented rosarian, set down to
judge fifteen entries of early round Potatoes, and with aching
back and starving inwards to adjudicate on twenty-two entries
of Cabbages, three in a lot !—your unfortunate correspondent,
accustomed to sniff the nectar of Roses, so coming down as to
inhale the perfume of fourteen stands of Onions, three of each
tied in a bunch! I think even the ‘‘ Parson’s GARDENER’”
will pity me. I was all right when I got to the flowers, but
from 11 to 2I was kept at the vegetables. There were four
kinds of Potatoes, and on an average about ten entries in each,
and this occurred in two divisions, for there were both mem-
bers’ and cottagers’ exhibits to be judged. I sustained myself
in this arduous labour with the thoughts of fruit. ‘The
Judges have the option of tasting all kinds of fruit except
Pines,” I said to myself over and over again as I went on at
Parsnips, and Carrots, and Rhubarb; but when we came to
the fruit there was by no means that bewildering quantity that
I hoped to see, and what there was, was of a nature more to
be appreciated in tarts than for eating uncooked. In fact,
they were tart(s) in themselves. Currants of various hues,
but of the same unvarying sourness; Gooseberries large but
not sweet; and Apples of such a hard unpromising character
as to stop all raids. One dish of dessert Apples there was.

X82 TOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 30, 1877.

‘© A Golden Pippin!” I shouted out with the same ecstacy as
Columbus hailed the sight of America, and in went my teeth,
entirely forgetting as I did that this excellent Apple is what is
zalled a late-keeping sort. My fellow Judge watched my face
with interest—he knew. ‘Ah! I thought you were a little
rash,’’ he said, as he saw anguish spreading over the face not
only of a ‘‘ Wrip Savacs,”’ but one who apparently was suf-
fering from excruciating toothache. At last, far away in the
csottagers’ tent, we espied a dish of splendid Cherries. ‘‘ Are
they Morellos?”’ I ask with fear and trepidation. ‘‘ They look
like it; fine, dark ruby complexion, splendid Cherries. Shall
Ttry? Iwill. No, they are May Dukes, splendidly ripe.’
“Stop,” said my fellow Judge; ‘‘there is no competition, we
cannot taste them.”

The flowers were very attractive, and in order to encourage
the cultivation of garden flowers and herbaceous plants special
prizes were given, and I had the satisfaction of judging about
eight exhibits of such flowers as have almost disappeared from
the gardens of the wealthy; and the various collections of
wild flowers staged by school children were most interesting.
We were four hours judging.

After sundry amusements the prizes were paid to the for-
tunate winners. The Judges were cheered (most wonderful
event), and go ended one of the most successful cottage ex-
hibitions that has ever been seen by a—Wyup SavAcE.

CARPET BEDDING AT CLEVELAND HOUSE.

Like many others who have read of the beds which have
now become famous, I resolved to avail myself of the oppor-
tunity kindly afforded by Mr. and Mrs. Ralli and judge for
myself how far the reputation of this garden was merited.
My visit to them has enabled me to dispel a popular idea re-
specting these renowned beds which I do not think has been
fairly examined. I heard more than once when in London
that “‘ the Cleveland House beds ought to be done well, because
the place is so small and the beds so few.’ I have some-
where seen it stated that by constantly repeating an error it
becomes accepted as truth, and I cannot help thinking that
the carpet beds in question afford a casein point. Not once
did I hear the popular notion questioned, and the smallness of
the beds appeared to be tacitly admitted; yet I make bold to
affirm—not looking at the matter with London eyes, and not
being embued with metropolitan notions and perhaps pre-
judices—I make bold to affirm that there is as much carpet
bedding in the little garden at Cleveland House as in either of
the great parks of Battersea or Hyde. So much for a popular
error—a London notion—and, may I add, a countryman’s cor-
rection, for there is nothing like starting fair. It is the more
agreeable to make this correction, because it does not detract
in the slightest degree from the decorations in the parks,
which are of such excellence that both the Government which
provides them and the public who enjoy them may justly be
proud of the results. The remarkable beds, then, which I
shall attempt to describe are not the few small patches repre-
sented, but are really extensive; they are also distinct from
all others, and afford evidence of great taste in design and
skill in workmanship that must be admitted by all who see
them. The beds are masterpieces of decorative art, and should
be seen by all who are interested in this mode of garden
embellishment.

The more laboured the attempt to describe them minutely
the greater probably would be the failure; a few words, there-
fore, need only be used, giving an outline of the character of
the decorations. Let us take the centre bed in the design. It
is 12 feet in diameter—a novelty of the most decided kind.
The term “‘ carpet bed ” is quiteinappropriate as applied to this
example of decoration. Fancy a huge hollow and rather deep
saucer-like dish 12 feet across with a rim a foot in diameter,
and in the centre of this dish a raised mound, formed after
the style of an inverted bowl, this mound being about 3 feet
across the top and proportionately wider at the base, and about
3 feet high. Such is the ground-plan of the bed, and now for
the mode of decoration. In the centre of the mound is an
elegant specimen of Dracena indivisa, rising from a circular
base about 24 feet in diameter of Mesembryanthemum cordi-
folium variegatum; this is surrounded with a ring 2 inchesin
diameter of Sedum Lydium, followed by a circle of Echoveria
Secunda glauca. Next comes a broad band about 8 inches
wide of Sedum glaucum, in which at regular distances are
richly berried clusters 6 inches across of Nertera depressa,
each plant of Nertera being encircled with very small plants

of Eeheveria secunda glauca. Next comes a narrow belt
round the mound of Alternanthera amcena, margined with
Echeveria. At intervals in this outer circle eight chains of
the same plant descend down the sides of the mound, termi-
nating in the lowest part of the bed—the ‘‘dish” of the
saucer, each chain encircling a miniature mound of succulents,
out of which springs a small plant of the silvery Chamepuce
Diacantha. There remains now the groundwork decoration of
this design—the whole interior of the saucer and sides of the
central mound. It is simply planted and densely covered with
the dwarf emerald green Sedum Lydium. There is yet the
rim of the saucer to be noticed. It is a foot or more in width
and rather rounded. The inner and outer circles are Kche-
veria secunda glauca, next two narrow circles of Alternanthera
amcena, the centre of the rim being a band 6 inches wide of
Sedum glaucum, dotted every 3 inches with small round plants
of Nertera depressa. Such is the outline of this bed—a bed
as striking in appearance as it is original in conception and
artisticin execution. Every partis excellent, and, being chiefly
of neutral colours enlivened with the brilliant bead-like
clusters of Nertera, the more and the longer it is looked at the
better it pleases.

Surrounding this central bed six other beds are formed.
These beds are each 21 feet in length and 8 feet across at the
widest end, tapering to 4 feet at the ends next the central bed.
These are planted in duplicate. It is no easy task to describe
them, as all will allow who have inspected them. It is popu-
larly supposed that carpet bedding cannot be successfully
carried out without dwarf blue Lobelias, Alternantheras, and
Golden Feather; but the most striking pair of beds in this
design contain no Lobelia, no Golden Feather, and only a
faint streak of Alternanthera. The planting is somewhat as
follows :—A row of raised diamond-shaped cushions is arranged
down the centre. The groundwork of the bed, which is
hollowed after the manner of a shallow boat, is carpeted with
the green Mentha; above this the diamonds are raised, the
largest at the wide end of the bed, the others diminishing in
sizo to the smaller, the whole of them being banded and
chained together with Echeverias. These diamond-shaped
cushions are formed with Sedum acre elegans, each having a
central plant of Pachyphyton bracteosum except the two end
diamonds, the largest of which contains a small plant of
Dracena australis, and the smallest, a still smaller one, of
Yucea filifera. And now to the edge of the bed. The outer
margin next the grass is of Echeverias—a straight row; then
Sedum glaucum dotted with Nertera, and an inner margin of
Echeverias, but this inner margin is scolloped, the points ter-
minating exactly between the points of the central row of
diamonds in the body of the bed. These points end in raised
mounds of succulents, each being surmounted, and this con-
stitutes the great beauty and novelty of the bed, with a fine
plant of Nortera quite 6 inches in diameter. This row of
brilliant summits—there are fifteen of them—elevated above
the green ground of the Mentha produce a remarkable effect—
soft yet sparkling, brilliant yet chaste, the full beauty of which
cannot be appreciated without being seen. Theother beds are
totally different in character and are extremely effective. It is
not necessary to describe them, but the ‘‘ square bed,” which
is 21 feet long by 9 feet wide, should not be passed in silence.

This is by many considered to be the most highly finished
bed of all. Near each end of the bed are two pincushion-like
mounds, 2 feet in height, surmounted with Dracwna indivisa,
the four corner edges, the seams of the pincushion, being
formed with a double row of Echeverias, Sedum glaucum, and
Nerteras. The tops of the mounds are also covered with Sedum
glaucum dotted with Nertera. In the centre of the bedis a
raised circle nearly 3 feet in diameter containing a plant of
Agave filifera in a carpet of Sedum acre elegans, and edged
with Echeverias and Alternantheras. Surrounding this raised
circle, and connected with it and also raised, are eight small
circles of the silver Sedum and Echeverias. The edge of the
bed, which is very chaste, is formed with a band about 4 inches
wide of Sedum acre elegans, two narrow lines of Alternantheras,
and an inner and outer margin of Echeverias. The ground-
work of this fine bed and the sides of the mounds are planted
with Sedum Lydium.

There is also a raised bank on one side of the lawn about
70 yards long by 4 wide; this is carpeted in the “ highest
style of art” with Golden Feather, raised chains of Mentha,
panels of Alternanthera, and triangles of Sedum glaucum. It
is a splendid bank which cannot be described without a dia-
gram, which I had not time to trace. The Vine border is also

August £0, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

183

elaborately planted. The high character of the building is not
the only charm of this garden. The plants are splendid—the
chief prize-winners of the year—Heaths, Crotons, Nepenthes,
Palms, Alocasias, &c. N. Rafflesiana has more than fifty fine
pitchers; the Vines are carrying an excellent crop, and have
made capital growth for future crops. The kitchen garden is
well worked and cropped—in fact the condition of the garden
in every department testifies to the industry and skill of its
successiul manager. The owners of the garden, Mr. and Mrs.
Ralli, deserve a hearty vote of thanks for generously permitting
‘all comers to inspect the flower beds, &c., on one day in each
week—Friday. The beds will continue attractive for a few
weeks to come, but the sooner they are seen now the better.

I have now to state a ‘‘surprise.’’ A letter informs me that
this is the fifth and last season of Mr. Legg’s services at
Cleveland House, but a gardener who has given such good
proof of his competency and has been so signally successful
eannot be long out of harness.—A NorrHERN. GARDENER.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

Tus much-dreaded visitor made its appearance here about
three weeks ago. It appeared first in the early sorts of the
Potato. Up to that time the tops of all sorts of Potatoes
looked remarkably well, and as the damp cloudy weather con-
tinued, with seldom more than one dry day or two in the
eourse of a week, great fears were had respecting the crop.
When the Potatoes were attacked the tops of some were pulled
off. But pulled off or not, all very quickly rotted and had a very
disagreeable smell. The later sorts are now nearly all going
bad, and soon there will not be a green top of Potatoes to
be seen anywhere in the neighbourhood. Some are lifting
their crops and spreading their tubers out in sheds, &., and
places under cover, so they can be seen and easy to get at, in
order to pick out the decaying tubers. How would it do to
cover them over for a few hours with fresh-slaked lime?
Could it be any means to arrest the disease or keep the air
from operating upon them? From present appearances it is
feared that one-quarter if not one-third of a good crop is
already affected.—G. Dawson, St. John’s Nursery, Worcester.

FRENCH ROSE GARDENS.—No. 1.
IVRY-SUR-SEINE.

A ROsARIAN in Paris naturally bethinks himself, amongst
other things, of French Rose-growers. Accordingly I attempted
@ visit to Monsieur Levéque, ‘‘ Grand Fleuriste”’ at Ivry.
Starting from the Pont du Roi as it calls itself, or Pont
National as the tickets call it, or Pont Napoleon is it going
to be? I journeyed down the Seine on one of the river boats.
Very charming those happily-called ‘‘hirondelles” certainly
are, as like our Thames boats as an Arab is to a cart horse,
It is a short one hour’s sail. First past the still ghastly skele-
ton of the Tuileries wing; but it will not be a wreck long.
Paris is busy building; so busy, they seem almost glad of an
opportunity of making their splendid city even yet more
magnificent. Then past fine old Notre Dame, and where the
Hotel de Ville was, now it is a wilderness of scaffolding sky
high; then on the right the Halles, those hnge wine stores of
Paris; then the pleasant groves of the Jardin des Plantes;
its animals, a travelling companion assures me, were not
eaten during the siege; under some pretty bridges, one em-
bossed with a big N, and I am at the landing-place for Ivry-
sur-Seine. A hot half-mile takes me up into Ivry proper. Its
inhabitants appear either asleep or in slippers, always except-
ing certain sturdy blouses at work in the nursery gardens. I
pass one small Rose garden, where rows of Potatoes alter-
nate with Rose plants, and every Rose that has failed is
replaced with a vegetable. Certainly every inch of ground so
near Paris is made use of.

With some difficulty I make out in the main street M. Le-
véeque’s establishment. Unhappily he is not at home. Under
the obliging guidance of Mdlle. and M. Gaston Levéque, of the
mature ages of twelve and eight, we traverse his various terraces,
but he is not to be found. There is much besides Roses under
cultivation. The land appears light, but well supplied with
articles de Paris in the shape of heaps of rich refuse from the
great neighbouring city. An admirable arrangement supplies
water in abundance; huge wine vats being sunk at intervals
are connected by leaden pipes, into which a deep horse-worked
well is constantly emptying. Rows of splendid Tomatoes
showed from whence mine host of the Valois in the Palais

Royal might have obtained those irresistible Tomatoes au
gratin. There are also large beds of Melons and Vegetable
Marrows. The way these latter were being grown is a perfect
specimen of French ingenuity. Vast quantities of cloches
(bell-glasses) out of use have been packed together and thatched
over with straw, and now the huge plants are trailing at will
over them, having, as it were, a hothouse below instead of
above. The light wood and wire fence, so often seen by the
side of the pathway, is here constructed chiefly of Briar stocks
that have failed and died. They certainly would have been
burned in England, but France is the home of economic in-
genuity. They were busy budding Roses on low Briars and
Manettis, and such Roses as were in bloom seemed equally
busy setting Rose heps.

But the new Roses that I went to see. My companion kept
assuring me (for a workman had succeeded to my little com-
panions, Garston had quite enough of walking over rough
ground in slippers), that when M. Levéque was found I
should see all the nouveutés. But, alas! he never was found ;
consequently, Messrs. Editors, ‘‘ Story indeed, sirs, I have
none to tell you,’’ except that the, I hope, more fortunate
traveller than myseli may vary the return to Paris if he
chooses, as I did, by taking the chemin de Fer d’Orleans, which
will deposit him close to the Jardin des Plantes.—A. C.,
Hotel de Louvre.

CAMPANULA MEDIUM CALYCANTHEMA.

In the Journal of Horticulture for 16th of August is a letter
from Mr. J. Pithers respecting the Campanula Medium caly-
canthema. I have tried it for two years both in pots and in
the open ground. I flowered this year some plants in my
borders, which attained a circumference of a yard full of large
white flowers; I have also had some purple, but not so large.
Some have flowers consisting of a perfect bell within a bell,
while others have the bell corolla issuing out of the calyx, with
broad segments of the same colour as the corolla.

I sent some flowers to the Norwich Rose Show, which
attracted much attention and were favourably noticed in two
local papers.—Jas. C. BaRNHAM.

FLORAL DECORATIONS ar toe AGRICULTURAL
HALL.

Tusk are worthy of notice from their great extent and high
character. The prizes of £50, £30, £20, £15, and £10 in one
class are somewhat of a sensational nature, but considering the
great extent of the groups—70 feet by 5 feet and 11 feet high,
also that the plants muat remain for a week to be injured, and
further that the competitors are not likely to receive a single
“‘ order’ from the spectators, the prizes are not of such great
value as at the first sight they appear to be. 2

The prizes named were awarded as follows :—First to Mr.
Wills, second and third to Mr. B. S. Williams, fourth to Mr.
Turner, Slough; and fifth to Mr. Ley. Mr. Wills’s collection
consists of tall Palms and other ornamental-foliaged plants
rather thinly disposed, with groups at their base of Gladioluses,
Liliums, &c., and an irregular fringe of cut flowers of Orchids
and other stove plants arranged in a carpet of Lycopods, with
Pitcher-plants elevated on stands; ripe Pine Apples in pots and
Tomatoes ; also an arch of Vines bearing fruit, are employed in
this highly artistic group. Mr. Williams’s contribution is a
valuable one—too valuable considering the risk of injury by
gas and the dry atmosphere to which they are subjected, for
the Palms, Tree Ferns, and specimen flowering plants are
splendid. Mr. Turner’s group is composed chiefly of Palms
and very fine examples of Lilium auratum, and Mr. Ley’s of
general decorative plants. These groups are arranged in the
promenade surrounding the inner circle of the immense hall.
Tn the circle—the auditorium—are semicircular groups about
20 feet in diameter. These are on grass banks. Mr. Wills
secured the firet and second prizes in this section with
beautiful collections of plants and several excellent dishes of
fruit, Mr. Turner being placed third and Mr. Williams fourth.
Mr. Turner’s Dahlias had a fine effect by gas light, and had
they been arranged in a wide bank of moss instead of in ex-
hibition boxes the groups containing them would have won a
higher position. Mr. Williams’s group is very artistic. It
represents a lawn and carpet bedding, the trees on the lawn
being specimens of Cocos Weddelliana. In the next class, the
spaces being 12 feet by 24 feet, Mr. Williams secures the first
three prizes, and Mr. Wills the fourth. Mesers. Dick Radclyfie

184 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 30, 1877.

and Co. secure the chief prizes for fountains, garden seats,
tools, and appliances; but these ‘‘ general” classes are com-
parative failures—a farce, perhaps, is the proper word. The
plant decorations are excellent, and, notwithstanding the seem-
ingly high prizes, this system of embellishing a large hall is
probably less costly than by employing floral decorations in
the orthodox manner.

The association of music and flowers is appropriate ; both
are attractive, and both are provided liberally at the Agri-
cultural Hall, continuing throughout the week. Mr. F. W.
Wilson, late of the Crystal Palace, proves as efficient as ever as
floral manager.

BOOKS.

The Colorado Potato Beetle. Illustrated and Described by Dr-
Anprew Witson, &. W. & A. K. Johnston, Edinburgh
and London.

We recommend this work to our readers. It will enable
them to identify the marauder should it attack their Potato
plants, and it notes the remedies that have been suggested. The
coloured portraits of the insect and its larva are very good.
We can afford space for only one extract. ‘The chemical
remedy most in vogue is Paris green, a powder consisting of
Scheele’s or Paris green (the arsenite of copper) added to
plaster of Paris, to ashes, or to flour; one part of the former
being added to twelve or fifteen parts of the latter substances.
With this powder the infested Potatoes are dusted, this treat-
ment sppesring to have no injurious effect on the plants,
although it has been remarked that the subsequent year’s crop
is usually of inferior quality and exists in diminished quantity.
It is hardly necessary to remark that Paris green is a highly
poisonous substance, and that great care must be taken in its
application. A convenient method of application of this sub-
stance is that by means of an extemporised duster or dredge,
such as may be made by punching a number of small holes in
the botiom of any old tin vessel. This apparatus may be tied
to a stick, and can be employed: with great facility in the
distribution of the powder.”

Various Experiments for the Production of New and Desirable
Grapes, and a Description of Forty Varieties obtained by
Hybridisation. By G. Hasxetn, Ipswich, Mass.

Two years since we noticed some of the seedling Grapes
sent to us by Mr. Haskell, and commended especially two
which had the Black Hamburgh and White Chasselas for their
‘male parents. Mr. Haskell has continued his experiments, and
the pamphlet, of which we have stated the title, records the
results. We will copy one paragraph because it relates to a
subject now especially demanding attention. :

Recent experiments in France have shown that the most
effectual eradication of the Phylloxera was by flooding the ground
and thus drowning the insects. As the Riparia of this country
flourishes, and really does best in wet bogs and meadows, even
when the roots are immersed in water all winter and the soil is
saturated all summer, may we not expect that this trait will
prevail in some of these hybrids and make them almost proof
against the Phylloxera, especially if planted in such wet soils ?
I shall place them in such soils and'localities, and hope others
will do £o too, that the experiment may be fairly tried.

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Cotrus VERSCHAFFELTI and V. splendens are among the very
best of foliage plants for richness of colour and effectiveness in
the flower garden. They are extensively used in working out
the various designs for scrolls, panels, or other pattern bedding,
in which cases they are generally planted closely so as to shelter
each other, and the tops are kept pinched to the uniform height
and shape of the pattern. When massed in larger beds and
edged with Centaurea ragusina few beds are more beautiful.
Cuttings of Coleuses strike very freely, and no plants are more
easy to grow; they require a position near the glass, a tolerably
rich soil, plenty of water when growing, and a temperature
duriny the winter of not less than 45°. Let no one try to grow
these plants who cannot maintain this temperature. If only
just a few plants can be thus wintered the quantity required
can be raised with the greatest rapidity in the spring with the
help of a dung frame, for every little side shoot or top will soon
make a bushy plant.

The very pretty and dwarf-growing Alternantheras are also
extensively used in modern bedding, and require much the same
treatment as Coleuses. Cuttings inserted thickly, or old plants
taken from the ground and potted, if kept in the same tempe-
rature as recommended for the Coleus, will furnish abundance

of cuttings for increase in the spring. A. amona, amabilis,
magnifica, and paronychyoides are the best. Iresine Lindeni
asa dark bedding plant is also very useful, and will flourish
under the same treatment as the Coleus; it is a decided im-
provement on I. Herbstii, being brighter in colour and of much
better habit.

The several varieties of bedding Lobelias are exquisitely beau-
tiful, and are well adapted for small beds or for edgings around
larger beds. Their dwarf growth and continuous-blooming pro-
perties are not to be equalled by any other bedding plants we
possess. lLobelias are easily raised from seed sown thinly at
the present time, the seedlings being wintered in a greenhouse ;
or seed may be sown in heat early in the spring. But though
the majority of the seedlings come true they are not entirely to
be depended on, and therefore a stock of any particular variety,
to keep it select and true, must be perpetuated by cuttings. I
stock plants are kept on a shelf in a greenhouse throughout the
winter many of them will become dense masses, and young
rootlets will start from the base of each shoot: these shoots will
strike very freely. The varieties of the L. pumila section are
now mostly used, and a double variety exists which in some
places and seasons answers well, but in others we have seen it
a complete failure.

Ageratum Imperial Dwarf and one or two other varieties are
very useful. Their immense bunches of lively lavender flowers
together with their dwarf habitrender them valuable as bedding
plants. They can be either increased by seed or cuttings. A few
old plants cut down and potted in the autumn and wintered in a
greenhouse afford an excellent supply of cuttings in the spring:
Heliotropes are not now as much used for bedding purposes as
formerly, but we recently saw two beds of Miss Nightingale at
Kew very even and beaatiful, and the perfume from them was
delightful. Heliotropes are easily propagated by cuttings and
can be wintered in a warm greenhouse.

Of all plants used for their golden foliage the Golden Feather
(Pyrethram) is perhaps the most popular. It is readily raised
from seed. Seedlings raised annually have not that tendency
to bloom as have cuttings or older plants. Sow in March, and
prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle; ora little
seed may be sown now in the open ground. As a companion
plant to the Golden Feuther is the Golden Chickweed (Stellaria
graminea aurea) ; it is very neat and effective and is quite hardy.
For covering the ground closely and for producing a creamy
yellowish mass Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum is
very well adapted. A few pots of cuttings inserted at once will
furnish a sufficient supply in the spring.

The Centaurea makes a noble edging plant, but is not so easy
to strike as some of the plants above named; but cuttings taken
off now will strike freely enough if ordinary care be taken to
prevent damping. Keeping them in small pots and somewhat
dry during the winter, with plenty of air, is the best means of
preserving a stock of this pleasing white-foliage plant.

Succulents are now extensively used for bedding purposes,
especially Echeverias, Sempervivums, and Sedums. They are
increased by offsets. Frost does not injure these so much as
damp around the collar. If placed in a dry shed, or along the
side of a wall where wet is kept away by coverings, plants may
be preserved through the winter.

Leucophyton Browni is a very neat and one of the most
beautiful of dwarf foliage plants ever introduced. Cuttings of
it atrike best in a cold frame, where also the plants may be
wintered. Its bright silvery appearance is most peculiar but
attractive. Gazania splendens is not now often seen, but a good
bed on a bright day has a very pleasing effect when the sun
shines. Cuttings strike freely, and may be wintered in covered
frames,

The dying-off of Calceolarias soon after being planted out has
caused them to be less popular than formerly, but we possess
nothing so gay when the plants are well grown. To increase a
stock of these valuable beddirg plants cuttings should be inserted
in tolerably sandy soil in a cold frame early in October, allowing
them to remain there throughout the winter, keeping out frost
by covering the glass with mats, straw, or any other material,
giving air on favourable occasions to prevent damp. Though
the bedding Calceolaria is no aquatic it is very impatient of
drought, and therefore requires deeply trenched and well-
manured beds to grow it well.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

We have not done much in this department except to clear-
off any crops that had ceased to be useful, making the ground
tidy by clearing away the weeds. Sometimes it is convenient
to dig-in the vegetable refuse, and that is often as good as a
dressing of manure. We had a good illustration of this in the
spring of the present year. About four acres of ground had to
be planted with Potatoes, and two acres of that were sown with
Rye in the autumn, and about planting-time the Rye which

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August 30, 1877. |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

185

oUt tI

was about 9 inches high was ploughed-ir, the Potatoes being |
planted at the same time without any other preparation or any
further manuring. The other two acres had a good dressing of
farmyard manure and guano, but the part on which the Rye
was ploughed-in had the best plants and the greatest crop. We
luave taken up all the Potatoes, but be it understood none of them
are late sorts. Early Ashleaf, Veitch’s Prolific, Improved Ash-
leaf, Schoolmaster, Blanchard, and a local sort named EHarlv
Shaw. Disease had attacked most of them, Blanchard most
severely. «lt would certainly have been better if we had dug
the crop before the disease had attacked the haulm. When
this is done it is necessary to handle the tubers very carefully.
We have found that, although the skins are easily injured at the
time of taking-up, in less than a week after they set firm and
do not suffer from being moved. All the Potatoes which are
required for sets next year have been stored in a dark loft.
They are spread-out thinly.

After a spell of hot dry weather the ground was dusty dry and
hot to the feet. On Wednesday morning for two hours the rain
fell steadily and heavily; rather over an inch was taken from
the rain-receiver afterwards. The ground was in good order for
planting, and Sprouting Broccoli, also Coleworts, were put out
in quantities.

VINERIES,

We have pruned the Vines in the earliest house, and will as
soon as an opportunity offers make preparations for starting
them. One of the houses shows signs of the Vines being ex-
hausted, and we are not surprised at this, as our light gravelly
soil is not naturally adapteufor Vine culture. We would like to
clear all the soil away from the roots of the Vines to within afew
feet of the stem, and renew the border in the same way that it
was made at the beginning. Our plan would be this: We would
begin at that part of the border furthest from the stem of the
Vines, and would cut a trench as deep as the drainage ; from
this trench we would work up to the Vines, removing all the
soil but saving the roots. After clearing out the soil to within
3 or 4 feet of the Vines we would see that the drainage was
perfect, and would then fill-up the border with fresh compost,
raising the roots much nearer to the surface than they were
before. The time for doing this is a matter of considerable im-
portance. It would be best to do it immediately the fruit was
gathered—that is, if the Vines were in good condition ; but if
most of the leaves had perished from the attacks of red spider
or any other cause, it would not be safe to do it, especially if
the compost was formed of turf not quits decayed : the organic
matter would heat and start the Vines into growth. Ours will
probably be done at the time of starting the Vines, when the
gentle heat generated by the decaying turf will probably cause
the Vines to start strongly.

Late houses require a little attention in order to perfect the
ripening of the Grapes. Should the temperature fall below
65° in the Hamburgh house, or 70° in the Muscat house, it must
be kept up to those figures by the heating apparatus—that is, if
the Grapes are not ripe; if they are ripe all the attention that
will be required is to keep the temperature and state of the
atmosphere so that no decay attacks the berries. A high arti-
ficial temperature would cause the berries to shrivel, and a low
night temperature has a tendency to induce decay. Moisture
will not need to be applied artificially. Care must also be taken
in sweeping the paths not to raise dust in the atmosphere,
which settles on the berries.

Vines in pots intended to be forced to produce early crops of
Grapes should now be enjoying a period of rest, either against
a wall or in a house with a dry atmosphere and where plenty of
air is admitted. It is not desirable to giva much water at the
roots, but the Vines suffer more from too little than they
do from an occasional overdose. It is well to cut the canes
back to the length they are intended to be for forcing, as the
eyes that remain on the cane-will continue swelling while the
leaves are in a healthy condition. All the proning that is
required should be done as early as possible, as bleeding gene-
rally results from late pruning. If it is intended to start the
Vines in October all growth ought to be completed now.

Strawberries in Pots.—We have now completed the potting of
these. All intended to fruit late have been potted in 6-inch
pots; early sorts, like Black Prince and Keens’ Seedling, in pots
a size smaller. They are just under 5 inches in diameter inside
measure. The plants root freely and make rapid growth after
potting, and the object of the cultivator is to take advantage of
this in order to have the crowns large and well developed before
the dull days of autumn, The plants are placed in a favourable
position where they receive most of the sun’s rays, and the pots
Must on no account lack an abundant supply of water. An
attack of red spider will utterly ruin the prospects of a good
crop. On the first appearance of this pest lay the plants on
their sides, and thoroughly syringe the under sides of the leaves
With soapy water to which a little tobacco liquor has been
added. Runners are also produced very freely on the plants,
but these must be removed as fast as they are formed, as they
must to a certain extent weaken the crowns.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

We have had a season of respite from potting or other im-
portant operations in this department, and have taken the
opportunity to look over all plants that are likely to have any. of
that terrible pest the mealy bug. We have again and again had
it down so that it has been almost annihilated, but we have not
yet destroyed the scourge entirely. It is now a good time to
thoroughly re-arrange the plants, and any unwieldy specimens
which are not required for decorative purposes next year should
be destroyed, and only the best specimens be allowed to remain.
What can be more unsightly than to see plants of a scandent
character growing into one another and forming a tangled mass,
which becomes a breeding ground for insect pests? See that
all plants are neatly but not formally trained, and if possible
they ought not to touch each other. Large specimens must
stand back from the front of the stage or bark bed, and some
neat, healthy, small plants ought to be placed on the outer edge
sufficiently large to hide the pots. They ought not to be plants
that are intended to make good specimens, as growing them
under those of a large size will probably injure them. It
depends very much upon the manner in which plants are
arranged as to whether they will make handsome specimens or
the reverse. Very careful attention is requisite in order to
ascertain the requirements of the various subjects in each
house. We have found a specimen would do well in one posi-
tion, which on being moved to another pert of the house did
not succeed. The reason of this is not far to seek: some plants
require to be near the glass and fully exposed to the sun and with
free air around them, others require to be grown and flowered
in the shade.

Orchids do not require a large amount of attention at this
season, but all that they do require must be freely rendered at
the right time. Dendrobiums which have been well supplied
with water at the roots and often overhead must, now that their
growth is completed, be treated to a drier atmosphere, and
water must only be applied when the plants really require it—
that is, when the compost is rather dry. As the season ad-
vances water must be almost entirely withheld in the case of
most of the deciduous species. Cattleyas must not have much
water at the roots after this. Allow the compost to be dry before
applying any. Lelia purpurata is now starting into growth, but
the plants do not seem to make much root at the same time;
and water, even when the growths are in the course of forma-
tion, must be applied with caution. Calanthes have also com-
pleted their growth, and the spikes in some instances are coming
up. We grow our plants in small pots for the size of the bulbs.
Three large bulbs in a 5 or 6-inch pot will give us from four to
six spikes 2 and 3 feetin length. We have not yet reduced the
atmospheric moisture, but now that there are heavy dews at
night, and the rains have at last touched our district, we must
act with caution in this respect.—J. Douauas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road,
Chelsea.—Catalogues of Fruit’Trees and Strawberries, and of
Dutch Bulbs.

aus & Sons, Reading.—Autumn Catalogue of Flowering
Bulbs.

Francis and Arthur Dickson & Sons, 106, Hastgate Street,
Chester.—Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs and other Flower Roots.

Thomas Bunyard & Sons, Maidstone.—Catalogue of Dutch
Bulbs, and Descriptive List of Roses.

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 unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions 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.

VEGETABLE Marrows (Major M.)—They appear to haye been quits over-
looked. If you can sead other examples they shall have our attention.

RaIsInc KaLosantHes FRom SEED (TZ. J. H.).—The seed pods should be
cut when ripe, and may be kept after they are dried in a cool dry place until
spring, the seed remaining in the pod until that time. Drain a pot or pan
half its depth, placing over the drainage some of the rough of the compost,
which should consist of equal parts of sandy fibrous loam and sandy peat

‘ with about a fourth of silver sand, well incorporat-d and passed through a

quarter-inch sieve. Let the soil in the pots be rather firm, and the surface quite
smooth. Water gently and scatter the seeds evenly over the surface, the pods
being broken over the pot. Scatter a little fine soil over the seed and place
ina hotbed, keeping the surface regularly moist, but avoid making the soil
sodden. In the young state the seedlings require to be very carefully watered,

186

for an excess will cause them to damp. The seedlings should be kept near
the giass and have air moderately. When large enough to handle they
should be gently lifted with a knife or pointed piece of wood, and potted-off
singly in small pots, returning them tothe frame, shading for afew days until
established, after which they may be hardened-off and placed in a cold frame,
placing the pot on ashes. In August they may have 43-inch pots, and in Sep-
tember be removed to a light airy position in a greenhouse, keeping rather dry
over the winter. The strongest plants will flower the following year. There
is no advantage in raising the plants from seed, and superior varieties can
only be obtained when the best of the present varieties have been crossed—
artificially fertilised.

ExHIBitinG (7. Richardson).—Exhibit any eight that are best of their
kind.

CALCEOLARIAS AND Primunas (W. B.).—Calceolaria seed may be sown
now in light sandy soil pressed rather firmly in pots or pans. The soil should
be watered an hour previously to sowing the seed, which should be scattered
thinly on the surface and be slightly pressed. Cover each pot with a square
of glass, and place in a cool, moist, dark frame. The moment the seed ger-
minates light must be gradually admitted. The seed pans and frame should
be so managed that no water will be needed until the seedlings appear, the
soil being kept moist by placing the pots in saucers of water. It is fully late
to sow Primulas now, and you will do more wisely by purchasing a dozen or
two of small plants ready for being potted.

InsEcT oN GuADIOLI (S. HE. W.).—It is the Julus terrestris, one of the
snake millipedes. We do not think they cause the decay, but subsist on the
decayed parts.

TAKING UP PorTaTors (Idem).—The tubers have done increasing in size
when the stems begin to be yellow.

VINE BoRDER (4 Young Gardener).—Fall directions are in our “ Vine
Mahual,” price 2s. 8d., free by post.

PrA.—We have mislaid the inquirer’s name. The Pea is the Mummy Pea,

and known also as the Crown, Bunch, and Cluster Pea.

TRAINING PEACHES IN WALL CasE (R. H. A.).—It will be much better to
train the trees to @ trellis fixed about 10 inches from the glass. We would,
of course, allow the trees to remain against the wall, but would plant others
about a foot from the front wall, or rather where you have placed the line of
oak posts.

SowinG PoLyANTHUS AND PHLox DrumMonpit Seeps (J. C.).—If you
have Polyanthus seeds sow at once, but it is almost too late to expect flowers
next season. They flower abundantly and strongly from seeds sown in May.
Sow the Phlox in March and place the pots in a hotbed, the plants will flower
during summer. We once had some fine plants of this Phlox which flowered
in the greenhouse during May and June, and were much admired. The seeds
were sown at the end of August, and the plants were wintered on a shelf ina
light and cool house.

WEEDS ON GRAVEL (T. P. L.).—No available application will prevent the
weeds growing. Asphalting the surface would prevent their appearing.

Stues In Heavy Som (#. 2.).—Your most effective remedy will be to
pare and burn the top spit of your soil. It will annihilate the slugs and im-
prove the staple.

Borer (E. M.).—We presume the apparent neglect arises from the great
demand. Write again to the makers.

Names oF Fruits (W., Lauton).—Please to send them later, it is too early
in the season to name late Apples.

NaMEs OF PLants.—Specimens are sent that cannot be recognised, they
are so dried-up. They ought to be sent in a box with a little damp moss
aboutthem. (Arthenice).—1,Spirea Ulmaria; 2, Lythrum Salicaria; 3, Epi-
lobium hirsutam. (Young Gardener).—l, Centranthus ruber; 2, Chrysan-
themum segetum; 8, Pyrethrum frutescens (?); 4, Alyssum maritimum
variegatum. (Winchester).—Abutilon Thompsoni yariegatum. (C. Frisby).
—Winter Cress (Barbarea vulgaris or B. precox). (W. L.).—1l, Pulicaria
dysenterica ; 2, Senecio crucifolius; 8, Centaurea nigra; 4, Agrimonia eupa-
toria. (G. Wall).—1, Spergula nodosa; 2, Helosciadium nodiflorum var.
repens; 8, Scleranthus annuus. (W. M. B.).—Papyrus antiquorum. See
also reply to ‘‘ W., Luton.”

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

LOCAL REPORTS ON POULTRY.

WE are afraid these are more amusing than edifying. All are
aware of the utter helplessness generally of a reporter for a
local newspaper when he is turned into a poultry show and told
to make a report. He knows a fowl and a Duck by sight, and
is probably acquainted with a Christmas Turkey or a Pigeon
pie, and this is often the consummation of his poultry know-
ledge. Whatdoeshedo? One of two things: he either scrapes
into conversation with some gossiping poultryman and writes
down in shorthand from his lips, or else he gleans a few stray
names and ideas here and there, and concocts a hash for the
country residents. In the former case the tips he is given
generally are in favour of some particular person’s exhibits, or
the worthlessness of some opponent’s. In the latter case the
result may be something of the nature which we will proceed
to describe.

“What are Mangle-crested Piles? I should be so much
obliged if you will let me hear where I can see some.” This
we had from an exhibitor on a postcard. We had no idea what
se Mangle-crested Piles” were, and wrote for further particulars.
On the arrival of a second note we were told that a pair of this
breed won the cup and first prize in Class 21 at Hereford, and
a local newspaper was then quoted as the authority. We after-
wards saw a copy of this interesting organ, and really the report
was 80 delicious in the positive hopelessness of its poultry
knowledge that we must quote from it to exemplify our case.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ August 30, 1877.

We are told in the first place that the first-prize Dorking hen
was most beautifully marked, and that ‘‘ the pluff was exceed-
ingly fine.” Even supposing that “pluff” was a misprint for
“ flaff,” we do not often hear of a Dorking’s fluff! In mention-
ing Lady Dartmouth’s first and second-prize Light Brahma
cocks they are termed “elevated companions.” The first-prize
Golden-pencilled Hamburghs had legs which ‘appeared as if
cut out of a piece of stone,’ they were so magnificent. We
cannot possibly remember a worse simile, for Hamburghs are
hardly ever still, and their legs are very slender at all times.
In Class 19 the firat prize went “to a pair of Black Piles.’”
This is charming, but our readers must not imagine that “‘ Piles”
is a misprint for ‘Poles,’ as Class 19 was the French class. In
Class 21 “the cup and first-prize were awarded to a pair of
Mangle-crested Piles,” “and the second to a pair of White-
crested Piles.” The third prize in the sale class we also read
went to ‘‘ White-crested Piles.” In Olass 23 all the winners
were Dark, or else:the reporter’s brain must have been dark, for
“Dark Brahmas, Dark Cochins, and Dark Brahmas” were the
three victorious pens. Lady Dartmouth’s celebrated Sebrights,
which won second and third prizes inthe Variety Bantam class,
are termed ‘‘ Silver-spangles.”” And so we could go on; but we
have given enough to show the perfect rubbish of the notes in
question, though we are told in a private sort of way that they
were “‘ written by an old fancier ;” at least we have those words
written in pencil at the top of the report in question.

There are many fanciers in a quiet way. A tradesman who
keeps his Brahmas or Cochins, a farmer who keeps his Ham-
burghs or Dorkings, the squire of the parish or chief landowner
who keeps at his home farm some particular breed or other,
such as these do not call themselves “ fanciers,” merely lovers
of poultry. They enjoy their birds as a recreation, and take in
no weekly poultry periodical, or try to keep themselves aw fait
in the onward progress of poultry matters. They look forward
to their county or city show, and perhaps then exhibit a pen or
two, when they will read afterwards with relish the half column
which the local daily or weekly paper gives concerning the ex-
hibition. They must be edified; still to them a report such as
the one from which we have taken extracts reads no doubt
perfectly right, and perhaps the one envies a neighbour’s
“Mangle-crested Piles,” while the other would like to see his
own Dorkings more heavily “pluffed.”’ These little things,
however, are thorns in poultry cultivation, for after having
composed such a report as we speak of the writer will perhaps
imagine he is “ gifted,” and the result will be an article on ‘‘ egg-
selling” or ‘‘egg-buying,” or ‘preparing for a show” or
“ fattening fowls,” in which he is able to work a real evil; and
we have before now seen such articles in leading county news-
papers which we know positively have not only done much
harm, but have actually led to the discontinuance of poultry-
keeping from the imaginary roguery which an ignorant writer
would attempt to disclose.

If a local newspaper requires notes on any particular section
of a show he should surely go to the proper source to obtain
them, and we hope those proprietors or editors who may see
these lines will take the subject to heart, and either content
themselves with a few words on general points, or omit the sub-
ject altogether rather than allow themselves to be laughed at,
and pure nonsense written about a most healthy and profitable
pastime.—W.

ROCHDALE POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts grand Exhibition of stock, poultry, &c., was held in the
grounds of Clement Royds, Esq., on the 22nd inst., when the
day proved the most disastrous of any in our experience of
twenty-five years, the rain falling in torrents from noon until
night, making the turf one perfect bog and drenching all the
exhibits to such an extent that we consider correct judgment or
criticism was utterly impossible. The Show was one of the
best the Society has ever held, if not the very best, which speaks
volumes for the management.

Poultry were for young birds with the exception of some
classes of Ducks, Geese, and Turkeys, and the selling classes;
and some excellent chickens were shown, although with all the
talk of large numbers reared this season there seems to be a
dearth of really good specimens in some classes. Game were of
fairly good quality, although we haveseen them better here; the
Cochins and Spanish being about the best of the large section.
Polish proved very good in entries and the quality very fine,
the winners being most compact in crest and straight in back, a
point sadly overlooked in this variety. Hamburghs, as may be
expected, were a capital lot, this Show more than any other
proving a kind of feeler as to the position of young stock, and
among them were some of the best birds we have ever seen.
Ducks and Geese were very good and well shown.

The show of Pigeons was very large and good, but on account
of the weather we prefer not to criticise the awards.

POULTRY.—SpantsH.—Cockerel.—l, J. T. Parker. 2, J. Walker. vic, J.
Aldridge, J. Roberts. Pullet—1 and 2, J. Powell. Coontns.—Cinnamon and
Buff.—Cockerel,—1, H. Tomlinson. 2, C. Sidgwick. vhc, T. Lees, C. Sidgwick.

August 80, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

187

——

Pullet.—1 and 2, C. Sidgwick, vhc,C. Holt, J.H. Jones. Any other colow.— | alone we will only say that close on £90 worth is offered for

Cockerel.—l and 2, R. J. Wood. vhe, O. Sidgwick. Pullet.—1, T. Stretch. 2
and whe, R, J. Wood. Branmas.—Dark.—Cockerel.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, Ee
Pritchard. Pullet—l, S. W. Thomas. 2, R. P. Percival. vhe, J. Birch jun.,
Mrs. A. Tindal. Light.—Cockerel.—1, H. A. Barclay. 2,J3.H. Jones. Pullet.—
1, A. Bigg. 2,D.M. Barker. Game.—Black or Brown Red.—Cockerel.—1, T. P.
Lyon. 2, G. Furness, Pullet.—i,G. Bell. 2,T.P.Lyon. Any other variety.—
Cockerel.—1, G. Furness. 2, G. Ambler. Pullet.—2, G. Ambler. PoLanps.—
Cockerel.—ti, J. Rawnsley. 2, P. Unsworth. Pullet.—l, J. Rawnsley. 2, P:
Unsworth. vhe, H. Beldon, P. Unsworth. HampvurGus.—Golden-spangled.—
Gockerel.—l, J. Rawnsley. 2, T. Dean. Pullet—i, T. Dean. 2, H. Beldon,
whe, T. Scholes. Silver-spangled.—Cockerel—1, H. Pickles. 2, H. Beldon.
Pullet—1, H. Beldon. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. whe, J. Rawnsley. Golden-

encilled.—Cockerel.—1, F. Simpson. 2,H.Beldon, Pullet.—i, H. Pickles. 2,
W. Clayton. vhe, W. Clayton, J. Rawnsley. Silver-pencilled.—Cockerel.—1, H.
Pickles. 2,H.Beldon. Pullet.—l, J. Rawnsley. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. vhe,
BR. Riley. Black.—Cockerel.—1, C. Sidgwick. 2, H. Beldon. vhe, Faweett and
Anderton, J. T. Simpson. Pullet.—1, C. Sidgwick. 2,R.L. Garnett. vhe, J.
Pickup, jun., J. T. Simpson. Dorxrnes.—Cockerel.—l, T. Briden. 2, R, A.
Boissier. Pullet—ti,T.Briden. 2,R.A. Boissier. CREvE-C@uR or Houpan.—
Cockerel.—1, Robinson & Myers. 2, G. Furness. Pullet.—l, Robinson and
Myers. 2, G. Furness. La FLEcHE on Matay.—Cockerel—l, A. Smith. 2,
Fletcher & Hutchinson. Pullet.—l, A. Smith. 2, Fletcher & Hutchinson.
Bantams.—Game, Black or Brown Red.—Cockerel.—l, E. Walton. 2, R. J.
Hartley. Pullet—l and 2,E, Walton. Game, eine other variety.—Cockerel.—1,
E. Walton. 2,7. Dyson. Pullet.—l, F. Maitland. 2, E, Walton. Any other
variety except Game.—Cockerel.—l, E. Walton 2, J. W. Crowther. Pullet.—
1 and vhc, KE. Walton. 2,W. Richardson. Point Prize (Cup), E. Walton,
Bucns.—Aylesbury.—t, A. Petty. 2, J. Walker. Rowen.—l, J. Walker. 2, T.
Wakefield. vhc, T. Mills, P. Unsworth. Ducklings.—1, J. Walker. 2, W. H.
Rothwell. vhe, T. Wakefield, P. West, GrrsE.—1, J. Walker. 2, T. Mills.
TourKEyS.—l, J. Walker. SELLING Cxrass.—Cock.—l, Fletcher & Hutchinson.
2, W.H. Rothwell. Hens.—1,R. Barker. 2,W.H. Rothwell. vhc, J. Brough,
E. Holt.

PIGEONS.—Pourers.—Bluwe.—Cock.—l, 8, R. Fulton. 2, J. Kendall. Hen.—
1,2, R. Fulton. 8,J. Kendall. Red or Yellow.—Cock.—1, 2, R. Fulton. 8,J. Royle,
Hen—1, R. Fulton. Any other colowr.—Cock.—1 and 2, R. Fulton. Hen.—1, 2,
and 8, R. Fulton. Carrrers.—Black.—Cock.—1 and 2, J. Heroyd. 8 and vhe.
R. Fulton. Hen.—land2,R. Fulton. 8,J. Ecroyd. Any other colow.—Cock.
—land2,J.Ecroyd. 8 and vhc,R. Fulton. Hen.—l, J. Eckroyd. 2and 8, R.
Fulton. <Any colowr.—Young.—1, R. Fulton. 2, J. Royle. 8, J.C. Waterhouse.
whe, H. Parker, H. Simpson, J. Walker. Tumpiers.—Almond.—1 and 2, J.
Ecroyd. 8,R. Fulton. Any other variety.—l, J. Ecroyd. 2 and 8, R. Fulton.
vhe, H. Yardley. Bald or Beard, Short-faced.—1, R. White. 2,J.S.Martin. 38,
R. Chrystie. vhc, J. Rawnsley, F. Wilde. Bald or Beard, Long-faced.—1, R.
Woods. 2,J. Brown. 8, P. Heaton. vhe, J. Gardner, P. Heaton. Any other
variety, Long-faced.—l and 8, J. Brown. 2, G.W. Redman. 8,J. Brown. vhe,
A. Grey. Owx1s.—Foreign.—l, J. Ecroyd. 2, R. Fulton. 8, F. Wilde. vhe, R.
Fulton (2). English, Blue or Silver.—Cocks.—1, J..Ecroyd, 2, H. Verdon. 8,
T. H. Stretch. vic, J. Gardner, J. W. Stansfield, R. Woods. Hens.—l, J.
Royle. 2, J. W. Stansfield. 8, J. Gardner. vhc, R. Helliwell, H. Verdon.
Barps.—Cock.—l, M. Hedley. 2 and 8, Mrs. Belk. vhc,R. Fulton. Hen.—1,
R. Fulton. 2and8,M. Hedley. vhc,R. Fulton. <Any colour.—Young.—l, C.G,
Cave. 2and8,R. Fulton. Tursirs.—Red or Yellow.—l and 2, J. Ecroyd. 3,
R. Woods. Blue or Silver.—i, J. Eoroyd. 2, W. Harrison. 8, A. Simpson.
whe, F. Wilde. Any other colour.—1 and 2, J.Ecroyd. 3,J.Gardener, JAcoBins.
—Red.—l and 2, J. Frame. 8, W. Harrison. vhe, R. Fulton, W. Dugdale, J.
Frame, T. S. Stephenson. Yellow.—l, 2, and 3, R. Fulton. vhe, J. Frame,
Black.—1, 2, and 8, J. Frame. vhe, J, Frame, F. W. Swallow. Any other
zolour.—l and 8, J. Frame, 2,R. Fulton. Antwerps.—Long-faced.—l, C. Hop-
wood. 2,C.Gamon. 8,J.Ecroyd. vhc, C. Hopwood, J. C. Waterhouse (2), J.
Wright. Young.—l, J. Rawnsley. 2, S. Wade. 3 and Extra 8, C. Hopwood,
vhe, W. Hilton, J. C. Waterhouse. Short-faced Dun.—Cock.—1 and 2, J.
Wright. 8,3. Ecroyd. Extra’, W. Hilton. vhc, J. Ecroyd, J. Wright (2), J.C.
Waterhouse. Short-faced any other colour.—Cock.—1, J. C. Waterhouse. 2, C,
Hopwood. 3, J. Wright. Extra 8, W. B. Mapplebeck, jun. vhc, J. Ecroyd (2),
CG. Hopwood, J. C. Waterhouse. Hen.—land38,J. Wright. 2, W.B. Mapple-
beck, jun. vhc,J. Ecroyd, 0. Hopwood, J. Wright (2). Short-faced.—Young.—
1, J. Wright. 2 and 8, W. B. Mapplebeck, jun. vhe, C. Hopwood (2). Dragoons,
—Blue or Silver.—1, 8, and vhe, R. Woods. 2, W. Smith. Youwng.—1 and 8, R.
Woods. 2, W.Smith. Red or Yellow.—1 and 2, R. Woods. 8, C. Waddington.
Any other colour.—1 and 2, R. Woods. 8, C. Waddington. “Any colour except
Blue or Silver.—Young.—l, 2 and_8,R. Woods. Fantams—White.—l, H. R.
Tenney. 2, W.Stevenson. 8, W. J. Warhurst. vhc,H. Simpson. Any other
colour.—i, C. Bowman. 2 and 8, W.J. Warhurst. vhe,T.Q. Bluhm. Maerz,
Nouns, oR Swantow.—l, R. Woods. 2, L. O. Lumb. 8, H. Seldon. vhe, J.
Gardner, R. Wods. Homine Brrps.—l, R. White. 2,C. Holt. 8, C. Hopwood.
vhe, A. Bingham. Any oTHER Variety.—l, 8, and vhc, R. Fulton. 2, H.
Yardley. SELLING CLass.—Pouter, Carrier, Tumbler, Foreign Owl, or Barb.—
1, S. Warrell. 2, E. C. & T. H. Stretch. 8, L. O. Lumb. vhc, J. Brown, S.
Dyson. <Any variety not mentioned in the preceding class.—l, A. Stretch. 2
and 8, W. Markland. vhc, S. Dyson, R. Woods. if

RABBITS.—Lop-EaRreEp.— Self-coloured.—l, C. E. Thompson. 2,J.S. Robin-
son. 8, D.Oldfield. Extra 8, Howarth & Whittingham. vhc,T. & E.J. Fell.
Broken-coloured.—i, T. Moss. 2, F. & E. J. Fell. Sinver-Grey.—l and 2,
T.&E.J.Fell. 8,3.S.Swithenbank. vhe,T. & E.J. Fell; D.Oldfleld; F.
Purser. Hmoanayan.—l and 2, D. Oldfield. 8,J. Robertshaw. vhc, T.&E. J.
Fell. Dutcu.—l, J. Robertshaw. 2, D. Oldfield. 3, J. Foster. vhe, J.
Foster (2); D. Oldfield; J. Robertshaw. ANnGors.—l, D. Oldfield. 2,J.S.
Robinson. 8,E. Robinson. vhc, J. W. Baron; T.&E.J.¥Fell; D. Oldfield.
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, E. Robimson. 2, T. & E.J.Fell. 3, A. Atkinson.

ohe, T. & E. J. Fell; T. Moss,

THE IPSWICH POULTRY SHOW SCHEDULE.

In consequence of the various little notes from Stoke Park
we knew fairly well before the list came to hand what to expect.
We imagined Mr. Wragg would be on the spot and send forth a
schedule which would be worthy of his fame. The list of prizes
aud the array of cups are most tempting. We only regret that
Weymouth and Aylesbury should clash with this Show. It
will be the first grand chicken Show of the season, and to that
all must look forward for a comparison of their particular birds.
It would take too much space to particularise the classes, and
we can only recommend exhibitors who have not already been
supplied immediately to apply for a copy of the schedule, as
nearly every existing fancier, whatever his breed may be, can
here find scope to exhibit with a moderate entrance fee; but
as the entries close on the 5th of September there cannot be
much time to lose. The list of patrons is large, and we find
among them fanciers in all grades of society, thus testifying to
their confidence in Lady Gwydyr’s manager as the Secretary.
Of the rules, which are carefully drawn up, we would draw all
fanciers’ particular attention to Nos. 4,8, and 10. Of the plate

competition. The Judges are to be amateurs. We do not yet
know all their names, but we hear that Mr. Horace Lingwood
will judge the Brahmas, Mr. Cresswell the Dorkings, Mr. Tickner
the Hamburghs, Mr. Mathews the Game and Game Bantams, &c.
The position of the town is good ; the market place, where the
Show is to be held, is capital_—W.

THE MANAGEMENT OF LARGE RABBITS.

WE have described every variety of Rabbit that is generally
known in this country, including Lops, Angoras, Himalayas,
Silver-Greys, Silver-Creams, Siberians, Dutch, Belgian Hares,
and Patagonians. These varieties differ from one another not
only in appearance, but also in characteristics and size; hence
the same management will not do for all.

There are three distinct methods of nianagement—one suit-
able for Lops, another for the larger breeds, including Belgian
Hares and Patagonians, and a third for the smaller varieties.
We have already given a description of the method of manage-
ment of the Lop, and now proceed to give that of the larger
varieties.

Of course these large breeds require large hutches—large in
length, breadth, and depth. They stand much higher than the
other breeds, and consequently require a highhutch. If asleep-
ing compartment be added, as it should be, for breeding hutches,
the hole for ingress and egress should be very much larger—
twice as large as in those for the smaller sorts. specially
should the height be looked at, as the breeds under notice have
upright ears, and would have a difficulty in creeping through
a small hole. The sleeping-room itself should be about 6 inches
longer than in the ordinary hutches, so as to allow the inmates
to turn round without difficulty. The bars in front should also
be much stronger and thicker, but they need not be 80 close to-
gether, for while the animal’s jaws will be inordinately strong,
and they will be able to bend thin aviary wire, their noses wili
be much thicker, and they will not be able to poke them through
the bars, even though they are acouple of inches apart. Special
attention should be paid to zincing or tinning the crevices and
edges of the partition, or the animals will gnaw or rather tear
the woodwork to pieces. Strange as it may seem, they eat but
very little more than the other varieties, and certainly much
less in proportion. This is the case when they are kept in
moderate breeding condition, but when they are putting on
flesh for the pot they consume a large quantity of food. This
is not to be wondered at seeing the great weight they will
attain, especially the Patagonian and a cross between it and the
Belgian Hare. Some really fabulous weights have been said to
have been attained, especially by mongrels—even beyond 20 lbs. ;
but it is certain that, without exagg eration, Rabbits in good con-
dition have been weighed over 15 and 16 lbs. With ordinary
care they will be as heavy at ten or twelve weeks as a common
Habbit when full-grown, so that four or five months of keep are
saved.

Bran and oats, or chaff and oats, are both good foods, but the
green food will also want every attention paid to it.

The young will grow better and at the same time stronger
if they have occasional opportunities for exercise. An hour’s
run every day in a dry well-drained yard, or, if possible, under
cover, will be well repaid by the extra strength imparted. A
little green food scattered about will greatly add to the delecta-
tion of the youngsters. This diurnal run should be the means
of ascertaining in what state the animals are as regards health.
If they run about, sporting and gambolling, little apprehension
need be felt as to their well-doing. It is those that sulk in the
corner or squat on their haunches and munch a little green
stuff that are likely to do badly and be always stunted in
growth. There is a vast difference between the sulky squat of
the sickly one to the hurried rest of the tired healthy little
fellows. Those that are ill should be removed and their ill-
nesses attended to. The more exercise the young have the more
green stuff they will be able to take without any harm ; and the
same remark applies, only to a less extent, to the older Rabbits.
If destined for fattening, and if wanted to be very heavy, they
should be kept in a hardy, healthy, and growing condition till
they are about six months old; they will then {be very good-
sized Rabbits, and probably long and thin. The business of the
fattening will be to fill ont the sides. This fattening is rather
expensive if carried to a great extent, but the flavour of the
flesh is very rich and far superior to that of the Hare. When
selected for fattening they should be placed in separate hutches
and fed well and carefully, meals of various kinds forming the
staple food. More detailed directions for fattening will be given
hereafter. From one to two months should suffice to make
them all that can be wished.

The does make rather awkward mothers sometimes, and do
not always bestow quite so much attention on their young as
the smaller varieties do. The young should hence be zealously
guarded the first few days, and as the doe is very easily angered
every endeavour should be made to ensure quietness.—GrTa.

188 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

" [ August 30, 1877.

FEED YOUR BEES. ]

Aut the bees in this neighbourhood are on the border land of
starvation. I rode last Friday to the moor where mine are, and
found several white drones put out of my large hives. I then
went and examined the other hives in the vicinity of mine, and
found the ground covered with young drones and workers, I
called on the owners and warned them to feed at. once, which
several did. We have scarcely ever seen the sun for two months,
and it has rained for four days incessantly, and while I write it
looks as black asever. Allmy hopes of honey for this season are
gone, and I shall be glad if I can keep my stocks alive. Hyeryone
should look to his hives on the moors and at home, and if he
finds young brood cast out no time should be lost in supplying
syrup, or they will have what I dread—that is, hunger swarms.
—Harpy or THE Hits, Northumberland.

ITALIAN versus BRITISH BEES.

I conrenp that the Italian or Ligurian bee has net been
proved to be better than our native bee—that is, better for
honey-gathering, and the making of honey must be held to be
the grand object of bee-keeping.

Ever since the discussion I had with my respected friend of
Tillinamolt, New Pitsligo, in 1873, on this subject, I have paid
special attention to the gathering of facts and theories from all
sources, including the Journal of Horticulture, the British Bee
Journal, and the American Bee Journal, with a view of adopt-
ing and keeping the be:t breed. Well, without any known
bias to one species more than ito the other, I have no hesitation
in saying that the preponderating testimony in favour of the
new kind appears to my mind to come from those who have
them to sell.

Some parties buy a swarm of Italians, or a queen, and the
first year they may or do excel our natives.. To this I answer
that the new queen is invariably introduced to the best hive in
the garden, and if it be aswarm it gets extra attention.

Another person buys the new kind, and may have had them
a dozen years, and when he had the old kind he never had such
harvests of honey as row. To this I answer that apiarian know-
ledge is increasing, and that party must be considered to be
much more advanced as a bee-keeper than he was ten or twenty
years ago.

Various parties, forty or fifty miles distant, and at intervening
distances, have applied to me for swarms of Italian bees. Ihave
had to recommend these applicants to those who kept them. To
those, therefore, who want the strange bee in order to sell ata
big price, I say Get them, for therein appears to me the chief
advantage. To those who want the new kind for their novelty,
Isay Get them; to those who want them for variety, get them,
or for their beauty, get them, or who are careless for profit, get
them, or whose hobby is bees, get them; but that they breed
earlier, Swarm oftener, fly farther, or fly faster, or work earlier
or work later, or in colder or hotter weather, or are more docile,
or gather more honey, or better honey, or live longer, or, in fine,
are in every way more profitable, I do not at present bélieve.

My convictions are thus that the Italian bee is not superior to
the British bee. To be candid, however, I have not learned
any particular inferiority that they have, unless that many of
those who keep them seem to have a deal ado with foul brood,
the very rinderpest of bees. My contention is, that no person
need be induced to pay a large price for Italians under the
belief that they will gather more honey than our native bee.—
JAMES SHEARER, Oairnie (in Banffshire Journal).

Ipswich SHow.—Thoe Committee of this Show have decided
to offer an additional class (82a), for ‘‘ Any variety of Long-
faced or Flying Tambler,” on my guaranteeing the first prize,
and that Class 82 should now read, “ For any other variety of
Short-faced Tumbler.” Entries close September 5th. Mr. C. H.
Croydon, Ipswich, has kindly presented a special prize, value
£3 3s., for the winner of most points in the Pigeon classes.—
H. W. B. Bruno, Harwich.

OUR LETTER BOX.

PRESERVING Eaes (R. I. S.).—Put them in some slacked lime just stiff
enough to keep them in the position in which they are placed, then pour
slacked lime over them till they are covered. Leave it tillitis hard. Goon
till the vessel (a bread or other pan) is quite full. The eggs should be put
small end downwards.

CuickENS CraMeeED (J. Ll.).—Give them bread soaked in ale once daily,
and do not let them out until nearly mid-day.

LinneET FEEDING (Lady Sybella).—Millet seed is too fattening. Canary
seed is far better. Give occasionally chickweed, shepherd’s purse, and plantain
seed.

RABBIT-KEEPING (4 Young Rabhit-keeper).—Give the bran dry, and
lettuce leaves. Buy our ‘‘ Rabbit Book;’’ you can haye it free by post if
you enclose eight postage stamps with your direction.

BoarpDs SUBMERGED (Salop).—A glue that will resist the action of water
is made by boiling 11b, of common glue in two quarts of skimmed milk.

Buckwueat (8. W. T. K.).—The time for sowing is May, and it is usually
fit for mowing and thrashing in October.

BEES UNDER A Foor (E. R., York).—It will require the skill and courage
of a bee-keeper of experience to remoye the two swarms that entered by the
air grids and settled between the joists of your chamber floors. If the boards
are taken up, be prepared to apply large doses of smoke from fustian rags
wherewith to frighten and master the bees. Let the swarms be deluged with
smoke, then cut all the combs from the boards and place the brood combs on
boards or pieces of calico with hives over them. The bees will soon find tha
brood combs and settle amongst them, when they could be removed to the
garden. All the air grids should be closed for a month to prevent the bees
from returning to the house again. A few days after the bees haye been
placed in the garden the swarms should be united in an empty hive, and fed
jnto a good stock.

Drivine Bees (Novice).—The adyice already given to you is all that is
needed. No b.tter can be given. ‘The one hive driven has been found
worthless; the other may not be so, and should be driven as peradvice.—A. P.

Unitine Bess (W, B.).—In uniting the swarms it would be better to kill
the older queen, but if both swarms with their queens be cast together the
bees will destroy one of the queens. You are quite right in fearing that the
bees, now 200 yards from your garden, would return in considerable numbers
if they were removed at the present time. Could you not find some place
about a mile further off, where they could be fed every night for a fortnight ?
After a month’s absence from their present locality they could be sefely
placed in your garden, or they could be fed into a stock in the cottager’s
garden and remain there till January next.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CaMDEN SquaRE, LONDON.
Lat. 51° 32740” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
a) bi =|
$26 .| Hygrome-| $5 |S+=,s/Shade Tem-| Radiation | -2
Is77. |EER3| ter. 23 |553| perature. |emperature.|
Aug. a 333 EE Sam In On
|R2a | Dry.| Wet.) Qo |& Max.| Min.| sun. |grass:
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. deg. | deg.| In.
We. 22 | 29 592 61.3 | S.W. | 65.0 | 72.8. | 58.0 124.3 55.9 | 0.010
Th. 23 | 80.0 4 52.6 | N.-W. | 62.9 | 667 | 47.6 119.4 | 45.6 =
Fri. 24 | 80.194 50.3 W. 61.8 | 688 | 42.4 99.8 | 89.3 | 0.020
Sat, 25 | 29 874 | 56.7 S.E. 61.3 | 68.8 | 64.2 97.3 | 52.6 | 0.547
Sun.26 | 29.610 60.8 Ww. 6L.1 | 68.3 | 57.0 108.5 663 | 0.275
Mo. 27 | 29.879 63.8 S.W. | 61.5 | 68.4 | 57.2 8.4 562 | 0085
Tu. 28 | 29.747 | 59.0 | SW. | 61.7 | 72.6 | 60.8 | 1180 | 598 | 0.020
“Means 29.843 | 61.9 | 57.7 62.1 | 68.6 | 53.8 1068 | 52.2 | 0.907
REMARKS.

22nd.—Rain in night and early morning; fine at 9 A.M., some showers, but
on the whole a pleasant day, the air so fresh and cool; a most splendid
moonlit night.

23rd.—A fine fresh morning, very bright day though much cooler; scarce any
cloud at night, so the eclipse seen very well from first to last.

24th.—Fine bright day, bet not quite so fresh-feeling as yesterday; slightly
hazy at night.

25th.-—Rain more or less all day and night; rain at times, heavy thunder
storm about 2 p.M.,and another in the evening, the lightning very vivid.

26th.—Calm grey and warm morning, fair but dull all day; rain after 10 p.m,

27th.—Regular wet night, morning, and forenoon; fair but dull afternoon

and evening.
28th.—Wind and rain in the night, rain till nearly noon; after that time
bright and fine.
A great fall of rain during the week and absence of sun has lowered the
temperature considerably, making rather more than 7° below that of last
week, and in the max. in sun 17°.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Aveust 29.

THE only home produce now arriving of any consequence is Apples and
Nuts, for which there is a fair demand, otherwise the market remains very
dull.

FRUIT.
s.d, s.d. s.d. s. ad
Apples.... . sieve 2 6to8 6) Melons....... bb each 8 Oto8 0
Apricots . . dozen 2 6 4 0| Nectarines dozen 4 0 18 O
Chestnuts . bushel 0 0 O 0} Oranges.. #10010 0 16 0
i 8 0 8 6| Peaches........ dozen 3 0 20 0
6 6 7 0} Peara,kitchen.. dozen 00 0 0
2.0 60 dessert ...... dozen 1 0 8 0
- 0 0 0 O| Pine Apples .... lb 5 0 8 0
Onn + OF 4 0 6) Plums iy... s i 00 00
Gooseberries .. } bushel 8 6 4 6/ Raspberries.... Ib 00 00
Grapes,hothouse Ib. 1 6 6 O} Walnuts........ 560 8 0
Lemons ....... - $100 6 0 10 0} ditto.......... 410000 00
m VEGETABLES,
s.d. s.d. s.d. 5.@
Artichokes, « dozen 8 Oto6 0} Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0
Asparagus. y 100 0 0 0 0 02 04
Beans, Kidni bushel 40 5 0 0000
Beet Red dozen 16 8 0 04 06
Broecoli. bunole 0 9 1 6 20 00
Brussels S§ $sieve 0 0 00 00 00
Cabbage dozen 10 2 0 06310
Carrots bunch 0 6 O 9 560 00
Capsicum 4100 16 20 560 7 8
Cauliflower: dozen 20 4 0 1es0) Wily 6:
Celery... bundle 16 2 0 06310
Coleworts banches 2 0 4 0 OMOy end
Cucumbers . each 0 8 0 9 10 00
Endive . dozen 10 2 0 00 00
Fennel. bunch 0 8 0 0| Shallots lb 0 8 O G6
Garlic. lb. 0 6 O 0} Spinach bushel 2 6 4 0
Herbs. bunch 0 2 O 0/ Turnips. bunch 05 08
Lettuce . dozen 1 0 2 0} Veg. Marr each 0 2 0 4
» bunch 0 4 0 0

Leeks ones

;
'

September 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

189

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun sun | Moon | Moon. | Moon’s | Clock | Day
2 SEPTEMBER 6—12, 1877. pr omerabirg near | Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. hetore om
Day. Night, Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| h. m.| Bb. m. | Days. |m 4
6 TH Carlisle International Show opens. 70.2 | 46.8 | 58.5 5 22 6 84 8 388 6 6 28 1 51 | 249
7 F Wellingborough Show. 70.3 | 47.5 | 58.9 5 24 6 82 5 167 )5 G7 2h (e) 2 11 | 250
8/8 Sale of Plants at Burntwood, Manchester. 69.4 | 48.0 | 587 | 5 26) 6 29| 6 87| 6 84 1 2 81 | 251
9 | SUN | 15 Sunpay AFTER TRINITY. 69.1 | 481 | 586 | 5 27/ 6 27/ 8 6} 6 48 2 2 52 | 252
10 M 69.7 | 45.5 | 57.6 5 29 6 25 Op Sor ieee 8 8 12 | 253
1 Tu Boston Show. 68.7 | 47.0 | 57.8 5 30 6 22/11 8 7 24 4 B 88 | 254
12 | Ww Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show.| 69.1 | 448 | 57.0 | 5 382) 6 20] 0a28| 7 51 5 8 54 | 255

From observationstaken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 69.5°; andits night temperature
87.

HINTS ON HARDY FRUIT CULTURE.

GARDEN without fruit, and plenty of it,
is unworthy of the name; it is a source of
vexation rather than of pleasure—occasions

some to his friends, the pleasure of whose
visit is wonderfully enhanced by the enjoy-
ment of a juicy Peach or other fruit which
may be in season.

I know full well that failures but too fre-
quently spring from causes beyond our con-
trol. Oold cutting winds, untimely frosts, hailstorms, and
dull, cold, wet weather when the blossom expands, are
all sources of mischief hard to encounter and difficult—
often impossible—to overcome. But when the difficulties
are grappled with as they best may be, and due care and
skill are devoted to each process of culture, nota year will
pass without some success.

This year we have had abundant crops of Strawberries
and of bush fruits; Nuts are plentiful, and some few
varieties of Pears and Apples are laden with fruit. Next
year, with a favourable spring, we may hope for fruit of
all kinds in abundance after this season of rest, so fayour-
able to the formation of strong plump fruit buds.

Before planting fruit trees of any kind weigh well the
requirements of your family, your own tastes, the space
at your disposal, and your ways and means. Avoid any-
thing like a collection unless you possess an almost un-
limited amount of space ; rather select a few really good
sorts and try to cultivate them well. Avoid crowding;
never forget that a large tree will bear more and better
fruit than half a dozen small trees. Do not let the term
“large” mislead you, for I do not refer by it to the huge
standards of orchards but to garden trees; and if your
garden is small, far better would it be to have a fine
pyramidal tree at each corner of the quarters, or at
intervals of 10 feet, than to have a crowd of scrubby
dwarfs, stunted, unhealthy, unsightly, and bearing some
half dozen, or may be a dozen, under-sized fruits—a
miserable return for all your pains and care.

‘The very best plan for a small garden is to plant pyra-
midal trees at the corners of the quarters with espaliers
trained as palmette verriers along the sides, thus securing
economy of space with strong free-growing healthy trees.

Whatever may be the system of culture you adopt

“integrity. If you wish to indulge in a few fanciful forms
of training take care that such training is well done, and
do not forget before turning your hand to it that such
work requires much attention and occupies considerable
time, or failure total or partial will be the inevitable
result. Let me earnestly urge upon the attention of all
having the care of young trees to endeavour to make
every tree a good model; you will not succeed in doing
80 with every one of them, but you will succeed in pro-
ducing well-formed trees, erect and well-proportioned,
pleasant to behold even when not laden with fruit.
Nothing affords me greater pleasure when visiting a
No. 858.—VoL. XXXITII., NEw SERIES

much disappointment to its owner and of |

garden than to be taken among the fruit trees, to have
the manipulations of the pruner and trainer with its end
and aim explained to me, and thus to find an intelligent

| method of culture united to painstaking and care.

This attention to young trees is a matter urgently de-
manding much more prominence than is usually given
it. The young pliant growth will take any form, follow
any direction we may choose to impart to it; but if care-
lessness and neglect once sets its stamp upon a tree, its
traces can never be effaced by any subsequent efforts
however skilful they may be.

That fruit trees are much neglected when young there
can be no doubt, the leaning grotesque forms to be met
with in so many gardens affording ample proof that it is
so. Whyisthis? I cannot suppose it is owing to care-
lessness or ignorance, but rather to want of time on the
part of those having the care of them; and I would urge
upon gardeners the importance of pointing out to their
employers the irreparable mischief which must follow
neglect, and I would also press upon employers the im-
portant fact that a new garden requires more labour
power than an old one. Every part of it and everything
in it, especially the fruit trees, demands, and must have,
an extraordinary amount of attention ; and if the gardener
fails to obtain an adequate amount of assistance some-
thing must be neglected—usually the fruit trees, for the
flower and vegetable supply must be kept up to meet the
daily demands.

There is one important point nothing should be allowed *
to interfere with, and that is the planting: only do this

master it thcroughly, and then carry if out in its fullest,

well, and if the trees are somewhat neglected they are not
likely to suffer in health. By planting well I mean that
there should be at least 2 feet of good soil below the roots
of the young tree, and that soil should rest upon 6 inches
of stone or other hard substance—an admirable plan
practised by our forefathers to prevent the roots getting
down to the till. Each station of this good soil should
therefore be 2 feet deep by 6 feet square, and drains
should be made if there is the slightest risk of any accu-
mulation of water about the roots.

The soil of old gardens contains so much humus—vege-
table matter—that when replanting it with young trees
‘it should have an abundant mixture of lime and rough
gritty matter ; if this is done, and it is thrown up roughly
to be sweetened by the air some time before planting is
done, nothing more is necessary, and the trees are quite
certain to grow satisfactorily. :

I have the greatest respect, or rather veneration, for
old timber trees and would not lightly remove one of
them, but I never would retain a worn-out old fruit tree,
for nothing can be more unsatisfactory. Take, for example,
an old Peach tree. Why do you keep it, or rather why
do you retain its old branches? ‘‘ Because it is still fruit-
ful,” do you say? Yes. So it is, but what sort of fruit
does it bear? Would your best dozen wina prize? I
trow not. Cut it down, and if it put forth young vigorous
branches, as is not unlikely, then let it remain, and you
will obtain prize fruit and plenty of it; but if it fail to
grow again strongly and well then up with it, for roots

No. 1610.—Vou. LVIII., OLD SERIES.

190

as well as branches have done their work, and a young tree
must take its place.—Epwarp LuckHURST.

AURICULA NOTES.

Some correspondencs has appeared lately in your columns
which induces me to take up a pen to champion my favourite
flower. I do not think the Auricula aphis is such a formid-
able enemy as “ D., Deal,’’ has hitherto found it, and I venture
to prophesy that if he deals with it as promptly as he is now
doing it will sink into the category of a second-rate foe, to
be kept at bay by watchfulness in the same way as the green
aphis is. It is the loving watch upon your plants that gives
you early information of coming mischief, be it damp, aphie,
or rot in the calk, and early information enables you to apply
that early remedy which alone will save so sensitive and re-
fined a plant as an Auricula.

Ihave the Aphis Auricule still upon my plants, but in re-
stricted numbers, and I am watching them closely. As I
promised early in the year, I quarantined some infested alpines,
but the aphis has not thriven upon them, from which I infer
he dislikes the disturbance entailed by the necessary moving
each time an observation is wanted. Does not this teach a
lesson ?

Ii has re-appeared upon some of the plants which were
cleaned with care in February, washed—foliage, calk, and root
—in soft soap and water, and repotted, and then repotted a
second time in May or June when they were clean, but if is
strongest on some few planta which, owing to their bearing
reed, were isolated, not repotted in June, and on which I am
now watching them. All this seers to show one dose may not
be enough, the watch kept must be renewed, and if necessary
the treatment be repeated.

I am now using Gishurst compound, of which I mix 2 ozs.
in one gallon of water and let it stand a few hours, and am
not afraid to dip the plant in—pot, roots, leaves and all;
though, of course, with the mesly-foliaged plants a more deli-
eate operation is required, and the foliage must be exempted
from so drastic a treatment.
rather good, and my gardener, Robert Stafford, declares the
plants directly benefit from the Gishurst, an opinion to which
T scarcely like to stand godfather, though I am watching to
see, end am convinced of its benefit indirectly in its effect
upon insect life. The large bulk of my collection is clean, a
small quantity of aphis only having made its appearance on
plants repotted in June, bui still enough to require watching.
It would be interesting to know if other people’s experience in
any way coincides with mine.

This year I had the pleasure of blooming my first seedling
Auriculas, chance-saved seed from my own flowers. And what
a pleasure there is in a bed of seedlings! It is a lottery in
which you draw ail prizes and no blanks. Every day discloses
some new beauty, and you know that your plants have all the
vigour and health of their whole life before them. But though
it is all gain and no loss, the great prizes are very few in such
a lot as I describe. The seed was saved from good flowers.
Privateer (Grimes), Ringleader (Kenyon), Colonel Champneys
(Lurner), Lord Lee (Berry), Mary Ann (Fletcher), Empress
(Turner), Eliza (Sims), Mrs. Smith (Smith), &.; but not
crossed carefully with selected pollen parents, the fertilisation
was a matter of chance, and ag prophesied twelve months ago
by the Rey. F. D. Horner, what wonder that the quality was
inferior? To a florist the lot showed every fault to which the
Auricula is subject. To others their brilliance and exquisite
scent commanded the admiration of all who saw them. To
me they were a source of constant delight and wonder. Why
should Empress, for example, give me first a really good
alpine firm and rich with its dense yellow paste, second a
grey edge resembling Conqueror of Europe, and third a rich
dark self only spoilt by a wavy paste? and why side by side
should Fletcher’s Mary Ann give me a lovely deep violet self,
and then a white edge of good proportions and quality spoilt
by a staring pin eye? The very disappointments of the lot
were delightful in their provoking variety; every fault, nearly
every virtue, were blended in indescribable confusion, but the
bloom passed away and has left the memory of the most
charming flower bed I ever enjoyed, and a little experience of
failure by which I hope to benefit in future in a more caraful
selection of seed, which should give a larger per-centage of
those good qualities which make one variety better than
another.

Before I close my notes may I ask your correspondents if

I find no harm to result but |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 6, 1877.

they know any larger yellow alpine Auricula than Primula
atricula? Years ago I found in the high Alps of Switzerland,
under a high overhanging cliff facing the north where the sun
seldom struck, the largest and richest Auricula I ever saw, the
flower stem from 9 to 10 inches, with eighteen pips of large
yellow flowers, and the whole plant richly dusted over with
white farina. I can scarcely think it is the Primula auricula,
which is now a garden favourite, and which thrives well both
in pot and open-air border with me, but which when in its
finest health and condition never approaches the lusty giant I
remember, and which I hops some day again to search for on
the St. Gothard.—Joun T. D. Liewetyy.

WINTER CUCUMBER CULTURE.

Cucumsers, like many other garden products, appear to be
valued just in proportion to their scarcity. If by some slip of
the tongue of an assistant an idea becomes settled in the
kitchen that Cucumbers are scarce in the garden the kitchen
people will become especially alive to their importance, and
every order sent to the gardener will begin with Cucumbers.
Tf there is one season more than another when Cucumbers are
really scarce, and at times especially valued, it is during the
months of December, January, and February. I have gene-
rally passed through these months tolerably comfortably by
commencing preparations in good time and thus mostly
avoided any serious scarcity, and, if scarcity at times has
occurred, by keeping as much as possible the knowledge of
that circumstance to myself.

Cucumbers for fruiting during the winter should be planted
at once, and the plants should be strong to begin with. I sow
the seeds during the last week in July, and grow the plants
under the influence of all the light and air they will endure,
with the object of producing woody stems and medium-sized
thick leaves—not large flabby foliage.

i is no use attempting the growth of winter Cucumbers
unless well-heated houses are provided, I mean houses con-
taining a sufficient amount of piping to preserve a night
temperature of 70° in severe weather without violently heating
the pipes. That temperature may not always be required, but

it is none the less necessary that the pipes should be able to.

produce it. Overheated pipes promote red spider, weakly
growths, and deformed fruits.

Tn addition to pipes for affording bottom heat I like a good
quantity of dung and leaves, and the Cucumbers like it too.
A bottom heat of 80° to 85° is a suitable temperature for the
roots.

Soil, of course, is important. It should be fresh, good, and
rough. Chopped turf just blackened with soot I have found
suitable; if at all poor, one-third of horse droppings—old
mushroom-bed manure—may be mixed with the loam. A
great bulk should not be employed at once. Commence with
a small hillock for each plant, and surface-dress weekly or
whenever roots protrude and ask for fresh food. Active sur-
face roots induce healthy fruitful growth, and open—previously
warmed—turfy soil and warm water secure active roots. Water
must be given according to circumstances. It must at all times
be sufficient, at no time excessive.

Temperature, ventilation, and atmospheric moisture are im-
portant elements in winter Cucumber culture, and not much
less important is bright clean glass. A night temperature of
65° is a safe one, with just a chink for air in the top ventilators.
During very severe and algo dull weather the thermometer may
fallto 60° at 6 a.1. The day temperature should be 5° or 6°
higher by fre heat, and should reach its maximum at 9 a.m.
That is important. The sun heat may rise to 80° to 85°.
Watch for this, and bottle it up by early closing; it will
save coals and produce green foliage (which red spiders do
not appear to like), and green Cucumbers too, which look well
anywhere—on the plants or the table. As the temperature
increases so let the moisture increase; this will be insured by
the troughs on the pipes when the heat is from the fire alone,
but with sun heat the walls and paths occasionally need
damping. Syringe on favourable occasions. The water must
not hang about the plants during hour after hour. One good
syringing weekly is more effectual than daily squirtings. Pre-
vent red spider if possible. Perfectly clear soot water is a
deterrent ; it is also stimulating to the plants.

Great watchfulness of the weather at night, early morning
attention, cautious admittance of air, intelligent guidance of
heat and moisture, are the chief essentials to success in winter
Cucumber culture. A trio of excellent sorts are Telegraph,

Sa... ltt

— zi partes

September 6, 1877. J JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND OGOTTAGE GARDENER. 191

Lord Kenyon’s Favourite, and Munro’s Dake of Edinburgh. |
—A RETIRED GARDENER.

A GOOD SUMMER APPLE.

In the last volume of the Journal (pages 226 and 267) I}
mentioned an unnamed early Apple. I now send some fruit
for your examination. I have had a very good crop on my
tree this summer, notwithstanding the unfavourable season
for most other sorts. In the spring this variety gave a suc-
cession of blooms extending over a long period of frosty
weather; the last blooms, however, had a few fine days to
set the pollen, and so a crop was saved. By the way, all my
varieties which have this habit of-long succession of blooms
are bearing heavy crops, such habit being, I consider, of great
value in an Apple, giving the variety a good chance of escaping
the spring frosts which readily kill the pollen, while such a
variety as Scarlet Nonpareil, for instance, which has all its
blossoms out at once, has but one chance in the season.

Fig. 42.

But to return to our Apple. Its refreshing juice has been
very welcome during the hot weather, a rich perfume and
handsome appearance being among its attractions. In regard
to its ripening period I have had it ripe in the middle of July
in former seasons, but this year it was not ripe till the end of
the month, in consequence, I suppose, of the failure of the
first blossoms and the backwardness of the season. My ground
will not produce early crops, and the tree is in a cold place
partly shaded, and is on a deep-rooting stock.

I cannot say what would be the result of grafting on the
Paradise stocks and planting on a warm soil, but I certainly
must call this a very early Apple. I have some dwarfs on
Rivers’ Nonsuch Paradise stocks, and intend to try a better
soil and position.

I do not know the origin of this variety. I purchased it
among some unnamed trees and plants of a nurseryman, who
believes that the Apple tree came from Norfolk. It has a
drooping habit of growth, and would therefore not make a
good pyramid.—W. Grovzs, Shortlands, Kent.

[Fruit small, of the size and shape of Early Red Margare
but not so distinctly striped as that variety; conical, with
obtuse ribs on the sides. Skin smooth, covered nearly all over
with a dull livid red, which is marked with crimson stripes on
the side next the sun, and on the shaded side it has agreenish-
yellow tinge mixed with the red. Hye with erect somewhat
divergent segments, set in a narrow basin. Stalk short, about
a quarter of an inch long, inserted in a pretty deep cavity.
Flesh pale yellow, tinged with green just kefore it ripens, but
becoming quite yellow, firm, very juicy, and with a brisk
aromatic flayour. Cells closed. Calyx-tube funnel-shaped.
Stamens median. It belongs to group 30 of Dr. Hogg’s New
Classification of Apples.

The fruit is remarkably fragrant, and as a good market
Apple we cannot suppose any to be more attractive. |

MILDEW ON ROSES.

Can and will any of your experienced Rose-growing correspon-
dents tell me what will prevent or cure mildew on Roses? I

am utterly baffled by it, though I am familiar with Rose cul-
ture from long practice and the frequent perusal of all the
best treatises on the subject, and also all that is said in ‘‘our
Journal;” therefore merely referring me to sulphur is useless.

The soil is stiff loam mixed with stones and crocks with hot
sun and drought, the situation near Barnet, ten miles north of
London. Roses grow here after pruning in April with mar-
vellous vigour until the flower buds are many and large, but
then there seems a halt, and full Roses, like Due de Rohan
and Madame Victor Verdier, this year and last, open badly or
not at all, and with brilliancy of colouring gone.

After the first flowers are past and growth begins again
mildew appears and is irrepressible. I have tried removal or
transplanting, also leaving the trees in one place for some years,
also with rotten manure below the roots, and planted without,
with mulching, and with merely hoeing, but all mildew as I
have deseribed above.

Now, what is the remedy? for I have both watered and
left others unwatered, and as yet have not found acure for the
pest.—S. S.

THE POTATO DISHASE.

AutHouGH several writers, myself amongst the number, have
recommended the lifting of Potatoes immediately they have
ceased swelling, even if the baulm were still green and the
skins of the tubers not set, no one that I am aware of has ad-
vised their removal from the ground when the tubers were
only half swelled, as implied by Mr. Muir on page 172. That
tubers will keep well when dug in an unripe state I have, be-
sides my own experience, the evidence of such cultivators as
Messrs. Luckhurst, Abbey, Gilbert, and Wright. I know the
tubers will not only keep well, but will mature as well out of
the ground as in it, and will become of splendid quality if
they are properly managed. I think I know a good Potato
when it is cooked, and I can assure Mr. Muir that I had Vic-
torias last year which were lifted when the haulm was atill
greep, and when the skins ruffled with the slightest touch,
which were of splendid quality throughout the winter. Mr.
Muir conveys the idea that tubers thus lifted are ‘‘ never good
for food;” he should have said never as he manages them. It
is not necessary to repeat the right mode of management; Mr.
Luckhurst has recently stated the system fully and well, and
I can vouch for it that the plan he described is safe, sound,
and certain. If the tubers have ceased swelling they may be
taken up, and they will mature as well ont of the ground as
in it, and often very much better. Mr. Muir also states that
tubers when taken up in an unripe state are ‘ not fit for plant-
ing anywhere.” He is in error there. I have tried them for
ten years consecutively with the special object of testing tho
point, and the stock which has been so treated is as productive
now as ever it was, and I believe as any Potatoes possibly can
be. I care not what theory is advanced to prove that this can-
not be the case when I have the fact before me that it can
and is.

Tt will not do to let the haulm remain to be blackened before
the crop is dug; but if the tubers attain a full size before the
malady affects the haulm, and the crop is then taken up, it is
safe. I agree with Mr. Muir that if the crop is actually
diseased it may ag well remain in the ground ag be piled in
heaps above it. I agree with him also that ‘ wet weather is
the sure propagator and promoter of disease.” On this point
a recent visit to London has enabled me to obtain the best
evidence on that point that I think has ever been placed before
the public. {am indebted to Mr. Wright for what I am about
to submit, and why it has never appeared before is to me not
a little surprising. The compiler of the following table, which
must have cost a considerable amount of labour, has evidently
never been at a loss for a subject to write about, or he would
not have kept the matter in his desk forfour years. However,
it is at my disposal now to do as I like with, and my decision
ig to send it to the Journal, where it ought io have been beiore.
It was in combating some vague electricity notions that I ad-
vanced in conversation that the proof was adduced that ex-
cessive wet is the real cause of the Potato disease. I will now
append from what Mr. Wright has placed in my hands.

“ Heavy and continuous rain in the warm summer months,”
he has written, ‘is the primary cause of the Potato disease.
Other contingencies have their effect, but summer rain falling
in extreme quantity is the great disease lever and governor.
The overpowering influence which rain exerts in connection
with this perplexing visitation is strikingly demonstrated in

192 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

the following table. It extends over a period of thirty years
known as the disease period, computed from the fell outbreak
in 1845 to the close of 1872. The relative amount of disease
in the different years is the result of personal observation, con-
firmed by other observers in the same district who have given
special attention to the subject. After the relative amount of
disease in the different years had been determined (not before),
the monthly rainfall in the same district was obtained. It
was kindly furnished by careful collectors of rain of established
reputation—the Rey. J. E. Cross of Appleby Vicarage; A.S.L.
Melville, Esq., of Branston, Lincoln; and G. J. Symons, Esq.,
the eminent meteorologist of Camden Square, London. The
first attempt to elucidate from the somewhat formidable array
of figures a principle of Potato-disease governance was a&
failure. The gross average annual fall of rain and the average
of each year ceparately were first taken, assuming that in pro-
portion of each to the whole so would the proportion of
disease be. But on this no reliable data could be founded,
and for a very good reason, that the rains of winter have no
connection with the matter of the summer malady. The next
procedure was to prove the thirty years’ average of the amounts
falling in the Potato-growing months, April to September, both
inclusive. This proved itself 13.30 inches. On finding the
amounts of the same years separately, and noting their relative
proportion with the gross average of the whole, the plus + and
minus —show, not quite with unerring exactitude, but in a very
remarkable manner, that the ebb and flow of the disease float
with what may be called the ebb and flow of rain in the same
years and district.

“The extent of the disease is divided into three general and
intelligible clesses, prefixed by the years of ‘no disease,’
followed by ‘clight disease,’ ‘decided disease,’ and ‘great
disease.’ The amount of rain in the six months is given on
the same line as the year, together with the excess or deficiency
in relation to the general average, which is also stated at the
top of every alternate column. Take, as an example, the
second year named. It is 1854 in the ‘no disease’ column.
The quantity of rain for this year in the six months, April to
September, is 9.32 inches. This is 3.98 inches below the
general average of 13 30, and is so signified by the minus
sign —, excess being signified by the plus sign +. The table
quite removes the paramount influence of rain from the cate-
gory of conjecture in seeking a cause for disease-outbreaks,
and places it is as a fact demonstrated; and it will require
argument of extraordinary subtlety to reason away the position,
that the first great acting cause of the Potato disease is ex-
cessive rain falling in the period of growth, and especially at
the juncture when the plant is on the eve of ripening.

‘* The table, however, shows a few, very few, failing points on
the face of it. It would have proved the position still more
clearly had April been excluded and October added. It would,
moreover, have been perfectly fair to have adopted this arrange-
ment, seeing that the month of April can exert no practical or
immediate influence on the spread of disease, while October
certainly does so occasionally, although not to a serious ex-
tent. The theory, however, shall not be strained, but shall
stand onits merits as originally compiled.

« But the apparent weak points of the table will bear examina-
tion. Let us glance at them. It appears, then, to be at fault
inasmuch as the ‘no disease’ year of 1867 shows an excess of

ain of 0.14 inch above average, while the ‘ decided disease’ year
of 1852 shows a deficiency of 0.39 belowaverage. First refer-
ting to 1867 and its seeming excess we find that it was contri-
buted by April, May, and June (which affects the disease only
slightly if at all), averaging 2.53 inches; while the latter three
months—July, August, and September (which are of supreme
moment in fostering the murrain), gave an average of oniy
1.94 inch, which is really not an excess at all, in the disease-
producing months. With this examination the apparent error
vanishes. Now let the ‘decided disease’ year of 1852 with
its 0.39 deficiency be placed in the crucible. The first four
months—April, May, June, and July—only gave arain average
of 1.94, while the two months following—August and Septem-
ber—averaged not less than 3.19 inches, the amount for Sep-
tember being 4.16 inches. This influx, coming at a critical
time, accounts for the mischief which the four fine months
preceding could not avert. Again, 1847, a ‘slight disease’
year, shows an excess. This excess is contributed by May and
June, which averaged 3.75, the remaining four months averag-
ing only 1.31 inches. The disease showed itself this year very
early and again subsided. The same may be said of 1861-2,
and are marked ‘HE’ to distinguish them. That the amount

{ September 6, 1877.

of disease is not expressed by the figures in exact gradation
and with mathematical accuracy may be accounted for by the
local nature of rain, especially thunderstorms and other con-
tingencies, such as cloud and temperature. What differences
there are, are therefore essentially due to local and varying
influences, as limited (in area) thunder showers, and other cir-
cumstances such as varying cloud, atmospheric moisture, and
temperature. Such, however, do not materially weaken the
remarkable proof the table gives as to the pre-eminent power
of excessive rain as the great foster-parent of the devastating
Potato murrain.’’

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I have nothing to add to the above table and remarks, but I
may at some future time make further extracts from the notes
which have been placedin my hands by one who has evidently
given much attention to Potato cultivation and disease.—
A NortHern GARDENER.

ROSES IN NORTH WALES.

As you have had ‘‘ Notes on Roses” from South Wales, I
thought perhaps a few jottings thereon from North Wales
would not be unacceptable, particularly as these come from
a high elevation—nearly 700 feet above the sea level. To begin,
at the time of the grand National Rose Show we had not
a bloom out, so that we had to be content with the very
full description given by ‘‘ Wymp SavacE” in this journal.
We do not grow a large collection here (some two hundred
plants or thereabouts), but as our situation is high and ex-
posed I thought probably the sorts that do well here might
be useful to some of your readers who are similarly situated.
The majority of them are budded low on the Manetti;
I have also a few on the Briar, which do very fairly on our
soil—a medium loam. The sorts which have succeeded
best here are Marquise de Castellane, very large and fine;
Lyonnais, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Maurice Bernardin, Miss
Ingram, Lord Raglan, Fisher Holmes, Baron A. de Rothschild,
Baronne de Rothschild, Francois Michelon, Baronne Prevost,
Jules Margottin, John Hopper, Lord Clyde, Olga Marix,
Baron de Bonstetten, Abbé Bramerel, Ferdinand de Lesseps,
and Princess Louise Victoria. These do best in our exposed

September 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

193

climate, though we have many other first-rate sorts that I have
noticed succeed well in more favoured localities. Of Tea Roses
we have only a limited number as yet, and I have not tried them
sufficiently to speak with confidence as to their capabilities for
standing high elevations. The cultivation I adopt for Roses is
the same as ‘‘A RerireD GARDENER’? recommends in the
vegetable garden—namely, a plentiful supply of manure both
in the solid and liquid form, and their healthy appearance
‘tells me as plainly as words how much they like it.

i wish I could say the same as regards Pierre Notting being
@ good autumn bloomer as the ‘‘ Wyitp SavacE” does. With
me it positively refuses to open, owing, I suppose, to the
continued rain which we have had almost daily—An EneutsH-
@aIAN IN WALES.

CARLISLE.

“* How fair, amid the depth of summer green,
Spread forth thy walls, Carlisle! thy eastled heights,
Abrupt and lofty; thy Cathedral tower
Majestic and alone; thy beauteous bridge
Spanning the Eden, where the angler sits
Patient so long, and mark the browsing sheep
Like sprinkled snow amid the verdant vales.”
CaRuisLE, says the author of Arthur’s ‘‘ Guide” to that city,
is one of the oldest, and at the same time one of the newest,
of cities. Its foundations speak of Roman conquest and
Roman civilisation and refinement. Its chief buildings are
monuments of medimval art. The greater number of its
houses, its churches, and its chapels have been erected within
living memory. It has a population of more than thirty thou-
sand inhabitants. It is the border city on the great trunk
ine of rail which has the metropolis of a kingdom at either
end. It is encompassed by three rivers—the Eden, the Caldew,
and the Petteril—and it has, therefore, been aptly called ‘the
City of the Water.” The scenic beauty unfolded from its
heights can hardly be surpassed in extent, variety, and
grandeur. Built upon a hill which its walls once enclosed, but
which would now shut-out its most populous suburbs, it com-
mands a prospect only limited by the lofty mountain chain
that encircles the great basin in which Camberlaad lies. From
the summit of the Cathedral, or from the tower of the Castle,
the eye sweeps without interruption a vast landscape—rich in
wood and water and fertile valleys—over which the light and
the shadow alternate, and the seasons spread their variegated
hues. Southward, over these sunny fields and dark woodlands
the majestic Skiddaw rears his noble crest, and Helvellyn his
wedgelike peak radiant with the first and last rays of the sun.
Saddleback and the lesser hills link the apparently unbroken
chain with Crossfell and the eastern range; while further to
the left the Northumberland fells bound the horizon. Then
come the uplands by Bewcastle and the border, and the
pastoral Cheviots, ‘‘ Scotia’s southern bound.’ Away round
to the west, the magnificent belt is terminated by Criffel,
‘standing in solmn grandeur above the Solway.
“Tis a prospect fair—of river, wood, hill, and vale,
As ever eye could wish for.”
A few notable places (horticulturally) surrounding the city
have been mentioned, and more extended notes of two of the
chief nurseries may appropriately be published.

THE KNOWEFIELD NURSERIES.

These nursery grounds, which belong to Mr. Baxter Smith
and Mr. James Watt, the partners of the old-established firm
of Little & Ballantyne, occupy 130 acres, have been most
happily chosen for situation, quality, and variety of soils. The
site is directly north of the “merry city,” on an open and
elevated situation. Fewer hedges are seen here than in most
nurseries, which is considered a great advantage to hardy trees
‘and shrubs, particularly in reference to late spring frosts. The
young wood is also much stiffer and better matured, and is
preferred both for home and foreign trade. The grounds are
within ten minutes’ drive of the central station, and well repay
visit. The carriage entrance is very beautiful, and the
orders, for above a quarter of a mile in length, are planted
near the margin with a choice collection of ornamental ever-
green shrubs, Conifers, Rhododendrons, Hollies, &c., backed-
up with fine specimens of weeping and other trees suitable for
immediate effect. The broad belts forming the background to
these borders furnish great variety both of form and habit,
and some striking yet pleasing combinations, as, for instance,
when the golden and black-leaved Oaks are planted side by
side and backed-up with the Silver Poplar, or when the Lime
an one or other of its forms is grouped with contrasting forms,

like the Oak, the Mountain Elm, the Aspen, the Ash, or the
Plane. Specimens of all sizes, from 3 feet to 20 feet or more,
of the greater number of hardy ornamental trees are planted-
out here, in order to give some idea of the effect which the
same kind of tree produces in different stages of growth, and
in different combinations with other kinds—considerations of
some importance, which are too apt to be overlooked in making
arrangements for permanent plantations. Among shrubs the
following are especially worthy of notice—viz., Berberis val-
garis atro-purpurea, the dark purple-leaved Barberry; B. ste-
nophylla, a hybrid between B. Darwinii and B. empetrifolia,
possessing the flowers of the former with a habit and hardi-
ness superior to it. Azaleas of the Pontica and Ghent sections
exist here in great variety, as do also Rhododendrons, Heaths,
Hollies, Gaultherias, Andromedas, Kalmias, Sedums, and
Spirwas, among which latter S. Fortunei, a very dwarf white-
flowered sort, is one of the best.

At the top of the Avenue, on the right, is the pinetum, in
which specimens of all the really hardy Conifere at present in
cultivation are gathered together. The situation chosen for
testing these important classes of trees is one of the best that
could be found for the purpose, being high and fully exposed
to all the points of the compass; so that if any sort is found
tender here, it cannot with confidence be recommended for
any colder locality or situation. The collection embraces all
that is worth growing among the really hardy kinds, while
those that are found fit only for the most favoured localities
find the necessary shelter and protection in pits and in closely
hedged quarters. The most remarkable for robust health and
fine form in the pinetum are Piceas lasiocarpa, magnifica,
Parsonsi, nobilis, and grandis; Pinus Murrayana, ponderosa,
and Jeffreyii; Cryptomeria elegans and Lobbii, Balfourii, &c. ;
Wellingtonia gigantea, and its variety pendula—a handsome
form of the Mammoth Tree, which originated in this establish-
ment a few years ago. It is a striking variation from the style
of the ordinary form of the Wellingtonia, the branches and
branchlets being quite pendulous, and consequently more
graceful than the massive yet elegant original, and will be
sent out by this firm for the first time in the autumn.

Turning from the pinetum to the left the main block of
houses forms the background to the view in that direction,

| and the foreground consists of a flower garden in grass, sur-

rounded on three sides by borders of ornamental shrubs. In
borders in the neighbourhood of the flower garden is a col-
lection of Hollies in all the most popular and effective varieties.

In one of the borders near the house stands the original
tree of the Knowefield Tricolor Beech. This is a new form of
Purple Beech, the leayes of which are boldly margined with
silver, and strikingly flamed and pencilled with brilliant
crimson on a dark coppery ground colour. Near by stands
the original of another Knowefield production, the black-leaved
Oak, the best of all the dark-leaved Oaks, which, though well
known to connoisseurs of hardy ornamental trees, is by no
means £0 generally known as it deserves to be among those
who have most to do with plantations practically.

A3 regards the plant houses, they are admirably arranged
and well adapted for the purpose of plant-growing, and are
stocked as one would expect to see a well-appointed nursery with
classes of plants in most demand. There are about 500 feet of
glass, with innumerabie pits or cold frames, covering altogether
nearly an acre of ground.

Roses are a decided speciality of this establishment—a fact
that strikes the visitor forcibly when he finds himself in the
midst of the wide-stretching quarters deyoted to their culture.
Some idea of the importance and extent of this department
may be gathered when it is stated that upwards of fifty thou-
sand standard and dwarf Roses are grown annually, to meet
the ordinary demands of customers in this country and in
America.

Fruit trees, too, are grown very extensively, from eight to
ten acres being devoted to their culture; and the general nur-
sery atock of transplanted and seedling forest trees and shrubs
is also very varied and complete.

Forest trees are also a great speciality of this nursery, which
is simply a plant factory, turning out every season immense
quantities which are sent all over the kingdom.

The seed department is conducted at present in English
Street and Blackfriars Street, where the firm has for nearly
half a century carried on that branch; but increasing con-
nection has necessitated their moving to larger premises, and
there is now in course of construction a handsome block
situated in the most prominent part of the city, to which they

194 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Septemberz6, 1877.

will shortly remove. When completed this will certainly be
one of the finest buildings in the city, and being of the native
stone it is much admired, being from plans by the diocesan
architect, and ig a mixture of Grecian and Scotch baronial
architecture.

STANWIX AND HARRABY NURSERIES.

TueEssE belong to Messrs. Clark Brothers & Co., and are five
and twenty acres in extent respectively. The -first-named is
reached from the city by crossing the bridge over the Eden, and
is three-quarters of a mile from the Town Hall. This nursery
has only been opened about six years, but is now established.
Té contains a miscellancous nursery stock, principally, however,
of Roses, fruit trees, 2nd Conifer, which are in excellent con-
dition. Rhododendrons and all American plants are in robust
growth without any addition having been made to the soil.
The main feature on entering the grounds is the centre walk,
running directly down to the extreme end of the nursery and
curving round the centre conservatory, which is placed so as to
be the prominent object at the end of this walk. This walk is
bordered with Conifere, shrubs, &c., and contains good examples
of Pinus nobilis, P. Nordmanniana, P. Pinsapo, &c.; Cupressus
of sorts, very prominent for beauty being C. erecta viridis, of up-
right habit with dense dark green foliage; Wellingtonia gigan-
tea, Thujopses of sorts; Cryptomeria elegans, which is here quite
hardy and much admired for its distinct habit of foliage from
all other Conifers. Taxus aurea variegata is this season very
bright, and makes an effective contrast in a mixed border.
Hybrid named Rhododendrons grafted on tall stems are here
planted down the border, and in spring when in full bloom
are very beautiful. Two specimens of the weeping common
Holly, one on either side, attract notice: when in full berry
they are very conspicuous and beautiful. Acer Negundo foliis
variegatis contrasts well with the green of the evergreens.
There are also many good forest trees, some being thinly
planted and have well-shaped heads. The other parts of the
nursery are laid out in the usual squares and filled with varie-
gated and common Hollies, hybrid Rhododendrons, common
and Portugal Laurels, common and Irish Yews, &. The
Colchican Laurel grows very luxuriantly and has not yet been
injured by frost. This is due to its habit of ripening-off early,

in this respect differing from the common Laurel, which is apt |

to make a late autumn growth which the frost very often cuts
down. Rhus laciniata, dwarf in habit, is noticeable; and
Ligustrum ovalifolium aureum variegatum is very bright, and
is suitable for town-planting.

Fruit trees are grown as standards pyramid and dwarf,
trained and untrained. ;

Roses are also largely grown, and owing to the International
Flower Show have been subjected to a system of disbudding
which promises to be a success. All the Roses worthy of cul-
tivation are propagated. Dahlias are also largely grown, new
varieties being added yearly. Pansies are carefully grown,
and hardy Liliums are blooming abundantly.

Among herbaceous plants Delphiniums are notably con-
spicuous; one, the Bella Donna, light azure blue. Ranuncu-
liflorum, beautiful bronze blue and with double flowers, Herman
Stenger and Nahamah, are also very fine. Spirewas are also
well represented. Hardy spring bedding plante, such as Myo-
gotes, Arabises, &c., are included in the collection. Among
new bedding plants Tropeolum Hunterii, dwarf, neat habit,
bronzy foliage, and covered with bright scarlet flowers, is
regarded as a great acquisition.

On entering the houses, which are seyen in number, we find
healthy plants of Palms, exotic and Tree Ferns, Fuchsias,
Geraniums, stove plants, &c.; while the cold frames are
stocked with Camellias, Azaleas, Solanums, tree Carnations,
Cyclamens, &c., medium-size plants in preparation for winter
and spring blooming. Two of the houses are nearly filled
with Vines in pots and now ripening off, having made an ex-
cellent growth. Planting and fruiting canes of all the leading
varieties are cultivated.

The Harraby Nursery is situated at the south end of Carlisle,
two miles from the Town Hall, on the direct turnpike road
to London, and is twenty acres in extent. It has only been
opened three years, and is principally reserved for the growth
of forest trees, such as Scotch, Spruce, and Larch Firs, Syca-
more, Ash, Elm, &c., for which the soil and situation is well
adapted. One square of Larch contains 300,000 treer, another

quare of Scotch adjoining contains 100,000, while another
contains 100,000 Spruce and so on, with Thorns for hedges,

Bech Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Elm, Poplar, Pinus austri-
aca, &e.

This firm has extensive premises situated in Scotch Street
near the Town Hall—office, seed shop, and warehouses.—
J. A., Eskdale.

Ovr Carlisle correspondent telegraphs that the preparations
for the Show, which opens to-day (Thursday), areon an un-
usually extensive scale. The marquee for stove plants is
450 feet long by 50 feet wide, and is heated; and the fruit and
vegetable tents are almost equally large. The space devoted

| to the Show is upwards of thirty acres in extent, and ig

picturesquely situated between the Castle and the river Eden.

i No efforts are being spared by the executive to render the

Show complete. The expense incurred is fully £2500, and
about £1000 have been received in subscriptions. With fine
weather success is certain. The exhibits are arriving, and
one of the most varied and extensive Shows ever held is.
anticipated. It continues open during the week, and should
be inspected by all who are interested in horticultural pur-
suits.

The first full report of the Exhibition will appear in our
next issue.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
SEPTEMBER 4TH,

Fruir Commtrrer.—Jobn Lee, Esq., in the chair. Five va-
rieties of Melons were sent from Mr. R. Gilbert of Burghley,
raised from seeds that had been sent from India; but like all
Indian Melons, they are worthless when grown under artificial
treatment in this country. Those sent were no exception to
the general rule. A green-fleshed Melon was sent by Mr. C.
Rowe, The Gardens, Benham Park, near Newbury. It was cut
from the third crop from the same plant, and was considered to
be good, considering the circumstances under which it had
been grown. The Committee desired to see it again. It has.
been named Benham Park Green-flesh.

A collection of five varieties of Nectarines—viz., Byron, Pine
Apple, Humboldt, and a seedling yellow-fleshed, also large
specimens of Spencer, but none of them were ripe. Also &
fine collection of Peaches, comprising Violette Hative, Prince
of Wales, Barrington, Princess of Wales, and seedlings, but
neither were they in condition. These were sent from Messrs.
Rivers of Sawbridgeworth. The same firm sent a collection of
fine-looking Pears, but unripe. From Mr. J. Douglas, gardener
to F. Whitbourn, Esq., Loxford Hall, came three sorts of Pears

from pot trees, but the flavour was not first-rate, although the ©

fruit was good-looking.

A very fine collection of thirty varieties of Tomatoes was ex-
hibited from the garden of the Society at Chiswick; and Mr.
Turner sent a dish of Schoolmaster Potato.

This was not a large meeting, but the productions were of an
interesting character.

Frorat Comuirtree.—G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair. A
prand and extensive collection of Dahlias was exhibited by Mr.
John Keynes, Salisbury, and no less than five first-class certifi-
cates were awarded to Mr. Keynes for Countess, Henry Bond,
Bessie Ford, Charles Wyatt, and Louisa Neate. The other ex
amples in this collection were grand, and consisted of Empress,
Maud, Delight, Robert Burns, George Barnes, Rifleman, Ad-
miration, William Dawkes, Cuckoo, and Cleopatra. The whole
of this collection were raised by Mr. Keynes. Other con-
tributors of Dahlias were a collection of seedlings from Messrs..
Rawlings & Brothers, Old Church, Romford; Messrs. Turner,
Slough, who sent Wizard, Philip Frost, and Charles Lidgard,,
for which a vote of thanks was awarded; also to Mr. G. Smith,
Hedge Lane, Edmonton, for a collection of twelve varieties.
Mr. G. Harris, Orpingtor, Kent, sent Dahlias Constancy and
Cavalier, which were passed. Mr. Turner also sent Petunia
Mount Beauty, and Carnation Lady of Avenal, to which a vote of
thanks was awarded. Votes of thanks was also awarded to Mr,
Ollerhead, gardener to Sir H. W. Peek, M.P., for Oncidium
lanceanum; and to Messrs. Veitch & Sons for an extensive col-
lection of seedling Begonias, the greatest portion of which had
been lifted from the open ground that morning, and must prove
most valuable for outdoor summer display ; to Mr. Parker,
Tooting, for cut blooms of Lobelia syphilitica and Hydrangea
paniculata grandiflora ; to Mr. Kinghorn, Richmond, for Tropzo-
lum speciosum, Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, and Magnolia
Lenné.

Some very promising seedling Lapagerias came from Mr.
J. Stokes, gardener to Mrs. Charles Crossland, Crossland Lodge,
Huddersfield, for which a vote of thanks was awarded. Mr.
G. F. Wilson was also awarded a vote of thanks for a fasciated
flower of Agapanthus umbellatus and from Mr. Cannell, Swan-
ley, Kent, came five collections of Cockscombs, twenty-four

September 6, 1877. ]

distinct varieties of double Pelargoniums, a collection of single
Pelargoniums very fine, and a box of cut blooms of his new
decorative Geranium New Life, as well as several plants of the
same variety, to which a first-class certificate was awarded as a
decorative plant; it is certainly a very dwarf and free-flowering
variety as well as a novelty. Amongst his collection of cut
blooms of single varieties the Committee highly commended
one named Dr. J. Denny, a decided advance on anything we at
present possess. A vote of thanks was also awarded to Mr.
Cannell for his collection of double varieties, which. consisted
of G. Magnilla, Le Constitution, Neomie, M. Sauth, M. Thibaut,
M. Buchler, Le Terrible, M. C. Routier, Jean Mace, E. Ban-
dowin, J. Dollfus, L. Buchner, L. Boutard, M. Waddington,
H. Burice, 1. Lemoine, Rubis, Wonderfal, J. C. Wagner, Lea-
mington Lassie, M. R. Buist, Herzegovine, M. de Roquefouille,
and a splendid white M. Baltet. Some very fine cut blooms of
Ivy-leaf Geraniums Nemis, St. George, and Gem came from
Mr. George of Putney cut from the open air, and an interesting
collection of a dozen boxes of Asters from the Society's gardens,
‘Chiswick.

PROVINCIAL SHOW OF THE ROYAL
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Our readers are already aware that the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society have decided to hold the Great Provincial
Show at Preston in 1878. An arrangement has been made with
ithe Preston Nursery and Pleasure Gardens Company, of which
T. M. Shuttleworth, Esq., is Chairman, to co-operate in carrying
‘out the Show, and the Company will stand in the same relation
to the Society as local horticultural societies have done’ in
former years wherever the Show has been held.

The ground selected on which to hold the Show is one of the
best adapted, and certainly the most beautiful and picturesque
of all the sites the Society has ever occupied. Situated within a
much shorter distance of the Town! Hall of Preston than the
Aston Grounds are to that of Birmingham, and in close con-
tiguity to the beautiful gardens and picturesque grounds of
Ffarington Hall, the site commands a magnificent panorama of
Ribblesdale. Inthe foreground there is the river Ribble, and away
in the distance Hoghton Tower, where King James I. knighted
the sirloin of beef. Redscar, the residence of W. Assheton Cross,
Hisq., embosomed in waves of massive wood; Pendle and Pendle
Hill; and Walton where Cromwell defeated the Royal army
under Duke Hamilton and Sir Marmaduke Langdale. But
apart from these attractions are the grounds of the Preston
Nursery and Pleasure Gardens Company. These are approached
by handsome entrance gates and a lodge. On either side of the
broad carriage drive are specimen trees of the choicest Conifers,
evergreens, and deciduous trees and shrubs, and this is terminated
by a handsome conservatory of large size, in which are cul-
tivated specimen greenhouse and conservatory plants. The great
charm of these grounds is the Dingle, a deep winding ravine
finely furnished with large timber trees. A stream of water
runs through it, and this is utilised to form cascades at certain
distances. Carriage drives and tortuous footpaths play at hide-
and-seek among the dense brushwood of the undulating banks,
and numerous wild flowers deck the shady glades where joyous
youth and sobered age may equally find a retreat from the active
and engrossing cares of everyday life.

We cannot but congratulate the Royal Horticultural Society
on having secured such a position, and we have every confidence
that with the co-operation of the Nursery and Pleasure Gardens
Company with Mr. Shuttleworth at their head, the Provincial
Show will be a great success. The Show is fixed for the second
week in July, 1878, beginning on Tuesday the 9th, and closing
on Saturday the 13th.

Preston is the centre of a great industrial population, and of
which about seventy thousand reside in the town, and there is
frequent railway communication between Blackburn, Wigan,
Burnley, Lancaster, and Manchester. f

‘ BLACK PRINCE AND KEENS’ SEEDLING
STRAWBERRIES.

rs C. P. P.,” page 152, says he has discarded these two Straw-
berries ; for what reasons we are not told. I earnestly hope
none will fellow his example, at least without proving them to
be worthless. What Iam afraid of is, that some who do not
know Strawberries well may order plants according to his
selection, and if they do they would leave out two of the most
valuable Strawberries in cultivation. We have several of
“C. P. Ps” elect covering as much again ground as Black

Prince, and although the fruit from them have been large none ‘no privacy about Drumlanrig.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

195

of them have produced one quart against two of Black Prince
throughout the season; and as for Keens’ Seedling, I do not
know what we should do without it to meet the demand for
fruit for preserving. The family are not here in the Straw-
berry season, and consequently all the fruit is grown for pre-
serving, and I find these two sorts so useful for this purpose
that in a year or two there will not be a Strawberry about
this place but Black Prince and Keens’ Seedling.—A KircHEN
GARDENER.

POTATOES.

From present appearances the Potato blight is likely to be
very prevalent round Kdiaburgh. On the 18th, 19th, and 20th
of August it rained almost without intermission, and on the
22nd I observed the plague spot on my Potato plot; and like
Mr. Fenn [I lifted the crop instanter, and though not ripe they
will keep for seed. On the 26th it rained a good deal, and at
night on the 27th it rained freely. The river Tyne here over-
flowed its banks, which during twelve years I have lived here
never occurred before in August. Potatoes in a number of
fields in this locality are spotted and they smell very. bad.
The Oat fields among the cereals are as flat as if they had
been rolled, and Wheat and Barley are not ripening kindly,
and there will be no harvest here evan under the most favour-
able circumstances for about ten days. Something like seven
years ago Oats were cut ona farm here on July 31st. Itooka
note of it at the time, and named it to the farmer a week ago.

I often wonder why people are so much afraid of rain now
affecting the Potato, as there were rainy seasons before the
first blight in 1845. I wonder if there is any new element in
nature that did not exist up till 1845, or is there any element
wanting that was in force before that. These are problems I
cannot solve, but I can solve this, that to my certain knowledge
this valuable esculent has been treated in a spurious sort of
manner. At present I have not time to say my say on such
a grave matter as the loss of the Potato crop, but if all is well
will make a few remarks about them next week and state facts,
which are said to be stubborn things; and possibly my obser-
vations may tend to throw some light on a subject of such
paramount importance to the well-being of the human family,
for who can forget the famine in Ireland in 1846 and 1847,
also in the highlands of Scotland and its painful results ?—
J. Appison, Ormiston, Edinburgh.

id DRUMLANRIG,
THE SEAT OF THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUOCH.

_TraveLuErs between Carlisle and Glasgow, on the Glasgow
and South-Western Railway, who are inclined to admire any-
thing remarkable as they pass along, will find their observa-
tions very richly rewarded between Closeburn and Carron
Bridge stations, where the scenery—with its great expanse
of mountain, plain, wood, and water—is allowed to be almost
unique. Here there is no deficiency of trees or any other
feature necessary to complete a truly picturesque landscape,
and the country is entirely void of coal pits, public works, and
every obnoxious obstruction which so often interfere with
scenes of beauty elsewhere. In bold relief amidst this scenery
stands Drumlanrig Castle and its princely surroundings. No
words can picture the magnificence of this edifice and its
connections. The accompanying view of the Castle speaks for
itself, and yet with a deficiency which nothing but a personal
inspection could remedy. Historical notes and traditional
incidents of all that has been done in the past here are plenti-
ful enough and might be interesting to a few; but I refrain
from using your columns for any of them, because I am sure
the generality of your readers would pass them over to hear of
that which is more dear to their hearts and daily calling.

The gardens at Drumlanrig have always stood pre-eminent
in the horticultural world, but not always on account of the
excellency of the practice there. Many will remember it as a
‘big place’? kept well dressed, and always endowed with
much natural beauty. It is all these yet and more, as the
excellency of the produce is far superior now to what it was
ever seen or thought of years ago. With these imperfect
introductory remarks I will begin my way to the famous
gardens by the traveller’s ordinary route from Thornhill
station, and pass through the rural village of Thornhill,
where the streets are lined on both sides with Lime trees,
and from here to the Castle, a distance-of four miles, the road
S3ems a well-kept private drive; but it is not this, as there is
Approach it as you may no

196 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 6, 1877.

confined wall, locked gate, or inquisitive lodge-keeper obstructs
the way. EHverythingis free and open. To crampsuch a place
within a boundary wall would deprive it of much ofits grandeur,
and this I am sure will be felt and seen by all who visit it.
But before the Castle is reached one comes upon the kitchen
garden and glass houses, which the first glance shows are of
no ordinary description. These lie to the right of the road;
and directly opposite, on a high grassy bank overlooking the
whole, stands Mr. Thomson’s house. Going from here the road
is crossed, and a flower garden some 4 or 5 acres in extent is
entered. This is not the flower garden proper. No; only a
little corner chiefly for supplying cut flowers, and is therefore
mostly planted with Roses, Carnations, Phloxes, and an excel-
lent collection of herbaceous plants; for be it remembered, that
although this is the head quarters of the king of the “‘ summer
bedders,’”? the old-fashioned herbaceous plants siill find a

genial home here. There is a good extent of lawn grass in
this garden, but most of the beds lie close together, and are
only separated from each other by 5 or 6 feet wide gravel walks
and Box edgings. The west side is bounded by an ornamental
Holly hedge, the south by a bower walk covered with old Roses,
Honeysuckle, and other fragrant flowers; and to the east is
the kitchen garden wall. This wall is very old, but perhaps
few would notice this, as the excellent fruit trees do not bear
indication of ancient support.

Hight acres are enclosed within the walls. This is con-
veniently divided into a regular form. The main walks are
10 or 12 feet wide. One of this description goes all round the
walls, with the ordinary border between. Two of these walks
cross from centre to centre, dividing it into four; and then
other two narrower walks run across east and west, which
divide it into eight pieces of about an acre each. Box edgings

Fig. 48.—DRUMLANRIG CASTLE.

keep the soil from mixing with the gravel. Vegetables are
chiefly grown for a supply during August, September, and
October. It is hardly necessary to say the produce here is of
the first order. Fruit trees line the sides of the walks. Owing
to bad weather last autumn and unfavourable weather at
blooming time many of the trees are deficient of a full crop,
but others are bearing well. Large quarters are devoted to
Gooseberries, Currants, Strawberries, and other smal! fruits,
and the crops of these this year have been very good. Belts
of ground, nearly as extensive as that enclosed, surround the
outside of the wall on the south and east sides for growing
vegetables. The south side of the kitchen garden was formerly
walled like the rest, and covered with Peaches and Apricots.
The first bore very imperfectly, and the latter never at all—
not a very profitable covering for such a position; but a few
years ago the old wall gave way, and instead of rebuilding it as
before the whole was cleared away, and in its place the finest
glass house of its kind in the world was erected. It is one
lofty span-roofed house, 16 or 18 feet wide and 500 feet long.
It is to be exclusively devoted to growing hardy fruits. It was
not completed in time this spring to get the trees planted, but
it has not been allowed to stand empty. It is now arranged as
a flowergarden. Pearson’s Geraniums are grown to perfection
here, many fancy-foliaged plants are mixed with the flowers,
baskets filled with drooping plants are suspended from the
roof, and the whole effect is far beyond any description. An

Edinburgh nurseryman told me it was worth my while coming:
@ distance of five hundred miles to see this crystal palace, or
flower garden under glass, alone, and he was right. The house
is substantially built and well heated, and no doubt by-and-by
it will produce fruit worthy of itself and its manager. A
Leaving this structure we pass through the garden again an@
enter the front range of glass at the north of the kitchen garden.
This is the same length as the newrange. The first house
is span-roofed, with its ends north and south, a bed in the
centre, and shelves round the sides. Some fine specimens of
Camellias are planted out in the centre, and the whole is filled
with healthy, well-grown, greenhouse plants. We pass from
this into a long lean-to house chiefly devoted to exotic plants
and Orchids. Next is a range of Peach houses, three in
number, and with a little division between comes a long vinery
divided into two. Talkof Grape-growing! Butif ever Grapes
were grown to perfection it is in this place. Hamburghs,
Muscats, Gros Colman, Alicante, Duke of Buccleuch, Treb-
biano, Buckland Sweetwater, and all the leading varieties of
Grapes known are here. Not aspot or blemish are to be foand-
on them. ‘The Vines were planted in 1873, and replaced those:
destroyed by the Phylloxera. That this pest can be completely
stamped out from a place has been clearly and cleverly proved:
here. The next house is a long exotic plant stove. All the
species worth growing which come under this treatment may
be seen here in all their luxuriance, and the Nepenthes pro-

ee a

_

September 6, 1877. |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

197

TITIES IIIS SIIIISSSSSISSSSSSStttSt eT

bably surpass any that ever have been grown in this country.
Most of them are growing amongst green moss in small baskets
made from hazel sticks. N. distillatoria, which is well adapted
for ornamenting rafters, has produced many pitchers that held
more than a pint of water. Most of the plants in this house
and in many of the others are growing in pots thickly coated
with glaze outside. It is thought the plants thrive better in
them than the common porous burnt-clay pots, and much
labour is saved in washing. Opening out of this last house
there is another greenhouse similar in form and position to
the first entered. All the houses in this range, with the ex-
ception of the Peach houses, are new, and better-constructed
houses for convenience in every way it would be impossible to
- conceive.

Leaving this range we pass out of the kitchen-garden en-
closure into a large gravelled yard covered with glass houses

and pits. Entering the first range we come to we find Cucum-
bers growing in a long pit, with a pathway up the centre and
beds on each side. The fruit hanging here reminds one of
those representations of new Cucumbers which we sometimes
see in advertisements. In the same range, but with the door
at the other end, is what formerly was a Melon pit, of the
same description as the Cucumber one. This is now planted
with Figs trained on trellises, and it is well known that at no
place are Figs better grown than at Drumlanrig. They are grown
on what may be termed the short-spur system, as the shoots
are pinched close in so as to form fruiting buds, in the place
of long naked wood often seen on Fig trees. Ona line with
these there is a large half-span house where Pines are grown.
Further along than this there are two low pits for successional
Pines, and behind these again on another range there is
one more large Pine stove. To the generality of your readers

Fig. 44.—WHitE saND GARDEN AT DRUMLANRIG.

it will not be new to be told that the Pines, suckers, succes-
sionals, and fruiters in all these houses and one or two others
which we have not reached yet, are the very perfection of Pine-
growing. Next to the last-named Pine house there is a division
of the same size set apart for Passiflora culture, a fruit seldom
grown for dessert, but much appreciated here. Leaving this
range and making for another we pass the young gardeners’
lodge, where sixteen or eighteen young men reside. This lodge,
or to use the vulgar term ‘‘ bothy,’’ has been greatly improved
lately, and both for inside convenience and outside appearance
is an ornament to the place. No person can be more anxious
to have his young men comfortable than Mr. Thomson, and
his example is worthy of imitation.

The next range (behind the Cucumber and Melon range) is
divided into several lengths, which are filled with Vines and
Figs. Close behind this there is another range of cool Orchid
houses. Space forbids individualising, so I will only say that
Orchids from the most common to the most rare are all grown
here to a condition which the most celebrated place for these
glorious plants never surpassed. Further back still there is
another range of houses chiefly devoted to Pines, and not far
from here there is about one acre covered with frames for
various purposes.

One of the most complete arrangements about the place is
the heating of all the houses. Four boilers heat all these

ranges. They are the largest size of Meiklejone’s improved
cruciform. They lie back from all the houses, and pipes are
laid from them to the different ranges, some of the pipes run-
ning 200 feet before entering the house. A wooded slope rises.
on the west side of thegarden. There is a large flue goes about
half a mile up this wood, and at the end of it there is a talk
chimney about 300 feet above the boilers, which draws all the
smoke clear away from the place. This is an excellent arrange-
ment, and very different to the smoke, fire, and heating about.
Drumlanrig when we first saw it; then there would not be
much fewer than forty fires, as each house had a fire and
chimney to itself. When these were all lighted in the evening
the place resembled a small village, the consumption of coal
enormous, and the smoke and dirt quite equal to it.

Leaving this, the Castle, which is one mile from the garden,
may be reached in two ways—one the same way as we came
from Thorvhill, the other a private walk leading through the
woods which, after passing rustic arbours, bridges over streams,
and other adornments, brings us into the lower part of the
flower garden. The enclosure under this name, which is sur-
rounded by an elegant wire fence, extends over 50 acres.
Every inch of it is kept in the finest order. Some of the groung
is much higher than other parts; the Castle crowns all. Next
to the house there is a wide flower bed, then a gravel walk over
20 feet in width. This is the arrangement on the south, east,

198

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 6, 1877.

and west sides; on the north is the carriage entranes, directly
opposite to the side most prominent in the engraving. This
top walk forms what may be termed the top or first flat. From
this a large glass terrace slopes down and finishes at the edge
of another very wide long walk. To the east, at the foot of
the bank, there is a large flat laid out and planted as an
American garden. On the opposite or west side of the Castle
there is another flat similar, but it is planted with Stocks,
Carnations, and many sweet-scented flowers. Between both
of these pieces and the broad walk before mentioned there is
@ chain border resembling the one at Dalkeith, which is planted
with grand effect. The further side of the big walk from the
Castle is supported by a wall over 12 feet high. Many kinds
of both new and old-fashioned climbers cover this wall. Along
the bottom of it there is another narrow walk, and green ter-
races slope down from this. At the bottom of one of these
slopes, and directly facing the Castle, there is a large flat of
flower beds surrounded with an elaborate border of Heath.
This is named the White Sand Garden, and is well represented
in the annexed illustration. Tho Heath is brought from some
of the distant hills seen in the background in the Castle view.
Tt is only allowed to grow about 2 inches high; it is clipped
smooth, and the surface resembles green velvet. Between
the Heath figures white sand broken fine is laid, which gives
the whole a very chaste appearance. Looking down from above
on this the effect is truly magnificent. This is much the
prettiest, but not the largest design in the garden. To the
right of the view is seen a terrac2; on the top of this there is
another large flat known as the Wilderness, and planted with
fine specimens of Hollies, Yews, &c. Further down than the
Sand Garden indistinct traces of other beds are seen, but be-
tween them and the Sand Garden there is another large ter-
race.- The part at the bottom is very extensive, and is known
as The Scrolls, owing to the beds running in the form of scrolls.

are of great extent; another largo flat of flower beds is close
to these. Dark-foliaged Yews of great age line the bottoms of
some of the terraces, and monstrous Chestnut trees shade
some parts of the walks. Choice trees are dotted here and
4here on the grass, and beds of rare Rhododendrons appsar as
backgrounds to the flower beds; but no one feature predomi-
nates over another. Although there are so many flower beds
they do not cover anything like the extent of ground there is
dn grass, and the number of trses, high slopes, and other eleva-
tions conceal one mass of beds so much from the others that
no sameness, nor tou great a glare of colour, occur at one place.
Thousands of Violas are used for flower-garden decoration
here, as they are found to stand the wet much better than
Geraniums.

The views obtained from the highest terrace close to the
Castle are splendid. Onaclear day objects can be seen quite
distinctly down the valley eighteen miles away ; and the river,
which flows past not far from the Castle, is seen winding down
through the green fields and wooded knolls nearly all this
distance.

_ This, be it understood, is a very imperfect sketch of Drum-
janrig. To notice everything ina proper way would more than
fill a weekly number of the Journal. Names of plants, modes
of cultivation, and many other notes of interest I have left
untold; but to make up for this deficiency in as short a space
ag possible let me say that those who go home from Carlisle
without seeing Drumlanrig will miss what many good judges
eonsider as being the finest, most complete, and best-managed
garden in Britain._F. R. H. S.

FRUIT PROSPECTS.

I wave just taken stock of the wall fruit here (Thorndon
Hall, Essex), and find that on about 8000 superficial feet of
good wall there are about twelve dozen of Peaches and Nec-
tarines, and about twenty dozen of Pears. Of these Napoleon
on the east and Gansel’s Bergamot on a south aspect haye
the largest crop in proportion to the area covered; the latter
was protected by a 10-inch coping board, to which I attribute
the result. Plums not more than four dozen, three dozen of
which are the Impératrice on a west aspect. This useful old
Plum is seldom seen now, yet it always bears more or less. I
wonder it is not more grown. Such a light crop of fruit is but
a poor look-out where there is a large family to supply; but
all are alike in this locality, and we therefore eympathise with
each other, and hope for better things next year. At any rate
the trees have a good chance to reinvigorate themselves, and

| to you in France?
To the left of the Sand Garden other beds are visible; these |

taking them all together are remarkably healthy. The altitude
of this place is 332 above sea level.—J. Gapp.

FRENCH ROSH GARDENS.—No. 2.
BOURG-LA-REINE.

TuERE is no difficulty in finding the way to these gardens.
“J, Margottin Fils, Horticulteur,’’ is conspicuous on the pretty
little house amongst its Rose beds even before the train from
Paris glides into the station. Starting fromthe Placed’Enfer,
the Sceaux line runs to the little town of Bourg-la-Reine in
twenty minutes. This side of Paris is comparatively bleak and
uninteresting. Acacias, the tree of the place, edge theline. Huge
forts frown on the left, and a tall aqueduct is passed half way
that really would not be unworthy of the times of the Romans.
Then rows of Briars and Manettis begin to appear. I dis-
embark, and am directed by a board to the garden of M. Mar-
gottin pére. Again Iam unfortunate. Heis not at home. A
lady under an umbrella painting a yellow Tea Rose from
Nature is the principal object in the central pathway of tall
Roses fastened to long lines of wire. A young man in blue
is deputed to guide me, but though willing enough, neither
does he impart nor ean J acquire much information. I acknow-
ledge his services in the usual way and retire. I try M. Mar-
gottin fils. Here I am more fortunate. I ring at the tall
iron gates. A pleasant-looking madame from an upper window
bids me enter. She will send for her husband. At last I find
myself face to face with the proprietor, a fine specimen of the
shrewd and energetic Frenchman of the period. This is the
original Jules Margottin, as I presently discover. I suggest
that he and the Rose must be about the same age, but he
states that his namesake was born in 1855. I do not push my
inquiries. Now why is it that they always will speak English
Can anything be more aggravating than to
have an elaborately constructed French sentence answered
shortly in your own language? I suppose they like to air
their English just as we do our French. I must admit, when
pushed back in this way into my own language, I sometimes
take the mean advantage of speaking it very fast, which some-
times occasions a relapse on the other side. On the present
occasion the conversation was strictly in English.

The rain had been as trying here as elsewhere—for the
Roses good, but bad for the Grapes ripening. The low hedges
of Vine plants, sometimes % cordon, are very pretty. Here
there was still a considerable show of Rose bloom, but looking
as Hybrid Perpetuals must do everywhere in August. Hvi-
dently they had been very fine. Had he any new seedlings ?
Yes, an especial nowveauté, a seedling coming into commerce
this autumn. Mr. George Paul had seen it and at once
ordered a dozen. Colour bright rose, habit robust, almost as
large as Paul Neyron, but keeps its shape, and far freer bloomer,
called Boéldieu, after a well-known French poet, whom not to
know, I had to confess, argues myself unknown. This gave
me an opportunity of interceding on behalf of shorter names.
We were getting tired in England of such very distinguished
titles. Two names are as much as any Rose has a right to;
One is still better. I was also shown what is to be an im-
proyed Sir Joseph Paxton—a very bright crimson, a free
bloomer. M. Margottin considers that we rua too much
now upon exhibition Roses, that for general garden purposes
good old Baronne Prevost is worth more than half the no-
velties, and will last as a plant more than five times as long.
He admitted the high excellence of the Général Jacqueminot
strain, Chas. Lefebvre, Camille de Rohan, Louis Van Houtte,
&c., but did not think that any of these were very lasting. In
this I did not altogether agree with him. He thought Duke of
Edinburgh weak in form, though he admitted the high ex-
cellence of its colour. He told me that his father had nothing
new for this year, probably next year there would be two or
three new seedlings. I left him amongst his men all hard at
work budding.

His ground is evidently very good, finer Briar stocks could
hardly be seen. I was much interested in their mode of bud-
ding. Many of the buds inserted were hardly visible. He did
not seem to think they were the worse for being dormant. He
objects to the use of worsted, and still more of cotton. What
he employs is a kind of rush; he could not tell me its English
name, only that it grows in water. It has this great advantage,
that it breaks with the Briar growth and drops off of itself
after the three or four weeks’ binding-up, which he seemed to
think was quite sufficient. This would not matter for an
amateur, but when the budded stocks count by thousands it

September 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

199

EEE

must save very much labour. On the whole, though it must
be admitted after a limited survey, I infer that our English
seedlings are coming to the front and likely to keep there.
Comparisons are odious; were they made, our leading growers
would certainly not suffer by the side of foreign competitors.
What I have seen in England generally has been on a vastly
larger scale. M. Margottin informed me he had just taken the
two gold medals given by the city of Paris at their this year’s
show for dwarf and standard pot Roses.—A. C., Hotel de
Louvre.

STRAWBERRIES ON A LIGHT SOIL.

As my remarks in the Journal the other day were intended
to give the result of my experience and to report on the Straw-
berries mentioned rather than to take up any side on the
question of annual renewal, I did not intend to write again;
but as one or two persons have expressed a wish that I should
add a little to my notes, and the subject is not exhausted, I
willingly do so.

In the first place I do not wish to mislead anyone as to the bed
of Keens’ Seedling. It has only borne such wonderful crops
the last two or three years. Before that the crop was always
a good one and could be depended upon let the season be what
it might; in fact this Strawberry in the position I have it is
‘“‘at home.” Sir J. Paxton, President, La Constante, and
others do equally well; they have now been grown four or five
years, and look likely to last as many more, but I am not sure
about the first. I do not feel bound by any particular time
for the renewal of beds, and only do so when they cease to be
profitable. ‘‘W. S. P.” speaks of my method as being a
rough-and-ready one. I really was not aware of it. I am
desirous of following the best-known method, and I do not
think I am far from the mark on my own ground. I thought
of trying a few experiments with guano and soot this year,
but the weather in June was too dry, so I deferred it to another
year.

When I first began growing Strawberries I did not succeed
as well as Ido now, and was under the impression that they
required more frequent renewal than I have since found to be
the case, but the fact was I had not the most suitable sorts,
and was not sufliciently careful about removing the weeds in
time. There is no fruit crop which is so soon injured by the least
neglect in that respect, or so well repays the necessary care and
attention. The soil now is sufficiently moiat, and I am having
the beds trimmed up and cutting off all the leaves except five
or six at the top, and it is a matter of indifference whether
they are all cut off. On several occasions I have had a portion
left so and could observe no difference in the following crop;
they will be sure to throw-up plenty of new leaves before the
winter. The plants will be manured with some well-decayed
hotbed manure before Christmas, but I do not like the crowns
of the plants covered. If the manuring is delayed until after
Christmas sometimes a long period of dry weather sets in, and
the full benefit of it is not obtained.

Mr. Luckhurst goes a little too far in his opening statement
about Strawberries succeeding everywhere. Mr. Rivers, a good
authority, says that Hliza does not thrive except on a chalky
soil; and Mr. Darwin says, ‘‘ That splendid fruit the British
Queen can be cultivated in few places either in England or
France, but this apparently depends more on the nature of
the soil than the climate.” A famous gardener (Mr. D. Beaton)
says that ‘‘no mortal could grow the British Queen at Shrub-
land Park unless the whole nature of the soil was altered.”
At the same time some sorts are so hardy as to thrive almost
anywhere,

Anyone desirous of making a selection for planting could
not possibly find a better guide than the report of the Straw-
berry election for 1872—at least with regard to the older varie-
ties. Ihave just procured Lucas and Unzer Fritz, the latter
highly recommended by Mr. Ferdinand Gloede, and perhaps
another day I may report on their behaviour. I am very
much pleased with the remarks of ‘‘C. P. P.,” who is evidently
an experienced grower, although I do not follow the same
method of cultivation.—Awareur, Cirencester.

THE COLORADO BEETLE.

_ Ivan article on this unluckily famous insect which appears
in the September number of ‘‘Science Gossip,” and which is

ing here to isolate the patches infected by trenches, and then
cover the surface with sawdust soaked in benzoyl, which is to
be set on fire. After this the land is to be ploughed, again
saturated with the oil, and the surface again burnt.’ If the
beetle could survive that it must have indeed a charmed life.
But in the event of its having got too far ahead to admit of
this effective process, Mr. Rye advises a systematic and un-
wearied search for the imagos in spring, before the eggs are
deposited. It is encouraging to find that this authority is
inclined to pronounce against the probability of the beetle’s
effecting a-settlement in Britain—J. R. 8. C.

BATTERSEA PARK.

For varied and attractive scenes produced by its formation,
for the diversified character of its ornamentation, and for its
excellent keeping, Battersea Park has always been renowned.
Every year since its establishment it has been beautiful, but
never has it been more greatly and justly admired than during
the present season. Its broad, smooth, capital walks, the
pleasing seclusion of its quiet nooks and shady groves, its rock
and water scenes, its Fern dells and alpine touches, its tropical
aspect and the artistic decoration of the beds, combine to
render this picturesque place of public resort increasingly
popular.

Let us enter the Park by the western gate and note the
character of the decorations. Mixed borders are not generally
considered as being particularly attractive during the late
summer; they are more frequently referred to under the con-
venient term of ‘‘interesting’’—a term which may have a
wonderful amount of meaning or no meaning at all, according
to the fancy of the reader; but the mixed borders here are
neither dull nor tame, but are lively and effective as such
borders should be. Their effect is probably enhanced by their
boldly curving nature and their front marginal lines of golden
Stellaria, silvery Gnaphalium, and blue Lobelia. They are
brightened also by the introduction of bold masses of the best-
of the bedding Geraniums. But what renders them especially
attractive now are the rows of Anemone japonica, and espe-
cially its white variety alba (syn. Honorine Jobert), the flowers
of which are shown to great advantage by the background of
shrubs and bright scarlet Dablias. Heliotropes in profusion
impart perfume to these gay mixed borders. Crossing the
carriage drive the entrance avenue becomes restricted. On
both sides of it are rows of the finest massing Geranium im
the Park, Waltham Seedling, and Calceolarias ; and especially
noticeable bright yet elegant rows of Pentstemons, behind
which, and partly amongst the shrubs, are fine clumps of
Liliums, apparently L. lancifolium, in variety, with numerous
flowers on the eve of expanding.

A short walk across a ‘‘ bit of real park”? and we arrive at
the decorations proper. A twisting walk less than 50 yards in
length leads to the subtropical enclosure. But short as it is,
this walk affords attractions on either hand—a bold dell-like
recess formed amongst the shrubs, the turf smooth and clean,
the beds of Cannas imposing, the overarching foliage of the
Tree of Heaven refreshing, the Geranium beds affording bright-
ness—Mrs. Turner, lavender pink, being especially fine—and
isolated specimens of Palms and Musas, all commanding ad-
miration.

We are now-in the enclosure—an irregularly oval-shaped,
undulated, ‘‘ treeified ’’ lawn on the one side, and high banks
of dense foliage on the other, with a narrow strip of lawn next
the circular walk. Towering Cordylines, rich masses of
‘tropicals,’ specimen Palms, informal mixed beds, very for-
mal carpet beds, and a few real flower beds constitute the
attractions here. A bed of the Coral Plant (Hrythrina)
interspersed with golden Abutilon and edged with variegated
Mesembryanthemum fronts the entrance into the enclosure ;
itis a raised bed, as are the two mixed beds on either side
of it. Jacaranda mimosefolia, here most elegant, Acacia.
lophantha, and such like plants, are supporting mediums for
Thunbergia alata in variety. Towards the margin a broad
silver-leaved Artemisia is associated with Abutilons and
tuberous Begonias, the beds being edged with Alternantheras
and Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. These are
charming beds, the Begonias in them having a rich yet grace-
ful appearance. Two large S-shaped carpet beds attract the
notice of visitors. Being partly under the shade of trees the
object has been to render them bright and cheerful. The

from the pen of Mr. Rye, deservedly reputed one of our ablest | cireular ends of the beds are planted with Golden Bicolor
entomologists, it is recommended in the eyent of its appear- | Geraniums, the remaining portion of the beds being planted

200

with twisted panels of Golden Feather, Leucophyton, and
Alternantheras, and edged with Euonymus radicans variegata.
They are efiective, and suitable for the position they occupy.
A contiguous bed in striking contrast is a circular one planted
with specimen Buonaparteas in a carpet of golden Stellaria.
It is both novel and attractive. Besides the Cannas some
other noticeable beds of stately plants are splendid Wigandias
and Aralias, edged with Petunias and Gazanias; Acacia lo-
phantha and variegated Maize, edged with Geraniums and
Salvia argentea ; Polymnia grandis, with a charming edging of
Convolvulus mauritanicus ; Variegated Yuccas, mixed with Lan-
tanas and edged with Geraniums and large ‘rosettes’ of
‘Sempervivums ; algo Ricinuses and Lantanas, Polymnias and
Heliotropes, Grevilleas and Vitis heterophylla variegata, India-
aubber Plants, and a ground of Iresine Lindeni and silvery
Artemisia. Such are a few of the large beds, to which the
game epithets apply—they are luxuriant, attractive, excellent.

Some oblong and round carpet beds in this portion of the
Park are quiet in colcur, clear in design, and chaste in appear-
ance. Onelong bed, wider at one end than the other, contains
a row of kite-shaped panels of Alternantheras, diminishing in
size from the wide to the small end of the bed. The panels
are banded with golden Stellaria and Cerastium, and the bed
ds also margined with the Stellaria and Echeveria. The
angular space between the centre panels and the margin is
planted with small Kleinias and Sedum glaucum. Another
bed is of the same character, the panels, however, being filled
with small plants of Echeveria secunda glauca instead of the
Kleinia. Two round beds are also noticeable. One of them
has a flowing scroll-like tracery of Leucophyton and Golden
Feather, with panels of Alternanthera versicolor grandis and
A. amena, a groundwork of the now familiar and popular
Mentha, the centre of the bed and also the margin being
planted with Sedum acre elegans—a very pleasing bed.
Another distinct bed is planted with four pear-shaped panels
of Alternanthera magnifica, banded with Golden Feather and
edged the same as the bed last noted ; the interspaces between
the Sedum and the panels are filled with Mentha. A large
bed, chiefly planted with the Golden Elder, and another with
Brugmansias, are in bold contrast with the dainty carpet beds.
The arrangements noticed, with a few Geranium beds, speci-
men plants of Pampas Grass, Pomegranates and Yuccas,
render the decorations of this portion of the Park fully equal,
if not superior, to those of any former year.

Passing to that portion of the Park where the picturesque
miniature lakes and islands are the chief attractions a few
points by the way demand notice. The first is ‘‘ Fern Hollow.”
The turf in this has been newly laid, and the specimens of
Tree Ferns, Cycads, Dracenas, including D. Shepherdi; Palms,
Pritchardia pacifica being especially fine; a plant of Pothos
acanlis, with splendid foliage; Stag’s-horn Ferns, &c., are
arranged with admirable taste. It is a charming “bit,” but
not more so than the long vista of Ferns, &c., on the opposite
side of the walk. The turf here has also been renovated, and
the whole ‘‘forest scene” greatly improved. At the end of
the vista, which is about 50 yards long, is a plant of Musa
ensete, the irregular sides of the narrow shady grove being
decorated with Tree Ferns, Encephalartos, Palms, and Pan-
danuses. Immediately beyond this point is one of the nooks
Yr grassy recesses in the shrubs which render this Park so
delightful. At the end of the nook, which is flanked with fine
beds of Cannas edged with Funkias, is a magnificent plant of
Musa ensete. There is no more effective and really artistic
example of decoration in the Park than this is; there is not
much of it, but what there is is excellent, perhaps because so
little effort is apparent for producing an ‘‘ effect.”

Another group of carpet beds, two large oblongs and two
rounds, arrest attention. They are real carpet beds—that is,
the soil has not been raised in one part and elevated in
another to produce an irregular surface. The oblongs are
very bright, such as a great number of visitors admire. Hach
bed contains circular patches of Leucophyton Browni sur-
rounded with chains of Golden Feather, Alternanthera amcena,
and Mentha. The extreme edge and also the angles between

the brighter colours are planted with Sedum acre elegans. |

The large round beds have a star-like pattern of variegated
Geraniums as the central design, the angles being planted
with Alternantheras and Echeverias.
with Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. The de-
¢orations in this division of the Park are very effective. Pro-

ceeding onwards, “ Alpine Point” is reached with its green | display in the spring and early summer months.

These beds are edged |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ September 6, 1877.

spondent of the Journal once observed he could not pronounce
without sneezing, and Leptenella scariosa, hillsides clothed
with Cactuses, Aloes, and alpine plants, the higher mounds
being planted with Antennaria tomentosa to resemble snow-
capped mountains. On the opposite side is a contrasting
bed of Ricinus Gibsoni; another fine tropical bed having an
edging of Geranium anemonifolium, the large green palmate
foliage of which is distinct and attractive. Passing by Ivy-
clad banks a pause is made to admire a bright nook planted
semicircularly with the Golden Catalpa and Clematis Jack-
manni, with the yellow Canary Creeper associated with the
purple of the Clematis on the one hand and a fine bed of
Fuchsias on the other. Large plants of Fuchsias in shaded
places grow and flower well, and afford an acceptable change
from more gay and formal plants. The bed of them here is
admired by all visitors.

There are yet the rockery to admire with its trickling cas-
cades—a long, cool, shady walk, the banks being covered with
roots and Ferns, and a bright example of flower and foliage
grouping on the side near the Thames—the refreshmeni gar-
den. The long semicircular border here is extremely gay with
groups of Geraniums, Iresines, and divisional lines of Golden
Feather, and a flowing arrangement of Lobelias, Alternan-
theras, and Sedums. The corners of the borders are treated
in a particularly artistic manner, the ground being curved and
raised to represent some rich cornice work. The same mode of
decoration occurs in other parts of the border. The central
beds on the two narrow lawns are planted chiefly with sweet
flowers. The carpet beds here—three round beds with a con-
necting chain, represent what many consider as being the best,
as it is the most soft in appearance, carpet bedding in the
Park. The ground in the central circle is raised while the
end beds are hollowed-out like saucers. The effect is novel,
and the concentric lines of Mesembryanthemum and Leuco-
phyton have a chaste and admirable effect. Intricate patterns
are not the most pleasing, and mixing too many varieties in
the same bed is not the most effective mode of decoration, as
the excellent association of these two plants only in these
circular beds clearly proves.

Such is Battersea Park in 1877. Once more the public are
more than satisfied, and Mr. Rogers’s reputation is well sus-
tained. On leaving the Park a visitor observed, that “if the
people have such delightful places provided for them, what
must the Queen have?” I will try to tell him.—J. W.

GRAPES SHANKING.

Can any of the numerous practical gardeners who read the
Journal of Horticulture state the reason why Grapes grown on
the open wall never shank? I simply ask this question to elicit
the opinions of practical men. Why is this? I have seen
Muscat of Alexandria, Grizzly Frontignan, Royal Muscadine,
West’s St. Peter’s, Black Prince, and Black Hamburgh at ©
various places in Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire arrive at a
sufficient state of ripeness, and have not atrace of shanking
on a single bunch; yet in some instances I know the roots
were not in the most favourable places to insure success.

My idea is, that the temperature of the night is so much
lower than that of the day, that the plant has so far recruited
its energies and taken up a stock of food for the forthcoming
day. The temperature on a south wall at midday is frequently
130° to 140°, and at night down to 55°, or as low as 50° at
times. This is a great range, but it is no more than an ordi-
nary Cabbage or Lettuce endures in the open ground. The
low night temperature enables the foliage to be completely
charged with food, which has to be digested by the heat and
light of the day.—InquireER.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—LEOPARD’S-BANE.

Saux as are the representatives of the family of Leopard’s-
bane they are, with the exception of two or three, anything
but common. The name of Doronicum has been altered from
the Arabic name Doronigi, and the plant was said to have
been employed for the purpose of destroying wild animals,
hence its common appellation. In our day and country we are
happily free from tigers and the like marauders, yet Leopard’s-
banes deserve more attention than they are at present receiving.
Common in appearance they may be, but some of them in
half-wild places and shady damp banksides afford us a grand
When esta-

valleys of Pyrethrum Tchihatchewi, a name which a corre- | blished, all they require is to be left alone; they soon increase

September 6, 1877. ]

themselves by spreading of the root and seed. To see them
in their full beauty they must be seen in quantity. They are
not particular as to soil, but in such situations as I have named
they are quite at home. They appear to derive much support
from decayed leaves which cover them in the autumn. I like
te have a patch in the border where variety is required.

There is a beautiful white variety, Doronicum altaicum,
which is worth looking after; it requires 2 moderately dry
situation and rich light soil. Doronicum caucasicum is perhaps
the most commonly met with, but is not nearly so common as
it deserves to be. As a spring garden plant it is very desirable.
For lines, beds, and patches in my estimation it ranks very
high. When established in large patches in the early spring
it becomes one of the gayest of the flowers of the garden, often
giving us flowers also in the autumn and winter. Inthe spring
it sometimes requires protection. Any light material placed
over it, or a few spruce branches stuck round it, will ward off
the severity of the frost. Slugs are fond of hiding in the
crowns of the plants, and if not destroyed they do consider-
able injury to the leaves and flowers. D. austriacum, D. scor-
pioides, D. Columnx, D. macrophyllum, and D. cordifolium
are all desirable border flowers, requiring little attention when
once established. They are readily increased‘ by division in
the autumn and spring when growth is commencing.—VERITAS.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

WE are informed that the date of the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Provincian SHow at Preston in 1878 will be from
Tuesday, July 9th, until Saturday, July 13th, both days in-
clusive, and that a Schedule Committee has been appointed to
draw up a schedule.

— Now that England has become so great in the culture
of the Rosx it behoves that in speaking of our favourite flower
we should be correct in our language and literature on the
subject. Why do we speak of Provence Roses? There are
none euch. The Provins Rose takes its name from Provins in
the department of Seine-et-Marne, where the great Rose-culture
of France is carried on, and not from Provence, one of the
ancient provinces of France. Will ‘‘ Wxup Savace” take the
hint and introduce a more correct orthography ?

— Unusvauty cold nights prevailed during the close of
August and beginning of September. A Buckinghamshire
correspondent informs us that the grass was crisped with frost
on the morning of the 24th ult.: we have heard also that the
thermometer has been down to the freezing point in the neigh-
bourhood of London. Low night temperature and bright days
are the- best possible antidote of the Potato disease. If heat
with moisture prevails nothing can prevent the destructive pro-
gress of the ubiquitous murrain.

—— Tuar excellent Grapes may be grown without elaborate
border preparation many examples prove. A very good one
ame under our notice the other day near Penge railway station.

Mr. Baily, who had been a successful gentleman’s gardener for |

many years, commenced Grape-growing on his own account a
dew years ago. Although his soil was a strong clay he did not
trouble to obtain turf, bones, or concrete. He simply made a
narrow ridge on the surface of the garden (not excavating) of
the loamy clay mixed freely with stable manure, and in this
planted his Vines, adding to the ridge as they increased in
size. The Vines have for some years produced wonderfully
heavy crops and noshanked berries. To borders above ground
and rich surface-dressings Mr. Baily attributes his success.
Cucumbers are grown in the same manner, hillocks of soil
being placed on the floor inside the house, and heavy crops
are produced in the clay and manure.

—— Few flower garden plants which are readily increased
from seed are more varied in colour, rich, and attractive than
Diantuuses Heddewigii, Diadematus laciniatus, &c., in good
‘varieties. The seed of these is generally sown in spring, but
much more satisfactory plants are produced if it is sown in
August or early in September, wintering the plants in cold
frames. The plants thus managed are more luxuriant, flower
earlier, and are altogether more satisfactory than are plants
waised in spring. The great German growers, who almost sup-
ply the world with seed of these beautiful Dianthuses, raise
nearly all their plants in the autumn.

—— An amateur cultivator, who grows a considerable num-
ber of Peaches and Nectarines on glass-covered walls, states
that the best Peach is Grosse Mignonne and the best Necta-
rine Pitmaston Orange, and if only two trees are required by

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

201

any cultivators he recommends those varieties as being good
growers and bearers, the fruit being of full average size, hand-
some appearance, and of excellent quality.

—— CANNAS are now commencing flowering in the London
parks, and will be very ornamental during the present month.
One of the finest varieties appears to be C. Rendatleri, the
flowers being large and of a bright orange colour. A fine bed
of it may be seen in Battersea Park by the side of the walk
leading from “ Alpine Point ”’ to the rockery.

Mr. Witts’s Nursery at Anerley, under Mr. Bause’s
management, is always worthy of inspection. Not only are
there many thousands of Draczenas in wonderful variety and
condition, but the ease and extent to which Ferns for decora-
tive purposes are grown is astonishing. Adiantums are raised
from spores with about as much certainty as Mustard and
Cress fromseed. There are three thousand plants of Adiantum
gracillimum; and as to such popular sorts as A. cuneatum,
A. scutum, A. trapeziforme, more than a thousand plants
a-week, often as many in one day, are required for decorative
purposes. On one of the shelves are some hundreds of seed-
lings of Tillandsia zebrina, and in that position the rich
marblings of the lower sides of the leaves are very conspicu-
ous; and on another shelf are some thousands of Anthurium
Scherzerianum in thimble and thumb pots. Another house
is almost entirely filled, and attractive it is, with the fine
variegated plant Yucca filamentosa variegata, in the increase
of which Mr. Bause is extremely successful. The outside
portion of the nursery is almost wholly planted with Roses
for affording cut blooms, of which ten to twelve thousand per
week are required during the London decorative season. The
Ferns (grown in loam) and fine-foliaged plants are in superb
health, which is attributed in a great measure to the ‘‘ Hlixir,”
or buffalo-horn manure, which Mr. Bause uses to almost every-
thing with the best results. The most valuable roof plants
are Stephanotis, Lapageria, and Jasminum grandifiorum.

—— Every spring well-grown plants in 5-inch pots of the
charming Everlasting RuopantHE Mane@Lesi are amongst the
most popular plants in Covent Garden Market. In order to
produce such plants seed should be sown at the present time
in a compost of peat and loam. When large enough the seed-
lings should be pricked an inch apart in small pots for passing
the winter. When established a light shelf in the greenhouse
is a suitable place for them. They require to be carefully
watered at all times, never wetting the foliage. Shift them
into their flowering pots in the spring; and if they are well
managed, plants will be produced which few can fail to admire.

—— Haat, which is a prolific source of RED sPIDER, is also,
says an ‘‘Onp Mrnon-GroweR,” an antidote of that pest.
Melons, and indeed many plants, he remarks, will endure heat

‘ that is fatal to red spider if much moisture at the same time

accompanies the heat. However contrary to established notions
the matter may seem, our correspondent states that Melons,
and plants generally which are grown in a very high tempera-
ture with much moisture, are rarely infested with either red
spider or thrips. He asks those whose Melons are cut and the

| foliage infested to close the house or frame with much mois-

ture, and allow the temperature to rise to and remain at 120°
for an hour or two, when the plants will be found to have sus-
tained little if any injury, while most of the red spider will be
killed.

—— CLERODENDRON FALLAXx is well known as one of the
most brilliant and stately of decorative plants, but it is not
so generally known that the best mode of raising a stock of it
is by sowing seed and treating it asan annual. A fineexample
of this mode of treatment may be seen at the Crystal Palace,
where a number of dwarf sturdy plants not much exceeding
6 inches high are just showing their flower spikes. They were
raised from seed sown in the spring of this year. It would be
equally satisfactory, probably, to treat the plant as a biennial,
sowing the seed at the present time.

TE merit of being the first introducer of Exoric
Ferns belongs, says Mr. John Smith in his volume on “ Ferns,
British and Foreign,” to Mr. John Tradescant the younger,
who in early life made a voyage to Virginia; and it is recorded
in Parkinson’s ‘“ Theatrum Botanicum,” published in 1640,
that upon his return from that country in 1628 he brought
with him amongst other rare plants the Cystopteris bulbifera
and Adiantum pedatum. These, therefore, remarks Mr. Smith,
must be regarded as the nucleus of our present large collections.

— ‘‘RHopDoDENDRONS,” writes one who has had much

experience on the subject, ‘are generally considered to be the

202

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 6, 1877.

only shrubs that hares and rabbits will not eat. I find they
do nibble the leaves sometimes, especially of newly-planted
shrubs, but not to a damaging extent. Andromeda floribunda,
they do not taste, and Kalmia latifolia is free from their depre-
dations—in fact, most peat earth or American plants are not
liked by them, none of the Heath blooms or Erica family being
at all relished by those animals.”

— AspLenpiD collection of CurysantHEMUMS is being
grown in pots in Victoria Park. There are thousands of plants
in the finest possible condition, and which will produce a rich
display during the autumn months.

—— Txat many of our common wild planis become highly
attractive under good cultivation many examples have proved,
and not many of them more conclusively than the common
Harebell, CampanvLA ROTUNDIFOLIA. This plant, which only
grows a few inches high in dry places, becomes when grown in
pots both stately and elegant, the plants becoming bushes
2 feet high and through, laden with thousands of bells and
continuing attractive for many weeks.

— Mr. Harpine desires that Szepum Faparta (SPECTABILE)
be added to the list of herbaceous decorative plants that he
recommended last week. He describes this Sedum as one of
the best of hardy border plants, and which will well repay for
generous cultivation. We concur; it is valuable alike for pots
or borders when it is really cultivated, and not left to exist in
asemi-starved state in which it is too often seen.

—— A very large and successful grower of STRAWBERRIES,
one who has tested all the varieties in cultivation, states that
two varieties recently recommended by Mr. Luckhurst are very
capricious, only doing well in certain seasons and places—
namely, Exquisite and Traveller, and that these cannot be
classed as useful and reliable varieties.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

WE recently alluded to the gathering and storing of Apples
and Pears, but we have not been able to do much in the way of
gathering any fruit since that time. We have a fair crop of
Apples, but owing to the dry weather the maggot has spoiled
nearly half of them. Further, during the last ten days rain and
high winds have shaken many down from the trees. Only the
earliest sorts are ready to be gathered, and we can only hope
that a spell of better weather will allow the late fruit to remain
on the trees until it is ripe. We shall only incur loss by gather-
ing it before the pips are brown. It has been necessary to pur-
chase a few trees this year, and we have already selected them
to be sent home as soon as the leaves fal). Those who intend
to purchase trees should see to it at once, and it is very advis-
able to visit the nursery and select them. The reason for this is
obvious. If an order is sent the nurseryman will select the best
trees he har, no doubt; but of some sorts there may be only
inferior trees in stock, and when this is the case itis better to
see them, and you can use your own discretion whether it is
better to take an inferior tree or select another variety, of which
there may be good plants in stock, in preference. The ground
ought to be prepared at once for the reception of the trees. If
the intention is to planta border, or quarter, the ground should be
trenched at least two spits deep,working-in at the same time some
decayed manure if the ground is nct already sufficiently rich. It
is much better to work the ground now than when it is saturated
with water; also when plantivg the (rees it is a great advantage
to them if some turfy loam can be placed round the roots. It is
not always possible toobtain good decayed turfy loam, but where
it can be had in quantity there is nothing equal to it for placing
round and amongst the roots, and we would use a barrowload
for each tree. Some persons dig out the holes and place in the
loam before the trees are ready; but we prefer to keep the loam
in a dry place, so that if the trees come home, as is not unlikely,
when the ground is saturated, they may be planted at once. It

is a waste of time, and the trees are not benefited if they are
laid-in until a more convenient season.

The growths of Raspberries have been thinned-out, allowing
only those to remain that will be required to fruit next season ;
for this purpose the strongest are selected, aud they are fastened
loosely to the sticks to prevent their snapping at the base. The
rains have just come at the right time for the Strawberry plants
recently put out, and they grow apace, being free from red
spider. As soon as the ground is a Jittle dry we shall work the
Dutch hoe amongst the plants to destroy weeds and prevent
their growth.

; PINES.

With the cooler atmosphere accompanying the rains it has

been necessary to apply artificial heat. In the house where

planis have nearly reached maturity a drier atmosphere is re-
quired with as much air as possible, and the water must not be
too freely applied to the roots. The plants should be allowed
to become dry at the roots before applying any, and then suffi-
cient should be given to saturate the soil to the bottom. Suc-
cession plants must not be neglected; very often it is difficult
to find room for them at the time of potting the suckers, and
they are crowded together into some out-of-the-way coiuers.
Of course where this is really unavoidable the best must be
made of the circumstances; but unless the suckers are well
treated from the time they are potted little good can be ex-
pected from them. We always plunge the suckers in a bottom
heat of at least 90°; they are not far from the glass, and are
never overcrowded. Pines are seldom attacked by scale or any
other insect pests if they are kept in a healthy growing con-
dition throughout the period of their existence. The plants on
which are ripening fruit should be fully exposed to light, and
the temperature at night should not fall below 65°. No water
should be kept in the evaporating troughs in the house, and
ventilate as much as possible.

PEACH HOUSE AND ORCHARD HOUSE.

In previous numbers full directions have been given as to the
treatment Peach and Nectarine trees should receive after the
fruit has been gathered.. Where the fruit has not yet been
gathered it is desirable to be very careful with it. Our own
belief is that it is not desirable to allow it to remain on until it
is almost ready to drop, but to gather it carefully when it can
be gatkered from the trees without putting so much pressure
upon it as will injure the fruit. Flat-bottomed baskets should
be used in which to carry away the fruit, and it ought not to be
removed from those baskets until itis wanted for use. In the
bottom of the baskets place first a sheet cf cotton wadding and
over that a double sheet of tissue paper. In cool weather fruit
carefully gathered in this way will keep for a week or ten days,
at least some of the varieties will—viz., those with firm flesh ;
the yellow-fleshed sort Exquisite keeps in good condition after
being gathered as long as most of the sorts. We are now gather-
ing the midsummer sorts in the orchard house. Peaches are
very scarce; owing to the want of artificial heat in the orchard
house when the trees were in bloom they did not set well.
Nectarines are rather better, and of the yellow-fleshed scrts,
especially Pine Apple, there is an abundant crop. We have
repotted all the trees that it is intended to pot this year. This
work is best done as soon as the fruit is gathered and when the
trees are in full leaf. When this is the case they soon form
fresh roots and become well established before the leaves drop.
We have frequently taken the trees out of their pots and cut a
slice an inch all round from the compsct ball of roots, and then
returned the tree into a pot the same size in which it had been
before. It is necessary to keep the leaves damp with the syringe
for a dsy or two until fresh rootlets are formed.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY,

We have potted all the hardwooded plants that require it,
and, if the weather continues favourable, they will yet make
sufficient roots to become established before the winter. A very
large proportion of Cape and New Holland plants require peat
or peat aud a little loam added to it, and except for such as
Aphelexis we do not use leaf soil or manure. Ii the loam and
peat is the fibrous top spit of an old pasture it will be quite rich
enough without any addition, and it must be understood that
only the best fibrous peat from an upland is adapted to grow
such plants. Spongy peat, or what is termed bog earth, will
not produce satisfactory results. The different species aud
varieties of Statice should not be omitted from any collection
of greenhouse plants. S. profusa is the best of them, and where
only one can be grown this must be it. Kalosanthes, too, with
the rich crimson and rose-coloured trusses of flowers have a
charming effect in collections, and we find that both these and
Statice do best when potted in rich turfy loam, using a liberal
proportion of sand and plenty of clean potsherds for drainage.
This must be kept perfect too by placing some turfy loam over
it, a precaution that must on no account be neglected, as any
sourners in the soil through the water not escaping freely is
productive of disastrous results.

Stage Pelargoniwms have been repotted. This ought always
to be done when the growths are fairly started, as if it is left
too long the shoots flag and the plant is checked a little in its
growth. The potting material is turfy loam five parts, one part
decayed manure, one leaf soil, and sufficient silver sand to keep
the compost open. The old roots are considerably reduced, and
the plants are returned to clean pots not larger than they have
been in before, and the balls may even be so much reduced that
the plants will go into pots a size smaller. Indeed the large
exhibition plants one sees at the metropolitan exhibitions are
always treated in that manner. They are exhibited in pots
83 inches diameter, and it is necessary to reduce the ball of
roots sufficiently to admit of their beivg|potted into a 7-inch pot.

The Cyclamens are now starting into growth, as also are the
different varieties of Primula amcena. Probably before this
appears in print they will be shaken-out of the pots, the balls

September 6, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 203

will be reduced, and the plants repotted into clean pots. It is a |
good plan to sow a few seeds of Cyclamon annually, and to
throw away the large plants which have deteriorated. Many of
the plants continue to increase in size, and annually throw-up
large numbers of fine flowers, others as the corms increase in
size fall off in the production of both leaves and flowers. The
Cyclamen is one of the easiest managed of greenhouse plants,
and few others give such good results for the amount of care
bestowed upon them. The Cyclamen may be sown at any time,
but we have had the best plan's by sowing about the last week
in January or the first in February. As soon as the seedlings
can be poited-off we pot one in the centre of a thumb-pot in
light soil. When the plants have made some progress they are
shifted into small 60’s, and onwards into their flowering pots,
never permitting them to becoms pot-pound before repotting
them. Place them on shelves near the glass in a temperature
of not less than 55° at night, and by the following Christmas
each plant will have an average of twenty-four fine flowers on
it. After the plants ara established they require the shelter of
Gold frames only in the summer, and a greenhouse temperature
in the winter.

Cinerarias have also been potted into their blooming pots. Tt
is necessary to pot them at this time for early blooming, and we
find that the flowers are the most valuable when we can have
‘them from Christmas onwards. We are careful not to allow
2 single trace of green fly or thrips to remain uponthem, They
require to bs potted in the same compost as Pelargoniums.

We are now “setting” the blooms on Chrysanthemums.
Those who are not acquainted with this should look at the
strong leading growths at the point. They will find a flower
bud with three or four growths starting from each side. Ti
these growths are stopped the buds will swell; if they are
allowed to grow the bud will probably perish.—J. Douauas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Carter & Oo., High Holborn, London, W.C.—Catalogue
of Fresh Imported Dutch Flower Roots, &c.

B. 8. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper
Holloway London, N.—Part 1, General Bulb Catalogue ; Part 2,
Fruit Trees, New Plants, and Roses.

James W. Mackey, 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin.—Cata-
dogue of Dutch Flower Roots, &c.

d. Webb & Sons, Wordsley Nurseries, Stourbridge.— A utwmn
Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs and Garden Requisites.

Louis Van Houtte, The Royal Nursery, Ghent, Belgium.—
Catalogue of Camellias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Lilies, dc.

Dickson & Robinson, 12, Old Millgate, Manchester.—Catalog ue
of Dutch Flowering Bulbs, &c.

John Laing & Co., Stanstead Park and Rutland Park Nurseries,
Forest Hill, London, S.E.—Catalogue of Bulbous-rooted Plants,
Roses, Spring-flowering Plants, Vines, dc.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

* * All correspondence should be directed either to ‘* The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

History or THE Rose (7. H. G.).—It was not a natural Rose, but an
artificial Rose made of gold, that Julius II. sent to Henry VIII.

Buack on Leaves (S. H.).—It is a fungus, the mixture will remove it as
well as the scale.

Varietins (X. Y. Z.).—If the Committee really mean varieties, then three
distinct varieties of Croton would be admissible, but you had better ask the
Secretary. Species might be intended.

Pear LEAVES BuorcneD (J. B.).—The brown blotches are caused by the
grubs of the Pear-tree Blister Moth. A description and drawing of the
insect is in No, 476 of our Journal.

EvoaLyPrus GLoBuLuS (J. Clode).—It will endure the winter planted as
you state.

ORANGE Funcus on Roszs (W. 4.).—No one could tell you whence the
Spores which cause it come from. Your only remedy is to dust the leaves
and the surface of the soil with flowers of sulphur.

Peach TREE Unueatruy (D. H.).—The shoot sent is much infested with
mildew. All growths similarly leafless and decayed should be cut-out at
once, and the trees should be syringed with a solution of Gishurst compound
or soft soap made by dissolving 2 or 8 ozs. of either in a gallon of water.
After syringing them dust the trees with sulphur. The trees may be in bad
health in consequence of old age, unsuitable soil, or inclement weather, or all
combined. You afford us no data to guide us to a satisfactory conclusion as
to the real cause of their ill condition.

CxuimBine Devonrensis(H. F. W.).—I do not consider this agood autum nal
Rose, but certainly itis a Perpetual. Anyone who tries such a Rose ag Sol-
faterre or Réve d’Or by the side of Climbing Devoniensis will be struck by
the difference in blooming in the autumn. ‘these Roses are growing against
my church porch, and while Solfaterre is now blooming freely Devonie nsis
has only two poor blooms. Climbing Dayoniensis requires the same tr eat-
ment as to pruning a3 any other Roses. Only the dead woolshould be cut
eut.—WYLD SAvaGE.

ASPHALT WALKS AND Roaps (A Correspondent).—Take two parts of very
dry lime rubbish, and.one part coa! ashes also very dry, and both sifted fine.
In a dry place on a dry day mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the
heap as bricklayers do when making mortar. In this pour boiling hot coal
tar, mix, and when as stiff ay mortar put it down 3 inches thick to form the
walk, The ground should be dry, and be beaten smooth, Sprinkle over it
coarse sand. When cold pass a light roller over it, and in afew days the
walk will be solid and waterproof. A neater appearance is given by sprinkling
with spar, yellow or other gravel, which must, of course, be fine, and put on
immediately after laying down the asphalt in place of the sand. It will bear
horses without breaking-up.

AMARYLLIS LONGIFOLIA AND PANCRATIUM MARITIMUM NOT FLOWERING
(A. H. 8.).—Give them a cool stoye temperature and a good sapply of water
when growing; a3 they approach the resting period, which is ascertained by
the leaves changing yellow, gradually withhold water and keep the plants
dry for three months.

Worms IN Sorn (J. H.).—We cannot give you better advice than to apply
clear lime water to the plants. Wealso advise you to procure different soil
if possible. Soot water does good to many softwooded plants and is repug-
nant to worms.

TREATMENT OF YouNG Vines (LZ. H.).—Cut tho canes back to within
5 feet of the base of the rafters. It will be better not to plant any fresh
Vines this year, but if you have taken up only one rod from each, train up a
second rod from each of the Vines. That will give you six rods in the house
at 1 foot 3 inches from each end, and 2 feet 6 inches apart. If the Vines
grow very strongly five rods will be sufficient at 3 feet apart and 1 foot 6 inches
from each end.

EVERGREEN CLIMBER FOR UNHEATED CONSERVATORY (R. M.).—Berberi-
dopsis corallina is the best plant tor your purpose. It has handsome dark-
greon foliage aud crimson coral-like flowers. Give the roots a plentiful
supply of ric! soil, water freely, especially during-summer ; keep the foliage
clean by spon: og and syringing, and it will make a strong growth, covering
alarge area vu. wall quickly, and be gay with flowers in August and Sep-
tember.

Grape VINES oN A Watt (J. B. A.).—Let the wires be 1 inch from the

| wall, the horizontal branches 18 inchés apart, the spurs 12 inches apart, and

the Vines 8 feet apart.

Tuberous Beaonras (G. L., Whitby),—Cut off the old growth down to
the fresh shoots, to which afford every encouragement, and thus secure a
fine late bloom. Liberal doses of liquid manure will materially assist this
second growth and prevent exhaustion of the tubers.

Bark-BouND Fauit Trees (A. B. G.).—Scoring the bark of fruit trees
with a knife is an antiquated way of trying to afford relief to trees that have
become bark-bound through imperfect root-action arising from something
wrong in the soil, such as a waut of nutriment, or that sodden sour condition
which is caused by aa accumulation of stagaoaut water. Instead of hacking
about the bark we now turn immediately to the roots and the soil in which
they are growing, doing all we can to drain, enrich, and sweeten it, knowing
that if we can get plenty of healthy roots established in 2 sound wholesome
soil the health of stem and branches will follow in a season or two.

Reap’s CHALLENGE Borer (G4. D. Mundy),—From what we know of this
boiler we believe it will suit you very well for heating your small greenhouse
12 by 15 feet. ,

Water Linies Puanrina (Colonel M.).—The water is too deep. The
Lilies should be planted in about 3 feet depth of water. If there is mud or
the pond has a soft bottom we should merely secure a stone to each root with
wire and drop in the water at the places desired. If, however, the bottom of
the water be gravel or other firm substance, we should plaut the plants in
strong loamy soil, just covering the root portion of the plants with soil and
make the plants secure in position with wire, pushing them into the requisite
depth of water. Shallow wicker baskets, as fishing hampers, auswer well for
placing tho plants in. The best time to plant is in spring (March and April)
up to May and June; the earlier the better, so that the plants may make
some growth—become established before winter. Plants may be procured of
most nurserymen, especially those growing herbaceous plants. We cannot
recommend anyone in particular. Other desirable aquatics are—Villarsia
nympheoides, Aponogeton distachyon, Iris pseud-acoris, Stratiotes aloides,
Potamogeton oblongus, Richardia wthiopica, Butomus umbellatus, Alisma
nutans, Hottonia palastris, Polygonum amphibium, and Ranunculus aquatilis,
all of which succeed in from 18 inches to 2 feet depth of water. They may be
planted as described for the Water Lilies. Nymphsa alba isthewhite Water
Lily, and Nupher lutea the yellow Water Lily. Propagation is effected by
division. On the margin, in water, you may have Epilobiam hirsutum,
Lobelia Dortmanni, Lythrum Salicaria, Caltha palustris flore-plsno, Cyperus
longus, Juncus glomeratus, and Acorus Calamus.

PAINTING WooDEN GARDEN Fence (Idem).—We should paint the wood
when thoroughly dry with thin creosote at a temperature of 180°, and in
three weeks or a month paint with anti-corrosion paint stone or oak colour.
We haye a diamond paling fence doue over with thin cold creosote about
eleven years ago, afterwards painted oak colour, and the paint is as good ap-
parently as when first put on. See what ‘‘ OBSERVER” writes respecting
this mode of painting at page 119 of the Journal for August 9th, The
wood wall would be better wired, but the wires ought not to be more than
half an inch from the wood.

Sroppina BuppED Rose GRowTHs (St. Hdmund).—You did right to stop
the growths to prevent the growths flowering; but wrong if you stopped
closely, inasmuch as with a moist autumn the eyes at the base of the shoots
may start into growth, such growths, from the wood not being ripe, often
being killed if the winter prove severe. The plants may be transplanted to
their permanent quarters in November, or so s00n a8 the leayes fall, or a
majority of them. Merely remove the flower bud from those advancing for
bloom.

MantcHat Niet Rose Corrinas (Idem).—Take up the cuttings now,
potting them in pots no larger than will hold the roots easily, and place on
ashes in a cold frame, shading from sun until established. The pots should
be plunged in ashes to the rim or a iittle over before severe weather, in which
a protection of mats over the lights will be found serviceable. Plant out in
late March or early April. We presume you intend to plant against a wall
or ia a warm situation.

Names or Faurrs (W., Berks).—Harly Nonpareil. (4. H.).—We do not
recognise the Appls. It is fearfully acid, and is no doubt good in pies. This
is an illustration that an Apple which suits a boy does not always suit a

204

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 6, 1877.

man. (P. £., Fowley).—We do not undertake to name more than six speci-
mens, and they are as follow :—2, Hawthornden; 4, Golden Pippin or Yellow
Ingestrie; 5, Scarlet Nonpareil; 10, Trumpington; 12, Sturmer Pippin; 14,
Northern Greening. (W. R.)—Whorle Pippin.

Names or Puants (F. G.).—1, Filago germanica; 2, Gnaphalium uligino-
sum. (Rosenkranz).—6, Rhus cotinus; 7, Veratrum viride; 5, Linaria Cymba-
laria. Other specimens unsatisfactory. (LZ. E. L.).—1, Polygonum amphi-
bium; 2, Mentha hirsuta; 3, Verbena officinalis. (EH. H.H. S.).—1, Yes;
2 and 3, Both apparently Lastrea spinulosa. (G. E. L.).—Aster Tripolium.
(G. M. V. C.).—Salisburia adiantifolia. (W. H. S.).—1, Polystichum acule-
atum; 2, Lastrea dilatata. (R. A. P.)—1, Lastrea Filix-mas; 2, Athyrium
Filix-feemina; 3 and 4, Lastrea dilatata.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

THE WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM SCHEDULE.

WE had hoped to comment upon this schedule with those of
one or two more London shows, but Mr. Nicholls is holding
back his bill of fare for the Alexandra Palace, and the Agri-
cultural Hall’s has not yet come to hand. We are anxious to
notice this schedule, for we were told we were hard upon the
Committee last time; but we were not alone in our opinions
that things were badly managed at the last Show. Still the
Cat Show arrangements were all that could be desired, which
makes us certain that this time we shall not have again to
complain. The officers once more appear to be t'e same, and
we hope they will find themselves weil supporte ; but there
are 80 many capital schedules of prizes afloat, a.d hence we
conclude the poultry classes are here and there in this schedule
alittle meagre. The ten rules and regulations are all much
as usual, with the modern improvement of double baskets only
on this occasion. We read ‘exhibitors must send birds of the
same variety in the double baskets.”

The Judges are announced, and comprise for poultry Messrs.
Hewitt, Teebay, and Nicholls; while in Pigeons we see some
new names, the Judges being Messrs. Betty, Esquilant, Graham,
Hawley, Norman, Hill, and Wiltshire, with one blank place to
be afterwards settled. Poultry have nineteen cups and Pigeons
thirty-three, inclusive of Capt. Norman Hill’s challenge cup or
vase, value £15 lds.

In our schedule we read that the poultry classes are for birds
of any age, but we have seen a schedule with a blue line drawn
through the words “of any age,” and we have reason to believe
that the classes are for birds of the year only: Silver-Grey and
White Dorkings compete together, as do Black and White
Cochins. Houdans, Créves, and La Fléche all have to meet in
the same class, while the Spangled Hamburghs of both colours,
a8 well as the Pencilled, do the same. Polish have four classes,
two we are glad to see being for the Blacks. Brown and White
Leghorns compete together in single birds, while Malays,
Andalusians, and the Variety class are in pairs of cockerel and
pullet. Bantams have six classes, Ducks four, and Geese and
Tarkeys none at all.

We come next to the Pigeon list, which is most admirable,
Ponters having eleven classes, two of which are for Austrians ;
Carriers having fourteen, one being a champion class for cocks.
English Owls have also a similar place allotted to those which
have won not less than three first prizes of the value of £1 each.
Turbits are well cared for, and we heard a great Turbit fancier
speak in the highest terms the other day of the mode of clas-
sification. Among their seven classes one is for Shell-crowned
and another for birds of the year. The opportunities which
Dragoon, Barb, Tumbler, and Jacobin fanciers have are mani-
fold, and we can well imagine the display will be grand. We
are glad, too, to see Fantails other than Whites have a class;
while there are also places for Nuns, Trumpeters, Swallows,
Archangels, Magpies (of two colours), and Kunts. We must
mention the poultry and Pigeon prize money is the same, which
is most unusual, and shoald be heartily welcomed by the Pigeon
fanciers. The entrance fees are 7s. 6d. per pen for poultry and 63.
for Pigeons, which we consider high, especially the former, after
other shows, as Weymouth, Ipswich, Oxford, &c. The entries
closed on September 3rd, and, though we have no reason or
instructions to mention it, still we daresay the Hon. Secretaries
will accept entries posted to-day, as this notice was unfortunately
omitted last week ; anyhow exhibitors can but try.—W.

GAINSBOROUGH SHOW OF POULTRY, X&c.

For some years Gainsborough has been under a cloud as
regards exhibitions of this nature, the last one, in 1873, proving
a total failure as regards financial matters, but on Wednesday
last one was held which proved a great success in every respect.
For poultry and cage birds a capital marquee was provided, and
Turner’s pens were used. Game headed the list with a rare
entry, but many of the birds were deep in moult, others being
too youug for successful competition, the cup being awarded to
a capital Brown Red cock, which was, however, a little out of
feather; second a Black Red innice order. Hens.—First a sub-

stantial Brown Red, second a Black Red, and both in good feather ;
and here we recognised old acquaintances that would have been
higher but for their ragged state. Cocks, any other colour.—
First a Duckwing and second a Pile chicken; and in hens first.
was an uncommon good Willow-legged Pile and second a Duck-
wing, good in all points but a little dark in eye. Only one pen
of Spanish, which won the section cup. The next section of
any note was the Bantams, in which were some capital birds,
the cup going to a Biack Red cockerel in fall bloom. Ducks
were—first Roueus.

Rabbits had three classes, those in the Variety class being
very good. First a Silver-Grey, second Angora, third a Belgian
Hare, and extra third a Silver-Grey also.

Cage Birds were very good for the time of year, Parrots being
an extraordinary class.

POULTRY.—GameE.—Black-breasted and other Reds.—Cock.—Cup, 1, and 2,
W. Rudd. vhe, J. F Walton. Hen.—l, F. Sales. 2, W. Rudd. vhe, J. F.
Walton, Dr. Cameron (2). Any other colowr.—Cock.—1, W. Rudd. 2, J. F.
Walton. vhe, J. Wright. Hen.—l, W. Rudd. 2,Dr.Cameron. vhe,J. Wright.
SpanisH.—Cup and 1, J. Powell. Brauwas.—l, Miss I. A. Swanston. Ham
BURGHS.—Spangled.—l, Holmes & Destmer. Pencilled—l, H.Kidger. 2, G.
Roberts. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1l, H. Kidger. 2, W. Wrack. Any VARIETY
EXCEPT Gamg.—Cock.—l, R Newbitt. Hen.—l, R. Newbitt. 2, M. Allit.
Bantams.—Game, Black-breasted.—Cock.—Cup, 1, and vhe, W. F. Entwistle. 2,
E. Waiton. Hen.—l, E. Walton, 2 and vhec, W. F, Entwistle. Game, any
other colour.—Cock —1, W. F. Entwistle. 2, E. Walton. vhc, W.F. Entwistle,
J. H. Roberts. Hen —1, W..F. Entwistle. 2,R Newbitt. Any variety except
Game.—Cock.—1, Ludlow & Rackham. 2,H. Hooper. vke, C.J. Dodds. Hen.
—1, C.J. Dodds. 2, Ludlow & Rackham. Docks?~l, J. E. Croft. 2,A. & We.
H. Silvester vhe, W. Bygott (2). SELLING CLAss.—l, R. Newbitt. 2, F. Sales.

CAGE BIRD3.—Cansries.—Yellow.—l and 2, Mrs. Green. Buff.—1, Mrs. T.
Green. 2, W. Hill Green or Variegated.—l and 2, Mrs. T. Green. Lizarps.—
Gold or Silver-spangled.—1, Mrs. Green. - 2, W. Hill. Gouprinca.—l, Mrs.
Green, 2, Mrs. Burwell. Linners—l, Mrs. Green. 2, V. P. Palmer. Parrot:
oR ParRRoQuET.—l, J. German. 2, Miss A. Hardy. 3,J. King. vhe, Mrs. T. A.
Waterhouse, J. King. ANY OTHER VariETy.—l, J. May. 2, Mrs. T. Green.
Extra Prize, J. G. stockton. vhc, Mrs. T. B. Ward, J. King.

RABBITS.—Lop-EaRED.—Buck or Doe.—l, T. & E. J. Fell. 2 and vhe, J.
Taylor. HimaLaran.—Buck or Doe.—l, G. W. Roberts. 2, A. Brown. ANY
Oren eae aa W. Lumley. 2,J. H. Roberts. 3,T. &E. J. Fell. Extra 3,

. Ostler.

Juper,—Mr. E. Hutton.

SKIPTON-IN-CRAVEN POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts Show was held at Skipton in the Park on Friday last.
The pens for poultry are of the oldest pattern, and for years
some dissatisfaction with them has been expressed by exhibitors,
but there can be no doubt that they have proved very useful in
this case; the tops being of wood, span-roof style, the birds
suffered little or nothing from the wot, and were quite as good
to judge after the drenching rain as when newly penned, but
one great improvement had been made—viz., canvas had been
stretched across the backs, rendering them quite comfortable.

The classes were for young birds, and the entry was the best
we have seen this season. Of Game we can say little, as they
were but poor except the cup pen of Piles. Butt Cochins were
very good, but Partridge were better, a very well-grown pair
of the latter variety carrying off the cup for the section.
Brahmas of both colours were very good, but not as forward as
the above. Spanish were a surprise in quality and condition,
and made an easy win for the cup. Dorkings were well grown.
In Polish were some good birds, Black, White-crested, and
Golden winning respectively. French were a fair lot, the first-
prize Créves standing quite out. Hamburghs were, as usual, a
capital section, and in some cases the competition was unusually
keen. In Gold-spangles the first-prize pullet was just perfect, the
cockerel very good but rather raw, yet the other winners very
good also. In Silver-spangles the competition was close, every
pen containing one or more good birds, but to our eye many of the
pullets had undergone severe manipulations on the rump or tail
coverts, and hence the awards were made to the most honestly
shown specimens. Gold-pencilled were not as good as a class,
but the two first cockerels were most perfect in colour and lacing
on tail, but very young, the cream of this section being the
first in Silver-pencils, which as a pen surpass any we have seen
for some time, and were awarded the cup. Blacks very good
and neat in head properties and highincolour. Game Bantams
a rare lot and every pen mentioned, and the winners Black Reds.
The Selling classes were large, and there were many cheap lois.

Geese, Turkeys, and Ducks were all good classes, the Ayles-
burys being particularly fine in quality. : :

Pigeons had but a poor list and were mostly in pairs, and in
consequence the entry was poor, but there were some very good
birds shown. A good list for Pigeons would pay well here.

POULTRY (Younc).—Game.—Black or Brown Red.—i, J. F. Walton. 2, H.
Beldon. 8, J. Fortune. Any other variety.—Cup, 1, and 3, J. Walton. 2, Gy
Ambler. CocHins.—Buff.—1 and 2, C. Sidgwick. 8,J.H.Jones. Any colour.—
Cup and l, C. Sidgwick. 2, J. Wood. 38, J. H. Jones. Branmas.—Dark.—l,
Horace Lingwood. 2,1. Pye. 8,H. Wilkinson. Light.—l, Horace Lingwood
2,J.H. Jones. 8, H. Beldon. SpanisH.—Cup andl, J. Powell. 2, J. Roberts
8,J. Moore. Dorx1nes.—l, 2,and38, T. Briden. vhe, J. Walker. PoLANDs.—L
and 2, J. Rawnsley. 8,J. S. Watson. FrencoH Fowns.—l, G. Furners., .: .
8, J. Moore. HampurGus.—Golden-spanled.—1 and 8, T.Dean. 2, J. Newton,
Silver-spangled —l. H. Beldon. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. 8, H. Pickles,
Stuttard. Golden-pencilled.—l and 2, H. Pickles, 3, H. Beldon. vheJ 3:1
tard. Silver-pencilled.—Cup and 1, H. Pickles. 2, J. Stuttard. 8, H. Smith.
Black.—1, Fawcett & anderton. 2 and 8, C. Sidgwick. BanTams.—Game.—l
E. Walton. 2and 38, W. F. Entwistle. vhc, J. H. Roberts, W. F. Entwistle, B,
J. Hartley, E.J. Booth. Any other variety—1, E, Walton. 2,— Beanland.

September 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

205

J.H. Crowther. Senuine CuassEs.—Cock.—l, H.Beldon, 2,H. Wilkinson. 8,

C. Carr. vhe,J. Wade. Hens or Pullets.—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Newton. 3, T.

Pye. vhe,C. Carr. GEEsE.—1, H. Beldon. 2 and 8, J. Walker. whe, D. Moul-

gon, 8. H. Stets. Duoxs.—Aylesbury.—l and vhe, J. Walker. 2. S.H. Stets. 8,

J. Newton. Rowen.—1, J. Walker. 2 and 3. J.Newton. vhc,J.R. Pollard. Any

eure earietu et and2,J. Walker. 3,H. Beldon, Turkeys.—l, J. Walker. 2,
|. H, Stets.

PIGEONS.—Carriers.—Cock.—1, E. Mawson. 2, J. Walker. Hen.—l, J.
Booth. 2,E.Mawson. PourEers.—Cock.—l and 2, R.H. Blacklock. TUMBLERS,
—Almond.—1, A. Towlson. 2, H. Yardley. Mottled.—l and 2,W.Lund. Ow1s.
—1,J.Thresh. 2,J. Bishop. Barps.—l, J. Thresh. 2, J. Walker. Jacosins.
—1, T. Holt. Bauppates—l, J. Thresh. 2, W. Lund. Rounrs.—1, H. Smith.
2, H. Yardley. Draaoons.—l, J. Booth. 2, W. Lund. ANTWERPS.—Long-faced.
—1 and 2, S. Wade. Short-faced.—l, W. F. Entwistle. 2, E. Mawson. ANY
OTHER VARIETY.—1, T. Holt. 2,E. Mawson.

JupGEs.—Poultry : Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey.
W. Cannon, Bradford.

Pigeons: Mr.

TODMORDEN POULTRY SHOW.

Tue eighth annual Show was held at Todmorden on Saturday
last, in Sandholm Fields, a sits we cannot look upon as very suit-
able for the purpose, but no doubt the best to be had, This
Society has often suffered from adverse weather, and so severe
have been its trials that it was given out as the last to be held
had the weather on this occasion proved unfavourable, but a
splendid day came to the rescue, and the threatened collapse of
the Society was averted. The pens (Turner’s) were arranged in
the open field, and the attention to the birds by the Stewards
very good.

Game were not a good lot—in fact, we do not find good classeu
of this variety this year, but a nice pair of Piles carried off the
cup. Brahmas were better, especially the Dark ones. The first
containing a nice cockerel though rather raw yet, and the pullet
very pretty in her marking. Light Brahmas were the only
breed that was treated to a class for old birds. Cochins were
good in both classes, the first-prize Partridge especially fine in
growth and general quality. Dorkings were good and well for-
svard, but the Spanish were the cream of the poultry classes,
and carried off the cup for poultry except Game. Hamburghs a
nice show, the Silver variety standing-out from the others; and
in Bantams the Black Reds were a-head of the rest. French
had a olass, but only three pens were shown. Polish, first
White-crested Blacks, second Golden. Leghorns and Sultans
each were provided for with very good results. There was a
section for local poultry, and-the entries came up pretty well,
the medal for the best going to an adult pen of Dark Brahmas.

Of Pigeons were a good entry, and there were some good birds
shown in most of the classes. The cup for the best pen in the
Show was awarded to a Black Carrier cock.

Rabbits had a few classes. In Lops, first was a Blue-and-
white, and second a Black. Angoras were an extraordinary
class for quality, the first combining all the grand properties
of the breed—viz., quality and ampleness of fur with size and
neatness of ear. The second won by very little, being much
smaller but quality excessively fine, as also were many others.
Himalayans also good, the first-prize winner a surprise, for ten
days before it was quite grey on feet, but here it was grand in
colour; the second also very good, and three others also very
highly commended. Of Silver-Greys there were but four, but
these were 80 even as to puzzle one, all being nearly perfect. In
the Variety class first was a Black Dutch, and second a Silver
Cream; and in the Selling class a Dutch was first and an
Angora second.

There was one class for Cats, the first being one of the best
red Tabby kittens we have seen for some time, and second a
White Persian; a very good red Tabby Angora was very highly
commended.

POULTRY.—Game.—Black Red.—Chickens,—1, J. F. Walton. 2, T. Dyson.
Brown Red.—Chickens.—1, J. FE Walton. 2, G. Bell. <Any other variety —
Chickens.—Cup and 1, J. F. Walton. 2, G. Ambler. vhe, J. Greenhalgh.
Branma Poorks.—Dark.—Chickens.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, Fletcher & Autchin-
son. Light.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, A. Begg. Chickens.—l, RP. Percival 2,
Pletcher & Hutchinson. Coon1n-Cuina.—Partridge or Buff.—Chickens.—1 and
2, C. Sedgwick. Any other colour. Chickens.—1, C. Sedgwick. 2, H. Beldon
Dorxines.— Chickens. —1 and 2, T. Briden. vhc, J. Walker. SpanisH.—
Chickens.—Cup, 1, and 2, J. Powell. HampurGus.—Gold-pencilled.—Chic kens.—
1, H. Pickles. 2,J. Rawnsley. vic, Fawcett & Anderton. Silver-pencilled.—
Chickens.—1, H. Pickles. 2, H. Smith. vhce, Fawcett & Anderton Silver-

spargled.—Chickens.—1, H. Beldon. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. Black.—Chickens. °

—1,—Sidgwick. 2, H. Cunliffe. Bantams —Game, Black or Brown Red —
Chickens.—l, E. Walton. 2, W. F. Entwistle. Game, any other variety.—
Chickens.—1 and 2, W. F. Entwistle. vhc, W. Shaw. <Any other variety.—
Chickens—i, E. Walton. 2, B. Parkinson. FRENCH Fow.xs.—Chickens.—1, G.
Furness. 2,Dennison & Sykes. Pouanps.—l, J Rawnsley. 2, P. Un-worth
whe, J. Rawnsley, P. Unsworth. LeaHorns —Chickens.—l and vhe, J. Fielding,
2, J. Crowther. SunTans.—l, H. Beldon. 2, A. Begg. <Any other variety.—
Chickens —1, A. Smith. 2,J. H. Fletcher. SELLING Ciass.—Cock or Hen —I,
W. Bentley. Douoxs.—Aylesbury._Young.—1 and 2, J. Walker. Rowen —
Young —1, W. H. Rothwell. 2, T. Wakefield. 8, J. Chadwick. Any other
variety—1, J. Trickett. 2,3. Walker. Selling Class—Drake or Duck.—1, W.
H. Rothwell. 2, R. Stansfield. GrrsE.—l, J. Walker. 2, Capt. L. Anyon.
vhe, J. Shackleton. Turkeys.—l,J. Walker. 2, J. Diggle.

POULLRY (District ComPETITION UNLY).—CocHin-UHINA.—1, C. Holt. 2,
A. Mitchell. Branmas.—Medal and 1, Fletcher & Hutchinson. 2, C. Holt.
Banraus.—l and 2, T. Cropper. Hampuress.—l, J. Crabtree. 2, L. H. Suthers.
GamE.—1, J. Crabtree. 2, T. Wild. Ducas.—l, Fletcher & Hutchinson. 2, C.
Holt ANY oTHER VaRieTy.—l, J. Crowther. 2, Fletcher & Hutchinson.

PIGEONS.—PoutTErs.—Cock or Hen —| and2,J.Gardner. Carrrers —Cock
or Hen.—Cup, 1, and 2, J Eckroyd. TumBiers.—Almond.—Cock or Hen —1
and 2, J. Eckroyd. Any other variety.—Cock or Hen—), J. Eckroyd 2, J.
Gardner. Dracoons—Cock or Hen.—l, C. Waddington. 2.3. Gardner. Fan-
rarLs.—Cock or Hen.—l, W. J. Warhurst. 2,J. F. Loversedge. BarBs.—Cock

or Hen.—1, W. Harrison. 2,S. Dyson. JAconins.—Cock or Hen.—1, W. Dug-
dale. 2,J.Gardner. ANTwERPs.—Long-faced.—Cock or Hen.—1, J. Beerslaes
2, S. Wade. Medium.faced —Cock or Hen.—l, J. Rawnsley. 2, J. Eckroyd.
Short-faced.—Ceck or Hen.—1, W. F. Entwistle. 2, J. Eckroyd. Tursrrs.—
Cock or Hen —1, W. Harrison. 2, J. Eckroyd. Troumpeters.—Cock or Hen.—
1 and 2, J. Gardner. Ow1s.—English.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 2, J. Eckroyd.
Foreign.—Cock or Hen.—1, J. Eckroyd. 2, T. Mathew. BuvE Rock.—Cock or
Hen.—1 and 2, J. Shackleton. Nuns or Maapres.—Oock or Hen.—1 and 2, J.
Gardner, Fryrna Purposes.—Cock or Hen.—l, J. Gardner. 2, S. Crossley.
Extra 2, Fletcher & Hutchinson, F. Stansfield, W. Barker. 3, G. W. Smith.
vhe, W. Hazeltine. Open only to Birds marked with the Todmorden Homing
Society's Stamp.—Cock or Hen.—l, W. Midgley. 2, W. Hazeltine. vhe,Y. J.
Fielden. ANY oTHER VaRIETY.—Cock or Hen.—l and 2, 8. Dyson. SELLING
Cuass.—l, S. Bamford & Co. 2, J. Fielding.

RABBITS.—Lop-g£ar.—Buck or Doe.—1 and 2, T. & E. J. Fell. AnGora.—
Buck or Doe.—1, S. Buckley. 2,J. Johnson, vhc, S. Buckley, F. Butterworth.
Huwatayan.—Buck or Doe.—1, D. Oldfield. 2, Mills & Barker. vhc, H. Devon-
port, D. Oldfield, J. Robertshaw. S1tvey-Grey.—Buck or Doe.—1, T & E.J.
Fell. 2,J. Robertshaw. vhc,T. &E.J. Fell, D. Oldfield. ANy oTHER VARIETY.
—Buck or Doe.—1, E. Pepper. 2,T. & E.J.Fell. vhc, J. Robertshaw. SELLING
Cxuass.—l, T. &E.J. Fell. 2,8. A. Clegg. vhc, S. Buckley, J. W. Baron (2),

CATS.—1, M. A. Marsden. 2, T. Whiteley. uvhc, Miss Y. Oldfield.

JupeEs.— Poultry, Rabbits and Cats: Messrs. Hutton and
Brierley. Pigeons: Mr. J. Hawley.

WARMINSTER POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts excellent little meeting was held on the 30th ult., and
the greatest credit is due to Mr. Hinton for having worked-up
the Show to so satisfactory astage. Birds from long distances
competed and the quality was extremely good. Mr. Sainsbury
awarded the prizes, and the pens were Billet’s of Southampton.

In Dorkings the first-prize pen were good square birds but
out of feather. We were, however, pleased to see Miss Milward
exhibiting here. The Dorking chickens were not of much
account save the first-prize pen. Inthe next class, which was
for Asiatics of any age, a good pen of Buffs came in first; but
we fancy Mr. C. Bloodworth was lucky to obtain the extra
prize for the best pen in the Show with them, as the cock was
much ticked on the wings, and our own choice for this honour
would probably have been the first-prize adult Spanish, which
were most excellent in combs and faces, and came from Mr.
Jones of Bristol. In the next class, for Asiatic chickens, the
first prize went to good Whites (Woodgate), while third went
to nice Light Brahmas (Scannell), which changed hands during
the Show. Game aud Malays were good, the latter breed
especially well represented by Mr. Hinton, one of whose pullets
we thought very grand in shape and bone. Spanish won first
in the mixed collection of Spanish, Leghorns, and Andalusians,
as they did, too, in chickens, and both were good pens. In
Polands Mr. Burrell had a fine pair of Golds, but the cock’s
tail was much broken. The class, however, was an interesting
one. In Bantams good Black-booted won first, a really excellent
pair belonging to Mrs. Holmes; and Silver-laced were second,
but too large and coarse. Next followed two very nice Variety
classes, the one for adults and the other for chickens. Here
Mr. Woodgate won both the first prizes. He was, however, in
chickens closely pressed by Mrs. Holmes. Both classes afforded.
a very good display of this breed. The cottagers’ class was less
good than we hoped to find, only a moderate pair of Andalusians
were first. ‘

The Carriers and Pouters of Mr. Holmes and the Baldheads
and Fans of Mr. Hinton, jun., were most praiseworthy; and the
collection of Cage Birds attracted much admiration. We were
quite pleased to see them so well represented, and one talking
Parrot was most amusing, though he delighted in damaging
his prize card.

Now that Mr. Hinton has placed his Show on so good a footing
we hope it will continue to progress, and that the classes another
year will be even further increased. ;

COTTINGHAM POULTRY SHOW.

Tur annual Show took place at Cottingham on Wednesday,
the 29th, in Mrs. Gee’s grand Park, which is unsurpassed with
its splendid foliage for such a purpose. A capital marquee was
provided for the poultry in consequence of its two days’ duration,
which latter arrangement we consider a mistake for the amount
offered in prizes, and yet the entries were good. In poultry
there were some good birds, particularly among the Hamburghs,
Bantams, and Ornamental Ducks. f

Pigeons were good in all classes ; the Pouters, as usual, a
capital lob; the Carriers in both classes also well represented,
and some capital birds were shown in the class for young ones
—first a Black Pouter, second White, and third a Carrier.

Rabbits were not alarge show, but there were some good ones,
especially among the Silver-Greys and the Variety class.

JupGE.—Mr. H. Hutton, Pudsey.

APIARIAN EXPERIENCE IN 1877.—No. 3.

Tr remains for me now briefly to describe what I found on my
return home, after five weeks’ absence, on the 13th of August.
First I observed an utter absence of drones, of which there
were considerable numbers iv some of my hives on the 9th of

206 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 6, 1§77.

July. Ithink I never remember so absolute a destruction at
this time of year. Of course the population of my various hives
was much diminished, and it became apparent that very little
comb—in some hives none whatever—had been constructed in
hive or super in the interval of my absence. Not only so, the
honey visible in the cells was greatly short in every case of
what it had been, while some populous hives appeared to have
no honey at all. One of the supers contained 7 lbs. of honey-
comb, which is the total amount of my harvest this year. An-
other was completely rifled of the honey it had contained even
in sealed cells. The same was the case with the sectional
supers, so that I have nothing to report as to my trial of them,
save only that in one case the bees had careiully followed the
artificially made guide combs attached to the sections, and in
the other had as carefully ignored them, building irregularly
curved combs and preferring to build combs at lesser distances
than the furnished guides. I cannot doubt, however, but that
the bees would have accurately followed the guide comb in
every case if only honey had abounded asin ordinary seasons.
This year the white clover harvest, as to honey, has proved a
total failure in these parts. No visible addition has been made
to their stores by the bees in all my hives since about the 12th or
15th of June, when scarcely any of it was in bloom this very
late season.

Since my return home I have been diligently feeding more or
less copiously eight out of eleven hives, only two of which
appear to have sufficient stores to last till spring. The two
weakest have since been joined into one, after removing (by
driving) the queen of that which had the least distinctly marked
Italians. Sixty pounds of food have thus far been consumed,
and they are still quietly storing away from 1 to 2 lbs. each
hive. Of course while this is going cn the queens in every case
are laying eggs, and a good deal of pollen is being carried in.

Being one of those who greatly admire the Italian sort I
have introduced two queens in place of two degenerate ones.
The reception in both cases was very welcome, and both hives

ook the queens through a hole in the crown-board within eight
hours of the removal of their own queens. One of them is
breeding largely, the other not so evidently yet.

Altogether I think my bees are strong in numbers, vigorous in
health; and in a week or two will be so well supplied with stores
that Iam trustful for the future; and as all have young queens
under two years old at most, and all are well housed in good
sized and clean hives, I am content.

I may add that two or three sorts of contrivances for feeding
are in use, but I find none simpler than a wide-mouthed bottle
with one or two caps of leno tied over them and inverted upon
perforated zinc over a hole at the top of the hive. I find that
most of the hives will take down from 2 to 3 lbs. a-day. In the
open air I am careful to cover the bottles, so that robbers are
nowhere.—B. & W.

BHE-KEEPING IN 1877.

From all quarters comes a doleful cry from bee-keepers of a
poor honey harvest, not only in England but on the continents
of Europe and America; indeed in California, the paradise of
the honey bee, from where last year the principal bee-keeper,
Mr. Harbison, sent to market 100 tons of honey, has not now
honey enough to keep the bees over the winter. Many persons
in California follow bee-keeping as a trade, and, being generally
men of no capital, the total loss of harvest threatens them with
ruin from their inability to provide food for their workers. A
writer in the American “Bee Journal” states that he has not
had a square foot of new comb built in his apiary this year,
when a year ago an ordinary swarm would fill its hive in ten
days; and at the present time more than half the bees in his
county are in a starving condition, without an ounce of honey
or cell of brood. We may console ourselves in England that
things are not so bad as that, but yet in many instances food
must now be given for storage if we would save our bees. In
my own apiary not a single one of tenswarms has given me any
surplus, and more than half have been storing an artificial
supply for these three weeks pust. The remainder have also
been slowly fed to stimulate breeding, the result being that I
have an abundance of young bees to wirter with—an item of
the utmost importance for spring success, as bees born before
September, queens excepted, will never live till April.

From the very general tales of failure it is pleasant to turn to
a case of success, more especially as the result may be fairly
ascribed to the intelligent appreciation and earnest desire for
advancement of a working man whom I may claim in some
measure as a pupil of my own. This man, whom a contempo-
rary styles “the Buckinghamshire Champion,” came to me in
1874 to enter as an exhibitor at the Crystal Palace Show. He
told me he had about forty stocks, from which he cleared between
£5 and £10 a-year, keeping his bees in the old-fashioned style
of his neighbours. He was fairly successful with his exhibits,
and has been more to the fore every year since, thanks to the
numberless bees he has rescued from the brimstone pit of his
neighbours to strengthen his own stocks with, timely help to

his favourites when needed, and. an ever-readiness to adopt&
anything in the way of mechanical assistance -to his bees. At
Weston-super-Mare Show last month his prize awards in various
classes were five firsts, two seconds, one third, and silver and
bronze medals of the British Bee-keepers’ Association; at Sher-
borne five firsts, two seconds, and bronze medal; and at Dor-
chester two firsts, silver and bronze medals, and three extra
prizes; and doubtless he will be heard of at other provincial
shows yet to come off. In such a season as this it is no little to
the credit of a working man that he is able to show over twenty
fine supers of honey, beating both gentle and simple wherever
he has competed.

The American comb foundation has this year been tried by
most of our leading bee-keepers who use frame hives; and if I
except Mr. Cheshire, who has a, rival errangement of his own,
everyone pronounces it an unqualifiedsuccess. With these wax
sheets there need be no more crooked combs nor undue quantity
of drone comb. These two things are under the absolute con-
trol of the bee-master, and the start the bees get at a time wher
mest needed is wonderful. I have just sent to America for
another 100 lbs. of the prepared sheets and a machine to mske
them with here, althongh I doubt if they can be produced in
England so cheaply as they can be imported, which is under
2s. 6d. per Ib.—little more than the price of wax. The season
closes without the great metropolitan meeting of bee-keepers
that bas taken place each of the three previous years. Many
persons regret this, and we hope the Association will be enabled
next year to announce a great bee and honey show at the Crystal
Palace once again.—Joun Hunter, Eaton Rise, Ealing.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CamMpDEN SquarE, LONDON.
Lat. 51° 32/40” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 aM. | In THE Day. |
1877. oh @_.| Hygrome-| | ;|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation 4
Aug. 53m 2} ter. | erature. |Temperature.| 7

and |3n2$ j 4 In | On

Sept. |M2 a7! pry. | Wet, Max.| Min.| sun. |grass:

Inches.| deg. | deg. deg.} deg. | deg.| In.
We. 29 | 29.988 | 66:1 | 59.8 | N.W. 55.4 149 51.7 =
Th. 80 | 29855 | 62.9 | 57.2 | S.W. | | 54.0 116.6 50.1 | 0.090
Fri. 31 | 29.885 | 59.6 | 53.9 W. | 59.8 | 67.7 | 489 120.8 | 453 | 0.030
Sat, 1 | 80.118 | 55.8 | 51.0 } N.W. | 58.2 | 66.4 | 43.0 | 117.2 | 39.1 =
Sun. 2 | 29.988 | 57.4 | -48.2 | S. | 57.8 | 66.8 | 45.1 113.7 | 41.5 | 0169
Mo. 3} 29.664 | 547 | 53.2 N. | 578 | 60.7 | 48.3 95.0 | 48.4 | 0.275
Tu. 47 80.271 | 528 | 49.8 | N.W. | 56.3 | 64.7 | 46.0 114.6 | 45.6 | =
Means} 29.967 | 58.5 | 53.2 | 589 | 66.8 48.7 1147 | 45.2 | 0.565
| | | \
REMARKS.

29th.—Fair but rather dull morning, but fine bright day afterwards throughont.
30th.—Fair and fresh, but rather windy morning; rain before noon, but fine
afternoon and evening
31st.—Fine fresh morning, some showers, but on the whole a pleasant day.
. 1st —Very bright fresh day throughout.
2nd.—Very bright and fine, but rather cool in the morning, and so continneé
all day, except a few drops of rain about 4 p.m.
8rd.—A very showery day, the showers at times very heavy, and the air very
cool all day.
4th.—Beautifully bright and fine all day, with nice fresh breeze.
Moderately fine autumnal week. The rain here has nos been heavy.—
G. J. Syatons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—SeEpreMBER 5.
TRADE remains as before—quiet.

FRUIT.

s. dad. s.d. | Sans ea Oe
}sieve 2 6to3 6| Melons.......... each 8 Oto8 0
dozen 2.6 4 0| Nectarines - dozen 4 0 18 0
bushel 0 0 9 0} Oranges .. #10010 0 16 0
deieve 3.0 8 6) Peaches........ dozen 3 0 24 0
}sieve 6 6 7 0O/| Pears,kitchen.. dozen 0 0 0 0
dozen 2 0 6 0 dessert ...... 20 $0
Ib. 0 6 O 0} Pine Apples 50 8 0
5 lb. 0 4 O 6) Plums.... 0006
..} bushel 0 0 O O°} Raspberri 00600
Grapes, hothouse Ib. 1 6 & 0) Walnuts 50 S$ 6
Lemons ........ #100 6 v 10 0| ditto 00.00

ES VEGETABLES.
s.d. s. d. sd. 5s. @
Artichokes...... dozen 8 Oto6 Q|} Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 u
Asparagus. #100 0 0 O 0} Mustard &Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
Beans, Kid bushel 40 5 0 -- bushel 0 0 04
Beet, Red . dozen 16 8 0 -. quart 0 4 606
d 019, 1 6 doz. bunches 2 0 0 0
00 00 22 dozen 00 00
Cabbage ........ dozen 10 2 0 quart 0 6 10
Carrots ... bunch 0 6 O 9} Potatoes bushel 5 0 0 ©
Capsicums.... #100 1 6 20 Kidney ---_ bushel 6 0 7 ®
Cauliflowers.... dozen 2 0 4 0] Radishes.. doz. bunches 1 0 16
Celery .......... bundle 1 6 2 0] thubarb.. . bundle 0 6 1 O
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0} Salsafy .. bundle 0 9 10
0 8 O 9 Seorzonera bundle 10 0 0
10 2 @| Seakale basket 0 0 0 0
0 8 O 0} Shallots Ib 0 58 0 6
. O 6 O 0} Spinach . bushel 26 4 6
0 2 O 0 |'furnips J. 22.2.. bunch 05 0 §
10 2 0] Veg. Marrows.. each 0°2 0 4

04 00

ate er

September 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

207

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Da Average s Mv | yy Clock | Day
a of. SEPTEMBER 13—19, 187 . Temperature near | pines, cata Rives ee para before, | Mot
IMonth| Week. - London, “ih Sun. |Year.
—— a — |
Rot Rees pecrg . ss | PE aa Lyin | hk. m. | Days m 34.
Ta | Al tional Fruit Show. 4 5. ql : 62918 }) 1) 46") 8998 6 4 15 | 256
18 = exandra Palace International Frui OW. 67.0 464 50.5 5 as | 6 16| 2 50| 9 18 y 4 86 | 257
15 | 38 Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’ Rooms. 67.5 | 45.9 | 56. 5 37/ 6 13} 8 88/10 20 8 4 57 | 208
16 | Sun | 16 Sonpay arree TRINITY. 684 | 46.8 576 | 5 88) 6 IL) 4 13) 11 80 9 5 19 | 259
17 |M 68.9 | 44.9 | 56.9 | 5 40! 6 9] 4 88] morn.| 10 5 40 | 260
18 | To 68.2 | 46.5 | 574 | 5 42/ 6 6) 4 55] 0 43 11 6 1 | 261
19 | W~| Twilight ends at 8.3 p.m. 678 | 443] 568 | 6 43) 6 4/ 5 9] 1 56 12 6 22 | 262
| | |
From observationstaken near Londonduring forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 67.9°; andits night temperature |

SUMMER-FLOWERING HARDY HEATHS.

oman:

Dy: N August the number of hardy plants in
flower is sensibly diminished; those of
former months have no attraction, or in-

[terest except for seed ; few new ones succeed.
True this is of herbaceous and ligneous plants,
wild or cultivated, indigenous or exotic.
The moors, however, are then in their chief
beauty from the different kinds of Heath-
blooms with which they are clothed—clad
in the choicest garb of purple hue. Match-

less, indeed, for softness of purple colouring is a wide
expanse of moor in August, the multitudinous blossoms
—tiny bells—chime a welcome that no one knows so well
how to appreciate as the wearers of ‘“‘ purple.” I confess
to knowing no spot so fitted for a ramble in August as an
upland moor. The bright glow of the Heather, its aged
growths silvered by Lichen; the monotony broken by
patches of Bracken, with here and there, stunted or
closely cropped by mountain sheep, grouped or isolated
Gorse in glaucous freshness; Rowan tree gladdening with
its clustered coral-red fruit; finding at your feet the golden
green of the Bilberry and its refreshing purple berry with
a bloom upon it that no black Grape may equal; bathing
the feet in sphagnum to gain access to a patch of Sundew,
which seen between the eye and the sun at rising, mid-
day, or setting, its marvellous hairs and carnivorous teeth
of crimson velvet arrayed in hundreds of pretty little
pearly stars, the whole plant studded with dewdrops or
their likeness; the mind not enraptured beholding in
amazement and lifted in adoration will see no grace in
the agile creeping of the adder, the perfection of ser-
pentine form in its swimming, and its inimitable colours
bright and gaudy as those of its foe the peacock, the two
not living in company any more than the lover of Nature
can see beauty in plants cut, clipped, and trained into form
anything but natural.

Everyone may not be privileged to take moor air; dis-
tance may be an object, and right to view if there a
deterrent ; but there is no reason in the world why there
should not be beds of Heather in every garden. Few
American grounds have clumps of Heath; they have
place probably ag a border or hedge, and occasionally
Heaths are employed as rock plants. In any form they
are desirable; but there are few pleasure grounds in
which suitable positions could not be found for a mass
or masses of these highly decorative plants, for they
bloom at a time when most shrubs have passed flower-
ing, having nothing beyond the foliage of interest. The
foliage of the Heath is fittingly contrasting with bolder
foliage ; indeed nothing is so monotonous as an American
ground composed of Rhododendrons only, there being
little or no variety in form or tint of foliage, it being only
when in blossom that the monotony is varied by different
shades of colour; but if we introduce Heaths, Ledums,
Gaultherias, and Andromeda we obtain variety in form
in time of flowering, and harmonising contrast both of
foliage and flower.

No. 859 —VoL. XXXIII., NEw SERIES

Many are kept from growing Heathblooms from the
supposed necessity for peat soil. Naturally they are
found growing in peat, but it is by no means apparent
that peat soil is the cause of our moors being covered with
Heather, the evidence is all the other way; the sub-
stance known as heath-mould being the debris of suc-
cessive generations of the decayed plants. Hither Heath-
blooms have the power of changing the soil in which
they have for any length of time been established into
peat by the decay of their fibres, a progressive addition
being made to the surface by the decay of the fallen
foliage, and an hypothesis supported by the fact that
where there is any depth of peat with a growth of
Heather the surface is devoid of silicious substances,
whilst only a little from the surface the soil contains often
considerable silicious particles—sand or flint, according to-
the formation ; the upper stratum is a result of the débris
of the foliage or part above ground, and the under of that
of the decayed fibres. Or we must arrive at the con-
trary hypothesis, that the peaty formation is due to pre-
historic vegetation—débris of a vegetable character, which
may have been that resulting of a forest—an accumula-
tion of leaves converted into mould by decomposition,
which, however, do not contain much silicious matter,
and if lying high is brown in colour and mostly occupied
with Bracken—not being peat at all, but vegetable soil,
for which all the Heathblooms have a decided preference,
providing sand be liberally added, though some brown
peats are found supporting a good growth of Heath, and
the soil full of its decayed stems; yet it is mostly associated
with a growth more or less of Bracken, as is testified
by its rhizomes in the soil. Decomposing vegetable
matter is incontestably the life of Heaths, either their
own or that of prior vegetation. I know an extensive
establishment in whose pleasure grounds the Rhododen-
dron could not be induced to grow in other than prepared
soil—peat had from « considerable distance, and they in
the course of a few years even in peat became very un-
healthy. The soil was light and sandy, and though trees
and shrubs succeeded, the Heathblooms did not, neither
there nor in adjacent grounds. Nevertheless in the same:
formation of soil the vicarage garden had its healthy
groups of Rhododendron and upon the lawn a luxuriant
mass of Heather; those very subjects in the grounds of
the squire, baronet, and lord were very bare of foliage,
unsightly objects. ‘he success of the vicar was due to
peat. By no means, for the only peat used was that
brought with the Heather 2 or 3 inches thick from a moor
a dozen miles distant. The whole secret was in the
vicar having taken the débris from a wood of the squire,
and mixed with it about a sixth of sand. The leaf soil,
for it was nothing less or more, was put on about a foot
thick, and mixed with that depth of the soil of the grounds.
This raised the beds or groups considerably, adding im-
mensely to their appearance. The wood from which the
vicar had the soil that made his grounds resplendent with
Heathblooms was thirty years after planted with Rhodo?
dendrens beneath Oaks of, judging from a felled tree, two
hundred or more years’ growth, harbouring a great

No. 1511.—VYou. LVIII., Oup Spies,

208

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 13, 1877.

number of rooks, which at the former date were kept from
increasing by the wanton destruction of the young; rook-
shooting days being greatly in vogue at that time—the time
when the Potato disease first became so prevalent in this
country ; but now not a rook is allowed to be shot in that
wood, a@ great one, with no better cover for pheasants than is
formed by Rhododendrons. The ground where was a mass of
Daffodils in spring, and a blaze of colour of deeper hue in
early summer, to wander through which with the rooks cawing
overhead must be cheering to the proprietor—a satisfaction
that he is preserving for the good of himself, his tenants, and
country the most useful of British birds. But for our land-
owners the rook would long ago have become extinct. I men-
tion this because of the dread some appear to entertain of the
introduction of the Colorado beetle. Only encourage the rook,
and with its aid and our climate between them not a single
beetle will survive the year of its advent. The starling, too,
would no doubt help to rid the ground of the larve; but
there is little to be expected from him with the insect upon
the plant, as the food of the starling is always sought for in
the open; he must see all around.

But I will return to the Heathblooms, for which peat is
not essential; indeed most peats, so called, are slow but sure
poison for & majority of hardwooded plants. I write this
guardedly, for though I have access to miles of moor, high and
low, I find it very unsuitable for this particular class of plants:
hence the supply of peat alias leaf soil; brown and light is
procured from a distance. Our home-made leaf soil is black
when rotten, but that bonghtis brown—no more like moor peat
than rock is like clay. It resembles cocoa refuse more than
anything else, and that material when about half decayed and
highly compressed is a very similar material.

Setting peats aside for the present, for which not a necessity
arises, to successfully cultivate the various kinds of hardy
Heaths, they thriving in most good garden soils, all that is
wanted is an open airy situation and the soil freed of stagnant
water. Ifaclump is to be formed on grass the only thing we
do ia to turn in the turf about 4 inches, and upon this the
Heather is placed, it being cut with about 2 inches of soil,
selecting the Heather where about 6 inches high. The bed or
clump is simply turfed over, and we have a miniature moor.at
once which for beauty and sweetness is in its season unrivalled.
Any time in autumn, winter, and spring in mild weather 9
group of Heather may be formed. I would advise those con-
templating growing Heather to procure if in the turf state,

and it grows as surely as grass turf upon a lawn; but I have |

seen the Heather planted in a sort of inoculation form patches
ot Heath about 9 to 12 inches square at that or greater dis-
tances apart, in which case it is necessary to let them into the
ground to the extent of the thickness of the Heath turves.

We have several clumps formed in that manner, they in a few |

years covering the whole surface, but it has, as compared with
a clump wholly planted at first, 2 lumpy appearance.
is that in its fayour, that it requires less Heather.

In forming a clump of Heaths where there is no turf I have

found it desirable after digging the ground, after pegging out |

the form, to give it a coat of turfy loam, adding a third of
cocoa refuse and a sixth of sand, a 3-inch thickness of which
will secure the growth of all tha Heathblooms. We can plant
according to tacte, cither having isolated groups of one kind
or variety in one; yet it is advisable not to fritter material
away by isolation, which grouped or massed is most distinct
and effective. The different varieties of Erica (Calluna) vul-
garis afford material for a group, the body being the common
Heather, and the varieties irregularly disposed on the margin,
but always divided by the species from another variety; or a
large clump may be formed of the species and smaller detached
ones of the varieties, but with some connecting link between
them. The species is more tall-growing than the varieties
except E. vulgaris Alporti, and should therefore form the
centre, whether of a groupif allin one, or of groups if the
species and varieties are detached. There is some variety in
colour of flower as also of foliage with diversity of form of
plant, so that we have with a similarity of plant great diversity.
The species H. yulgaris, pale purple; the red, rubra; scarlet,
coccinea; white, alba, both in the tall and dwarf (minor) form.
Then we have gold, aureo-variegata ; silver, argenteo-variegata ;
and the downy in tomentosa, the bush form in dumoga, and
the upright in stricta, with dwarfness in nana, and a mere
pigmy in pygmea.

The Grey Heath (E. cinerea) with its white, dark purple,
ted, and flesh-coloured varieties are subjecta for another group

There |

or groups. E. tetralix alba, vars. carnea and rubra, are de-
sirable as forming another group, and the Cornish (E. vagans)
with its varieties alba and rubra, giving us the fourth group
of natives, to which we can add E. Mackayana and its var.
carnea; the French E. multiflora, vars. alba and rubra, and
make up a seventh group-with the Portugal (E. ciliaris).

With the preceding plants very effective heatheries may be
made, either in groups of a species and its varieties, or sepa-
rate beds of the varieties themselves. They are to be recom-
mended for country residences when there is little in shrubs
that is effective, and not a great deal in herbaceous plants but
what is at any time liable to be washed -out by heavy rains.
Heaths require little care. Weeds must of course be kept under,
and a little pruning will occasionally be required to keep them
in form, which should be done before they commence growing.

Omission must not be made of the very beautiful Irish
Heath, the most lovely of all; the white (Menziesia polifolia
alba) ; its dwarf form (M. pumila stricta alba) forms a fine
mass; also the purple (atro-purpurea).

Heaths are natives of Europe—i.e., the hardy kinds, though
generally classed with American from the supposition that
they, being associated with peat soil, thrive under similar
conditions. The American plants proper do not thrive in
bleak exposed situations, but Heaths delight in mouniain air.
There is one similarity, however, between them—viz., they all
succeed in the atmosphere of townus.—G. ABBEY.

VARIORUM—AUTUMN ROSES, PLANTING, &c.

THERE is a world of wisdom in the trite proverb, ‘ Qui s’ex-
cuse s’accuse,”’ so I will not deprecate like ‘‘ Wrup SavacEe””
(although in his case always needlessly) the trial I am about
to inflict upon my possible readers, but I will at once say that
the sight of my old friend’s initials, ‘‘C. P. P.,” in his useful
paper in a recent Journal has been to me as ‘‘ ointment to sore
eyes’’—in a highly personal sense, too, having a severe in-
fluenza cold—and nerved me to send you.a few lines generally
under the game heading, ‘‘ Autumn Roses.”

It must, I believe, be generally confessed that La France
easily would gain the pride of place if Mr. Hinton were ever
to make an election of autumn Roses; but in addition to this
indispensable variety I mention a list of other Roses almost
certain to give me good blooms in September :—H.P. Exposi-
tion de Brie (I include this Rose’s three brethren), Sénateur
Vaisse, Beronne de Rothschild, Alfred Colomb, Horace Vernet,
Xavier Olibo, Mdlle. Victor Verdier, Emilie Hausburg, Lyon-
naise, Jules Margottin, Duchesse de Morny, Louis Van Houtte.
Among these Xavier Olibo and Horace Vernet have been superb,
while among Noisettes and Teas Triomphe de Rennes, Céline
Forestier, Niphetos, Madame Berard, Alba Rosea, and Cathe-
rine Mermet have given me second blooms more glorious than
I ever remember before.

I hope few, if any, of my brother rosarians have been hit
so hard as I have been by over-manuring thisyear. Of course
£0 unusually wet a year might upset the very best calculations ;
bat I must come to the conclusion, after the experience of two
or three decades, that no stimulating materials can be given
with perfect safety except in a liquid state or as top-dressing
after the plants are once placed in situ, and even there appli-
cations must uever be given without due consideration as to
time and other circumstances. ‘

I should just like to say a word also about that important
subject of planting Roses. I may be wrong, of course, but I
believe most of us plant our Roses too soon. There are many
reasons which prompt to early planting, especially taking the
first advantage of the ground working well to get one’s plants
properly established before the winter, and astill more feasible
reason is that unless Roses are secured early from the leading
nurserymen the chances are all the best varieties will be sold
out. Of course this difficulty will remain to those who like
myceli advocate, whatever may be the soil or climate, late
planting. The Rose I believe entirely ceases from all growth
—hybernates (if I may use thus the word) but for a very few
weeks, and so if the weather permit I recommend the week
after Christmas or thereabouts—the first open season after-
wards in fact—to plant out, as giving hardly if any check to
the constitution; a very impcrtant fact, especially as Roses
are grown now-a-days so precociously gross and large that it
oftener takes three than two years for the plants to recover
moving. Among new Hybrid Perpetual Roses La Rosiére,
Madame Prosper Langier, Abel Carriére, and Monsieur Totr-
nier are alone to be recommended as real tried acquisitions.

September 13, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 209

Among Teas Madame Léon de St. Jean is most probably a
great addition, but new good Teas are still rar@ aves —HERE-
FORDSHIRE INCUMBENT.

POTATOES ON A LIGHT SOIL.

OncE upon a time, not many years ago, I found an old man
planting kidney Potatoes. ‘‘ How do you plant your Potatoes,
my friend?’ Isaid. ‘I plants ’em whole, sir, with a little bit
off the end,’ said he. Rather Irish I thought, but believe he
was right in his practice, for eometimes the old Potato does
not decay, and if so the produce is not so good. Consider-
able difficulty has been experienced by the grower of Potatoes
on light soils here of late years. If you plant early you en-
counter Charybdis in the shape of frost ; on the other hand, if
you plant late you run against the Scylla of drought; or, if
you manage to steer your bark clear of both those obstacles
you are very likely landed in the Styx of disease. In 1872 and
1873 Potatoes here were very much injured by frost in the
early spring, so much so that many persons were induced to
plant later than usual in 1874, but it did not answer. In
that year drought set in early, and the crop of early Potatoes
was consequently very poor.

I thought this year I would try a few experiments to en-
deavour to find out a way of producing better results. In the
middle of February I had a small plot of land planted with the
Morning Star Potato (an early kidney). The sets were not
shot ont at all, and were planted 5 inches deep. In the middle
of March I had another plot planted with the same kind of
Potato, with sprouts about an inch long, also 5 inches deep.
Atthe end of March another lot was planted at same depth;
at the beginning of April another only 3 inches deep; the last
lot was planted at the end of April 3 inches deep.

My man prophesied that the first lot would never come up,
but they did with the exception of two. All the plots came
up very well. The second was the most forward, and the
Potatoes were protected from the frost early in May by some
straw spread along the rows directly they could be seen. They
may be protected by earthing-up the soil, but that does not
answer if the land is wet at the time.

All the plots looked very well in the early summer, and
were all the better for the little manure which was put in with
the previous crop; but the weather in June was very dry, and
if rain had not come in the early part of July the later-planted
would not have been worth much.

The second plot was the most forward at digging-up time,
the first and third were about ready together. The crop was
good, and they were dug-up before the appearance of disease.
The fourth and fifth lots did not come until all danger of frost
was over, but were overtaken by disease. The fourth was con-
sumed before many were lost, but the fifth lot was badly
diseased. An attempt was made to save them by removing
the tops. The operator sets a foot on each side of the haulm
and if is drawn out. In this case it was not successful, and
ought, perhaps, to haye been done earlier; and the quality of
the Potatoes suffered so much from the removal of the tops
that they were almost uneatable, but improved by remaining
in the ground. When dug-up at the end of August about
half of the last plot were lost by disease. Perhaps we ought
not to draw conclusions from a single experiment, but try
again over a series of years.

There are, however, one or two things which are confirmed
by previous observation. It is by no means desirable to plant
late in this district. The middle or end of March is the best
time, and more care and thought must be given to protection
in May than has been hitherto done. If you carry out this
and put in a good breadth of early sorts the loss by disease is
much curtailed.

I think the early Potatoes here are planted too near the sur-
face, particularly when planted in good time, and I think the
deeper have the following advantages :—They do not come-up
50 soon, they are more sheltered from the rays of the sun, and
as the diseased Potatoes are generally nearest the top not
80 liable to disease, but this latter part requires further ob-
servation.

It is certainly rather singular that the disease should have
prevailed for more than thirty years, and that no one should
have discovered any remedy, and that differenees of opinion
should still exist as to what was the origin of the disease. The
experiment has been tried of importing Potatoes from Peru,
thinking that the cultivated varieties were rendered delicate and
that others would escape, but the Peruvians were as bad as any.

I am inclined to the view that the Potato disease is very
much the same as the zymotic disease in the human subject,
and more care ought to be taken to prevent the spread of it by
contagion. The rotten Potatoes, I think, ought not to be left
on the land to taint the atmosphere as they usually are, but
collected and boiled for pigs or burnt. Not long ago I sent
you @ short review of an essay in the Royal Agricultural
Society’s Journal by Professor de Bary on the Potato fungus,
in which I recommended the experiment to be tried of planting
Potatoes, which were perfectly free from disease when dug.up,
in a field away from any human habitation. If any of your
correspondents have done so this year I shouldjjbe glad to hear
the result.—Aareur, Cirencester.

CARLISLE INTERNATIONAL SHOW.
SEPTEMBER 6TH, 7TH, AND STH.

CARLISLE may fairly be said to be a city of contests. Almost
from time immemorial it has been the scene of contention in
turn by Roman, Dane, Saxon, Norman, Scot, and its own brave
burghers. Fire, and sword, and famine, and capitulation have
allin turn had the ascendancy; triumph and humiliation have
in turn prevailed. Yet notwithstanding the strife of centuries
no city in the realm is more peaceful, more industrious, than
Carlisle is now, for neatness, thrift, and cleanliness prevail every-
where; the storm of contending passions has spent itself, and

the calm of reason, contentment, and prosperity rules. But not
the calm of inactivity. No, Carlisle—contestant Carlislek—must
have its tournament of peace as it has had its struggles of war.
The last contest has been worthy of the border city, a contest
if not so exciting yet immeasurably more commendable than
others which are chronicled in history—a contest of peace, in-
dustry, skill, and refinement, where old friends have met in
honest rivalry and remain friends still; where new acquaint-
ances have been made, latent effort stimulated, and another
impetus has been given to horticultural work.

The last contest has demanded the same qualities which were
exercised so remarkably in the past—energy, resource, and en-
durance. Was not energy required when a small city of thirty
thousand inhabitants essayed to provide a gathering equal toany
similar gathering of the past—an International Horticultural
Show? Was not resource necessary in making the arrange-
ments so complete? Was not endurance needed to have the
immense display arranged and judged two hours after sunrise
on the first day of the Show? Let those answer who saw the
work being done. It was a work of day and night continually
to do so much as was done in the preparations for and conduct of
this great Show. Projected only a year ago, it has been carried-
out successfully. All who could do so have aided in the work:
The Corporation, by placing the fine site at the disposal of the
Committee and providing other facilities; the affluent of the
district and the tradesmen of the town, by contributing in a
liberal, in some instances a spirited manner, towerds the Show
fund; and the Executive Committee, by arduous and well-
directed labour.

The site of the Show was admirable. On the one hand the
frowning warlike Castle, on the other the peaceful and beautifal
river Eden. There are the natural boundaries of the pastur-
age known as the Sawceries. About thirty-five acres were en-
closed. The great industry of horticulture was exemplified in
its various phases—mechanically by glass structures, boilers,
machines, manures, tools, and requisites; culturally by the
splendid examples of skill displayed in the tents. The tents,
yes, these demand a passing notice both on account of their
extent and manner of arrangement. A finer display of canvas
was never seen at any horticultural show. Its cost alone, in-
dependent of its fittings of gas and hot-water pipes, was £600.
Its extent was approximately as follows:—A covered way of
considerable length conducted to the specimen-plant marquee,
which was 300 feet long by 50 feet wide. This terminated in a
central pavilion-like marquee, lofty and circular, and nearly
100 feet in diameter. From this central point other branches
radiated—one to the north about 100 feet in length for cut
flewers, another to the west 300 feet long for fruit, and a third
to the south 450 feet long by 50 feet wide, chiefly for the nursery-
men’s collections of plants ; in addition, yet isolated, was a large
marquee for the display of vegetables. Such was the exten
and disposition of the tents, we will now refer to their contents”
and to the honours won by the several competitors. e ;

But were the tents filled ? Yes, fairly well. At one time it
appeared impossible to fill them, as so many who had entered
failed to occupy their space. Was the Showa success? Doubt-
ful, extremely so. Writing on the opening day and before the
opening hour, the prospects look gloomy enough. Hverything
under control had been done to bring the undertaking to a satis=
factory issue, but an element beyond control asserted its power

210 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 13, 1877.

in a forcible, almost a violent manner. Immediately the judg-
ing commenced the rain commenced too, and continued pouring
incessantly—a perfect torrent for hour after hour, making the
ground a quagmire, penetrating the tents, converting the saw-
dust into mortar, and rendering planks necessary at and within
the entrance of the marquees. Those who were present will
not soon forget the baptism of the International Show at Carlisle
on the eventfui morning of September 6th. In referring to the
classes we may follow somewhat the order of the schedule, and
commence with
FRUIT.

While many good collections and excellent examples of culture
were staged, the display was not on the whole equal to those
provided either at Dundee last year nor at Edinburgh in 1875,
nor yet, except perhaps in the classes for Grapes, to exhibitions
we have seen at South Kensington and at the two Palaces at
Sydenham and Muswell Hill. A season of extraordinary in-
clemency has prevailed in the north: rain, and cloud, and cold
have ruled supreme, and the wonder is that the ordeal has been
passed through so well as it has been; but even that is not a
suflicient reason for the staging of much fruit, especially Grapes,
which were at once the strong aud the weak feature of the
Show, and which compelled the Judges, stern men and com-
petent—Mr. David Thomson of Drumlanrig, and Mr. Barron of
Chiswick—to withhold some of the prizes. They did right, and
have set a wholesome example, for a prizeshould never be given
unless to a subject of intrinsic merit.

Counzctions or Frurr.—tIn the premier class of sixteen eorts
prizes of £20, £15, £10, and £5 were provided, but only three
collections were staged; Mr. Hunter of Lambton, who had
entered, not competing. The prizes were awarded in the follow-
ing order :—First to Mr. Coleman, gardener to Harl Somers,
Hastnor Castle; second to Mr. Johnstone, gardener to the Earl
of Strathmore, Glamis Castle; and third to Mr. Ingram, gar-
dener to the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle. At the
first glance Mr. Johnstone’s fruit looked the more imposing
owing to the superiority, at any rate in size, of the Grapes, but
a more careful examination satisfied that Mr. Coleman’s fruit
throughout was of the greatest general excellence. His collec-
tion included two fine and perfectly ripe Pine Apples (Smooth
Cayenne and Black Jamaica, excellent Black Morocco Grapes and
vather small but well-finished Black Hamburghs, also Alicantes
and Madresfield Courts ; splendid Golden Gem and a fine Hast-
nor Castle Melon, Bellegarde and Crimson Galande Peaches,
Pitmaston Orange and Elruge Nectarines, Brown Turkey Figs,
Diamond Plums, and Morello Cherries, all of superior quality.
Mr. Johnstone had splendid Grapes—Muscats of Alexandria,
Alicante, Black Hamburgh, and Gros Guillaume; but his Pines
were not ripe, and Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, and Figs were
rather small. Mr. Ingram had capital Trebbiano, Muscat of
Alexandria, and Black Hamburgh Grapes, and rather small
Lady Downe’s ; excellent Pines, an unripe cluster of Bananas,
two fine Melons, Peaches, Nectarines, Oranges, and Cherries.

In the class for twelve sorts of fruit there were seven entries,
Mr. Wallis, gardener to Sir Henry Thompson, Bart., Kirkby
Hall, York, winning the premier place with Muscat of Alex-
andria, Black Hamburgh, Muscat Hamburgh, and Buckland
Sweetwater Grapes, all of excellent table quality; two Melons,
Gilbert’s Green-flesh being very fine; and excellent Royal
George and Barrington Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, and Apricots.
Mr. McKelvie, gardener to the Duke of Roxburgh, Broxmouth
Park, Dunbar, was second with splendid Muscat of Alexandria
and other fine Grapes, rather coarse Melons, and smaller fruits
generally good. Mr. Upjohn, gardener to the Harl of Elles-
mere, Worsley Hall, Manchester, was third with very good
Grapes and Melons, but his other fruits were not quite ripe;
and Mr. Dickson, gardener to J. Whyte-Melville, Esq., Mount
Melville, St. Andrews, fourth, his most noticeable dishes being
fine Buckland Sweetwater Grapes and good Peaches and Oranges.
For ten sorts of fruit, Grapes and Pines excluded, there were
only two competitors—Mr. Shand, gardener to the Earl of Lons-
dale, Lowther Castle, Penrith, and Mr. Graham, gardener to
J. Allan, Esq., Craigburn, Moffat, who were placed as named.
Mr. Shand had excellent Peaches and Nectarines, very fine
Apricots, and excellent Plums, Gooseberries, and Cherries, all
ripe and in capital condition; Mr. Graham’s fruit was also good,
but some of it was not fully ripe.

Pines.—These were not numerous, nor, except the winners,
good. Mr. Ingram won first honours in the class for two Queens
with well-ripened fruits weighing about 5lbs. each; Mr. Sand-
ford, gardener to the Earl of Bective, being placed second; and
Mz, Halliday, gardener to Mrs. Wemyss, Wemyss Court, Dysart,
third with smaller fruit. In the class for any other sort Mr.
Coleman won with Black Jamaica; and for the heavfest fruits
Mr. Sandford was placed first with unripe Smooth Cayennes
weighing about 6 lbs.

, GRsPES.—There were four entries in the class for eight va-
rieties. Mr. Reid, gardener to A. H. Moncur, Esq., Rockfield,
Dundes, worthily won the first position with a medium-sized
bunch of Alicante in splendid condition; Lady Downe’s with

extra fine berries; Muscat Hamburgh, very full and well finished;
Gros Guillaume, weighing 8 or 9 lbs. and nearly black ; Muscat
of Alexandria, very superior; Mrs. Pince, fine but not well
coloured ; medium-sized and good Black Hamburghs and Gros
Colman, fine in berry but not quite ripe—an admirable collec-
tion. Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Berkhampstead, were placed
second with superior Muscats of Alexandria, very good Golden
Queen, Alicante, Trebbiano, Bowood Muscat (very compact),
and excellent Black Hamburghs. The third prize appeared to
have been withheld, and a fourth was awarded to Mr. Halliday,
whose bunches had been much injured in transit.

In the class for four varieties there were fourteen competitors.
Mr. Hammond, gardener to Sir Wilfred Lawson, Bart., Brayton
Hall, Carlisle, won with very finely finished but unnamed ex-
amples of Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweetwater, Golden
Champion (splendid), and Alicante. Mr. Coleman was second
with Black Hamburghs in the true Hastnor style; Black Mo-
rocco, full and fine but not quite ripe; and excellent Buckland
Sweetwater and Madresfield Court. Mr. Kirk, gardener to Mrs.
Mackie, Enspil House, Castle Douglas, was placed third with
very good examples of Duke of Buccleuch, Black Hamburgh,
Buckland Sweetwater, and Alicante—large bunches, but much
rabbed in transit ; and Mr. Curror, gardener to G. Douglas, Esq.,
Eskbank, Dalkeith, fourth with fine bunches but not fully ripe.

In the class for two bunches of Black Hamburgh Mr. Coleman
won the silver cup offered by Messrr. James Boyd & Son, Pais-
ley, with splendid examples, fine in size of berry and of excellent
finish, the bunches weighing about 31lbs.; Mr. Upjohn being
second with fine full bunches, but not quite jet black. Mr.
Fraser, Stobbo Castile, Peebleshire, third with capital fruit, but
a trifle deficient in colour; and Mr. Harrison, Knowsley, fourth,
with large bunches but rather small berries. There were twelve
competitors. In the class for two bunches of Muscat Hamburgh
five competed. Messrs. Lane & Son were first for very full and
finely finished bunches; Mr. Smith, gardener to the Countess
of Stair, Bargany, Girvan, second with excellent produce; and
Mr. Bloxham, gardener to Sir P. Duncombe, Brickhill Manor,
Bletchley, third with capital bunches but not fully ripe.
Mr. Fraser, Stobbo, won in the Madresfield Court class with
medium-sized bunches of remarkable finish, and which had been
thinned bya master hand. The second award had no exhibitor’s
name attached, and the third went to Mr. Bruce, gardener to J.
Fildes, Esq., Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, good in bunch
and berry but not quite ripe. Some very inferior produce was
exhibited in this class. Mr. Hammond worthily won the first
place with Alicantes—splendid in bunch, berry, and bloom; in-
deed, finer examples have rarely been seen. Mr. Curror was
second with compact well-finished bunches, but rather small
berries; and Mr. Ferguson, gardener to B. Shaw, Hsq., Carrick
Hall, Selby, third with large bunches and black berries, but
rubbed in transit. There were tencompetitors. Mr. Hammond,
who exhibited well throughout the Show, was first with Lady
Downe’s, bunches medium size and berries extremely fine, but
not at their best—not quite ripe; Mr. Fraser, Stobbo, who is
evidently a first-rate cultivator, was second with excellent
examples; and Mr. Ferguson third with large but rather loose
bunches, which had been somewhat injured in transmission to
the Show. Mr. Reid won with Mrs. Pince—thus securing the
silver tea service, value £6 6s., offered by Messrs. Mackenzie
and Moncur—good and admirably thinned bunches, and nearly
black ; Mr. Hammond was second with good bunches, Mr.
Bruce third, and Mr. Ingram fourth, but none of them were
well coloured. In the class for any other variety of Black
Grapes Mr. Hammond won with extra fine Gros Colmans; Mr.
Ferguson being second with the same variety, but not quite
black; ‘and Mr. Leyden, gardener to R. B. Wardlaw-Ramsay,
Esq., Whitehill, Edinburgh, third with capital examples of
Black Prince, about 4 lbs. in weight and well finished; they
almost merited a higher position.

We now come to the white varieties, and have to note some of
the best and worst Grapes in the Exhibition. The class for
Muscat of Alexandria (two bunches) was an excellent one.
There were eighteen competitors. Mr. McKelvie won the
premier place with handsomely-formed bunches of 5 or 6 Ibs.
weight, with fine and highly finished berries without spot or
blemish; Mr. Ferguson was second with excellent examples,
regular and full; and Mr. Coleman third with capital bunches,
clear and well finished. Messrs. W. Thomson & Son, Tweed
Vineyard, Clovenfords, won in the Duke of Buccleuch class with
medium-sized bunches and very fine, regular, and clear berries ;
and Mr. Curror was second with still finer berries, but slightly
spotted. The third prize was very properly withheld. In the
class for any other white variety Mr. Curror won with capital
examples of Buckland Sweetwater; Mr. Anderson, gardener to
the Earl of Stair, Oxenford Castle, Dalkeith, was second with
Pearson’s Golden Queen, regular and fine, but slightly rusted
and rather dull; and Mr. Upjohn was third with large bunches
of Trebbiano, but the berries were not clear.

Single bunches, Black Hamburghs, seven competitors. The
first prize of £3 33. was offered by Mr. David Lowe, Edinburgh,

September 18, 1877. |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

211

but it was rightly withheld. Third and fourth awards were
‘made to Mr. Reid, gardener to D. Barrie, Esq., Elmbank, Dum-
fries, and Mr. Kirk, Ernspie House, Castle Douglas. A wretch-
‘edly poor class. Alicantes.—First Mr. Masson, Marchmonk,
Dumfries ; bunch medium, berries good. Second Mr. Paterson,
Dryfeholme, Lockerbie; poor bunch, very fine berries. Third
Mr. Peel, gardener to E. P. Sheldon, Haq., Carlisle. Lady
Downe’s.—First Mr. Reid, Rockfield; fairly good. Third, Mr.
Dickson, Arkleton; not ripe. Gros Guillaume.—First Mr. Fer-
guson; bunch large, berries small but well coloured. Third
Mr. Bruce. Muscat Hamburgh.—First withheld; second Mr.
Paterson; third Mr. Reid, Elmbank—a poor class. In the next
four classes for one bunch of any black Graves, one of Muscat
of Alexandria, one of Golden Champion, and one of Canon Hall
Muscat, the Judges knew their business too well to award any
prizes. In the class for any other sort of white Grapes Mr.
Kirk won with a remarkably fine forked bunch of Buckland
Sweetwater weighing 6 or 7 lbs., full and clean, and well worthy
‘of its prize. Mr. Miles, Wycombe Abbey, was second with a
good tapering bunch of Trebbiano weighing 44 lbs., and Mr.
Paterson third with Buckland Sweetwater.

In the heaviest-bunch class we have nothing sensational to
record. Mr. Dickson, gardener to J. Jardine, Esq., Arkleton,
who during a series of years has exhibited so remarkably in this
elass, Won with to him a small bunch of Syrian weighing 9 lbs.
43 0z8.; and in the corresponding class for black Grapes he won
with a Black Alicante weighing 6 lbs. 13 ozs.

In the next class, for one bunch not less than 1 1b. in weight
shaving the finest bloom, there were seventeen competitors. A
few of the bunches were indifferent, but others, especially the
prizewinners, were excellent. The premier prize was won by
‘Mr. Lees, gardener to the Marquis of Downshire, Hillsborough
Castle, Co. Down, with a well-shaped medium-sized bunch of
Cooper’s Black. The berries were faultless in appearance, carry-
ing a fine bluish-black bloom of great intensity. Mr. Curror,
“Eskbank, was second with a densely coloured bunch of Alicante,
and Mr. Masson was third with the same variety.

Metons.—About two dozen of fruits were staged. They were
not of extraordinary excellence, but were generally superior to
Melons which have been exhibited in the south during the past
%wo years. In the green-fleshed class Mr. Coleman was first
with a handsome and excellent fruit of Hastnor Castle; Mr.
Kinnaird, gardener to T. H. Graham, sq., Edmond Castle,
second; and Mr. Sandford third. In the scarlet-fleshed section
Mr. Halliday, Wemyss Castle, was first with a seedling of extra
rich flavour; Mr. Sandford second; and Mr. Leslie, gardener
to W. Maxwell, Esq:, Dalbeattie, third. Mr. Kemp, gardener
to J. Dalrymple, Esq., Langlee, Galashiels, exhibited an oval-
shaped deeply ribbed fruit weighing 14 lbs. 11 0zs., which was
dhighly commended; and Mr. CO. Tyler, Hassobury, Bishop Stort-
ford, Herts, exhibited a new variety named President, one of
the most promising Melons that has lately been submitted for
public adjudication. The fruit is round, medium-sized, and
handsomely netted ; flesh rather firm yet melting, very juicy,
and of remarkable richness. It was awarded a first-class cer-
Sificate.

In the class for Figs Mr. Halliday, gardener to the Earl of
Mansfield, won with an excellent dish of the White Genoa, Mr.
Coleman being second with capital examples of Brown Turkey,
and Mr. Paterson third.

Pracues.—The show of this fruit was only of moderate extent,
but some capital dishes were staged. In the class for twelve
fruits in two varieties Mr. Leydon won with Barrington and
Noblesse, fine both in size and colour. Mr. Fox, Carnforth, was
second with Bellegarde and Royal George, and Mr. Dickson,
Arkleton, third with Royal George and Noblesse. For dishes
of six fruits there were ten competitors. Mr. McFarlane, gar-
dener to T. Pilkington, Esq., Knowsley Cottage, Prescot, won
with a very fine dish of Barrington. Mr. Fox was second, and
Mr. Lees, Hillsborough Castle, third with the same variety.

NeEcTarines.—The principal prizetakers were Mr. Hannagan,
Hooton Hall, Chester, Mr. Dickson, Arkleton, and Mr. Craig,
Wykeham Abbey, York, who were placed in the order of their
mames with creditable dishes.

Pears and Apres, with the exception of the Royal and the
foreign collections, were not noteworthy. For twenty varieties,
two fruits each, ripe or unripe, Mr. Jones, gardener to Her
Majesty the Queen, Frogmore, was far in advance of the other
competitors. He staged admirable examples of Beurré Bache-
lier, Madame Treyve, British Queen, Vicar of Winkfield, Chan-
cellor, Beurré Bosc, Victoria, Beurré Rance, Kingsessing, Beurré
Clairgeau, Beurré Benoit, Marie Louise, Conseiller de la Cour,
Williams’ Duchesse, Autumn Nelis, Williams’ Bon Chrétien,
Van Mons Léon Leclerc, Doyenné Boussoch, Beurré Diel, Brock-
worth Park. Messrs. Gellender & Sons, Newcastle, had the
second, and Mr. Miles the third prize. In the corresponding
collection of Apples Mr. Jones was similarly in advance of his
rivals. with the following good varieties:—Flower of Herts,
Kcklinville, Braddick’s Nonpareil, Hawthornden, Boston Russet,
Wellington, Blenheim Pippin, Old Orange Pippin, Ribston

Pippin, Rosemary Russet, King of the Pippins, Cox’s Pomona,
Hollandbury, Waltham Abbey Seedling, Hoary Morning, Duke
of Gloucester, Frogmore Prolific, Brown’s Seedling, Betty
Geeson, Frogmore Seedling (No. 1). Mr. Miles had the second
prize for a capital collection. The first prize of £15 for a collec-
tion of Apples and Pears of foreign growth was won by Mr.
Adolphe D. Heine of Ghent with upwards of fifty varieties of
Pears and thirty of Apples. These collections prevented the
title of the Show, “International,” from being a misnomer.
They were good, but not equal to the Frogmore collections.
Plums were very scantily exhibited. The chief prizewinners
were Mr. Dickson, Arkleton, and Mr. McKelvie, who staged
good ‘dishes. Gooseberries and Currants were good, a dish of
the Red Currant La Versaillaise from Mr. Wallis, Kirkby Hall,
being very fine.

The special prizes of £5, £3, and offered by J. Jardine,
Esq., of Arkleton, for eight varieties of hardy fruit, brought out
seven admirable collections. The first prize was won by Mr.
Sandford, gardener to the Earl of Bective, with Plums (two
varieties), Pears, Apples, Peaches, Gooseberries, Currants, and
Cherries. Messrs. Turner Bros., Liverpool, were second, and
Mr. Youds, Scotby, third.

Only one other collection of fruit demands notice—namely, a
collection of British-grown fruit of the Orange tribe. This was
contributed by Mr. Muir, gardener to C. R. M. Talbot, Esq.,
M.P., Margam Park, Glamorganshire. Ten varieties were
staged—Citrons, Shaddocks, Lemons in two and Oranges in
six varieties, the largest exhibit we remember seeing of this
character, and an extra prize was worthily awarded.

PLANTS.

Although the spread of fruit was not equal to that of former
northern displays known as international, yet the collections of
plants at Carlisle far surpassed those of either Dundee or Edin-
burgh. Many grand specimens were staged in competition, and
remarkably good and extensive miscellaneous groups were
arranged by the nurserymeh.

In the nurserymen’s class for twenty stove and greenhouse
plants the £20 prize was won by Mr. Troughton, manager to the
Preston Nursery and Pleasure Garden Company, with an excel-
lent and admirably arranged group. In the centre were three
Tree Ferns, on each side of which were capital specimens of
Lapageria rosea on a 5-feet globe, Cycas circinalis, a splendid
plant ; Dion edule; Hurya latifolia variegata, oval-shaped, 5 feet
high, effective; Areca wmula, &c. The second prize of £15
went to Messrs. J. & R. Thyne, Glasgow, who also arranged a
capital collection, including a very fine Areca Baweri, Cyathea
Burkei, Astrocaryuam mexicanum, Latania borbonica, Cycas
revoluta, brightened with such plants as Croton Johannis in
splendid colour, Pancratium grandiflorum, and Heaths; a re-
murkably fine specimen of Adiantum cuneatum was included
in this group. Messrs. Clark, Bros., Carlisle, were awarded the
remaining prize for a creditable collection.

In the class for six Orchids in bloom Mr. B. §. Williams, Vic-
toria and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway, was easily first. He
staged a very good and remarkably attractive specimen of On-
cidium Marshalli with six fine spikes, Odontoglossum Alexandre
fimbriatum, an exceedingly fine variety of this fine Orchid;
Cypripedium Sedeni, Vanda suavis, and Odontoglossum Reich-
enemii. Mr. Pattinson, St. Ann’s Hill, Carlisle, was awarded the
second prize. In the class for ten exotic Ferns the prizes went
to the Preston Nursery Company, Messrs. J. & R. Thyne, and
Mr. James Service, Maxweltown, Dumfries, in the order named,
who each exhibited good collections, which were arranged in
circular groups in the central pavilion tent. The Tree Ferns
were also placed in this tent between the other groups. The
chief prizes went to Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Newton
Nurseries, Chester, with very tall Dicksonias, and Messrs. J. &R.
Thyne with Cyathea meduilaris.

In the class for twelve new plants not in commerce the first
prize was awarded to Mr. William Bull, King’s Road, Chelsea,
and second to Mr. B.S. Williams. These collections were much
discussed by the visitors, and were generally considered to be
of equal excellence; both of them were good. Mr. Bull’s plants
consisted of Zamia princeps, very elegant; Croton formosum
and C. triumphans, stately and bright; Dieffenbachia Shuttle-
worthii, Alocasia Johnstonii, Aralia splendidissima, Bowenia
spectabilis serrulata, Curmeria Wallisii, and Dracena Goldieana.
The Holloway plants were Croton Prince of Wales, a fine droop-
ing spiral-leaved variety of good colour; C. lancifolium and
C. imperator, bold and finely coloured; Draczenas Scotte,
superba, and the beautiful Bausei; Nepenthes phyllamphora
variegata, Thrinax gracillima, Jambosa acida, Adiantum
Williamsii, Cibotium nigrescens, and Aralia nobilis.

Conrrers.—These were arranged in the openair. Very fine
collections were shown by Messrs. W. Barron & Son, The
Nurseries, Borrowash, who had the first honours for fifteen
varieties ; Messrs. Dickson & Turnbull, Perth, who were second ;
and Messrs. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle,,.who had the remain-
ing prize. The last-named firm also exhibited a valuable mis-
cellaneous collection. Messrs. Clark, Bros., {also contributed

42,

wa,

212

worthily. For six hardy Conifers introduced during the last
six years the awards went to Messrs. Barron & Son, who staged
(in the pavilion tent), attractive but necessarily small examples
of Podocarpus alpina, Retinospora tetragona aurea and R. pisi-
fera aurea, Wellingtonia gigantea lutea, Picea concolor, and
Cupressus Lawsoniana elegantissima. Messrs. Barron also ex-
hibited a large miscellaneous collection of new and rare Conifers,
and! Mr. G. J. Alberts, Boscoop, Netherlands, a collection of
Hoilies.

The prizes offered for the best ‘‘new Conifer of real merit”
was won by Messrs. Little & Ballantyne, with their new weep-
ing Wellingtonia, which is well worthy of the distinction. The
illustrations which hav~ appeared of this variety do not do
justice to it. By no mee manipulation could its branches be
tied-down so elegantly »t the same time the growth is free,
almost vigorous. As « graceful columnar specimen for lawn
ornamentation this disticct variety is admirably adapted, and
can hardly fail to become very popular. This firm and Mr.
James Service secured the prizes for collections of alpine plants.

AMATEURS AND GARDENERS.—In this section of the Show there
were many plants exhibited of little or no merit, but at the
same time there were others which have never been surpassed
at any show held at the same period of the year. Where Mr.
Shuttleworth the prince of amateur cultivators exhibits, mar-
vellously fine specimens are certain. That gentleman’s col-

lection of twelve stove and greenhouse plants, six of them in |
Gleichenias |

bloom, which won the £20 prize, was splendid.
diacarpa and dichotoma were 8 to 9 feet in diameter, and in
supezb health; Cordyline indivisa was in remarkable vigour, as
was also Phormium Colensoi variegata; Croton majesticum was
5 feet through and in rich colour; and Cycas circinalis was
grandly exhibited. Amongst the flowering plants were Alla-
manda nobilis, good; Dipladenia amabilis, Ixora coccinea, and

Lapageria alba, the last-named plant, which covered a 3-feet |

globe trellis, being not more remarkable for its fine wax-like

flowers than for its exuberant foliage; Statice imbricata, 6 feet; |

and S. profusa, 5 feet in diameter, were conspicuous in this
fine collection. The second prize, £15, was well won by that
excellent cultivator Mr. Todd, gardener to A. B. Stewart, Hsq.,
Rawcliffe, Glasgow; and Mr. Kinnaird, Edmond Castle, was
awarded the third prizo of £10. In the class for six plants,
three of them in bloom, Mr. Hammond (who exhibited as well
in the plant as he did in the fruit classes), won with excellent
examples of Vallota purpurea with thirty spikes, Allamanda
Hendersoni, Rondeletia speciosa major, a Dasylirion, Croton,
and very fine Cocos Weddelliana. Mr. Shand, The Gardens,
Lowther Castle, had the second prize, the notable specimen
in the collection being Lilium lancifolium rubrum trained much
in the way of a specimen Pelargonium. This fine example of
Lilium culture was fully 6 feet in diameter, it had about eighty
spikes and quite three hundred expanded and opening flowers.
In the class for nine plants in 12-inch pots the prizes went in the
following order—to Mr. McIntyre, gardener to A. A. Richardson,
Esq., Lisburn, Mr. Hammond, and Mr. Blackwood, Edenhill,
Penrith, for good collections. Messrs. Hammond and Todd
secured the prizes in the class for six fine-foliaged plants, Adian-
tum farleyense of the first-named exhibitor being in grand con-
dition, and the remainder good. In the next class, for six plants
in bloom, some excellent specimens were staged. Mr. Shuittle-
worth won with Eucharis amazonica, 5 feetin diameter and thirty
spikes; Hrica Jacksonii, 2}feet through ; Ixora coccinea, Statice
intermedia and profusa, and Anthurium Scherzerianum. Mr.
Hammond was second, his Vallota being especially fine; and
Mr. Shand third, Lilium lsucifolium again being conspicuous
by its excellence. Mr. Shuttleworth won in the class for three
Palms with Cocos Weddelliana, Chamzrops humilis elegans,
and Pritchardia pacifica remarkably fresh. He also won first
for the specimen Todea (Leptopteris) superba and for eight
plants for table decoration, Mr. Todd being second in these
clasees. Mr. Pratt, gardener to Viscount Hill, Hawkstone Park,
Shrewsbury, being third in the table-plant class. All the col-
lections were very good.

Crotons were splendidly shown by Mr. Scott, gardener to
G. Steele, Esq., Hill Park, Bothwell, who had the first prize for
four varieties, with C. irregulare 5 feet in diameter and 6 feet
high, probably the best plant in Europe; C. angustifolium, a
handsome pyramid about 7 to 8 feet high; C. Weismanni, a
golden globe of 5 feet, and C. variegata, a fine pyramid, all in
splendid health and colour. Mr. Hammond was second with
C. pictum, undulatum, Johannis, and Weismanni in admirable
colour and condition. Mr. Hammond won first with Dracenas,
which were good, followed by Mr. Blackwood and Mr. Todd;
and Messrs. Scott and Todd secured the prizes for hardy Heaths.
Ferns were very well exhibited in this section, but Fuchsias
and Geraniums were not of remarkable quality, while Cocks-
combs were rough and Balsams poor. In the class for Liliums
Mr. Shand was well in the ascendant, and Mr. Pattison, Baxter
Park, Dundee, staged a choice and well-cultivated collection of
Alpine plants. Most of the specimen plants were arranged on
a low stage in the centre ci the entiance tent, the new plants

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ September 13, 1877.

and table plants occupying the sides of the great marquee, which
was heated for the choice miseellaneous collections of the chief
nurserymen. It is fortunate that this marguee was so well
heated, or much injury must have resulted during the first cold,
wet, and miserable day of the Show. The heating was done by
Mr. Corbett, Carlisle, with one of Hartley & Sugden’s climax
boilers.

The collections of plants in this tent were extensive and rich.
The first group, a grand one, one of their very best, was-
arranged by Messrs. Veitch of London. Pitchers, Orchids,
Ferns, Crotons, Aroids, insectivorous plauts, &c., were arranged
with consummate taste, and were greatly admired ; it occupied
staging about 40 feet in length by 10 feet wide. Messrs. J. & R.
Thyne arranged the next group, which was also about 40 feet
in length, then came Mr. Williams’s (of Holloway) extensive and:
fine collection. Here Croton Queen Victoria asserted its great
decorative power; C. volutum and other bright varieties were:
also represented, associated with Palms, Ferns, Orchids, Liliums,
Darlingtonias, &c., and Dipladenia Brearleyana attracted much
notice. Messrs. R. P. Kerr & Sous, Aigburth Nursery, Liver
pool, arranged a collection of considerable extent and merit, as-
also did Messrs. Pattinson, St. Ann’s Street, Carlisle. Messrs.
Ireland & Thomson, Craigleith Nurseries, Edinburgh, arranged
an extensive and meritorious collection, including most of the
newest and most popular decorative plants in a bright clean
state. Noticeable in this group was the dark St. Martin’s Blue
Lobelia with bronze foliage, also two Ferns, Gymnogramma
nevium, a dwarf and densely powdered variety of G. peruviana,
and Adiantum Flemingii, a fine variety of A. concinnum. This
is a Fern of great merit; its fronds possess a certain massive-
ness on account of the closely arranged pinnz, while they are
elegant by their gracefully arching character. The colour of
the fronds is a rich deep green. It appears to be a free grower,
and likely to be useful for both exhibition and decorative pur-
poses, also for cutting for bouquets. Messrs. James Dickson
and Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester, staged a large collection
of Palms and other decorative plants, also a new seedling form
of Cupressus Lawsoniana, very compact in habit and silvery in
appearance. It was awarded a certificate of merit, and if it-
goes on improving it will prove a great acquisition.

The above collections were honoured by awards of recogni-
tion, and the following plants in the collection of Messrs. Veitch
were awarded first-class certificates :—Cattleya Sedeni; Nepen-
thes hybrida maculata major, a grand variety; N. Rafflesiana
pallida, extremely compact; and Athyrium Goringianum fari-
nosum, an elegant Fern and very silvery.

In the pavilion tent Messrs. Little & Ballantyne arranged a
large central group, and round the sides were collections of
market plants from the nurseries of Messrs. Clark, Bros., and
Mr. Armstrong—a grand tent, but not artistically arranged. A.
small adjoining marquee contained some cut flowers, excellent
examples of skeletonised leaves from Messrs. Cusson, South-
port, and Hodgkins, Manchester; also a standard Fuchsia, the
head having been grafted with six different varieties, all flower-
ing well. It was exhibited by Mr. McMillan, Broadmeadows,
Berwick-on-Tweed. In the fruit tent was an exhibition of
bees, large separate tents being provided for the table decora-
tions and vegetables. Of the cut flowers and decorations a
“specialist” must write. Also as yet demanding notice are the

VEGETABLES.—Of these the display was ® capital one, but on
the whole the examples were fully too large to be considered of
the first London quality. Cabbages were immense, Leeks re-
markably fine, some being blanched a length of nearly 2 feet >
Turnips and Carrots clear and excellent; Cucumbers large,
Tender-and-True winning every prize; Curled Kale first-rate,
Celery second-rate, Onions third-rate, and Potatoes fourth-rate,
or many of them, a few dishes and collections being excellent.
The finest round Potato in the Show was Turner’s Schoolmaster_
The best collection of vegetables was the first-prize tray of Mr.
Bloxham, gardener to Sir P. Duncombe. It consisted of Cucum-
bers, Cauliflowers, Carrots, Potatoes, Onions, Celery, Globe
Artichokes, Turnips, Peas, and Kidney Beans, all good. The
premier prize for twenty varieties was won by Mr. Sandford,
gardener to the Earl of Bective, who had Broad Beans, Vege-
table Marrows, Tomatoes, Parsnips, Savoys, Leeks, Cabbages,
Brussels Sprouts, Koh] Rabi, and Kale, in addition to the ten
varieties above named. Other successful exhibitors of collec-
tions were Messrs. Nicholl, gardener to J. A. Corry, Esq., Bot-
oneE by; Craig, Wykeham Abbey; Bell, Shand, Youds, and

ulton.

Special prizes offered by Mr. Wm. Bull.—First prize, a silver
cup, value fifteen guineas, second ten guineas, third six guineas,
for twelve new plants introduced and sent out for the first time
since the commencement of 1874. First, T. M. Shuttleworth,
Esq., Preston, with a splendid collection. Second, Mr. J. Ham-
mond, Brayton, Carlisle. Third, Mr. J. McIntyre, gardener to
A. A. Richardson, Eeq., Lisburn, Ireland.

In the open-air exhibits we noticed useful greenhouses and
serviceable frames from Messrs. Boulton & Paul, Norwich; a
capital lean-to house with rafter ventilation from Messrs. Rich-

September 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

213

ardson & Co., Darlington; 'a fine octagonal house from Messrs.
Mackenzie & Moncur, Edinburgh (sold on the ground for £170);
garden seats from Messrs. Haughton & Thompson, Carlisle;
boilers and lawn mowers from Messrs. Hartley & Sugden, Hali-
fax; also lawn mowers from Mr. Parkinson, Ripon; summer
houses and wirework from Messrs. Gibson & Sons, Edinburgh.

_ Also wirework from Messrs. Bramhall; an imposing stand from
Messrs. Goulding, manure manufacturers, Dublin and Cork;
and an extensive seed stand, &c., from Messrs. Little and Bal-
lantyne.

Such was the Show—a great Show unquestionably; but it is
to be feared that the fine weather following the opening day,
with the counter-attractions of the agricultural show, cannot
render it a great success. One thing is clear, the officials—Mr.
Baxter Smith, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Mounsey, and the Committee
—have worked hard, and their assistants have been zealous—
almost too zealous at times, carrying out their instructions in
the unbending inflexible style savouring of military police.

Although the opening day was so disastrous the two following
days were fins, and the railways brouzht thousands of visitors
to the city and Exhibition. On the first day (" hursday) the
receipts were £133 14s. 6d., the second day £494 6s., and on the
third day £402, making a total of £1030 Os. 6d.; and this with
‘the contributions and the rent of marquees for refreshments
will, it is hoped, result in what the promoters so richly merit—
a financial success. The prize-money was paid on Monday the
10th inst., the day on which the exhibits were removed.

At the luncheon in the marquee Lord Muncaster presiding,
the guests had to approach the banquet through a puddle, sit on
wet seats, eat soaked bread, wear their hats at table, and unfurl
umbrellas.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Monpay, the 3rd, was a very winterly day, the thermo-
meter never rising above 44°, and at night it descended to
“35° at 2 feet above ground. Rain commenced on the evening
of the 2nd, and continued incessantly for more than twenty-
four hours. On the night of the 4th, after a bright day, the
mercury at 2 feet from the ground fell to 33°. The grass was
frozen stiff on the mornings of the 4th and 5th, but nothing
seems to have suffered excepting the points of Coleus a little,
and the flowers of Commelina ccelestis—Winr1am Taynor.

We recommend cultivators of the Prrunza to add to
their collections some of Messrs. Carter & Co.’s “ green-edged.”
‘The flowers are the finest and most varied we have seen.

— Tue Waiter Lily tank and the fine Tree and other Ferns
associated with it afford one of the most pleasing features of
‘the Crystan Panacr. Nymphwas dentata major and Deyon-
jana contain many fine flowere, bat N. cwrulea has not flowered
freely this year. It is noteworthy that these fine plants are
treated as biennials. Seed is sown at the present time, and
‘the plants are kept growing in small pots in a small aquatic
house throughout the winter, and are transferred to ‘the
‘lowering tank in the spring. Seed has just been gathered
from them and sown, and the flowering plants will be even-
‘tually removed. It is a little singular that these plants will
not grow if much water is permitted to fall on the leaves. In
the centre of the tank is a large fountain, which plays for a
short time daily; near this fountain the Water Lilies will not
grow—indeed, scarcely exist, but beyond the radius of its
falling spray they grow luxuriantly.

One of the most attractive of variegated plants for
growing in pots for general decorative purposes is the VARIE-
GATED HemeEroca..is, H. flava variegata. We recently saw a
good ‘stock of it in Mr. Laing’s Nursery at Forest Hill, and
Mr. Thomson also grows it at the Crystal Palace. The leaves
arch over in a most graceful manner, and their variegation is
very pure and clear. It appears to come in the best condition
‘when grown in an intermediate house or a warm greenhouse.

—— A YORESHIREMAN writes to us that he has seenit recom-
mended by a great ‘‘authoriiy’’ that CranorHus AZUREUS
should be grown in every garden having a sunny south wall.
‘Our correspondent thinks the writer’s experience of the plant
must be limited, or he would have known that there are
hundreds of gardens where, if planted, it would be eut down
by the severity of the winter. It is a beautiful wall plant in
the southern counties, but is too tender for cold districts.

—— Iris gratifying to notice that the valuable collections
of plants employed in the decoration of the Agricultural Hall,
and where they remained for more than a week, sustained
little or no injury. The ventilation of the immense building
appears to ba excellent, and it has proved itself well adapted
forthe purpose to which it was devoted last week. The spikes

of Gladioli continued attractive throughout the period, and
even such choice and tender flowers 2s those of Dipladenia
Brearleyana, which were inserted ia the moist carpet of Lyco-
pods, continued fresh and bright for nearly a week. The
decorations attracted large numbers of visitors, and we are
informed that the great ‘‘ floral concerts’? have been very
successful.

Two cultivators from different districts inform us that
Crawford’s Earty Pracu has resisted the inclement weather of
the past spring better than most other varieties, and that
this handsome-looking American sort is bearing good crop

on the open wall.

In July and August, writes a Yorkshire correspondent,
onr shrubberies exhibit too much green, too little colour.
Deutzia crenata flore-pleno forms a fine upright bush 6 feet or
more high, bearing profusely its fine,depending, double pinkish
flowers, and is very fine; D. scabra is also fine. The ligneous
Meadow-Sweet Spireas are grand summer-flowering shrubs,
especially S. grandiflora, white; S. arigfolia, very graceful ;
8. callosa, rose, and var. alba; S eximia, red; S. bella, rose ;
8. argentea, with silvery leaves; S. Douglasi, pink; S. opule-
folia Iutea and S. salicifolia carnea, with many others. They
grow freely and flower profusely in any free soil.

—— ABUTILONS appear to be increasing in poptlarity for
decorative purposes. The dwarf-growing free-flowering varie-
ties, such as A. Darwiuii, A. ros@florum, &c., recently intro-
duced appear to be great acquisitions, and the new yellow
variety A. Lemoinei syn. La Boule d’Or is a plant of consi \« r-
able promise. But perhaps the most useful for winter flowering
is the white variety Boule de Neige, which should be grown
largely where cut flowers are in great demand. It is not
known by everyone that that sort forms a capital stock on
which the pendulous mottled A. vexillarium may be worked.
Mr. Spinks of Aston Park, Birmingham, thus grows A. vexil-
larium, as also does Mr. Thomson of the Crystal Palace, and
the bright weeping standards are ornamental even when not
flowering, and when in bloom are handsome dinner-table
plants.

Now that wild flowers are so scarce, what few we have
at this time of year being completely obliterated by the long-
continued rains, it is pleasing to see amid so much green
something that will fix the eye. Few subjects can vie with
the bright coral-red berries of the Rowan TREE oR Mountain
Asx (Pyrus Aucuparia), its fine umbrageous head of Fern-like
foliage, from the points of its shoots bearing its clusters of
berries, are far more enduring than flowers, attractive objects
in shrubbery, park, and forest scenery, such as ought not
to be neglected in making provision for when planting time
arrives. It will grow anywhere; its upright and weeping
forms, with the yellow-berried, deserving a place in the most
select arrangements of trees of moderate growth. Also very
conspicuous just now, as they have been for many weeks, are
the bright scarlet berries in massive bunches of the scarlet-
berried Elder, which, seen at any distance among green foliage,
are very showy and effective, especially if in front be a good
breadth of Darwin’s Barberry; its clusters of shining deep
purple berries having in contrast with the scarlet of the Hider
a fine effect.

Lornocuarts Humpoupri.—it is a pity this lovely and
most floriferous aquatic is not more employed for outdoor
work. It is one of the most effective plants for a tank or
quiet bit of water. The smal! outdoor tank near the Victoria
house at Glasnevin is nearly monopolised by this plant, and
at this season few features of the garden are more attractive
to the visitors. The tank is only about 10 feet in length
and 3 feet in breadth, and in this circumscribed space we
counted the other day over 160 flowers floating on the surface.
—(Irish Farmers’ Gazette.)

WINDSOR CASTLE.

Last week a princely garden in the north was described and
the masterly practice of its manager was noticed. Such a
record cannot fail to stimulate other persevering and ambitious
workers (for if a gardener is not ambitious he cannot excel) in
a kindred but lesser field, and to urge them on in the path of
duty, which sooner or later brings a reward. This week a
garden in the south may be fittingly noticed—a garden which
will always command attention—the garden of our Queen.

Windsor Castle is a majestic pile, and the view from the
celebrated terrace, which is shown in the accompanying illustra-

214

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ September 13, 1877.

tion, is one of dignity and grandeur. The chief residence of
a long line of British monarchs is typical of the kingdoms
which owe allegiance to the British crown—strong yet peaceful,
and varied in elements of fertility and beauty. The views
both from the terrace and on it are such as to command admi-
ration, such too as are enjoyed not by the Royal Family alone,
but also by thousands of Her Majesty’s subjects, for the terrace
is open to the public on the afternoons of Saturdays and
Sundays, a privilege which again typifies the most cherished
treasure of the nation—freedom.

From the commanding eminence is seen on the one hand
the Crystal Palace at Sydenham and the Box Hills, and on
the other the distant woods of Stanmore and Cliveden. The
great schools of Eton and Harrow are still nearer, embowered
in the foliage of a boldly undulated and richly wooded dis-
trict. Towards the south the Broad Walk with its noble
avenue of magnificent Elms stretches away into the distance,
and to the north the precipitous side of the hill on which the
Castle stands forms one of Nature’s bold terraces, which the
one on which we stand, grand as it is as a work of art, is puny
by comparison. This, the eastern terrace, the Royal flower
garden, is about 3 acres in extent, and is semicircular in form.
The Broad Walk, which next the Castle is of course straight,
is continued round the enclosure and close to the embattle-
ments. From this elevated walk flights of steps conduct to
the level of the garden—the plateau of flowers below. The
slope of the terrace between the flights is of turf, as is the
general level of the garden, soft and fine, and in the highest
condition of keeping; two broad gravel walks also intersect
the enclosure. In the centre of the garden is a fountain, but
not a majestic one; by the sides of the walks are several ex-
amples of statuary; on the lawn are specimen shrubs and
Conifers, and on the north side near one of the entrances is
an orangery ; the other entrance is at the corresponding corner
of the Castle, the south side. The orangery is placed on the
lowermost ground of the terrace, and towards this structure the
lawn has rather a bold slope, on which are beds planted wholly
with hardy Heaths. Mr. Jones some time ago suggested the
erection of another structure near the orangery for the display
of ornamental plants, and it is a little singular that when his
plan of the proposed alteration was being considered and com-
pared with come old plans of the terrace, it was found that a
similar addition had been proposed eighty years ago, so similar
that there was only 6 inches difference between the widths of
the houses which had been suggested in the two instances. A
want of time for consideration of the matter cannot therefore
be urged as an excuse that a structure suitable for beautiful
plants worthy of being associated with this beautiful terrace
is not yet erected.

The fioral decorations of the terrace are varied, and on that
account are the more enjoyable. A long narrow border near
the western boundary wall contains old-fashioned plants—
garden (not exhibition) Roses, Antirrhinums, Phloxes, Migno-
nette, &c. The flower beds on the lawn are of considerable
size and appropriately plain in shape; they are extremely
attractive. Most of the beds contain shrubs and Conifers,
Yews in variety, Retinosporas, Thujas, Euonymuses, &c. Be-
tween the shrubs are planted such rather tall-growing plants
as Ageratums, Pentstemons, and Petunias, surrounded with
Geraniums and edged with dwarfer plants of contrasting
colours. The most effective Geranium on the terrace is
Waltham Seedling ; its profusion of crimson trusses are rich
and glowing. Trentham Rose is also well and worthily grown,
for its soft yet cheerful colour is very pleasing. As a scarlet
Vesuvius is employed, and as a rosy pink Mrs. William Paul.
Some of the most effective combinations in the terrace garden
were centres of Ageratums interspersed with shrubs, with a
broad and brilliant band of Waltham Seedling Geranium and
an edging of Geranium Manglesii mixed with Lobelias. A
centre of Cineraria maritima, band of Iresine, and edgings of
Golden Feather and Lobelias had a fine effect. In one portion
of the terrace are examples of carpet bedding, which looks
attractive enough when closely examined, but it is not nearly
so well adapted for the position as is the grouping of flowers
in large masses and distinct colours. The many shrubs in the
beds and specimens on the lawn require more supporting
power than carpet bedding affords, and they also at the same
time effectively prevent the bold masses of flowers from being
in any degree overpowering. Near Her Majesty’s apartments
Mignonette is growing freely, a sweet simple flower which is
now absent from many flower gardens of lesser note than this.
The effect produced by the skilful grouping of trees and shrubs

is quite worthy of the fine terrace on which they are disposed,
while the perfume from the older flowers—Roses, Phloxes, and
Mignonette, render this beautiful flower garden additionally
delightful.

From the terrace a broad drive leads through the Home
Park, leaving Frogmore House on the right and the Royal
dairy on the left, and conducts to the gardens. Near the
Castle several acres of the park are kept as a Jawn. The
drive for a short distance is near the edge of the great natura}
terrace, where glimpses are obtained of the slopes below. For
quiet, secluded, romantic scenery the slopes of Windsor are
pre-eminent. At the bottom of the great dell a cool stream.
meanders, reached by a geries of twisting walks on the cther-
wise precipitous side of the declivity, which is probably 200 to
300 feet deep. The trees in this dell are thick and luzuriant..
and Ferns flourish in their congenialhome. A rockery of con-
siderable extent is also formed, and from amidst the boulders
dwarf Pinuses, Ferns, and other plants spring, while a stream—
let trickles down its rugged bed.

The park, between the slopes and the gardens, contains some
magnificent trees. Elms predominate. There are also old
Oaks—historical trees, and thriving Wellingtonias. The drives
through the park are many miles in extent; they are smooth,
clean, and in excellent order, and the grass is kept as a lawn
for 4 or 5 feet from the gravel. The labour incurred in the
keeping of these extensive drives and their smooth green
margins led Mr. Jones to devise a means of expediting the
work, or in other words in having it better done and at less
cost than could be efiected by mere animal and manual labour.
and he has succeeded admirably. The rolling of the gravel
and the mowing of the side lawns is done by steam power.
A combined engine of eight-horse power was designed by Mr.
Jones, and constructed by Messrs. T. Green & Sons of Leeds.
This rolls the gravel better than any horse roller could do it,.
and draws the mowing machine at the same time. It is
also constructed to act as a fire engine and to work at the saw
table. It is found very valuable, and is acredit to the designer
and manufacturer. Puke

The kitchen gardens at Frogmore are very extensive; the-
forcing houses and pits are also on a scale of considerable
magnitude. The chief range of glass is 1132 feet long and
20 feet wide. The houses are neat, light, and durable. They
were constructed for use rather than ornament, yet their very
utility and good condition have a pleasing appearance. Hverp
house, too, is occupied. There is not an inch of glass too
much at Frogmore; indeed not nearly enough considering the
enormous demands for fruit, flowers, and vegetables, and a
large addition of glass is projected—something worthy of
Royalty, and which it is hoped will be carried out. Formerly
much of the Castle decorations were done by professionals, but
now all the plants employed are grown in the Royal gardens,
and everything is done under Mr. Jones’s supervision. Alb
the fruit and vegetables and flowers required by the Royal
household, whether that be established at Windsor, Osborne.,
or Balmoral, have to be grown at and sent from Frogmore.
That demand is enormous. Fruit has to be sent by the hun-
dredweight, and vegetables by the truckload, and flowers in
the same proportion. The great establishment is taxed to the
utmost, and the best of management is required to sustain the
supply. Every corner of every house and pit is occupied in
the most profitable manner possible, and every inch of ground
is closely cropped.

It is not necessary to refer in detail to the contents of the
several houses. The structure at the east end, which is highez
than the general range, is a tropical plant house, containing
Bananas in a fruiting state and many ornamental-foliaged and
flowering plants. At the other end of the rangeis the Camellia
house; and it is noteworthy that although the aspect is south
and the glass not shaded, that there is scarcely a scorched
leaf to be seen, but on the contrary the foliage is of the richest
green. That the plants receive the best of attention is unde-
niable. The remaining houses in the range ere devoted to
fruit culture—Vines, Peaches, and Plums. The fruit from
many of them has been cut and gathered. The Peach crop
has been good, as a remnant of it proves, a few remaining
Barrington Peaches weighing 10 ozs., and some have heen
gathered of’the extraordinary weight of 13 ozs.—right royal
Peaches as none can deny. The trees are in admirable con-~
dition and contain not a semblance of red spider. Some of
the vineries are planted with young Vines, which are in an
excellent and highly promising state; others are older, yet
bear valuable crops of useful frnit—valuable at least until the

September 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 215

younger Vines are established to sustain the supply, when the
older will be removed by degrees, for some of them are beyond
renovation. It is necessary to proceed cautiously in this
matter, for there must not be any failure in the supply during
any day in the year. Neither is there likely to be; for it is
certain, judging from what has been already accomplished and
the soundness of the preparations for the future, that the
supply of Grapes at Frogmore, ample as it may have been in
the past, will be still greater and better in the future. The
young Vines which have been planted are making excellent
growth, and some of them are bearing wonderful crops. Late
Grapes continue until the 1st of April, when the first house of
fruit from Vines in pots are ripe: and so the work goes on in
one continual round. On the back walls of some of the houses
Tomatoes are grown and in others Guayas, and even the little
porches between the houses are filled with Grapes. Behind

this range of glass (in the centre of which is the gardener’s
commodious residence, in which Her Majesty has private rooms))
are the young men’s living rooms, reading room, fruit etores,
Mushroom houses, packing sheds, and other offices requisite
for the conduct of the establishment.

Between this chief range and the boundary wall is a large
enclosed space filled with smaller houses for Vines, Cherries,
Cucumbers, Melons, Strawberries, Kidney Beans and plants.,
together with a great extent of pits for Pines, Potatoes, and
general purposes. Pines are grown in deep brick pits, no path
inside. The bottom heat is afforded wholly by leaves, and
the plants are all planted out. Their number is great and
their quality still more striking. Nowhere in the Queen’s.
dominions are finer Pines grown than in the Royal Gardens.
They are Smooth Cayennes, and it is not now and then only
that a fruit of 8 and 9 lbs. weight is cut, but such fruits are

Fig. 45.— WINDSOR CASTLE—VIEW FROM THE TERRACE.

the rule. The simplicity of culture adopted, and the uniform
and great success achieved, is something that the manager and
his assistants may justly be proud of. They may be equally
proud, too, of some houses of Grapes. They are half-span-
roofed houses. The Vines are in splendid condition, the crop
enormous and excellent, and the roots a network of feeders
close to the surface of the ground. They afford a remarkable
instance of the power of mulching, and these Vines afford
altogether a fine example of Grape-growing.

Houees are devoted to Azaleas, ornamental-foliaged plants,
flowering plants, and Ferns. There are also a few Orchids,
and it is clear that everything receives skilled attention.
Strawberry and Kidney Bean forcing is a great affair at Frog-
more. Upwards of nine thousand pots of Strawberries are
forced yearly, and many plants are now being planted out in
pits to produce a supply during the time immediately preced-
ing the ripening of the outdoor crops. Pits of Strawberries
thus grown last year proved very valuable. Pit after pit are
filled with Kidney Beans, and hundreds are also grown in pots
for ensuring a supply from October until July, when the out-
door crops are in use. Mohawk and Fulmer’s Forcing are the
most popular varieties. Cucumbers are always in season, the
most esteemed variety for summer and winter use being Hedsor
Prolific. It is of medium size, a great bearer, handsome, and
of sup>rior qiality. Other pits are devoted to salads and

other vegetables, and every favourable wall space is covere@
with Tomatoes. Asparagus is forced in beds, hot-water pipes
being laid between the beds and shutters placed above them.
The beds are forced every alternate year. On the borders ia
this enclosure are hundreds of Bouvardias, Salvias, Habro-
thamnuses, Solanums, Spirzas, and similar plants, which are
potted in the autumn for winter and spring. They are muck
better when thus grown than when kept in pots during the
summer. There are beds also of Stocks, Asters, Zinnias, &.,
for affording cut flowers. These are extremely fine, some of
the Asters being extremely rich in colour and well sustain the
credit of the seedsmen—Messrs. Veitch. 4
On the boundary wall facing the south is to be seen what is
a rarity this season. Scarcely ever was the crop of Peaches
and Nectarines on walls so scant as during the present year,
and trees really well furnished with fruit are few and far
between. By far the finest crop we have seen is on this wall.
The trees are heavily laden with fruit—in fact, the crop is a
full and fine one. This is to be attributed to efficient protec-
tion and a sufficient yet intelligent use of canvas blinds. Mr.
Jones has great cause to be proud of this splendid wall of
Peaches. It isthe reward of protecting thoroughly. Half pro’
tection, which was only within the means of many gardeners,
was quite inadequate during the extremely inclement spring te
save the crop of this tender and much-yvalued fruit. The wal’

216

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 18, 1877.

is upwards of 1000 feet in length, and a commencement has
been made towards covering it with glass. Behind this wall is
the garden stabling, and near it has existed for along time an
eyesore—a blotch on the fair face of this finepark. It was a
corner of rubbish and a sluggish pond. The rubbish has been
removed, the pond is being filled up, and the ground made
preparatory to planting a ‘standard’ orchard; not an
orchard of standard trees, but of dwarfs of every known sort
of Apples correctly named as a ‘‘standard’’ collection. Many
trees have already been planted, and they are thriving ad-
mirably. The same plan is projected with other fruits—
Pears, Plums, and Cherries. This is quite independent of the
fruit supply for ordinary purposes. The object is somewhat
of a national one, and if Mr. Jones is able to carry it out on
the complete scale he has projected it will be worthy of the
Royal garden and of the nation.

The kitchen gardens yet remain to be noticed—necessarily
briefly. They are upwards of 30 acres in extent in five or six
walled enclosures. Originally each garden had its separate
fruit and name. Thus there was the Strawberry garden, the
Cherry garden, the Pium and Pear garden, and so on. The
plan is now undergoing a change, or rather the system of
planting. Many of the wall trees are old and deecrepid, and
young trees have not flourished well. In the renewal the
borders which have supported stone fruits, as Cherries and
Plums, are to be planted with Pears, and vice versa; and the
Strawberries are being removed—a wise arrangement, which is
already proving its worth. On the north sides of the walls are
Currants and Gooseberries for late use—full and valuable crops.

Vegetable culture is carried out on agreat scale. The system
resembles that adopted in the London market gardens—that is,
not an inch of ground is wasted, but the best that is possible
is made of every crop. The soil is heavy, costly, and hard
to work; but by taking advantage of its peculiarity and the
weather the supply of vegetables is maintained, and the walks
and quarters are kept clean and free from weeds. Down the
central walk are rows of dwarf trees trained as low arches.
They have a novel appearance, but are not profitable. A few
arches trained over the walk would enhance the appearance of
this part of the garden, and fruit would probably be produced
on them.

In the management of this great garden—together with the
supervision of the Home Park—unremitting attention and well-
directed skill are requisite. Special and substantial marks of
recognition conferred on the chief manager afford the best
evidence that these are forthcoming, and that Mr. Jones is
equal to his great and arduous task. The staff of men is

about 150. The established departmental foremen have com- |

fortable lodges, and every attention is paid to the welfare of all.
Her Majesty takes much interest in her garden, and her thought-
fulness and appreciation render the work of all pleasant—a
labour of love.—J. Wricur.

AUTUMN FLOWER SHOWS.

Waar a pity it is that many societies give horticultural ex-
hibitions at all! Numbers of places hold what they call
flower shows, which may be so in name, but are not so in
reality. There is a tentiul of some sort of plants and flowers,
a good band, # refreshment tent, and fireworks to end up
with. This is the bill of fare; but supposing the flowers
were left out altogether, would it not be far better? They
are entirely secondary, or tertiary, or anything else you like
to call them, to the band and fireworks.

The prizes are contemptible, and indeed so poor that no
one cares to send their plants or to cut their trees for the
sakeof winning these. Let me take Sherborne as an instance.
They held their show last week, and always attract a great
number of people. They have a good band, and fireworks to
end up with ; butas to flowers, what do you suppose they offer
for Roses? Why, for twenty-four trebles (open) the first
prize is £1, and to be allowed to compete for this valuable
prize, unless you subscribe, you have to pay an entrance fee of
2s. 6d. Then for amateurs for twelve blooms you are offered
10s., and have to pay 2s. 6d. entrance fee also. For Gladioli
Similar amounts are offered. Now, as the bulbs cost from 5s.
to 7s. 6d. each, it is of course not exceedingly likely that an
amateur will cut his spikes and spoil his garden for the short
time the Gladioli are in bloom, pay 2s. 6d. entrance fee and his
railway expenses, all for the chance of winning 10s. At Exeter
the other day I regret, and as a member of the committees am
ashamed to say, that we fell to a lower depth still, offering

7s. 6d. a8 the first prize for twelve Roses—this, too, by a
society that only allows subscribers of a guinea to exhibit.
At Dorchester, where I was particularly requested to show, and
where I sent two lots of Roses, my man could not for a long
time even obtain a pass ticket, and it was only after much
deliberation and with great reluctance that one was given.
Mr. Corp of Oxford, who went all that way for a trumpery
prize, was positively refused one, and had ultimately to go to
the Secretary’s house before he got one. Oliver Twist asking
for more soup did not more astonish the guardians than did
the equally modest request of my man for a pass ticket at my
own county town. ‘‘ Why, whatever shows can you have been
at before to expect this?’ was the question put in reply to the
astounding request. “Well, most places, I think; London,
Crystal Palace, Torquay, Hereford, Birmingham, Exeter, Not-
tingham, Huntingdon, Weston, and Taunton—in fact, every-
where except here, and this is my first and last appearance,
so let me have a pass as a farewell.” ‘* Why do you show at
such places?” I fancy someone may ask. Well, when you
haye polite letters asking you to exhibit, and you do not like
to refuse, and so go at a dead loss to yourself, expecting at
least decently civil treatment. But such, alas! is the ex-
ception not the rule.

I hope you will print this letter just as it is, for I feel sure
it will do me no harm, as [ shall not expose myself to such
treatment again; and the appearance of these remarks may,
perhaps, do good, by opening the eyes of the authorities of
local shows as to the liberality of their treatment of exhibitors.
—Joun B, M. Cau.

STRAWBERRIES.

My reason for discarding Black Prince is that I do not
think it is worth the trouble of eating, and I certainly should
never put a dish of it on my table. Keens’ Seedling is a good
hardy variety, but of no great quality, and did not succeed
well with me; uor do I think I have ever lately eaten one in
other persons’ gardens that I thought worthy to be named
with Siz Joseph Paxton, Lucas, or Dr. Hogg.

If the only object of growing Strawberries is to make pre-
serves, well, by all means go in for quantity rather than qua-
lity; but Vicomtesse Héricart de Thury makes far better
Strawberry jam than either Black Prince or Keens’ Seedling,
and the better the flavour of the fruit the better the quality of
preserve. There is as much difierenca between Strawberry

| jam and Strawberry jam as there is between a pot of Green

Gage preserve and one made from blue Orleans Plum. How-
ever, tastes differ; and if a kitchen gardener wishes to grow
only for preserving purposes, and thinks Black Prince and
Keens’ Seedling will furnish the housekeeper with most pots,
by all means let him do so. I never said they were worthless :

| I merely said I have discarded them, just as I am discarding

Sir C. Napier, Souvenir de Kieff, and others, because I do not
think them worth growing in my soil. Ido not care, again,
for mere size in fruit; there must be quality, though if com-

| bined with size, and what after all is of no little importance

when set on the table, form and colour, it enhances the value
of the Strawberry. lua Grosse Sucrée is a beautiful Straw-
berry to look at, but it has not in my mind flavour enough.
I am sorry to see by the last number of the Journal of Horti-
culture, Sept. 6th, that Traveller is in some soils uncertain.
With me it is certainly most promising.

I do not think, as a rule, we pay sufficient attention to the
quality of the leaf of the Strawberry plant, the length of foot-
stalk, habit of development of crown, &c. Some sorts have
stiff leaves or short footstalks that do not flag with the sun,
and are more capable of resisting red spider and dry weather;
others have soft foliage and long stalks, with spreading habits,
and will not succeed in light dry soils, although in a rainy
season they may make very strong growth. Sir C. Napier is
one of the latter class—soft leaves, long footstalks, soft fruit,
a free bearer, but—and it is a big but—insipid, rots in wet
weather, burns up in dry. Dr. Hogg with me has such a
tendency to make runners that it hardly ever makes good
crowne, and it is almost impossible to keep the runners cut
off. It was curious this year to notice the difference between
six beds of six different kinds all planted at the same time
and treated in the same way—viz., Lucas, Sir J. Paxton,
President, Filbert Pine, Dr. Hogg, and Bonue Bouche. Dr.
Hogg has run all in a mass the last few weeks, and the ground
has been too wet to get on to it to clear the runners, and the
fine days too few to spare the time. President has made

OE eee

September 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

217

fine runners, but also good crowns; the same of Sir J. Paxton
and Lucas. Filbert Pine is a good fruit, but weak habit in
my soil, and requires a stronger soil and good management.
Bonne Bouche is a good sort but uncertain.

Tam sure “ Amateur, Cirencester,” is right when he says
with proper care and attention Strawberry beds may be made
to last many years. One of mine has been in bearing for
more than ten years—I think twelve, but I am not quite cer-
tain—and is only this year condemned, not because it has
ceased fruiting, but because the whole quarter has to be cut
up.—C. P. Pracg.

In the present season we began gathering from Black Prince
the last week in June; then followed Keens’ Seedling, Presi-
dent, Sir Joseph Paxton, Refresher, and Reeves’s Eclipse.
Dr. Hogg will persist in coming with a white end, giving it the
appearance of an unripe fruit, which detracts from its quality,
otherwise it is a noble variety and one of the best Strawberries
I know ; it deserves extensive cultivation. British Queen with
me has the crown and shall wearit. Elton Pine I am still
gathering (7th September). Through the season they have
been in succession in the order named; finer fruit I could not
desire, and the crop everything that could be expected con-
sidering the season. Thesoil is astrong retentive loam resting
on a clay subsoil.

One of the best Strawberries for preserving is the Roseberry.
It is seldom seen now. We do not hesitate to preserve any
kind, but take them as they ripen, but I prefer Sir Joseph
Paxton and Reeves’s Eclipse. They are firm useful kinds,
good for market purposes, bearing carrying well.—F Racarra.

CHESHUNT HYBRID ROSE.

I HAVE just seen in a letter from the Rev. C. P. Peach that
the writer has doubts as to the merits of the Rose referred to
above. Iask permission to reply, chiefly that I may have an
opportunity of expressing the sincere and universal regret
which Mr. Peach’s illness and absence have caused to the floral
brotherhood, together with our heartfelt hope that we may
welcome him next season in our gardens and at our festivals ;
and to state, secondly, that had he seen the Cheshunt Hybrid
ag if has bloomed and is still blooming in my rosery, he would
agree in pronouncing it one of the most beautiful and bounti-
ful of Roses.—S. Reynonps Hous.

LILIUM AURATUM CULTURE.

Mr. Woop, Sir Erskine Perry’s gardener, has four plants,
single bulbs, in 8-inch pots, und about 140 blooms on the four
spikes, and magnificent blooms they are. The best plant has
forty-two blooms on the stem, and with the pot is 10 feet
6 inches high.

Mr. Wood’s mode of culture is to pot the plants as soon as
they cease blooming, shaking them clean out of the old soil and
potting them in loam, leaf soil, peat, and road sidings, chiefly
sand that is washed off the roads, in equal parts of each: if more
of any of the ingredients is used it is peat. The bulbs are
potted very low—more than half way down the pot. The soil
is then placed over them to the top of the pot. They are then
plunged on the north side of a wall, and sheltered from rains
or snow by light screens such as pea sticks or anything not
perfectly watertight, and there they remain until the growth
appears through the soil, when they are removed to a cold
house. When fairly in growth strong liquid manure is used
every day until the blooms expand. As this is the period for
repotting, a record of Mr. Wood’s successful practice may be
useful to other cultivators of this fine Liliam.—W. Mowsray.

IT =nchoss you a photograph of a Lilium auratum of, to me,
an unusual kind which bloomed about a month.ago. There
were seventy-three blooms all out at once upon a single stem ;
the cluster of flowers forming almost a cube 14 inches each
way, but the blooms were mainly on two sides—back to back—
and at the top. The stem was 4 feet 10 inches in length. At
the bottom it was about an inch wide and half an inch thick.
At the top, where the blooms were, it was 3 inches wide and
about one-sixteenth of an inch in thickness. I enclose two
sections of the stem, the smaller one being taken 27 inches
from the bottom, and the wider one 48 inches from the bottom.
The blooms were from 4 to 5 inches in diameter, beautifully
formed and nicely marked. The photograph will not give you
any idea of the beauty of the blooms, as they were falling

before the plant was taken to the photographer, but it will
give you an idea of the plant. Livery bloom would have been
perfect, but there was not room for all of them to expand fully.
I obtained the bulb from Mr. Granger, florist, Ashton-under-
Lyne, last spring, and I understand that ho has grown similar
plants for three or four years, but I have not heard of them
elsewhere, and I have searched your volumes for four or five
years without finding any allusion to them.—W. M., Thorn-
cliffe, Dukinfield.

[The stem of the Lilium is fasciated, and:the flowers are on
each side of the stem thus flattened. We uever saw before an
instance in the Lilium, bnt it is of frequent oceurrence in
other plants, especially Asparagus.—Ebs. |

HEREFORDSHIRE CIDER FRUITS.

I rurnx it would be a subject of great interest to those who
like myself add to their other hobbies some knowledge of the
best cider and perry, as well as dessert and culinary fruits,
and at the same time prove of no small advantage to the public
as bearing on the successful manufacture (at present a com-
parative failure) of a national beverage, if our brother pomolo-
gists would avail themselves of the opportunity our Journal is
now bringing prominently forward, of comparing notes on the
leading varieties, not only those now flourishing in the heyday
of their maturity and fecundity, but, scarcely less interesting
study, those gradually subsiding, slowly but surely, into ob-
scurity and decay.

May I give you a practical illustration of my object? Iwould
venture to ask of your readers for a description and perhaps
afterwards for a sample of one of the most celebrated—if not
the cider Apple par excellence of Devonshire, the Royal Wild-
ing. So celebrated was this Apple at least some 150 years ago
that an old writer of that period states, ‘‘ No less than 200,000
grafts of that variety were propagated in Devonshire and the
neighbouring counties in ten to fifteen years.”

Now, the Royal Wilding is stated by Batty Langley, the
author I have just quoted, to have been raised in Devonshire,
and gives a plate and description of the Apple, which if correct
does not at all tally in size or shape with the Royal Wilding
of Herefordshire (an Apple I may mention en passant we never
dream of making into good cider, except in combination with
other fruits); indeed so marked is the difference, that until I
am in a position to draw a comparison I must go so far as to
question their being the same variety.—Tus HEREFORDSHIRE
INcUMBENT.

(We should be glad if some Devonshire correspondent would
send us specimens of Royal Wilding to this office.—Eps. J. or H.]

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
LAMORRAN—Supplementary.

EVERYTHING in the garden at Lamorran bears the stamp of
originality, affords evidence of an intelligent grasp of the
nature and requirements of every tres and plant, and shows
that it must be owing to want of thought as much as to want
of pains that better general results are not obtained in so
many other gardens. Some Grape Vines planted in an orchard
house may be usefully turned to ag an example of this: with
the exception of shortening and thinning of the wood after
the leaf falls the growth is suffered to ramble about untrained
and almost unchecked ; the berries are thinned, but the bunches.
are left on with what at first sight appears an almost reckless
profusion. There they hang so thick as often to touch each
other, large clusters colouring and swelling capitally, without
a sign of shanking or disease of any kind, excellent bunches
of Alicante and some of the best fruit of Lady Downes’ Seed-
ling that I have seen this season. Owners of small gardens
having little professional assistance would do well to apply
this sensible, natural method of Grape-culture in their own
practice. To make it quite clear its chief points may thus be
set forth: Let the roots have plenty of rich soil. Hncourage
every shoot to grow as long and strong as it will. Avoid pinch-
ing and nipping off any of the growth excepting when it becomes.
much crowded, then thin slightly. Give copious supplies of
water and air—plenty of air night and day when the weather
is warm and genial—closing your ventilators only to exclude
cold or high wind. Prune away weakly growth and thin-out
and shorten strong growth in winter, but do not prune toa
single eye, rather leave 6 or 8 inches of stout young wood
with two or three plump buds, and you will have healthy Vines

218

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 13, 1877.

and plenty of Grapes. This summary of cultural points is
probably not exactly a correct statement of Mr. Boscawen’s
practice, but it is jast what experience prompts me to jot down
here as a serviceable and timely hint.

Among the Vines in the orchard house were some Roses,
just a few choice Teas, which afford quantities of perfect
flowers earlier and later than they are to be had in the open
air. They are planted at intervals along the sides, and the
growth of some trained up under the roof, while others are
left with the growth untrained to form bushes. Both plans
are good in their way, but when space is an object it is better
to turn the roof to account and to reserve the space beneath for
other things. Here the space is fully taken up by a fine batch
of Amaryllis, all seedlings raised by Mr. Boscawen from care-
ful crossings, just bursting into flower full of promise. Lilies,
too, were blooming in pots for seed, each flower being experi-
smentally impregnated with pollen brought from flowers of the
sturdy plants growing in the open air among the Rhododen-
drons. The Amaryllises are never suffered to become dry
at the root, nor are the pots laid’ on their sides, as is often
done, but as the growth ceases less water is given, and it is
altogether withheld during the period of rest; yet the soil can
never become thoroughly dry, as the pots are either plunged
or placed upon moist soil. I quite approve of this plan, having
successfully followed a similar one in my own practice. The
South American’stove bulb Griffinia hyacinthina was in excel-
lent condition, with numerous other plants not often met with,
altogether making the orchard house as remarkable in its way
as the other features of the garden. A Bamboo, for many
years a flourishing plant upon the open slopes, had seeded
and died, like so many others in the south and in Ireland.
This is much to be regretted, as it is equally striking and
ornamental, Phormium tenax from its flourishing condition
is evidently perfectly at home here, and the Pampas Grass is
something wonderful; so large are the clumps of it, and so
strong is the growth, that it produces an effect as bold and
prominent as the largest shrubs.

The Cornish Gilliflower, which originated in this neighbour-
hood, was well represented by a tree of it growing among other
Apples, and which was remarkable for its free clean growth
heavily laden with fruit and the handsome form of the tree
itself. It is much valued as a winter dessert fruit.

In the kitchen garden my attention was drawn to a peculiar
sort of Asparagus which never seeds, but is viviparous, pro-
ducing numerous young plants upon its branches. Its origin
is somewhat doubtful. It has been here under culture for
some twenty years, and is considered infinitely superior to the
ordinary sort, being much earlier and yielding large shoots
sbundantly.—Epwarp Luckuurst.

DESTROYING WEEDS ON GRAVEL WALKS.

Soak them with carbolic acid about the strength of one of
acid to forty parts of water. I have found it successful, but
the process must be repeated at least once a year.—k. C. B.,
Holton Park.

AUTUMNAL ROSE SHOWS.

Tue county of Sussex is rapidly becoming a great Rose-
. showing county. It hardly equals, perhaps, at present, Kent
and Surrey, its more metropolitan and city-bred sisters, al-
though it owns the great London-super-Mare. Still Rose shows
are certainly extending, and large Rose-growers being mul-
tiplied. The Horsham Rose Association, started this summer,
made an excellent start, and can already boast of a lengthened
list of members. During the last fortnight Roses have been
shown of high quality both at West Grinstead and also at
Horsham.

Sussex does not keep all its good things to itself. At most
of the shows there are prizes offered to all England. The
West Grinstead Show, held in the park of Sir Walter Burrell,
was of large extent, taking in almost all autumnal produce.
Though a perfectly baronial hospitality, it was also made the
occasion of a great county gathering. Very excellent Roses
were exhibited by Mr. Graveley, Captain Carter, Mr. Martin,
and others. The all-England prizes for twelve being taken by
Mr. Martin, and another who, as Mr. Camm would say, shall
be nameless. The show of Roses in the beautiful grounds of
Horsham Park on September 6th would not have disgraced
July. Many of the boxes would have taken prizes anywhere.
Mr. Martin was again largely successful. Castellane was shown

in great beauty, as also Belle Lyonnaise, one of the very best
seedlings of Gloire de Dijon, also Malmaison, Dr. André, and
E. Y. Teas, which.is rapidly ranking as a first-class Rose. There
was here a twenty-four as well as a twelve all-England class,
besides various county ones, the prizetakers being Mr. Martin
first in both; Sir W. Burrell, and Mr. Davis, second and third
for the twenty-four. There was also a large and fine fruit, and
vegetable, and other flower exhibition.—A. C.

THE WEATHER.

From recent reports in the Journal I see that the Potato
disease is becoming general throughout England. So far as IL
know it is not begun in our district yet, but yesterday morning
we were visited with something of a different character, which,
to say the least, made a more rapid change in the appearance
of Potato fields than the disease would do. What I refer to
was a severe frost. After a few hours’ sunshine whole fields of
Potatoes had a quite black appearance. This must seriously
injure the crop, as, owing to the long period of dark rainy
weather we have had, the tubers are in many cases not more
than half-grown. Some of the more tender occupants of the
flower garden, such as Dahlias, Nasturtiums, Perilla, &c., have
suffered considerably from the frost. I do not remember a
worse season for autumn flowers. The rainy summer has
made them late, and now the frost threatens their destruction
when they are but coming to their best, and in some cases not
even that.—J. Harpiz, Logie Mar, Aberdeenshire.

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Tur harvesting of such fruit as our gardens possess and
several of our kitchen garden crops must now for a time receive
ourimmediate attention. Let all fruit be carefully band-picked
and carried to the fruit-room or other place for storing them,
and any bruised, cracked, or damaged by the attacks of an
insect should be put on one side for immediate use. A great
number of our Apples are attacked by the Apple weevil, which
bores down through the centre of the fruit and out on one side,
which causes them to ripen prematurely, and subsequently to
drop off. That delicious-flavoured Pear Williams’ Bon Chrétien
should be gathered before it turns yellow, otherwise it speedily
decays. By going over the trees at different periods and gather-
ing a third of the crop at a time, we have been able to supply
the table daily (in former years), for several weeks. These same
remarks will apply to early Apples that soon deteriorate in
flavour after they are once ripe. Our Pear and Peach crops are
very slight indeed, but of Apples we have on several trees a
very fair sprinkling. On King of the Pippins, Lord Suffield,
Beauty of Kent, Cellini, and Wellington we have an average
crop, while Cox’s Orange Pippin and several others have just a
few. Peaches, Nectarines, and other trees trained on walls will
require to be kept tolerably thin and free of breastwood, in order
to facilitate the ripening of the shoots before the dark dull
days of winter are upon us. Keep down weeds in Strawberry
beds by running the hoe through them, and clear-off any runners
which may from time to time appear. The newly-planted beds
are doing well, but when the stock is limited plants may be put
in still.

In the flower garden there will be very little change in the
operations of keeping all neat and tidy. There is as yet in the
neighbourhood of London no perceptible falling-off in the gay-
ness of the beds. Geraniums are with us still in great beauty,
and the carpet bedding wherever we have seen itis just at its
best, while the herbaceous borders are gay with Tritomas, Pent-
stemons, Phloxes, and Gladioli. The flower stems of Gladioli
and other herbaceous plants should be cut off as they begin to
decay. Cuttings of various bedding plants may yet be struck,
full directions of which have been given in previous calendars.
Roses are still blooming well ; we do not remember having had
such a successional supply before, and unless we have some
very bad weather we are likely to have good blooms for some
time to come. Look to those that were budded in the early
season, and if any failures it is not too late to bud again ; others
will require the binding material removed, otherwise it may
cut into the wood. Cuttings taken-off now will strike freely if
inserted in a shady border in the open ground. Prepare the
cuttings in lengths from 3 to 4 inches, and insert them in rows,
making the soil firm around them.

Spring sown Onions ought now to be fully ripe and to be
taken up and exposed to the sun as much as possible, for it is
impossible to dry Onions too much. If a dry and airy place
under cover can be spared so much the better ; if not, frequently
turning them on mats will cause them to become hard and
plump. The ground where the Onions have been lifted will be
suitable for planting-out the supply of spring Cabbage, which is
in all cases a most important crop, The ground should be
liberally manured and deeply dug before the Cabbages are

Septembe 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

219

planted. ‘Twenty inches apart is a very good distance for a per-
manent crop, but where ground is scarce and small greens are
wanted in the spring, they may be planted 1 foot apart, and the
same distance between the rows. If this be done, every other
row and every other plant must be removed for use as wanted
in the spring. Carrots, more especially the Early Horn and
James’s Intermediate, will require harvesting—laying them in
layers of sand in the store-room. Overhaul all Potatoes recently
lifted, and remove all decaying tubers. Continue to transplant
Coleworts, Lettuces, and Endive from the July sowings, and
make another sowing of the Bath or Brown Cos Lettuce; they
may be useful for standing over the winter. All herbs should
be collected and dried at once. Winter Spinach and Turnips
should be sufficiently thinned before they become drawn. A
judicious thinning enables them to withstand the severity of the
winter better than wken they have been left and become drawn.

Chrysanthemums are now growing fast, their pots have be-
come full of roots, and now is the time to help them with ma-
nure water. They are very gross feeders; still we advise it to
be given them tolerably weak at first. About an ounce of guano
in a gallon of water makes a very suitable stimulant for them,
or the ordinary mixture of animal droppings diluted will help
them. Their bloom buds are now becoming conspicuous, and
in order to insure large blooms they must be disbudded, pre-
serving the centre flower buds of the large-flowering and
Japanese sections; but for the Pompons we do not advise dis-
budding at all. The various modes of training for specimens
must be daily attended to, and all must be made secure to

stakes, or the winds may snap that which it has taken weeks |

to grow.

Stage and fancy Pelargoniums that have been previously cut
down and are breaking freely, should be shaken-out and re-
potted into smaller pots. Place them in a cold frame; they
‘will soon emit roots and grow away freely. Zonals that were
potted-on in the spring and placed out of doors for autumn dis-
play should now be returned to a frame or some place under
cover, using the lights only to throw off rains; they will show
flower and be useful for some time to come. Primulas and
Cinerarias will require timely potting to prevent them from
becoming pot-bound.

The stockof Dutch bulbs may now be purchased. Pot those |

varieties that naturally bloom early first. After potting place
them under a cover of a few inches of cocoa-nut fibre or coal
ashes, where they must remain for a few weeks to take root
without exciting top growth.

All houses will require a complete overhaul in the way of
cleaning and painting to get them ready to replace, as soon as
bad weather sets in, the stock of hardwooded plants now out of
doors hardening-off.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Tuts department is sometimes neglected at this time of the
year. Many of the quarters are half cleared of the various crops,
some of them entirely. In either case it is well to see that no
trimmings of vegetables or other refuse are left in the way.
Let the ground be cleared and levelled at once, and if a whole
quarter is empty it is the best plan to dig or trench it at once.
We are picking quantities of Scarlet Runners and Dwarf Kidney
Beans. Of the latter the Negro Longpod seems to be the best
for a general crop, although for the earliest Newington Wonder
bears abundantly, but the pods are very small. We have tried
different varieties of the tall Runner Beans, but taking every-
thing into consideration there is no doubt that the variety termed
Painted Lady has not yet been superseded. Onions have been
sown in drills, and also Caulifiower, in our dry soil. That sown
about the 21st of August is apt to button, especially if they are
planted out in the hand-lights; whereas a neighbour who does
not use hand-lights, but puts out his plantsin a dry sheltered
part of his garden, finds the 21st of August the best date. If
the plants are likely to grow too vigorous before the winter he
lifts them a second time and transplants, but the plants are not
put out in the open quarter until tie early spring months. We
dave also sown a quantity of Hicks’ Hardy White Cos Lettuce;
it is an excellent variety of the Paris White Cos type, and has
not yet failed to stand over the winter months without any
protection. We have earthed-up Celery. It is needless to say
that this work must be done very carefully and only when the
leaves and soil are dry; it is therefore necessary to take the
earliest opportunity of fine weather to attend to this work. See
that the soil does not fall into the centre of the plants: to avoid
this it is always best to tie the leaves tightly together. Cardoons
have now made considerable growth, and must also be blanched
in the same way as Celery. A good old-fashioned plan is to tie
the leaves together with haybauds, and then place the earth
around the leaves in the manner of a Celery trench. If they
are earthed-up now they will be fit for use about November and
onwards. Some persons consider that the best way to blanch

Cardoons is to tie the leaves together and then tie some straw
round the plants, or place the straw in an upright position on
each side of the row, fastening it at the top. This certainly
throws the water from the centre of the plants. Cauliflower
plants put out in July will now be forming heads. They ought
to have been earthed-up and also kept free from weeds. If this
is not done see to itat once. See that gravel walks are kept free
from weeds by hand-picking. This is the best way to clean
walks, and after going over them @ birchbroom should be used
to level the path and clear off any withered leaves and dirt.

MUSHROOM HOUSE.

At this season in many districts almost any quantity of ex-
cellent Mushrooms can be gathered on the old pasture ground,
and a succession may be obtained for some time yet. The Fairy-
ring Fungus (Agaricus oreades) is very abundant with us, but
no one seems to use them in any way, which is a misfortune, as
they make excellent catsup, and can be cooked in the same way
as the Agaricus campestris. Preparation must also be made at
this time for the formation of a bed in the house, or if material
is ready a bed may be made up at once. The usual way is to
get stable manure with a portion of the long straw shaken out
of it. The manure must be placed in a heap to ferment; but if
itis likely to heat with great violence it may be spread out
thinly, which will arrest the fermentation to a considerable ex-
tent, and the manure will also throw off superfluous moisture
after being turned over every day for four or five days. It may
be again thrown up into a larger heap or ridge, taking care that
it is frequently turned to prevent over-heating. The method of
making up the beds has been frequently described. It will be
well for the gardener to be very attentive to the various details
of the work, and, what is of very great importance, he must see
that at no time is the manure over-heated. The first bed may
be made up on the ground, to be followed by others raised on
shelves one above another as high as the walls of the house.
The manure must be beat down rather firmly; an ordinary brick
wielded in the hand is good for this purpose. For those who
do not possess the advantage of a forcing house for Mushrooms
it has been recommended to obtain a supply by growing them
in boxes to be placed in a cellar or some similar place. A
writer in the Transactions of the Caledonian Horticultural
Society more than fifty years ago procured boxes 3 feet long,
1} foot wide, and 7inches in depth. He spawned the manure,
which was rammed into the boxes in the usual way, and each
box produced from twenty-four to forty-eight pints of button
Mushrooms. The writer further adds, “I have lately found it
very useful to add to every three barrowloads of horse dung
one of perfectly dry cow dung, beaten down to powder, as it
were, and well mixed amongst the horse dung after it has lain
under cover four or five days to dry.” This planof mixing the
dry cow manure with that from the stable we know to be a good
one, but it ought to be gathered in the summer and be dried in
the sun. Gardeners know how difficult it is to get the manure
for their Musbroom beds snufiiciently dry, and when this is the
case they would find how useful two or three cartloads of this
sun-dried material would become. Artificial heat in the Mush-
room house ought to be avoided as long as the night tempera-
ture ranges about 55°; a high night temperature is not con-
ducive to the quality of Mushrooms. Two things must be
guarded against in the growth of Mushrooms, and that is over-
heating the beds and too much moisture in the manure.

VINERIES.
Tf a gardener were asked the question whether it was most
difficult to grow Grapes to perfection or to preserve them after
they are ripe, probably he would be puzzled to say. In our dis-
trict, which is within the radius of the thick clammy London
fogs, it is almost impossible to keep the berries from moulding
or from injury in some way; already one or two berries have
become mouldy. It is quite necessary to watch frequently for
traces of decay on the berries, and to have them removed before
they do injury to the others. For want of this precaution a
mass of berries are destroyed together and the appearance of
the bunch is rnined. As this is the season when most attention
is required the cultivator must be on the alert. A judicious use
of the heating apparatus and careful ventilation is necessary to
success. Many vineries are not provided with the means of
ventilation in wet weather at the apex of the roof, and in wet
weather many persons put on the heat to dry the atmosphere.
This it might do if. there was a good circulation of air through
the house. We rather prefer tc do without heat in such weather,
and to ventilate freely and dry the atmosphere in clear weather.
Preparations as to cleaning the walls and woodwork of the
houses, also removing the loose bark and washing the Vines,
have been carried on with us during the past week. The walls
have been well washed with limewash, and the Vines will also
be washed with strong soapy water before painting the canes
with a mixture of soapy water, a small portion of soot, and suffi-
cient sulphur to thicken the mixture to the consistency of thin
paint. ;

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.
Allusion has already been made to the necessity of carefully

220

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 18, 1877.

looking over all bug-infested plants and utterly destroying the
pest. The first cleansing must be followed up by another in
three or four days, and yet another and another at short inter-
vals. A year or two ago when inspecting a celebrated private
collection of stove plants I remarked on the absence of bug, and
the gardener stated that he had none on the place. He said
that.a plant sent in from the nursery, though apparently clean,
soon developed a colony of the pest, but he had it looked over
every day for the space of two or three weeks, after which it
was pronounced to be clean. It is not possinle to grow many
of our best stove plants satisfactorily, such as Ixoras, Dipla-
denias, Stephanotis, &c., if they are not free from this pest;
the insect gets into the flower trusses and makes a sad mess of
them. Red spider is easily destroyed if the leaves can be
washed clean with soapy water and the plant be syringed daily
afterwards. A most difficult intruder to overcome in the plant
stove is the lively little thrips. Besides moving about at a
rapid rate they get into the heart of many tender-foliaged Or-
chids and other plants, where you can neither handwash nor
syringe them. Fumigating the house with good tobacco is the
best way to destroy them, butit must be done with great caution,
as many Orchids, Ferns, and tender plants suffer from too much
tobacco smoke. It took us nearly two years to clear the stove
of this pest, and it was done by fumigating in the late autumn
and winter months.. Whole collections of Orchids are depre-
ciated in value to an alarming extent by the depredations of
this pest. It is particularly fond of the tender leaves of some
varieties of Cypripedium, especially C. superbiens (Veitchii).
It will now almost be possible to do without using the shading
material. If it is necessary to use it at all it may only be done
when the sun shines directly on the plants.——J. Douctias.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Hooper & Co., Covent Garden Market, London.—Autwmn
Catalogue of Bulbs, éc. ;

William Rollisson & Sons, The Nurseries, Tooting, London.—
Catalogue of Cape, Dutch, and other Bulbs, Fruit Trees, dc.

Dick Radclyffe & Co., 129, High Holborn.—Catalogue of
Dutch Flower Roots, Trees, Garden Requisites, &c.

Thomas S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, London.
—Autumn Catalogue of Bulbs, Tuberous-rooted Plants, déc.

Stephen Brown, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. — Autwmn
Catalogue of Bulbs and Flower Roots.

Samuel Yates, Old Millgate, Manchester.—Illustrated Cata-
toque of Flower Roots.

- Tait & Co., Capel Street, Dublin.—Catalogue of Superior

Dutch Bulbs, dc.

F. Brassac, Florist, Faubourg Bonnefoy, Toulouse.—Special
Catalogue.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

** All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.’’ Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Books (S. D. T.).—Keane’s “Indoor Gardening.” You can have it free
by post if you enclose twenty postage stamps with your address.

TREATMENT OF CARNATIONS AND PicoTEES (A Lover of Flowers).—To
grow them satisfactorily the plants must be wintered in cold frames, and be
planted out in beds in March, or potted into large pots in which to bloom.
The most hardy sorts will live over the winter in borders, but even of them
many die during the winter months.

AZALEA LEAVES INJURED (An Old Reader).—There |is no trace of thripg
on the Azalealeaves sent, but there is of red spider. This pest is very de_
structive. You must syringe the plants freely when growing, which wily
keep it in check.

MENTHA PULEGIUM Harpy (A Constant Subscriber).—It is a native of
England and the south of Ireland, and is quite hardy.

DicGinG-In VetcHEs (HZ. A.).—Sow a3 much seed as if the crop was to be
mown.

PELARGONIUMS (J. HZ. W.).—You do not state where they are to be grown.
Go to any florist and select for yourself. No seedling Pansies have arrived.

Manvre (N. J. M.).—The stable manure worked through the pigstye is
the most fertilising. We should apply it to each crop at the time of planting,
and in a thoroughly decomposed state.

Norice To Leave (Novice).—If your wages were paid weekly your master
need not give you more than a week’s notice.

Apples (G. S.).—Any of the Jarge nurserymen who specially cultivate fruit
trees can supply all the varieties you name,

LEAVES AS MANvuRE (Sambo).—They are beneficial, and your inserting
them when tresh is an economical mode

MvusHRooms (Franklin).—Your Fungus is one of the numerous varieties of
the common Mushroom which approach the Horse Mushroom in character.
We have, however, never before obseryed any variety chauge colour on break-
ing to the peculiar dead and somewhat dark brown colour of your specimen.

TuPRovING Som (Rose).—Your sandy soil can only have its staple im-
proved by adding large quantities of clay, chalk, and bricklayers’ rubbish.

GxEmarTIsS (C. S.).—Clematis florida flore-pleno.

Crrron LEAvEs BuorcHeD (LZ. L.).—The blotches are caused by deficient
root-action and too much shade. A little weak manure water and more light
will prevent the blotching. Those out of doors now were injured probably
before being moved from the house.

GRAPES CRACKING (M. R. P.).—The Muscat Hamburgh is especially liable
to crack its berries. The Vine supplies sap faster than the skins of the berries
can expand. There is probably an excess of moisture about the roots.

ScaLE ON VinE LEAVES (John Sharp).—We dc not know the cause of
plants being infested with insects other than that the plants upon which they
are found afford the elements of their existence. The insect infesting the
leaf sent is the Vine scale (Coccus vitis), and the black mould or fangus upon
the surface 0! the leaf is the result of the insect’s excretion. It may be destroyed
by a solution of soft soap—half a pound to half a gallon of water, adding a
wineglassful of spirits of turpentine, thoroughly mixed, and applied to the
parts infested with a brush, syringing the parts dressed with the compound
before it become dried upon the leaves. In winter, when the leaves are’ off
and the Vines pruned, the Vine stems should be freed of the loose bark and
be dressed with the compound in every part, brushing it well into every angle
and crevice of the bark.

CLEMATIS AND WISTARIA Propacation (Rosery).—Layering is the most
certain mode of propagating the Wistaria, bat cuttings of the strong roots
may be taken in autumn and inserted in sandy soil, or cuttings of the young
shoots when getting firm inserted in sandy soil in a sheltered sitnation under
a hand-light. We should layer a long ripened young-shootin autumn, cover-
ing the shoot with about an inch of soil, the whole extent of the shoot to be
laid in the soil, and almost every bud will form a plant. Clematis may be
layered in the same way, or cuttings put in of the young shoots after they
become firm under a hand-light in sandy soil. A more general mode of
propagation is by grafting upon the thick roots of the hardier kinds, as
C. vitalba, using scions of the ripened shoots, operating in early spring under
glass.

APPORTIONING GLASS StRuctTuRE (H. P.).—Your 90 feet length of house
we should divide into 20 feet for early vinery, 24 feet late vinery, 20 feet for
plant house, and 26 feet for fruit house, which we presume will be an orchard
house. As to arrangement, we should have the plant house at one end and
next the boiler, taking the pipes through it in a flue with an open iron
grating, thea the early vinery and the late vinery, following with the fruit
house at the other end, the pipes being conveyed through the vineries as well
as the plant house in an open iron grating-covered flue, having the required
piping taken from the main flow up the houses. We should have the border
for the Vines the whole extent of the house inside, and though the Vines
would be planted inside have part border outside, the side walls being arched
so as to allow of the Vine roots passing from the inside to the outside border.
For the early house we should have Mill Hill Hamburgh, Black Hamburgh,
White Frontignan, Buckland Sweetwater, and Foster’s Seedling; or if you
wish more black than white Grapes have two Black Hamburgh and omit a
white kind, For the late house two Muscat of Alexandria, Black Alicante,
Lady Downe’s, Mrs. Pince, and Gros Guillaume.

ReNovaTinG OLD GRAPE ViNES (H.).—The only fault you find with your
old Vines is weakness of growth and smallness of fruit; the border is there-
fore sound and well drained, or you would have complained of shanking.
Why, then, should you renew it and incur a considerable expense when more
simple measures will meet your requirements ? Give the entire border a sur-
face dressing 8 inches deep of three parts old and very rich manure with one
part chopped turf or road scrapings; avoid close praning, rather leave on
6 inches of young wood at each spur with a plump eye near the end, and take
up a yourg rod from some point near the bottom of the rafters with a view
to the removal of the old one in a year or two’s time, the strength of the
young growth being your guide. We do not like turning out Vines into the
open air in winter. In your case it appears to be unavoidable, yet there is no
reason why they should not be protected from cold by mats and litter, pro-
vided they are not left uncovered too late in spring.

LEYCESTERIA FoRMosA (E. GC. O.).—The name of the shrub is Leycesteria
formosa, a native of Nepaul. It is hardy, but sometimes suffers from very
severe frost at this season of the year. It is propagated by cuttings of the
matured growth inserted in a cold frame or under a hand-glass. It also
comes readily from seed in spriog and from cuttings of the young growth.
Any nurseryman will supply you with it at 1s. a plant or 6s.adozea. There
are pods of ripe seeds upon the flower cluster which you sent us.

Currinc-Back Fancy PELARGoNIUuMS (dmateur).— Fancy Pelargoniums
should be cut back immediately after the flowers fade and be put out in the
open air fully exposed to the sun. When the buds of a new growth begin to
swell shake all the old soil from the roots, shorten them, and then repot, still
keeping the plants in the open air till the new growth is growing strongly.

Grow1NG FINE Carnation Frowsrs (Idem).—To have large flowers and
uniform in size cut off all the little buds, retaining only a few of the most
promising. This plan has to be followed in the production of most other
flowers, and also of fruit; hence the frequent disappointment of those who,
seeing fine specimens at shows, purchase plants in the expectation that every
flower will be equal to those in a prize stand,

DETAILS OF A SPAN-ROOFED VINERY (W. Pemberton). — Let the house
stand lengthwise north and south, then the morning sun will shine upon the
eastern slope and side; at mid-day it will warm the entire roof, and so pass
round to the west later in the day. You can grow Grapes and Roses perfectly
well in such a building. Make two arches in the side walls, the tops being
6 inches below the surface; then’plant inside the house and close to the east
wall three Vines, making for them a border 2 feet wide inside the house to
plant in, and let the roots pass through the soil in the archways into an outer
border. Plant two Roses in the same way close to the west side, and train the
growth upwards till it meets the Vines. Put a stage for plants i the centre
with a path allround it, and let your brick flue be under the stage, passing
along and returning under the path at any suitable point. Order strong
Vines now, and haye them put aside with your name fastened upon them at
the nursery, but do not plant till the end of March, or rather just as the buds
begin swelling; then shake all the soil off the roots, uncoil, and spread them™
carefully out to their full length in the border, covering with 6 inches of soil.
If the sap is in motion when you receive the Vines do not shorten them but
rub off the top bads, so that the new growth starts from the bottom of the
roof-slope. You will thus ayoid loss of strength from the bleeding which so
often follows late pruning. Give no check to a single shoot of the first year’s
growth.

ComBINED VINERY AND Pant House (C. TZ. J. M.).—For a late vinery
the Vines may be planted outside; but this is not the best plan, entire crops
of fruit being frequently spoilt inautumo by heavy rain satarating the border

September 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

221

and causing such a strong flow of sap as to make the fruit crack and decay.
Provision ought always to be made to throw off the rain from such a border
after the fraitis ripe. Do this and you may plant outside with advantage.
If youdo turn the Vines outside during winter protect them from severe frost
with litter-and mats, but if you only wish to use the vinery as @ greenhouse
in winter why disturb the Vines? The temperature of a greenhouse would
not excite premature growth. Alicante and Lady Downe’s Seedling are the best
late-keeping Grapes, but you must keep out plants till the fruit is used, or mach
of it will be spoilt by the moisture arising from them. It would facilitate
watering and improve its appearance if the stage did not go quite to the end
farthest from the early vinery, but had its shelves continued along to the back
with a path at both ends. The heating pipes could easily be connected with
those in the early vinery and put along’/the front as you propose. Let the
valve be in the early house to prevent waste of heat. A 4-inch flow-and-
return pipe would no doubt keep out frost in a small house, but we cannot
tell how much piping will be required without knowing the dimensions of the
house and the maximum winter temperature.

Fre Cunture (C. T. J. M.).—Plant against a south or south-west wall in
soil that is not more than 15 inches deep, making the bottom hard with con-
crete or stone rammed down hard to keep the roots from goingdown. Fasten
the leading shoots to the wall, remove ail suckers, and nip off the spring
shoots at the third or fourth leaf to induce a second growth of three or four
lateral shoots, every one of which should have some incipient fruit at the base
-of the leavesnear the tips. Protect the entire trees with mats or litter during
winter, for if the shoots are exposed to severe frost not only will the crop be
Jost but there will be a risk of the shoots being also destroyed. If the growth
prove weakly and the fruit small apply surface-dressings of rich manure, and
thus draw the roots to the surface and feed them as much as you please.
When the fruit is half grown frequent doses of sewage or guano water poured
over the roots tend to increase the fruit’s size and flavour. Never let the
trees suffer from drought, or the fruit will turn yellow and fall prematurely.
Brown Turkey is the best sort for your purpose. It is hardy and a sure and
abundant cropper. If you require large fruit plant Brunswick, and for a
white sort choose White Marseilles.

SLuG FROM GARDEN (William Gorrie).—The slugs sent by you are not
unfrequent io the villa gardens in York Road, Trinity, Edinburgh; and as
fully as bad plant-destroyers as the several common kinds (from all of which
they differ in having a prominent ridge or keel along their backs) is Limax
Sowerbii of Ferussac (Horbes & Hanley, Brit. Mollusea. iv. pl. EER, fig. 3.—
DL. carinatus, Gray), common near London but rarer northwards.—I. O. W.

Names oF Faorrs (Grig).—Dumolow’s Sesdling. (Knuwtsford)—1, Kes-
wick Codlin. The others not knowa.

Names or Poants (X. A. M.).—Lastrea dilatata. (J. Shearer).—l, Cam-
panula rotundifolia; 2, Achillea Ptarmica; 3, Polygonum Persicaria; 4, P.
aciculare. (G. O. S.).—1, Acanthus mollis; 2, Physalis Alkekengi; 8, Gaillar-
dia aristata. (Ms. Pettat).—The Lady’s Tresses (Spiranthes autumualis).
{Mac.).—Cystopteris fragilis.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

COMMITTEEMEN EXHIBITING.

A CORRESPONDENT in a contemporary considers himself a
sufferer because at some show where he has exhibited a com-
mitteeman won the prize which perhaps would otherwise have
een his. He urges that the managers of shows should not ex-
hibit : in fact, he wishes himself to enjoy the fruits and pleasure
of exhibiting while others may do all the work. The reply of
the editor is very good; he says, “It is quite certain that if com-
mitteemen were debarred many shows would never be held, as
the keen personal interest in the subject is the chief spur to
exertion.” This certainly all should readily see, and without
doubt once such a plan as this correspondent urges was carried
into effect immediately exhibitions would on all sides come to
afallstop. Those that remained would be merely speculative
exhibitions in every way, got up in some favourite place of
resort as a popular amusement, or as a means to get people to-
gether; for there are indeed but few fanciers who can give time
and money to get up a show, and then not even have the
privilege of seeing their own birds compete for the prizes. And
the speculative exhibitions, they would in their turn probably
cease, for a bad year might come, or a wet day, and the receipts
not being sufficient the prizes would very possibly not be paid,
and the show would collapse. This has already happened fre-
quently, and without doubt the genuine exhibitions, such as
withstand a bad year and still bloom forth in another, are those
got up by real fanciers—lovers of poultry in every sense of the
word, who promote the show for their own pleasure and to see
their birds side by side with their neighbours and friends.

We also agree in thinking the line may, however, possibly be
drawn with the secretary, as he naturally has often to be thrown
with the judges all the while the awards are being made; but
this is less difficult to overcome, for the secretary can be a paid
one, such as many exhibitions now have, though, of course, the
more ardent a poultry fancier a man may be the more suitable
and energetic secretary will he make; and.as it would be hard
to cut out such aman from the chance of ever exhibiting at his
own show, and the fact of the secretary exhibiting was really
objected to, it might possibly be arranged for some members of
the committee to take in turn these arduous duties which some
one must perform. The editor of our contemporary, however,
zightly admits that at some shows with some judges the fact of
the committeemen themselves exhibiting and carrying off the
chief prizes is open to much comment. And this once more
Opens up the case of how very important it is for exhibitors to

insist on the names of the judges being published; and for the
show-promoters themselves, how important it is for them in
their own interests, if they want many entries and the birds of
the best exhibitors, to publish invariably this information, for
we have many judges whose names are themselves a guarantee
that all that is fair and honest will at least be done by them.
Such names we need not mention, they are well known; and the
fancy knows that no committeeman or secretary would ever be
the least benefited by any sly hints or remarks they may make
as to the ownership of any individual pens with those gentlemen.

We remember a long controversy in this Journal a few years
ago on this subject (it is in vol. xvii.); and though we are far
from wanting to open up the subject again, we cannot refrain
from saying that those fanciers would be foolish above measure
who tried to insist on the committee of a show not exhibiting,
supposing they for their part had properly advertised who their
judge was to be, for then exhibitors could use their own dis-
cretion as to exhibiting or not.—W.

LANGSHAN FOWLS.

I HAD some chickens hatched on the 9th of April, and on the
21st of August the pullets, then only four months and a half old,
commenced laying. I have never known Brahmas or other
breeds lay under five months, and then very rarely. We may
therefore, I think, consider the introduction of the Langshan a
great acquisition to all poultry fanciers and breeders. I had
one of the cockerels on my table last week, and pronounce the
flesh to be very superior, light in colour, and most delicate and
nourishing.—H. J. Bucuan, Southampton.

BATH POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

Tuts Exhibition was again an apparent success, for the tents
were thronged with people and the weather was fine, while the
quality of the exhibits was extremely good. The entries, tco,
in many classes were heavy. The poultry Judge was the Rev.
G. Hodgson. Dorkings had four classes, and we were sorry to
see so few White Dorkings. The Coloured and Silver-Grey,
however, made ample amends. The cup went to a Coloured
cockerel, the first in the catalogue; a good bird, but hardly
likely to make a very large one. The third had more promise.
In Silver-Grey cockerels the winner was capital and well ahead.
The pullets, too, of both colours were also good. In Cochins
the champion cup fell to the Buff cockerel shown by a new
Cochin exhibitor. He is a well-standing good-coloured bird.
The first Buff pullet wanted more foot-feather, or else was of
much merit. All the winning White cockerels were good, the
first excelling in shape and feather and the second perhaps in
colour, whiie the three White pullets were all extremely good,
as, too, was the cup Partridgs; in fact the latter was a marvel
of pencilling and a large-boned growing bird into the bargain.
Dark Brahma cockerels were disappointing. The first has no
promise of greater size, though now pretty. The third was very
square and large, but had hardly enough feathering. All the
pullets were pencilled, but we fancy many of them were inclined
to be too pale under the throat. Light cockerels were good, the
winner the Newbury cockerel, while the first pullet was very
large but cloudy and not very straight in hackles. Hamburghs
made good classes and show promise of sharp competition for
the future, but many birds were not yet well up and want more
time. We noticed the Judge went in apparently for very bright
colour in the Golden-pencils. The first Black cockerel and ditto
pullet were very forward and matured. Game had all to meet
in the same divisions, but the quality considering this was
moderately satisfactory. The Leghorns had two classes, and
the first Whites were very fair. The Browns did not seem s0
forward or so well matched, and in both varieties we noticed too
much yellow inthe earlobes. The Spanish were fair. A nice
cockerel of Mr. Jones’s from some mistake got into the wrong
class, or he would have run the winner close. The first pullet
was pretty and nice in face. The French were not up toa high
standard. We observed that the Judge did not object to Créve
combs in the Houdan cockerels, which caused a little dissatis-
faction among the fanciers of the breed. In Créves the first
pullet was larger than the others but a little rusty in colour,
while the first cockerel had a very poor comb. Silkies were a
pretty little lot, but the cup pullet had green feet and not a very
perfect fifth claw. Mrs. Holmes sent a good pen, and so did
Messrs. Fowler, but the latter were younger. In the Variety
class Black Polands of much merit won the prizes. Dr. Lioyd’s
were well-grown and large-crested birds. The Bantams had
two classes in the Variety. A good pen of Silver-laced_ were
first and Black Rosecombs of good colour second, while Black-
booted of much merit were third. The Any age classes were
conspicuous for the cup pén of Dorkings (Burnell), the first
Black Hamburghs, and the two winning pens of Game. The
local classes were very good, and the birds would have stood
high in the open classes. The cup went to a beautifal White
Cochin pullet and the first in cockerels to a good Light Brahma,

222

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

September 13, 1877.

but we confess we thought Mra. Drummond’s bird of the same
variety in pen 470 was badly used. He was a beautifully shaped
and prettily combed bird and had a great deal of style.

The Pigeons were well judged by Mr. Tegetmeier; and Mr.
Baker, who brought a good team, worthily secured most of the
first prizes; but in Turbits he had to give way to the Early
Wood birds, and in the Variety class to Mr. Parsons.

The Rabbits were judged by Mr. Allison, and were generally
well filled and contained some splendid specimens. Among
those specially worthy of notice in the classes for Lops were
Mr. J. Cranch’s beautiful first-prize doe and a splendid black
Rabbit exhibited by Messrs. Fell. The first and second-prize
Tortoiseshells were very fine specimens with little to choose
between them, and we should have much admired Mr. Archer’s
first-prize doe in the Any other colour class were it not for the
very pecaliar appearance of her eyes, which if not a blemish
was at least no beauty. The Silver-Greys proved an excellent
class. Messrs. Fell’s third-priza Rabbit was even better in
general colour than their first-prize specimen, but the darker
nose of the former justly put him out of court as compared with
the beautifully shaded head of the latter, which also gained
the cup. Himalayans were also good. The first-prize Rabbit,
though not very large, was unusually dark in all points and
neat in shape; the second and third a trifle larger, but not so
dark, especially in the feet. In Angoras the judging was evi-
dently by size, since the third-prize specimen as well as No. 950
(Crook) were conspicuous by the fine silky quality of their wool
as compared with the coarser coats of the firstand second prize-
winners. The Belgian Hare class had twelve entries of very
unequal merit, and the winners seemed judiciously selected.
Dutch were scarcely as well represented as the other classes,
but the winners were nice specimens, the first-prize Rabbit
neater in marking and brighter in coat than the second. In
Auy other variety the competition was small, but the prizes
fell to Rabbits which seemed well worthy of the selection made
io their favour. The local class hardly produced as many
entries as might have been anticipated, but the selling class
was well filled and contained many excellent bargains, especially
in Lops, which doubtless found a ready sale. Altogether we
derived great enjoyment from attending what we may fairly
regard as one of the best shows we have seen for some time
past in the south of England.

Tue Bath Show seems to have become an. institution, for it
has lived and prospered four years. Then it has its big brother,
the horticultural, to lean on, so one helps the other. But there

must be some alterations, or the attendance, which was not 50 |

good as on former years, will fall off still more. On my en-
trance to the Sydney Gardens I paid 2s. 6d. ; second and further
entrance to the Poultry Show 1s., which with the catalogue make
actually an outlay of 4s. before a bird can be seen. IL would
advise that it might be possible to have a separate entrance for
the poultry, so that those who are only bird fanciers should be
permitted to enter on paying something less than 4s. Then,
next, the poultry Judge was overworked. It is not fair to ask
any one man to judge upwards of five hundred birds. Then
the numbers did not run properly, and the lower tier containing
some of the very best birds was too low, and they could not be
seen on a dull day. As a summing-up it may be said, that al-
though the entries were not so large, the birds were of a better
class. Some of the chickens were magnificent—witness Mrs.
Acton Tindal’s champion Partridge Cochin pullet, such pencil-
ling, &c. But I must pause or I shall be intruding upon “ W.’s ”
domains, for I saw ‘‘W.” there looking intent and critical.
Away then to the

Pigeons.—There were about two hundred of these, and, of
course, remembering the time of the year, many were badly in
moult. Carriers were shown in two classes. Cocks and hens
of any colour.—The first cock (Baker), a Black of good frame
and carriage, a sure winner. Second (Cucksey), also Black,
good beak wattle, but thick neck. Third (Baker), a Dun and
nice. Hens.—First (Yardley), a Dun in very heavy moult.
Second (Baker), 2 good young Dun. Third a Dunas well. Well
done, Duns. Pouters of any colour (cock and hen classes).—
First cock, White, a very showy nice bird of Mr. Pratt’s.
Second (Baker), a Blue and small. Third (Pratt), Blue, with
large crop but too thick in girth. Pouter Hens.—First (Baker),
a noble Black, she deservedly had cup as well as first. Second
(Mrs. Lada), a fine big hen, but out of show, and not inclined to
be showy, perhaps from want of talking to. Third (Baker), a
Blue, overgay but very showy. A nice Yellow of Mr. Pratt’s
was commended. Barbs were no doubt very good, but being
shown in pairs was, of course, a trial to fanciers. Out of the
twelve pairs more than half were good. The honours went to
the three fanciers—Baker, P. H. Jones, and J. Long, in the
orderof the names. Tumblers, best pairs, not Almonds.—First,
Yellow Agates, rather light but good heads, particularly that of
the hen; second Red Agates; third a fine pair of Red Agates.
I was sorry to see a pair of odd-eyed Balds commended. Ifa
high-class Tumbler has not pearl eyes he to my mind does not

deserve notice. This was a good class, and many Tumblers of
all kinds continue to be bred with success. Almonds, few.—Thoe
second prize (Yardley), had a very good hen. First and cup
(Baker), both excellent birds. Dragoons, in pairs.—Fourteen
entries.—First Yellows and very good ones; second Blue; third
Blue again. No. 622, a highly-commended pair of good Whites.
Antwerps, Short-faced and Long, were, particularly the latter,
considered by the Judges a3 of much merit. Owls.—Only four
pairs. First a neat pair of Silvers (Harris) ; second, Whites.
Nuns.—A few more than usual. Of course all were Black, none
Red or Yellow. Mrs. Holmes, a Bath fancier took second.
Dr. Etheredge had a highly commended pair of interesting birds
not often seen, Nun-shaped, but the colouring reversed, the
head being white, the body black. Turbits.—A capital yellow-
shouldered pair of Mr. Cresswell’s were first; second a nice
Blue (Gregory); third ([. C. Burnell). One pair only of Blacks
which had and deserved a commendation. Fantails.—The
winners were all Whites. First (Baker), second (Cresswell),
the hen the best bird in the class ; third (Loversedge). Jacobirs-
—In this class an unusual occurrence took place, all the prizes
going to Yellows, or at least none to Reds. First (Baker), an
excellent pair, one particularly. Second a nice long pair Third
Whites, and may beimproved. No. 683 had a commendation.
Trumpeters.—A few of the older style, but of course not noticed,
the winners being of the true Russian typs. First, Black;
second and third (Woodford), good Mottled. No. 691 were
Chequers, @ colour in Trumpeters which I do not remember
having seen before. Then came a class for new or distinct
variety, none very new, and the Swallows were the best. Of
the Pigeons hatched in 1877 were many promising birds. A
good White Pouter first, a very promising good Black Carrier
belonging to Mrs. Holmes second. The Selling class had a lot
of bargains in it. Dun Carriers, White Owls, and a pair of
Archangels may be mentioned. As I fear Bristol shows are no
more, so I trust Bath will keep up, but people must not be
charged 4s for a peep at it—WintsHire REcToR.

POIULTRY.—Dorxtnes.—Coloured.—Cockerel. —Cup. Rev. W. F. Hamilton_
2,T. Briden. Sand vhe,T. C. Burnell. Pullet.—land 8.T. C. Burnell. 2, R.
W. Beachsy. <Any other variety.—Cockerel.—l, T. C. Barnell. 2, Mrs. Laing.
8, T. Moore. Pullet—} and 2,T.C. Burnell. 8,T. Mocre. vhc, R. A. Boissier.
Cocuins,—Cinnamon and Buff.—Cockerel.—Cup, E. Burrell. 2, W. Nickolls.
8,Mrs.A.Tindal. Pullet—l,.).Gee. 2, W. Nickolls. 8, E. Burrell. vhe, Rey.
Cc. J. Watson. White.—Cockerel.—l, Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate. 2, Mrs. A.
Tindal. 8,J. Long. vhe,J.Turner. Pullet.—1, Rev. R.S. 5S. Woodgate. 2. J.
Long. 8, Mrs. A. Tindal. vhc, Mrs. Lang, Rev. R. 38. S. Woodgate. <Any other
variety.— Cockerel.—1, Mrs. Gordon. 2. Mrs. A. Tindal. 8, J. K. & R. R.
Fowler. Pullet.—Cup and 2. Mrs.A. Tindal. 3, H.C. While. vhc, W. Nickolls,
R. P. Percival. Braawas.—Dark —Cockerel.—l, R. A. Baker. 2, E. Lloyd. 8,
H. Lingwood Pullet.—Cup and vhe, W. R. Garner. 2, H. Lingwood. 3, T.
Earle. Light.—Cockerel._Cup, P. Haines. 2, H. A. Barclay 8, G. B. C.
Breeze. Pullet—1, T. A. Dean. 2and8, P. Haines. Game —Cockerel—Cup,
J. Colgrove. 2, C. W. Laxton. 8, W. Perren. Pullet.—l, J. Colgrove. 2, W.
Perren. 8, G. Bell. HamBurcus.—Gold and_Silver-pencilled.—Cockerel.—
1, J. Caleutt. 2,H Pickles. 8,H.K. Hobson. Pullet.—l, H.K.Hobson. 2, 0.
E. Cresswell. 8, F.C. Davis. Gold and Silver-spangled.—Cockerel.Cup. H.
Feast. 2.J.Jackson. 8,J. Long. Pullet.—l,J. Carr. 2,3. Stuttard. 8, Mrs.
Myers. Black. —Cockerel.—l, C. Sidgwicsx. 2, J. W. Kellaway. 8, H. Pickles.
Pullet.—1, C. Sidgwick. 2, J. Long. 8, B. A. Hogg. Maays.—Cockerel.—
Cup, A.S. Richards 2,A. Smith. 8, Rev. N.J. Ridley. Pullet.—1, Rev. N. J.
Ridley. 2, A. Smith. 8, R. Hawkins. SpanrsH.—Black.—Cockerel.—l, H.
Flower. 2,J.T. Barker. 8.J. Powell. Pullet.—l, J. Newick. 2,J. Palmer. 8,
J. Powell. LeGHorNs.—White.—l, A. Kitchen. 2, J. K.& R. R. Fowler. 8, J.
H. May. Brown —1,J.H.May. 2,H.S. Hill. 8, Bradbury Bros. Hovupans.—
Cockerel —1,S.W. Thomas. 2,W.Hamlyn. 8, G.D. Harrison. Pullet —Cup,
H. Feast. 2, E. Lloyd. 8, J. E. Clayton. FRENcH.—Any other variety.—
Cockerel.—1 and 2, W. Majoribanks. 8,R.Pound. Pullet.—Cup, Mrs. Williams.
2, H. Stephens. 3.J.K.&R.R. Fowler. vhc,R.Pond. Si~K1Es.—Cup and 2, 0.
E. Cresswell. 8,J.K.&R.R. Fowler. ORNAMENTAL Fowts.—l, F. H. Nicholls.
2, A. Bigg. ANY OTHER VaRtETy.—Cockerel.—1 and 8, E. Lloyd. 2, P.
Unsworth. Pullet.—1, P. Unsworth. 2,E. Burrell. 8, E. Lloyd. Banrams,—
Game—1l, E. Winwood. 2 and 8. F. C. Davis. Any other variety.—Cup, M-
Leno. 2, Ludlow & Rackham. 8, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. vhe, C. F. Davis.
Ducks.—White Aylesbury.—Cup, J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 2, E. Snell. 8, W.
Weston. Rouen.—l and 2,W.H. Copplestone. 3,J.Gee. Black East Indian.
—1 and 2, J. W. Kellaway. 8, Mrs. Lang. WarErrowi.—Any other distinct
breed.—l and 2,M. Leno. 8, H. Yardley. vhc, Miss M.E. Davis. GEEsE.—1,
Mrs. Radclyffe. 2, E. Weodford. 8, S. H. Scott. Turkrys.—l, Rey. N. J.
Ridley. Dorxines.—Cup, T. C. Burnell. 2, Mrs. Radclyffe. 38, T. Moore.
Coontns.—1, F, A. Dean. 2 and 8, W. A. Burnell. Branmas —l, Mrs. J. T.
Holmes. 2, W. R. Garner. 8,F. Feast. Game.—Cup, EB. Winswood. 2,J.H.
Jenkins. 8,H. Feast. Hampureus.—l,J.Long. 2, H. Feast. 8, H. Stephens.
SpanisH (Black), Minorca, ANDALUSIANS, AND LEGHORNS.—I, H. Feast. 2, J.
Boulton. 8, J.H. Brown. FrencH Fowss.—l, H. Stephens. 2,E. Lloyd. 3,
BE. Burrell. ANY OTHER VARIETY —1, Rey. R.S.S. Woodgate. 2, R. Morse. 8,.
Miss How. Banvams.—l, M. Leno. 2, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 38, F. A. Dean.
Looat Cuasses.—Dorkings, Cochins, or Brahmas.—Cock or Cockerel.—l, Mrs.
J.T. Holmes. 2 and 8, J. Turner. Hen or Pullet.—Cup, Mrs. Holmes. 2, J-
Turner. 8, Rev. C. J. P. Keene. vihc, J. Kelson, jun., Mrs. Drummond, E.
Scammell. Any other variety.—Cock or Cockerel—l, Rogers & Fidler. 2, J.
Bolton .8,J. Hunt. Hen or Pullet.—l, Mrs. Crook. 2,J.Hunt. 8, D. Stent.

PIGEONS.—Carriers.—Cock.—Cup and 8, J.Baker. 2,8.K.Cucksey. Hen.
—1, H. Yardley. 2, J. Baker. 8, J. Harwood. Pourers.—Cock.—1 and 8, H.
Pratt. 2, J. Baker. vhc, J. Baker, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. Hen.—Cup and 8, J.
Baker. 2, Mrs. Ladd. Barps.—l, J. Baker. 2, R. H. Jones. 8, J. Long.
TumsLERS.—1 and 2, J. Baker. 8 and vhc, S. Rogers. Almond.—Cup, J. Baker.
2,H. Yardley. 8, F. Williams. Dracoons.—Cup, J. Baker. 2, J. Allen. 3, R.
Shutler. ANTWERPS—Short-faced.—l, C. M. Southwood. 2, W. Slater. 8, J.
Kendrick. Any other variety.—l, W. D. Richardson. 2, T. Gomm. 8, J
Chandler. Owcs.—l, R. T. Harris. 2, J. Baker. 8, J. Barnes. Nuns.—l, C.
Parsons. 2,Mrs. J.T. Holmes. 8, Mrs. Allen. Torsits.—l, O. E. Cresswell.
2,G.H. Gregory. 8, T. E. Burnell. Fanrarns.—l, J. Baker. 2, O. E. Cress-
well. 8, J. F. Loversidge. JAcosrins.—1 and 8, J. Baker. 2, F. W. Swallow..
TRUMPETERS.—1, J. Baker. 2 and 8, C. J. Woodford. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—
1, C. Parsons. 2.A.P. Maurice. 8. H. Yardley. vhe,G.H.Gregory. Ceckerel
or Pullet.—1, J. Baker. 2, Mrs.J.T.Holmes. 8,J. Dinner. SELLING CLass.—
1, Miss Horton. 2, R. T. Harris. 8, J. Barnes. Loocat Cxass.—l, Mrs, Allen.
2, W. H. Smith. 8,S. Rogers. 4,T. Russell. 5,J. T. Holmes.

CAGE BIRDS.—Beteran Canarres.—Clear or Ticked Yellow.—Cup and 2,
Rey. H. F. Hamilton, Clear or Ticked Buff.—l and 2, Rev. H. F. Hamilton.

September 13, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

‘vhc, Mrs. Holmes. Norwicn Canartes.—Clear Yellow.—1 and 2, C. J. Salt.
Clear Buff.—l and 2, C.J. Salt. Variegated Yellow or Buff.—l and 2, J. Hop-
kins. vic, J. Hopkins, J. Salt (2). Crested Yellow or Buff.—l and 8, C. J. Salt.
2, Miss Northcote. Lizarp CaNnariEs.—Gold or Silver-spangled.—l and 2, J.
Hopkins. Cinnamon Canartes.—Yellow or Buf’ Cinnamon.—1 and 2, C. J. Salt.
8,J. Hopkins. vhc, W. Barwell, J. Bexson. Canaries,—Cage of Six.—l, C. J,
Salt. 2, R. Baggs, jun. vhe, J. Hopkins. Selling Class.—l and 2, C, J. Salt.
vhe, C.J. Salt, H. Baggs. Muxies.—Variegated Goldjinch.—1 and 2, C. J. Salt,
vhe, J. Hopkins (2), C. J. Salt (2). Bririsa Brrps.—Goldjinch, Linnet, or Bull-
jinch.—1 and 2, H. B. Smith. 8, Mrs. J.T. Holmes, vhc,J.Bexson, SKYLARK.
THRUSH, OR BLACKBIRD.—1, EH. A. Healey. 2, Mrs. J.T. Holmes. 3, Mrs. E. A.
Goddard. ANY OTHER VARIETY OF CaNARY, MULE, OR BritisH Brirps.—1,
Mackley Bros. 2 and 8, E. Martin. Extra 2, C. J. Salt. Extra 3, Mrs. J. T.
Holmes (2). vic, E. Martin, J. Bexson. Fortian Birps.—l, Mrs. Goddard,
2,Mrs. May. 8, Mrs. J.T. Holmes. vic, Mrs. J. T. Holmes, Mrs, Drummond,
Mrs. Goddard (2). Cage of Six.—Cup, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2and 3, Mrs. God-
dard. vhe, W. C. Drummond, Mrs. Goddard, Mrs. J. T. Holmes; F. Clement (2).
Parror.—Grey.—l and 2, Mrs. Worger. vhc, Mrs. Holmes. Love Brraps.—l,
Mackley Bros. 2, Mrs. Goddard. vhc, Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Goddard (2), Macaw
og CockatToo.—1, Mrs. Goddard. 2,Mrs. Drummond. vhc, Mrs. Goddard, Mrs.
Drummond. PaRRoT oR PAaRogvuET.—1, F. Richards. 2, Mrs. Goddard. vhc,
F. Richards, Mrs. Drummond, Mrs. Goddard.
RABBITS.—Lop-EARED.—Self-coloured.—Buck or Doe.—l, J. Cranch. 2, C.
E. Thompson. 8, T. & E. J. Fell, vic, C. S. Perry. Tortoiseshell —Buck or
Doe.—1, I. Green. 2, O. Daniels. 38, C. King. vhc, A. Payne. Yellow and
White.—Buck or Doe.—1, T. Chappell. 2, T. Morse. 8, C. S. Perry. vhe, C.
King. <Any other colowr.—Buck or Doe.—Cup and vhe, A. Archer. 2,T.& EB. J.
Fell. 8,C. Daniels. SrLveR-GREY.—Buck or Doe.—Cup and 8, T. & E. J. Fell.
2, J. Robertshaw. vhe, F. Purser, D. Oldfield. Hmtatayan.—Buck or Doe.—
1, R.A. Boissier. 2 and 8,L. Oldfield. vhc, C. Eyles. ANGors.—Buck or Doe.
—1, D. Oldfield. 2,S. Buckley. 3, R.A. Boissier. vic, H. Beach, Mrs. Crook.
Beton Hare.—Buck or Doe.—1, E. Robinson. 2,W-. Lumb. 3, W. Lumb, G.
C. Livett. vhe,G. Viner. Durca.—Buck or Doe.—1, J. Robertshaw. 2, H. S.
Leach. 3.D. Oldfield. vhc,J.¥oster, T. & E.J. Fell. Any oTHER VARIETY.—
Buck or Doe.—1, T. & E. J. Fell. 2,T. Moss. Buck or Doe—i, J. Hann. 2, T.
Wedmore. 8,T.Hambridge. vhc, A. Hunt, SELLING CLass.—Buck or Doe.—
1, J. Trueman. 2, D. Oldfield. Extra 2, H. M. Sturt. 8, C. King. vhe, H.
Beach, L. Capenhurst, H. E, Clark.

ALTRINCHAM POULTRY, &c., SHOW.

Tur annual Show was held at Altrincham on Saturday last.
The prizes for poultry were very good, and the classes numerous,
and some were well filled while others were but moderately
supported.

Turkeys and aquatic birds headed the list, and kept up the
high character of this locality. Spanish were very good, espe-
cially the hens, but of Game there were very few, and mostly of
indifferent quality or out of condition. Dorkings good as to
size. In Cochins we could not agree with the awards in many
cases. In Buff cocks a worn-out old bird very mealy and light
in colour was placed first, the second in our opinion being far
the best, and especially in colour, which was perfect. In hens
a pullet, good in shape but pale in colour, was first, a hen
second, and a good coloured pullet third. In the other classes
the winners were all Partridge, the cocks particularly good.
Light Brahmas few and only poor; Dark Brahma cocks were
well placed and a good lot, but we were puzzled with the awards
in hens, first being a well-laced pullet, small and bad in leg and
foot feather, by far the best being pen 967 (Henshall), highly
commended only. Hamburghs as usual good here, the awards
being generally well made. J 7ench fowls were very good in
both classes, though in hens they were smalland young. Polish
but three entries of moderate birds. Bantams a good section,
the Reds and Piles in Game being very good, but those of Any
other variety (Blacks) were wretched.

Pigeons were a very good entry, and they were well cared for
in a tent, and nicely arranged. First on the list were Carrier
cocks, and these were very good; Blacks first and second, and
Dans third. Hens also very good. In Pouters first was a Blue,
second a White, and third a Yellow hen, but none in the class
were at all in show form. Barbs were very good, and these
also had two classes, many being capital in skull and eye, but
sadly out of feather. Almond Tumblers were poor, except
the winners; a hen placed first was a perfect coloured bird
and well marked. Both the other Tumbler classes were good
and well fiiled. In Blue or Silver Dragoons Mr. Wood carried
all before him. In the Any other colour first was a perfect-
headed Blue Chequer, but rather coarse in beak-wattle; second
and third Yellows. English Owls were a large class, the winners
being Blues, and good, but most of the others poor, except pen
1197 (Thresh), which should have hada place. In Foreign Owls
Whites won, and in Jacobins the winners were all Reds in the
first class and Blacks and a White in the next class. There
were two classes for Turbits. In the first Blues carried off the
prizes, and in the next a good Black was first and another
second, and a Yellow third. Antwerps were good in both
classes and well placed, except the first Blue in the Long-faced
class, which was more like a Rook than a Pigeon.

There were six classes for Rabbits, but many of the pens were
empty, and as a rule the awards were very curiously made. In
Lops first was a nice Blue-and-white, which we know to measure
well, the next best in the class being a self-coloured Grey, which
for length and quality is even better than the first. Third a
Fawn-and-white. Angoras a good class but badly judged.
First a Rabbit deep in moult with fur on the sides, a back not
longer than a Silver-Grey, with just a fringe of long wool asa
skirt; the best was awarded third, and was a good one all round.
The second best, unnoticed, was pen 1352 (Ridsdale). Hima-
layas a poor lot, the best being selected, except that the third

AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

had a white spot on the nose. Dutch a very bad lot. Silver-
Greys were moderate and fairly chosen. In the Variety class
first was a poor coloured common Grey, second an exquisite
Silver-Cream which should have been first, and third a poor
Belgian Hare, but far better than first. Messrs. Gilbert and
Pepper’s pens were empty.

POULTRY.—SpanisH.—Black.—Cock.—l, J. Leeming.
Powell. Hen.—l. J. Powell. 2, J. Leeming
—Cock.—l, W. Rudd. 2, E. Winwood.
Brown Red.—Cock,—1, C. W. Brierley.
1, C. W. Brierley. 2,W.Rudd. Any other Colour.—Cock.—1, W. Rudd. 2,8.
Buckley. 3, E. Winwood. Hen.—1,T. P. Lyon. 2, C. W. Brierley. 8, E.
Winwood. Doxrninc.—Cock.—1l, J. Walker. 2,3, Copple. 8.J. Stott. Hen —
land 8,J. Walker. 2,J.Copple. CocoHins.—Cinnamon or Buff—Cock.—-1, J.
Walker. 2,C.Sidgwick. 8,.J.H.Jones. Hen.—1l,J.H.Jones. 2, R.P. Per-
cival. 8,C. Sidgwick. Any other Colour.—Cock.—l, R.J. Woud. 2,R. P. Per-
cival. 38, C.Sidgwick. Hen.—l,R.J. Wood. 2,C.Sidgwick. 8, R. P. Percival.
Brauma Poorra.—Light.—Cock.—1, R. P. Percival. 2, J.H.Jones. Hen.—
1,8. P. Percival. 2,4. Bigg. 8,J.H.Jones. Dark.—Cock.—l, G. & J. Duck-
worth. 2,K.P. Percival. 38,G.W.Henshall. Hen.—l, R. P. Percival. 2,J.
Walker. 8, A. Rothwell. Hampurcus.—Golden-spangled.—Cock.—l and 2,
G,&J. Duckworth. Hen.—l and 2, G. & J. Duckworth. Silver-spangled.—
Cock.—1, H. Pickles. 2,C.R.Senior. 8, Ashton & Booth. Hen.—1, ashton

2, J. Thresh, 8, J.
8,J.Thresh. Game.—Black Red,

Hen.—\,T. P. Lyon. 2, W. Jones.
2, W. Rudd. 8, EB. Winwood. den.—

and Booth. 2% T. B. Manley. 8.C.R. Senior. Golden-pencilled.—Cock.—
land 2, G. & J. Duckworth. 8. H. Pickles. Hen.—l, H. Pickles. 2and8,
G. & J. Duckworth. Silver-pencilled.—Cock.—1 and 2, H. Pickles. 8, J. Nelson.

Hen.—1 and 2, H. Pickles. 8, J. Nelson, FReNca.—Cock,.—1 and 2, I. Ward.
8, Robinson & Myers. Hen —1, W.F-.Upsher, 2.J.E. Clayton. 8, A. Ogden.
PouisH.—l and 2, P. Unsworth. 8,J. Fearnley. Game Bantams.—Black Red.
—Cock.—1 and 3, W. F. Entwisle. 2, R. J. Hartley. Hen.—land2, W. F.
Entwisle. 38,T.H.Stretch. Brown Red.—Cock.—1 and 2, W. F. Entwisle.
8, W. Baskerville. Hen—1l, W. Baskerville. 2 and 8, W. F. Entwisle. <Any
other Variety.—Cock.—1 and 2, W. F. Entwisle. 8,R.J. Hartley. Hen.—l and
2, W. Baske ville. 8, W. F. Addie. Bantrams.—Any Variety except Game.—
1,2,and8,J.Nelson. <Any distinct Variety not named in the Schedule.—l, C.
Sidgwick, 2,J.Griffiths. 8,G. Graves. Sr.LuLine Crass.—l, R. P. Percival,
2, G.W. Henshall, 8, J. Sumner. TurKeEys.—l. J. Walker. 2, B. Davis.
GEESE.— White.—1 and 2, J. Walker. Grey.—land2, J. Walker. Duocks.—
Aylesbury.—l and 2, J. Walker. Rowen.—1 and 2, J. Walker.

PIGEONS.—Carrier.—Cock,—1 and 2, T. H. Stretch, 8, J, Walker. vhc,
J. Royle. Hen.—l and 8, J. Gardner. 2,T. Hewitt. whe, T. H. Stretch.
PoutErs.—l, J. Gardner. 2,D. M. Garside. 8, J. Royle. Bars.—Black or
Dun.—l, J. Walker. 2,H. Yardley. 8,J. Royle. <Any other Colour—1,2, and
8, J. Royle. TumsBiErs.—Short-faced Almond.—l and 2, H. Yardley. 38.J.
Royle. Baldor Beard.—1,C.W. Hobbs. 2, H. Yardley. 8, W. H. Tweedale.
vhe,S.L. Bellhouse. <Any Variety except Short-faced.—l and 2, J. Brown.
8, W. H. Tweedale. vhc, J. Brown; S, L. Bellhouse. Dracoons.—Blue or
Silver.—l, 2, and vhe,R. Woods. 8, J. Gardner. <Any other Variety.—l, R.
Woods. 2, W. W. Jacks. 8,J.Gardner. vhc, R. Woods; H. Crosby. Owxs.
—English.—1, H. Mangnall. 2,J. Royle. 8,J. Gardner. Foreign.—l and 8, J.
Royle. 2, J. Gardner. Jaconins.—Red or Yellow.—l, D. M. Garside. 2, J.
Gardner. 8, H.Mangnall. <Any other Colour.—l and 8, H. Mangnall. 2, H.
Crosby. Tursir.—Blue or Silver.—l, J. Gardner. 2,A.Stretch. 38, H.Mang-
nall. Any other Colour.—l,J. Gardner. 2andvhc,H.Mangnall. 3,3. Browa.
Fanratus.—l, H. Crosby. 2and8, H.C. Bowman. ANtTWERPs.—Short-faced.—
land 2, W.F.Entwisle. 8,H.Yardley. vhe,J.Gardner. Long-faced.—l, G.W.
Smith. 2, T.H.sStretch. 8, R. White. vhc, T.W. Townson. Any other
Variety.—1, H. Yardley. 2,J3.Gardner. 8,R.Woods. SELLING CLAss.—Price
not to exceed 60s.—1 and 8,J. Gardner. 2, H. Mangnall. Price not to exceed
80s—1, R. White. 2,J. Brown. 3, H. Crosby.

RABBITS.—Lop-EarED.—1, T. & E. J. Fell. 2, Howarth & Whittingham.
8,J. W. Baron. vhe,E. Hobson, ANnGorsa.—l, H. Badger. 2, W. Baron. 38,8.
Buckley. Hrmanayan.—l,T. & E.J. Fell, Blackburn. 2,J.W.Baron. 8, J,
Wright. Dourca.—i, H. Cragg. 2,T. Haslam. 38,J. Wright. Smver-Grey.—
land2,T.&E.J. Fell. 8, J. H. Field. Any oTHER VaRIETY.—1l, E. Hobson.
2,T.&E.J, Fell. 3, J. H. Bull.

Jupcrs.— Poultry : Mr, R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Pigeons
and Rabbits: Mr. J. Hawley, Bradford, York.

STAFFORDSHIRE POULTRY SHOW.

Tue annual meeting of the Staffordshire Agricultural Society
was held at Burton-on-Trent on the 4th and 5th inst. The
arrangements were of an elaborate character and well carried
out, the local Committee rendering Mr. Tompkinson, the Gene-
ral Secretary, ample assistance. A capital marquee was pro-
vided for the poultry, the pens being from Clark of Stoke-on-
Trent. The Show was the best of chickens we have seen this
season. Black or Brown Red cockerels headed the list with
good entries, but many of the former were very coarse; in
cockerels the awards being made to Brown Reds. The first
very young, but perfect in shape and colour; second losing by
very little except length of body. In pullets two well-moulded
Black Reds obtained the places of honour, but the first (a gem
in other respects) was dark eyed. Several birds highly com-
mended will be better all round when tamed down to the show
pen. Any other variety, cockerel and one pullet.—First Duck-
wings, the best we have seen this season ; second Pile, also very
first-rate. Spanish were a superb lot, first going to a pair of
birds, the pullet in which pen was of marvellous quality of face
and drop, reminding us of the celebrated Queen of some years
ago brought out by the same exhibitor, the only fault ia this
case being that as yet the comb is perfectly straight, like that
of a cock; second an even pair, as also pen 31, very highly com-
mended ; but the best cockerel with a miserable pullet was
shown by Mrs. Allsop, and is by far the best we have seen this
season. Dorkings pretty good in both classes. Cochins were
also good in colour, shape, and forwardners in the Buffs and
Partridge, but the Blacks were rather small and thin-legged, but
nice in colour. Bralmas.—Dark cockerels, first a fine bird, a
little raw, but must make a grand one; the second also good.
Pullets a grand class; the first all that can be desired, the
second large, but having a little too much hock for our taste.
Light cocks a moderate lot, but the pullets made up for these.
The class large and competition keer. The first and cecond

224

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 13, 1877.

wonderfully well developed, and good in colour and marking.
Pen 87 and 88 were a close run, the latter the best marked we
ever saw. Hamburghs.—Gold-pencils, first a good forward pen ;
the second had the best pullet, but cock not forward. Pen 93
(Pickles) nice but too young. Silver-pencilled.—First a nice
well-grown pair; second not that exhibitor’s best, but pretty
good. Gold-spangles.—The first far a-head and good through-
out; the second also anice pair. Silver-spangles.—First very
good in all points; second a fair pen, buf some others too
-freely manipulated, else their position would have been higher.
Houdans were the classes of the Show, and left us at full liberty
to insist upon the correct type of comb without detriment
to other points. In cockerels there were tan, all good in
most points. The winners perfect in comb and crest. The
second a little raw, but will make an enormous bird. Pullets
eighteen, and a rare lot; shape, size, and comb of the highest
merit, and nearly all noticed, the prizes in both classes going to
Uttoxeter. Créves in pairs were good; the pullets superior to
the cocks. Leghorns had a class, and these were a smart lot;
first Whites (neat in all points) and second Brown. Turkeys,
Geese, and Ducks mustered well, and the exhibits were unusu-
ally fine. Extra class —First Golden Polands, second Black
Hamburghs, a fair pen of Black Red Bantams being awarded an
extra third. Strange to say no provision was made for Bantams,
but we understand this will be remedied another year.

POULTRY.—Gams.—Black-breasted and other Reds.—Cockerels.—1, Duke of
Sutherland. 2, H. Beldon. Pullets—i, Kk. Johnson. 2, W. E. Oakeley. vhe,
H. Beldon, G. F. Ward. Any other variety.—Chickens.—1, W. BE. Oakeley. 2
and vhe, Duke of Sutherland. SpanrsH —Chickens —1 and 2, J. Powell. vie,
J. Walker. DorxineGs. — Coloured, cxcept Silver-Greu.—Chickens.—1, J.
Walker. 2, W. H. Crewe. Silver-Grey or White —Chickens.—1, R. Johnson.
2, O. E. Cresswell. vhc, Hon. Mrs. Colville. Cocu1n-Corna.—Cinnamon or
Buff. — Chickens.—1, C. Sidgwick. 2, H. Tomlinson. vhc, Mrs. Allsopp.
Brown, Partridge-feathered, or other varieties.—Chickens —1, J. Wood. 2, C.
Sidgwick. Black.—Chickens.—1, H. J. Storer. 2, G. C. Levett. 3, E. Kendrick,
jun. Brauma Poorra.—Dark.—Cockerels.—l, H. Lingwood. 2, EB. Pritchard.
Pullets.—1, F. Bennet. 2, Horace Lingwood. vhc,S. W. Thomas, EH. C. Peake.
Light.—Cockerels.—1, J. Mitchell. 2, R.P.Percival. Pullets—1, A. Bigg. 2, F.
Bennett. vhe, W. Thorn, H. Lingwood, G. B. C. Breeze. HamBurcus.—
Golden-pencilled.—Chickens.—1, H. Beldon, 2, Duke of Sutherland. Silver-
pencilled.—Chickens.—1, Duke of Sutherland. 2, H. Pickles. vie, H: Beldon,
Dr. E. Snell. Golden-spangled.—Chickens.—1, Duke of Sutherland. 2. J. Jack-
son. Silver-spangled.—Chickens.—1, H. Beldon. 2 and vhe, Duke of Suther-
land. Howupans.—Cockerels —1, R. B Wood. 2,1. Ward. vie, 8. W. Thomas,
I. Ward. Pullets.—1, R. B. Wood. 2,1. Ward. vhe, R. B. Wood, J. E. Clayton,
CrEve-Ce@urs.—Chickens.—1, W- F. Upsher. 2, R. B. Wood. vhe. I. Ward.
LrGHorns.— Chickens —1 and 2, A. Kitchen. 8,J. Heastie. vie,J. K.& R.R,
Fowler. W. Kellett. Turknys.—l, F. E. Richardson. 2, W. Wykes, GEESE.—
1, J. Walker, 2, Dr.E. Snell. vhe, W.H.Crewe Dvoxrs.— White Aylesbury.—
1, J. Walker. 2, Dr. E. Snell. vhc, J. Walker, J. K.& K. R. Fowler. Rouen.—
1, Dr. K. Snell. 2, J. Walker. vie, E. Kendrick, jun., W. Meanley, Duke of
Sutherland, J.Gee. Any other variety.—l ard vhe, J. Walker 2, H. Yardley.
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—Chickens.—l, H. Beldon. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 3,
Howlett & Goodwin (Game Bantams). vhc, W. H. Crewe (Malays), k. Haw-
kins (Malays). SELLING Cuass. — Dorkings, Cochins, or Brahmas.—1, H.
Yardley. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 8, J. Walker. vhe, R. Johnson, H. Beldon,
J. Gee. Except Dorkings, Cochins, or Brahmas.—l, H. Beldon. 2, Duke of
Sutherland. 3, E. Kendrick, jun.

Juper.—Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds.

CARLISLE BHE AND- HONEY SHOW.

Tuts was held in connection with the horticultural show on |

the 6th, 7th, and Sth inst., when the following prizes were
awarded :—

Largest and best Harvest of Super Honey, the produce of one Hive.—Equally
divided between M. Mitchell and G. Eastwood. Heaviest and best Single
Super, the produce of one Hive.—l, — Willis. 2,G. Eastwoud. Best Super in
Wood, or Wood and Glass.—1, J. Barratt. 2,™M. Mitchell. Best Swperin Glass,
—Prize, M. Mitchell. Best Sample of Run or Extracted Honey —1,T. Tennant.
2, W. Kennedy. 3, T. Street. Best Sample of Wax.—Prize, R Steel. Best
Bar-frame Hive with Super.—i, J. Drinkall. 2, R. Steele. Cheapest Bar-frame
Hive suitable jor Cottager, with floor.—1, J. Drinkall. 2, R. Steele. Best Hive
on the Storifying Principle —1, RK. Steele. 2,J.Drinkall. Best Straw Skep and
Super, J. Drinkall. 2, W. Pattinson. Best and Neatest Observatory or
Unicomb Hive stocked with Bees.—1, R. Steele. 2, J. Drinkall. The most
beautiful Ligurian Bees. to be exhibited with their Queen im Glass hive —Prize,
J. Drinkalil. Best Bee-feeder—2, J. Drinkall. Best method of quieting Bees
during manipulation.—2, J. Drinkall. Best Honey-extractor.—l R. Steele. 2,
J. Drinkall, Best Super for general use in_an Apiary.—|, J. Drinkall. 2, R.
Steele. Best Bee Dress—2, J. Drinkall. Best Drone Traps.—2, J. Drinkall.
Best Bee Traps.—Prize, J. Drinkall.

BEE FOOD.

A TRIAL of many years has convinced me that no more ex-
cellent food for bees can be made than good wholesome sugar
thoroughly dissolved in water without boiling. I find that half
a pint of hot water will dissolve 1 lb. of sugar ina few minutes
after careful stirring. I generally prepare a canful at a time,
which holds 5 lbs. of sugar and 24 lbs. of water. It is made and
ready for use in a few minutes, and is none the less wholesome
if given to the bees while still warm.

T used always to boil the sugar, but found that there was no
certainty as to the consistency of the syrup. Sometimes it was
too thick, overboiled in fact, and at other times it was too thin.
Now it is always uniformly the same. I may add that I geta
very excellent moist sugar for 3d. per lb., perfectly clean and
wholesome.

I have nearly done feeding my bees for the present, but I
shall give them a pound or two more all round towards the end

of October, so that food may be in the open cells when winter
comes.—B, & W.

OUR LETTER BOX.

THE Cayuca Dock (A. H. Z.).—The Cayuga is not sufficiently kn

kept to be one of those birds, like Rouens oe Aylesburys, wHoee voniey an
descriptions are thoroughly known and admitted. They have no advantage
over these other breads to cause them to be successful rivals. Their colour
Should be as dark as possible, if quite black so much the better. There is
however, almost always a brown tinge on it, and this often shows on the
wing. We have seen them without it, but it is immaterial. There should
be a white mark on the neck. almost acollar. The great point is weight, as
they have no pretensions to be birds of plumage. The heaviest, therefore

will always be the best. : ;

MOoULTING CoMMON CANARIES (Canary).—The processes of moulting
Canaries varies much; but as you ask the question how “common Canaries ’”
should be moulted, we would advise you to bring into requisition a spacious
fly-cage (one adapted for some half-score or score of Canaries); or if you haye
& spare room fix therein some long perches, not to cross each other, and
throw in the stock of birds, which will do well on ordinary Canary diet, and
the floor strewed with grit sand, and supplied with a suitable spacious.
shallow vessel for the birds to bathe in. A seed-hopper to hold the food, ove
with three or four round holes for the birds to feed from, is preferable to an
open seed-trough wherein the birds get and soil much of the seed. Before
supplying the seed sieve it and mix therewith a pinch of the flowers of
sulphur. Let the seed consist of canary, small hemp, millet, linseed, and
groats, and now and then a little scalded rape seed. To prevent the birds
pecking each other during moult, draw 2 thickish cloth before the window.
so that the soon may. be 1B a state of Semi-darkness. Occasionaily a little
snaw seed, crushed plain biscuit, and a piece of suet ma: iven. Wi
this treatment your birds should thrive. y shana

Empty Comp In Sopers (Roheston Wathen).—Supers filled and partiallz
filled with empty combs are valuable and should be carefully kept till next
year. Wrap them up in paper or cover their mouths like preserve jars to
keep moths from the combs, and place them in a dry room or cupboard for
the winter. Your bees will take to them readily next summer and give a good
account of them.

GuINEA Pies AnD Rats (Subscriber).—Some years ago we had a number of
Rabbits in a shed, and kept Guinea Pigs with them, not to deter rats, as for
the time we had none. They came as they always do where there is: food
and when on short commons they killed and ate the Guinea Pigs. 3

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CaMDEN Square, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 8240" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
Ast7 oh 3_,| Hygrome- Besa oe .:|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation &
Bene ter. Ba | Bs §| perature. |Temperature.| ¢
Sept. |2533 j 22 |§a5 In On
Rea") Dry.| Wet. Ao | Max.| Min.| sun. /grass.
|
Inches} deg. | deg. deg.| deg | deg.| deg. | deg.| In-
We. 5 80.345 | 53.3 | 48.0 = 560 | 66.0 | 40.2 112.6 | 356 =
Th. 6 | 39.086 | 553 | 5).7 W. 55.9 | 65.6 | 41.0 | 119.5 | 36.1 _
Fri. 7 | 29825 | 57.2 | 52.8 N. 56.4 | 67.6 | 46.3 110.8 | 43.6 =
Sat, 8 | 29970 | 56.7 | 50.2 N. 56.0 | 658 | 44.0 114.2 | 39.3 =
Sun. 9 | 29985 | 59.8 | 512 N.E. | 56: 67.0 | 49.8 110.1 | 454 —
Mo. 10 | 8).(4) | 53.4 | 562 N. 57.0 | 64.8 | 49.6 78.0 | 46.2 =
Tu. 11 | 29996 | 62.7 | 59.4 | S.W. | 57.2 | 733 | 53.4 100.0 | 48.0 | 0.110
Means} 80.025 | 57.6 | 52.6 56.4 | 67.3 | 46.3 106.4 | 42.0 | 0.110
| t
REMARKS.

5th.—Very bright morning and forenoon,-less bright in afternoon, hazy
between 6 and 7P.M.,; starlit nigbt.
6th.—Brilliant morning and bright pleasant day, rather stormlike between
5 and 6p.m., but fine though rather hazy afterwards.
7th.—Splendid morning and fine day; rather cloudy and rainy-locking from
4to 6p.m., but fine after.
8th.—Very bright fine day throughout.
9th.—Fair but not bright in the morning; beautifal day, and a very bright
night.
10th.—Slight rain in early morning; damp, dull, and sunless nearly all day,
but rather less so between 5 and 7 P.M. F
11th.—Fine forenoon, very dark from 3 to 4P.M.; very heavy rain for a short
time after 3.30, lighter rain fell for about an hour; fine afterwards.
A fine week, slightly cooler than the previous one, no rain until the last
day.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—SEpremBer 12.

THE almost universal failure in fruit crops has caused our market to look
very bare lately, Nuts and Apples alone reaching us in any quantity ; of the
former there bids fair ta be the largest crop known for many years. For
Pears and Plums we are entirely dependant upon foreign goods, prices beiuy
exceptionally high. Pines are in fair demand, and will now realise govu
figures for some little time. Business quiet. ,

FRUIT.
8. d. s.d.| g.d. 5s. @
2 6103 6 | Melons.......... each 1 6to4 U
0 0 O 0} Nectarines dozen 4 0 18 0
0 0 90 0} Oranges... #10010 0 16-0
0 0 O 0} Peaches........ dozen 8 0 24 0
0 0 O 0} Pears,kitchen.. dozen 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0} _ dessert + dozen 2°0 4 0
1 6 8 0) Pine Apples lb 5 0 8 0
0 4 O 6} Plums. jsieve 10 0 12 0
0 0 O 0} Raspber: Ib 00 6 0
Grapes, hothouse Ib. 1 6 & 0) Walnuts bushel 56 0 § ft
Lemons ........ %%100 6 0 19 0| ditto.. vid0 0 0 vu O

September 20, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

SSS SS a a es
WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Average , Clock | D
Rene tor SEPTEMBER 20—26, 187. Temperature near | p07, | Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s | pefore | of”
onth Week, ondon. ; Bee Sun. |Year,
rene Sane ren . ii ey a m1, |\9 Rs | h. m. | Days. | m. 3.
20 | TH | Faber died. 8.0 0 . 5 BUS) 208] (Saas 13 6 48 | 263
F i r Show. 66.4 | 45.6 | 56.0 5 46 6 0 5 3h 4 19 14 7 #5 | 264
ae 4 Crystal Palace Fruit and Cut Flowe 66.4 | 44.7 55.6 | 5 48 5 571 5 41] 5 99 @ 7 26 | 265
23 | SUN | 17 SunDAY AFTER TRINITY. 66.3 | 49.7 | 59. 50} 5 56] 5 52) 6 87] 16 7 46 | 266 |
24 |M | Length of Day 12h. 1m. 66.1 | 43.5 | 548 | 5 SL} 5 50] 6 4| 7 52] 47 8 7 | 267 |
25 Ty 65.8 | 43.1 | 54.4 5 53 5 48 6 19 ae 18 8 48 | 268
96 | W 65.7 | 43.8 | 54.7 5 65 5 46] 6 40/10 25 19 9 § | 269
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 66.4°; and its night temperature
1 q

ERRORS IN POTATO MANAGEMENT.

toes are grown if the present mode of treat-
ing those to be used for seed is carried on.
I believe the blight to have been more or
less in existence long before 1845. I recol-
lect quite well seeing a black or diseased
Potato now and again when they were
cooked, and I said so at the time the blight
was so virulent in 1846; and I remember
when the Potato pits were opened seeing a good many

rotten ones, and no one will persuade me that such was |
It was |

not the disease that prevails at the present time.
then s0 trifling that no attention was paid to it.

I am decidedly of opinion that the primary cause of the
disease arises from the way the tubers are kept during
winter and early spring. The tubers for seed are stored
with those that are to be used for cooking, and at storing
time they are put into pits, as they call them in Scotland,
and pies in England; these pits are from 3 to 4 feet
broad, and there will be 5 to 8 cwt. in a running yard.
There is a thick coating of straw put over them to ex-
clude the frost, and then 6 inches or so of soil is put over
the straw, with a little air at top for weeks, or till sharp
frost sets in, when they are, as a rule, covered up so as
no air will get in to damage tho tubers. Some farmers
put a thick covering of straw on the top and no soil
above it. If the weather happens to be fresh and mild
the tubers will begin to sprout in January or February,
and particularly so if a portion of the tubers are diseased.
The moisture arising from the decaying tubers sets them
a-growing, then the pits have to be opened and the sprouts
and diseased tubers are removed; and anyone the least
acquainted with vegetable physiology must believe that
the sprouting of the tubers for seed tends to weaken the
constitution of the Potato, and ere the planting season
comes round, if the weather happens to be of a mild sort,
the sprouting goes on and increases the evil. I have
seen the Potatoes growing up through the soil and quite
green in early spring. I saw it this year, and it is a
very common occurrence; and during the months of
March and April the small-sized tubers are sent to the
English farmers. Under these circumstances, which are
grave facts, need any person with a head on his shoulders
wonder at the Potato succumbing when an ungenial
season occurs? But for the spurious mode of treatment
named the Potato would be far more able to resist a
season not quite adapted for it, as it is a fen plant more
than an aquatic. This I fully believe is one of the causes,
and the chief one, of the disease.

Since I remember anything about Potatoes, and up till
1845 and 1846, the Potatoes grown in the Lothians were
London Dons, alias Caligos, a very fine variety; Blue
Don, Glasgow Buff, Perth Red and Blacks, and they
were all first-class sorts, far finer in flavour than the
Regents. The Flukes and Lapstones are almost equal
to any of them; the flavour of a Fluke is equal to the

No. 860.—Von, XXXIIL, New Srnm®

* HE Potato disease has baffled the science of |
the age, and it will continue as long as Pota- |

Don. Up till the blighty season these sorts bloomed and
bore seed in great profusion, and the haulm was laid
prostrate from the weight of the apples, and people used
to gather them to feed pigs.

During a period of fifty-five years, which I remember,
I never heard of any person sowing seed to raise new

| sorts, which no doubt a kind Providence intended for the
| very purpose, and there was no need for better sorts;

but roots, like human beings, may get weak and die out,
hence the necessity of rearing new sorts. This, I believe,
is the second cause of disease; for I believe in a com-

| bination of causes far more than many people imagine,
| simply because they do not use their brains and look to

cause and effect. The third cause arises from the fact
that the Potato fields are too highly manured with home
manure, and which is quite sufficient; but to increase
growth and try to get heavy crops a quantity of guano
or other artificial manures is sown on the land, and before
the end of July, or not long after it, the Potatoes are
met in the drills, and before lifting-time they are warped
together like a field of Peas; and if the weather is at all
moist the ground gets saturated, and neither sun nor
wind can get near them, and depend upon it this causes
disease in other plants as well as the Potato. This state
of matters ought not to be. The Potatoes should be
planted wide enough to allow the sun and air to get
between the rows, and such would tend to dry up the
superabundant moisture. But the forcing the Potato so
much with artificial manures is a great mistake, and I
presume such was not long in use before the first blight.
I was in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire a few years ago, and
the blight was very bad, and between Doncaster and
Crowle there were large level fields of Potatoes and
warped together so that neither sun nor air could get in
to warm and dry the soil.

The fourth cause is the preparing the seed for planting.
In England small-sized roots are used for planting, and
itis a very rational idea. In Scotland such never used to
be done till very recently. They are planting seconds to
some extent; and if cutting the large tubers is carefully
done and planted at once they will do as well as need be.
But possibly some tons of seed are cut and rain sets in,
the seed is muddled together into a shed or barn, and at
times they get heated and may remain in this state for
days. Itisno rare matter to see a field of Potatoes with
a Potato within 6 feet of each other; this I have often
seen in this great Potato country. Where small roots are
used there are no blanks worth talking about, and the
Potatoes when cut for planting are in a growing state, as
the sap is in full force and runs out of the sets, and with-
out a doubt this also tends to weaken the constitution of
the Potato. They may grow I admit, but puny curly
stems are the result and a poor crop. These, in my
opinion, are the causes of blight, and not the wet seasons
entirely, as I have seen as wet, sultry, thundery weather
before 1845 as I have seen since. And now that there is
a sort of consumption in the constitution of the Potato
I dc not wonder at all that a wet season proves fatal to
them. There is a close analogy between animal and

No. 1612.—Vou, LVIII., OLD SERIES

996

asV0

vegetable life; and Jet a man abuse what may be a sound
constitution by intemperance in eating or drinking for a short
time, and then bleed, blister, and dose him with medicine,
yet should an epidemic prevail he is sure to succumb, while
those who haye acted in unison with the laws of Nature are
more likely to live. This is a well-known fact, and I do not
wonder at it. Having pointed out what I think the cause of
disease, and which is a serious matter for the million when
blightis general and one-half of the tubers are only fit for cattle
or swine. A farmer will not grumble from the fact that he
gets double or treble the value for what is good, and has less
driving with his carts to railway stations, and he has feed for
his cattle beside. This is no theory, it is a fact; it is the
consumers that pay for the loss of the crop.

The next point for consideration is, How is the matter to be
obviated? Are we still to go on in the old use and wont
manner, or turn our attention so as to avoid such a dire
calamity as the logs of this valuableesculent? I would suggest
that the Potatoes for seed should be kept in a cool exposed
placs, and never be allowed to sprout till after they are planted ;
and by raising new varieties from the hardiest sorts and treating
them in a far more scientific manner there is every reason to
believe that in a few years the Potato will be restored to its
pristine vigour. Possibly it might be wise in the powers that
be to look into the matter as they do with cattle disease and
the Colorado beetle, and it is my candid opinion that the one is
as necessary as the others.—J. Appison, Ormiston, Edinburgh.

AUTUMN PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES.

Acain I would remind all fruit growers of the importance

of getting forward with such pruning as may be gafely done
at this time of the year, so as to diminish as much as possible
the work left for the short dull days of early winter. Gardeners
are gradually coming to acknowledge the evils of spring prun-
ing, at least there is less of it done every year; but as a body
we are yery conservative in our notions, and cling to old
practices lovg after they have been proved to be in error. I
should think there is not now one intelligent gardener in
Britain who would defend epring pruning ; if there is I should
like him to give his reasons for so doing. I have given my
reasons more than once for insisting that all pruning should
be done before Christmas, but being convinced that it should
be done and getting it done are different things; and I believe
that spring pruning, where it is now practised by men who
deserve the name of gardeners, is simply from necessity—from
pressure of work at certain seasons. Now, there is no garden
of any pretensions where it is possible to get all pruning done
between the fall of the leaf and Christmas unless summer and
autumn pruning are thoroughly carried out, but where there is
not a separate staff kept for each department there is a danger
in these days of excessive floricultural millinery that the sum-
mer attention to fruit trees will be very limited, and conse-
quently there is the greater necessity for getting at the work
in early autumn,
_ Although the gardener’s year has no beginning and no end-
ing, unless it is beginning and ending every day, September is
the month in which there is asort of turning point; all arrears
are then brought up unless one is hopelessly in a muddle, plans
are roughly carved out for the following season; we have, or
ought to have, a breathing space for a week or two to take
stock, note down our shortcomings, and if possible travel a
little to take a few wrinkles from our brother gardeners. In
any case we must begin again in earnest some time during
September, and work with all possible diligence before the
autumn gives place to winter.

The most important thing perhaps at this season for the
gardener to attend to personally, unless he is so fortunate as
to have assistants with the requisite skill, is the getting the
growths of his wall trees ripened. Often he is obliged to wait
till the fruit is gathered before he can thin out sufficiently ;
but unfortunately there is little necessity for that this year,
and consequently there is every chance to have a thorough
overhauling and re-arrangement of branches. ‘There is no
time like the present to cut out old branches of whatever
size which are becoming bare, or long unsightly spurs bearing
shoots too (which alas! only bore flowers) that are not
wanted another season for furnishing, and stopping the points
of unripe growths. Bear in mind that light, air, and the
warmth from the wall are necessary to ripen the growth made
this year previous to August; that made subsequently will not
ripen under any conditions, and if therefore after doing all the

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 20, 1877.

necessary thinning there is still more foliage than can be ex-
posed to the light, the latest and greenest growths may be
shortened, and this will reduce to a minimum the work to be
done after the fall of the leaf.—Wwu. Taynor,

ROSE DIFFICULTIES.

Year by year the number of amateur gardeners increases,
notably the growers of Roses. It would be an interesting
document which should exhibit the various pursuits out of
office of the clerks of this great City. I think gardening would
be found to occupy one of the largest, if not the largest section.
And why? Because there is nothing which gives so great an
amount of pleasure, exercise, and subject of thought. Many
of us, I am afraid, cannot say with Bacon that gardening is
the purest of human pleasures, because we have only a limited .
portion of time in which to pursue it, and we all feel a certain
amount of disappointment at something which we try at but
do not accomplish. Butit is not to write about the delights
that I wish, but to pour into your. willing ears some of the
many troubles of my garden. Before I begin let me thank
our friends ‘“‘ Wy~p Savacs,’”’ Mr. Hinton, and others for the
many excellent hints which we get from your columns, for I
am glad to say the Journal of Horticulture is always held up
aa a great institution with us.

I am a City clerk—not much leisure except early morning
and a stray hour on the Saturday, but Ido whatIcan. Last
September I purchased a cottage and garden of about a quarter
of an acre; and a third of this I have planted with fruit trees,
another third is occupied with miscellaneous subjects, and the
other third is given up to Roses, for you must know this is
the flower I love. My garden had been shamefully neglected
for several years, and presented when first I went into it a
forest of weeds, but these were well cleared out, and have,
thanks to the Dutch hoe, been kept under. I chose the very
best quarter I could for the Roses. The ground is situate
twelve or fourteen miles from London and stands high. It is
well protected on the east and north by trees which break the
wind, and a good wood fences protects it from the west. The
soil is a strange mixture. The surface looks a moderate
garden soil; taken in the hand it binds together, and therefore
cannot be called sandy: in places the subsoil is clay, in other
places sand, but the whole garden is well drained, yet cannot
be called dry or thirsty. I planted fifty standards in a bed, or
rather a portion, for mine is not a place of fancy beds; and
these had but little manure when planted and afterwards had
a fair mulch of stable dung, which was forked-in carefully in
the spring. Afraid that my soil was rather light I also planted
about sixty on Manetti, not choosing variety so much in the
selection of sorts, but such as I thought would give an abun-
dance of flowers—Monsicur Woolfield, Général Jacqueminot,
Sénateur Vaisse, John Hopper, Paul Neyron, Madame Charles
Wood, Etienne Levet, Alfred Colomb, Paulin Talabot. ‘These
Manettis had all a liberal supply of cow dung, or rather cow
droppings (no straw), which was fresh. Pruning was effected
rather closely on the standards and very moderately on the
Manettis. June came, I lost my Gloire buds first crop with
frost, and the first Rose out was Paulin Talabot. I quite
astonished my fellow clerks who grow Roses with the blooms
I was enabled to bring of this Rose, which deserves to be grown
a great deal more than it is.

At the end of June, after keeping clear of grubs and green
fly, a pest which has baffled all I can do broke out—mildew.
Paulin Talabot commenced. I got soft soap, mixed it with
soft water, applied it to the leaves with a large paint brush,
washed it off; the result was blistered or discoloured leaves,
and for a day or two a victory—but ah! Etienne Levet, Alfred
Colomb, The Duke, and Edward Morren are all affected. I
am recommended sulphur, and forthwith get a flour-dredger
and sulphur; it has but little effect. Then I tried sulphur
and soft soap together; no use. Then I hear that soot is the
remedy, and forthwith instead of yellow showers out of my
dredger, blackis the favourite. I syringe, I groan—all no use,
though I spend hours of toil. By the end of July the whole
of my Manettis, with the exception of a row of unbudded
stocks which seem to triumph over their brother slaves who
are budded, all are more or less covered with mildew. Leaves
are white, bloom buds are thoroughly encrusted on the stems,
the thorns on vigorous shoots seem to be storehouses of the
white substance, and the enemy has become so strong that it
is almost impossible to do anything, and yet these diseased
plants haye shot up vigorously shoots 7 feet high are on

September 20, 1877. ]

many sorts. Nor can I complain of quantity of flowers; I
eut a very lovely batch to-day for the sitting-room glass, and
I could almost hops for a cessation were it not for the little
vlots of white which appear at intervals (close to the thorn)
on even the strongest shoots. Well, unfortunately, I have
been no better with the Briars; they have all suffered from
this mildew, and though they are now covered with blooms,
small ones it is true, they are literally wrecked with this
disease, Is it the soil? WhenIread that when Briars will
not do because of the absence of a stiff coil it is preferable
to plant Manettis, I can understand it, but [cannot understand
why ell, Briars and Mauettis, chould be so terribly punished.
There must be a reason. I have watered with chamber slops,
urine, &c.; my cow dung on the Manettis was new, the contents
of a ditch containing nothing but slop water were resorted to,
and there has been a good deal of decaying substance applied.
Will any of these account for the disease? It has even
attacked Gloire de Dijon, Salet (Moss), and the Monthly China,
yea, and I find it on some shoots of Briars which have not
been cut off. What is best to do? I have laboured every
spare minute, and am fairly wearied and cast down. Will
“Wryip Savyacr”’ or the ‘‘Parson’s GARDENER’ spare me 2
few minutes, and would they like to see some of the shoots?
Would you feed or starve? Would you give them dung or
chemical manure? Would you cut them, or what? Iam not
enough of a naturalist to know, but is the disease on the backs
of the Laurel leaves, which I find to be very prevalent in
Surrey, the same as Rose mildew? It looks very like it,
though I observe that the leaves of the Laurel seem eaten
entirely up, while the leaf of the Rose curls and withers. I
have seen Laurels in many parts all suffering from this mildew.
Iam sorry I have taken up so much time, but you have so
kindly answered before that I-venture again.

Another query—tI have a tarred close fence, faces towards
the east, gets all the morning sun. What had I better plant
against it? The border is about 18 inches wide. Would Apple
trees trained on wires do? or would some laths be better than
wire? If Apples, what sorts would be best ? I find that Haw-
thornden and Court-Pendu-Plat make capital espaliers. Will
Cox’s Orange Pippin do the same? I have also a north or
north-west fence, gets a deal of sun: would any fruit tree be-
sides Morello Cherries do well here? The fences are close, 50
that the wind does not get through, and aro about 6 feet high.
Can you also tell me the name of a very pretty hardy climber
which is now filled with red berries? I see it on some of the
cottages, and would it do with a north aspect? Would a
Buddlea globosa do on an eastern wall? Another query—I have
three plants of Thomas Mills Rose, they are very vigorous, but
they will not bloom. Is this Thomas Mills’ character? if so
he must find another home. Not a single bloom on the three
trees, though they are large and occupy space.—City CLERE,

DEVELOPMENTS IN FERNS.

Fern literature is almost daily increasing; this shows evi-
dence that Ferns are in great favour with the gardening world;
besides their being in favour, it shows that their cultivators
desire to know more about them than the books in the past or
their experience tells them. Ferns altogether are very in-
teresting plants, and their developments, which are so unlike
those in other vegetable families, are a source of pleasure and
study to many people.

The changes of form in Fern-life to all pteridologists are mys-
terious, because the cause of the developments are unknown.
A few students have apparently tried to fathom the mystery,
and because they cannot find the source or the motive-power
of the changes some of them have, perhaps too hastily, con-
cluded that the variations that we see in one or other species
of Ferns are abnormal and unnatural growths. This conclu-
sion, however, is not altogether satisfactory, although it is for
some people an easy way of disposing of a difficulty which may
come to be more thoroughly understood as knowledge increases.
To my mind there must be laws which govern the growth of
these interesting plants as in other natural phenomena, and
daily I am more and more convinced that such is the case,
because as time rolls on most species of Ferns (my experience
is in British Ferns) produce the same characteristic forms of
growth in their different families which are commonly called
freaks of nature. If we examine Asplenium Trichomanes im-
bricatum, Lastrea Filix-mag crispa, Athyrium Filix-femina
Simpsonii, Blechnum Spicant imbricatum, Scolopendrium
crispum, é&c., we find their fronds contracted and imbricated,

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

227

and though the varieties named belong to separate families
they all assume this peculiar form of growth. Again, crested
habits of great similarity are met with in Lastreas, Athyriums,
Blechnums, Aspleniums, Adianturas, Osmundasz, Cystopteris,
Scolopendriums, Polypodiums, Polystichumy, &c. These same
families, or most of them, produce their incised, cornuted,
crisped, depauperated, marginated, and other styles of growth.
After thinking over these peculiarities, which are found in
common in most Fern families, it seems to my mind that if
they were freaks of nature there would be great irregularity
and nothing in common among the developments in the
different species. But such is not thecase. To even common
observers there is a great similarity of aim, if I may use tho
expression, in the attempts of Ferns of all sorts to change the
outline of their fronds into definite types of form, recognised
not in one or two Fern families, but through all the genus.
With this evidence before us, it seems that a power is working
through Fern-life according to rules which produce by its
action in all the Fern species a changing of the general out-
line of their fronds to other definite shapes. It must be
acknowledged that the unknown natural force, which is chang-
ing rapidly in these days the appearanco of Fern fronds, works
more quickly in some families than in others; but I believe its
effects may be traced in all, or nearly all, of the British and
many of the exotic species. The unknown force appears to
work strangely, although it seems to move one step at a time.
Sometimes it at one move developes a crested variety, as was
the case when Lastrea Filix-mas took the cristata form. Again,
this latter variety brought into existence a narrowed form
known by the name of Lastrea Filix-mas cristata angustata.
In the following case the contraction came first, when Lastrea
Filix-mas took the crispa or imbricated habit; after which
Lastrea Filix-mas crispa generated the crested type, which is
very dwarf, and known under the name of L. F.-m. crispa
cristata. Another almost parallel case is that of Athyrium
Filix-feemina curtum cristatum. In the first place Athyrium
Filix-foemina assumed the curtum habit, and the spores from
that type generated a crested form. The march of the un-
known force might be traced many steps amongst the Athy-
rium and Scolopendrium varieties, but time and space will not
allow us to follow in its path. From these three cases men-
tioned and others of like naturo it may be inferred that the
unknown natural force is an active and progressive power, its
goal, like its starting point, being unknown: therefore we may
presume to expect that though the Fern varieties we have
may generate their like, yet they may yield spores which pro-
gressively will give to us forms of Fern-life of which we can
have no conception.

I should like to add a little more upon this matter, also
upon the germination and hybridity of Ferns, but I must not
now.—G,. Suiru, Kendal.

CRYSTAL PALACE.

YeEaR by year the ornamentation of the grounds at this
great public rendezvous appears to improve. Certainly they
have never been more effective than they are during the present
season, as all must admit whoinspect them. They are attrac-
tive when viewed from various standpoints, but from no point
is the effect more imposing than at the entrance to the grounds
from the low-level station. To the right is the broad reced-
ing lawn and massive beds of Geraniums, &c.; to the left the
still broader and extremely fine beds of Dahlias, with masses
of Tritomas and Helianthuses in the distance; and in the
front is the artistically arranged bank round the rogery, and
the series of round carpet beds on the sloping lawn, which
must rank amongst the most effective beds in any of the public
metropolitan parks and gardens.

A few of the isolated beds on the lawn may first be noticed.
The best of the brilliant scarlet Geraniums is Lady Constance
Grosvenor; it is extremely floriferous, lively, and bright.
Vesuvius also is excellent. The best pure pink variety is
Cleopatra ; and Amaranth, lilac pink, is very good. The best
of the salmons is Gloire de Corbenay, and of the whites
Madame Vaucher. Waltham Nosegay is unsurpassed as a
crimson, and as a crimson-scarlet Bonfire is still pre-eminent.
The round beds of the varieties named, edged with contrasting
colours, are as good as Geranium beds possibly can be. Some
large V-shaped beds at the corners of the walks are splendid,
especially one planted with a centre of Serena, satiny pink,
a broad band of Bonfire, and an edging of Robert Fish.
Nearly equal to it, however, is the corresponding bed with

228 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

Duchess of Sutherland, crimson, in the centre, a band of ,
(Cleopatra, and a margin of Vesuviug. Some Calceolaria beds |
Golden Gem) are very fine, quite the best I have seen this
year. A few mixed beds are pleasing, notably a silver varie-
gated Geranium and Verbena yenosa edged with Robert Fish,
and a bea of variegated Tropeolam Minnie Warren azsociated
with dwarf Ageratum Douglasii. This Ageratum is new; it is |
very dwarf, massive, and rich, blue rather than lavender, and |

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. September 20, 1877.

an acquisition. Countess of Stair is also employed effectively,
but it is not so dissimilar from Imperial Dwarf as is the darker
Douglasii. Mr. Wildsmith’s Petunia Lord Eversleigh, purplish
plum colour, is a fine bedder; and one of the most effective of
Lobelias for edging large beds or for a second line in small
beds is Glow-worm, raised by Mr. Rutland at Goodwood. It
is extensively planted at the Crystal Palace, and its deep glow-
ing colour renders it a general favourite.

Fig. 46,—Scale of half an inch.

1. Alternanthera versicolor.
2, A. amcena.

The carpet beds have been planted so as to be effective from
a distance while they will yet bear the scrutiny of close ex-
amination. Beds arranged with soft neutral colours are very
chaste and pleasing when closely examined; but the majority
of visitors to the Palace do not submit the combinations of
colour to microscopical examination, hence bright colours have
not been eschewed by Mr. Thomson, yet there is no suspicion of
mere gaudiness. Cheerfulness and uniformity has mainly
been imparted to the beds by a simple ring of Golden Feather.
This contrasts admirably with the broad expanse of green
grass, and the beds thus edged have a more satisfactory ap-
pearance than haye others which are edged with silvery-foliaged

8. Leucophyton Brownii.
4, Pyrethrum Golden Feather.

5. Echeveria secunda glauca.
| 6. Semperyivam montanum.

plants. The characteristics of the carpet arrangements are
boldness and simplicity rather than novelty and intricacy. For
instance, one bed (it may be referred to as No. 1) contains a
tracery of the trailing variegated Geranium Duke of Edin-
burgh, with panels of Mentha and angles of Alternanthera and
Echeveria. No. 2 has a cross of Iresine Lindeni, panels (half
circles) of golden bicolor Geraniums Black Douglas and Vero-
nica incana, and a tracery of green Saxifraga and Alternan-
thera. No. 3 has an interlocking tracery of Lobelia Blue King
and Golden Feather, with panels of Echeverias, Alternantheras,
and Coleus. No. 4 has a diamond of Tagetes (what a charm-
ing green carpet plant this still is as managed here !), a broad

September 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

229

surrounding belt of Golden Feather, terminating in circles at |
the points of the diamond, another band of Veronica incana,
angles of Alternanthera, and a ring of green Saxifraga next
the margin of Golden Feather. No.5 has interlocking links |

of Golden Feather and Echeveria, the centres filled with Alter- |

nanthera amcena, with angles of Alternanthera versicolor, |
| peg and string need not be long at a loss for a pattern.

Sempervivum montanum, and Leucophyton. No. 6 has a

star of Iresine Lindeni, with bands of Golden Feather, Tagetes, |

and Lobelia; angles of Veronica incana, and ring of Alter-
nanthera magnifica. These are a few typical beds ‘ taken as
they come,’ not selected, and all of them and many more are
excellent. The plants named and their association may be
suggestive. As to the designs, they are founded on simple
geometrical rules, and anyone with a pair of compasses or a

ia-
grams of two beds are submitted, which afford an idea of the

Fig 47.—Scale of half an inch.

1, Iresine Lindeni.
2. Saxifraga sp. (green).

character of the patterns which prevail throughout the series ;
but all the beds are different. They are about 12 feet in
diameter.

The circular bank round the rosery, which is 9 feet wide, is
very beautiful. It is planted somewhat as follows :—In the
centre of the bank, at intervals of 9 or 10 feet, are somewhat
Kite-shaped pendants of Centaurea ragueina, surrounded and
connected with Iresine Lindeni. In the front of this are
zigzag belts of Golden Superb Geranium, Blue King Lobelia,
and Leucophyton. Next the walk is a margin of Echeverias,
and between them and the Leucophyton are angles of Alter-
nanthera paronychyoides major in brilliant colour. At the

3. Pyrethrum Golden Feather.
4, Pelargonium, or Geranium, Black Douglas (bronze).

5. Veronica incana (grey).
6. Alternanthera magnifica.

back of the Centaurea and Iresine the large half-circular
spaces are filled with Geraniums, pink and scarlet alternately,
backed with a row of silver variegated Geranium next the
green edge of the Roses. The balance of colour in this bank
is admirable, and the general effect of the arrangement is ex-
tremely good.

In fine contrast to the bank and carpet beds in connection
are the large Dahlia beds on the adjacent lawn. These are
bedding Dablias, which bloom earlier and more profusely than
the show varieties. The plants here have been rich masses of
bloom for some time past, and will continue gay until destroyed
by frost. Why are not these Dahlias and the charming bouquet

230

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 20, 1877.

varieties more generally grown? Nothing can be finer from | which, so far as I am aware, is original, and it certainly

the beginning of August onwards. The beds are round and
very large. They are mostly planted with a mixed variety of
show sorts in the centre, with contrasting rings of two bedding
varieties. Of these Rising Sun is the best dwarf scarlet,
Zelinda the best maroon, Alba floribunda nana the best
white, and Yellow Pet the best yellow. The last-named is a
comparatively new variety raised by Mr. Turner of Slough. It
grows 23 to 3 feet high, is extremely fioriferous, early, bright
in colour, and altogether good. During the early part of the
season these beds were gay with Hollyhocks and Delphiniums,
between which the Dahlias were planted. Some of the beds
are edged with Golden Feather and the others with Gnaphalium
lanatum, but the Golden Feather is the more effective. The
beauty of these beds is enhanced by the great extent of lawn
surrounding them and its excellent keeping. A grand bed of
Tritomas, Phloxes, and double yellow Helianthuses demands
notice. It glows like a fire from the great mass of brilliant
colour. Tritomas also at the foot of the southern terrace wall,
which in one part is covered with Roses, have a fine effect;
and the old-fashioned Monthly China Rose, which is employed
as an edging to some of the Rhododendron beds, is still bloom-
ing freely, and will continuo doing so even after the Dahlias
and most other flowers are destroyed by frost.

On the upper terrace next the building are many well-filled
carpet beds, and the chain of beds in the panels are filled with
the same established bedding Geraniums noticed above. Some
alteration has been made round the pedestal vases on this
terrace. Formerly a small bed encircled by a ring of turf, then
another bed, were arranged round each vase; but now the turf
is removed and each pedestal stands in a large bed. The
centres of these beds, being Dahlias surrounded with Geraniums
and edged with Glow-worm Lobelias, have an excellent effect.
The alteration noticed is certainly a great improvement.

The interior of the Palace is equally worthy of inspection.
The western wing contains many fine Palms, and dead trunks
of Tree Ferns are turned to account as supporting mediums
for Ferns of smaller growth. The effect produced by these,
crowned as they are with healthy plants of Lomarias, are
quite ornamental. In the adjoining structure are some fine
trees, real trees, of Camellias; also Oranges, which the public
rarely see. A structure adjoining the aquarium—a continu-
ation of it—is decorated with Ferns and other ornamental-
foliaged plants. These wings are mere adjuncts to the huge
building, the plants and trees of which are remarkably clean
and healthy. The groups of plants—Dracenas, Musas, &c., in
the Alhambra Court and the Fern Groito there are well worthy
of inspection, and the manner in which seedling Dicksonias are
raised in the Palace is noticeable. Round some of the fine
specimens planted out in the borders ridges of peat, a few feet
from the stems, are placed. These are kept moist, and seed-
lings spring up by thousands; but on the level ground, which
is also kept moist, the spores do not germinate at all. Why?
The answer is very simple when once Mr. Thomson tells it.
Because they are washed away or too much disturbed by the
heavy watering which is given to the roots. Sufficient Dick-
sonias will soon be raised to plant the building. The hang-
ing baskets overhead are extremely fine this year. They are
mostly filled with trailing Cape Geraniums brightened with
common Tropxolums. It is surprising that the plants in the
colossal building can be preserved in such good health and
kept so clean by a body of only seventeen men, who have also
an extent of preparing houses to attend to equal to those of a
good-sized nursery. In this department is a splendid collec-
tion of Chrysanthemums in pots, about two thousand plants,
which will make a grand display during the late autumn
months. The Crystal Palace never looked better, if as well, as
at the present time, aud it will repay a visit to all who are
desirous of seeing garden decoration well and effectively
carried out.—J. W.

GRAPES CRACKING.

Ar page 220 you tell ‘‘M.R. P.” that the cause of his
Grapes cracking is the Vine supplying sap faster than the
skins of the berries can expand. This is quite correct; but it
certainly has its causes, and I think its remedies, Keeping
the shoots closely pinched when the Vine is growing vigorously
causes the sap to flow stronger into the fruit. Where Vines
are growing close together, as they are in most cases, it is
impossible to let the side shoots run far enough out to use the
extra sap. I have tried a plan to counteract this this season,

answers the purpose well, The laterals on the Vines have
been pinched in the ordinary way up to the last three or four
shoots from the top. On these the laterals have been allowed
to grow. This gives a greater number of leaves to supply with
sap at the top of the Vine, and instead of a great pressure of
sap running into the side shoots and berries the most of it
flows to the top, where it is no way restricted. Under this
treatment there was not a single berry cracked or split this
year, and a noted Grape-grower told us the other day that our
Vine wood of this year was very luxuriant. These top shoots
are not taken off until the wood has become brown and the
flow of sap declining. They do no harm through giving a
little extra shade to the top, and as the mass of leaves break
the current of cold air which sometimes enters at the top
lights they do much more good than ill.— A KitcHEn GARDENER:

CARLISLE INTERNATIONAL SHOW.
SEPTEMBER 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH,
CUT FLOWERS.

In the horticultural world, whenever it was wanted to indicate
the most miserable day on which a show was ever held, the first
day of the provincial Show of the Royal Horticultural Society
at Birminghsm always came to the lips; but I fear it must in
its turn give way to the first day of the International Show at
Carlisle, for a more miserable, wretched, dreary one never
marred the hopes or disappointed the well-grounded expecta-
tions of an energetic Committee. The Castle Sawceries were
indeed saucers, for the heavy rains of the past few weeks had
converted the meadows into sponges, so that when sucha down-
pour came as it did on Thursday it had no chance of getting
away, and the dismal swamp could hardly have more deserved
its name. By-the-by, the derivation of the word Sawceries was
given to me as that of Saugheries, which in broad Scotch means
the Place of Willows. Some idea of the condition of things
with regard to cut flowers may be imagined when I say that the
largest grower of Gladioli in Scotland had not one spike in
bloom and had dug a trench a foot deep round his beds to carry
off the water, and that while I in Kent had been gathering ripe
Figs from my standard trees Gooseberries were not ripe in
Scotland. What, then, was to be expected? ‘Gladioli were
almost unrepresented, Hollyhocks by six of the most rubbishy
spikes ever seen, Asters indifferent, and the only flowers that
were at all presentable were our good friends the Rose and the
Dehlia. Of these some good boxes were shown.

Mr. Cranston of Hereford sent some fine Roses not for com-
petition ; and the executors of Mr. J. Harrison, Darlington,
contributed a good stand consisting of Charles Lefebyre, Mdlle.
Marguerite Dombrain, Alfred Colomb, Princess Beatrice, Marie
Baumann, Alice Derreux, J. Stuart Mill, Etienne Levet, Com-
tesse de Serenyi, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Francois Michelon, Madame
Bravy, Beauty of Waltham, Catherine Mermet, Leopold Haus-
burg, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Belle Normande, Auguste Rigotard,
Emilie Hausburg, Louis Van Houtte, La France, Dupuy Jamain,
Lelia, Thomas Mills. There were only a few boxes of Dahlias,
the best teing those of Messrs. Dickson & Son, Newtonards,
County Down, Ireland, for Rival Harris, Julia Wyatt, Henry
Walton, Cremorne, J. McMillan, Mrs. Stoncomb, Dr. Moffatt,
James Cacher, Hugh Miller, Vice-President, Charles Backhouse,
Jenny Austin, Negro Boy, Lady Gladys Herbert, John Bennett,
Alexander Cramond, Rey. J. B. M. Camm, John Standish,
Royal Queen, and Ovid. In twelve fancies Mr. Dickson also
first with Laura Haslam, Sparkler, Coronation, Mrs. Sanders,
Miss L. Sage, Mrs. Brown, John Salter, Fanny Sturt, Richard
Dean, and Rev. J. B. M. Camm.

I had hoped to have seen some good Gladioli from my friends
Lord Hawke, Mr. Galloway, Mr. Crichton, and others; butalas!
there were but two stands, one a most miserable stand of seed-
lings in the nurserymen’s class, and one in the amateurs’ exhi-
bited by Mr. R. Gray, gardener, Killorchan, Castle Girvan. In
this there were three good blooms—Aramis, Adolphe Brongniart,
and Lacépéde; the rest were indifferent. In no other class
except Pansies was there anything worth recording, and of these
some good stands were shown, although the flowers were small.

TABLE DECORATIONS.

The valuable prize of a cup, value £25, offered by Lady Mun-
caster, brought together eleven competitors, and I may with
safety say that some of them were as creditable as ever I saw
set up, although as usual there was much questioning of the
Judges’ decision ; but in this the first prize was excluded, for
even the defeated competitors acknowledged its excellence. It
was set up by Mr. James Cypher of Cheltenham, and displayed
admirable taste. The three centre vases were light and elegant ;
the sprays of Orchids, the flowers of Gloriosa superba, and the
fronds of Maiden-hair Fern had a most pleasing effect. The
table was not overcrowded, and all the appointments were good.

September 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

231

The second prize was, I think, wrongly awarded: the tables
were foo full, and the articles containing the flowers and fruit
were arranged in three straight lines. One table was conspi-
cuous for a heavy epsrgne which seemed as if it required some-
one to holditup. Another was terribly overloaded, but seven out
of the eleven were arranged with taste and skill. There was a
very large number of bouquets, and some of them evinced very
great taste, notably those of Mr. Perkins of Leamington, being
neither heavy nor overcrowded. It is evident that, in some
parts of the country at least, a better taste in these mutters is
beginning to prevail, and that we shall no longer have our eyes
vexed with the inartistic abominations of former days.

It was in trath a great Show, but no attempt at artistic ar-
rangement was made anywhere, and success depended on the
excellence of the exhibits alone; and terrible indeed was the
scene. Never shall I forget the luncheon, from which I beat a
hasty retreat, although many even of the ladies satit out. Sir
Wilfred Lawson did not remain for it, but assuredly he might
have done so, for his favourite element was there in abundance.
Oh that I had the pencil of poor John Leech to portray the
portly form of my reverend brother of Caunton, as in broad-
brimmed canonical hat and great coat he sat crouched under
an umbrella sipping half-cold soup! It was a sight well worth
seeing. I can only hope that better fortunes dawned on the
promoters on Friday, or else there must be a heavy reckoning
for the guarantee fund. It would be unfair to close these few
notes without acknowledging the excellent and thoughtful ac-
commodation made for the Judges; nothing could have been
better, and one and all appreciated it—D., Deal.

ALEXANDRA PALACE GREAT INTERNATIONAL
FRUIT SHOW.

13TH, 14TH, AND 15TH SEPTEMBER,

Tue liberal prizes offered by the lessees of the Alexandra
Palace for fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, and table decorations
brought together a very good display—a far better display than
could have been expected from the general scarceness of outdoor
froit this season. The productions sent compietely filled the
large centre hall. Grapes were exceptionally good and shown
in large numbers, no less than twenty classes being set apart for
them. Peaches and Nectarines were very good, but perhaps not
So extensively shown as in some previous years, and these same
remarks will apply to most of the other sections of fruit classes.
Dahlias were most extensively shown and in most excellent trim,
as also were Asters, while the cut blooms of Roses—which came
from Messrs. Paul & Son, Messrs. Cranston & Co., and several
other exhibitors—were in splendid condition, and formed a very
attractive addition to the Exhibition. Vegetables and salad were
also shown in large numbers and in splendid condition.

Following in the order of the schedule Class 1 is for collection
of sixteen sorts of fruits—not more than four sorts of Grapes,
two sorts of Pines, and two sorts of Melons, for which the first
prize is £16. This brought three remarkable even collections,
and Mr. Coleman, gardener to Harl Somers, Eastnor Castle, was
awarded the first prize for first-rate dishes of Museat of Alex-
andria, Black Hamburgh, Lady Downe’s, and Madresfield Court
Grapes, Pine Apple and Oldenburg Nectarines, Violette Hative
and Early Crawford Peaches (very fine), Golden Gem and EHast-
nor Castle Melons, fine fruits of Smooth Cayenne and Black
Jamaica Pines, large Brown Turkey Figs, Green Gage Plum,
Pitmaston, Duchesse d’Angouléme Pears, and Morello Cherries.
Mr. Thos. Bannerman was placed second with a very fine collec-
tion, and Mr. J. H. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle, Derby, third with
@ very smart and excellent lot. In the class for twelve sorts
exclusive of Pines there were only twocompetitors. Mr. Neigh-
bour, gardener to G. Wythes, Esq., Bickley, Kent, was first with
very fair examples of Foster’s Seedling, Black Hamburgh, and
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, White Magnum Bonum and
Victoria Plums, Violette Hative and Bellegarde Peaches, Brown
Turkey Figs, Pitmaston Orange Nectarines, a Scarlet-flesh
Melon, Jargonelle Pears, and White Currants. Mr. Rushmore,
gardener to Sir C. R. Rowley, Bart., Colchester, was placed
second with very good examples, For twelve sorts of fruits
exclusive of Pines and Grapes Mr. Cox, gardener to Lord Beau-
champ, Madresfield Court, and Mr. Thos. Crane, gardener to the
Rev. L. Deedes, Bramfield Rectory, Hertford, were firstand second
respectively. Mr. Cox’s collection contained good examples of
Violette Hitive and Crawford’s Early Peaches, Goliath and
Green Gage Plums, Irish Peach Apple, Jargonelle Pears,
Warrington Gooseberries, Morello Cherries, Oldenburg and
Downton Nectarines.

Pines.—Three classes for Pines were fairly represented, and
the two best Smooth Cayennes came from Mr. Ross, gardener
to C. Eyre, Esq., Newbury; Mr. W. Toomer, gardener to W.
Knowles, Esq., Streatham, being placed next in order of merit;
and the best pair of Queens, very even and good fruit, came from
Mr. J. Churchfield, gardener to H. Littleton, Esq., Westwood
House, Sydenham ; while Mr. Toomer and Mr. Webb were placed

second and third respectivaly, and for two of any other kind
Mr. Coleman was awarded the second prize.

Grapes.—The first prize for eight varieties, one bunch of each,
went to Messrs. Lane & Sons, Berkhampstead, for splendidly
finished bunches of Gros Colman, Bowood Muscat, Black Ham-
burgh, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Hamburgh, Pearson’s new
Golden Queen, Alicante, and Trebbiano. Mr. W. Wildsmith,
gardener to Lord Eversfield, Heckfield Place, winning second
honours with bunches.somewhat smaller and not quite so well
coloured as the first-prize collection. Seven good collections
were staged in the class for four varieties. Mr. Coleman was
awarded the first prize for Madresfield Court, Black Hamburgh,
Lady Downe’s, and Museat of Alexandria, all finished in his
well-known style. Mr. Bannerman came second with good
examples of Alicante, Gros Colman, Trebbiano, and Black Ham-
burgh. Mr. T. Coomber, gardener to Allan Rolls, Esq., Mon-
mouth, third. In the class for three bunches of Black Ham-
burghs there were nine competitors, Messrs. Coleman, Coomber,
Bannerman, and Edwards sharing the honours in the order
named. Buckland Sweetwater was represented by five com-
petitors, and the best came from Mr. J. Bain, gardener to Sir
C. R. Boughton, Downton Hall, Salop; the next best from Mr.
Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey; the
third prize going to Messrs. Lane & Son. For three bunches of
Madresfield Court, Mr. J. W. Chard, Salisbury; Mr. C. Tyler,
gardener to R. Gosling, Esq., Hassobury ; and Mr. Toomer,
were placed first, second, and third respectively. Seven col-
lections of Black Alicante were staged, and Mr. J. Freeman,
Beechwood Park, Dunstable, was placed first with remarkably
well-finished bunches; Mr. Peed, Roupell Park Nurseries, being
avery good second; Messrs. Lane & Son, third; and an extra
prize awarded to Mr. Goodacre. Lady Downe’s was also well
represented, and the best bunches came from Mr. Wright,
Thurleston Lodge, Ipswich; and from Mr. Tyler, and Mr.
Reeves, Grass Farm, Finchley, who were placed first, second,
and third respectively, and an extra prize being awarded to Mr.
Bannerman. Muscat of Alexandria was also extensively shown,
and Mr. Coleman was again to the fore with three of the best
bunches in the Exhibition, followed by Messrs. Lane & Son who
were placed second, and third went to Mr. Wattam, gardener
to A. H. Longman, Esq., Hemel Hempstead. Mr. Tyler was
awarded an extra. For asingle bunch of Black Hamburgh Mr.
Wildsmith was awarded the first prize for a splendid bunch,
both for size of berry and an intense black colour. Mr. Cooper,
gardener to M. Yeatman, Esq., was placed second, the third
prize being withheld. Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Johnstone,
Esq., Hampstead, Mr. Wildsmith, and Mr. Cooper were placed
in the order named for one bunch of Foster’s Seedling. The
first prize for a bunch of Madresfield Court was awarded to Mr,
Peed, and the second prize to Mr. Cox, whose bunch was by far
the largest but inferior in point of colour. For Black Alicante
Mr. Peed was again first and Mr. Wildsmith second; and for
Lady Downe’s the first prize was withheld, the second prize
going to Mr, Cooper.

For the finest-flavoured black Grapes fourteen collections were
staged. Mr. Bannerman was awarded the first prize; Mr. Lane,
gardener to Major-General Ffytche, the second; and Mr. Wild-
smith the third; and for the best flavoured white Grapes Mesars.
Coleman, Bannerman, and Bashford were placed first, second, and.
third respectively. Mr. Peed took the first prize for the heaviest
bunch of Grapes (black) with Barbarossa, 5} lbs.; Mr. Wild-
smith second with a bunch 5lbs. 2 ozs.; and the third prize to
Mr, Coleman. For the heaviest bunch (white) the first prize
was withheld, Mr. Wildsmith being placed second with White
Nice, weight 6 lbs. 14 ozs. ; and Mr. Peed third with Trebbiano,
weight 3lbs. 12 ozs. There was a keen competition in the two
classes for baskets of Grapes not to exceed 12 lbs., Mr. Cole-
man winning the first prize in both classes with Black Ham-
burgh and Muscat of Alexandria, which were grand; and Messrs.
P. S. Kay, Finchley, was awarded second for blacks and third
for whites, and Mr. Thomas was placed third with Black Ham-
burgh and second for Muscats.

In the class for twelve Peaches thera were eight competitors,
and the best was a dish of Prince of Wales from Messrs. Hay-
cock, Barham Court, Maidstone. Mr. Jones, Frogmore, took ~
the second prize with Barrington Peach, and the third was
awarded to Mr. J. Maher, gardener to C. Allhusen, Esq., Stoke
Court, Slough, for Crawford’s Harly. Mr. Coomber was placed
first with Royal George out of eleven exhibits for six Peaches,
Mr. H. J. Clayton second with Late Admirable, and Mr. J.
Seymour third with Bellegarde. Mr. Coomber, Mr. Haycock,
and Mr. Seymour were placed in the order named for twelve
Nectarines, the first prize being awarded to a dish of Pitmaston
Orange; and in the corresponding class for six Mr. Coleman
was placed first, Mr. Green second, and Mr. Crane third. _

Figs were both plentiful and good. Messrs. Chisholm, Miller,
and Coleman were placed in the order named.

The best Jefferson’s Plam came from Mr. Clayton; the second
from Mr. Pragnell, gardener to D. W. Digby, Esq., Sherborne
Castle; the third from Mr. Murrell, gardener to A. KR, Allerton,

232

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 20, 1877.

Esq., Colemans, Essex. Mr. Murrell also exhibited the bese
Kirke’s, and Mr. Haycock gained the second place. Tor twelv
Green Gages Mr. J. Fry, gardener to L. J. Baker, Esq., Haydon
Hall, Pinner, was first; Mr. Cox second, and Mr. Neighbour
third. For twelve of any other sort Mr. Haycock took the firs
place with Transparent Gage, Mr. Fry second with Belgian
Purple, and Mr. Neighbour third with White Magnum Bonum.

Prars.—The class for twelve sorts of Pears, two of each, were
represented by no less than fourteen entries containing most of
the popular kinds, and as they could be shown either ripe or
unripe they were not so attractive as they would have been
could they all have been shownripe. Mr. Haycock was awarded
the first prize with a very good lot. Mr. Fowler, gardener to
Sir H. Mildmay, Bart., Dogmersfieid, second ; and Mr. Holder,
gardener to W. Balston, Esq., Maidstone, third. Extra, Mr.
T. Jones, Frogmore. Messrs. Coleman, Haycock, and Harris
were first, second, and third respectively for Pears fit for table,
all winning with Jargonelle. The best Williams’ Bon Chrétien
came from Messrs. Holder, Jones, and Haycock in the order
named; and the six heaviest Pears came from Mr. Holder
(Grosse Calebasse), weight 6 lbs. 7 ozs. Mr. Bromfield was
second with Beurré Clairgeau, 5 lbs. 2 ozs.

Dessert APPLEs contained eighteen collections. Mr. Haycock
was placed first, Mr. Goldsmith second, and Mr. Holder third;
and for baking Apples there were twenty-five competitors. Mr.
Goldsmith, gardener to H. T. Lambert, Esq., Bletchingley, was
first, Mr. Haycock second, and Mr. Holder third. For twelve
dessert Apples, three of each sort, Mr. Haycock was again first
and Mr. Holder second. Strange to say there was no competition
for the six heaviest Apples.

Mr. W. Holder showed the best green-flesh Melon, Bromham
Hall, and Mr. J. Bain the best scarlet-flesh, Reid’s Scarlet.
The competition was strong in both classes.

A portion of the schedule was set apart for foreign exhibitors,
including the Channel Islands. This is a very good arrange-
ment, and affords our home growers a better chance of competing
on fairer terms. The whole of the classes were well represented,

and Messrs. F'. Le Suer and J. and P. V. Pluck carried off the |

lion’s share of the prizes.

VEGETABLES were shown both numerous and in excellent
condition. There were seven collections of sixteen sorts, and
the first prize was awarded to Mr. Pragnell, who had well-grown
examples of Student Parsnip, excellent Cauliflowers, Early
Nantes Carrot, Potato Model, Ne Plus Ultra Pea, Sutton’s New
Improved Garden White Turnip (very good), Sherborne Im-
proved Onion, Celery, Vegetable Marrow, Cardoons, Cretan
Leek, a fine brace of Tender-and-True Cucumber, Dwarf and
Scarlet Runner Beans, Tomatoes, and some very fine Veitch’s
Improved Beet. Mr. Arkell, gardener to A. J. Skinner, Esq.,
Cheltenham, was placed second, and Mr. Milesthird. Mr. Miles
exhibited a remarkably excellent collection, which we wonder
was not placed second. An extra prize was awarded to Mr.
John Hepper. A capital lot of produce was also shown by nine
competitors. In the class for six dishes Mr. W. Iggulden, gar-
dener to R. B. Wingfield-Baker, Esq., Romford, was first, and
Mr. Cox and Messrs. Smith & Son second and third respectively.
Collections of salads were shown by Mr. Hepper, Mr. Pragnell,
and Messrs. Smith & Son, who were placed in the order named.

Mr. W. Soder, gardener to O. Hanbury, Hsq., Brentwood, was
placed first for a table completely laid for ten persons, display-
ing fruit and flowers set forth to the best advantage. Mr. J. W.
Chard, Salisbury, gained the second place, and Messrs. Dick
Radclyffe & Co. the third. Miss Stuart, Seven Sisters Road,
Holloway, had the best wedding bouquet, and Messrs. Gilbert
and Son and Mr..G. Thomas were placed second and third re-
spectively.

Dantt1as.—In the class for forty-eight varieties Mr. Keynes,
nurseryman, Salisbury, was first with grand blooms of Bessie
Ford, Charles Wyatt, Miss Large, Flag of Truce, Ethel New-
come, Egyptian Prince, George Goodhall, John Bennett, Lady
Gladys Herbert, Queen of York, Leah, Marchioness of Lorne,
Princess of Prussia, Vice-President, Willie Eckford, James
Service, Mrs. Henshaw, Ovid, Prince Arthur, Mrs. OC. Kimber-
ley, Baron Taunton, Royal Queen, Henry Bond, Cremorne, Hon.
Sidney Herbert, Picotee Alexander Cramond, Mrs. J. Downie,
J. N. Keynes, Mrs. Boston, James Oocker, Mrs. Harris, William
Lucas, Louisa Neate, King of Primroses, John Standish, Thomas
Goodman, and one or two others. Mr. 8. Dobree, The Priory,
Wellington, was placed second with a very fine collection, and
Messrs. Rawlings, Bros., Old Church, Romford, third. In the
class for twenty-four varieties, amateurs, the prizes were
awarded to Messrs. Smith, Glassock, and Quennell in the order
named. Asters were well represented by Messrs. John & Lewis
Morgan, Mr. R. Petfield, and Messrs. Saltmarsh & Sons,

Miscellaneous collections were numerously shown, and several
of the most meritorious received extra prizes. To Messrs. Lane
and Son for pot Vines; to Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for a
collection of forty pyramid Apple trees. This was indeed an
interesting collection, and contained amongst others Cockle’s
Pippin, Claygate Pearmain, Old Golden Reinette, Manks Cod-

lin, Cellini Pippin, Wellington, Lamb Abbey Pearmain, Haw-
thornden, Yellow Ingestrie, Old Golden Pippin, Small’s Ad-
mirable, Cox’s Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, Hereford
Pearmain, Lord Nelson, and Cheshunt Pippin; and extra prizes
were also awarded to Messrs. Paul & Son for a collection of
eighty dishes of Apples and several boxes of cut Roses in good
condition. Mr. Paul set up distinct boxes of Sénateur Vaisse,
Alfred Colomb, and Baroness Rothschild. Messrs. Cranston
and Co., Hereford, sent fourteen boxes of Roses, which in-
cluded numerous varieties, for which an extra prize was worthily
awarded. Mr. W. Paul of Waltham and Mr. W. Corp of Oxford
were also awarded extra prizes for cut blooms of Roses. Mr,
Jones, Her Majesty’s gardener, Frogmore, contributed an ex-
tensive collection of Apples and Pears, for which an extra prize
was awarded; also to Mr. Turner for a collection of Lilium
auratum. Certificates of merit were awarded to Mr. Keynes
for seedling Dahlias Maid of Athens, Bessie Ford, and Louisa
Neate; and to Mr. Turner for Charles Lidgard and Lady
Golightly; to Messrs. Rawlings, Bros., for James Willing; and
to Messrs. J. & P. Harris for Dahlia Constance. The arrange-
ments of the Show were most excellent, and reflect much credit
on Mr. McKenzie, and we also hope the lessees received that
encouragement they deserved.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

THE CoNFERENCE of the Cryprocamic Society oF ScoTLaND
will be held at Dunkeld on October 17th, 18th, and 19th.
All Fellows of the Society are requested to endeavour to attend
the Conference; other botanists are cordially invited to attend.
Fellows and others who purpose coming will oblige by commu-
nicating with the Secretary. The Council hopes that all Fellows
who can will furnish papers and communications, to be read
at the business meeting. The Show will be restricted to speci-
mens from the district, but novelties from other districts will
be very acceptable. The Society is now prepared to issue @
First Century of ‘‘ Fungi Scotici Exsiccati,” which will con-
tain many of the new species and rarities recently discovered.
The subscription price is £1 1s.

—— WE have received from Messrs. Rutley & Silverlock,
of the Strand, a cake of ‘‘ Soap”’ which is made from the seed
of the Tea plant, and which is said to be efficacious in de-
stroying worms in lawns. It is much used in China for this
purpose, and if it is found to be equally serviceable in this
country Messrs. Rutley & Silverlock will have conferred a
benefit on those who are careful to have a clean lawn.

—— Vases and dinner ornaments may be very prettily filled
with leaves properly preserved. Brackets may be made to
resemble carving, and also picture frames. The bright tints
of autumnal leaves are excellent for the purpose. Gather a
good assortment, which may comprise every tint from crimson
to scarlet, from scarlet to yellow, and from yellow to green.
The red Beech and the Sumach are very useful, so are the Oak
and Ferns. Smooth every leaf on the wrong side with a hot
iron, holding it down a minute or two. Any leaves that are
not flat must be soaked in water first. Then oil them over on
the right side. Next, take a number of fine wire stems, and
fix every leaf to a stem. Lay the leaf over the wire, which
should extend the entire length of the leaf, to support it. The
leaf is attached by its stalk to the artificial stem. Use the
fine green-covered reel wire necessary.in wax-flower-making
for this. Afterwards cover the stems with green tissue paper
or brown Berlin wool, and join them together in sprays. The
individual leaves on each spray must be of the same kind and
colour. Afterwards mix and arrange the sprays according to
taste. Oak leaves and acorns gummed on a cardboard frame
make good brackets, boxes, and picture-frames. Acorns and
other berries used in this way ought first to be cut in half.—
(Cassell’s Household Guide.)

—— Havine received a note asking for some poetic addition
suitable for a young gardener’s epitaph, we referred to a little
volume entitled ‘“‘ EprgRaAMs AND Epiarapus,” by the author of
“ Proverbial Folk-lore,’”’ and we selected from it the following -—

“He died young, and thus as ofttimes seen,
The fruit God loves He’s pleased to pluck while green.”
The yolume contains a good collection and well arranged.

— Tue Cui Pine as A Foop Prant.—The beautiful
Conifer (Araucaria imbricata) is looked upon as a fruit tree in
its native country, Chili and Araucaria. The Indians and
other inhabitants of those countries eat its seeds raw, roasted,
and boiled. They are said to be very nutritious; about two
hundred form a good meal for an adult. One seed-cone con-
tains from two hundred to three hundred seeds, and every tree

September 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

233

UT el

bears many such cones, which, when they have arrived at
maturity, drop to the ground. The seeda lie in such great
numbers on the ground that only a part of them are collected.
The Indians have also a way of making a kind of brandy from
these seeds.

—— Tur “Journal of Forestry” gives the following enu-
meration of remarkable Watnur trEES:—A Walnut tree at
Gordon Castle, Banffshire, stands 66 feet high and 11 feet in
girth at 3 feet from the ground; and at Altyre, Morayshire,
there is one 62 feet high, with a trank 4 feet in diameter. At
Blair Drummond, Perthshire, there is one 75 feet high, and
13 feet 7 inches in girth at 2 feet up; and one of the finest in
Scotland is at Eccles, Dumfriesshire, 63 feet high, girth at
base 22 feet, and at 12 fect up 13 feet girth. In England
there are many fine old Walnut trees of which there is no
record. ‘There is a fine one at Rufford Abbey, Notts, the butt
of which, although only 4 feet long, girths 21 feet 10 inches at
2feet up. Another particularly remarkable tres, which grows
at Downlands, Hants, measures 16 feet in girth, and contains
223 cubic feet of timber. The above are but pigmies in com-
parison with the prodigious siza and great age which the
Walnut tree attains in Eastern Europs. In the Baider Valley,
near Balaclava, in the Crimea, grows a Walnut tree at least
1000 years old, which yields annually from 80,000 to 100,000
nuts, and belongs to five Tartar families, who share its produce
equally. Scammozi, an Italian architect, mentions having
seen at St. Nicholas, in Lorraine, a single plank of the wood
of the Walnut 25 feet wide, upon which the Emperor Frede-
rick III. had given a sumptuous banquet.

ZONAL PELARGONIUMS AT PUTNEY.

WuHEN we visited Mr. Roser and saw the masterly examples
of Geraniums grown by him, and heard of the praises bestowed
on several varieties of Mr. George’s raising, we felt somewhat
anxious to pay a visit to Mr. George at Putney, and see them
growing at their own home. A rich treat was in store for us.
In a three-quarter span house from 20 to 30 feet long there
were hundreds of plants growing in 6-inch pots, the majority
of the varieties being Mr. George’s own seedlings, the whole of
which were in full bloom (Zonals and Hybrid Nosegays), with
flowers of various shades of colour, and trusses like Hydran-
geas. We measured one of The Moor, a deep rich crimson
flower, and it was just 11 inches over—that is, measuring from
the lowermost petal on the one side to the same on the other.

Mr. George had a few very promising seedlings, additions to
those already sent out by him, in flower at the time of our
visit ; one was a zonal flower of a distinct crimson scarlet, the
flower perfect in shape and a large truss.
very highly of it, says it far surpasses anything he has ever
produced before. It is to be named General Grant. Thero
were also other promising seedlings, especially a deep orange
scarlet Hybrid Nosegay. This was not named, but we under-
stood it would be sent out along with General Grant. Con-
spicuous amongst the quantity of bloom we noted A. F.
Barron, Par Excellence, Ivanhoe, Rose Unique, Royalist,
Seraph, Salamander, Progress, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Mrs. J.
George, Enchantress, Chancellor, Cromwell, The Shah, H. M.
Stanley, and Negro Boy, all Mr. George’s seedlings. There
were numerous other varieties, for the house was one mags of
colours, verily maintaining the fact that no other flowers but
Zonal Pelargoniums could make such a chow in such small
space, and remain in bloom for so long—May to October. Mr.
George perpetuates his stock in the manner described by Mr.
Roser, and simply blooms them in 48 and 32-size pots. In
the distance we saw some beds of H. M. Stanley, which is
without doubt one of the finest bedding Geraniums we have.
The numerous varieties sent out by him, and the excellent
qualities they possess both in size of pip and truss as well as
finish of flower, must rank Mr. George as one of the most
successful raisers of both Zonal and Hybrid Nosegay Pelar-
goniums of the day.—An ExuHisiTor.

THE APPLE ELECTION.

A rFortNicgHt from tho publication of this letter in your
Journal I intend closing the Apple election; will you therefore
kindly use your editorial influence to induce Apple growers to
forward more lists? The result will be published at a time
when growers will be able to look over their own grounds and
compare the results of the election with their own experience.

| equalled.

ay raiser think
he;alser inks ticularly Marie Van Houtte; indeed this Rose with me never

It is algo a year to note the bearing properties of the different
kinds, so as to know what to plant and what to avoid. After
the election I ghall be pleased to compare notes with other
growers through the medium of your Journal.—Lrwis A.
Kituicr, Mount Pleasant, Langley, Maidstone.

[We commend to the notice of our readers Mr. Killick’s
excellent suggestion for them to note the bearing properties
of the different kinds. This will afford very valuable infor-
mation in a year like the present, when so great a failure of
the fruit crops has taken place. We may remind growers that
the election is for fifteen dessert and the same number of
kitchen Apples.—Ebs. J. or H.]

ROSE SHOWS.

Have the Roses shown at the various shows this year been
up to the mark? Have they been up to theaverage? I fancy
this may seem a startling question to some, but I do not know
that there is any harm in putting it. If I state my own
opinion in the most prosaic manner possible, I should simply
answer the above question with a direct negative. I do not
think that any stands shown by nurserymen or amateurs have
been equal to what I remember five years ago. But more par-
ticularly do I think that this has been the case with the great
nurserymen. It may be that my ideas have advanced, that
what seemed to me magnificent five years ago now seems
merely an ordinary stand, but somehow I do not think it is go.
Mr. George Paul’s stand at the Royal Horticultural Gardens
the last time that that Society had a Rose show in a tent, and
Mr. Baker’s stands the year that heswept the board at Exeter,
Crystal Palace, and Hereford, have in my opinion never been
I was not at the Alexandra nor at Hereford, and I
believe that the former show was one of the, if not the, best of
the year; but I was at all the others, and I can confidently
say, that with certain exceptions hereafter named, I saw no
astonishingly good bloom shown. The exceptions were gene-
rally among the amateurs, although Mr. Curtis at Torquay
certainly showed a bloom of Prince Camille de Rohan which I
never saw equalled. Mr. Baker’s bloom of Marie Van Houtte
shown at Exeter was, in my opinion, the bloom of the season ;
and next to it I should place Mr. Curtis’s Camille de Rohan,
next to that the bloom of Marquise de Mortemart shown by
Mr. Jowitt at Torquay.

Throughout the year the Teas have come to the front re-
markably well. Mr. Cant’s stands were always remarkable for
good Teas, but this year he surpassed himself; but perhaps
the best of the year were those shown by Mr. Mitchell of Pilt-
down at the Crystal Palace. This year I have never known
some of the Teas bloom so well before in the autumn, par-

does so well in summer as in the autumn.

With regard to a question asked by my friend ‘0. P. P.,”’
as to the cultivation of these charming flowers in the north,
I would recommend him to take up his Teas every autumn
and plant them in pots, and take them into a conservatory till
May, then plant them out again; or if he has not room for
this, I would still advise him to Jift the plants and place them
in some sheltered corner, and during the frosts cover them
over with mats. Plant them out again the next spring. It is
almost hopeless to try and grow tender Teas in the north
without protection —Wvyup Savace.

RUFFORD ABBEY,
THE RESIDENCE OF HENRY SAVILLE, ESQ.

Rourrorp is a place of considerable antiquity, and was
formerly called Rugford or Rumford. It is bounded on the
north by Ollerton and Edwinstowe, on the west by the manor
of Clipstone, and on the south by the Hundred of Bassetlaw.
It is one of those places somewhat difficult of access, for it is
nine miles from Tuxford (the nearest railway station) and
eleven from Mansfield. The little market town of Ollerton,
ten miles from Rufford, is pleasantly situated near the con-
fluence of the Mann and the Rainworth water, on the Work-
sop and Newark road.

It is always interesting to stroll through a country church:
yard and read some of the inscriptions on the ancient stones ;
and on the church bell at Ollerton we meet with the following :—

“T to the church the living call,
And to the graye do summon all.”

| But the most singular epitaph is on the tomb of Francis

234

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 20, 1877.

Thompson, who was for many years butler at Rufford Abbey.
It runs as follows :—

“ Beneath the droppings of this spout
There lies the body once so stout
Of Francis Thompson.

A soul this carcase once possess’d
Which for its yirtues was caress’d
By all who knew the owner best.
The Rafford records can declare
His actions, who for seventy years
Both drew and drank its potent beer.
Fame mentions not in all that time
In this great butler the least crime
To stain his reputation,

To Envy’s self we now appeal,
If aught of fault she can reveal,
To make her declaration.

Here rest, good shade, nor hell nor vermin fear,
Thy virtues guard thy soul, thy body good strong beer.”
He died July 6th, 1739.

The principal entrance to the Abbey and grounds is from
the Ollerton road through a noble pair of iron gates erected
in excellent taste by the late Harl of Scarborough. On the
opposite side the road there is a neat lodge surrounded with a
nice flower garden, which at once impreeses the visitor with a
feeling of grandeur. From the entrance gates to the Abbey
there is a fine avenue of Limes—* tall ancestral trees,’’ which
have weathered the storm of many a winter and stand dignified
in their leafy grandeur. We now reach the Abbey, which
presents an air of comfort seldom to be met with, and this,
rather than structural excellence, appears to have been the
prevailing motive of those who have converted an old monastic
residence into acountry gentleman’s seat. It is difficult at this
time to say how much of the present building is a remnant of
the original Abbey. The architecture and masonry of the south
end of the house are, at any rate, as old as the days of the first
lay possessor—the Karl of Shrewsbury, and probably much
older, but the interior arrangements have been so far altered
from time to time as to Jeave little trace of the plan of the
original building. Two important features, however, remain
much as they were from the first—viz., the spacious hall and
the crypt below it; the former was restored by the late Earl of
Scarborough and fitted up in a manner suitable to its original
intention and design; the latter was at the same time brought
to light by the removal of a chaos of subterranean rubbish,
and now, as well as being converted into useful purposes, it
attracts the attention of archxologists as a perfect specimen
of a crypt of considerable antiquity.

The entrance to the Abbey is plain and unpretentious, and
in character with the other architectural arrangements of the
iansion. Bearing to the left we pass along a broad terrace
walk. Inthe distance there is the Wilderness with its pleasant
drives and its umbrageous walks. From the north-east corner
of the Abbey we have a grand view of the Beech avenue, that
extends across the park and is terminated by a pair of iron
gates. South-east of the Abbey in the park there is an exten-
sive lake, dotted here and there with islands, with an irre-
gular and wooded margin, so essential in water scenery. This
forms an important feature in the landscape. The pleasure
grounds are separated from the park by a sunk fence, and
from various parts of the Abbey the scenery is of a most
imposing character. In the pleasure grounds I noticed some
noble trees both deciduous and evergreen, including Cedars,
Tulip Trees, fine Hollies resembling forest trees; and just on
the border of the park there was at right angles to the Abbey
a fine pair of variegated Sycamores, and between these a
Purple Beech, the foliage of which contrasted most beautifully
with the elegant variegation of the Sycamores. On the flights
of steps leading to the drawing room there were some taste-
fully arranged vases filled with Geraniums and otber bright-
blooming plants, which contrasted favourably with the emerald
green of the lawns and the diversified foliage of the shrubs
and trees.

We next reach the rosery. Here the beds are formed into
diamonds and half-diamonds, with narrow walks running
between. The first display of bloom was over, but there was
the promise of plenty of Roses for the autumn. Following
Mr. Doe, the gardener, we pass along a broad terrace walk that
skirts the park, and here I may just add that the latter contains
upwards of 500 acres, and is well stocked with deer. Nature
has done much for the park in its undulations, and it is also
well wooded. On the right of this walk are the kitchen gar-
dens, and at its termination is the flower garden. This covers
nearly two acres, and is situated south of the kitchen garden.

It is bounded on the north side by the garden wall, 120 yards
long and 10 feet high; on the east and north side by a Portugal
Laurel hedge 9 feet high and 6 feet through at the base; the
west side is open to the park. There is a border in front of
the garden wall 15 feet wide planted in the ribbon style within
2 feet of the wall. Parallel with this border there is a broad
gravel walk 9 feet wide, and then another border 12 feet wide
planted in the same style as the other. On the border next
the wall there were fourteen rows of plants as follows :—Be-
ginning at the row next the walk, the first was Cerastium
tomentosum; second, Viola Perfection; third, Pansy Cre-
morne, yellow; fourth, Geranium Harry Hieover; fifth, Gera-
nium Flower of Spring; sixth, Ageratum Imperial Dwarf;
seventh, Geranium Christine ; eighth, Geranium Bijou; ninth,
Dell’s Crimson Beet; tenth, Cineraria maritima; eleventh,
Geranium Tom Thumb; twelfth, Geranium Stella; thirteenth,
Perilla; fourteenth, a very dark Fuchsia, which stands the
winter and blooms during summer with great freedom. The
first six rows of the border on the opposite side of the walk
were planted just the same as the first six rows of the other
border, and then beginning at the seventh rowit was Geranium
Crystal Palace Gem; eighth, Dell’s Crimson Beet; ninth,
Cineraria maritima; tenth, Geranium Tom Thumb; eleventh,
Geranium Beauty of Calderdale; twelfth, Geranium Harry
Hieover; thirteenth, Pansy Rufford Pride; fourteenth, Alter-
nanthera amcena; fifteenth, Cerastium tomentosum. These
beds looked exceedingly rich, and notwithstanding the constant
downpour of rain for the previous fortnight the flowers were
most brilliant. Besides these two broad borders there were
three other sets of beds, all arranged in diamonds and half-
diamonds. I did not measure the exact width of the beds,
but each set would be about 15 feet wide. First there was a
row of diamond beds down the centre, with gravel walks down
each side and half-diamonds between the gravel and the grass.
These beds extended the whole length of the garden, 120 yards,
and were repeated three times over, with a narrow strip of
grass running between each set of beds. I was not particularly
struck with the beauty of the design, for so many beds all of
the same size and shape, and all bounded with straight linea
of the same length, appeared monotonous and oppressive.
However, the planting was made the most of, and reflected
great credit on Mr. Doe the head gardener. The ordinary run
of bedding plants was used, carpet bedding not being attempted
in this garden. Coleuses and Iresines were most effective as
foliage plants, and Pansies and Violas as flowering plants.
The splendid masses of Violes and Pansies at once stamp these
plants as being invaluable for the summer decoration of the
flower garden. There are no plants that produce the same
number of flowers on the same area of foliage; they are also
neat and compact in habit, dwarf and very hardy, and a large
number of plants can be wintered in a small space. They are
easily propagated, come into bloom with the first indications
of spring, and stay with us till the flower garden is littered
with withered foliage in the autumn. A season like the pre-
sent—at least like what we have experienced down here in the
midlands, where we have had more or less of rain most days
lately, and sometimes our flower gardens submerged, Gera-
niums, Petunias, Verbenas, and the like have either presented
a@ woe-begone appearance or run away to foliage; but the ex-
cessive rain not only suits Pansies and Violas, but increases
their beauty. I have no doubt but when these bedding Pansies
and Violas are better known they will be grown as extensively
as the Golden Feather Pyrethrum and cultivated in every gar-
den; and then the colours are so good and varied, and such a
continuity of bloom—in fact, a perfect sheet of bloom from April
to the beginning of winter. And there is yet another feature,
which must be a very important one, especially with those having
very small means for wintering tender plants—there is no glass
structure required, no propagating pit, no fuel, no damping
and shading, no covering or uncovering, are needed with them
during winter; only a cold frame or turf pit, and in the absence
of these they may be wintered at the foot of a south wall.
The plants have no need to be disfigured as soon as they begin
to bloom, which is the case just now with the Geraniums, and
they require no special care after they are planted in their
blooming quarters. At a placo like Rufford, where no attempt
is made at spring gardening, they can be planted out by the
end of March, when they grow with greater vigour and are
not affected with dry hot weather, which sets in later in the
spring. The two Pansies grown at Rufford are Cremorne,
yellow, and Rufford Pride, both raised by Mr. Holah some
years ago when he was gardener there. I donot know whether

September 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

255

they are in the trade or not, but certainly they are sufficient
to immortalise Mr. Holah’s name. About thirty thousand
plants were used to fill up the beds in this garden alone. Be-
yond the flower beds there was a Rose bed, perhaps 8 feet wide,
‘and then a broad pure stream of water crossed by a wooden
bridge, and on the other side the stream a bank of Rhododen-
drons the whole length of the garden. Down the centre there
was a cross walk leading from the kitchen garden, on either
side of which there were some splendid specimens of Pampas
nese (Gynerium argenteum), throwing up scores of spikes of
oom.

We must now leave this floral retreat and enter the more
useful department of this demesne, the kitchen gardens; for
as the late Dr. Johnson once said, there was no flower in the
garden equal to the Cauliflower, and there these were growing
with the greatest luxuriance and freedom in suflicient quantity

to gratify the most extravagant epicure of this wholesome
vegetable. The kitchen gardens occupy about three acres
surrounded by well-built brick walls, and divided into three
compartments. Having passed through the gates we will lead
the reader along the centre path. This is skirted with broad
ribbon borders, and these are again interspersed with standard
Roses. The ribbon borders are backed with espalier Apple
trees, which separate the flowers from the vegetables beyond.
Near the margin of the walks that run right and left were rows
of Gooseberries and Currants mostly in the bush form, except-
ing a few Gooseberries trained to wires. The walls were clothed
with Cherries, Pears, Plums, and Apricots, and one wall with
a south-east aspect was entirely devoted to Peaches, but they
were nearly destroyed by the frosts of last May. In regard to
the fruit crops there was of Pears about half a crop, of Apri-
cots only moderate, Cherries good, Peaches on the open wall

Fig. 48.—RUFFORD ABBEY.

two, how these would be divided between a large party I do
not know unless they agreed to quarter them; Apples ex-
cellent, Gooseberries and Currants good, Raspberries an
average crop, and the Strawberries most abundant.

The vegetable crops were also of a very high quality, and in
this department Mr. Doe’s skill as a caterer for either Mr. or
Mrs. Cook were especially predominant. The Potato crops
were heavy, but the disease had set in with a terrible vengeance.

We now enter a range of vineries in three compartments,
intended for late work. They had been planted some time
before Mr. Doe took charge of the gardens, but as they are
not quite satisfactory some alteration is intended to be made.
Figs in pots were plentiful. In a large house in proximity to
those last named the Vines were in good condition, the foliage
healthy and clean, and the Grapes an excellent colour. Near
this vinery there was a small enclosure bounded by an Elm
and Holly hedge, which enclosed a very handsome geometric
flower garden. All the beds were surrounded with Box edging,
and the walks were of gravel. Tho planting was tastefully
done; but as the rain came on heavily we were unable to take
notes of the arrangements.

In another range of houses in three divisions, the first
45 feet long, was filled with stove plants entirely for the de-

coration of the Abbey on festive occasions. Many of the plants
were in 5 and 6-inch pots, and included such things a3 Dra-
crenas of sorts, Palms, Caladiums, Crotons, Marantag, and a
few Orchids. The second house, 30 feet long, was chiefly
Ferns, and contained a nice selection of Lomarias, Davallias,
and Adiantums, all grown for a specific purpose. The third
house in this range was also for stove plants, and con-
taincd a similar stock of plants to No. 1in the same range.
On the roof was a fine Stephanotis planted out in a small
border. In the front of these houses I noticed ranges of pits
for Cucumbers, &c. In an adjoining vinery there were some
capital pot Vines, but the permanent ones were to be uprooted
and the house replanted immediately. From this vinery we
enter a greenhouse, where the plants are all grown for house
decoration. The most useful class of plants was a fine strain
of Gelosia pyramidalis plumosa. The plumes were of the
richest tints, and formed a fine contrast with foliage and
flowering plants.

Retracing our steps we reach another vinery, from which
the fruit had all been gathered and the Vines going to rest.
In the same range we pass into an early Peach house, the
wood in good condition and giving promise of fruit another
season. The next house was also for Peaches and Nectarines,

236

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 20, 1877.

and here the fruit, which was partly gathered, was of very
high quality. In the front of these houses there was another
flower garden, which was well done and such as Mr. Doe had
good reason to be proud of. i was informed that the number
of plants required for the flower gardens, ribbon lines in the
kitchen garden, and the decoration of the various lodges on
the estates, was upwards of 45,000.

We now leave the kitchen gardens and just peep into the
usual slip or enclosure at the outside. Here were other useful
houses, chiefly employed for Melons and Cucumbers. Of the
latter Tender-anud-True was very good, but I could not see
that it was much in advance of the old Telegraph. In cold
pits there was a multitude of Primulas, Cinerarias, Miguonette,
Sweet-scented Verbonas, and thousands of other useful plants
in their seagon of bloom. Mr. Doe has scarcely been at Rufford
a year, but considering the amount of his labour these exten-
sive grounds were in excellent keeping.—Q. R.

THE POTATO CROP.

Sprinc and early summer cold and wet, the frosts in not a
few instances cutting-off to the ground the tender haulm of
the early crops. Oars, however, from not being above ground
escaped. Though late, never, perhaps, was the Potato crop
looking so well as this season. The haulm though strong was
remarkably sturdy, lacking the rankness prognosticating disease.

During the great promise of the Potato crop a bill passed
the Legislature, an order in Council followed, with the con-
comitant notice papers posted in conspicuous places to prevent
the introduction and spread of the American Potato bug or
Colorado beetle, a very pretty insect judging from the illus-
tration. I confess to having seen nothing in the figured
creature, nor in the accounts given of it, to cause fear of its
making any great havoc of the Potato crop in this country
should we be so unfortunate as to receive a visitation of this
kind from across the Atlantic. Our brethren in America will
assuredly exterminate this obstacle to their progress, as they
have done or are doing with the buffalo and Red Indian.

The Colorado beetle, forsooth, eat up the Potato crop of
the English-speaking race! It is well, perhaps, to be armed
against a threatened invasion, than which, perhaps, none are
better prepared. Nota Colorado beetle or any other bug, not
omitting a “ bug-bear,”’ which is often proved by invasion
panics, can maintain a footing upon our treasured soil. Our
feathered friends would make speedy work of the hated
intruder, and our climate annihilate the remnants.

We beat the air in the vain endeavour to catch a feather,
all the while unable to see a real evil, one we have toleratea
in our midst for more than thirty years without an effort
being made at riddance. Our learned societies have done
nothing, our Legislature less. Private enterprise has shown
at last the resting-spore of the Potato fungus, but notwith-
standing all our knowledge of the parasite one of the most
important of our food products is literally rotting before our
eyes. The tops of the Potatoes are a spotted, blackened,
leafless mass; from beneath the soil is emitted a nauseating
smell, and nothing is done to stay the plague, which means a
dear loaf if not calamity as disastrous as the Potato famine
of 1845 and 1846 decimating the sister isle, and it may be
this time’ both. Nothing so certain, as when the Saxon finds
his industry will bring him but half a loaf, every'sacrifice that
can be made will be made to make it a full one where the
means for doing s0 exist.

There is little reliance to be placed upon private effort in
taking the needful precautions to avoid a national calamity.
This is well understood in respect of the sanitary precautions
requisite for securing the greatest possible freedom from
disease in towns. Proper drainage, removal of nuisances,
properly constructed dwellings, are insisted on as conducive
to the health and well-being of the general community, and
yet no one cares anything further about the loss of half or
more of a staple article of food-producing crop than to keep
aloof from insisting that preventive measures be taken to
prevent its prevalence. The failure of the Potato crop wholly
or in part is ® national loss, the burden of which is borne
in chief by the humbler classes. It may be urged that we
know nothing for certain respecting the Potato murrain,
therefore for the Legislature to interfere would be ini-
quitous intermeddling with individual effort. Many do not
believe in vaccination as a preventive of small pox, and
not a few agriculturists insist on there being some cattle
slaughtered that are not affected with rinderpest, or would

have survived were they let live. It is not only difficult but
absolutely impossible to satisfy everyone, but in case of a
national calamity, as that of disease decimating the subject
or diminishing its food products, the interference of the
Legislature is clearly necessary to prevent by known pre-
ventives the loss of one as well any other food product. In
brief, the Legislature interferes in so many ways directly and
indirectly with the liberty of the subject to abuse or injnre
himself that no apology is needed for its interference with
horticulturists and agriculturists in the cultivation of Potatoes.
Experiments should be instituted at the public expense with a
view to finding a compound in which coated or immersed the
sets infected with disease would be destroyed along with its
parasite, thus preventing the planting of infected tubers.
This would at least rid us of one form of the disease—viz.,
curl, one result of planting infected tubers, if not, indeed, it be
not the means by which the spores of the fungus are repro-
duced, and carried by every breeze over a wide tract of
country, waiting only for the atmosphere to produce a con-
dition of the Potato foliage favourable to their development.
If at this time (which is generally at the close of June with
early crops, and a mouth later with winter-supply crops, that
the plants infected with curl begin to collapse), a dressing of
the antidote experiment may determine as most fatal to the
spores of the fungus, were applied, the Potato crop might be
saved or the ravages of the fungus considerably mitigated.
Then, when the disease had uvmistakeably commenced its
attack upon the haulm, and was descending or had descended
to the tubers, there being no question as to the prevalence of
murrain in the field or plot, the owner should be notified by a
public fuactionary to have the haulm of the Potatoes pulled-
up, and as pulled burnt.

In lifting the tubers it should be made imperative to sepa-
rato the diseased from the undisoased tubers, not allowing the
diseased to lie upon the ground, but be cleared off as promptly
as the sound Potatoes ; it being insisted on that no one shall
offer for sule or sell any diseased tubers so far as is discernible by
the naked eye, which shall apply to those sold for food, whilst
those sold for seed must have been disinfected before delivery.

Fine, and it may be imprisonment, would be necessary to
enforce the regulations that might be suggested by a Royal
commission and be made law by the Legislature. Many will,
of course, be adverse to interference in such matters by the
Legislature, but most will agree in the importunity of the
subject. The imperfection of our knowledge of the fungus is
no excuse for our allowing the half or more of a valuable food
product to be wasted by neglecting to enforce those preventives
experiment has proved desirable.

The Potato crop promises to be one of the worst as regards
disease we have experienced for many years. Tho late wet
weather has had a most prejudicial effect upon the field crops
—the haulm is fast becoming leafless, their stems blackened,
whilst the effluvia emitted is convincing, if proof were needed,
that the fell destroyer is at work upon the tubers.

In the garden the early crops were good but late. Nota
diseased tuber was found in the Veitch’s and Myatt’s Ashleafs,
they being good in crop and excellent in quality. Lapstone,
very susceptible of disease, was sound up to the third week
in August, when a few diseased tubers were lifted, after which
the disease spread with amazing rapidity. Within a week
fully two-thirds of the tubers of Snowflake were infected with
disease, and scarce a sound one to be found of Early Market,
which, though a good-quality Potato and producing a quantity
of tubers, is off too small in size. It will not be grown again.
Rector of Woodstock is in the same plight as Snowflake.
Bountiful, not many bad; and Early Vermont nothing to
complain of, though the haulm of both are gone. Of Victoria
scarce a sound tuber is to be found; and though the Regents
are not as yet much infested, they are losing the leaves and
the stalks are badly blackened. Not since the years 1845 and
1846 have I seen or heard of so bad an infection. I have
omitted mention of many kinds, which though fancy kinds
have scarce a place for consumption, they being of little value
beyond swelling tho lists, gaining no favour except in the raw
state at exhibitions—fine to look at—great bulky fellows that
have no admirers by consumers. If there is anything that
deserves to be called a sham it is Potato exhibitions, outward
appearance and sizo being the chief points of a show kind,
whereas tho tuber’s value is dependant upon its cropping and
quality. In the fields there is great and general prevalence of
disease, the appearance is such as to leave little doubt of the
crops being as disastrously affected as the garden crops.

September 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 237

I have nothing to say with a view to preserving the crops
affected other than seconding the remarks of your able cor-
respondents who have advised the taking-up of the crops upon
the first appearance of the disease in the haulm, or, without
waiting for the disease to manifest itself in the haulm, take up
the crop when full-sized or so soon as the setting of the skins
will allow. This is capital advice, but quite impracticable
with rain every day for three weeks or a month at a stretch.
To lift Potatoes with the soil little better than mud would be
suicidal, but to remove the haulm is an operation that may be
performed when the raising of the tubers from the wetness of
the soil is impracticable, for there is great difference between
lifting rods in a garden and acres in fields.

Nor will I dwell on the means to be adopted for the avoid-
ance of the disease, such as keeping of the seed in sheds ex-
posed to atmospheric influence, the planting of kinds only
that arrive early at maturity, with the avoidance of fresh
stimulating manures in contact with the sets at planting, and
those artificial ones which induce to an increase of haulm,
being equally silent of ‘‘ salus,”’ inasmuch as though I hear of
its strengthening the haulm, and there being few tubers
diseased in those dressed therewith as compared with those
not dressed, but I do not see in this anything further than the
increased vigour of the plant, which implies the disease to be
of weakened constitutional origin, resulting of the plant’s
subjection to an excess of organic manures, or their application
to this particular crop, out of all proportion to the inorganic
elements present in the soil, and forming such important
constituents in the structure and maintenance in health of
vegetable life, which is supported by the unerring evidence of
facts, as in most instances the dicease is most virulent in
alluvial deposits—soil full of humue, those containing much
decomposing vegetable or animal manures. The first diseased
plot of Potatoes I caw this year was on land taken in or
enclosed from a moor as a cottager’s Potato ground.
ground may have been under crop with Potatoes near on to
a decade, certainly for more than seven years consecutively
cropped with Potatoee. The soil on the moor surrounding is
a black spongy peat about 9 inches deep, destitute of silicious
matter, with an under strata of sandy alumina, and a subsoil
of stiff clay. The soil immediately beneath the peat is largely
impregnated with oxide of iron, indeed the whole subsoil is so
strongly impregnated with iron that the springs give out the
red oxide to the water. The very life of such soil for culti-
vation is to be found in applications of lime, especially mag-
nesian; but no such application had been applied, only
organic substances. There was no mistaking the disease in
the plot had its origin in curl, the remains of the plants
collapsing of curl being disposed irregularly through the
plot, the haulms of the other plants fast falling a prey to the
disease. This was at the middle of July, and at the end the
kind infected—I took it for Mona’s Pride—was a mass of
putrefaction. This was fully a month before we noticed any
traces of the disease, and we had it a full fortnight before it
appeared in the fields. In one field I noticed a part of about
two acres with the haulm blackened and leafless, whilst the
other part was apparently uneffected; in a fortnight they were
badly infected.

My opinion is that we do nothing but propagate the disease
wholesale—fold our arms and despondingly watch the ravages
of the murrain, instead of promptly setting to work upon its
advent and promptly removing every vestige of the disease in
the haulm ; and if we persist in this the probability is that
we allayed its ravages upon the present crop. Secure sets un-
tainted with disease for planting, it being well known that un-
ripened tubers were known to be a sure remedy for curl so
far back as 1806, it being propounded by Mr. Thomas Dickson
of Hdinburgh, in which he was confirmed by Mr. Knight.
There is one other point worth mentioning in respect of
unripe tubers for planting—viz., the earlier ripening of the
resulting crop.

I mention these subjects to show that we are at least less
practical in dealing with the disease of 1845 than was the
case at the commencement of the century with curl, and that
the best known preventives are identical with those then put
forth as a preventive of curl. G. Axsry,.

CHESHUNT HYBRID ROSE.
I wounp desire to second most thoroughly what my good
friend Canon Hole has said in last week’s Journal, and to say
how gladly we all welcome Mr. Peach’s again wielding his pon.

The |

It is rather hard, however, to have to differ from him in go
doing; but so valuable is Cheshunt Hybrid esteemed in tha
south-west of Scotland, that Mr. Mackenzie at Newton Stewart,
who has grown it pegged-down, now purposes (so thoroughly ig
he satisfied with it) to make one large bed in a small garden of
it. When I was there in July it was in great beauty.—D., Deal.

NEWCASTLE BOTANICAL ann HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY—AUTUMN SHOW.
SEPTEMBER 12TH AND 13TH.

Vicorovus even in old age is the characteristic of the Newcastle
Botanical and Horticultural Society. Entered as it has on its
fifty-third year, it appears still young—is, indeed, growing not
only rapidly but substantially. To what is to be attributed the
sudden—for it is sudden—resuscitation of this Society, which at
one time was in a comparatively decrepid state? It may be
summed up, perhaps, in two words—discretion, enthusiasm.
Without enthusiasm the labour that has been given would never
have been forthcoming; without discretion that labour would
not have resulted so satisfactorily. But who has possessed
these important requisites ? Well, the Committee are anxious
to debit them to the Honorary Secretaries, Messrs. Taylor and
French, while the Secretaries attribute the improved position
to the working Committee, such “good men and true’ as the
veteran Garrett and his younger associates, Messrs. Edward
Wilson, jun., William Dinning, Tranah, Plummer, jun., Adams,
and others.

That is a good sign—the best evidence not only that all have
worked, but that they have worked in unity and harmony. The
real improvement, therefore, that has taken place is traced to
four essentials—discretion, enthusiasm, unity, and harmony.
They are worth mentioning, for with them any society may

| flourish, as far, at least, as it is possible to make it do so; without

them no organisation can long remain healthy and prosperous.

But wherein has this Society rendered itself so especially re-
markable? Let a few, a very few, facts answer the question.
Less than a year ago its subscription income was £180, and its
liabilities £200 ; now its subscription income is nearly or quite
£2000. In numbers the members a year ago were less than four
hundred, now they are nearly four thousand. Such results are
emphatically worthy of record, and Messrs. Taylor and French
(for while admitting the valuable services of every member of
the directorate), the gentlemen named must have the honour
which according to the most impartial estimate that can be
formed is rightly their due. ‘

But who are Messrs. Taylor and French? is a question that
will very naturally force itself uppermost. Gardeners? No,
not gardeners, yet without the aid of gardeners such results
could not have been achieved. The practical knowledge of
gardeners has been applied by gentlemen of position in the mer-
cantile world, whose commercial training has proved its power,
and whose business aptitude has achieved success. The manner
in which they have worked is, perhaps, not so easily appre-
hended, but it may be stated that they have visited shows in
other districts and noted points both to adopt and to avoid.
They have examined the systems of procedure of other societies
with the same object. They have proceeded on a liberal scale—
that is, when they have decided on a course they have carried
ont their plan fully and well. They have advertised and cir-
cularised systematically, and have secured support both local
and general. Let an instance of ‘ circularising” be noticed, for
there is no teaching so cogent as example. Leaflets we will call
them, setting forth in concise terms the advantages of a horti-
cultural society, have been distributed systematically. With
each a printed and ready-addressed postcard has been sent, re-
quiring only the name of the subscriber and the amount of sub-
scription entering. These have been returned by hundreds,
£40, indeed, having been received on the day previous to the
Show (the 11th inst.), and £40 more on the day of the Show
alone. Of course every facility has been given to induce mem-
bership, and the utmost liberality consistent with sound com-
mercial principles has been exercised in the granting of pri-
vileges. The object, a wise one, is to place the Society on a
sound basis financially, by seeking such an income from sub-
scriptions that will render the Society independent of gate
money—that is, that its existence shall not be at the mercy of
that ever-impending contingency, a rainy day.

The response to the efforts made to secure support warranted
the Committee in announcing three shows for the present year,
offering prizes to the amount of nearly £600. The spring show
in March was a gratifying success, the summer show in July is
admitted to have been the greatest and the best ever held in
Durham or Northumberland, and the autumn show held on
the 12th and 13th inst. was an excellent one, such as to satisfy
the promoters and to secure the approval and confidence of the
public. As an instance of the extent of the public support
accorded if may be mentioned that the Society has enrolled
170 Vice-Presidents, including eleven Mayors, and it has the

238 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

distinguished patronage of the whole of the aristocracy of the |

district.

The Exhibition was held in the Corn Market and in the Town
Hall above it, two fine and well-lighted rooms, each about
250 feet long by 50 feet wide. The rooms were attractively
decorated, and the tables for the fruit and flowers were covered
with smooth white paper, which had a very clean and finished
appearance, very different to the rough deal boards at Carlisle,
which marred the effect of that great show. The plants and
florists’ flowers were arranged in the Corn Market, and the
table decorations, bouquets, epergnes, cvc., also the fruit, were
displayed in the room above, and the effect produced was ex-
cellent. The following summary of the exhibits affords an idea
of the extent of the Exhibition :—470 plants, $50 Dahlias,
824 Hollyhocks (blooms and spikes), 168 Gladioluses, 1294 cut
blooms exclusive of the above, 4 decorated dinner tables,
60 epergnes and bouquets, &c,, and 276 dishes of fruit. Owing
to the comparatively limited space the plant classes were not
numerous, andon the same account nurserymen’s misce}laneous
exhibitions could not be admitted. The specimen plants in
flower were excellent considering the period of the year. The
cut flowers were extensive and superior, the finest display of
the kind we have seen this season ; and the frvit was in consider-
able quantity, much of it being of capital quality. It is only
necessary to notice a few of the leading collections and chief
prizewinners.

Puants.—These were arranged on the floor of the Hall. The
patrons’ prize of £10 for six specimen plants in bloom was won
by Mr. Tudgey, gardener to T. E. G. Williams, Esq., Henwick
Grange, Worcester, with Ixora Williamsii, 4 feet in diameter
and in excellent health and bloom; Clerodendron Balfouri-
anum, stilllarger ; Erica Hweriana superba, a splendid example,
5 fest in diameter and very fresh; Allamanda nobilis, very
fine; Anthurium Scherzerianum, 4} feet across, with thirty
spathes; and Ixora Dixiana. These plants fully merited the
premier position on account of their freshness and uniform good
quality. Mr. Thos. A. Wilson, The Gardens, Normanby Hall,
Middlesborough, had the second prize with a collection more
unequal in size, some of the plants being very large, others
comparatively small. The Stephanotis in this group was
splendid; Dipladenia Brearleyana had thirty fine flowers, and
Hrica orbata purpurea was very good. Mr. Tudgey had the
third prize, the rules of the Society permitting an exhibitor to
take more than one prize in a class—a plan which is no longer
necessary to ensure an exhibition at Newcastle. In the class for
three plants in bloom Mr. Moult, gardener to the Earl of Ravens-
worth, Ravensworth Castle, won with Ixora javanica, Cassia
corymbosa, and Hrica retorta major. The last-named spscimen
was the premier plant of the Exhibition, a grand example of
culture 5 feet in diameter, and apparently faultless. Mr. J.
Thompson, Ravenside, Fenham, had the remaining prizes, his
noticeable plant being Lapageria rosea, 5 feet high by 34 feet in
diameter, in admirable condition. Ornamental-foliaged plants,
were not generally of such high excellence as the flowering
specimens. Mr. Tudgey was the only exhibitor of six plants,
and secured the Treasurer’s prize with Latania borbonica, two
Cordylines, two Crotons, and Cycas revoluta; and in the class
for three plants Mr. A. Methven, Heathside, Gateshead, was
first with a good Croton variegatum, a very fine Cordyline
indivisa, and a healthy Cycas revoluta. Mr. J. Thompson was
second with two Crotons and Dieffenbachia gigantea. Mr.
Methven had the third prize. Ferns were not of remarkable
excellence, although Mr. Tudgey exhibited creditable speci-
mens, and won the first honours for six plants with Gleichenias
Mendeli and rupestris, Adiantums scutum and cuneatum,
Gymnogramma Peruviana, and Pteris scaberula. Messrs.
Methven, Wilson, and Thompson also secured prizes. Some of
the amateur exhibitors also staged fresh healthy medium-sized
specimens, notably Mr. Henry Brooks, Shincliffe, and Mr. John
Garrett, who were awarded the chief prizes in that section.
In the classes for Heaths Mr. Moult was unapproachable.
His specimens of EH. tricolor Holfordii, E. Austiniana, and
E, Irbyana were very fresh and well bloomed, and ensured him
the principal prizes. In the amateurs’ class Mr. Battensby
exhibited a capital specimen of Erica Marnockiana; a plant so
vigorous is not often seen of this variety. He also exhibited a
very fine Lapageria and an excellent specimen of Vallota
purpurea with thirty spikes—plants worthy of professionals,
and which secured for the exhibitor the first prize for three
specimens. Mr. W. J. Taylor’s prize for three Liliums was won
by Mr. Moult with fairly good examples. Mr. Moult had the
first place also for Coleuses with compact and well-coloured
plants. Fuchsias were not superior, and only one prize was
awarded—namely, to Mr. E. Sandars. Table plants were not
noteworthy, and Cockscombs were rather coarse.

Cur Frowers,—These were the great feature of the Show.
The collections of Dahlias made a fine display, and almost
astonished the Judge, Mr. C. Turner, by their numbers; several

blooms were undoubtedly coarse, but the majority were of ex-
cellent quality.

{ September 20, 1877.

Dahlias.—In the class for twenty-four blooms seventeen
stands were exhibited. The county prize was won by Mr. W.
Boston, Carthorpe, Bedale, with medium-sized, compact, well-
finished examples of Royalty, Mr. Standish, Royal Queen,
Mrs. Levington, Mr. Dix, Julia Wyatt, Mrs. Henshaw, Thomas
Goodwin, Annie Neville, A. Crammond, Hebe, Lord Derby,
Miss Turner, Ovid, Yellow Boy, James Cocker, Criterion,
Toison d’Or, Dr. Moffatt, Queen of Beauties, Flora Wyatt, Mrs.
Harris, Cremorne, and a white seedling of great merit. The
second-prize collection of Mr. C. Rylance, Aughton, Hoimskirk,
consisted of larger blooms, some of which were of great excel-
lence, while others were deficient in outline. Willie Eckford
in this stand was exceedingly fine. The third prize stand of
Mr. Henry Clark, Rodley, Leeda, also contained some very
fine blooms, notably of Baron Taunton, Vice-President, and
John Neville Keynes; and the extra third collection of Mr.
Jackson, Kidderminster, well merited the approval of the
Judge. Mr. Turner’s fine new scarlet Christopher Ridley was
well shown by Mr. Charles Rylance; and a grand bloom of the
same variety, and bright and good examples of Drake Lewis and
Prince Arthur, were staged by Mr. Charles Backhouse. Mr.
Fletcher, nurseryman, Charlestown, Baildown, Leeds, won in
the class for twelve blooms with John Bernett, Charles Leicester,
Mrs. Harris, Vice-President, Lady Gladys Herbert, Royal Queen,
John N. Keynes, James Cocker, Mr. Stanscomb, Flora Wyatt,
Henry Walton, and Hon. Sydney Herbert. The second and
third prizes went to Mr. G. H. Fewkes, Tyburn, Erdington, Bir-
mingham. Mr. William Shaw, Blackbrook, Kidderminter, se-
cured first honours in the class for twelve faocy Dahlias with
Prospero, Harlequin, Miss Ann, Flora Wyatt, Rev. J. B. M.
Camm, Annie, Miss Large, Fanny Sturt, Lord Hawke, Octoroon,
Mrs. Saunders, and Mrs. Bennet—an excellent stand. Mr.
Rylance had the second prize, and Messrs. Painter & Boston
equal thirds—a capital class. In the amateurs’ classes for six
blooms Mr. Fewkes and Mr. Wardle staged creditable stands,
and were awarded the prizes in the order named.

Hollyhocks.—In the class for twenty-four varieties five very
good stands were exhibited, the first prize going to Mr. John
Stairman, The Public Park, Darlington, with very compact
fresh blooms of Sanspariel, Miss Chater, Autumn Quesn,
Imperial Jewel, Queen of Yellows, Mrs. Clarke, Venus, Octo-
roon, Walden Queen, Pink Perfection, Edward Speed, and
Adonis. Mr. J. Thompson and Mr. Geo. Hankin had the
remaining prizes.

Asters were tolerably numerous, and the winning stands of
Messrs. Fenwick, Wardle, and Gardner excellent, and the same
remark applies to French Marigolds. It was a treat also to see
the twelve stands of Pansies, which were extremely fine for
the period of the year, especially those of Messrs. Wardle and
Oliphant. Seven stands of cut Zonal Pelargoniums were also
very effective.

Capital Gladioluses were shown by Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Jackson,
and Mr. Spoor, jun., who won the chief prizes in the classes
for twelve and six spikes, but most of the varieties were
unnamed.

The Carnations and Picotees were simply marvellous by their
size and high quality, especially considering the lateness of the
season. There were five stands of twelve Carnations and six of
Picotees, and nine stands of six blooms were staged. The
flowers were not named, but they reflected great credit on the
exhibitors—Messrs. Flowdy, Scott, and Harland.

Roses were exhibited by the executors of the late Mr. John
Harrison, Caterick Bridge, Yorkshire. The Hybrid Perpetuals
were good, but the Teas were particularly fine, especially Marie
Van Houtte, Madame Bravy, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Souvenir
d’Elise, Catherine Mermet, Climbing Devoniensis, and Perle
de Lyon. They had been grown in the open air.

The class for “eighteen groups of cut flowers on stands, tubes
to be elevated 4inches above the stands,” was an unsatisfactory
one. The bunches exhibited were in some measure imposing,
but there was nothing meritorious aboutthem. They were mere
“handfuls of flowers,” pretty enough but indistinct—were, in-
deed, bad bouquets. The only collection of real merit was &
stand exhibited by Mr. Tudgey, but as it did not comply with
the conditions it could only be recognised by the Judges as an
“extra.” They, however, very properly honoured it and them-
selves by awarding an extra first. The prizes in this class were
offered by Mr. Bowman, horticultural builder.

Taste Decorations.—Liberal prizes were provided in this
class by the President of the Society, Major Woods, Holeyn
Hall. Mr. Moult won the chief prize of £7 with a very taste-
fally arranged table. Besides the three principal glasses which
were filled with flowers (Pancratiums, Anthuriams, Miltonias,
Dipladenias, &c.), Feather-grass and Ferns, there were two
small plants of Pandanus Veitchii; also good fruit—Pines,
Grapes, Melons, Plums, and Cherries—a light and elegant table,
which merited its position. The second-prize table of Messrs.
Gellender & Sons, Newcastle, had a centrepiece of cut flowers
(Lapagerias, Stanhopeas, Liliums, and Allamandas), two plants
of Reidia glaucescens, semicircular troughs of flowers, and good

a ny

September. 20, 1877. ]

fruit. The third-prize table of Mr. Methven was also chastely
arranged, and contained some excellent dishes of fruit.

Epergnes and bouquets were numerous, but several of them
were too highly coloured. Those to which the prizes were
awarded were, however, excellent. The first-prize bouquet of
Mr. Poskett had a central flower of Hucharis surrounded with
Stephanotis, Wricas, and light sprays of Ixora, also small Onci-
diums, and a veil of gauze Fern. It was medium-sized and well
executed. Mrs. Cramont’s second-prize bouquet was composed
of Eucharis, Pancratiums, and Stephanotis, relieved by small
sprays of blue Browallias and Fern. Prizes were offered for
baskets of cut flowers, and the several examples in competition
produced rather an imposing effect; but on the whole the
arrangements were too formal, and the flowers too much
crowded.

Frurt.—When the schedule was originally prepared fruit re-
ceived but little consideration, and the prizes offered were quite
inadequate to command good entries. An additional sum of
upwards of £30 was subsequently added to the fruit classes, and
a somewhat limited but very good display resulted. Mr. West-
cott, Raby Castle, was awarded first honours in the class for
eight dishes (Pines exciuded) for an excellent collection contain-
ing remarkably good Black Hamburgh Grapes and very good
Golden Champions, also Waltham Cross; Melons, Plums, Pit-
maston Orange Nectarines, Barrington Peaches, Figs, and Apri-
cots. Mr. Jowsey, Sedbury Park, Richmond, secured the se-
cond prize, and Mr. Errington of Unsworth Hall the third for
highly creditable collections. In the class for six dishes the
prizewinners were Mr. Shaw, Blakebrook, Kidderminster, Mr.
Westcott, and Mr. Wass in the order named, who all staged
good collections. A few very good Pine Apples were exhibited,
the prizes going to Mr. Brown and to Mr. Westcott. Butamuch
better class was that for two bunches of black Grapes, the prizes
being offered by Mr. Kinnear, Radclyfie House, which attracted
thirteen competitors. The Judge (Mr. Rivers, Sawbridgworth)
awarded the first prize to Mr. Witherspoon, Chester-le-Street,
for medium-sized but handsome and well-coloured bunches of
Black Alicants; the berries were very fine and regular, and the
more creditable to the exhibitor (an amateur) as being the first
Grapes he has grown. Mr. Westcott had the second prize with
Black Hamburghs of great merit; if these had been placed
equal first no injustice would have been done. Mr. Jowsey had
the third prizs. Mr. Westcott won the chief prize for white
Grapes, followed by Mr. Bradley, gardener to T. S. Turnbull,
Esq., High Barnes, Sunderland; and Mr. Stocksley, Elswick
Park, for very good produce; and for the heaviest bunch Mr.
Jowsey won with a well-shaped bunch of Gros Guillaume,
weighing about 7lbs. Fifteen Melons were staged, medium-
sized good dessert fruit. Mr. Starrie, gardener to J. Noble,
Esq., had the first prize. A few dishes of very good Peaches
were exhibited, but owing to the dull weather some of the fruit
was deficient in colour. Mr. Shields, gardener to Col. Reed,
Newbiggen House, Kenton, had the first prize with a capital dish.
Nectarines were small, as also were Pears. Apples were limited,
but a few very fine dishes were staged by Mesers. Shaw, Brown,
and Rylance. Plums were poor. Cucumbers lerge—too large,
and unnamed. Mr. Rivers sent a collection of fruit in twelve
varieties of Pears, Apples, Peaches, and Nectarines, many of
them being new, and contributed much to the completeness
and interest of this section of the Show. It is evident that good
fraitis grown in the north, and liberal prizes only are necessary
to ensure a fine show of it at Newcastle. Only a few vegetables
were exhibited, but these were good; and Mr. Turner’s School-
master Potato was much admired. Many exhibits were not
named, which always detracts from the interest and even from
the usefulness of a Show.

The mode of affixing the prizes merits notice, as being the
fairest, simplest, and best that has come under our notice.
Every exhibit has a card attached containing the name and
address of the exhibitor, together with the number of the class
and description of the exhibit. This card is placed in an en-
velope and on which is the class number. After the awards are
made, not before, the envelope is opened and the award of first,
Second, or third prize is pasted on—not anywhere, be it ob-
served, covering important portions of the cards as at Carlisle,
but in a space left blank for the purpose. Nothing can be
neater, better, nor more expeditious.

The Show was a great success. Visitors crowded the Hall in
such numbers and with such enthusiasm as are seldom seen.
Neweastle is the centre of a population within a radius of ten
miles of a million and a half. 1t has also excellent railway facili-
ties. It contains men of horticultural skill and great administra-
tive ability, and, moreover, whose nature to give a hearty, a
Courteous, a hospitable welcome to all comers aiding in the
exhibitions which they have established so well. Newcastle
csn hardly fail to become an important horticultural centre, and
gyeat shows ave certain to be provided so long as the same able
and willing workers devote their energies to the work in which
they are now engaged. We are glad to have visited this Show,
and to have noted the extraordinary zeal of its chief officials,

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

239

and the none less usofulif more obscure aid given by Mrs. W. J.
Taylor.

SHANKING OF GRAPES.

‘‘TNQUIRER’’ raises a very important question when ho asks
‘© Why outdoor Grapes do not shank?” and as i think I can
“read between the lines”’ that he wants to know why indoor
Grapes do shank, I will put the two questions together and
say, ‘“‘ What is the cause of shanking, and how can it be pre-
vented or checked ?”

First of all let us consider what is shanking. It is the small
stalk which connects the berry with the bunch ceasing to
convey nutriment to the berry, and consequently the berry
comes to a standstill and the stalk withers. It generally takes
place just when the fruit begins to colour, and the shanked
berries remain red or green and sour. It will ba found to
occur most on Vines which have been grown in very rich
borders with their roots unchecked during the first few years
of their existence. The roots of Vines so grown do not ramify
and make numerous feeders a3 those do which are grown in
little else than loam. The less manure, go long as the soil is
sufficiently fertile to promote good growth, the better will ke
the constitution of the Vine. It will have harder and more
perfect wood, and also more numerous though not such gross
feeders. Tho roots of Vines planted in richly prepared borders
often dart straight through them without ramifying scarcely
at all; not, perhaps, because there are not the necessary ingre-
dients in the border for their sustenance, but because their
wants are so easily supplied without, as it were, any effort on
their part, and then, like paople who are not early taught to
cater for themselves, they do not find out the way till it is too
late. As the roots, so the branches. If the former are gross
the latter will correspond to them, and have a large amount
of pith, long joints, and drawn-out cells. Very probably there
are about the same number of cells whether the joints are
near together or far apart, and a similar amount of solid
material is built up in each case.

Shanking is very prevalent on Vines which are not allowed
to carry sufficient foliage in comparison with the fruit they
bear; in fact it can ba produced on any Vine however hea'thy
in two or three years if it is pinched-in too hard, or if a large
portion of its leaves are removed just before the fruit ripens
under the pretext of admitting light to the fruit, or because
the leaves are required for garnishing. I guard very jealously
all the Vine leaves on fruiting plants which can ba exposed to
the light till the fruit is perfectly matured. I would rather
have the fruit taken than that the Vines should be partially
denuded, and therefore leayes for garnishing are grown else-
where.

Shanking is often caused, too, by an insufficiency of water.
What I consider a sufficiency may be gleaned from the fact
that four Museat Vines, which now fill a compartment 80 feet
by 30 feet of our large vinery, have been watered twelve times
since the beginning of March, each Vine receiving about
300 gallons each time, although the area of the space con-
taining their roots is only about 15 feet by 8 for each Vine.

Besides what I have pointed out there is no doubt that
‘‘Tyquirer’’ is right in thinking that high night temperatures
have a good deal to do with shanking, and it may interest him,
if he is not already acquainted with the fact, to know that I
never aim at a higher night temperature than 55° for Vines,
including Museats, till the flowers are set, and further that
Museats always do sei under such treatment as thickly as
Hamburghs; they are, in fact, generally set and start swelling
perceptibly before the cap falls off which covers the stamens.

There are several reasons for recommending a comparatively
low temperature for the development of the flowers, but the
principal are because the roots never start, and consequently
cannot take up food, till some of the leaves are grown to their
full size; therefore, if you force, all is coming out and nothing
going in. Bottom heat makes no difference in this respect ;
you cannot start the root first if the Vine is healthy. And
again, flower stalks if not grown sturdily at first will be very
likely to break down when they become fruit stalks.

Thad almost forgotten to note that outdoor Vines receive
their greatest amount of water during winter, the soil in which
they are growing never even approaching dryness at that
time; neither doss it in the houses of which I have charge.
Watering Vino borders is a very frequent employment for wet
weather during winter. The summer watering also does not
stop when the fruit begins to ripen, as so many people recom-
mend, bué goes on rather increasingly towards the autumn

240

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 20, 1877.

till the foliage falls, and then if the fruit is still hanging on
the Vines it has to be done rather more carefully, choosing
dry days for the operation, and afterwards sprinkling dry soil
over the borders.

But ‘* what about cracking?” Well, cracking is generally
the result of insufficient watering at a certain stage; the berry
gets hidebound, and then when water is applied the berry
swells, while the skin having lost its elasticity cracks. Too
much growth of foliage at the ripening stage will sometimes
cause cracking; but, on the other hand, growth of foliage
prevents shanking and helps colouring, therefore it must be
dealt with very cautiously.

In conclusion, I have to say that shanking is not a disease; } I
2 ee Ts 8 ; through, globular in shape, and free from any hard training.

it can be prodnced at will by overcropping, defoliating, hard
forcing in the first stages of growth, or semi-starvation; and
that it is not incurable, although at times the remedy would
be too costly, as it would take a considerable amount of
time.—Wituiam Taytor.

BRIGHTON AUTUMN SHOW.
SEPTEMBER 12TH AnD 13TH,

Wits the exception of just one or two of the very great sum-
mer shows held in London, the Brighton Autumn Exhibition
may be truly said to be equal in every respect to the rest of our
London shows. It occupies a very high position a3 a provincial
Show, and situated as it is in one of the most fashionable as
well as one of the wealthiest of seaside towns, we were not
surprised to see the numerous exhibits and the excellence of
the productions exhibited. The schedule was both large and
comprehensive, and both the inhabitants and county residents
exhibit and respond with a spirit worthy of suchatown. This
Show was held in the Royal Pavilion, which is an admirable
place for such a scene; and the brilliant company, the rank and
fashion, shows that horticulture here must be advancing and
going hand-in-hand with other sciences and institutions.

In the large tent were staged the specimen stove and green-
house plants, Geraniums, Fuchsias, &o., and several of the spa-
cious rooms of the Pavilion were filled with massive specimens
of fine-foliage plants and Ferns, while other rooms were devoted
to fruit and cut blooms of Roses. These two latter were repre-
sented most abundantly. The Committee and Managers of this
most excellent Show will pardon us, we know, if we suggest that
in future they should vary their productions and arrange them

so that the fine-foliage and graceful Ferns should relieve and |

soften the glaring colours of the flowering plants, more especi-
ally the scarlet Geraniums, of which these occupied the whole
length of one side of the centre stage without a break. Fancy
a double row of Zonal Pelargoniums covering a space about
150 feet by 10 or 12 without an interruption of any kind, while
in the dark rooms tie fine-foliage and Ferns were placed alone.

Stove and greenhouse flowering piants were well shown con-
sidering the lateness of the season, and in the class for eight
Messrs. Balchin & Nell, Western Road, Brighton, were a good
first with Allamandas parsx-nsis and Hendersonii, Ixora am-
boynensis, Stephanotis floribunda, Hricas retorta major and
Austiniana, Dipladenia Brearleyana, and Dracophyllum gracile.
All with the exception of the last ramed were exceedingly well
bloomed. Mr. Meacham, gardener to C. Armstrong, Esq., With-
dean, second; and in the corresponding class for four, Mr.
Child, gardener to Mrs. Torr, Ewell, was first with splendid
plants of Bougainvillea glabra, Erica Austiniana, Allamanda
Hendersonii, and Vinca oculata; Messrs. Golding & Co. second;
and Messrs. Miles and Verrall equal thirds. Other classes were
set apart for stove and greenhouse plants open to the county
only, in which several of the above obtained awards.

The principal prize of the day was one given by the Directors
of the Brighton and South Coast Railway, a ten-guinea cup, for
ten variegated or fine-foliaged plants, which brought together
three collections. The first was gained by Messrs. Balchin and
Nell for massive plants of Crotons angustifolium, pictum, varie-
gatum, and Johannis, Phormium tenax variegatum, Cycas revo-
luta, Areca sapida, Encephalartos villosus, Pandanus Veitchii,
and Phcenicophorium seychellarum. Mr. Miles of the West
Brighton Nurseries was placed second-with plants somewhat
smaller, but a very fresh and even collection, having grand
examples of Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, Oycas revoluta,
Euterpe edulis, Crotons pictum, variegatum, interruptum, and
angustifolium, Alocasia Lowii, Maranta zebrina, and Dracena
Shepherdi. Mr. Meacham was placed third with much smaller
plants, but they were good.

In the class for eight exotic Ferns Mr. Miles was awarded the
first prize for grand examples of Davallia Mooreana, Adiantums
concinnum latum, farleyense, and trapeziforme; Oyatheas
arborea, medullaris, and dealbata, the whole occupying a space
of not less than 40 feet, completely covering one end of the
Spacious room. Mr. Child was placed second for good plants of
Todea superba, Gleichenias diacarpa and Mendelli, Adiantums

tenerum and farleyense, Davallia Mooreana, Dicksonia antarctica,
and Cyathea dealbata. Messrs. Balchin & Nell third with larger
specimens still. The first prize single foliaged-plant was awarded
to Mr. Miles for Encephalartos villosus; and for single flower-
ing-plants Mr. Rutland, gardener to the Duke of Richmond, was
placed first.

Zonal Geraniums, as we above intimated, were extensively
shown, several classes being provided for them, and the dis-
tinction was zonal, not scarlet and zonal scarlet. Mr. Miles was
here very successful, winning the two first prizes, while Messrs.
Balchin & Nell were placed second in both cases, Other suc-
cessful exhibitors in these and other zonal classes were Mr.
Meacham, Mr. Howick, Mr. Townshend, and Mr. Wickham, the
whole of them showing well-grown examples of about 4 to 5 feet

Perhaps the individual trusses were not so large as is to be
met with about London, but they were in greater profusion.
The best double Geraniums we have ever seen came from Bal-
chin & Nell, who were the only exhibitors, but worthily deserved
the first prize awarded to them. The varieties shown were
Jacobea, Sceptre Lorraine, Madame Lemoine, and Madame
Schmidt. Tricolors were on the whole small, and Fuchsias
were very poorly represented both in quality and quantity—the
worst we have seen for manyaday. Dahlias were most nume-
rous and exceedingly fine, Mr. W. Seale, nurseryman, Seven-
oaks, being the principal prizetaker. Asters, Gladioli, and Ver-
benas were also very good, and the collection of twenty-four
varieties of cut flowers set up by Messrs. Balchin & Nell was
a masterpiece of arrangement; Mr. Morse, Epsom, was placed
second with a very good collection.

Dinner-table decorations were also very good, and showed
considerable taste in arrangement—the first-prize stands ex-
ceedingly light and graceful. Mr. Seale first; Mr. Downing,
Crawley, second; and Mr. Miles third, all exhibiting well.

Thirty classes were set apart for fruit, which was both shown
numerously and particularly good. Mr. Rutland was placed
first for a collection of ten dishes, containing very large and
well-formed bunches of Mrs. Pince’s Muscat, but not quite ripe,
very fine; Royal George Peaches, Morello Cherries, Golden
Perfection Melon, Black Ischia Figs, Smooth Cayenne Pine,
Pitmaston Orange and Stanwick Nectarines, and Muscat of
Alexandria Grapes. Our space will not allow us to particularise
the many other exhibitors who deserved the prizes awarded to
them, but mention should be made of a grand dish of Red
Astrachan Apple shown by Mr. Worafield, gardener to Lady
Dickens, Horsham, and a very fine bank of decorative plants
set up by Mr. Miles, occupying a space of not less than 80 feet
by 20; this collection contained all that was new and useful in
the way of Ferns, Orotons, Palms, and other plants used for
decorative purposes.

Roses.—We have left these for last, not that they were the
least showy subjects in the Show, nor that they were not fairly
represented, for they were shown most numerously, and from
the numerous visitors that clung around them we had a diffi-
culty in gaining the names of the principal prizewinners.
Messrs. Mitchell & Sons, Piltdown Nursery, Uckfield, took the
first prize for forty-eight varieties in threes, Mr. W. Seale se-
cond, and Messrs. Virgo & Sons third. Mrs. Woolard, Mr.
Piper, the Rev. OC. Hales, Mr. Gravelly, Mr. Davis, and Mr.
Marsh were all prizetakers. A box of twelve varieties of Tea
or Noisette from Messrs. Mitchell & Sons were almost as good
as those they took the first prize with at the Crystal Palace this
season, and amongst them were Belle Lyonnais, Devoniensis,
Perle de Lyon, Marie Van Hoatte, Catherine Mermet, Adam,
Madame Margottin, Souvenir d’un Ami, Elise Vardon, and
Souvenir de Paul Neyron. All the Roses shown were very good
for so late in the season, and from the extensive quantity ex-
hibited it must be inferred that it has been a good season for
autumnal Roses. We have other notes of Brighton horticultural
doings which we must defer until our next.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK. ~

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

ALLUSION was made.two weeks ago to the gathering of Apples
and Pears. It will only be necessary to say now that the work
must be proceeded with as fast as the fruit ripens, but it is not
well to do this until it is quite ripe. Many persons have not
patience to wait, especially when they see the fruit being dail;
shaken down by the wind; but if the fruit that falls is examine
it will be seen that much of it has been attacked by the Apple
maggot. Wall trees require to be looked over in order to secure
the loose branches to the walls and also any young growths
recently formed. Peaches and Nectarines ripening must be
exposed to the sun. Many of the fruits are shaded by the leaves,
and these must be removed either by picking them off or laying
them aside. Vines on the walls will require similar attention
to other trees ; and, quite independently of the fruit that is pro =

September 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

241

a enn EIN Inn nnn NINES nIEEEInSrEnneee =e

duced, well-trained Vines look remarkably well on any wall, or
trained to out-houses or the gable end of a dwelling-house.
The bunches of the white varieties should be exposed to the
sun when the berries become soft to the touch. In our neigh-
bourhood they do not as yet show signs of being ripe early, but
if the weather is fine for two or three weeks longer Royal Mus-
cadine on a favourable position will ripen fairly. The small
Black Cluster is also a useful Grape. These fruits are not much
grown in aristocratic gardens where Black Hamburgh is grown
under glass; but those who are not so fortunate as to own any
glass structure can appreciate the Royal Muscadine from an
open wall in favoured districts in the south of England. The
lateral growths should be pinched off, and the young wood
should be fully exposed to the sun. During mild dry weather
about the end of September or in October red spider and other
insect pests make much progress on the trees if they are not
checked. As soon as the fruit is gathered from any of the trees
the garden engine may be brought into requisition, and the
trees be thoroughly syringed with clear water. If the trees are
thoroughly cleansed from insect pests in the autumn they will
not be likely to be attacked in the following spring or early
summer.

There is usually a border in front of the walls, and this must
be kept free from weeds and be raked occasionally. The crops
that can be grown on such borders are Lettuce, Endive, and
other small salads. If it is necessary to plant them with early
Peas, Potatoes, or Beans, these crops ought not to be nearer the
wall than 3 feet.

CUCUMBERS AND MELONS,

Preparation must now be made to plant out the Cucumbers
for winter bearing. It is not well to delay this too long, else
the plants do not become well established before the dull dark
days of November. The trellis ought to be well covered before
the first week in November, and the plants must not be allowed
to bear too much after that date, else speedy exhaustion will
follow. Before planting-out see that the house is thoroughly
cleansed by washing the glass and woodwork; the hot-water
pipes should be painted, and the walls washed and be afterwards
painted over with lime water. If there are any plants in the
house infested with insect pests, such as red spider, thrips, or
mealy bug, they must either be cleaned or removed. If the
Cucumber plants are quite free from any of them when they are
put out probably they will not be attacked in the winter if proper
precautions are used. Itis not desirable to make a large border
for the roots, a space for the soil about 2 feet wide and from
9inches to a foot deep is amply sufficient; the roots work near
the surface more in a shallow border, and they can be encou-
raged by frequent dressings with rich soil. In the Cucumber
house at Loxford the beds are much wider than is necessary,
and our plan is to build a wall down the centre of the bed with
bricks, not using any mortar. On one side of this wall is the
compost for the plants, on the other some fermenting manure.
This bed of manure answers two purposes—it excites by its
warmth to immediate root-action the newly-planted Cucumber
plants, and the bottom heat is very useful for propagating pur-
poses; moreover, insects do not like the moisture from stable
manure in a fresh state.

Melons on which the fruit is ripening should have a rather dry
atmosphere, the house should be freely aired, and the tempera-
ture at night to range between 60° and 65°. When the fruit is
not in such an advanced stage as this the usual precautions
must be taken to keep the leaves free from the attacks of red
spider. Too much syringing is apt to injure the plants by
causing them to rot off at the neck. It is best to syringe
thoroughly during the mornings of fine days; 65° at night with
a rise of about 10° by day is a very suitable temperature.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Where there are large houses and pits devoted to the culture
of greenhouse plants there is plenty to do all through the
season. At present the winter-flowering plants demand at-
tention. Before this appears in print a batch of Hyacinth and
Tulip roots will probably be potted for early flowering. We
pot one root in the centre of a 5-inch pot, or three small roots in
a 6-inch. When potted the pots are placed on a hard bottom
of ashes, and are then covered over with cocoa-nut fibre refuse.
Cyclamens have also just been potted. Those in 7 and 8-inch
pots were turned-cut of the pots, the balls of earth consider-
ably reduced, and the plants were again potted into similar
pots from which they had been turned out. Primula cortusoides
amoona, and varieties white and lilac, have also been repotted.
Before doing so the plants were separated, each clump being
broken into four or five pieces, and when potted in fresh pots
fresh compost was worked-in between them. The Cape and
New Holland plants potted a few weeks ago have taken kindly
to the fresh compost and are making fresh roots abundantly.
The house was kept rather close for a few days, but we now
ventilate freely, leaving the ventilators open at night as well as
in the day. Some of the plants require to be staked-out, but
this is work that can stand over for a time, and it is just as well
to leave such work if possible for rough weather later in the

year. It is best to use sticks made of good deal for hardwooded
plants, and strong black linen thread to tie with. The sticks
should be painted of a green colour. Most of the buds on Chry-
santhemums are now set and swelling freely. The late-flower-
ing sorts, such as Princess of Wales, Princess Teck, Her Majesty,
Lady Slade, Venus, &c., should be set the last week in August,
or at least in the very earliest days of September, the early-
flowering sorts a week or ten days later. Now is the time to
look out for mildew, not only on Chrysanthemums but many
other greenhouse plants, including Cinerarias, also Heaths and
many other similar plants. Sulphur thrown as a cloud of dust
on the leaves will soon destroy it in its earliest stages.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

In writing two or three weeks ago on Auriculas it was stated
that a certain variety was ‘‘dorty,”’ a phrase much used in
Scotland, but the printer made it out “dirty,” which is a
blunder. Auriculas are now making their autumn growth, but
many of the plants are also showing trusses of bloom. We do
not find that these interfere much with the spring bloom, if
they are picked off as soon as possible a new heart is formed in
the course of a few weeks ; the plants require picking over again
to remove the decaying leaves and weeds. The plants are still
under the shelter of a north wall in frames, and the lights are
removed as often as weather permits. We never allow the
leaves to be exposed to rain; as they are sheltered by the wall
high winds do not injure them.

Pinks.—The earliest-struck pipings of these have been planted
out in the beds where they are intended to bloom. It is usual
to plant them in October, but we would rather plant about the
middle of September, when the plants have been duly hardened
off. The treatment so far is this—about the end of June or
early in July the pipings are put into boxes, and they strike out
roots in about two weeks, aided by a little bottom heat. Wher
it is seen that the plants are rooted air freely, removing the
lights altogether in calm weather. After a while, say from the
beginning to the middle of August, remove the boxes to an ex-
posed position out of doors, and then plant out the young plants
3 inches apart in a bed of light soil. In a month after being
planted out they are ready for removing to the beds where they
will flower. Plant in light rich soil 9 inches apart, or less if
space is limited. We have just finished potting-off the Car-
nations and Picotees. We pot a pair in a small pot except
scarce and choice varieties, these are placed one inapot. It
would be as well to pot the plants singly, but then it requires a
double quantity of pots, and we cannot spare frames for s0
many. The only pest tous is the wireworm, and as it works
like the mole under ground it is very difficult to catch it
until the plant is destroyed. We pick the soil over carefully
two or three times before potting, as a wireworm in a pot is sure
to destroy at least one of the plants, probably both. The potting
material is of the simplest description—loam four parts, leaf
mould one part, rotted manure one part, and some sand to keep
the compost open.

Pansies.—Cutiings of these were put in a few days ago and

: they have struck roots freely. The young plants are speedily

attacked by green fly and mildew under glass. It is best to
turn them out of doors as soon as they are rooted. We have also
pricked-out a number of seedling Pansies, intending to plant a
bed of them about the end of October.

Dahlias and Hollyhocks require attention. All flowers that
have begun to decay should be at once removed. The shoots
should be tied to the sticks to prevent their being broken by the
high winds prevalent at this season. See that the ground is
kept free from weeds and the plants from decaying leaves.—
J. Doveas.

DeratH oF Professor Parnatore.—lIt is with much regret
that we have to announce the death of Filippo Parlatore, Pro-
fessor of Botany at Florence, of which we received an intima-
tion as we were going to press. Professor Parlatore died full
of honours on the 9th of this month at the age of sixty-one.
The list of honorary distinctions which accompany the an-
nouncement of his death occupy nearly a whole page of a
quarto sheet.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

* * All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.”’ Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Fucusias (Mr. Boyle).—Fuchsias virgata and gracilis are not identical.
The window plant you describe is probably Richardia ethiopica.

VINES IN Pots (S. N.).—You may grow them for one year, and then turn
ihem out into the border. The spray you enclosed is Pyrus Aria, the White

eam Tree.

242

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 20, 1877.

TREES FoR SEASHORE (H. Horlon).—Evergreen Oak, Pinus insignis, P. La-

ricio, with Sycamore and Turkey Oak, are what we advise of trees; and of }

shrubs Tamarisk, Alaternus, Brooms, double Gorse, Euonymus, Escallonia
macrantha, Hollies, Elders, Sea Buckthorn, and Guelder Rose.

Rose (H. #. Holdaway).—The specimen was a mass of dead leaves at-
tached to a dried and withered stalk. It ought to have been sent in a box
wrapped in damp moss. The naming must be a matter of conjecture. It
may be Jean Cherpin, and we think it is.

Brrcu Nuts anp Acorns.—‘ W. L.” writes that the Beech nuts are very
abundant near Bromsgrove, but that acorns are very scarce. He asks if
Beech nuts are plentiful in other parts of England.

CInERABIA Lear DISEASED (R. K. Penson).—It is mildewed, and the cause
is too much moisture and too little ventilation.

Warson’s Lawn Sanp (C. M.).—Not haying tried it we cannot give an
opinion.

TURF FOR VINE BorDERS (Nemo).—The best material for Vine borders
when turf cannot be obtained, is to take as good soil as you can get, to eight
barrowloads of it add one of lime rubbish, one of rotted manure, a peck of
charcoal, and the same quantity of inch bones, turn it over twice, and use it
at once.

New ZEALAND Fuax FRoM SEED (J. S. W.).—You may sow the seeds
now in light soil, place the pots in heat, and do not give much water—just
sufficient to keep the soilmoist. The seeds take a good while to germinate,
but those sent are good. When the young plants have grown a little prick
them off, about nine in a 6-inch pot.

ARAUCARIA SEEDLEsSs (J. R. W.).—You arecorrectly informed. This tree is
dicecious.

GLASS-COVERED WALL FOR PEAcH TREE (R. R.).—As you haye provided
@ coping would it not be as well to wait until your trees are old enough to
bear, and see whether you cannot obtain a crop without any glass protection ?
Should you determine to have glass, we advise a simple lean-to, with ven-
tilation provided at the top by moveable lights to hit up by an iron rod.
The front ventilation should be provided by shutters to open outwards under
a plate on which the base of the rafters should rest. The shutters may ba
about 12 inches wide. You say the trees are against the north wall; we
presume, of course, that the wall faces south.

HYDRANGEAS IMPERFECTLY DEVELOPED (H. C. P.).—We cannot account
for this in any way, if the plants are healthy and growing strongly, except
that it may be owing to the unfavourable weather we have experienced. The
plants like generous treatment, and when the flower-irusses are forming to
be exposed to light and air.

VINES NoT STARTING INTO GRowTH (J. 4.).—We do not quite understand
what you mean by saying ‘‘the Vines made seyeral attempts to break but
failed.” How were the attempts made? If they have not made any growth
during the season they must be pronounced to be dead, and others should be
planted in their place. :

Port CULTURE oF LILIUM AURATUM (Ightham).—We agree with Mr. Wood
in thinking the present time of year the best for repotting, but we do not
attribute his success solely to doing so, and haye no doubt that you may
obtain equally satisfactory results if your bulbs are as large as his; size of
bulb has much influence in the matter. Shake out the three bulbs which
you have in a 10-inch pot and repot them singly in 8-inch pots, placing the
tops of the bulbs quite 2 inches below the surface. Plunge the pots in coal
ashes in the open air, and when the leaves of the next season’s growth ap-
pear give plenty of sewage or other liquid manure.

STEPHANOTIS FLORIBUNDA FRvITING (A Constant Reader).—Old plants of
Stephanotis occasionally bear fruit, but it is unusual for fruit to ba borne
annually, or with any periodical regularity, upon the same plant.

Leaky GREENHOUSE Roor (Ten-years Subscriber).—Scrape away the old
putty from the faulty places, cleanse well with a dusting brush, give one coat
of paint, then stop thoroughly with putty and follow with three more coats
of paint. A leaky roof is a sure indication of neglect. Why does your putty
perish so soon? Simply because you have not applied the annual coat of
paint which the woodwork and putty of every glazed structure should hare,

Fries (HZ. F.).—You may plant against your west wall the Brown Turkey
and the Brunswick.

Wirtoor (R. G.).—The leaves are eaten as Seakale and uncooked as a
salad. There are fall particulars and a drawing of the plant in the number
of this Journal published January 27th of last year.

ANALYSES OF FLowers (G. N, 7.),—There are many published in Dr.
Thomson’s “ Organic Chemistry—Vegetables.”

Names oF Faurts (Elm).—1, Magnum Bonum; 2, Victoria; 3, Fothering-
ham; 4, Lucombe’s Nonsuch; 5, Winesour; 6, Orleans.

Names oF Prants (C. T.).—2, Huonymus europzus; 3, Cornus sanguinea ;
4, Aeor campesire; 5, Polemonium ceruleum variegatum. (W. W.).—Inula
helenium. The root is tonic. There is no mode of destroying it but by
spudding it ont, or paring and burning the top spit of the field. (J. C. 0.).—
It is the Grass of Parnassus, Parnassia palustris. (4. H. S.).—1, Cattleya,
probably C. Loddigesii; 2, Lycaste macrophylla. (M7s. St. John).—Eupa-
torium Wendlandianum. (Mac.).—Potentilla fruticosa. (H. Dunning).—
Specimens unsatisfactory. 1, Onoclea sensibilis; 2, Pteris (?) cretica; 3 and
4, Adiantum sp. (G. Chisholm).—Probably a Cissus, but specimen insufii-
cient. (M. P., Horsham).—l, Solidago lanceolata; 2, Hibiscus syriacus;
8, Clethra arborea. (W. D. H.),—Euphrasia (Bartsia) odontites.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

THE ISLINGTON AND ALEXANDRA PALACE
SCHEDULES.

Bors these schedules are to hand, and on both we have some
few remarks to make. We extremely regret that the three A’s
—Aquarium, Alexandra, Agricultural Hall—have not in their
Own interests arranged their dates better. With the Sydenham
meeting in prospect the London shows will surely suffer; and
we verily believe, had any one of them lowered their entry fee

| to 6s. instead of 7s. 6d., that the one so doing would have been
the successiul meeting. In bygone days when the great metro-
polis only had the Crystal Palace Show it was all very well to
charge so high a rate of entry fees; but now that four of them
have come into existence, and when there is even a prospect of
a fitth, ‘Ichabod ” may be cried over the prestige of winning in
) London, and the fees should surely be lessened in consequence
| if a number of entries is desired. In the face of these thickly
coming shows we think Mr. Nicholls has been wise as well as
the Islington Committee to have their classes for pairs of birds
in most of the breeds. We know fully well that for chickens it
is disadvantageous to show them in pairs, but we believe the
outlay of money to form a double set of prizes for cockerels and
pullets would not be recouped in a sufficiently satisfactory way
to ineily the expenditure in this time of glut of metropolitan
shows.

We will speak of the Dairy Show first, as thatis the first to
come off. The prizes are liberal, £6 being divided in most
classes in four prizes. In Dorkings, Silvers, Whites, and Cuckoos
ell have to compete together. Minorcas and Andalusians have
2 class together. Brahmas and Game have separate classes for
the sexes, of which Brahmas have four and Game six. Polands
have two classes, in one of which Whites, Chamois, &c., may
appear. Hamburghs and Cochins have a good provision made
for them. For the Variety class are left La Fléche, Sultans,
Silkies, Cuckoo Cochins, Frizzles, &c. The Waterfowl are well
cared for; besides the ordinary classes Cayugas, Pekins, Hast
Indians, Mandarins, and Carolinas are all provided for. There
are no Pigeon classes. The Selling divisions, however, will
contain, we suppose, some good birds, for the entry fee is only
5s., 2nd in each class £8 is given in prizes. The Bantam classi-
fication is odd; for as the classes read we should conclude
Class 47 was for Black Game Bantams, whereas Black Rose-
combs we suppose are intended to be entered here. All the
other variety Bantams are jumbled up in Class 50. There are
optional champion sweepstake prizes ; medals are to be awarded
for incubators, appliances, and poultry foods. There are also
special prizes offered by the manufacturers of various foods for
the best birds fed upon their compounds, which prizes will
probably give the Judges much trouble and be of no real benefit
to the poultry cause. Mr. F. Wilson, late of the Crystal Palace,
is the Secretary, and Mr. R. R. Fowler is not this year to be the
Steward we learn. We have only three more things to mention
in connection with this schedule—the one that the cups and
special prizes are to be given in addition to the money prizes,
and that the birds exhibited will have to be away from home at
least eight days, and in some cases probably more where the
distance is great, which fact in the case of chickens of the year
must surely lessen considerably the number of entries; and
that the Judges are Messrs. Hewitt, Leno, Martin, Nicholls,
Smith, and Teebay; but as the classes in which each gentleman
will award the prizes are not named this piece of information
could as well have been omitted for all the good it can do.

Among the rules and regulations of the Alexandra Palace we
find one which tells us that only appeals from the Judges’
decisions will be entertained when fraudulent practices have
subsequently been discovered, in which case the prizes will be
withheld. We read, too, that the prices of birds may be reduced
on the second and third days of the Show; bata wise addition
has been made to the ordinary words—viz., ‘‘ Upon the pro-
duction of the receipt for entry fees.” Weare sorry, however,
to see, that though the Judges’ names are announced, their
individual classes are notnamed. Wesee Mr. Mathews is down
in conjunction with Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay for poultry;
while Messrs. Esquilant, Heaton, and Tegetmeier take the
Pigeons. The poultry have twenty cups and Pigeons twenty-
one, varying in value from £10 10s. to £3 3s., some of which are
presented and some subscribed for. Langshans have a cup and
a class, the former given bythe Club. Black Cuckooand White
Cochins have to compete together. Weshould have felt inclined
to have mede the classification larger and left out the £5 5s.
sale classes, as there are now so many other opportunities of
buying birds at a moderate price. Brahmas have classes for
cockerels and pullets, two £5 5s. classes, twenty-four prizes and
four cups, one of the value of £10 10s. ; but We are certain the
display of Darks has not of late been sufficiently good in quality
or quantity to necessitate such a bountifal prize list. There are
classes for Pile Game, Malays, three sorts of Polish, Silkies and
Andalusians. There are nine £2 sale classes and four prizes in
each class, and this department will probably be remunerative,
though we doubt if the French require two of the divisions to
themselves when Dorkings, Cochins, and Brahmas have only
three between them. The Bantam classification is excellent,
and the display should be good.

The Pigeons follow. Pouters, Carriers, Dragoons and Tum-
blers should come in swarms; all colours, varieties, and ages
have rare chances of showing the quality of the fancy, while
Jacobins, Owls and Turbits are handsomely seen to. We are
glad to see separate classes for Fantail cocks and hens, and that
Blacks and Blues have a class to themselves. Nuns, Trum-

athens 7

os

i

PA ES >

FC gist:

September 20, 1577. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

243

peters, Magpies and Runts will all find a warm welcome in
their own divisions. Two flying classes finish a capital schedule,
one which is not as elaborate as some we have seen, but sufii-
ciently well drawn up. We hope to enlist the hearty co-opera-
tion of all fanciers, and we have Mr. Nicholls’s promise that
every attention shall be paid to the speedy putting-up of the
prize cards, so as toset an example to his somewhat tardy friends
of other metropolitan shows. We earnestly hope the entries
will be large, and that birds will be reserved to make a débiit
at this and the Oxford Shows, whose dates most certainly are
the most compatible with the welfare of young and growing
stock. The entries close on new Michaelmas day, before which
time we hope Mr. Nicholls will publish the separate work of
each adjudicator among the various classes.—W.

GRANVILLE POULTRY SHOW.

Tue first Ramsgate Show was held at the Granville Marina
on Tuesday last and the following days. The entries were
tolerably good, the names of a number of exhibitors from France
and Belgium appearing in the prize list for the first time in
England. The management, we regret to say, was not all that
could be desired. Some of the pens were not up and a large
number of the birds were in their baskets at the time the judging
should have been almost completed. Many of the prize cards
Were nof on the pens when we visited the Show at twelve
o’clock on the second day.

Dorking cocks, coloured, only eight entries, and the pens not
allfull. Peel first, a fine old bird well on the feet and in fine
condition. Second a little out of feather: this should, we think,
have given way to Mr. Burnell’s cockerel. Third a nice bird in
good condition. Coloured hen, Burnell first and second with
good birds. Silver-Grey.—The cocks with the exception of Mr.
Burnell’s were a poor lot. The second was fair in colour but
small. Nearly all the rest had spurs growing in all directions,
The hens were much better, and the competition rather close.
Cochins.—Buff cocks moderate. First (Mrs. Tindall) a nice
coloured chicken, but do not think he will ever make a great
bird. Hens, first (Mrs. Tindall) a large hen, but not in con-
‘dition for an exhibition pen. Second (Christy) a fine hen in
lovely condition. Third large, but deficientin leg-feather. Any
other colour cocks, first a White in beautiful condition and well
shown, but for points we liked Mr. Darby’s unnoticed pen
better. Mrs. Tindall showed some very fine well-marked Par-
tridge hens; had a cup been given for the best in the Show
it must have fallen to the first-prize hen in this class. Brahmas.
—Dark: First a good-coloured bird, well grown but vultured.
Second a good old bird, but will show to better advantage after
his moult. Third and fourth good chickens; the former should
perhaps have had a better position. The fifth award we did
not like. Hens: The majority of the birds in this class were
pullets, and with the exception of the second-prize, a grand hen
well marked which we thought should have been first, we con-
sider them a very even lof, and we doubt if any two judges
would have made the same selections. Light: The winner a
good bird, but so yellow that we think he should be out of the
prize list. The second was a beautiful young chicken, and we
should have liked to have seen him first. Hens: Nearly all
young in this class and very equal in merits, and we think the
Judge’s selection correct. Cocks: Black Reds, a small class
but good. Hens more numerous and equally good; the winner,
a beautiful pullet, also obtained the cup. In the other Game
classes the most noticeable was a fine Brown Red cock of won-
derful style shown by Mr. Matthews. Hamburghs.—Many of
the best birds were out of condition. Spanish—Cocks: Some
forward young birds were shown in this class, but they had no
other merit. Hens: Mr. Jones’s unnoticed pen 280 We thought
far the best bird in the class. The three first-prize birds were
exceedingly coarse. The fourth had a very small face and no
lob. Howdans.—Both classes were large. In the cocks the first
and fifth prizes went to France, and of the hens the fourth.
Créves.—Capital classes, in quality better than the Houdans,
our continental friends again coming in for a good share of the
honours. Polands.—With one or two exceptions poor. Leg-
forns.—A nice class. Game Bantams.—Mr. Entwisle here
exhibited a few good pens of Game. Mr. Morgan’s cockerel in
the second-prize pen we also liked.

The Pigeons were a very good collection, numbering nearly
four hundred entries. The cup went toa Black cock, very long
in neck and standing well on the legs, but hardly so heavy in
eye and beak-wattle as others in the class, still he is a grand
bird and well deserved his position. Of late there has been a
tendency amongst some judges to look at nothing but “stuff,”
but we are glad to find that Mr. Tegetmeier has also an eye for
grace and beauty, two most important properties in a Carrier.
he first-prize hen was @ beauty in all points. The winning
Blue cock was a nice bird but cloudy in colour. Pouters were
fair, the cup Black cock a capital bird. Barbs were a strong
class of nineteen, the cup going to a Red with a good head.
dacobins were another strong class, but with the exception of

the prizewinners they were poor. Fantails good. The cup for
Turbits went to a Red in beautiful condition, and exceedingly
good in beak and colour. In English Owls first was a well-known
winner, and now he will have to take his place amongst the
champions at the Aquarium Show. Foreign were good, also
the Tumblers. Dragoons were a nice lot, but hardly so numerous
or the quality so even as we have seen. The first-prize Blue
Chequer cock was very good in colourand style. Both the show
and homing Antwerps were well represented. Runts were
capital. The Variety was a strong class; many other birds in
addition to the prizewinners were well deserving of prizes.

The Judges were for Poultry, Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay ;
and for Pigeons, Mr. Tegetmeier. Mr. Esquilant was also an-
nounced as one of the Pigeon Judges, but he did not officiate.

FARNWORTH POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts Show took place on Thursday last in the usual field, but
unfortunately the weather was very unfavourable, as the rain
commenced early in the morning and continued the whole of
the day. The entries were but 195 in all, though the list is a
very good one, the prizes being in most classes £2, £1, and 10s.
with the addition of eight silver cups of the value of £35.

Doriings headed the list with six entries, and the birds of
fair quality. Brahma chickens were a good lot, the cup going to
a pair of Dark chickens, the best that exhibitor has had out this
season, except that the pullet carried her tailon one side. We
considered pen 281 (Lingwood) should have hada place. Inold
birds Light were placed first, but we preferred Messre, Duck-
worth’s pen of Dark ones. Cochins (young).—First a grand-
shaped pullet, pale in colour and far too much hock, with @
leggy thin cockerel very mealy on the wing; second. by far the
best as a pair, very high in colour and better in Cochin shape ;
the third losing by very little. Partridge chickens very good.
Cinnamon or Buff (old birds).—First a pen that have been good,
but altogether out of it here. Although the cup was awarded to
them they were in the most ragged plight and out of shape,
Mr. Tomlinson’s birds being much more to our taste, being
higher in colour and in good order. Any other old birds.—First
Partridge, the hen good and well marked but out of order; the
cock altogether devoid of fluff and leg and foot feather, The
best were Pen 308 (Percival), in grand order, and the cock an
enormous capital-shaped bird. Game (Black Reds).—First a
good pen, the puillet very good in all points, the best cockerelin
the class being the third (Pratt), but the pullet had a dark eye.
Brown Reds were a raw young lot, but the first very good.
the Variety class Piles won, as also the cup, but the cockerel
was very bad in colour on the tail hackle. Spanish were very
good in all respects. Hambuwrghs had four classes, and the cup
awarded to a grand pen of Gold-spangles. Polis.—First and
second Black; the second, by far the best, were perfectly ary
when judged, but the first were as wet as could be, and it puzzle
us how the awards were somade. Inthe Variety class first were
Black Hamburehs, second Créve-Cceurs, and third pusehornels
all good pens. In Bantams the cup was won by a single P -
cockerel, a capital coloured bird; the classes generally good,
In the Variety class Black Rose-combed were first, See
Sebrights second, and Pekins third. Ducks were an excellen
section, the cup going to a fine pen of Aylesburys.

i iki le.
POULTRY.—Donrs1nos.—Chickens.—1 and 8, L. Pilkington. 2 J. Copp!
Branma Poorras.—l, J. Birch, jun. 2, G. & J. Duckworth. oe eds
worth. Chickens—Cup, J.H. Jones. 1and8, R. P. Percival. jos See
Cocurixs.—Cinnamon or Buf.—Cup and 1, R. P. Percival. 2, A. ie partndge,
H. Tomlinson, Chickens.—l, J. H. Jones. 2 and 3, C. Sidgwic a
Feather or any other variety.—Chickens.—1 and 2, R. J. Wood. 5 EAR
‘Any other variety than Cinnamon or Buff.—l, R. J. Wood. 2, a asin »
Game.—Black-breasted Red —Chickens.—1, T. P. Lyon. 2, J. . ie ee rae
R. Pratt. Brown-breasted Red.—Chickens.—l, W. A. F. Fenwick. 2, G. 7D,

a 5 Z SY al
nett. 3, C. W. Brierley. Any other variety.—Chickens.—Cup and l,
Lyon. 2, J. Halsall. aay colour.—Cock.—1 and 8, C. W. Brierley. 2, = P.

2, H. Wilkinson.
. 8, J. Rawnsley.
3, H. Pickles.

—Chickens.—Cup and 1, E. Walton. 2 and 8, W. F. Entwistle. Saclay ae

2,M. Leno. 3,
Walker. 2, T. Wakefield. 3, W. Evans.

Springfield, Warrington. -

GOSSIP ABOUT BEES.

Two or thres months ago while on a visit to England a
Swedish gentleman came to Sale to see me and learn all he
could about our hives and system of management. He is oe
extensive and intelligent apiarian in his own country, but ha
been rather unsuccessful with a kind of hive which is some-

244

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 20, 1877.

what popular in this country. Questions by the score were put
and answered; first and second swarms were taken from their
hives, and queens transferred from one hive to another in his
presence. Then he entered our dwelling house to get a cup of
tea with my queen bee. The bread and butter was welcome
enough, but he was more hungry for every scrap of bee know-
ledge that he could pick up and carry home to Sweden. He and
his family possessed thousands of acres of land covered with
good pasture for bees, and he said he would establish an apiary
of hundreds of hives made after the fashion of those he saw
here. ‘Why don’t you yourself keep hives by the hundred
instead of the dozen ?” is one of the last questions he put to me.

Some of our customers for honey on finding that it is all
sold ask, ‘Why not keep more bees?” This question has
often risen up in our minds, and been answered by the fact that
our occupation of gardening is quite enough for our declining
strength and energies. Bee-keeping is but an adjunct of secon-
dary importance here, but it is an adjunct that yields a great
fund of enjoyment and a large margin of profit.

Between thirty and forty years ago we were sent by the late
Dr. Lindley to a situation as head gardener. In this situation
we found some things of a disquieting character. The servants
of the house had access to the fruit (there being no walled gar-
den), and the housekeeper and her friends were ullowed to take
what they liked best, and sometimes the under gardeners were
blamed for what was missed. Then I was strongly tempted to
entertain the thought of abandoning the occupation of garden-
ing and betake myself wholly to bee-keeping. But we bore the
disquietudes of the place as well as we could for two or three
years. Our next situation was an exceedingly comfortable one,
and so we have continued at gardening up to the present time.
Our confidence in bee-keeping rather increases than abates.
Any active man with a knowledge of bees may earn a substantial
and good living from them. We were born and brought up in
the midst of successful bee-keeping, and the impressions we
received in early life have been deepened by a life-long experi-
ence. In making these remarks our object is not to tempt any-
body to leave his calling or occupation and betake himself wholly
to bee-keeping: it would be risky in our opinion to do so, and
it might be ruinous. All beginners in every trade and line of
business have difficulties to overcome. To all who contemplate
bee-keeping on a large scale we would suggest caution, and that
a& commencement be made with bees as a remunerating adjunct
for two or three years, so that the right way be felt, an experi-
ence gained, and a market for the produce found. Bee-keeping
to us and many others is a source oi profitable enjoyment, and
to many more moving in the higher walks of life it is a source
of pleasant recreation. To the sons of toil we have commended
bee-keeping. To well-behaved and well-intentioned and indus-
trious working people we more strongly than ever commend
bee-keeping. To those who are partially disabled for hard work,
to widows and others in straitened circumstances, bee-keeping
in its simplest form would be a great helper. I have only one
aunt surviving, about ninety years of age: after an experience
of seventy years amongst bees she holds to their worth with a
certitude of grasp, and no wonder, for she has found them to be
@ source of support to her during her widowhood. Last time
I was in Scotland, about six years ago, her first swarm that year
had gained 60 lbs. weight on the heather, and she had realised
200 Ibs. (£10 worth) of honey from four stocks of bees. But
few £10 will be realised this year from bees, I fancy, for I do
not remember a worse season; at any rate, I never had bees to
Manage in a worse season, For a series of years we have had
cold late springs, but this year we have had a cold, late, rainy
Summer, which has been most disappointing and discouraging
to apiarians generally, especially to beginners who have never
yet had a remunerating return from their bees. With strong
hives in our possession we know how difficult it is to subdue
the felt impatience for sunshine. We are in no mood to stint
our sympathy for beginners who have had their hopes blighted
this year. It is not a pleasing thing for bee-keepers to balance
their gains and losses at the end of such a season as the present
one. We have taken but one hive of honey (15 lbs. only), sold
some stocks, and placed about forty stocks in our garden for
another year. Our expenses so far are greater than our income.
If we part with a few more hives the balance will be placed on
the right side, and our stocks then will be as numerous as
they were at the commencement of the season. Let us all look
forward hopefully, and believe what Mr. Gladstone told some
excursionists lately amid a downpour of rain—viz., “ when
things are at their worst they grow better.”—A. Perricrew.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Stiver-Grey DorkKINGSs AT THE CrysTaL PALAcE.— May I, asin former
years, appeal once more through your columns for aid towards a five-guinea
cup for the best adult Silyer-Grey Dorking cock or hen at the next Crystal
Palace Show? My apology for so often begging for this class must be that
I have never myself won the cup for which I collect. If subscribers are kind
enough to send me their subscriptions without my writing to them personally
they will confer an additional fayour.—O,. E. CRESSWELL, Early Wood, Bag-
shot, Surrey.”

Pouttry Hovse (An Irish Subscriber). You will find plans in our “ Poultry
Book for the Many.”

BrRauMA VULTURE-HOCKED (C. S.).—Vulture hocks are a great disadyan-
tage to Brahmas, and should never be seen on a prize bird It is only of
late they have been shown, and the sooner they become extinct the batter.
They are a deformity, and cannot be credited with the least usefulness. A
Brahma hen should have no black in the wing.

Duck MANAGEMENT (Constant Subscriber).—The drake, having been the
stock bird for three years, should now be set aside for a younger one. Ducks
lay the greatest number of eggs the first year. Their eggs are more to be
depended upon as fertile the second year, and after the third they should be
put in a pie and their places filled by younger birds.

AyYLEsBuRY Ducks (W. H.).—Yellow bills demonstrate that the birds are
not purely bred. The following are the requisite characteristics—plumage
spotless white, bill pale flesh colour, legs orange.

GREY Linnet (A Constant Reader).—The bird pecking at his feathers so
much is undoubtedly caused through the vermin or bird lice infesting its
habitation. You have a remedy by changing the bird’s quarters, and that
must be effected speedily, especially as the system is in a poor state now the
bird is moulting. Remove the bird into another cage whilst you destroy
with turpentine or naphtha the vermin secreted in the infested cage. After
well scalding and cleaning the cage will be again fit to use. Linnets in their
wild state eat many kinds of seeds, especially rape seed, cabbage seed (not
winter cabbage seed), poppy, dodder-grass seed, berries, and buds of trees.
In confinement they will live best on summer cabbage seed, which does not
require to be soaked as for Chaffinches, as Linnets have a powerful crop and
stomach, and can therefore better digest the seed. To our Linnets, which we
let fly about with some Canaries, we give Canary, summer rape, linseed, and
only very sparingly indeed of hempseed. Linnets require exercise, mcre 80
than Canaries, and if they betoo well fed in cages they often quickly die from
over-feeding and want of exercise. They like to peck at salt, and it is necessary
to occasionally supply them with a little. It isan excellent preventive against
disease. Train your Linnet to use the bath. Some birds will very quickly
take to it, and even over the moult it will do more good than otherwise.
Birds should be freely supplied with sand and water.

BEES UNDER A FLoor (W. Hurst).—If you can remove the boards above
the bees, and cover them all round with a handkerchief or thin rag wet with
chloroform, they will rapidly drop from the combs in a helpless state and
remain motionless. As soon as this shall take place cut all the combs out
and place them in an empty box or milk-pan for removal. If you have not
courage to do this, you, perhaps, could fill the cavity which the bees inhabit
with the fumes of sulphur or powder, and thus destroy the whole swarm.
Seek the assistance of any old bee-keeper in your neighbourhood.

FerMentina Honey (Dorset)—Warming your honey before the fire will
not prevent fermentation, but rather increase it. Some American bee-
keepers boil their honey when fermentation begins. Boiling may act fora
time, and is probably the best thing that can be done to hinder the ferment-
ing process. As soon as any of our honey begins to ferment we boil it, and
then give it either to poor people or weak hives.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SquaRE, LONDON.
Lat. 51° 82’40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
20 ~ Ae g
ou .| Hygrome-| 3 $4 ,;|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation 4
1877 BSae ter. 25 aa8 perature. |Temperature. Ss
Sept. |S 85,5 j 2g [ean In On
Awa | Dry.| Wet.| AS |F Max.| Min.| sun. |grass-|
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg.) In.
We. 12 | 29.870 | 63.3 | 67.6 | S.W. | 57.7 | 678 | 56.8 109.6 | 51.2 _—
Th. 13 | 30.018 | 61.4 | 592 | S.W. | 58.0 | 65.6 | 52.2 90.8 | 46.9 | 0.010
Fri. 14 | 29935 | 63.9 | 60.8 s. 58.8 | 67.0 | 59.8 86.4 | 566 | 0.065
Sat, 15 | 29783 | 62.4 | 57.9 S.W. | 68.9 | 64.5 | 59.5 | 105.2 | 555 =
Sun.16 | 30.325 | 51.0 | 49.1 | N.W. | 57.4 | 66.5 | 45.4 112.8 | 38.6 —
Mo. 17 | 80.287 | 55.7 | 60.2 | N.W. | 67.0 | 62.0 | 466 110.8 | 88.2 _
Tu. 18 | 80.849 | 52.4 | 50.1 | N.W. | 56.5 | 61.3 | 49.8 | 105.0 | 43.4 al
Means} 80.080 | 58.6 | 55.0 57.7 | 65.0 | 52.8 102.9 | 47.2 | 0.075
REMARKS.

12th.—Fine bright morning, pleasant day, though there were two or three
slight showers; rain at 9 P.M., but starlight at midnight.
13th.—Rather a grey day, with a little rain.
14th.—Dull, @mp, and showery all day; high wind all night and till 9 A.M.
on the 15th.
15th.— Wind and rain in early morning, rather dull forenoon; fine afterwards.
16th.—Fair but dull early, getting gradually finer; very bright in the after-
noon and eyening.
17th.—A very fine and pleasant day, though not very sunny.
18th.—Bright and fine all day; much more sun than there was yesterday.
A dry fine week; very cold in early mornings of the 16th and 17th.
ERRatuM.—Barometer at 94M. on 11th should haye been 29.816,
mean for last week 30.000ins.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—SEpremsBer 19.

A vERY steady trade has been done during the past week with scarcoly any
alteration in prices. Kent Cobs have met with a ready sale at slight ad-
vances but show signs of a reaction, the supplies being very heavy the last

two days. Pines in demand.
FRUIT.

5. d. 8.d. 8. d. s. d
Apples.......... }sieve 2 6t08 6} Melons.......... each 1 6to4 0
Apricots .....+. dozen 0 0 O 0| Nectarines . dozen 4 0 18 0
Chestnuts . 0 0 O 0} Oranges . - 10010 0 16 0
Currants... 0 0 O O| Peaches... - dozen 8 0 24 0
0 0 O 0O| Pears, kitchen dozen 10 8 0
10 80 dessert .... dozen 20 4 0
é . 0 4 O 6| Pine Apples .... Ib 5 0 8 0
06 Ib. 0 4 0 6| Plums . dsieve 10 0 12 0
Gooseberries .. {bushel 0 0 0 0 | Raspberries... lb. 00 0 0
Grapes, hothouse Ib. 1 6 4& O} Walnuts... bushel 5 0 8 Q
Lemons ......-- %100 6 0 10 Oj ditto... 100 00 00

September 27, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 245
WEEKLY CALENDAR.
Day | Day SITLL Sun Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s | Clock | Day
peor mci SEPTEMBER 27—OCTOBER 8, 1877. BEE ORLY Rises Sets Rises Sets ‘Age. Beton aot)
Day. |Night./Mean.| h. m.| h. m.} h. m. m. | Days may ia:
27 TH 65.3 | 446 | 55.0 5 56 5 46 7a) e291 | 11h 48) 20 9 «8 | 270
28 EF 65.1 44.0 | 54.5 5 58 5 43 7 5h 0a57 21 9 28 | 271
29/8 MicHAarLMAS Day. 65.5 | 443 | 549 | 5 59/ 5 41/ 8 50} 2 1 22 9 48 | 272
80 | Sun | 18 Sunpay arrer TRINITY. 65.0 | 43.3 | 542 | 6 2) 5 86/}10 5] 2 50 C 10 27 | 278
1 |M_ | Cambridge Michaelmas Term commences. 63.4 | 44.7 | 541 | 6 4/ 5 84/11 81] 8 295 24 10 86 | 274
2 | To | Royal Horticultural Society—Fruit and Floral Com- | 64.4 | 43.9 | 54.1 6 6| 5 82] mom.| 8 51 25 11 4 | 275
8 )W Westminster Aquarium Potato Show. [mitteesat 1la.m.| 63.7 | 44.5 | 52.6 6 8| 5 80 2) 4°10 26 11 20 | 276
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 65.6°; and its night temperature
c.

AUTUMN NOTES ON VINES.

RAPES, it is to be feared, will not keep well
this winter. Being thoroughly matured be-
fore the short days set in is the most essen-

late Grapes I hear from many places are
far behind in ripening, andin some instances
they are actually refusing to colour. When
this is the case with good Grape growers of
extensive experience it is reasonable to sup-

g pose that amateurs and those with a limited
knowledge of how best to assist the Grapes in ripening
must now be labouring under considerable difficulty, and

no doubt a few remarks on this matter and a few others |

relating to the autumn treatment of the Vine will be
acceptable at the present time.

Grapes will colour as much in one week of bright
weather as they will in three sunless weeks. Should the
latter part of September and all through October turn
out fine, as it is to be hoped they will, there is yet a
chance of Grapes being in good keeping order by the
beginning of November; but, on the other hand, if the
weather does not at once make a change for the better
artificial means must be resorted to, to make up for the
want of sun heat; and although this will be both ex-
pensive and imperfect to a certain extent, it will be cheaper
and more satisfactory than complete failure.

The best time to apply fire heat to ripen Grapes is
during the day. In dull days raise the temperature to
65° or 70°, with a little air on at top and bottom. Let
the fire go very low at night when the house is dark, and
little air being admitted. When there is only a bright
day once or twice a-week do not let the fire go out be-
cause it is fine, but, on the contrary, keep the fire as
strong as on a dull day, give more air, and let the tempe-
rature rise to 80°, 85°, or 90°. This is the time they will
colour quickly, and not only colour but flavour, which
is more desirable than a fine appearance. Worked as
above described it is surprising the progress Grapes will
make towards maturity in three or four weeks. Of
course when day after day is bright and warm it is un-
necessary to use any fire heat. Then do not admit too
much air. Always keep the heat up about 80° during
the day, and close the ventilators early enough in the
afternoon to maintain a temperature throughout the night
of 65° or 70°. These are the best ways of working the
heat, but other assistance may be given.

In the summer time when the Vines are growing fast
and strong, the laterals are generally pinched at the first
leaf. A shoot soon pushes away from this again, and
very often it is not pinched back to this base again but
at the next leaf, and when it is treated like this three
or four times the laterals at this time are bearing more
leaves than the principal rods, and running into one
another they form a dense mass of foliage. ‘This inter-
feres very much with the air circulating about the fruit,
and it also obstructs the light; and it does more, and
perhaps worse than this—it prevents the bearing wood of

No. 861,—Vou. XXXIII., NEw SERIES,

tial point to insure their preservation, but |
| maladies; but now, when the wood is mostly hard and

next year from becoming ripe. It will thus be seen that
these lateral shoots may do much harm to the Vines
after this time and should therefore be removed. To
remove them early in the season when the wood is green
and the sap flowing rapidly would give the Vines a severe
check, and would probably produce shanking and other

becoming ripe, I have never been able to see that taking
off the side shoots did any harm to the Vine afterwards.
Every one of our Vines were gone over like this the other
day ; both those with fruit and without it. Before, the
glass could not be seen in many parts inside; now, the
bunches can be seen looking in from the outside down
through the leaves. Every berry is exposed to the light,
and every inch of wood is the same. In our case the
shoots were not removed so much to let the Grapes
ripen as the wood. This, although brown and might be
considered quite ripe by some, is still sappy; and I am
a firm believer in ripening the wood to the fullest possible
extent. This accomplished, let the wood be small or
thick, next year’s crop is secured.

Apart from giving the wood and fruit a better chance
of ripening, cutting the laterals off now has another re-
commendation. It is well known that nothing condenses
moisture so much as a thick covering of leaves against
the glass or above the fruit. Grapes begin to damp now;
when the foliage clusters round them it is impossible to
prevent this, and much decay may be traced solely to
this cause. When the leaves are removed the moisture
which rises from underneath passes direct to the glass
and runs down it without ever resting on the Grapes.
When the Vines are so far advanced in ripening that the
leaves are dropping, do not let them lie about the floor,
but gather them with the hand every morning, and this
will not only keep the house tidy, but the atmosphere
sweet and free from moisture.

Where Vine roots are wholly in outside borders there
is not much danger of the roots becoming dry—this year
at any rate; but inside borders very often become dust-
dry through receiving no water from the time the fruit’
begins colouring until it is all cut. Ido not think it is
wise to let the soil become so dry; Vines with their roots
outside in wet borders just ripen their fruit as well and
as finely flavoured as those dried off inside. Where
borders have been kept dry, and the fruit now cut, give
them a thorough watering at once, or many of the young
fibrous roots will perish, the wood shrivel, and the leaves
wither up prematurely.

These notes apply chiefly to work that must be done
from now up to the beginning of November. By that
time bedding and other plants will have been put into

many vineries, and notes on what to do then will appear
about that time.—A KircHEN GARDENER.

THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN A
GREENHOUSE.

Havine decided to build my house I set about it at once.
Striking the iron while it is het, is an old saying and a good
No.1613,—Vou, LYIII., OLD SERIES.

246

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

one; you work with so much more pleasure and energy when
carrying out a new project on the spur of the moment.

I first called on several nurserymen in the neighbourhood
and asked their opinions as to whether a span-roof or lean-to
would be best, also should I build on the level or how much
below. Adopting their suggestions, I decided to sink 18 inches
and to have a span roof; firstly because you economise the
heat and prevent a rapid evaporation by being somewhat below
the surface, and secondly because a span roof is the only one
under which to grow symmetrical plants. I was not very par-
ticular as to size—not, however, wishing to exceed about 12 feet
by 9, so that in purchasing my lights for the roof I was easily
accommodated. After a little searching I found and bought
two glazed lights 11 feet by 4 feet 6 inches for £2 5s., a door
in frame 10s., carriage 7s. 6d.

Now I had data to work upon; so I at once called in a brick-
layer and a labourer, who dug out the necessary space and
put up the walls, 4 feet in height by 44 inches thick, price
£2 7s. 6d. Next I employed the village carpenter to work
with me in making the side lights and ends, also to help me
to put the whole thing together: his account with timber was
£310s. Then I went at it alone, measured for the glass, and
though I had never put in a pane in my life I determined to
glaze it, having first asked someone to show me how to mani-
pulate. I only had one minute’s instruction. Well, I sur-
mounted that diffienlty much easier than I expected. Glass,
putty, and knives, 17s.; paint (24 lbs.) and brushes, 12s. 6d. ;
timber for stages, 9s., which I put up in this way—three tiers
on the north and a level stage on the south, leaving 2 feet
6 inches in centre for pathway. Dimensions when complete,
inside 10 feet 6 inches by 7 feet 6 inches; 4-feet brick wall,
15-inch side lights.

Now came the knotty point, in fact several knotty points—
how to heat, and with what to fill the house, &c., for I was so
thoroughly ignorant on all matters connected with greenhouses,
having spent most of my life travelling in Australia and China,
that I had to work very much in the dark; but he who truly
loves plants and flowers soon finds out the way to treat them
successfully. In the first place I resolved not to make my
greenhouse simply a storehouse for Geraniums, Fuchsias, and
ordinary bedding plants, especially as I afterwards found that
I could keep them well enough in a cold room, but to grow as

many distinct and different varieties of flowers, Ferns, &c., as |

I could manage in the space at command that I might have
a constant and increasing pleasure in watching the growth and
development of beauty in various forms and stages, instead of
the ordinary satisfaction of turning out a-batch of Geraniums,
Calceolarias, &c.

I procured a few Adiantums, Primulas, Cinerarias, cuttings
of French Geraniums Dr. Andry, Falgens, Victor and Neptune,
a plant of Pleroma elegans, Plumbago capensis, six Azaleas,
two Camellias, one Aloe frutescens, two Acacias, six Cyclamens,
six Cactuses, one Deutzia gracilis, and two Cytisuses. These
I thought enough for a start, though I afterwards became
more ambitious. The selection of these plants was due partly
to advice of friends, but mostly to that comprehensive little
work ‘‘The Greenhouse,” published at your office.

Autumn being far advanced I began to look about me fora
heating apparatus, and after numerous inquiries I decided on
a Roberts’s patent terra-cotta stove, and saw one advertised,
largest size with smoke pipe for 25s. I bought it, and I
think on reckoning up the items you will find the entire
cost for building, painting, heating, &c., amounts to about
£12 15s. The stove I found etiective but difficult to manage.
It is most simply constructed, and the directions so plain
thet it seems impossible to go wrong. However, I managed
it at last, and found very little trouble in keeping the heat
up to 50° in the depth of winter without any fresh supply
of fuel for from twelve to twenty-four hours, and I have
even found it quite hot at the expiration of thirty-six hours.
You must own it is worth a little trouble to arrive at this
result when I tell you it only costs about £2 15s. to keep
up quite the heat of a semi-stove house for eight months.
One great drawback I had to contend with was the dry heat,
which generated red spider on the Azaleas, shrivelled up the
Adiantums, &c.; so after thinking it over I hit upon a plan
which has proved invaluable. I procured a sheet of iron 2 feet
by 2 feet punched with holes round the edges for nails; I then
fixed together four pieces of wood 1 inch by 4, nailed on the
iron plate, putting a piece of list between it and the wood—
making, in fact, a shallow box with an iron bottom nearly
watertight. Ithen half filled the box with sawdust, put in a

gallon of water, and placed the whole on the top of the stove.
In less than a week the beneficial effect was plainly observable,
indeed it proved a complete success.

It then occurred to me that this tray of hot moist sawdust
might be still further utilised; so I placed on it according to
season and requirements pots and pans of cuttings, Verbenas,
Heliotropes, Deutzias, Lobelias, and many other things that
will not readily germinat3 or strike when most required—
namely early spring. Everything grew and rooted in a won-
derfully short space of time. The plants were potted-off in
60’s, returned to the tray for a week, then removed to narrow
shelves swung with copper wire from the rafters so as to be
close to the glass. The only fault I found was that they grew
too quickly.

As to the management of the stove itself I feel constrained
to give my fullest experience, the more especially as I know
many who have entirely failed in its management. Indeed I
called on a florist this morning to show him a new Gloxinia
I had raised since March, and he asked how I heated. I told
him. He was much surprised, as he had heard the stoves in
question were complete failures. In the first place the stove
is in three parts—stand or ashpan, body, and lid. I found
the separation of the body from the stand to be a mistake, so
had them cemented together. Then I had a 4-inch instead
of the usual 3-inch smoke pips: this causes a greater draught
and obviates the necessity for sweeping, which operation is
troublesome and dirty, besides being detrimental to the plants;
whereas with the larger flue you have only to wait till the fire
is well blazing, then with a few smart taps up and down the
pipe the soot falls, catches fire, cleans the chimney, and gets
the heat up at the same time. Close the dampers to a quarter
of an inch, then in about an hour, or less if you find the stove
heating regularly, shut themclosely. Assuming that you light
your fire at 8 pm. you will under all ordinary circumstances
find it still giving out sufficient heat at the same hour next
evening. Now, as to lighting, a most important item. Fill
the portable pan three parts with coal, then a piece of paper,
then a good handful or more of dry wood (I use mine hot
from the oven), on the top of that a good shovelful of fair-
sized coals, and it is ready. For the sake of giving fuller
information we will suppose you wish to change your fire, heat
going down. This requires practice to prevent injury to the
plants from fumes which must escape. First remove the tray
of sawdust, then open the top ventilator; with a strong iron
hook in hand take the top off the stove, lift out of the house the
exhausted pan, pop in the fresh one, throw in a match on the
paper, put on the lid, shut the ventilator, and the whole process
is finished in less than a minute; then you have nothing to do
but regulate the dampers. as above advised. All this may appear
very simple, but it took me at least six months to find out the
right way to manage the thing effectively. This is only my
first year’s experience, but it was practical, and acting upon it
I made many improvements the second year.—RzspPicr FINEM.

STRAWBERRIES—SOIL—SORTS.

Most gardeners will agree with me that much so-called _

Strawberry culture is unworthy of the name, is just a mere
manuring of the soil, planting of the plants, watering, weed-
ing, and cutting off runners—the ordinary routine in point of
fact, without any attempt to find out if the soil itself requires
any special treatment to render it suitable for the production
of fine fruit: hence, therefore, this outcry about sorts and
soils so calculated to mislead that it cannot be left unnoticed.

On page 148 I stated that ‘‘all kinds grow strongly and
bear fruit abundantly in a rich loam, or in soil that is brought
by cultivation as nearly as may be into a similar condition to
it.” I repeat the statement here, and challenge anyone to
refute it. ‘‘ AmarruR, Cirencester,’ says I go a little too far,
or to put it in other words, am a little too positive about this
matter, quoting Messrs. Rivers, Darwin, and Beaton to prove
it. Now these are the names of good men and true. All
honour to them! Their words have not been lightly spoken.
What saythey? Darwin: That ‘“ successful culture of British
Queen depends upon the condition of the soil.” Beaton:
That ‘‘to grow British Queen at Shrubland the whole nature
of the soil must be altered.” Rivers: That “ Eliza does not
thrive except upon a chalky soil.” Ido not, therefore, hesi-
tate to claim the two first of these great authorities as being
clearly on my side, and am able to assert from my own expe-
rience that splendid crops of Hliza have been produced by
plants growing in soil without any perceptible traces of chalk,

September 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

247

which Mr. Rivers will doubtless be glad to know as tending to
prove the greater usefulness of his valuable seedling.

If climatic influences were in question I might agree with the
teaching which points to certain localities for certain sorts, but
that is clearly not the question; it is simply one of soils, all
of so pliant a nature as to be susceptible of any improvement
or change, and I submit that to regard such a simple matter
as an insuperable difficulty is not only wrong but decidedly
mischievous. Such obstacles we must expect to encounter
and resolve to overcome. To those who think the doing so is
likley to prove costly or difficult let me recommend a second
perusal of a paper by ‘“‘ Essex” on page 170; it abounds with
good sense, and enforces better than any argument could do
the perfect results attending an intelligent method of culture.

More fault has been found with British Queen and Dr. Hogg
than with any other kinds—not about the quality of the fruit,
for that is so excellent as to be above criticism, but about
growth and crops. Has the fact that both of them, like cer-
tain other high-class fruits, require that high culture of which
they are so worthy, not yet obtained that clear recognition
which it merits? It is many years ago that I was taught
this lesson—taught it too by a pupil of my own whom I had
taken from the plough, and who is now gardener to a Marquis.
In a garden which I sent him to take charge of, and where I
in really good soil had had crops of British Queen of only
medium excellence, he by superior culture had subsequently
abundant crops of magnificent fruit. All kinds of Strawberries
like sewage, or in fact any liquid manure; those of the British
Queen type will not perfect their fruit without it, the yellow
hard-tipped fruit affording as distinct an indication of starva-
tion as do the pinched features and attenuated limbs in a
human being. Give liquid manure plentifully to the Straw-
berry, and, other things being equal, you may have abundant
crops in pots as well as in the open ground of fruit full-sized
and superior in every respect.

Surely itis somewhat premature to pronounce the new kinds
Exquisite and Traveller as ‘‘capricious, only doing well in
certain seasons and places,” as somebody has done in reply to
my recommendation of them. Perhaps the best answer I
could make would be to inquire, For how many seasons have
these noyelties been tried, and in the hands of how many
clever men? My opinion rests solely upon what I saw and
fasted in a single garden where they were growing side by
Side with some dozens of other sorts new and old, and there
Iwas so much pleased that I intend growing both of them.
I may add that both the gardener and his employer thought
much of them, and letters have come to me from other quarters
all speaking highly of them. Will my critic tell us why they
are capricious, and in what places, or rather soils, they do not
answer, and thus afford us a hint which may prove more useful
than a mere vague stricture can do ?—Epwarb Luckuourst.

THUJA OCCIDENTALIS.

_ Tus, the Amorican Arbor-Vitw, makes a capital hedge, and
is well suited for many positions, especially where not exposed
to strong gales vi wind. It answers better in partially shaded
places than many other shrubs do, and with those who under-
stand its nature and the kind of treatment necessary to make
it accommodate itself to certain positions very pleasing screens
may be formed to hide unsightly walls. I have seen such
Screens, and have dressed some of them. For hedges of this
shrub to have a pleasing appearance they should never be
clipped with the shears, as by doing so you give them a
stumpy appearance, which it is desirable to avoid.

This Arbor-Vite is employed in many nurseries to form
Screens for giving shelter to plants while they are in a young
and tender state, and for this few shrubs are better adapted
when judiciously managed. ‘They can be kept very thin
and green down to the ground for many years, while they
are devoid of that stiff and shorn appearance which most
hedges have. They occupy very little space, and to prevent their
roots spreading cut them with a spade at about a foot or
15 inches from thestem. By doing one side one year, and then
the other side the following year, the roots will be kept from
impoverishing the ground or from injuring young plants which
may be near to them. When planted against walls the leader
and main branches as they grow up should be fastened to the
wall by means of iron staples passing round them and into the
wall. When the Arbor-Vite is judiciously managed in such a
position, and having all the unnecessary breastwood cut off with
a knife, it can be managed so that it may retain a graceful and

Fern-like appearance, which is especially pleasing when the
wind ruffles its feathery sprays; indeed, under the manage-
ment of a person who understands how to train and manage
the Arbor-Vite, it is so accommodating that it can be turned
to many useful and ornamental purposes.—G. Dawson.

WORTHY NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS.

I neatny must thank my friends S. Reynolds Hole and the
‘CHEREFORDSHIRE Incumbent’? for their very kind allusions
tome. It was a great trial to me not to be well enough to be
present at the great Rose contests of the present year. I must
hope that our great authority on Roses, great I may say in
both senses of the word (and ‘‘may his shadow never grow
legs,’’) may in the end prove me wrong about Cheshunt Hybrid.
He knows, however, I am somewhat firm (obstinate; some
people call it) in my opinion, and till I see a better bloom
than I have hitherto seen, all its growth and its efflorescence
and the fact of its being a hybrid with a certain indofinite pro-
portion of Tea in it, will not make me alter my opinion
that as an exhibition Rose it is only second-rate, and that
before many years are over it will gradually decline in its
position as certainly as Marquise de Castellane and Ktienne
Levet will advance.

I agree with my old friend S. Reynolds Hole, it is certainly
bountiful, I only question whether it is most beautiful; and as
he knows, I do not like to differ from him in opinion. Iam
obliged to confess, though I have a great hankering after other
flowers, notably for Gladioli, and Phloxes, and zonal Geraniums,
and tuberous-rooted Begonias, that after all a really good Rose
carries off the palm. I only wish her majesty the queen of
flowers was less at the mercy of seasons; or, perhaps I might
say, that we gardeners were less at the mercy of the elements
under such a season as the present. Here we have not had
forty-eight consecutive hours without rain since the 4th of
July, and the average rainfall of each week has been over an
inch. Roses like M. Noman and M. Lacharme glue-up their
petals and rot in the buds. None but the hardiest with the
firmest petals and best outer guards—i.c., good, well-developed
outer petals, could stand the weather.

To show the backwardness of the season, Sedum Fabaria or
spectabile on a warm border facing south is not yet nearly
in bloom, and on a rockery with south-east aspect will not
be in bloom for two or three weeks. We have always &
harvest festival. Three weeks ago we issued a programme or
schedule for a small cottagers’ and agricultural exhibition as
an accompaniment to the festival. Last night (September
14th), in torrents of rain we, the Committee, met to try and
decide upon a day, but the unanimous opinion was that it re-
quired at least a fortnight or three weeks of fine dry weather
before we could fix upon a day for a harvest thanksgiving at
all, and that possibly we might see again, what I saw in 1860,
a field of Wheat uncut on the 12th or 13th of November.
This certainly is not florists’ weather any more than farmers’.

I am glad ‘“‘ Wytp Savage” has raised his voice anent the
very inadequate prizes often offered by so-called horticultural
societies, and the impediments they too often offer for exhi-
bitors. What would the Savage think of 6s. offered as a first
prize for three Begonias, when each plant shown was worth at
least £2 or £3, and were quite as valuable as the three stove
and greenhouse plants for which a prize of 30s. was offered ?
However, there were the usual acrobats, and a very fat slack-
rope dancer, who proved too much for the wire, which gave
way under her lucubrations. I dare not, as ‘“‘ Wyup SavAGE”’
does, mention names, but I certainly wish with him that
horticulture proper was properly represented in these country
shows, instead of acrobats improper with all their accompani-
ments. I do not like going to a cricket match to see it bur-
lesqued by a parcel of clowns dressed-up in fancy costumes,
and who say you “ fiupid stool,” instead of you ‘‘ stupid fool,”
if anyone misses a catch or has the misfortune to get bowled-
out; but it is even worse to see a good horticultural show
gradually decaying into a second-rate exhibition of acrobats,
clowns, and fireworks at night, and the tents deserted to look
at an overdressed female, or uuderdressed as the case may be,
exhibiting her prowess on the stage.

One word more to the Savage. I thought his request of a
list of herbaceous perennials to grow in a border, if I remem-
ber right about 50 feet by 7, would bring him a list as long ag
his arm. I knowl am prejudiced, but I cannot see why every
possible variety of perennial should be crammed into a peren-
nial border, any more than that I should grow every possible

248

variety of weed in a quarter of my kitchen garden in order to
study and admire the picturesque growth of weeds. Only a
certain quantity of perennials can be properly grown in a
border such as he names, and a few of the best varieties of
each sort will give him infinitely more pleasure than a con-
glomeration of all the herbaceous plants, which (to use the ac-
customed phrase), ought not to be omitted in a collection of
perennials. Good Phloxes, Pentstemons, Gladioli, Delphi-
niums, Antirrhinums, and Dianthuses in their different classes
will give him far more bloom and far more satisfaction than
the endeavours to grow about forty or fifty species in a limited
space. Of course this is only my doxy, and may be hetero-
doxy, but as such I venture to put it forward.

I do not think there is any royal rule as to time in planting
Roses which the ‘*‘ HeREForDsHIRE INcuMBENT”’ alludes to, but
there is and always will be a state of rest for Roses, unless as
last year a very open autumn be followed by an open winter,
and afterwards a cold spring and wet summer. Under such
conditions it is difficult to say when the wood is ripe enough
or the plant sufficiently matured to bear removal; but I fully
believe on the whole it is better to be too early than too late,
and if not done before the Yule log appears on the scene it is
better to defer it till the end of March or the beginning of
April, when the plant will commence its growth at once. A
very dry May or June will even then upset all calculations ; but
I think it is better to mulch than to water, and frequent ab-
lutions only lead to surface-rooting and the necessity for
further applications. I am in hopes ‘‘ HerErorpsHIRE IN-
CUMBENT”’ will reap another year the fruits of his over-manur-
ing, and that his kindness to his plants will not be thrown
away.—C. P. Pracu.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

Mr, Appison says that no one shall make him believe that
the disease did not exist previously to 1846. That certainly
is the year when it made its first great ravages; black or de-
cayed Potatoes of course there always were the same as we
now find in other roots after being stored a time, but can any
one state well-authenticated cases of the true disease being
found at the digging-time previously to 1846 ?

What Mr. Addison says about storing and sprouting being
the chief cause cf the disease is open to doubt. I have Ash-
leaved Kidneys now that for years have been taken the greatest
care of, only being allowed to sprout in boxes and then planted,
but in a late, wet, sunless season like the present they have
taken the disease badly.

The theory of Potatoes wearing-out and becoming more
liable to disease has two sides. You may renovate their con-
stitution by growing them occasionally on new land, but you
cannot prevent their taking the disease. I have grown the
old Fortyfold and Dalmahoy this year on some poor black
sandy soil from which a Fir plantation of over forty years’
growth was taken down last winter. It was a splendid crop,
but three-fourths diseased. The disease could not have existed
in the soil. Can anyone tell us what is the true cause of the
Potato disease?

I certainly do not wish to differ with such an authority as Mr.
Abbey, but he says it should be made imperative to separate
the diseased from the undiseased tubers: that is what I sup-
pose most people do. If you take some diseased Potatoes, not
rotten ones, and lay them up very dry till spring, and plant
them, they will produce good Potatoes not more liable to
disease than others; and even at this time of year or a little
later, among the stored Potatoes you will find sometimes a bad
one that has commenced producing small good tubers. Some
few years ago I had a plot lifted that just began to show the
disease; they were graved not very thick for a short time, but
wet weather and a press of other matters prevented their
being looked over for three weeks, when they were found
to be nearly all decayed. They were stored on the same plot
they grew on. After a rain a few good tubers were picked-
out and the others dug-in. The following year, for experi-
ment, I planted a portion with Potatoes again. A dry hot
summer followed, and I had a fine crop with very few bad
Potatoes among them, and I remarked how strong and dark
the foliage was.

There is, I think, a great connection between the Potato
disease and electricity. I have noticed for years that you may
first see it after a thunderstorm. This year we had thunder
very early—I think the beginning of March. My frame Pota-
toes took the disease very shortly after, and on Good Friday

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

morning I could scarcely take a dish of good tubers from a whole
frame. Now that was not brought on by either wet, or cold,
or drought, because in a pit you can keep them as you like,
but the electricity seemingly developed it. Of course, in many
seasons you do not see a bad one in a pit or frame, but if the
germ theory be correct it would be present one time as well
as another. Sutton’s Flourball this season stands its ground
well, being nearly free from disease, and mine were not treated
with salus either; and if anyone can raise a disease-resisting
Potato like Sutton’s, earlier in its habit and of more uniform
quality, and as good a cropper, he will be a benefactor, and I
think would acquire a fortune; for the climate has not en-
feebled that yet, as is the case with others, such as American
Rose, Snowflake, &c., which seem to hava taken the disease as
badly as any others this season.—Joun Pratt, Hillington.

CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW.

SEPTEMBER 21sT AND 22ND.

Many excellent autumn exhibitions have been held in the
colossal structure at Sydenham, but it is questionable if any
have been superior to the twenty-second Show, which opened on
Friday last. Third prizes were wisely included in the schedule,
a circumstance which no doubt contributed materially to the
extent of the display. The Show occupied the whole of the
north nave. The central table was decorated with Palms and
other ornamental-foliaged plants. On this table the collections
of fruit—Grapes (upwards of three hundred bunches), Peaches,
Plums, Figs, Melons, Apples, &c.—were arranged. One of the
side tables was chiefly occupied by Dahlias, an extensive and
superior display; also Asters, Gladioli, and Roses. The other
side table contained splendid collections of vegetables, the
finest which have been seen for many a day; also miscellaneous
collections of fruit, remarkably fine contributions of Roses, and
an admirable selection of Gladioli. But although the Exhi-
bition is unhesitatingly pronounced an excellent one it contained
nothing particularly sensational; and on the other hand—and
this constituted its chief merit—nothing, saye perhaps a few
inferior Grapes, that was not creditable to the several ex-
hibitors. Thus much of the Show generally, and now to the
classes, commencing with

FRUIT.

CoLLEctTions.—Class A was for a collection to consist of twelve
dishes, two each of Pines, Grapes, and Melons being permissible,
the remainder being single dishes. There were three compe-
titors, the redoubtable Mr. Coleman, gardener to Earl Somers,
Eastnor Castle, securing the foremost place. He was several
points a-head of his rivals Mr. Webb, gardener to J. H.
Manners Sutton, Hsq., Burton-on-Trent, who had the second
prize, and Mr. Upjohn, gardener to the Earl of Ellesmere,
Worsley Hall, Manchester, who was placed third. Mr. Cole-
man’s collection contained splendid Black Hamburgh and
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, medium-sized Black Jamaica
and fine but unripe Smooth Cayenne Pine Apples, handsome
Golden Gem and Eastnor Castle Melons, very large Pitmaston
Duchess Pears, and capital dishes of Morello Cherries, Barring-
ton Peaches, Pitmaston Orange Nectarines, with Green Gage
Plums and Brown Turkey Figs of moderate quality. The most
noteworthy fruit in Mr. Webb’s collection were a pairof splendid
Queen Pines weighing 5} and 5} lbs. respectively. These fruit
won him the second honours, Mr. Upjohn’s Pines being rather
small, but his other dishes, Grapes especially, and Melons,
Peaches, Figs, &c., were of excellent quality. It did not state
in the schedule that the Pines should be dissimilar, neither,
indeed, was it specified that the Grapes and Melons must be
distinct varieties. It is advisable that the conditions in this
respect should be clear and definite. In the class for six dishes,
distinct, exclusive of Pines, there were only two competitors—
Mr. Neighbour, gardener to G. Wythes, Esq., Bickley, Kent,
who was placed first; and Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Johnstone,
Esa., Upper Terrace House, Hampstead Heath, who had the
second prize. Mr. Neighbour exhibited good Black Hamburghs
and rather thin bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, a
capital Scarlet Gem Melon but not quite ripe, fine Pine-Apple
Nectarines also unripe, good Violette Hative Peaches, and Mag-
num Bonum Plums. The Grapes were the weak point in the
second-prize collection, the other dishes being in equal if not
better condition than Mr. Neighbour’s.

GrarEs.—In the class for ten kinds, two bunches of each,
Messrs. Lane & Son, Great Berkhampstead, and Mr. Wildsmith,
gardener to Viscount Eversley, Heckfield, were the only exhi-
bitors, and were placed in the order of their names. Messrs.
Lane staged Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat, full and good but not
well coloured; Gros Colman, extra fine; Foster’s Seedling,
rather small ; Bowood Muscat and Muscat Hamburgh, excellent ;
Trebbiano weighing about 5 lbs., Black Alicante about 3 Ibs.,
Muscat of Alexandria about 4 lbs., and Black Hamburgh and

September 27, 1877. |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

249

Black Prince also very good. Mr. Wildsmith staged good ex-
amples of Black Hamburgh, Alicante, White Tokay, Foster’s
Seedling, and Mrs. Pince well coloured; the remainder were
small. In the class for five kinds, two bunches of each, three
collections were staged; Mr. Woodbridge, The Gardens, Syon
House, winning first honours with medium-sized bunches but
level and fresh of Madresfield Court, Golden Champion, Lady
Downe’s, Muscat of Alexandria, and Alicante. Mr. Peed, Roupell
Park Nursery, Norwood, had the second place with larger
bunches, but some of them were shrivelled and worn, although
Gros Colman, Alicante, and White Tokay were good. Quality
fairly beat size in this class. Mr. Bolton, gardener to W. Spot-
tiswoode, Esq., Combe Bank, Sevenoaks, had the third prize.

In the class for three bunches of Black Hamburgh there were
twelve competitors, some of whom staged excellent produce so
far as regards shape of bunches and size of berries, but only one
exhibitor staged really black and well-finished examples—Mr.
Coleman, who had the third prize, the berries being small in
comparison with those of Mr. Adams, gardener to Rev. Mr.
Hudson, Frogmore Hall, Hereford, who had first honours with
bunches of faultless shape and remarkably fine berries but de-
ficient in bloom. Mr. Wildsmith had the second prize with
very good examples and fairly well coloured. In this class size,
to the surprise of many Grape growers, triumphed over high
finish. It was a difficult class to judge, Mr. Adams’ fruit being
so fine and Mr. Coleman’s so well coloured but small. A few
very poor bunehes were staged. Mr. Coleman won easily in
the Muscat of Alexandria class with good bunches, about 3 lbs.,
and splendid berries. Messrs. Lane & Son were second with
five or six-pounders, but rather irregular; and Mr. Day, Norton
Hall, Daventry, third with medium-sized bunches and fine but
not highly finished berries. Mr. Hollingworth, Turkey Court,
Maidstone, Mr. Davies, Chelmsford, and Mr. Pepper, Bromley,
exhibited well in this good class.

Mr. Earp, gardener to J. S. Sellon, Esq., Hume Towers,
Bournemouth, won the premier place in the Madresfield Court
class with rather small bunches and berries, but excellently
coloured and finished. Mr. Woodbridge was second, and Mr.
Ridout, gardener to J. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch Lodge,
Reigate, third with much finer produce, but not well coloured.
In this class quality won. In. the Hamburgh class size pre-
vailed. Mr. Stephenson, gardener to F. Peed, Esq., Roby
House, Sydenham; Mr. Miles, Wycombe Abbey; and Mr.
Toomer, gardener to W. Knowles, Esq., Streatham, were placed
in the order of their names with Foster’s Seedling. The berries
were generally small, and the class of six competitors a rather
weak one, A better display was made in the next class—Lady
Downe’s, where Mr. Tyler, gardener to R. Gosling, Esq.,
Bishop Stortford, won with medium-sized bunches, the berries
and finish being very good. Mr. Coleman was placed second
with small bunches but fine and excellently coloured berries,
and Mr. Neighbour third. Mr. Kneller, Malshanger Park,
staged very fine produce but not fully ripe, yet worthy of an
extra prize. There were ten competitors. Six lots were staged
in the Buckland Sweetwater class, but some of them were very
poor, and the winning stands only moderate. Mr. Bungay,
givoner to W. Smith, Esq., Herne Hill, Dulwich, was placed

rst; Mr. Beesley, gardener to R. Jones, Esq., Clapham Com-
mon, second; and Messrs. Lane & Son third. In the class for
three bunches of any other kind there were sixteen competitors,
and the excellence of the produce gave the Judges some trouble
in making their awards. Messrs. Lane & Son were placed first
for splendid Alicantes, weight about 3 lbs. and highly finished ;
Mr. Perks, gardener to C. W. Dusseldorff, Esq., Dorchester
House, Sydenham, second with excellently finished bunches
of Gros Guillaume about the same weight; and Mr. Peed,
Roupell Park, third with good Alicantes—a capital class. The
class for the heaviest bunch of any kind brought out eight
competitors, but some of the bunches, as one of the Judges
remarked, were as “ugly as sin.” Mr. Dickson, gardener to
J. Jardine, Esq., Arkleton, N.B., the renowned northern grower,
easily won the first prize with, for him, a small and fairly good
bunch of Syrian weighing 10 lbs. 10 ozs.; Mr. Peed was second
with Gros Guillaume, 5 lbs. 8 ozs.; and Mr. Tyler third with a
bunch weighing 5 lbs. 4 ozs. While this class is retained in
southern schedules we must again note the omission of a class
which is well responded to in the north—namely, for superior
quality and high finish, the bunches not to weigh less than 1 lb.
A class of this nature is well worthy of trial at the southern
shows. In the miscellaneous class an extra prize was worthily
awarded to Mr. Mowbray, gardener to the Harl of Leven and
Melville, Fulmer, Slough, for a small but very full and regular
bunch of Golden Champion. The berries were of great size,
well finished, clear, and spotless, and reflected much credit on
the grower. A good and fairly finished bunch of Gros Guillaume
from Mr. James Lovey, gardener to G. Dixon, Esq., Gothen-
burgh, Sweden, was noticeable, considering the high northern
latitude in which it was grown. The prizes offered by Mr. J. R.
Pearson for Golden Queen were not awarded. A few bunches
were staged, the best being from Messrs. Lane & Son, but they

grand fruit weighing 64 lbs.

Rutland was placed second for very fine

were not considered of sufficient excellence to merit the rewards
provided.

Pine Appies.—Highteen fruits were staged, some of them

very fine, and none unworthy of the place they occupied. Mr.

Webb won the premier prize in the class for Queens with a
Mr. Day, Hillside, Newark, was
placed second, weight of fruit 51bs. 1 oz.; and Mr. Miles third
with a handsome well-conditioned fruit weighing 43lbs. In this
class Mr. Lee, gardener to T. King, Esq., the renowned ‘‘Tom
King” of history, exhibited a capital Queen weighing 4 lbs. 140zs.,
which had been grown in an 8-inch pot. In the class for any

other variety Mr. Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Welford

Court, Newbury, had the premier place with Smooth Cayenne
weighing about 6 lbs. ; Mr. Pragnell, gardener to G. B. W. Digby,
Esq., Sherborne Castle, Dorset, being placed second, weight
531bs.; and Mr. Sandford, gardener to the Earl of Bective,
third, weight of fruit 5lbs. It was the best exhibition of Pines
of the year.

PEACHES AND NEcTARINES.—Highteen dishes of Peaches were
staged and fifteen dishes of Nectarines, nearly all of which were
good, a few, however, being deficient in colour. Mr. Gibson,
gardener to T. F'. B. Atkinson, Esq., Halstead Place, Sevenoaks,
was placed first in the class for Peaches with a dish named Lord
Palmerston, which was certainly not correct; it was more like
the yellow-fleshed American variety Crawford’s Harly. Mr.
Frost, nurseryman, Maidstone, was second with Barrington;
and Mr. J. Fry, gardener to L. J. Baker, Esq., Haydon Hall,
Pinner, third with Princess of Wales. Nectarines.— Mr. A.
Jameison, gardener to the Harl of Crawford, Haigh Hall, Wigan,
gained the first prize with Prince of Wales, very good. Mr. 8S.
Bolton, gardener to W. Tipping, Esq., Brastead Park, Sevenoaks,
was second with Hunt’s Tawny; and Mr. W. Cox, Madresfield
Court, Great Malvern, third.

Metons.—A rather extensive collection was forthcoming,
several of the fruits being well shaped and netted, and were
attractive in appearance. Twenty scarlet-fleshed and twenty-
eight green-fleshed fruits were submitted to the Judges. Many
of the Melons were of inferior flavour, and it was only after
much and careful deliberation that the prizes were awarded.
In the Scarlet-fleshed section Mr. Oliver Goldsmith, Polesden
Lacey, Dorking, was awarded the first prize for Scarlet Gem ;
Mr. Coleman, Eastnor Castle, the second for Read’s Scarlet;
and Mr. Kneller, Malshanger Park, Basingstoke, third for Hero
of Bath. In the Green-fleshed class the first prize was awarded
to Mr. R. Adams, gardener to the Rev. T. D. Hudson, Frogmore
Hall, near Hereford, for a ‘seedling ;” the second prize to Mr.
Coleman for Eastnor Castle, and the third to Mr. Jokn Oay,
Norton Hall, Daventry.

Puiums, CHERRIES, AND Fics.—Plums.—The class for three
dishes, distinct, six fruits of each, was represented by eight
competitors. Mr. James Bolton was awarded the first prize for
Golden Drop, Jefferson’s, and Pond’s Seedling. Mr. Staples,
gardener to H. Oppenheim, Esq , Chipstead Place, Sevenoaks,
second with Magnum Bonum, Pond’s Seedling, and Golden
Drop; and Mr. Fry, gardener to L. G. Baker, Esq., Haydon
Hall, Pinner, third with Transparent Gage, Belgian Purple, and
Jefferson’s. Only two collections of Green Gages were ex-
hibited. Mr. James Fry and Mr. W. Hall, gardener to W.
Stevens, Esq., Springfield, Tulse Hill, were placed first and
second respectively; and for a dish cf any other kind the first
prize was awarded to Mr. Staples for Coe’s Golden Drop; se-
cond to Mr. J. Walker, nurseryman, Thame, Oxon, for Pond’s
Seedling; third to Mr. James Bolton for the same variety; an
extra third prize was awarded to Mr. James Fry for a very fine
dish of Transparent Gage. There were fifteen competitors in
this class.

Fies were remarkably fine, especially the first, second, and
third-prize dishes, and to mark the excellence of the collec-
tions staged, of which there were twenty-four dishes, the Judges
awarded two extra prizes. Mr. John Burnett, gardener to Mrs.
Hope. The Deepdene, Dorking, was first with White Marseilles ;
Mr. W. Divers, gardener to W. Moore, Esq., Maidstone, second
with Brown Turkey; Mr. W. Chisholm, gardener to R. C.
Taylor, Esq., third also with Brown Turkey; extras to Mr. W.
Chard and Mr. Rutland, gardener to the Duke of Richmond.

CueErnies.—Mr. Thomas Jones, The Gardens, Elvetham Park,
Winefield, Hants, was placed first; Mr. T. N. Penfold, gardener
to the Rev. Canon Bridges, Beddington, second ; Mr. John Day,
Norton Hall, third; and Mr. Miles, gardener to Lord Caring-
ton, extra third, all showing very fine Morellos.

APPLES AND Prars.—Although the competition in the classes
was not great, some splendid fruit, especially of kitchen Apples,
was staged, and some large miscellaneous collections aided to
make this section of the Show imposing. In the class for
dessert Apples, three dishes distinct, six of each, there were

four collections staged, and the first prize was awarded to Mr.

Haycock, Barham Court, Maidstone, for excellent dishes of
Ribston Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin, and Melon Apple. Mr.
King of the Pippins,
Ribston Pippin, and Webb’s Seedling; and Mr. Ross, Welford

250

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[ September 27, 1877.

Park, third; an extra third was awarded to Mr. J. Bolton. For
three dishes of kitchen Apples there were the same number of
competitors as in the previous class. Mr. Bowles, gardener to W.
Skinner, H=q., Maidstone, gained the first prize with very fine
Warner’s King, Lord Suffield, and Stone Apple or Mapson’s
Seedling, very fine ; Mr. Rutland the second for Warnor’s King,
Lord Suffield, and very fine Blenheim Orange; Mr. Bailey,
Amersham, third; extra thirds were awarded to Messrs. J. C.
Goldsmith, Roots, and G. Goldsmith. Pears, three kinds, six of
each, fifteen collections were staged. First, Mr. George Gold-
smith, gardener to P. C. Hardwick, Esq., Holladen, Tonbridge,
with Beurré d’Amanlis, Williams’ Bon Chrétien, and Duchesse
d’Angouléme; second, Mr. John Staples; third, Mr. Haycock ;
and extra thirds to Mr. Holden, gardener to W. Balston, Esq.,
Springfield, Maidstone, Kent; and Mr. James Dean, gardener
to S. W. Gower, Esq., Titsey Perk, Limpsfield. Extra prizes
were awarded to Mr. T. Jones, The Royal Gardens, Frogmore,
for thirty-six varieties of Pears and sixty varieties of Apples,
excellent; to Mr. W. Paul, The Nurseries, Waltham Cross, for
a collection of 120 dishes of Apples, a fine display ; to Mr. Rut-
land, gardener to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, for one
dozen Calebasse Pears, very fine; to Mr. W. Wildsmith for
twenty-five dishes of Pears and Apples; to Mr. L. A. Killick,
Mount Pleasant, Langley, Maidstone, for a collection of one
hundred varieties of Apples and Pears; to Mr. C. Ross, gar-
dener to C. Eyre, Esq., Wilford Park, Newbury, for a fine col-
lection of Apples and Pears, about seventy dishes ; andto Messrs.
Paul & Son, Lhe Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, for an admirable col-
lection of Apples in sixty varieties. Mr. Sleet, gardener to Mrs.
Baiiey, Norwood, also exhibited a good collection of twenty-four
dishes of Apples.

Other extra prizes for fruit were awarded to Mr. G. W. Job-
son, gardener to W. H. Stone, Esq., Herne Hill, for three Queen
Pine Apples; to Mr. C. Haycock, Barham Couzt, for a good col-
lection of Peaches, Nectarines, and Oranges; and to Mr. J.
Peed, Roupell Park Nurseries, for Vines in pots. Mr. Davy,
gardener to J. Drew, Esq., Streatham, also exhibited creditable
Vines bearing ripe fruit. Amongst other noteworthy exhibits
we observed some very fine examples of Marie Louise, Doyenné
du Comice, and General Todtleben Pears, which had been grown
in Sweden and exhibited, with a bunch of Grapes above noticed,
by Mr. Lovey. An attractive collection of twenty-four dishes
of Tomatoes were exhibited from the Royal Horticultural So-
ciety’s Gardens, Chiswick. The finest red was the ‘‘Old Red,”
the smoothest Hathaway’s Excelsior. The best yellow was
Carter’s Green Gage—a very attractive collection.

CULT FLOWERS.

In ordinary years to have looked for a good show of cut
flowers in London on the 20th of September would have been
“a mockery, a delusion, and a snare;”’ but this has not been
an ordinary year. All through the various seasons every-
thing has been from a fortnight to three weeks late, and there-
fore not only were cut flowers shown in considerable quan-
tities but also in excellent condition. The show of Dahlias, for
instance, was not perhaps quite so extensive as we have seen
it at the Palace, but probably a better lot of flowers was never
staged, and it was a pleasure to find not only the veteran of
Satisbury coming out in grand style, but that Mr. Turner is
again entering the lists, and the Messrs. Rawlings of Romford
occupying a prominent place, Mr. G. Rawlings having until
very recently only exhibited seedlings. The terrible season in
Scotland hindered the Scotch growers of Gladioli from compet-
ing. Messrs. Kelway & Son were, however, there in full force
with splendid blooms, and there were other exhibitors, of whom
more anon: and Asters were shown in beautiful order, while
Roses were really grand for the season. There is evidently an
attachment amongst horticulturists to the Crystal Palace, for
the prizes were not large, yet they sufficed to bring together a
considerable number of exhibitors.

In the class for forty-eight Dahlias the first prize was awarded
to Mr. J. Keynes for a splendid box containing fine blooms of
Henry Walton, Masterpiece, H. Glasscock, Seedling, Matilda,
Perfection of Primroses, Dauntless, John McPherson, Vice-
President, A. Oramond, Seedling, Herbert Turner, Thomas
Goodwin, Criterion, Ethel Newcombe, J. N. Keynes, Rev.J.B.M.
Camm, Queen of Beauties, J. Boston, Charles Leicester, Picotee,
John Bennett, Queen’s Messenger, Hon. 8. Herbert, Seedling,
John Standish, Cremorne, James Service, Henry Bond, Mrs.
Harris, Burgundy, Prince Arthur, Willie Eckford, Eccentric,
Flag of Truce, Royal Queen, J. W. Lord, Prince of Prussia,
Simon Neate, Flora Wyatt, John Wyatt, and Mrs. J. Downie.
No finer box of Dahlias has ever been shown than this. Messrs.
Rawlings, Bros., of Romford, were second with a very fine box.
Conspicuous amongst the blooms were Baron Taunton, Acme of
Perfection, Harl of Beaconsfield, and Countess of Pembroke.
Mr. Charles Turner was third. Amongst his blooms the most
noticeable were Mrs. Stoncomb, Miss Pressly, Toison d’Or,
Silvia, Grand Duchess, Tiffany, and Barmaid. In the class for
twenty-four fancies Mr. Keynes was again first with a grand
stand of the following :—Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Maid of Athens,

Herbert Purchas, Mrs. Sanders, Parrot, Letty Coles, Richard
Dean, Mons. Chauvesse, Carnation, Fanny Sturt, Laura Haslam,
Robert Burns, Henry Glasscock, Miss L. Large, Tippy Bob,
Flora Wyatt, Hercules, Octoroon, Eccentric, Lucy Wyatt, En-
chantress, Miss Bond, Samuel Bartlett, and a seedling.
Seale of Sevenoaks was second, and Mr. C. Turner third. A
large number of stands were shown by amateurs, and many of
them in very fine condition. It would hardly be possible to find
a finer twelve than those exhibited by Mr. Glasscock, for which
he was awarded first prize; they were Henry Walton, James
Cocker, Mrs. Harris, Thomas Goodwin, Ovid, Flag of Truce,
Willie Eckford, Qaeen’s Messenger, Prince Arthur, J. N. Keynes,
Mrs. Standish, and Rev. Dr. Moffatt. Second prize went to Mr.
Fewkes, Tyburn, Erdington, near Birmingham; and third to
Mr. Slack, Queen Street, Chesterfield. In fancies Mr. Glasscock
was again first with Mr. H. Glasscock, Miss L. Large, John Lam-
bert, Fiora Wyatt, Galatea, Parrot, Letty Coles, Queen of Spots,
Grand Sultan, Viceroy, and Miss Boyd. Mr. W. Steer, Pope
Street, Eltham, won second; and Mr. Fewkes third.

Of Asters there was a fine display, and I never remember to
have seen finer French Asters than those exhibited by Messrs.
Saltmarsh of Chelmsford; while Mr. Betteridge’s Quilled Asters
amply sustained his well-earned reputation as the first grower
in Engiand. In twenty-four French Asters Mr. H. Saltmarsh
was first; Mr. John Morgan, gardener to Major Scott, Wray
Park, Reigate, second; Mr. Lewis Morgan, Doods Road, Reigate,
third. In twenty-four Quilled or German Asters Mr. Betteridge
was first, Mr. Wheeler of Warminster second, and Mr. Gilkes
third. In twelve Asters Mr. Brown was first, Mr. John Morgan
second, and Mr. Lakin of Chipping Norton third.

Have Roses ever been shown in the month of September so
good as on this occasion? Ido not remember ever seeing such
a box as that of Mr. Corp’s at this season; not only were the
Roses large and fresh, but they were every one of them in cha-
racter, 80 that there was no difficulty in determining what they
were. Messrs. Paul & Sons’ and Mr. Harrison’s of Darlington
were also very fine, but Mr. Corp’s was a long way ahead, and is
another triumph for the seedling Briar as affording late blooms.
But it must be remembered that these were cut from maidens.
They were (twenty-four trebles) Marquise de Liparis, Loois Van
Houtte, Camille Bernardin, Maréchal Niel, Sénateur Vaisse,
Comtesse de Serenyi, Niphetos, Madame Charles Wood, La
France, Etienne Levet, Marie Baumann, Marie Van Hontte,
Paul Neyron, Sir Garnet Wolseley, Madame Victor Verdier,
Capitaine Christy, Prince Camille de Rohan, Devienne Lamy,
M. Alice Dureau, Pierre Notting, Baronne de Rothschild, Alfred
Colomb, Emilie Hausburg, and Mons. Boncenne. Messrs. Paul
and'Son werea good second; and Mr. Harrison, or rather his re-
presentatives, third with a good boxful of too full-blown flowers,
with probably the best treble of Madame Willermoz ever shown.

In Gladioli the place of honour must be given to Messrs.
Kelway & Son, who exhibited a stand of thirty-six blooms of
their owr seedlings of surpassing excellence; the flowers were
all large, the spikes grand, and the colouring fresh and bright.
Conspicuous among. them were Duchess of Edinburgh, a lilac-
rose flower of great excellence; the other varieties were also
splendid. This stand was not exhibited for competition. In
the class for thirty-six Mr. George Wheeler of Warminster was
first. Amongst his flowers there were a large number of seed-
lings and some good spikes of named flowers, especially Adolphe
Brongniart and Leandre. Mr. Coppin was second with a very
indifferent stand. In the class for twenty-four the Rev. H. H,
Dombrain was first witha stand in which were some fine spikes,
while others told of the straits to which he was driven to make
up a stand of twenty-four on September 20th. They were
Marchioness of Lothian, Meyerbeer, Mignon, Antiope, Zampa,
Norma, Eugéne Scribe, EHtendard, Horace Vernet, Leda, Chris-
tophe Colomb, Venus, Panorama, Chloris, Murillo, Lydie,
Adolphe Brongniart, Amaranth, Frametta, Leandre, and Psyche,
Mr. Julius Sladden of Chipping Norton was second.

In the miscellaneous class some admirable stands of Roseg
were shown by Messrs. William Paul & Son, Mr. Cranston, Mr.
Turner, and Mr: Corp. Amongst Mr. W. Paul’s was a very
promising seedling called Pride of Waltham, as showa some-
thing between Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier and Madame Marie
Cointet, also Hero of Waltham. Mr. Turner had a beautiful
collection of bouquet Dahlias consisting of Flora Macdonald,
yellow; Startler, lilac-tipped; Little Arthur, orange; White
Aster, white; Baby Waite, lilac; Louis Rodani, deep lilac;
Orimson Beauty, dark crimson; Vesta, white; Amelie Barbier,
white-tipped; and Little Dear, white-tipped. Hehad alsosome
baskets of charming plants of Tree or Perpetual-flowering Car-
nations, comprising Sir Garnet Wolseley, Vestal, Balaclava,
Coronation, Lady of Avenel, white; Osman Pasha, red; Guelder
Rose, white; Amateur, light crimson ; Mazeppa, flaked ; and Rose
Perfection. Extra prizes were awarded to the several exhibitors.

First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. 0. Turner for
seedling Dahlias Charles Lidgard and Lady Golightly, and for
Potato Schoolmaster; to Messrs. Kelway & Sons, Langport,
Somerset, for seedling Gladioli Marcianus, John Laing, Venulus,

September 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

251

and Richard Dean; to the executors of the late Mr. Harrison,
Catterick Bridge, Yorkshire, for seedling Dahlia Rosy Circle;
to Mr. John Keynes, Salisbury, for seedling Dahlias Robert
Burns, Dictator, Emulator, and Marion; to Mr. J. Betteridge,
Aster Nursery, Chipping Norton, for seedling Quilled Aster
Novelty ; and to Messrs. Rawlings Brothers, Old Church, Rom-
ford, Essex, for seedling Dahlia James Willing.

It will thus be seen that for all lovers of florists’ flowers there
was something worth looking at, and hopes were expressed by
many that this might be but the commencement of a revival of
good autumn shows at the Crystal Palace. The authorities
have been sounded on the subject, and I am hopeful that some-
thing may be done.—D., Deal.

VEGETABLES.

An extensive and excellent display was provided, the finest
that has been seen since Messrs. Carter’s fifty-guinea cup was
won by Mr. Gilbert at South Kensington. Only two claeses
were provided, but the competition was good and the produce
was of superior quality. In the class for the ‘best collection
of vegetables, to be shown in shallow boxes 3 feet wide,” there
were eleven competitors, and as the boxes were neither re-
stricted as to length nor limited as to number, some of the col-
lections were of great extent and had quite an imposing appear-
ance.

The awarding of the prizes occupied a considerable time,
but eventually the honours fell, first to Mr. Pragnell, Sherborne
Castle, for an extensive collection of remarkable quality ; second
to Mr. Chaff, gardener to C. H. Goschen, Esq., Ballards, Ad-
dington, for a collection consisting of fifty-four varieties: and
third to Mr. Durant, 4, St. George’s Terracs, Hurstpierpoint, for
a small collection, but of first-rate quality. Every kind of ve-
getable grown in gardens was represented in the above col-
lections, and nearly all in the first order of excellence.

In the cottagers’ class fora collection of not less than six distinct
kinds there were thirteen competitors, and much really superior
produce was staged. Mr. Durant won the first place with a col-
lection of splendid quality; Mr. W. Patchill, Bandon Hill,
Beddington, Croydon, had the second; and Mr. Brookes, Bandon
Hill, the third prizes. Considering the small amount of the
prizes and the great merit of the collections, the authorities
would not have erred had they awarded an extra prize or two in
this class.

Mr. Walker, nurseryman, Thame, Oxon, was worthily awarded
an extra prize for a collection of his “exhibition” Onion. None
of the bulbs were less than 14 inches in circumference, and they
were bright in colour, firm, and of handsome shape.

Good as other sections of the Exhibition were we do not hesi-
tate saying that the vegetables were one of the finest features of
the Show.

This was the first Show at the Palace held under the sole
Management of Mr. Thomson, who exerted himself to the
utmost to make it a success, and succeeded.

NOVELTIES IN THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW.

On the wall of the herbaceous ground we were much pleased
with a fine example of Clematis Davidiana, not long intro-
duced, and received here from Paris. It is a native of China,
and similar in habit to C. tubulosa, from which, however, it is
abundantly distinct. The flowers are produced in large clus-
ters in the axil of every leaf to the extreme ends of the year’s
growth. The terminal clusters are many of them more than
3 inches in diameter, having about fifty expanded flowers with
many buds concealed beneath. Their colour is porcelain blue,
each flower resembling the pip of a Hyacinth. This species,
unlike the majority, has no tendency to climb, the branches;
are stiff and erect, bearing broad, ample, dark green leaves.

Crinum Moorei has fiowered in the cool division of the new
range, and while being one of the finest of the genus, is also
nearly if not quite hardy, and well suited for greenhouse)
cultivation. The flowers are of large size with broad seg-
ments, varying in colour from deep pink to nearly pure white.
It is very desirable on account of its decorative value, and is
very easily cultivated. It is supposed to have come from the
interior of Natal, but we believe it may algo be found further
north. Several nearly allied forms are native of Africa.

Mr. Bull’s beautiful Eucharis candida has flowered in the
Begonia house. It is the plant to which the name truly
belongs. That often usurping it is Caliphuria subedentata,
inferior in more than one respect, in particular that it may not
flower for years. Hucharis candida is from the United States
of Columbia. It is similar in habit to E. grandifiora, but. the
flowers, though smaller, are much more elegant inform. The
Scape is about 2 feet high, bearing several flowers, the tube
2 inches long, perianth 2 inches across, with a funnel-shaped
Corona. It requires the cultivation of its well known ally, and
Several bulbs should be grown in a pot.

Gloriosa superba var. grandiflora is a splendid form flower”
ing in the Stove. It is quite distinct from G. superba and of
much larger size; the segments are clear yellow near the
base, passing above into deep crimson. It is much superior in
colour and also in the beautiful marginal undulations. Chirita
sinensis has here been very attractive. It has a very short
stem; the leaves are thick and fleshy, veined with white, and
spreading in a rosette completely hide the pot. The flowers
are pale lilac, and profusely produced on stems just above the
foliage.

An One the Orchids Angrecum arcuatum has flowered in this
collection for the first time. The flowers are white, sweetly
scented, with sepals and petals recurving gracefully and pro-
duced several together on a short spike. Vanda lamellata. is
interesting in appearance and very free-blooming, but without
the showiness of its better known relatives. Epidendrum
radiatum, allied to E. cochleatum, has a large shell-shaped lip
with radiating purple lines. E. ibaguense is ornamental with
lilac flowers. JH. scriptum has peculiar insect-like blossoms
with petals reduced in size to mere threads. Masdevallia
Davisii and M. Peristeria represent the ornamental and curious
of this genus. The former is bright yellow, in the form of
M. Lindeni or Harryana, and the latter of brownish colour
seated low down among the leaves. Lelia Dayi is extremely
pretty growing in a basket; the lip forms a tube with rich
purple mouth. UL. xanthina is also in flower. Several speci-
mens of Cattleya crispa in good varieties have just finished a
fine display. Dendrobium Johanis is one of the curious species
from Australia. It has long erect stems, bearing yellowish
brown flowers with sepals and petals twisted much in the same
way as D. tortile, but unfortunately without the fine colour of
that species. Miltonia candida var. grandiflora has a beauti-
ful white lip, well contrasted with orange and brown sepals and
petals. M. spectabilis and M. Regnellii are also in bloom.
Comparettia coccinea is pretty with flowers of Oncidium shape
and colour, which the name indicates. The more ornamental
Orchids, besides some already mentioned, include Dendrobium
Gibsoni, D. Bensoniw and D. sanguineolentum, Stanhopea
graveolens, Mesospinidium yvulcanicum, several Oncidiums—
O. Krameri, Wentworthianum and others, Calanthe Masuca,
Cypripedium superbiens and C. Sedeni. ;

Rhodochiton volubile has flowered magnificently during the
present season in the Temperate house, its slender stems
hang down and form quite a curtain of flowers and foliage.
Campanula pyramidalis and the variety alba are here very
effective, growing with several stems from a pot. Solanum
venustum is a graceful and slender climber flowering in the
Palm house. The flowers are pale lavender in colour, and
hangin large panicles. Itis extremely rare, and though grown
for sometime in the Royal Gardens may be considered new.
Torenia Fournieri continues to flower with great freedom in
the Lily house, and has the advantage of shrubby growth so
as not to require a single tie. 2

In the Stove are two very sweetly scented plants, Tinnza
wthiopica and Coffwa travancorensis. The flowers of the
former are of the peculiar brown colour often associated with
delicious odour, as in Boronia megastigma; the latter is no less
attractive from its multitude of small white flowers than its
delicious perfume, which somewhat resembles Gardenia. Juan-
ulloa parasitica is considerably ornamental, having small
Datura-like flowers with both orange calyx and corolla. The
prettiest of the species of Balsams is perhaps Impatiens Jer-
doniz, now profusely flowering in the Begonia house in a basket.
It is scarcely 6 inches in height, and with pretty foliage bears
an immense number of crimson and yellow flowers of peculiar
form. The rare Spigelia splendens is just going out of bloom.

The tuberous-rooted Begonias are in great display, and their
showy colours have recently been contrasted with the white
flowers of Campanula Vidali, producing a fine effect. B. Pearcei
with bright yellow flowers is one of the most attractive, and
with cool treatment is infinitely finer than when, as: formerly,
grown with the warm shrubby species. Allium pulchellam ig
very pretty on the rockwork. Meconopsis Wallichi has long
been in bloom and is just passing off. Phygelius capensis: has
recently been highly effective on the wall of the Orchid house,
where it has surprisingly developed.

YEttow Auprne Avzricuta.—The fine variety of this, to
which Mr. Llewelyn refers as having been .seen by him on the
high Alps of Switzerland, isin all probability P. auricula mar-
ginata. The flowers of this quite answer the description given
by Mr. Llewelyn, and no show Auricula that I am acquainted

252

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

Se

with has such handsomely-powdered foliage at this season of | plants for autumn decoration.

the year. I obtained my plants from Messrs. Backhouse & Son,
York.—RicHarp Dean, Ealing.

ANEMONE JAPONICA ALBA.

Amonest autumn flowers there are few which surpass this
beautiful Anemone, and if grown in deep rich soil it will
continue to produce a good succession of flowers for a long
time. It is an herbaceous plant, throwing up its flower stems
about the end of August, and is in full bloom and beauty by the
middle of September. Two or three-year-old plants will pro-
duce a large quantity of flowers of pure white colour, averaging
1} inch in diameter, which are very useful for cutting for in-
door decoration, especially at a time when white flowers of
this size and lasting property are not very plentiful.

Fig. 49.—Anemone japonica alba.

Anemone japonica with its
pink flowers is a good companion plant to the above. It is of
the same habit and height—2 feet. Mr. Ware, Tottenham,
considers Anemone japonica alba one of the finest’ herbaceous
plants in his Jarge collection. It is also admirably suited for
cultivation in pots for the decoration of the conservatory
during the autumn months, where few plants have a finer
effect.—A. Harpinc.

CARDIFF CASTLE,
THE SEAT OF THE MARQUIS OF BUTE.

THE name is derived from the British Caer, a castle, and
daf, the river Daf—literally, ‘‘ The Castle of the Daf.” It was
built by Morgan Hen as far back as early in the tenth century,
but was modernised by subsequent owners, especially by the
Bute family, its present possessors.

Morgan is said to have begun building the town of Cardiff
on the ruins of an old town built by Didi Gowr, a Roman con-
queror, and destroyed by the Saxons. Many alterations and
improvements have taken place since the time we speak of,
and the present Marquis is persevering with the restoration of
the most decayed parts, but for all this much of its ancient
grandeur is still preserved. Within the Castle enclosure stands
the ruins of a keep. The Rey. Thomas Rees, who wrote
‘¢The Beauties of Glamorgan,” after depreciating the modern-
ising of some parts of the Castle, is delighted with the ancient
ditch which surrounded the keep being filled up and made into
a green lawn. Along with the many improvements in the
grounds of late years this ditch has again been dug out to the
depth of 10 or 12 feet and about double that width, which
carries the imagination back to the grandest era of feudal days.
Close to the gate by which the Court is entered there are the
ruins of what is called the ‘‘ Black Tower.’ Tradition assigns
this as the prison of Robert Curtoise, Duke of Normandy, son
of William the Conqueror, who died here in the year 1133,
after being imprisoned for thirty-six years.

Few places surpass Cardiff Castle in historic interest of the
past, and very few will exceed it in gardening renown of the
future. No lord ever entered the Castle who did more or was
inclined to do more than the present noble proprietor, and it
would be difficult to find one better able to carry out improve-
ments than Mr. Pettigrew; but these few notes must not be
taken as giving an account anything like equal to what will be
afforded in a few years hence. This particularly applies to the
pleasure grounds, and my remarks on these for the present will
be brief.

The grounds are extensive; many trees have been planted
in them lately, and groups and long borders of various kinds
of choice shrubs formed, lawns laid down, and narrow and
broad walks made. A stone-crushing machine is employed to
prepare the metal for these walks, and everything so far as is
completed is kept in good order. This applies to the ground
close to the Castle. The kitchen gardens and another large
piece of pleasure ground is separated from this by a canal and
a turnpike road. Crossing this road from the Castle we enter
by a door, close to which stands Mr. Pettigrew’s house, and a
little to the right from this lies one of the kitchen gardens and
the principal ranges of glass.

The houses are not arranged in long rows as in some places,
but some here and some there; all are, however, convenient
for working and heating. The first two houses we enter are

It is readily increased by offsets, which spring up, as if by | vineries 40 feet long each and 16 feet wide. Gros Colman

runners, near the base of the plant. If these are taken up
with a few roots attached to each, and planted in nursery rows
G inches apart any time this month, they will make flowering
plants by next September, and the year following will be very
good. Plants may also be increased by cuttings of the roots,
placing them in pots in gentle heat. A mixed flower border,
when it is backed up by evergreens, is a good situation for
the plants, provided they are not overshadowed by large trees.
Placing four or five good plants in a clump, or planted ina
long row, they have a very telling effect. Good examples of
this plant may be seen at the present time in Battersea Park
near the south-western entrance, with shrubs in the background,
and various flowering plants, such as Dahlias, Chrysanthemums,
&¢., with plenty of Heliotropes, scarlet and pink Pelargoniums,
good patches of Mignonette, double Pyrethrums, and Carna-
tions mixed with and in front of it, with good bands of blue
Lobelia and Golden Chickweed (Stellaria graminea aurea) at
the front of the border, and the effect is very fine. This
Anemone is one of the most effective and conspicuous flowering

planted three years ago is doing remarkably well here. It is
common to say the berries of this variety are as large as Green
Gage Plums; but here it is not too much to say they are as
large as Kirk’s Plum, and surpass in this respect the best I
have seen. Some time ago there was a good deal said in the
Journal about this Grape; there need be no dispute about the
size and fine appearance of its berries, and when thoroughly
ripened it will bear comparison with many others. One Vine
of Madresfield Court Black Muscat in this house was bearing
exceedingly fine bunches. Black Hamburghs were also a most
creditable lot. The second division is wholly filled with Black
Hamburghs. One Vine is being extended, and in a year or
two will fill all this half, Mr. Pettigrew approving of the ex-
tension system of Vine-growing. The next house is a large
greenhouse, well filled with all kinds of plants belonging to
this department. Further along there is a Peach house 60 feet
by 14. This house was erected by Messrs. Boyd of Paisley a
few years ago. All the rafters and principal bearings are iron;
Mr. Pettigrew is delighted with it. It is a lean-to like those

September 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

253

previously described, and the trees are planted along the front.
It is only two years since they were planted, and the wood made
both this and last year is splendid. The principal sorts here
are Barrington, Noblesse, Royal George, and Bellegarde. These
ranges are all facing the south.

There are two span-roofed houses with their ends facing
north and south. Each is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. Both
are divided in the centre. One division is plant-stove and
Melon house combined; plants are grown in the centre bed
and on one of the side shelves. There is a narrow bed on the
opposite side to this, and here Melons are grown in summer.
The Melons here are treated differently to what they generally
are. They are watered constantly at the root from the time
they are planted until all the fruit is cut. That this is a good
plan the plants and fruit bore strong indications. At the
time of our visit the fruit was all ripe; many of them had

been cut that morning. The leaves and stems were spotless
green and vigorous; and as to the flavour of the fruit, your
report of the Cardiff Show states that Mr. Pettigrew was first
for the finest-flavoured Melon, and this same fruit was cut
from the plants in the damp soil. Mr. Pettigrew has a green-
fleshed seedling of his own raising, named Cardiff Castle,
which he grows extensively for its large size and superior
flavour.

The next division of this house is Pine stove and Cucumber
house combined. Pines are grown in the centre bed and
Cucumbers at the sides. Some excellent Queens were swelling
here, and robust young Smooth Cayennes gave promise of
bearing heavy fruit. Winter Cucumbers were newly planted.
Telegraph is the favourite here. The next house, the same
size as this and in two divisions, is wholly devoted to Grapes.
All the Vines are young here, many of them not in full bear-

Fig. 50.—CaRDIFF CASTLE.

ing yet. Their health and strength is all that need be desired,
and the fruit they are bearing this year is fine in every respect.
Black Hamburgh and Black Alicante are the leading sorts in
one division, Foster’s Seedling and Muscat of Alexandria in
the other. One side is wholly planted with Foster’s. Mr.
Pettigrew speaks and thinks highly of this Grape, and certainly
he manages it well. Other pits and frames are devoted to
young Pines, Melons, Cucumbers, &c.

Bottom heat is, as a rule, considered absolutely necessary to
mature both Melons and Cucumbers, but Melons especially.
- In a pit here, with a bed in the centre and a row of hot-water
pipes around the outside of it, there are both Melons and
Cucumbers grown without bottom heat. There are no means
of heating the bottom, and no fermenting material of any
Kind is put in—nothing but the soil, and that is not renewed
every year. last year Melons and Cucumbers were grown in
the same place; the soil in which they were was never cleared
out. Young plants were again planted in it this season, and
the produce, both in point of quantity and quality, was as
fine as it possibly could be in the best heated structure. The
Melons are watered here until they are ripe, the same as
in the house, and yet, although there is no bottom heat to dry
up the soil quickly, they never wither up or die off just before

the fruit is ripe, as is often the case. But be it understood
Mr. Pettigrew does not hold this as the very best way of grow-
ing Melons and Cucumbers.

Passing into the kitchen garden, three acres in extent, the
eye is most attracted with the gay flower borders, but these
soon lose interest in admiring the fine crops of vegetables.
Many of the fruit trees here are young, and all bearing good
crops. Outside the walls there are sheds and other such
necessaries. In the soil yard there is a large heap of decayed
vegetables, leaves, grass, and otherrefuse. Vegetable Marrows
are grown onthis. At the time they are planted bits of Mush-
room spawn are dibbled in allover the heap. These soon move,
no doubt with the slight heat that must come from such a
compost, and now Mushrooms are coming up thick under the
shade of the Vegetable Marrow leaves.

About five minutes’ walk across a field from this garden
there is another new kitchen garden five acres in extent. This
garden is in the corner of a picturesque field, where a high
brick wall would not have looked well from the Castle or cor-
responded with other surroundings. There is, therefore, no
wall round this garden, but it is surrounded with a high orna-
mental iron fence, which makes it quite in character with the
park. It might be thought this would be an exposed garden,

254

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ September 27, 1877.

having no wall for shelter, but everything appears to do well
in it, and the crop of Apples and other fruits here is first-
rate, which, unfortunately, is more than can be said of every
garden this season. All the vegetables here show the excel-
lency of the soil and management. ‘‘ Winter stuff” of various
kind form the chief crops, and the demand must be great indeed
that will exceed such a supply.

As yet there is hardly any flower garden at Cardiff Castle,
but this will be in proportion to the rest in a few years. A
few beds are laid down on grass not far from Mr. Pettigrew’s
house. The Tory Viola, a splendid purple, raised by Messrs. .
Dicksons & Co. a few years ago, is very effective here. Dum-
fries House Seedling Tropzolum, raised by Mr. Pettigrew when
gardener at a place of this name belonging to the Marquis of
Bute in Ayrshire, is grown in quantity against some of the
walls. It is a quick climber, and becomes a perfect sheet of
orange-scarlet flowers.

There is only one thing to be regretted about Cardiff Castle
and the gardens, and that is their closeness to the town of
Cardiff, which deprives the place of that seclusion so desirable
about such a noble seat. A stone might be thrown out of the
Castle windows on to some of the streets, and the kitchen gar-
den containing the glass houses is so close to the town houses
that many of the windows overlook the garden.—Visiror.

ATTAR OF ROSES.

Our Naval Correspondent, who has been stationed with the
Turkish army engaged under Suleiman Pasha in attacking the
Russians in the Shipka Pass, takes the opportunity of a pause
in the: conflict to discuss the very different subject of Rose
water. He writes from Kezanlik :—

‘“Perhaps: there are few more fertile valleys'in Europe tham
this: once: flourishing valley of the Tundja, which lies: between
the: greater: and lesser ranges of the Balkans, and stretches: east:
and. west: forupwards of 130 miles. Aithough the nature of the
soil naturally varies very considerably im such an extensive:
tract oficountry, still there is no one part that can be called bad
or unprofitable, and, according to the locality, be it:sandy slope
with a southern exposure, as is the case on the north side of the
valley; oralluvial lands in the lower parts, which imwinter are
converted! into swamp by the swollen mountain streams, so
whatever toil or labour the husbandman bestows hes: repaid
tenfold. To climb some of the lower ranges on thenorth side,
which ly rise rather abruptly in rocky terraces imme=
diately behind the villages, and look down on the varied colours:
of different cultivations, is a great treat for those to whom
diversity imJandscape has.a.charm: On the highest slopes grow.
the: hardy; Vines: with. their brilliant: green leaves: festooning:
themselves: from ons; short: pole: to: another; or trailing-over the
ground in the more stony places, as: they do on the Lebanon
Next come the duller patches:of Tobacco, atithis season bearing
the rose-coloured flower- which spreads: a flush over the whole
field. Intermingled with these fields-are the-fields of Roses, the
glory of the valley of the: Tundja, growing in even rows, forming
long lines like hedges, 4 or'5 feet high. Below these again are.
Wheat and Barley, with strips: of pasture-land\ dark groves of
Elm trees, red-roofed' villages; and white minarets,

‘As is: generally known, this: district is the most fertile in
the Turkish empire for the production of attar of Roses; and,
as little is known of this curious and interesting process, a few
words as to how the Roses are grown and how the essence is
extracted may be permitted. This district, which is called the
district of Kezanlik, produces anrually more of the essence than
all the other Rose-growing districts of Turkey put together.
The whole quantity produced in Turkey may be roughly esti-
mated at 3600 lbs: annually, of which 1800 lbs. are manufac-
tured in this district, and the rest in seven other districts, all
alike in the Sandjak, or Province, of Philippopolis.

“ The soil best suited for the cultivation of Roses is what we
find in such large tracts of land in this neighbourhood—namely,
sandy slopes with a southern exposure, and the method of plant-
ing and rearing is as follows: In spring and autumn parallel
trenches a few inches deep are dng in the soil selected about
14 yard apart, and in these trenches are placed short branches
taken from an old Rose tree. These must not be cut off the old
plant, but torn off, so as to carry with them part of the peel or
bark of the plant. They are placed in the trench so as to form
a continuous line, and the earth with some manure is then filled
in. In about six months small plants begin to show above the
ground, but bear no Roses until the second year, and these are
of no great value. The third year’s crop is fit for the production
of the essence, and by the fifth year the plant is at its best. It
remains in this condition for several years, but after about four-
teen or fifteen years the quality of the Roses has so deteriorated
and the bushes grown so thick that replanting is necessary.
By this time they may be 6 feet high. The Rose tree is a very

delicate plant and requires constant care. The value of the
crop varies with the attention that is paid to them, the care in
turning the earth, which has to be done three or four times
a year, and the quality of the manure used. The frosts of winter
do not affect the plants if they are continuous, but any sudden
changes, especially towards spring, are most fatal. Hoar frost
and fog when the first buds are appearing are also much dreaded.
About the way of trimming the plants I could gather no infor-
mation, but from their appearance it would seem that very little
is done in this direction except cutting away dead wood. Bud-
ding appears quite unknown to them, nor would there be much
use for this delicate art. There are few industries requiring
more practical knowledge than the production of attar of Roses.
When we take into consideration the immense amount of labour
and land that is required to produce a very small bottle of this
precious liquid, it will not surprise one to see how few people
engage in the cultivation of the Rose. As April draws to an
end the cultivator begins carefully studying his field, almost
counting the buds, and scrutinising the heavens for any change
in the weather which may necessitate his beginning his récolte
earlier. A sudden burst of warm weather may bring his buds
forward so rapidly in a day or two that he stands in danger of
losing his whole crop because he cannot gather it all in; or a
hoar frost, though not killing the buds, may take all the scent
out of them and make his crop comparatively valueless. As:the
crop of flowers advances towards harvest time the cultivator has
to make a kind of rough estimate of the quantity of buds: and
flowers that he must gather each day. This is limited’ by the
amount of labour he can command to pick the young fresh-blown
Roses before sunrise and by the quantity he: cam distil at one
time, for the sun soon dispels: the scent, and the: flowers must
go immediately into the:still.. Thus supposing he seesior judges
that it will take ten days for the whole crep to: come: to perfec-
tion, he must in the: first morning gather a tenth of his: crop
and. proceed to distil that quantity, and this will explaim why a
sudden burst of heat forcing on the whole crop is: so) disadvan-
tageous. It also appears that any great heat during the time of
distillation causes the quality of the essence to deterionate, The
distillation is carried omin the most primitive manner; andi yet
seems to answer the: purpose: as: effectually as would’ any more
complicated or scientific: method. The: still itself in form re-
sembles a huge copper bottle, with anack consisting of a smaller
chamber. The height of this: still is-about 5 feet.. Erom: the
top:a pipe passes into: a) receiver, through which the distilled
water passes. Into this still is placed a quantity of Roses: with
tem times as much water, and the: distillatiom is: carried om until
the amount of liquid in the-receiver equals in weight the amonnt
of Roses:in the still. The Roses are them throwm ont and a
fresh quantity put in, and! the process:is repeated until! alll the
water is evaporated, whem aifresh operatiom begins: The liquid
thus obtained is: Rose-water, which is: agaim subjected to: distil-
lation, when the real essence: is: produced in the form of a pale
yellow oil. The quantity of essence that a given number of
Roses will produce. is: very uncertain, but a rough average may
be takem that to produce 1 lb.. weight: of the essence: it requires
the astonishing weight of 28 cwt.

“From this may be gathered some: idem of the: enormous
amount of land occupied and labour bestowed on the cultivation
of Roses:im this district alone, which annually produces upwards
of 1800 lbs. to) 2000 lbs.. weight: of the essence. There are no
large farmers of Roses. The rural populatiomhave the manu-
facture entirely in their own hands; andi every man that has a
small field of Roses has also his distilling apparatus. Very
often among the poorer Bulgarians this constitutes their entire
capital, with a small field of Maize, a few Plum trees, and a few
Vines.

“In this way the inhabitants of the valley of the Tundja
passed their lives, in that degree of ease which Turkish ex-
tortion and every kind of bad government would permit them,
and in comparison with the poor Irish or the country clod in
England they were well off and happy.

“But a misfortune of a terrible kind has overtaken Bulgarian
and Turk alike, and in the whole length and breadth of that
exquisite valley there is hardly a house standing or a crop that
has not been destroyed. I am sitting under the verandah of one
of the two remaining houses of a large village called Chourloo,
about two miles from the entrance of the Shipka Pass. In this
village upwards. of eighty Turkish women and children were
massacred by Bulgarians, and my host, with Turkish sang froid,
is sitting smoking cross-legged under a pergola of Vines, about
10 feet from a small heap of earth where his wife lies buried.
She was massacred a day or two before the army of Suleiman
arrived. Behind the house, thrown on to the manure heap,
and picked as clean as bones can be by crows and dogs, lies the
skeleton of his uncle. Ten minutes’ ride carries you to a Bul-
garian village, where exactly the same sights are to be seen,
though in the proportion of about ten to one of victims. The
most impartial cannot but admit that the Bulgarians have
suffered far more than the Mahomedan population.

“Tn pondering over the future of this country, one of the

September 27, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

255

most difficult matters for solution is the re-distribution of pro-
perty. To find the rightful owner in cases where a whole family
have been destroyed and settle such never-ending conflict of
claims will find employment for generations of Turkish lawyers,
if the fate of the war leaves it to them to decide; while the ad-
ditional complication may arise of confiscation for the Bulgarians
who have joined the Russians and have become defacto rebels,
or for the Turks who may be mulcted in their land for in-
demnities to Balgarians whose property they have destroyed.
Whichever side gains the day, it will open a fruitful field for
roguery and rapacity, and the unhappy dwellers in these lands
will by no means see their troubles terminate with the war.”—
(Limes.)

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Tue Internationa Porato Exuipirion will be held in the
Royal Aquarium on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next.
Considering the peculiarities of the season, the Exhibition
should, and we do not doubt will, prove especially useful as
illustrative of the relative value of varieties, and methods of
cultivation. It is certain that good cultivation is in some
degree preventive of disease, for in the worst Potato years the
Potato fanciers lift good sound crops.

— Tue finest GotpEN CuAampion GRAPES we have yet seen
have been grown this year by Mr. Mowbray, gardener to the
Earl of Leven and Melville at Fulmer, Bucks. A Vine is
planted at the back of the vinery and trained a few feet down
the roof. It produced splendid fruit last year, and this year
it has produced bunches as regular as any Black Hamburghs,
while some of the berries measured fully 44 inches in circum-
ference. They were perfectly free from spot, were of a clear
amber colour, and of excellent flavour. They would have
gladdened the eyes of Mr. Thomson as they did those of Mr.
Solomon, the eminent fruiterer of Covent Garden, who pro-
nounced them superior even to the Clovenfords produce. A
small bunch from this Vine was awarded an extra prize at the
Crystal Palace Show.

— Mr. Dosruz, The Priory, Wellington, Somerset, had
the first prize in the amateurs’ class for twenty-four DAaHLias
at the Alexandra Show. The other prize-winners in that class
were named in our report. In the class for twelve Fancy
Dahlias the prizes were awarded to Messrs. Keynes, Dobree,
Glasscock, Rawlings Brothers, and Saltmarsh & Sons.

—— In last week’s Journal a correspondent asks about
Brrcu-nurs. We have here some fine specimens of Beeches;
they are so loaded with nuts that they have assumed quite a
pendant habit, which adds quite a charm to their noble appear-
ance. I never saw them so loaded before; the squirrels are
having a jolly time of itamong them, but that does not prevent
the rascals visiting our choice Filbert plantations.—NorrH
Yorr.

— On the 18th inst. the Master (Mr. Samuel Williams),
the Wardens (Mr. Henry Bollen and Mr. Alderman Kuight),
and the Court of the Fruiterers’ Company, waited by appoint-
ment upon the Lord Mayor in the saloon of the Mansion House,
and presented him with an excellent assortment of the choicest
Fruits of the season, including Grapes, Peaches, Apples,
Pears, Melons, and Green Gages. Formerly the gift consisted
of twelve bushels of Apples, which, neatly packed in clean
baskets and covered with linen napkins, where brought from
Farringdon Market by porters, escorted by the beadle of the
Company, to the Mansion House. On its arrival in former
days the Lady Mayoress used to direct the housekeeper to take
charge of the fruit and put a bottle of wine in each basket for
the use of the carriers, who were ‘‘regaled”’ with a dinner.
At the ceremony on the 18th the Lord Mayor was accom-
panied by Lord Hlcho, M.P., Mr. Scott Russell, the Rev. R. J.
Simpson, Sir John Bennett, and other gentlemen who had
been with him on public business. The Master of the Company
in appropriate terms offered the fruit for the Lord Mayor’s
acceptance, and his lordship suitably acknowledged the gift,
and, following the custom, invited the Company to dine with
him at the Mansion House later in the year. James I. in the
year 1605 instituted the Fruiterers’ Company, and granted
them arms—these are the Tree of Knowledge entwined by a
Serpent, and Adam and Eve standing one on each side. The
Company’s moito is ‘ Deus dat incrementum,” God gives the
increase.

— Tue BerxuamesteaD Corrace Garprn Society held
their annual Exhibition of flowers, fruit, and vegetables at
Berkhampstead on the 17th ingt., under the presidency of

Earl Brownlow. During the afternoon Mr. John Hunter
delivered a lecture on bee-culture, accompanied by practical
demonstrations with living bees, which much interested the
large company assembled.

NOTES on VILLA ann SUBURBAN GARDENING,

Tur changing of colour of Virginian Creepers and various
other trees and shrubs which precedes the fall of the leaf only
tells too plainly that autumn is nearathand. We must prepare
ourselves to meet it. Greenhouses and other structures that
have been emptied of their occupants for the purpose of harden-
ing-off or for enabling such houses to have a complete overhaul
in the way of repairing, painting, and whitewashing, ought now
to be completed, and the plants be returned at once to their
various homes.

Cuttings of Geraniums and other plants likely to suffer by
frost, and which were recommended some time since to be placed
out of doors, will require to be watched. In the case of sudden
frost any temporary covering will protect them, but potting
them singly in small 60’s and. housing them must be proceeded
with as rapidly as possible. It frequently happens that we have
just sufficient frost on one or more nights to turn the more
tender plants black and useless, and afterwards a short period
of warm and fine weather. We have already heard of frost
occurring in several localities, but where French Beans and
Vegetable Marrows have not suffered a timely covering over
these on unfavourable nights will prolong their supply.

Any Alternantheras or other bedding plants required as stock
plants to furnish cuttings in the spring should be taken up,
potted, and placed in a warm house at onca; but every effort
should be made to prolong the attractive beauty of the flower
garden for a little while yet by occasionally running the mowing
machine over the lawns, picking off decayed flower trusses,
clipping the edges of the beds, and sweeping up the wormcasts,
which are becoming troublesome.

Note any errors in the arrangement of your flower beds that
you wish to remedy for another season before it is too late. —

Alterations and making of new borders, beds, and plantations
can be now commenced; the weather of late has been very
favourable to the lifting and transplanting of all shrubs and for
the relaying of turf. It too frequently happens that in laying
out villa gardens a great variety of shrubs are planted. Some-
times good specimen plants are planted amongst Laurels and
other commoner shrubs; this is a mistake, and nearly always
when a garden is first laid out the shrubberies are planted
thickly so as to give effect at once. Wherever this is done the
shrubs will require timely thinning, otherwise they will grow
into each other and become a tangled mass. A judicious thin-
ning becomes absolutely necessary, and if there is room in other
parts of the lawn or grounds we advise preparing other borders
to receive them, and if this is begun at once the transplanted
shrubs will have a chance of making fresh roots before the ex-
treme cold weather is with us.

Rhododendrons remove well at any time; their small fibrous
roots are s0 numerous that a good workman finds no difficulty
in lifting them with sufficient balls to ensure their safe re-
moval. Very many of the Conifere have strong coarse roots,
particularly the Wellingtonias and Cupressuses, it would there-
fore be almost certain death to remove any of these that had
made rapid growth and become coarse at the roots; it would be
far better to root-prune them first for a season and lift them
the next. In all our best nurseries from whence specimen
shrubs are annually supplied the whole of them are annually
lifted to prevent a coarse root-action, and consequently to pro-
mote the emission of fibrous roots around the stem, and large
shrubs are then lifted and sent safely almost any distance.
Yews, Laurels, and many other shrubs will bear lifting better 5
they may also be cut-in with a knife to make space to admit
light and air to choice contiguous specimens. In preparing for
fresh plantations trench the ground deeply, for shrubs will make
much more rapid progress in well-prepared ground than in
ground which has had little orno preparation; and it is surpris-
ing how well most shrubs will grow in poor stony subsoil if it
has once been deeply broken up and become incorporated with
the top soil. We have had great experience with poor, light,
gravelly soils, and by adopting the above method and keeping
down weeds during the summer shrubs of all kinds have grown
exceedingly well. Another very important point in removing
shrubs is to plant them again as speedily as possible, for the
shorter time their roots are exposed to the air the greater is the
chance of their taking more speedily to their new quarters.

In the kitchen-garden department continue to plant-out
for the spring supply Cabbage plants as they become strong
enough. Thin the autumn-sown Onions if there is a likelihood
of their being too thick. The thinnings may be transplanted or
used young. Continue planting-out fresh breadths of Endive
and Lettuce, and tie-up both kinds, if required, to blanch ; also-
earth-up Celery, choosing dry days for this work. The first
planted rows will now be ready to receive the final earthing-up.

256

Thin-out Turnips where they are too thick, they will form the
quicker and withstand the winter better, and ply the hoe
amongst the myriads of small weeds which have sprung-up
during the past damp and dull weather. Remove the weeds to
the rubbish heap, together with any decayed vegetation, as the
sun after this will not have much power in destroying them, and
the heavy dews at night will cause them to take root again.

Expose Tomatoes to the light as much as possible, and any
changing colour should be cut and removed under glass, where
they will soon ripen.

Chrysanthemums require daily attention to disbudding, train-
ing, and watering; and Fuchsias which have ceased blooming
should be placed out of doors for a few days to finally ripen-off
prior to housing them for the winter.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

THE weather with us has during the last two or three weeks
been extremely favourable for out-of-doors operations; very
little rain has fallen during that time, and the soilis dry. A
good soaking of manure water would very much benefit green
crops intended for winter use. Drainage from the farmyard is
well adapted for this purpose, but in many cases such useful
fertilising material is allowed to ran to waste. Sewage water is
also very valuable for watering; the late Mr. R. Fish used
quantities of it both to water the roots and also over the leaves.
He stated that it drove away red spider and green fly, and also
prevented insects from settling on the leaves to lay their eggs.
Our Brussels Sprouts are not growing so freely this year as they
have usually done, and are therefore later than usual. It is well
to make two sowings of Sprouts, one in March and the other a
month later. The earliest sowing should now be well advanced,
but the sprouts do not form well unless the heart is taken out
of the piaut. We shall be glad of the Coleworts, which will be
in use from now uwatil Christmas; after which Savoys will be
the best, to be succeeded by Sprouting Broccoli. It has been
excellent weather for earthing-up Celery; this is an operation
that must be done in a careful manner. It is a good plan to tie
the leaves together with a strip of matting, and after breaking
down the edge of the trench with a fork or spade hold the
Celery plant with the left hand, and with the right place the
finely-broken soil round the plant. In this way the finer par-
ticles will not choke the centre, and thus prevent the develop-
ment of the plants. Onion, Cauliflower, and Lettuce seeds
sown two weeks ago have germinated very freely. The Lettuce
and Cauliflower plants are frequently at this season attacked
by slugs, and many of them are destroyed; we shall dust the
rows over at night with fine-ground lime, which will prevent the
slugs doing much mischief. We have been looking over the Pota-
toes and find that the disease has destroyed a considerable por-
tion of them. This has been a very trying season for the Potato
plant: first the cold east winds in the spring, with frost at night
after the leaves were formed, stopped the growth, and in many
instances a second growth had to be mado; this told very seriously
against the crop. Now the disease is likely in many instances
to destroy half or more of the crop that has arrived at maturity.
Except storing Onions for winter and early spring use, and
digging vacant ground, but little other work has been done in
this department. Some of the ground now prepared by digging
and manuring will be planted presently with Cabbage plants
for use in May, June, and even into July. Harly York or Atkins’s
Matchless, planted much closer than usual and in a warm posi-
tion, will be found very useful for cutting from before the general
crop comesin. Those who grow Tomatoes on the walls will do
well to take heed that frost may come suddenly, and it would
be well to prepare for this by cutting the fruit and placing it
on shelves in the vinery or some other structure where it may
ripen. In our uncertain climate it is better to grow Tomatoes
under glass, but those who have not this convenience will find
they do best on a wall facing south or west. Only in very early
districts and favourable circumstances will they do well planted
in open borders.

VINERIES.

We alluded two weeks ago to the necessity for great care in
heating and ventilating houses where-Grapes are hanging for
use during winter and the early spring months, and also to see
that the decaying berries are removed at once to prevent further
injury to those which are sound. Another matter connected with
forcing Grapes is too often overlooked, and thatis the maturation
of the wood after the fruit has all been gathered. It does not
always follow that because the wood is strong and brown that
it is also well ripened; in fact the contrary is often the case,
especially if the leaves have been prematurely destroyed with
red spider or scorching, The leaves ought to remain in a healthy
Condition for some time after the fruit has been gathered, and
to secure this they must be free from insect pests, and the roots
must also be in a healthy growing condition. Itis a fact that
at this time the roots are much more active than they are in

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

the earlier stages of the Vine’s growth. We have also repeatedly
urged the importance of having the borders sufficiently moist
to their full extent; and further, it may even be necessary to
keep the house closer for a little longer, and also to maintain a
higher temperature by artificial means.

Vines in pots intended to be placed in the forcing house early
in November must now be cut back, and either be placed out of
doors where the pots can be protected from heavy rains, or they
may be placed in the house intended for them if it is ready for
their reception, and no more water should be given to the roots
than is sufficient to keep them from being injured. When
starting them a little bottom heat is an advantage, but this
must bear some proportion to the temperature of the house. It
is not natural and there is nothing gained by plunging the pots
in a bottom heat of say 90° and a temperature for the tops of
say 45° or 50°. If the bottom heat exceeds 70° we would not
plunge the pots very deeply into it. Vines in pots require very
much attention as regards watering ; if they suffer in this respect
the leaves will soon tell the tale of their sufferings.

Strawberry Plants in Pots——These are now maturing their
growth for next season. The crowns are already very full, and
give promise of good results next year. All the attention they
require at present is to see that the roots do not suffer by want
of water, and to remove all runners as fast as they are formed.
We are also careful to see that each plant is fully exposed to
the action of the sun’s rays. If the plants are crowded together
it is not possible that they can come to perfect development. _

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.
We have been very busy during the last week or two in
thoroughly cleansing the plants and also the wood and glass-
work of the houses. During the summer months we are not
careful to thoroughly clean and wash the glass very frequently ;
but now with the shortening days and cold dull weather every
ray of sunshine obscured will tell against the health of the
plants. We do not expect to do any more potting until the days
are about as long in spring as they are now, and our work will
now be cleaning plants, and tying-out and preparing specimens
for next season. Choice climbing plants, such as Stephanotis
floribunda, Dipladenias, Clerodendron Bajlfourii, &c., are now
having their growths trained to strings; these are fastened to
the trellis, and the shoots are trained singly along them in the
direction of the glass, and also under the glass within about
6 inches of it. It is necessary that the glass should be quite
clean over all such plants, and when the wood is ripening not
less than 65° of heat should be maintained at night, with a pro-
portionate rise by day. Very important also is it to thin-out
the young growths; we not unfrequently see large specimen
plants making vigorous growth at this season, and the growths,
four or five together, twining firmly round a stout wire; itis
not possible to obtain good results if plants are allowed to grow
so. Such management, or want of management, reminds one
of Allan Ramsey’s lines, where he says—
“T love the garden, wild and wide,

Where Oaks have Plum trees by their side ;

Where Woodbines and the twisting Vine

Clip round the Pear tree and the Pine;

Where sweet Jonquils and Gowans blow,

And Roses ’midst rank Clover grow.”

All very well in its place, and others besides the poet could ap-
preciate it; but this style is quite out of place in well-managed
hothouses. The importance of carefully training the young
growths of climbing stove plants has been repeatedly urged in
these columns, and when they twine round permanent wires it
is best to untwine them and arrange the growths out regularly
on the trelliswork. The good old Allamanda Schottii is a mag-
nificent plant to train to the rafters of large houses, and at the
time it is in flower it is best to allow the young growths with
the flowers to hang loosely about. Although it may be classed
as a climbing plant, the growths do not twine round the wires
to which it may be trained. The plants are now profusely in
flower. Except on one occasion that the leaves were attacked
with red spider where they could not be readily syringed, we
have never had any insect pests fasten on it. For smaller
houses the species A. grandiflora is extremely beautifal; it
flowers profusely, and the blooms are quite distinct from any
other sort. We have cut-back the young growths of some of
the Dipladenias, and as the plants are nearly denuded of leaves
it gives us a golden opportunity to wash the plants thoroughly
and to free them from bug.

Orchids under cultivation must be said to have their season
of rest during the months of November, December, January,
and February; but it would be a great mistake to dry the plants
off indiscriminately, as some species are now in flower, others
are throwing up their flower-spikes, and more starting into
growth. Those that have completed their growth and are
intended to flower during the spring and early summer months
must be rested by withholding water, so that the growths may
be consolidated. Many of the Dendrobes answer to this de-
scription, and no water should be applied as long as the growths
remain plump; should they begin shrivelling apply water, but

September 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

257

not to the pseudo-bulbs. Cattleyas also enjoy a season of com-
parative rest if their growths are formed, but those having
growths in the course of formation must have water sufficient
to prevent any check. Phalzenopses also, although it is not well
to allow them to become s0 Gry as is required for Dendrobiums
or Cattleyas, must not be gorged with water during the winter
months, and it is necessary to be careful that none falls on the
leaves. We do not have any water in the evaporating troughs
after this time of the year, but it is necessary to sprinkle the
paths and stages to maintain a certain degree of moisture.—
J. Dovcuas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road,
Chelsea.—Catalogues of Fruit Trees, Dutch Bulbs, éc.

James Carter & Co., High Holborn, London, W.0.—Catalogue
of Dutch Flower Roots.

William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, London, N.—Cataloguwes
of Roses and Bulbs.

E. G. Henderson & Son, Pine-Apple Nursery, Maida Vale,
London.— Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs and other Flower Roots.

William Barron & Sons, Elvaston Nurseries, Borrowash,
Derby.— Catalogue of Conifers, Fruit Trees, Roses, &c.

Henry Merryweather, The Nurseries, Southwell, Notts.—
Catalogue of Roses.

Wm. Clibran & Son, Oldfield Nursery, Altrincham.—A De-
scriptive Catalogue of Dutch Flowering Bulbs, Roses, Conifere,
Shrubs, Fruit Trees, also Spring Flowering and Herbaceous
Plants, &c.

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 unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions 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.

Booxs (M, J.).— The Greenhouse, its Plants and Management,” free by
Post if you enclose eleven postage stamps with your address. (M. B.).—Our

Kitchen Gardening for the Many,” free by post from our office if you
enclose six postage stamps with your address.

Roses (Marlow).—It is imporsible to name Roses from small specimens.
They are too numerous and too nearly alike.

Grapgs (Ibid).—The Vines probably require more moisture at the roots,
and tepid liquid manare occasionally. The bunches of Grapes should be
thinned more.

Frenco Marrcotps (H. Cannell)—They are splendid. We never saw
finer flowers, nor petals more regularly or brilliantly striped.

DovsLe PeLaRGonrums (Q. L., Ireland).—We presume your variety is a
Seedling. It resembles Madame milio Baltet (Lemoine), which is the best
of the double white varieties. The truss you have sent is of medium size,
flowers double and well expanded, petals smooth and pure white. It is
worthy of being submitted to the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural
Society. It is a good variety, but whether it is distinct from the one named
can only be ascertained by a comparison of plants in a flowering state.

peea EuRoPzHA, &c. (Willesden).—Neither the Olea nor the others are

PRIMULAS “FLOWERING PREMATURELY ” (Amateur, Bristol).—We do not
consider them premature at all. Ifthe plants were not sufficiently strong to
flower now, they would not be likely to make a fine display in the spring.
Pinch-off the flowers, and as the plants are only in 4-inch pots repot them
into 6-inch pots, draining thoroughly and employing a compost of turfy loam,
very decayed and dried manure, or failing this, leaf soil and peat in equal
Parts with a liberal admixture of silver sand. Do not pot the plants deeply;
they may be kept in an upright position by three small sticks an inch or two
long inserted around each plant. Place them ona shelf in the greenhouse,
and with good attention you will have fine plants in the spring.

j WINTERING ALTERNANTHERAS (J. M.).—As you have not struck any cut-
tings, take-up some old plants before they are injured by the frost. Pot
them in good soil, and winter them in a cool stove—that is, a house having a
minimum temperature of 50°. In the spring place them in brisk heat and
they will yield an abundance of cuttings, which may be rooted and prepared
for planting-out when the weather is favourable. They cannot be safely
preserved in a cool vinery or greenhouse.

Harpy APPLE (Clericus).—You have been rightly informed that Cellini
has withstood the inclement weather of last spring better than many other
varieties. _We have seen it in many gardens bearing excellent crops, while
the majority of the trees surrounding it were barren. It is a very useful
automn Apple.

i ConIFER FOR SMALL Lawn (J., Brizton).—As you require a specimen of

compact growth and conical habit yet less sombre than the Irish Yew,” we
advise you to plant Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis. It is a cheerful
and handsome Conifer for the small grass plot of a villa garden.

RIPENING THE Woop oF VINES (J. T. Cambridge).—Ii is most importart
that the wood be well ripened, and fire ‘heat is seldom more BrOntaDl em-
ployed than during the autumn. The advice that has been given to you to

remove the lights to ‘‘ harden” the Vines is erroneous. It is heat, not cold,
that matures the wood. As your Vines are still growing and the wood is soft,
remove the laterals and apply fire heat—in fact, follow the advice which is
given on another page by ‘‘ A KiTcHEN GARDENER,” who ranks amongst the
most competent Grape growers of the day.

GARDENIAS AFTER FLOWERING (Eve).—After flowering they are benefited
by a short season of rest. This means keeping them only moderately moist at
the roots, and in a lower temperature than that in which they have made
their growth. Cacti after flowering also require a season of rest. The plants
should be freely exposed to the sun, and not any water applied to the roots.

SEEDLING Brrars (A. Chapman).—We do not know where Briar seeds are
sold, but they can be gathered in plenty in many places in the hedgerows.
Sow in beds in the open air in early spring. The plants may be budded the
second year close to the surface of the ground. The plants are very small
the first year, but may be transplanted in the autumn, and make excellent
stocks the next season. Mr. Prince of Oxford can supply seedling Briars at a
cheap rate. We bought them last year at 1s. 6d. a hundred, or he can also
supply plants worked on the seedling Briar.

TusERoseEs (M, L.).—These roots do best the first year, but if the roots are
gradually dried-off they will flower a second season. Keep the roots in a dry
place during the season of rest in the pots in which they were grown. You
should purchase the highest-priced roots if you desire the best results.

RENEWING VINE BorDER (Amateur).—If all the roots are outside we

think it would be better not to lift the Vines until November. You might
mix the compost for the border at once and place it under cover. If part of
the roots had been inside you might have done the work at once. We would

not use any manure except about a hundredweight of crushed bones to four
cartloads of the turfy loam.

Vines oN Wat (G. A. Douglas).—The lights placed against the wall will
very materially aid in ripening the Grapes, and your plan is good. We
would leave a space of half an inch or go between the lights, as the air would
be confined and cause the Grapes to mould. If you were to place the lights
on early in the year it would be a still greater advantage.

HeatinG Smautt House (A. Harrison).—The house might be heated from
the kitchen boiler, but not as you propose. The tendency of hot water is to
rise, and it would not circulate if the pipe falls from the boiler 6 inches ina
short distance. Let the flow pipe be fixed near the top of the boiler and the
return at the bottom; but thera must be a slight rise of the flow to the
point furthest from the boiler, and at that point an air pipe should be fixed.
The two pipes may keep the frost out in severe weather, they will not do
more.

Vines FOR Late House (R. K.).—You might plant eight Vines at 2 feet
9 inches apart. The following sorts are the best for your purpose:—Three
Black Hamburgh, two Lady Downe’s, one Alicante, one Buckland Sweetwater,
one Gulden Queen.

LoprrnG AusTRIAN PINE (Dan).—We should do it now, though if the
branches shade the Yew hedge much, we should for the sake of the hedge
defer the lopping of the Austrian Pine branches until February or March.

GRAPES BURSTING—UNEYEN-SIZED BERRIES (Caught Napping).—The
berries crack or burst from an overmoist atmosphere, with probably too much
moisture at the roots). Theremedy will be to discontinue watering the border,
and to maintain a drier atmosphere: have gentle fires by day with efficient
ventilation, leaving a little air on all night to prevent moisture being de-
posited upon the berries. The late summer has been so wet and sunless that
fire heat became with us a necessity in order to cause a circulation of air, a
close moist atmosphere being fatal to the ripening and keeping of Grapes.
The application of superphosphate at the rate you name is not only very
extravagant but calculated to do more harm than good. We should remove
the surface soil an inch or two deep, and replace with turfy loam to which
has been added a sixth of charcoal. Uneven-sized berries are chiefly a result
of strong wood imperfectly ripened, there being many uneven-sized berries
in houses in which fire heat was not employed last autumn for the ripening
of the fruit and wood.

Worms—ANTS—IMPROVING THE TEXTURE OF HEAvy Sort (J. L., Preston).
—The worms would be best destroyed by an application of lime, which would
much improve the texture of the soil. Gas lime is a powerful insecticide,
requiring to be very carefally employed in gardens. The most that it is safe
to use is a peck per rod, and it will not even at tbat rate be safe to employ it
among plants. We should use lime in the fresh slacked state at the rate of
six tons per acre, in February or March, though it may be usedin October or
November, and pointed-in with a fork, The ground would be best thrown-up
roughly for the winter, and limed in March. This would destroy the worms.
The ants may be driven away by sprinkling their haunts with guano. Ashes
would tend to loosen the soil, rendering it more open and easy to work. Soot
may be applied during the growth of the plants; it is a powerful fertiliser,
and is good against predatory vermin. ;

Desrroyine Ants (W. D. P.).—We fear that you will experience consider-
able difficulty in exterminating the ants from the pit of cocoa-nut fibre refuse
in your greenhouse. Sprinkling with Scotch snuff in such a case is not likely
to be efficacious. Pouring boiling water on the fibre might destroy many of
the ants. We have not had experience with carbolic acid as an ant-destroyer.
The plan you propose is worth trying. Try it and let us know the result.
(W. C. B.).—We know of no mode of driving them away than sprinkling
Scotch snuff or guano over their haunts.

Names oF Fruirs (Knutsford).— Devonshire Quarrenden.
Carraway Russet. (Hugh Strahan).—Summer Pearmain.

Names oF PLants (W. G. 4.).—The numbers bad slipped off the speci-
mens; send others with numbers firmly attached. (M. H. D.).—Cassia corym-
bosa. It is a native of Buenos Ayres.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

(Cannon).—

MICHAELMAS DAY.

As regards entries the first of the series of metropolitan shows
in the number of its poultry entries can hardly be called a
success, for it has just been beaten by Ipswich and Bath. It
has hardly an average of nine throughout all the poultry classes,
which for a London show is a small number, while Ipswich had

258 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

just an average of nine, and Bath was just over that numbez.
In the case of the last two mentioned shows, however, we must

state that there were other exhibitions of note going on in other |

places, while besides London there is this week no other meet-
ing that we knowof. We can gather from this that the rate of
entrance fees is considered too high, and we heard many at Ips-
wich commenting on the excessive sum charged for entering in
proportion to the prizes given at the London shows. We do not
suppose any more unfortunate year could have been chosen to
try to set four metropolitan shows afloat, for we are sure chickens
so far of any merit have been scarce and backward, and are
likely to be so for some weeks to come. It was a very late and
cold spring, and the chickens did not grow or thrive. We have
had opportunities of attending many of the best chicken shows
which have been so far held, and also have seen the yards of
many fanciers in the past few weeks, and we have found chickens
scarce and late. We allow that the specimens so far which
have come to the front have been good and quite worthy of
their places, but the classes have mostly been small, and some
pide would even have been better for a month or two more at
ome.

We believe there will be by the end of next month many
more good birds about, and we daresay Oxford may not find
itself with a much smaller number of entries, while at the
Palace all will be ready who have any hopes of coming to the
ront; but we are assured by many breeders that their March
and April chickens failed entirely, so that some will have to
wait forthe old birds’ classes and be non-exhibitors of chickens
at all this season, save in isolated cases where some chance
bird has come forward better than its mates. At Stoke Park
the other day we saw Black Cochin pullets, Light Brahmas, and
Buff Cochin pullets which will do, probably, great things one of
these days; but Mr. Wragg was as late as his friends, and his
chickens mostly want more time. And so again with Mr. Cress-
well: he has Silver Dorking pullets which we doubt at their age
we ever saw excelled, and so with his White Dorking cockerels ;
but the Crystal Palace will see them in their prime, and no show
before, though he may exhibit them at Oxford. The Little Ness
birds, too, are all late—Cochins of all colours and the Polands;
and Mr. Darby has as yet been quite unable to do the summer
and early autamn chicken shows in his usual style. Mrs. Holmes
has capital chickens coming on, and so has Mr. Norwood, and so
with very many more. From all sides we hear the same stories.
“So late.” ‘All behind.” ‘ We must wait a bit.”

Now how much better would it have been if one or two of the
London shows had waited a while. Some time in December, after
Birmingham, would have afforded them a good opportunity, and
we still think there is a date then which could be taken by an
enterprising Committee and made much of. Chickens there
must be by then if there is ever to be a display, and after the
Palace and Birmingham meetings exhibitors would in:all proba-
bility go in for one more great show before settling down to the
busy time of breeding. Bristol is dead, we fear. Tae proprie-
tors of the Belle Vue Gardens at Manchester are no longer
caterers for the poultry fancy, so we should like to see some
party of fanciers in a large town seize upon the date we name,
and make a great exhibition on the ashes of the dead. They
will never have such another chance perhaps, for it may be
years again before the birds are generally so late. We have
heard rumours that the Agricultural Hall have in contemplation
a monster exhibition of all sorts of fancy stock for that date, but
we believe nothing is yet definitely settled, and, as far as we are
concerned, we doubt if after the four in prospect it would be
wise to start another show in the metropolis. If this Poultry
Club which has now attained the management of so able a man
as Mr. Cresswell ever intends to hold a show, the Committee can
never lay hold of a better year to begin if they meet at the time
wename. But though we have in no way abated our interest
in this proposed body of fanciers amalgamating together, we do
not see that a show is at all necessary to be held by them. In
the full hopes of seeing large classes of good quality at the
Alexandra, Oxford, and coming shows, we confidently look
forward.—W.

WEYMOUTH POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts Exhibition offered good money prizes in each class with
a low entry fee, and consequently they got together some of the
best chickens extant from the best yards. Mr Dixon awarded
the poultry prizes and gave satisfaction, and we only lament
that from the clashing of other exhibitions this Committee did
not obtain an even greater return for the prize money offered.

The Dorkings were admirable. TheColoured of Mr. Burnell
and the Silvers of Mr. Boissier were most praiseworthy, and in
these days when there is so much said against the honesty of
egg vendors it may be interesting to many to learn that all the
late winning Silvers of Mr. Boissier were hatched from pur-
chased eggs. Mr. Beachey’s Dorkings are thoroughly up to the
mark, well grown and well shown. Cochins were of capital
quality, the Buffs and Whites more especially so. In the latter

class the first pullet (Lang), was good, and also the first and
second cockerels (Tindal and Woodgate). In the other Cochin
class the Partridges excelled; Black cockerels are, we are afraid,
few and late. Langshans bad two classes. Mr. Dixon gave Mrs.
Lang the cup. In Hamburghs the first Spangled (Long), and first
Black (also Long’s) were good, and the Golden-pencilled of Mr.
Cresswell had many merits. In Polands the first went to superb
Blacks, the hen simply grand (Norwood), and clean through
her moult; third also were good Blacks (Darby); and second
to Golds (Burrell). Leghorns came well to the front, and we
thought the awards good. In Brahmas the Lights were ad-
mirable. Mrs. Drummond exhibited a cockerel, shapely and
good in comb, and the pullet of Mr. Crook was # finely-grown
chicken. Darks, too, made larger classes than usually they have
done of late. In French the first Houdans contained a fine old
cock (Boissier) mated with a good all-round pullet, and the
winning Créves were Black and large. In the Variety class
Silkies were first and third, and Sultans second. The Bantams
and Waterfowls were of great merit, the Booted of Mrs.
Holmes being most promising. This lady seems to have quite
established the Black-booted, and to have bred out the brassy
hackles. We hope Mrs. Crook will be as fortunate with her
Light Brahma Bantams, which are journeying along the right
road. The Sale classes were well filled, and in Pigeons Mr.
Jones had a fairly large number to deal with, and performed his
work with success. The winning Pouters were good, as, too,
were the Turbits. In Fans good Waites came first, and the
Dragoons mustered well, and the winners were highly meri-
torious. The entries were chiefly made by amateurs, for the
great exhibitors were away in Suffolk. We hope this Society
will continue to thrive, and that next year they may meet with
even greater success than on the present occasion.

THE WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM POULTRY
AND PIGEON SHOW.

Tuts Show, the second of the kind held in the Aquarium,
opened on Tuesday afternoon. The building is admirably
adapted to the purpose, and we looked forward to seeing &
splendid collection of both poultry and Pigeons. Our expect-
ations were heightened as we read in the train from the ad-
vertisement columns of the daily papers, “‘ The greatest Show
ever held.” We cannot say that the reality quite came up to
our anticipation, for neither numerically nor in point of quality
is the Poultry Show equal to many provincial shows, though the
Pigeons are, indeed, a large and magnificent collection. It is
most unfortunate that four great shows should be held in or
near London within a few weeks. The season has not beena
good one for early chickens, and we much wish that some of
these shows could have been deferred to a time when birds of
the year can be seen in their proper state of development,
instead of being shown now when the pens are filled with a few
precociously forced birds and a great many immature chickens.
‘The Bristol Show is, we fear, a thing of the past, and the early
days of January in which it was formerly held would be a
capital time for an exhibition in London, then full of holiday-
makers. This, however, is a suggestion for another year; we
must return to the present Show. Its management seems in
every respect good, a great improvement on last year. When
the doors were opened every bird was in its place, and many
classes had their prize cards up, and by five o’clock almost the
whole of theawards were announced. The poultry numbered
550 pens, about the number at Ipswich last week.

Dorkings head the list, and are certainly better than the
Dorking classes at the latter Show. The cup goes to a huge
Dark cockerel of Mr. Beachey’s, long on the leg, and with a
poor comb ; we prefer Mr. Burnell’s second. Mr. Peel’s third-
prize birds are square, full-breasted, true Dorkings. The pullet
cup goes to a good Coloured bird of Mrs. Lang’s; the second
Dark pullet looks very antique. The first and second cockerels
in the Any other variety Dorking class are both good Silver-
Greys; the first is the largest; a weedy White is third. The
winning pullets are all Silver-Greys, the first very large, and,
as well as the second, of the pale-breasted very soft colour.

Cochins —The cup here goes to Mr. Sidgwick’s Buff cockerel,
a real canary-coloured bird, young and still chicken-like; se-
cond is a very heavily-feathered bird of Mrs. Tindal’s ; third a
rich and evenly-coloured bird, which we thought very good.
The first Buff pullet is of the canary hue and well shaped.
The cup for pullets goes to a beautiful Partridge belonging to
Mrs. A. Tindal. The Any other colour classes are poorly filled,
and the specimens by no means equal to some of those we saw
at Ipswich. All the winners are White save the third pullet, a
good Black. i i

Brahmas.—The cup Dark cockerel is a massive heavily-
feathered bird, rather coarse in head; second will quite be his
equal by-and-by. The first Dark pullet is a grand bird, com-
bining exquisite pencilling with fine shape and size; her leg-
feathering is a little deficient. The first Light cockerel is a
very matured bird, short-legged and of the Cochin type; he

September 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

259

yeminded us of Mr. Horsfall’s famous cock; second very large
but leggy; third young, we admired him much. Light Brahma
pullets are a large and excellent class. All the winners are good.
We preferred the second for her splendid dark neck-hackle with
a@ pure white back.

Spanish—The. cup cockerel is excellent, with a very smooth
face; the first pullet also very good, but her comb not yet fall-
ing over.

French.—All the breeds are mixed, and consequently the
show is not very good. The cup goes to a very fair Houdan
cockerel with a wry comb; second a well-shaped Oréve; and
third a good very young Oréve. First in pullets is a fine La
Fiéche, second a moderate Houdan, and third a Créve.

Hamburghs struck us as decidedly poor. The cup for cockerels
was awarded to a Silver-pencilled bird with a beautifully laced

tail; that for pullets to a very handsome Gold-spangle. The
Blacks were by no means worthy of a great show.
Game.—Seven classes brought but thirty-five entries. We

had not time to examine the awards critically.

Polish were well represented. The cockerel cup went toa
White-crested Black of Mr: Unsworth’s; his crest is large and
admirably shaped. The same gentleman is far ahead in White-
crested pullets also. Mr. Adkins’s Silvers of course win; his
cup pullet is magnificent.

Leghorns.—A Brown cockerel in good conditiom is first, and
avery fine White pullet wins the cup. In Andalusians a yery
handsome pair in fine trim win easily, and in the Variety class
the prizes go to Black Minorcas, Black Cochins or Langshans (we
have not mastered their distinctive points), and Silkies.

In Bantams Mr. Entwisle takes the cup for the Game varie-
ties with Brown Reds.. The Sebrights are all far too large to
please us; we can remember when birds of their size would
have had little chance. Mr. Leno wins the cup with Silvers;
we should have given it to Mr. Biriey Smith’s Pekins, first in
the Variety class, a sweet little pair, which we were pleased to
See as an indication that the breed is not becoming extinct as
we feared. Second in the same class are excellent White Rose-
combed, and third good Cuckoos.

Ducks.—The cup for Aylesburys and Rouens goes to Mr.
Fowler’s pair of the former breed. Mr. Parlett’s winners in
the latter are very fine. Mr. Kelleway’s Black East Indians
win with their tiny size, though Mr. Burn’s unnoticed pair
struck us as incomparable in colour though too large. The
Variety Duck class is a good and large one. The cup goes to
Mandarins, second are Spotted-billed, and third Foreign Teal.
Among the very highly commendeds are a grand pair of Pekins
deserving a higher place. We should like to see separate classes
for purely fancy Waterfowl and for any other variety of really
useful Ducks.

Such is the poultry Show; that of Pigeons is far more exten-
sive and beautiful. It continues open till Friday evening, and
we earnestly recommend everyone who wishes tosee how beau-
tiful Pigeons can be to visitit. The excellence of many of the
classes has seldom been exceeded, and that of a few, notably of
the Turbits, probably never been equalled. But we are en-
croaching on the domain of others.—C.

PIGEONS.

TUESDAY EVENING, and just left the Westminster Aquarium,
where I have been looking over generally the Pigeons. I pur-
pose giving a short account this week and along and full one,
all’s well, next week. There are 1183 pens of Pigeons against
549 pens of poultry, so itis in deed and in fact a Pigeon Show,
and one of the greatest magnitude. This, however, must be
remembered, that owing to the coldness of the season the birds
are very backward in getting their new feathers, so that many
are deep in moult—quite, in fact, pen-feathery and ragged,
Pouters being as usual among the greatest sufferers in this re-
spect; still, making all proper allowance, and a true fancier will
be ready to do this, the Pouter classes had some grand birds in
them. The cup Blue cock went to Mr. Baker ; but No. 553, v.nc:
(Fulton) will win yet, such good colour, limbs, and bars. The
old Carrier classes are excellent, the young only an average
lot. The old Barbs are also very good. Among the Carriers
is the great Champion, Mr. Ecroyd’s bird, No. 634, the cream
of the cream a £100 bird, the one of the great three of all Eng-
land that are exhibited. The cup young Black Carrier cock was
thonght.a mistake by more than one good fancier. Ithas size
only—quite.a young cart-horse, but neither grace nor shape—
just a young coarse giant, but how will he look this time two
years? The Fans nice lot but few. Jacobins good, although
it be true that the best of some of the best fanciers are in too
full moult to be shown at all. The strongest and longest classes
of Turbits are at the Aquarium which ever appeared in public.
Many birds are most unfortunately situated, occupying a lower
tier, while above them is a row of other Pigeons. Many of the
Short-faced Tumblers are so situated, and allthe Barbs. Hence
these birds. cannot be well and satisfactorily seen. Nuns are
fairly numerous, and hurrah! a prize goes to a Red one: at last
a Judge has given to a Red when Blacks were present. The
Owls were capital in numbers and quality, and a true Powder

Blue put in an appearance. A Runt hen, a very large lady of
the fine-woman type, won what is unusual for a Runt—a cup.
A magnificent Archangel had a like honour. Chequer Dragoons
seem on the increase, but it is a colour most associated with
Antwerps. Hvery possible encouragement to fanciers is given
by the Committee: thus, English and Scotch. classes. of Fans,
and one for Shortfaced frilled varieties.

It is anoble Show, and visitors appear to be numerous and inter-
ested. The arrangements seemed to be good, save the numbers
were 80 arranged as to give one the most walking possible, and
some of the cards were notupat 5.15. But little complaint need
be made; and the comfort of the Show being actually in London
and not a few miles out is great to travellers from the country,
who want no addition to their journey. Thoroughly do I like the
Aquarium as a place for a Pigeon Show.— WILTSHIRE REcToR.

POULTRY.

Dorxincs.—Colowred.—Cockerel._Cup, R. W. Beachey. 2,T.C. Burnell. 8,
Rey. H.R. Peel. Pullet.—Cup, Mrs. Lang. 2, Miss E. Wigmore. 8, R. W.
Beechey. vic, T.C. Burnell. Any other colour.—Cockerel.—i, T. C. Burnell.
2, R.A. Boissier. 8,Dr.E Snell. Pullet.l, R. A. Boissier. 2, TC Burnell.
8, Miss Pasley Any variety.—1,H Brown. 2, Mrs. Lang, 8, Lord Turnour,

Cooxuins.—Cinnamon or Buff.—Cockerel.—1 and Cup, C. Sidgwick. 2, Mrs. A.
Tindal, 8, R. Burrell. vhc, Henry Lingwood. Pullet.—1, E. Burrell. 2, Mrs.
Allsopp. 8, Mrs. A. Tindal. vkc,D. Young, Mrs. H. Shutt, G. Hall. Partridge.
—Cockerel.—1, R. J. Wood. 2,J.K.& R. R. Fowler. 8, C. Sidgwick. Pullet.—
land Cup, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, T. Stretch. 3, H.C. White. Any other colour.—
Cockerel.—1, G. B. C. Breeze. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. 8, C. Sidgwick. Pullet.—l,
G. B. C. Breeze, 2,Mrs.A. Tindal. 8, Rev.J. D. Peake. Any variety.—l, C.
Sidgwick. 2,J.K.&R R. Fowler. 8, Mrs. A. Tindal.

BraHmas.—Dark.—l and 2, Withheld. 8, R. A. Baker. Cockerel.—Cup, Mrs.
A. Tindal. 2, Horace Lingwood.. 8, T. Pye. Pullet.—l, S. W. Thomas. 2,
Horacea Lingwood. 8, H. Percival. Light.—], G. W. Peter. 2, J. W. Windred
8, G. B. C. Breeze. Cockerel.—1 and 2, P. Haines. 8, S. Reid.. Pullet.—Cup
G..B.C. Breeze, 2,P. Haines. 3, Mrs. H. Ffoulkes. vhc, J. Virgo. J, Turner.

Spaniso.—Cockerel.—l, J. Powell. 2,J.T.Parker. 8,A.Bell. Pullet.—l and
2,3. Powell. 3, Mrs. Allsopp.

FRENoH.—Cockerel.—Cup, Mrs. Vallance. 2, W.R. Park. 8, A. A. Lawless.
Pullet.—l, H Stephens. 2, J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 3, Dr. E. Lloyd. vhc, H.
Stephens, W. R. Park.

Hameureus.—Gold or Silver-spangled.—Cockerel.—l, J. Jackson.. 2, J. Long.
8, H Beldon. Pullet.—Cup, H. Beldon. 2, J. Carr. 8, J. Jackson. Gold or
Silver-pencilled.—Cockerel._Cup, J. Stuttard. 2 and 8, W. L. Bell. vwhc, H.
Beldon. Pullet.—l, W. K. Tickner. 2, H. Hobson. 8, J. Long. vhe, T.
Edwards, J. Stuttard. Black.—Cockerel.—l, W. Bentley. 2, C.Sidgwick. 8, J.
Long. Pullet.—l, Rev. W. Sergeantson. 2, C. Sidgwick. 8, R. L. Garnett,

GamE.—Black Red.—Cockerel._1, S, Matthew. 2, T. P. Lyon. 8, G. A. Jen
kius. Pullet—l,S. Matthews. %, T. P. Lyon. 8, T. Docwra. Brown Red.—
Cockerel.—Cup, S. Matthew. 2, J. Braithwaite,jun. 8, H. Beldon. Pullet—
Cup, S. Matthew. 2 and 3, J. Braithwaite,jun. <Any other variety.—Cockerel.

—1,J.B. Weeks. 2, H.E. Martin. 8, Duke of Sutherland. Pullet.—l and 3,
Ee Peers 2,T. P. Lyon. Any variety.—l, T. P. Lyon. 2, Withheld. 8, H.
eldon.

Matays.—Chickens.—1, Rev. N. J. Ridley. 2,R. Hawkins. 8, Mrs. Stanley.

Po.isa —Gold or Silver-spangled.—Cockerel.—l, 8, and vhe, G. C. Adkins. 2,
J. Stuttard, Pullet —1 and Cup, G. C. Adkins, 2, 8. and vhc, P. Unsworth.
Black or any other colour.—Cockerel,—l and Cup, P. Unsworth. 2,J. Stuttard,
8, Dr. E. Lloyd. Pullet—} and 2, P. Unsworth. 8, Dr. E. Lloyd.

LreGHoRNS.—Brown or White.—Cockerel.—l, J.C. Fraser. 2,E.Brown. 8, A,
Kitchin. Pullet.—Cup.and 2, A Kitchin. 8, Mrs. Simpson. Z
AGREE SSG Ui, Mrs. M. A. Wilson. 2,J.H. Fry. 8, Miss M.

mold.

SELLING CLassEs—Dorking, Brahma, or Cochin.—l, J. S. Dew. 2, S. Lucas.
8, H. Brown. vhc, W. A. Burnell, H. Beldon. Cock.—1, Lord Turnour. 2 and
3. C. Sidgwick. Hens.—1, Mrs. H. Ffoulkes, 2, Lord Turnour. 3, H. Beldon.
French.—l, Dr. E. Lloyd. 2,H. Stephens. 8, Withheld. Any other variety —
Chickens.—1, R. J. B. Brewer. 2, A. C. Croad. 8, Mrs. J. H. Tritton. Any
other variety except Bantams.—], G. B. Pointer. 2, R. L. Garnett. 8, H. KR.
Platten. Cock.—l, D. M. Mills. 2, W. Bentley. 3, C. Sidgwick. Hens.—1, A.
Bell. 2, J. T. Parker, 38, F. Edwards. Bantams.—l, G. P. Pointer. 2, M.
Leno. 8, E. Morgan.

Bantams.—Black Red Game.—Chickens.—1, G. Hall. 2,R. Swift. 8, F.W.R.
Hore. Brown Red Game.—Chickens. —Cup and 2, W. F. Entwisle. 38, F. C.
Davis. Any other variety Game.—Chickens.—1, R. Brownley. 2, W. F.
Entwisle. 3, W, N. Hudson. Black or other varieties —Chickens.—l, J. F.
Phelps. 2, Mrs. A, Tindal. 8, J. & C. Good. Sebright or other varieties.—
Chickens.—_1, Cup, and 2, M. Leno. 8, Rev. W. Serjeantson. <Any other
variety.—Chickens.—1, H. B. Smith. 2,J. Patrick. 8, T. F. Phelps.

Dvuors.—Aylesbury.—Cup and 2, J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 8, Dr. E. Snell.
Rouen.—l, F. Parlett. 2, H. Snell. 8, T. Wakefield. Black—1l and 2, J. W.
Kelleway. 8, Mrs. Lang. Any other variety or Ornamental Waterfowls.—l and
Cup, W. Boutcher. 2, J. Tricketc. 8,M. Leno. vhc, Rev. W. Serjeantson, J.
K. & R. R. Fowler, Mrs. Arkwright.

PIGEONS.

PoutEers.—Blue Pied.—Cock.—Cup, Challenge Cup, and 2,.J. Baker. 8, E.
Beckwith. vic, R Fulton. Hen.—l and. 8, J. Baker. 2 and vhe, R. Fulton,
Black Pied.—Cock.—1 and vhe, R. Fulton. 2,3. Baker. 3.H.R Tenney. Hen.
—land Cup, R. Fulton. 2,H. R Tenney. 8,J. Baker. Yellow or Red Pied.—
Cock.—l, Ridley & Dye. 2, T. Herrieff. 3, R. Fulton. vhc,R. Fulton, J. Baker.
Hen.—1, Ridley & Dye. 2and3,R. Fulton. vhe, E. Beckwith. White.— Cock.
—Cup and 2, R. Fulton. 8, Mrs. Lad:. vhe, J. Baker. Hen.—l and 8, Ridley
and Dye. 2, EH. Beckwith. vic, R. Fulton, Mrs, Ladd. Any other colowr or
marking.—Cock or Hen.—l and 8, R. Fulton. 2, E. Beckwith. Pigmy or
Austrian.—Cock.—l, C. B. Child. 2,J. Baker. 8,H.W.Webb. vhc, R. Fulton,
Cc. B. Child. Hen—l and Cup, J. Baker. 2 and vhe, C. B. Child. 3, E. T.
Carew-Gibson. F

CaRRIERS.—Any colowr.—Cocks.—Cup, J. Ecroyd. vhe, R. Fulton, Ridley and
Dye. Black.—Cock.1, M. Hedley. 2, T. K. Cucksey. 8, T. H. Stretch. vhe,
H, Heritage, T. A. Stretch, R: Fulton Hen.—l, Cup, and8, R: Fulton. 2, H.
M. Maynard. vhe, M. Hedley (2), B. Beckwith, Ridley & Dye. Young Cock.—
land Cup, H, Heritage. 2 and 3, H. M Maynard. vhc, R. Fulton, Young
Hen.—1 and Cup, H. Heritage. 2, M. Ledley. 3,J.C. Ord. vic, H. Heritage,
H. Parker. Dun.—Cock—Cup and 8, M. Hedley. 2, Ridley & Dye. vhc, W. G.
Hammock, J. Baker. Hen.—1 and 2, R. Fulton. 8, J. Ecroyd. vhe, H. M.
Maynard (2), J. E. Palmer. Young Cock.—1 and 2,H. Heritage. 38, R. Fulton.
vhe, Ridley & Dye. Young Hen —1 and 8,H.Heritage. 2, Ridley & Dye. Blue
or Silver.—Cock.—1, T. H. Stretch. 2, W. G. Hammock. 8, W. Hooker. vhc,
H. M. Maynard, J. Baker. Hen.—l, W. Hooker. 2, G. Bentley. 3, R. Cant.
Young Cock.—Cup, W. G.Hammock. 2,J.C. Ord. 8,W.Hooker. Young Hen.
—land2.W. Hooker. 8, R. Cant. White or Pied.—Cock or Hen.—1, BK. Beck-
with. 2,R. Fulton. 8, J.C. Ord.

DraGoons.—Blue.—Cock.—1, W. Osmond. 2, T. C. Burnell. 8, R. Woods.
Hen.—1, R. Woods. 2, C. Howard. 8, Withheld. Young Cock or Hen.—1, 3,
and vhc, R. Woods. 2, W. Smith Silver—Cock—1and3, R. Woods. 2,T.C.
Burnell. Hen.—1, A. McKenzie. 1, W. Osmond. 8, T. C. Burnell. Young
Cock or Hen.—1, Cup, 2, and 3, R. Woods. Red or Yellow.—Cock.—l and Cup,
W. Sargent. 2,J. Baker. 3,R. Woods. Hen.—Cup, A. Curtis. 2, W. Sargent.
8,R. Woods. Young Cock or Hen.—l, A. Leith. 2and 3, R. Woods. White—

260

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

Cock.—1, J. Baker. 2, R. Woods. 8, A. Curtis. Any other colour or White.—

Hen.—1, J. Chandler. 2and 8, R. Woods. Yowng Cock or Hen.—1, R. Woods.

2and 8, Withheld. Blwe-chequer.—Cock.—1 and 2, R. Woods. 8, J. Guthrie.

Hee J. Guthrie. 2and 8, R. Woods. Young Cock or Hen.—l, 2, and 3, R.
oods.

TumBLERS.—Short-faced Almond.—Cock.—Cup, H. C. Henning. 2 and 8, J.
Ecroyd. Hen.—l, R. Fulton. 2, J. Baker. 8, J. Ecroyd. Young Cock.—Cup,
H. C. Henning. 2 and 3, R. Cant. Young Hen.—1, 2, and 8, H. C. Henning.
Short-faced Agate, Kite, Splash, or Whole-feathered.—Cock.—1 and Cup, J.
Baker. 2, J. Ecroyd. 8, R. Fulton. Hen.—l and 8, H. C. Henning. 2, J.
Paker. Young Cock or Hen.—l and 8, H.C. Henning. 2,E. Beckwith. Short
faced Black Mottled. —Cock or Hen.—1. Cup, and 2, J. Baker. 8, H. C. Henning.
Shor eaced Bald Beard.—Cock or Hen.~1, F. Wilde. 2, J. M. Braid. 8,J. 3.

artin.

Bargs.—Black or Dun.—Ceck.—1, Cup, and 2, J. Firth. 8 and vhe, M.
Hedley. Hen.—land 2,M. Hedley. 8,J- Firth. Any other colour.—Cock.—l,
M. Hedley. 2,R. Fulton. 8,J. Firth. vhe, P. H. Jones, J. Firth, M. Hedley.
Hen.—1, R. Fulton. 2, M. Hediey. 8, P. H. Jones. Any colouwr.—Young Cock.
—l and Cup, R. Faolton. 2, H M. Maynard. 8, T. K. Cucksey. vhc, P. H.
Jones. Young Hen.—1, M. Hedley. 2, H. deritage. 8, P. H. Jones. vhec, E.
Beckwith.

JacoBIns.—Red.—Cock.—!, J. Scweitzer. 2, S. Salter. 8, E. E. M. Royds.
vhe, J. Pyper. Hen.—l, S. Salter. 2, J. Pyper. 3 and vhc, E. E. M. Royds.
Yellow.—Cock.—1 and vhe, H. Heritage. 2and8,E.E.M Royds. Hen.—l and
2, E. E. M. Royds. 8, J. Schweitzer. vic, J. Baker. Black.—Cock.—1, Cup,
and vhe, H. Heritage. 2,J. Baker. 8,E. E. M. Royds. Hen.—1l, H. Heritage.
2, EB. E. M. Royds. 8, J. Baker. White.—Cock or Hen.—Cup and 2, S. Salter.
3, J. Baker. vhe, EB. E.M. Royds. Any other colour.—Cock or Hen.—1, E. E.
M. Royds. 2,H. Heritage. 8, J. Schweitzer.

Fantaits.— White English Style.—Cup, J. Baker. 2,J.F.Loversidge. 3, H.
M. Maynard. White Scotch Style.-1,H. M. Maynard. 2. J. Baker. 3, J. E.
Spence Any other other or crossbred.—1, J. Baker. 2, H. Yardley. 3, H. W.

e

Nouns.—Cock or Hen.—1, J.T. Herbert. 2, W. P. Stephenson. 8, H. Jacob.
TRUMPETERS.—Cock or Hen.—l, J. Lederer. 2, T. Rule. 8, J. Baker.
SwatLiows.—Cock or Hen.—1, W. Tedd 2. R. Woods. 8, C. Parsons.

ARCHANGELS —Cock or Hen.—Cup and 2, H. W. Webb. 3, F. P. Bulley.

EnGuisH OwLs.—Any colour —Cocks.—Cup, J. Ecroyd. vhc,E.Lee. Hen.
—1, Cup, and 8,S.Salter. 2, Ward & Rhodes. Blue or Powdered Blue.—Cock.
—l and 3, S. Salter. 2, Ward & Rhodes. vhc,J.Ecroyd. silver or Powdered
Silver.—Cock.—1 and 8, S. Salter. 2,J.G.Sprunt. vhc, S. Salter, P. H. Jones.
Any other colour.—Cock.—1 and 2,8. Salter. 8, R Fulton.

ForeIcN Owis.—Any colowr.—Cock or Hen.—l and Cup, F. Wilde. 2,T.
Chambers. 8,J.Ecroyd. 4,J J. Sparrow. vhc, R. Fulton.

Tursits.—Blue or Silver.—Cock.—l, E. Walker. 2, R. Woods. 3.S. Salter.
vhe, P.H. Jones. Hen.—1,J.Ecroyd. 2,T.C. Burnell. 8,P.H. Jones. vhe,
J.T. Herbert. Redor Yellow.—Cock.—1 and 2, J. Ecroyd. 8, Ridley & Dye.
vhe, T. C. Burnell. Any other colour.—Cock.—1 and Cup, J. Ecroyd. 2,0. E.
Cresswell. 8,S Salter. vhc, G. Hardy, E. Walker. Hen.—1, KR. Woods. 2 and
8,J. Ecroyd. Shell-crowned.—Cock or Hen.—1, J. Ecroyd. 20. E. Cresswell.
3,G. Hardy. <Any colour—Cock or Hen.—1, G. Roper. 2, H.R. Tenney. 38,58.
Salter. vhc,J. Baker. R Fulton, G. Hardy, E. Walker, Ridley & Dye.

MacpiEs.—Black.—Cock or Hen.—1 and Cup,S. Salter. 2.F.P. Bulley. 3,
W. Tedd. Any other colour.—Cock or Hen.—1, G. H. Gregory. 2,8. Salter.
8, R. Fulton. E

Rounts.—Any colour.—Cock.—l, J. F. Alfaro. 2,J.S. Price. 8, J. Baily, jun.
Hen.—Cup. H. Yardley. 2,Lady F. Bushby. 8, H. Stephens,

Fryinc TumBiERs.—Bald or Beard.—Cock or Hen.—1,J. Brown. 2,C. W.
pene 8, F. Davis. Any other colour.—Cock or Hen.—1,J. Baker. 2 and 3,
. O. Crane.

BLoNDINETTES, TURBITEENS. SATINETTES, &0.— Cock or Hen.—Cup, E. Beck-
With. 2,H. Yardley. 8,P.4.Jones vic, R. Fulton.

ANY OTHER VARIETY EXCEPT ANTWERPS.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 2, E. Beck-
With. 8, F. P. Bulley.

EEOC) ANTWERP.—Cock or Hen.—land 8, J.Ecroyd. 2, W. F. Ent-
Wisle.

Homine.—Cock.—l, Cox & Norris. 2, J. W. Barker. 3, T.K.Cucksey. Hen,
—1,J.H. Sparrow. 2, Cox & Norris. 8, T. Comm.

SELLING Cuass.—Carrier, Pouter, and Short-faced Twmbler.—Cock or Hen.
—land vhe,H.M.Maynard. 2,k.Cant. 38,J. Baker. <Any other variety.—
Cock or Hen.—1 and 2, P.H.Jones. 3,W. Sargeat. vhe,J. Baker. Pairof
Birds of any variety.—1, P. H. Jones. 2, W. Tedd. 8, J.J. Edelsten.

Fuiyine Chass oF Homine Birps.—Cock or Hen.—Cup and 2, J. Edmunds,
8,J.J.Sparrow. 4,G.Carvill. 5,R.S,. Pearce.

Jupces.—Messrs. Hewitt, Teebay, Nichols, Betty, Hawley,
Capt. N. Hill, F. Wiltshire, F. EH. Esquilant, and F. Graham.

IPSWICH POULTRY SHOW.

Tus excellent Show of poultry and Pigeons was held in the
Corn Exchange. The Ipswich Committee are all real fanciers,
and under Mr. Wragg as captain they brought their show to a

most successful issue, and as they for the first time introduced |

the plan of having amateurs as Judges an immense amount of
interest was taken in the awards. Mr. Horace Lingwood judged
the Brahmas and Sale classes; Mr. Mathews the Malays, Game,
and Game Bantams; Mr. Felton the Cochins; and Mr. Cress-
well the remainder; and we heartily congratulate each gentle-
man upon his awards. The Committees were most anxious for
the welfare of the birds and exhibitors, and we did not see a
bird wrongly penned from any blame of the attendants, and
never, we think, saw fewer empty pens.

Dark Brahma cockerels opened the catalogue, the winner
going to Stoke Park—a well-growing bird of good feathering and
sound colour. In Dark pullets the second was perhaps the best
in markings and colour, but she had too much hock feather for
Mr. Lingwood’s fancy. Light cockerels were excellent and the
Winners admirably chosen, though we doubt if the Judge was
as happy in his selection of Light pullets. We did not care for
the winner, who was puffy in body and ungainly in her move-
ments. The second and third were very good, as was the pullet
of Mr. Dean. Lady Gwydyr showed a good one but younger.
Buff Cochin cockerels followed. Perhaps second or third were
in the best feather and of soundest colour, but the cup bird was
very broad and large and pretty in head and feet. This bird,
we believe, is to cross the ocean in a few days. We liked the
three winning Buff pullets very much, and there was little be-
tween them ; the third, however, had no tail and a little black
in her neck. Partridge cockerels were good, the first the most

up; and in pullets a bird lovely in pencillings walked in first ;
second was also good, and then came a great difference bstween
her and the remainder. White cockerels were good, the winner
the older, or else not very shapely in tail. In White pullets the
first won the cup; she was a big bird and good all round. Se-
cond a little in need oi a bath, or else very good; and the
third a neat pullet. Black cockerels were also young, as were
the pullets, but the latter class was large and of great merit
thronebout, the cup bird beautifully feathered and bright in
oom.

Dorking cockerels were all good, the cup bird excelling in
head, colour, and shape. In pullets only the two winners
deserve notice. The second here again younger than the first,
but of more future promise. In White Dorkings we liked
the first pullet very much; the first and second cockerels
were also good and of nearly equal quality. In Spanish only
the cup cockerel was good; he had a nice head and smooth
face. The first Minorca (Black) cockerel was fair, but the class
miserably small. In Game Mr. Martin’s Brown Reds were
splendid. This gentleman, too, showed some good Duckwing
cockerels, one of which was claimed for £10 10s. A good Pile
was second in the Variety class, and the first Black Red cockerel
was stylish and good in feather. In Malays the cup went to
the cockerel, a good all-round bird, but not very large. The
first pullet was big and good in bone, with proper carriage.
Hamburghs mustered well. The cup went to the Gold-pen-
cilled cockerel, a prettily tailed bird and bright in colour. The
first Silver-pencils, first Silver-spangled cockerel, and the
winning Blacks were all good, and we quite approved of the
Judge’s selections; we believe, too, all were satisfied, which in
such competition is satisfactory. The Polands were very meri-
torious, the cup going most deservedly to a superb Silver pullet,
large in crest and perfect in marking. The first cockerel was &
Black, a good showy chicken, and we are glad to see how this
breed has come to the front of late.

The French divisions were large, and on all sides we heard
Mr. Cresswell congratulated on his awards. We never re-
member seeing better Houdan pullets than the first and second.
They were as excellent in markings as the late Mr. Dring’s
and Mrs. Vallance’s old hens, which won so much. Créves
were good, and the awards were well made. We suppose
Mr. Horatio Stephens has again bought, for we believe we
saw in his pen the first Bath pullet of Miss Williams!
Leghorns were better than usual, and we observed a Cuckoo-
coloured specimen which looked rather pretty. The prizes in
cockerels all went to Whites, while in pullets a White came in
between two exceedingly white-eared Brown pullets. The
Variety class contained some good Silkies, Cuckoo Cochins, and
Sultans, all of which made their mark in the prize list. Game
Bantams were meritorious, and in the Variety class a pen of
Black-booted won first. Mr. Leno’s Silver-laced were of high
quality and won the cup. The Waterfowl were attractive.
The Aylesburys capital, and useful-looking Rouens won the cup,
while in the Variety class Pekins, Whistlers, and Spotted-bills
won in the order named. Grey Geese won all the prizes, and in
Turkeys we liked all the three prize pens, the third being best
in colour though the smallest. In the Selling class were some
good Buff Cochins—a White pullet shown by Mrs. Holmes,
a good Partridge cock exhibited by Lady Gwydyr, and several
other fair birds, but we did not notice many sales by the time
we left, at two o’clock on the last day of the Show. We have
only to mention, in conclusion, that the birds were dispatched
very quickly at the close of the Show, and we have heard of
many birds which reached their owners early on the following
day. The prizes for Pigeons were also awarded by amateurs.

POULTRY.—BranMas.—Dark.—Cockerels.—1, Lady Gwydyr. 2,E. Pritchard.
8, T. Pye. Pullets—1 and Cup, W. S. Thomas. 2, G. S. Pearson. 3, R. P.
Percival. vhe, W.R. Garner. Light.—Cockerels.—1, Cup, and 2, P. Haines. 3
G. B. C. Breeze Pullets.—1, F. Bennett. 2 and 8, P, Haines. vhe, R. P.
Percival. Coonins.—Buff.—Cockerels.—1 and Cup, Lady Gwydyr. 2, A Jack-
son. 8, J. Everett, vhc, Mrs. Allsopp, Pullets—l, Mra Alisopp. 2, Lady
Gwydyr. 3, E. Burrell. vhe, Mrs. A. Tindal. Partridge.—Cockerels.—l, R. J.
Wood. 2, Duchess of Hamilton. 8.A.Beaumont. Pullets —1, Mrs. 4. Tindal,
2,R.J.Wood. 8,A.Beaumont. White.—Cockerels —1,Mrs.A.Tindal. 2, Rev.
R. 8. S. Woodgate. 8, G. B.C. Breeze. Pullets.—1 and Cup, Rev. R. S. S.
Woodgate. 2,G. B.C. Breeze. 8,Mrs.A. Tindal. Black.—Cockerels.—l, W. A.
Burnell. 2, Lady Gwydyr. 3, A. E. W. Darby. Pullets.—1 and Cup, Lady
Gwydyr. 2, E. Kendrick, jnn. 8, W. A. Barnell. Dorxinas.—Coloured.—
Cockerels.—1 and Cup, Rey. H R. Peel %and38,H.Lingwood. Pullets.—l and
2,H. Lingwood. White —Cockerels.—1, E. V. Snell. 2,R.F. Smythe. 3,J E.
Pilgrim. Pullets—1, R. A. Boissier. 2, R. F, Smythe. SpanisH —Black.—
Cockerels—1 and Cup, Mrs. Allsopp 2,7. Parker. 8, W.R. Bull. Pullets.—2,
Mrs. Allsopp. 8,R.Newbitt. Mrnoroas anp ANDALUSIANS.—Cockerels.—l and
Cup, R. J. Brewer. 2, W. L. Brooke. 8, Miss M. Arnold. Pullets.—l, W. L.
2,R.J. Brewer. 8, Miss M. Arnold. Game.—Black Red —Cockerels.—
1. W. Kitson. 2, Hon. and Rey. F. Dutton. 8, J. F. Walton. Pullets.—l, A.
Cameron. 2, W. Rayner. 38, Hon and Rey, F. Dutton, Brown-Red.—Cockerels.
—1, 2, and Cup, H. E. Martin. 8, Duke of Sutherland. Pullets.—i, 2, and Cup,
H.E Martin. 8,A. Cameron Any other vartety.—Cockerels.—l and 3, H. K.
Martin, 2,J.F. Walton. Pullets—1l, Duke of Sutherland. 2,H.E. Martin. 3,
E. Winwood vhc, T. Dyson, W Kitson. Matays.—Cockerels.—1 and Cup,
Rev. H. A. Fairlie. 2and 8,A. Smith. Pullets.—1,J. Hinton. 2, J. Strugnell.
8, Rev. H. A. Fairlie. HamsurGHs.—Gold-pencil.—Cockerels.—Cup, Fawcett
and Anderton. 2,J. Rawnsley. 8,C.W. Gibbs, Pullets. -1, J. Rawosley. 2,
Duke of Sutherland. 8, Fawcett & Anderton. Stlver-pencil.—Cockerels.—l, F.
GC. Davis. 2, H.Beldon. 8,J. Rawnsley. Pullets.—1, W.L. Bell. 2, J. Rawns-
ley. 8,E.¥V. Snell. Gold-spangled.—Cockerels.—l, J. Roberts. 2,T.Dean. 3,
Duke of Sutherland. Pullets—1, H. Beldon. 2 and 3, T. Dean. Silver-
spangled.—Cockerels.—1, J. Long. 2, Duke of Sutherland, 38, H. Beldon.

September 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

261

Pullets—1, H. Beldon. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. 8, J. Rawnsley. Black.—
Cockerels.—l, Fawcett & Anderton. 2. C. Sidgwick. 8, L. & F. W. Palmer.
Pullets.—1, ©. Sidgwick. 2, Fawcett & Anderton. 8, Nutman & Wright.
Poxanps.—Cockerels.—1 and 3, P. Unsworth. 2,J Rawnsley. vic, J. Partiog-
ton. Pullets.—1, Cup, and 2, P. Unsworth. 8, E. Burrell. FRENon#.—Houdans.
—Cockerels—1 and 3, R. B. Wood. 2,1. Ward. Pullets—1 and Cup, R. B.
Wood. 2, R. A. Boissier. 8, I. Ward. vhc, M. Hall, S. W. Thomas. dny
other variety. —Cockerels.—1, H. Feast. 2,C. W. Gibbs. 8, Robinson & Myers.
Pullets.—1 and 2, H. Stephens. 3, Duchess of Hamilton. LEGHORNS.—
Cockerels.—1 and Cup, A. Kitchin. 2, F.H. May. 8, J. H. Watkins. Pullets —
1, Mrs. Simson. 2, A.Kitchen. 8, E. Brown. ANY OTHER V4RIETY.—Cockerels.
—l, W. Adams. 2, Rev. R. S.S. Woodgate. 8, T. Bond. Pullets.—1 and Cup,
Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2, W. Holmes. 8, Rev. R. 8. S. Woodgate. SELLING
Ciass.—Cocks or Cockerels.—1 and Cup, W. H. Ward. 2 and 8, J. Everett.
whe, Nutman & Wright. Hens or Pullets—l, W. H. Ward. 2, 1. Thurman. 38,
L. & F. W. Palmer. Game Bantams.—Black Red.--Cockerels.—1 and Cup, E.
Walton. 2, E. Morgan. 8, W. Shaw. Pullets—1 and Cup, E. Walton. 2,G.
Hall. 3, W- Shenton. Any other variety.—Cockerels.l, W. Shaw. 2, R.
Brownlie. 8, E. Walton. Pullets.—1, W. M. Rumbelow. 2, H. Beldon. 38,J.
Cook, Banrams.—Sebrights.—Cup, 1, and 2, M. Leno. 38, W. Richardson.
Black or White—1, E. Walton, 2, F. Beanland. 3, J. W. Crowther. Any
other variety.—1, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 2, W. Adams. Selling Class.—1, E. Wal-
ton. 2, T. W. Anns. 8, Rev. F. Tearle. Duoxs.—Aylesbury.—l, E. N. Snell.
9, J. Walker. 8, A.J. Barber. Rouen.—Cup and1,J. Everett. 2, P. Unsworth.
8,J.Gee. Black East Indian.—l and 8, J. W. Kelleway. 2, Duchess of Hamil-
ton. Any other variety—Cup and 1,J. K.& RB. R. Fowler. 2, A. & W. H. Sil-
vester. §,J. Walker. vhc, M. Leno, A. & W. H. Silvester. Selling Class.—l,
F. Parlett. 2, W. Bygott,jun. 38,1, Wakefield. Grese.—l,J. Everett. 2, E.V.
Snell. 8,J. Birch, jun. vhe,E.V. Snell. TurKeys.—l, H. J.Gunnell. 2 and
8, J. Everett.

PIGEONS.— Carriers.—Blue or Silver.—Cocks.—1, R. Fulton. 2, J. Baker.
8, J.B. Waterhouse. Hens—l, W. Massey. 2. R. Cant. 8. J.J. Baker. Any
other variety.—Cocks.—1 and Cup, J. Baker. 2,8, and vhe, R. Fulton. Hens.—
1 and 2, R. Fulton. 8, J. Baker. Young.—l, J. Baker. 2, R. Fulton. 8, W.
Massey. Pourers.—White.—Cocks.—1, J. Baker. 2, R. Fulton. 3, A. Byford,
vhe, A. Byford. R. Fulton, Hens.—1, R. Fulton. 2, A. Byford. 8 and vhe, J.
Baker. Any other variety.—Cocks.—1, J. Baker. 2and 8, R. Fulton. vhe, R.
Fulton, J. Baker. Hens.—l and Cup, R. Fulton, 2 and 8, J. Baker. vic, R.
Fulton (2), J. Baker, A. Byford. Young.—l, R. Fulton. 2, A. Byford. 38, J.
Baker. vic, J. Baker, A. Byford. DraGoons.—Blue or Silver.—l, Cup, and 8,
R, Woods. 2, A. Byford. Any other variety.—8, R. Woods. Young.—1 and 2,
R. Woods. 3, A.Byford. ANTWERPS.—Short-faced.—l, J.C. Waterhouse. 2, H.
Yardley. 8.C. F. Herrieff. Long-faced.—1,J Rawnsley. 2.C. F. Herrieff. 3,
S. Wade. TumsLEess.—Almond.—1 and 3, J. Baker. 2, R. Fulton. Any other
variety.—1 and 2,J. Baker. 3, R. Fulton. Long-Saced or Flying.—1, H. W. B.
Bruno. 2and8,J.H. Jenkinson. Barss.—Cocks —Cup, 1, 2, and 8, R. Fulton.
Hens. —1 and 8,R. Fulton. 2,J..Baker. Young.—l and 2, kK. Fulton. 8, P. H.
Jones. OwLs.—Foreign.—l, T. Chambers. 2,R Fulton. 8,J. Baker. English.
—1,J, Baker. 2,P. H. Jones. 8. H. W.B Brono. Fanraiis.—l, 8, and vie, J.
Baker. 2, J. F. Loversedge. Tursirs.—Cocks.—l and Cup, J. Baker. 2, R.
Woods. 8,R Fulton. Hens.—l, T. C. Burnell. 2, R. Wood. 8, 0. E Cress-
well, TRUMPETERS.—1 and 8, R. Fulton. 2and vhc,J. Baker. Jacoprns.—Red
or Yellow.—1 and Cup, J. Baker. 2and8,R. Fulton. Any other variety.—l, T.
W. Swallow. 2 and 3, J. Baker. MacpiEs.—l, J. Baker. 2, W. Teda. 8, R.
Fulton. ANY OTHER VaRIeTy.—l, W. Tedd. 2,R.Fulton. 8, P. H. Jones,
SpEoIAL Fryine Ciass.—l and 2, A. A. Watts. 8, H. Barker. SELLING
CrassEs.—Not to exceed $2.—1, J. Baker, 2,J. T. Barwell. 8, H. W. B. Bruno,
Not to exceed £110s.—1, R. Fulton, 2,H. W. B. Bruno. 38, A. Byford.

MARKET HARBOROUGH POULTRY SHOW.

Tue Northamptonshire Agricultural Society met this year at
the above town, and the show of poultry was certainly the best
we ever remember to have seen at this county’s meetings. Mr.
Dixon awarded the prizes and gave satisfaction to all. The
first class contained nine Dorking cockerels, and the chosen
one was a large Silver-Grey, a beautiful pullet in the next class
of the same colour taking the place of honour from among nine
more pullets. White Dorkings were very good, the three winning
pullets being especially fine. Spanish cockerels were moderate,
the winner not very firm in his comb, but otherwise good.
Game made fairly good classes, but beyond the winners there
was no striking merit. Buff Cochin cockerels only produced a
pair, both moderate, but the pullets were better, while the
Whites were excellent. The second cockerel was rather white
in ears, or else the largest ; and in pullets the winner was well
in first. Dark Brahmas brought but ten entries in two classes,
but the first pullet was well marked and of fair size. How-
ever, the Lights were of great quality, and we much liked the
first cockerel as also the winning pullets. The Hamburghs
made an average collection. The first Silver-spangled cockerel
was very good, as was the first Silver hen. Both seconds in
Spangles went to Golds; and in pullets and cockerels (pencilled)
Silvers won both firsts, and Golds again the two seconds, In
the third Golden-pencilled pullet we believe we recognised the
second Bath bird. In the Variety classes a good Black Ham-
burgh cockerel very forward in feather came in first, while a
capital Créve won first in pullets. In Bantams excellent Silver-
laced won both the firsts and seconds, and Black Reds both the
thirds, but there were only three pens in each class. Pekins
won first in the Variety class for Waterfowl, and Whistlers were
second. The first Aylesburys were good in bills and large, and
the same remark applies to the Rouens. The first Turkeys too
were excellent, and the catalogue tells us they were only hatched
on May morning.

In the Pigeon class, which had fourteen entries, a beautiful
Almond was first. Third was a White Pouter, which some
thought should have gone before the second Barb. An extra
third was given to an Owl, and an extra fourth to a neat Jacobin.
The awards were—

POULTRY.—Dorumnas. — Silver-Grey or Colowred. — Cockerel.—1, R. A.
Bossieur. 2, . Snell. 8, B. Hanbury. Pullet.—l,R.A.Bossieur. 2, E. Snell.
8,0 E. Cresswell. Any variety.—Cockerel.—l, E. Snell. 2,Rev. R. F. Smythe.
3, J.E. Pilgrim. Pullet.—|,0.E. Cresswell. 2, R.A. Bossieur. 8, Rev. R. F.
Smythe. SpanisH.—Cockerel.—l, J. T. Parker. 2, W. Nottage. Pullet.—l, J.
T. Parker. 2and 3, W. Nottage, Game.—Black or Brown Red.—Cockerel.—l,
J.Parker,jun. 2,E.T. Godsell. 8, B, Cox. Pullet.—l and 2, B. Cox. 8, W.

J. Ridge. Any other variety.—Cockerel.—l, J. Parker, jun. 2 and 8, B. Cox.
Pullet.—1, E. Winwood. 2, B. Cox. CooHin-CHInA.—Cinnamon, Buff, or
Partridge.—Cockerel.—1, C. Sidgwick. 2, E. Snell. Pullets.—l, C. Sidgwick.
2and 3, C. Wright. <Any other variety.—Cockerel.—l, B. Smith. 2, Rev. R. S.
S. Woodgate. 8, C. Sidgwick. vhc, KE. Snell. Pullet.—l and 3, Rev. R. S. S.
Woodgate. 2 C. Sidgwick. vhc, E. Snell. Brauma Poorra.—Dark.—
Cockerel.—1, E Pritchard. 2,J Long. 8, E.snell. Pullet.—l, W. Roberts. 2,
E. Pritchard. 8.J. Long. Light.—Cockerel.—1, P. Haynes. 2,G. B.C. Breeze.
8, Mrs. Peet. Pullet.—l, P. Haines, 2, A. Bigg. 8, G. B, C. Breeze, Ham-
BURGHS.—Gold and Silver-spangled.—Cockerel.—1, J. Long. 2, J. Ward. 3, T.
Love. Pullet.—1, J. Long. 2, T. Love. 8, W. Roberts. Gold and Silver-
penctlled.—Cockerel.—1, H. Kidger. 2, E. Snell. 3, J. Long. Pullet.—1 and
vhe, E. Snell. 3 and 8, O. E. Cresswell. ANY OTHER DISTINCT BREED.—
Cockerel.—l, C. Sidgwick. 2, W. Roberts. 8,J. Long. Pullet.—l, W. Roberts.
2, C. Sidgwick, 3, M. Leno. vhc, Rev. H. R Peel. Bantams.—Cockerel.—l
and 2,M. Leno. 8,J. Long. Pullet.—l and2,M.Leno. 8,J.Long. GosLINes,
—land 2, E. Snell. 8 and vhc, T. Kingsley. Duckiines,—Aylesbury.—l and 2,
E. Snell. 8, Mrs A. Brassey. Rowen.—l, W. H. Crewe. 2 and 8, E. Snell.
Duocks.—Any variety.—1, W. H. Crewe. 2 and 8, M. Leno. PouuTs.—l, W.
Wykes. 2, G. Stratton. 8, J. Day. SeLLina Cuass.—Cock or Cockerel.—
1, Mrs. Peet. 8,J.T. Parker, J. Day. Hens or Pullets—1, E. Snell. 2, Mrs.
Peet. 8, J. B. Hanbury. Drake, Gander, or Turkey Cock.—1, J. Sheffield. 2,
ub N. gioreltege 8,E. Snell. Ducks, Geese,or Hen Turkeys.—l1, E. Snell. 2,H. A.

ovell.

PIGEONS.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 4, H. Yardley. 2, L. Watkin. 8, T, Chambers.
5 and 6, T. W. Swallow.

CAYUGA DUCKS.

Never having kept Ducks until last year I do not think Iam
able to give an opinion as to their paying, but I must say the
rapidity with which these Cayuga Ducks grow and fatten on
very little food (compared with fowls) is marvellous. I was
unable to keep a strict account of mine last year, but I gave a
pair to a lady, and the Duck laid fifty-two eggs before sitting,
and afterwards eighteen more; seventy in all.

For the table I consider they far surpass Aylesbury or any
other tame breed of Duck, the flesh being far less oily and
flavour more like wild Ducks. Their plumage is extremely
beautifal, but any white feathers are a blemish; they should
be black with a green metallic lustre.—G. M.

Protiric Ducks.—Mr. J. Bate, of Michaelstow, Cornwall, has
now in his possession two Ducks, a cross between the Aylesbury
and Rouen, which by the time they were fourteen months old
had laid the following number of eggs:—One laid 189, ten of
them being double yolks, and laid six in two days, the shells of
all six were hard but not perfect, and laid fifty nights in suc-
cession; the other laid 161 eggs during the same time, and fifty-
eight nights in succession.

DRIVING AND UNITING SWARMS.

TuovuceH the process of driving and uniting bees has been often
unfolded and discussed in our columns, I receive private letters
from parties who have failed in their attempts to drive bees out
of their hives, and in these letters many questions are put as to
the cause or causes of their failures. As the process of driving
is simple and known to be successfully practised by hundreds
of apiarians, the parties who fail in their first efforts naturaily
want to know why their bees would not run. Whenever and
wherever failure happens there has been in some way or other
non-compliance with the conditions of success. We can come
to no other conclusion. In cold weather bees are loth to leave
their hives. Small swarms sitting in the centre of their combs
are loth to leave their warm nests, and would rather not touch
the outside combs or travel over them. Some hives again are
only partially filled with combs. When these hives are inverted
their combs stand in their centres like little cones, with their
points at the farthest possible remove from the sides of the
hives. During the drumming process bees naturally run up-
wards, and if they be driven to the tops of the pyramids of
combs they can find no pathway to a higher region. When
bees run up to the points of such combs and can get no higher
no amount of drumming will dislodge them; but give them a
ladder of some kind by which they can reach the upper hives
and a very little drumming will cause themtorunup. At cer-
tain seasons of the year, and September is one of them, some
kinds of hives are damp or wet on their inner surfaces, and bees
do not like to travel over them. The empty hives into which
bees are to be driven should be dry and warm, for bees are not
easily driven into cold damp hives. Other things that hinder
bees from running from one hive to another in the driving pro-
cess might be mentioned, but we think enough has heen said to
convince the reader that when bees do not run the fault is not
in the principle or system, neither is it owing to the stubborn-
ness of the bees: the fault must be in the application of the
principle. The conditions of success should be well considered
and understood, and whenever driving begins it should be done
with vigour and without halting; the drumming should be
stunning and startling enough to confound the bees and make
them run without halt or hesitation. In cold weather it is ad-
visable to sprinkle the bees with syrup about an hour before
they are driven. At the end of an hour after the sprinkling the
heat of the hive is much higher, and the bees are full of life
and activity and quite ready for action.

262 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 27, 1877.

In seasons like the present one, when hives are light and
easily handled, we shake our bees out of their hives bya speedier
process than that of driving. An hour after feeding them the
bees are found setting very loosely amongst their combs. We
then lift the hive gently off its board and balance it on our
hands in its natural position over an empty hive. By giving
the hive a sudden jerk or shake the bees are cast into the empty
one. The hives have cross sticks in them, and therefore their
combs are not easily shaken loose. Often we cast the bees from
their hives by lifting them 2 or 3 feet and letting them drop
on the mouths of the empty hives. Both hives and bees are
putin motion by the law of gravitation, and when the empty
hives stop the full ones, the bees go forward and fall on the
bottom of the empty hives. We have not once this year resorted
to the driving process in removing bees from their hives, save
in the time of swarming. The bees of condemned hives were
shaken and thumped ont in the way described above. With
bar-frame hives whose combs are moveable the bees may be
easily and speedily removed from their combs by a handbrush.
With such hives both driving and shaking are unnecessary. We
would lift the combs out one by one and sweep the bees into
an empty hive. After the crown board has been removed ten
bars of combs covered with bees may be swept clean by # hand-
brush in a few moments.

After bees are driven 01 shaken out of their hives they are
generally united to other stocks with a view to make them
stronger. This practice cannot be too strongly recommended,
and the art of uniting bees cannot’be too carefully studied, for
bees naturally resist invaders, and if fighting begin a fearful
slaughter takes place in a very stort space of time. I have seen
whole swarms, containing I daresay tweuty thousand bees, killed
in less than an hour. The bees of the hives receiving the
swarms are the butchers in these cases; very few of their own
ranks are lost in these slaughterings. Failures in efforts made
to unite bees result from non-compliance with some necessary
preparation or condition. Strategic movements are necessary
here as well as on the battlefields of contending armies. If the
city is to be invaded the citizens must first be put off their
guard; fillthem with hilarity and joy, and put all in a state of
excitement and merrymaking. Good sugar syrup given in a
warm state will do this. As bees know strangers by smell, itis
well to prevent them from knowing strangers or invaders during
the uniting process. This is dona-by the presence of some over-
mastering substance, such as crusoed mint or grated nutmeg.
By feeding both swarms-with- syrup strongly scented an hour
before uniting them, and sprinkling all after they are cast to-
gether, the union may be effected without the loss of a bee.
Careful and wise generalship in the union of swarms will pre-
vent all slaughter. The best time to unite bees is after sunset
or later in a dark room or cellar, and replacing them in the
garden before daylight next morning. If the hive which is to
receive the swarm has nobrood in it its bees could be driven into
an empty hive and there kept for two or three hours. Mean-
while the other swarm could be cast amongst the combs, and
afterwards the bees that were drivenfrom them. This is rather
a laborious mode of uniting bees, but it is a safe and successful
one, for both swarms are cast into the city asstrangers and have
nothing to defend. A few days ago I had a swarm of bees
weighing 4 or 5 lbs., which I divided into three lots with a view
to strengthen three hives standing close by. Minted syrup was
given to the hives half an hour before the bees were given to
them. Two lots were well received, but in the third hive the
invaders were attacked at once, and would all have been
slaughtered in ten minutes if I had not shaken all the bees out
into an empty hive. They were all strangers in the empty hive
without disposition to fight. In theempty hive they fraternised
and cemented a lasting anion, and amid peace and good will
they were cast back into the hive of combs from which they
were dislodged. A. PETTIGREW.

British BEE-KEEPERS’ Assocratron.—At the Paris Inter-
national Exhibition in 1878 a2 large amount of space has been
allotted to the above Association, on which their members may
exhibit the British apiarian manufactures.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Batu, GRANVILLE, WEYMOUTH, AND Ipswich SHows —Mr. Tomlinson
informs us, that having sold the birds he intended exhibiting at the above
Shows, his entries were not filled.

MANAGEMENT OF Branas (Anxvious).—We disapprove your feeding. We
dislike sharps, maize meal, and potatoes. The first isnot so good as barley-
meal. We never could induce onr birds to eat the second. The third in-
yariahly cause disease of the liver. The grass may lessen these ill effects,
and the birds seem to knowit. Give them barleymeal slaked in the morn-
ing; whole corn, maize, or barley, or, if you can, kitchen scraps at mid-day,
and slaked barleymeal in the evening. You will find them improve io
weight, feather, and appearance. No mistake is so great as to feed on
inferior food for economy’s sake. If instead of measure yon bought your
food by weight you would generally see the most expensive food was the
cheapest. You can, of course,|try it by weighing, bata test is always at hand.

Take a small quantity of barley and put it in water. The expensive, if it be
worth its cost, will almost all sink to the bottom; the cheaper will ‘cover
the surface of the water with light grains and rubbish.

Dark BRanMa AND Hovpsn Cross.—‘ @.” asks, to produce good table
erie iad to ure & Date Brahma cock for Houdan hens, or A Honudan
cock ior Brahma hens, having regard both to quality of §
maturity for the table, as well as weight ? = y ea

_ Wasps ENTERING Hrves (B. S.).—Wasps do not cause bees to leave their
hive. Your old hive has been lost from some other cause, probably the loss
of its queea. After bzes have lost their queen they gradually dwindle away
tillmone remain. Sometimes both bees and queen leave a hive—go off to-
gether asa swarm—from sheer starvation or from the intolerable stench of
foul brood. It is not at all likely that the bees of your deserted hive entered
any of your other hives. If they had attempted to do so they would probably
have been killed at the door. All you ean do to prevent wasps from entering
your remaining hives is to contract their doors and thus enable the bees to
defend their hives. Wasps never master the bees of healthy hives, though
they occasionaliy enter them when sentinels are not on duty. The bees of
healthy hives are so large and courageous that wasps dare not meet or face
them in open combat.

Weak Hive (Norjolk).—The swarm you hived at the eud of August, and
which has not made much comb, is very weak indeed. If the few combs it
has made are not covered with beas you would have great difficulty in keep-
ing it alive till spring. Your better way will bs to unite the baes of this weak
hive to the other hive, for it, too, is doubtless in a weak state by reason of its
Swarming so late.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CamMDEN Square, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 3240" N.; Long. 0° 9’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 a. Iv THE Day.
1877 Hygrome- | 8 3 |64.:|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation 4
| t = = as 3| Perature. |Temperature.| ¢
Sept | | = San In | On
| Wet.| aso |& sun. /grass-
| | =
deg. | | deg. | deg. | deg.| In.
We. 19 53.5 | N.W. | 56.9 73.7 | 467 | 0.040
Th. 20 50.1 | NW. | 56.1 63.0 | 435 | 0.082
Fri. 21 45.3 | NOW. | 5£0 108.9 | 347 | 0.088
Sat, 22 45.2 | N.W. | 52 108.4 | 35.3 | 0.013
Sun.23 48.3 | NW. | 5 99.8 | 39.8 _
Mo. 24 47.9 | Naw. | 52: 100.9 } 35.9 _
Ta. 25 | 45.0 W. Bh. 911 | 818 | 0.082
Means 48.0 | 923 | 38.2 } 0.205
1
REMARKS.
19th.—Dull and grey all day and all night; no suu at any time during the

day.

20th.—Dall and rainy at times, very dark all day till 5p..; after that time
much finer. Curious radii from the moon between 9 and 9.5 Par.

21st.—Very bright morning. short sharp shower at 1P.m., hail at 215 p.m;
fine afternoon and evening.

22nd.—Very fine and bright all day, but rather cold.

23rd.—Dall morning, but soon clearing off; dark for a short time about noon,
but fine afterwards, though cold.

24th.—A very fine autumnal day, dry and bright, but rather cold.

25th.—Hazy in early morning, bright forenoon, rather dall in afternoon, and
hazy after sunset.

Temperature generally about 7° lower than that of last week, partly owing
to the absence of sun, and partly to the prevalence of north-westerly winds.—
G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—SEprEMBER 26.

A veRY general decline has taken place in the value of foreign goods,
owing to the large quantities reaching us consequent upon the high prices
realised last week, otherwise there is very little alteration to quote. Kent
Cobs have sold well, and with a good supply haya maintained their value.
Trade generally quiet.

FRUIT.

s. d. s.d.| sas. a

Apples.......... $sieve 2 6to3 6) Melons...... each 1 6to4 0

1 dozen 0 0 O 0O| Nectarines 40180

-- bushel 0 0 9 0} Oranges. 016 0

- $sieve 0 0 O 0} Peaches. 0 2 0

- sieve 0 0 O 0} Pears, kitchen 0 30

- dozen 10 3 0} dessert o 40

= - O 4 O 6) Pine Apples oso

CODS ....---0+0 Ib. 0 4 O Tums ...... 0120

Gooseberries ..} bushel 0 0 O O/| Raspberries 0000

Grapes, hothouse Ib. 1 6 §& 0} Walnats.... 50 $80

Lemons ........ 100 6 0 10 0| ditto........ 100 00 00

VEGETABLES.

d. s.d. sd. sid

Artichokes dozen 8 Uto6 0} Mushrooms.... potile 1 6t02 0

Asparagus #100 0 0 O 0} Mustard &C punnet 02 0 £

Beans, Ki bushel 2 0 4 0} Onions - bushel 0 0 0 0

Beet. Red dozen 16 3 0 pickling quart 0 4 00

Broccoli bunsle 0 9 1 6} Parsley. mnches 20 00

Brussels S: $sieve 0 0 O 0} Parsni dozen 00 00

Cabbage - dozen 1 0 2 OQ} Peas.: quart 06 10

Carrots - bunch 0 £ 0O 8} Potatoes bushel 8 6 5-0

Capsicum: - PwW0O 16 20 Kidney ....... bushel 5 0 7 0

Cauliflower: - dozen 2 0 4 0} Radishes.. doz. bunches 1 0 1 6

Celery ........... bundle 1 6 2 0} thubarb.. bundle 06 i 0

Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 Q| Salsafy .. bundle 09 10

Cucumbers .... each 0 3 0 9} Scorzonera bundle 1 0 00

Endive .. dozen 1 0 2 0} Seakale .. basket 00 0 6

Fennel... busch 0 $ O 0} Shatlots .. lb 083 08

Garlic .. 0 6 O 0} Spinach .. .- bushel 26 4 0

Herbs .. ‘0 2 O O| Tarnips........ bunch 05 006

Lettuce 10 2 0} Veg. Marrows.. each 0 2 0 €
Leeks ... o4 00

October 4, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 263
WEEKLY CALENDAR.
Day | Day Average Sun Sun Moon | Moo Moon’s | Clock | Day
Ryde 7. Temperature near A patel) cons f
CARs OCTOBER 4—10, 1877 London. | Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. | holore | of
Day. |Night. Mean. | h. m. | h. m.] h. m!/ kh. m. | Days. | m. a.
4 | TH | Westminster Aquarium Potato Show. 63.7 | 424 | 581 | 6 8/ 5 80) 2 83} 2 95) 27 | 11 92 | 277
5 | PF 60.5 | 208 504] 6 9} 5 27} 4 2] 4 39] 98 | 11 40 | 278
6 61.8 | 48.2 | 525 | 6 11] 5 25 5 81 4 53 ie) ll 57 | 279
7 | Sun | 19 SuNDAY AFTER TRINITY. 63.7 43.4] 586) 6 13/ 5 23/ 7 1/ 5 8 1 | 12 15 | 280
8 |M 6L7 | 420 | 518 | 6 14/ 5 21 8 31 5 26 2 | 12 81 | 281
9 | To | 60.7 | 42.4 | 515 |-6 16] 5 18/9 59] 5. 50 8 | 12 47 | 282
10 WwW T. A. Knight born, 1758, Oxford Michaelmas Term | 61.6 43.3 | 52.4 | 61st) 5) 16) 11-23 6 23 4 18 8 | 283
| { commences. | | | |
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 61.9°; and its night ae |
ic

GENERALISMS ON MILDEW.
ys

CORRESPONDENT on page 191 of our
Journal bewails the uncontrollable ravages
of mildew among his Roses, and, while ask-
ing for further information, gave a number
of so-called preventives and cures, which on
being put to the test proved in each case,
if not complete failures, yet most unsatis-
factory in the general result.

The writer of the following lines, as a
sufferer year after year from the same wide-
spread cause, gladly hailed the appearance of a paragraph
in the Journal headed, ‘‘ Rose Difficulty.” At last, he
thought, I shall obtain some practical information—some
probable solution of this mysterious visitation, even if a
perfect cure were not to be expected; but, alas! no.
The “ QCrry CierK,” an unmistakeably zealous but in-
experienced brother horticulturist, merely states his
grievance, and then puts a varied string of questions,
which doubtless some other correspondents will answer
servatim.

Perhaps, as no one has taken up as yet the subject, the
following generalisms as to the nature, object, prevention,
and cure of mildew may not be wholly useless. Few
horticulturists of the present day require to be reminded
that mildew (called after two Saxon words meaning meal
dew) is in its true character a plant, a vegetable parasite ;
and although at the beginning of the present century its
ravages were attributed to blight, honeydew, or diseases in
the plant itself—to any source rather than the real one—
attacks of myriads of destructive fungi, yet its fearful
effects as causes of famine or pestilence both biblical and
classical literature in the time of the Jews and Romans,
and nearer our own time in the Middle Ages, conclusively
hand down to us.

There are three different kinds of mildew—1, affecting
superficially the leaf; 2, the interior of the stem or leaf ;
and 3, theroot. Itis withthe first of these kinds that our
gardens are mostly attacked ; it may be added en passant
that, as a rule, though not always, each species of plant
has one special species of fungus at least peculiar to it.

It is of melancholy interest to notice here that of the
four sub-orders of the great natural order Rosacex, three
(one is entirely tropical) are specially liable to attacks of
fungus or mildew in some form or the other. No. 2 sub-
order, Chrysobalanex, gives us through the Almond tree
our Peach and Nectarine, both fruit trees, especially the
former, in many situations annual victims to this pest.
No. 3 sub-order, Rose, gives us (nursed originally in the
cradle of the Dog Rose, through Kosa Gallica or Provens
Rose and our old Centifolia or Cabbage Rose), the queen
of flowers, alas! so often disfigured and injured by the
same fell influence. No.4 sub-order, Pomex, gives us
among edible fruits the Apple and Pear, which suffer
terribly under periodical visitations from several para-
sitical fungi peculiar to them.

I may mention here, in answer to the ‘‘Crry CxEerk’s”
question as to whether the disease on the back of the

No. 862,—Von, XXXIII., NEw SERIES.

Laurel leaves, very prevalent now in Surrey, is the same
| as Rose mildew, that. unusual as I believe the cireum-
stance to be, most probably it is; at any rate the same
phenomenon was observed last July in Herefordshire
by several reliable individuals, where the leading shoots
of neighbouring Apple, common Laurel, and White-
thorn trees were discovered to be infected with precisely
the same parasitical plant or fungus, first appearing
as a white, but changing afterwards to a rusty-coloured
mildew.

The appearance of mildew takes the form generally of
white or black spots on an uneven patchy surface either
as a rusty powder or frosty incrustation, in every case
spreading unless checked in an early stage, and by pre-
venting respiration crippling the growth of the flower or
fruit, and causing the leaves to fall, if not the plant itself
to die.

The usual period for the appearance of this widespread
pest (for it is co-extensive with all animal life) is in the
autumn, as with all other fungi, and it is far easier to
speak of the causes that produce them than of their pre-
vention or cure. The rapidity with which they arrive
at maturity and the enormous number of seeds they
produce is something incredible. One great analytical
mycologist (Mr. Worthington Smith) could tell us, so as to
allow us to realise some approach to the aggregate num-
ber produced, that one Mushroom was sufficient to pro-
pagate 250 millions; while only twenty-four hours is
necessary with some fungi to intervene between the first
springing of the plant and the ripening of the seed.

It should be remembered that it is the first kind, or
superficial mildew, alluded to here, which, being as seeds
communicated when ripe to the air, establish themselves
on one plant after the other wherever they touch, destroy-
ing the plant with which they come in contact, as has
been stated, by preventing respiration. All this is the
unanswerable outcome of observation and experience,
and as such matters of fact. Would that the prevention
and cure of mildew could be as easily and satisfactorily
disposed of.

Dr. Lindley—and his authority carries great weight—
considered that as ‘‘ plants are generally most affected b
superficial fungi after a long drought, when the fibres of
the roots are unable to imbibe sufficient moisture from
the soil, and the plant becomes debilitated and affords
an easy prey to the parasite which attacks it,” the cure
seems to be abundant watering, and assigns as a proof
that in Scotland where there are heavy night dews this
fungus is unknown. But surely, especially when viewed
at such a humid season as the present, the subject is still
left open, and many other agencies still to be considered
accountable for the production of fungi besides drought.
The view which seems to meet more fully the whole
circumstances of the phenomena is that changes are
undergone, as in the case of the Potato disease, in the
cells and vessels of the leaves, say of the Rose, by cultiva-
tion (how seldom does one see mildew under any cir-
cumstances on the Dog Briar), which render the plant
| Hable to disease : atmospheric influences, such as sudden

No.1514.—VYou. LVIII., OLD SERIES,

264

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER,

[ October 4, 1877.

transitions from heat to cold, long-continued drought, or wet,
as in the present year, are thus enabled to act upon them so
as to cause alterations in their condition of health. Thus the
attack of fungus accelerates the morbid action of the plants,
which practical experience and science are alike unable to
prevent or cure. Dr. Greville gives it as his opinion that ‘‘ as
the production of mildew is probably the result of a peculiar
state of the atmosphere, there is little chance of any means
being found for its prevention.”

Close observation for many years leads the writer to dread the
ravages of mildew mostin the beginning of spring and in au-
tumn—in the rising and ebbing of the sap—seasons when even
under normal conditions the Rose under cultivation is peculiarly
sensitive of variations of temperature. If healthy but not
too strong plants at starting, close pruning, especially Roses
on Manettis according to sorts, great care in not over-manur-
ing, especially in a wet season like the present, or manuring
either under ground or top surface-dressing with raw or
green manure; judicious choice of situation, especially as
regards free circulation of sir; deep trenching, according to
the nature of the soil; frequent hosings, and copious water-
ings with soft water, and beavy mulchings in arid exhausting
soils;—if expedients like these fail to meet the difficulty of
the case (and in the writer’s case and your correspondent’s
already alluded to they have failed), then he must confess he
knows no other; for such applications as sulphur pulverised
or in solution, or soot, he utterly abhors on the ground of the
remedy being worse than the disease; so he will content him-
self with waiting for an occasional propitious season, and
meanwhile keep looking through the pages of successive Jour-
nals in the fond hope of finding some successful nostrum for
the prevention and cure of that hateful pest mildew, certainly
not known as yet to the HeReronDsHIRE INCUMBENT.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—LILYWORTS.

Tue time is at hand for our selecting bulbs for the deco-
ration of ovr borders, spring gardeng, and other places where

we may choose to place them. Various as the kinds of plants |

are for this purpose, I would invite attention to the family of
Grape Hyecinths. They have been far too long in the back-
ground. Being natives of more genial climes than ours we may
not see them in all their beauty, yet some of them have long
been occupants of our borders and done us good service during
the spring and early summer. We may not be favoured with
such sunny skies as those charming plants enjoy in their
native homes, yet we welcome them for their beauty and their
fragrance. They are a very accommodating race, equally in-
teresting in bed, border, rockery, or pots, for in or out-door
decoration, and are invaluable for bouquets when to be had
thriving in avy ordinary garden soil. The lovely white colour of
some of them, and the beautiful deep sky blue and rosy purple
of others, with their delicate perfume, is a sufficient recom-
mendation for their extensive cultivation, and being cheap withal
they come within the reach of most cultivators. They may
remain in the samo place year after year, and will bear a good
deal of rough usage into the bargain. If it is desirable to in-
erease them the bulbs may be separated after they have per-
fected their growth, but they are just as well left alone. Any
of our importers’ lists will afford a good opportunity for making
a selection and forming a collection.

For pot culture they succeed with the same treatment as the
Hyacinth. Half a dozen bulbs ina 5-inch pot afford a charming
display of flowers. One of the most interesting of the family
is the Feathered Hyacinth (Muscari monstrosum), its curious
frizzled cluster having a very striking appearance; it lasts a
long time in flower and ought to be in all collections. Mus-
cari racemosum is a very attractive plant ; M. neglectum is still
more beautiful; then we have M. inaritimum (luteum), a real
gem and deliciously perfumed; M. candicans with its beautiful
white bella in pendant form is algo an acquisition; M. Heil-
drichi (pulchellum) is a charming plant, the queen of the race.
There are many others worthy of cultivation, and which will
repay any amount of care bestowed upon them.—VERITAS.

THE ROSE ELECTION.

Tue declaration of the poll has come at last. What will it
be? Willit satisfy everyone? Certainly not! Did it achieve
this wonderful result, I myself should be the first to say it
was useless. The old Latin proverb applies to Roses as to all
other thinge—different men haye different opinions, and if in

|

matters generally, why not in Roses? They suffer according
to climate, they are grown in different soils, they have varying
treatment. Necessarily under such circumstances the opinion
of their merit here and there must differ. The election at any
rate has this effect, no insignificant one—it shows from a
variety of sources collected together the general opinion of
their merit; and now that I have divided the merit into first,
second, and third grades, it makes it the more improbable
that two Roses will appear bracketed together; and the first
forty-eight on the list will represent, at any rate for the present,
the general opinion of the best exhibition Roses.

What, it may be asked by some, constitutes a good ex-
hibition Rose? Dare I attempt to answer this? I can only
give my own ideas. They are these: In equine matters there
is an old saying, that a good horse is never of a bad colour.
In Roses I would alter this, and say that the best-coloured
Rose cannot compensate for bad form. It is essential, it
seems to me, that ina stand say of forty-eight form should
be the first requisite. Sometimes for the sake of diversity
of colour we may, perhaps, give up the greater for the lesser
attribute, but to me it would uot compensate for deficiency
in form. A tyro in Rose culture may perhaps imagine that
a good-formed Rose in Devonshire, for instance, with its
genial air, would retain its beauty of form in some of the
bracing spots to be found in Wiltshire. Differences of soil
and climate affect in a great degree the form of our fa-
yourites, and so one oi the electors writes—‘‘I can never
depend here on Comtesse d’Oxford or Eugénie Verdier to
exhibit, as they always show their centre sometimes during
the day of exhibition, even if they are perfect at the time of
judging, so I have not put them in my list.” Maréchal Niel,
one of the grandest-formed Roses when in perfection, has
some seasons with me been hopelessly deficient, never, how-
eyer, to the extent that seems to have attended the efforts of
my friend Mr. Parsons of Frome, who writes—‘‘I haye now
grown that Rose (Maréchal Niel) for many years out of doors
and under glass, worked on all sorts of stocke, placed in every
situation I can command, and yet I can gafely say that I never
yet had a bloom thet was a pleasure to look at, still less one
fit for an exhibition stand.’ This opens-up a eubject to which
Teshall revert presently. To return to a good exhibition Rose.
Next to form I should place substance. By substance I mean
texture of petal. This should be firm and stiff though fine in
quality. How many of the lighter-coloured Roses fail here,
especially among ithe Perpetuals! La France on some stocks
and in some situations; whilet Comtesse de Serenyi, Miss
Ingram, Duchess of Edinburgh, and many others are soiled
and injured by bad weather. In this particular no light Rose
in my opinion equals Baronne de Rothschild. Next I would
place colour, and lastly stuf. I only place this last because a
good forma will often hide deficiency of stuff. Some of our
very best Roses would be all the better for additional petals.

And now to the subject alluded to above. Should the lists
returned be the experience, each in his own situation, of each
elector? or should he be allowed to enter in his lists Roses
which, failing in his own, may yet attain the greatest perfec-
tion in a neighbour’s garden? If another exhibition is ever
carried out this point ought to be settled. Personally I con-
sider the former the correct course, but I am afraid that some
of the electors have thought differently and acted onit. The
utility of these elections, it seems to me, is to show intending
purchasers what in all the varying soils and climates of our
isles are generally the best. If, then, an elector gives a vote
founded on the experience of others this result is in some
degree defeated. But I fancy I hear some enthusiastic and
ardent worshipper excleim, Let us have the state of the poll.

This requires a little longer explanation. The first column
gives the position of the Rose named; next comes the name
of the Rose, its variety, year of introduction, and name of

raiser ;* then follow the columns headed 1, 2, 3, representing -

respectively the votes obtained by each Rose in the first and
second twelves and next twenty-four given by amateurs, then
the total of such votes; the same numbers with an asterisk
denote the same votes given by nurserymen; lastly, the grand
total represents the whole votes received by each Rose from
both sections of voters.

It is only necessary further to add that the position of any

* This list is now very nearly complete. It has been a great addition due
to the working-out of the Rev. C. P. Peach’s idea, and I think all growers of
the Rose are indebted to him for the suggestion. There are still missing
links which I shonld be glad to fill up; and there may be errors, for which
I apologise beforehand.

ot

—

Ve es

Die eisig cca st

October 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

265

Roze is decided first by the total number of votes it has re-
ceived. Supposing two are equal here, then by the greater
number of first-class (first twelve) votes; if still equal, by the
greater number of second-class votes; failing here, they are
bracketed together.

y

| Ama- J |Nurse-Z id
Cha- | teurs. [rymeo.s |= 2
No. Name of Rose. racter.Age. Raiser. | 1 2 3&4 | 123" [S55
1 Marie Baumann H.P. 1853 Baumann [31 1 0-82)12 2 0-14) 46
2 Alfred Colomb up. 1855 Lacharme |30 2 0-32/18 0 1-14) 46
3 Charles Lefebyre Hp. 1861 Lacharme [30 2 0-32/12 2 0-14! 46
4 La France HP. 1868 Guillot, fils |29 2 1-32/13 1 0-14| 46
rs i “4 e Pradel 9; i a Ee
ane x. 1884 {EN craier [28 8 08118 1 0-14) 45
F | Baronne de Rothschild #.P. 1867 Pernet 30 2 0-32)L1 2 0-13 45
7 Francois Michelon 4p. 1871 Levet 24 8 481/13 1 0-13 | 45
8 Louis Van Hontte u.P. 1869 Lacharme (1410 7-31/63 413) 44
9 Etienne Levet HP. 1871 Levet 15 11 4380/8 4 1-13} 43
10 Marg. de Castellane u.p. 1869 Pernet 16 11 431) 4 6 2-12) 43
11 Madame V. Verdier up. 1858 E. Verdier {1110 8-29) 3 6413) 42
12 Duke of Edinburgh u.p. 1868 Paul & Son |11 11 6-28) 6 4 3-13) 41
|
13 Malle. MerieRady H.p. 1855 Fontaine 4 14 11-29) 1 6 5-12) 41
14 Comtesse a’Oxford 4.P. 18°9 Guillot, pére| 513 8-26) 3 7 4-14) 40
15 Dr. Andry H.P. 1864 E. Verdier 812 7-27| 2 3 7-12) 39
16 Sénateur Vaisse H.P. 1859 Guillot,pére| 5 7 14-26] 2 5 5-12) 38
17 Xavier Olibo H.p. 1€64 Lacharme 3 11 13-27) 14 6-11) 33
18 Malle. E. Verdier H.P. 1869 Guiilot, fils | 8 8 12-28)234 9) 37
19 Edouard Morren uP. 1869 Granger 1 7 18-26) 1 2 7-10) 86
20 Catherine Mermet T. 1869 Guillot, fils | 7 9 824) 24 5-11) 35
21 Horace Vernet HP. 1863 Gaillot, fils | 2 8 1424/15 5-11) 35
22 Margt. de St. Amand Hp. 1854 Sansal 2 9 11-22) 1 6 5-12) 3
23 Emilie Hausburg H.P. 1868 Levéque 410 9-23) 2 2 6-10) 53
94 Ferdinand de Lesseps.p. 1859 E. Verdier | 4 4 18-21| 8 4 3-10) 31
25 Dupuy Jamain HP. 1858 Jamain 2 811-21) 0 8 7-10) 31
26 Camille Bernardin 4p. 1855 Gantreau 7 7 7-21) 0 6 3-9) 30
27 John Hopper HP. 1862 Ward | 2 8 18-23/ 1 2 4- 7) 30
28 Reynolds Hole HP. 1873 Paul &Son | 1 9 11-21/ 11 6- 8) 29
29 Victor Verdier HP. 1859 Lacharme 1 8 18-22) 0 1 5- 6| 28
80 Prince C@.de Rohan uP. 1863 E. Verdier | 0 6 1420/01 7- 8) 28
81 Marie Van Hontte tT. 1871 Dacher 4 21218) 117-9) 27
82 Capitaine Christy HP. 1873 Lacharme | 2 5 11-18/0 27-9) 27
83 Madame Lacharme 4.p. 1872 Lacharme 1 3 15-19/ 0 2 6- 8) 27
84 Daevoniensis Tr. Curtis | 3 6 413) 4 4 5-15) 26
85 Mons. E. Y. Teas H.P. 1875 E. Verdier | 3 7 8-18/13 4- 8| 26
86 Dukeof Wellington H.p. 1864 Granger 0 9 11-20) 024 6| 26
87 Sonvenird'un Ami 7. 1846 Belot De| 3 5 9-17/04 4- 8| 25
= fougére | ia
88 Pierre Nottiog HP. 1863 Portemer | 1 7 8-16) 027-9) 25
39 Souvenir d’Elise T. 1855 Mares 2 3 9-14) 25 1- §| 22
49 Marie Finger H.P. 1873 Lacharme 1 7 8-16) 22 2- 6| 22
41 Marie Cointet H.P. 1872 Guillot. fils | 2 4 9-15) 13 3-7) 22
42 Fisher Holmes HP. 1865 E. Verdier | 1 111-13)117- 9| 22
43 Monsieur Noman H.P. 1856 Guillot, péro| 0 1 13-14) 1 3 4- 8| 22
44 Comte de Serenyi H.P. 1875 Lacharme 3 8 8-14) 2 2 3- 7) 21
45 Sir Garnet Wolseley H.P. 1875 Cranston | 0 4 612/018- 9} 21
46 MadameC. Wood 4.P. 1861 E. Verdier 0 212-14/11 4 6) 20
47 Starof Waltham Hp. 1875 W. Paul 1 4 611/143. 8/19
48 Arnie Wood H.P. 1856 E. Verdier | 1 2 Be 025-7) 19
49 Niphetos aR 2 7 8-12|2183- 6|18
50 Abel Grand | H.P. 1865 Damaizin 0 3114/00 4- 4/18
51 Prins. M.ofCambridgeu.p. 1856 Paul& Son | 0 3 §11/00 6- 6/17
52 Hippolyte Jamain up. 1874 Lacharme 1 4 611/02 8- 5/16
58 Malle. Thérése Leyet H.P. 1866 Levet 1 2 11-14/0 0 2- 2] 16
54 Dehss.of VallombrosaH.P. 1875 Rigotard 1 8 8-7)422- 8/15
55 Madame H.Jamain 4p. 1871 Garcon 1 1 810/014 5|15
56 Beauty of Waltham up. 1§f2 W. Paul 0 5 7-12)/012- 3/15
57 Lord Macaulay H.P. 1863 Ward 0 2 &10 00 5- 5| 15
58 Maurice Bernardin 4.p. 1851 2 2 8-12/011- 2] 14
59 Gloire de Dijon T. 1853 Jacotot 1 2 6-9/0145|14
60 Duchesse de Caylus up. 1864 C. Verdier | 0 0 12-12/001-1) 18
6l Miss Hassard H.P. 1875 Turner 03 47/014. 5/12
62 Princess Beatrice HP. 1871 W. Paul 00 7-7/014 5| 12
63 Devienne Lamy H.P. 1868 Levéque 8 1 4 8)/201- 3/11
64 Dac de Rohan Hp. 1851 L2véque 1 3 7-11)000-0) 1
65 Baron de Bonstetten H.-P. 1871 Liaband 1 1 79)002- 9/11
66 Annie Laxton B.P. 1859 Laxton 0 2 5-7)/022- 4/11
67 Thomas Mills HP. 1873 E. Verdier 0 2 77-9100 2-2) 11
68 Auguste Rigotard HP. Schwartz 0 1 7-8|003- 8/11
69 Belle Lyonnaise tT. 1869 Levet | 0 4 5-9/001-1) 10
70 Royal Standard HP. 1874 Turner |; 0 1 45/1124) 9
‘S (Madame Bravy T. Guillot, pere | Q) 73) ts 9,000-0|) 9
5. 4 Centifolia Rosea HP. 1863 Tonvais 0 0 8 8!010-1;! 9
& | Madame C. Joigneauxu.p. 1851 Liabaud? 0 1 6-7;002-29) 9

I meant to tabulate seventy-two, but the last three named
must, to use a Wimbledon phrase, shoot off the tie when the
competition opens again. Five Roses received eight votes,
three seven votes, three mustered six votes, seven were men-
tioned five times, twelve four times, amongst these being Cloth
of Gold with two first-class votes, eleven found three sup-
porters, no less than twenty-five were only named twice, and
to close the list, fifty-two received only a solitary vote.

All the electors are prizetakers; there are yet more whose
names we should like to see, especially among the trade.
Why the trade stand aloof as a body and decline to help
puzzles me. Surely it cannot be that, like a village butcher,

they decline to part with a sirloin unless some of the coarser
meat be also taken! I doubt whether this pays in Roses,
for a man starting in Rose-growing who obtains a lot of
worthless varieties is very apt to be disgusted and “ throw
up his Rose spongs” at once, and decline to invest further.
There is another reason why I consider it bad policy for the
trade to hold aloof. It is possible that amateur rosarians may
reason thus: ‘‘I shall give my orders in future to those who
assist us to form an opinion of Roses.’’ It appears to me a
natural result. In any case itis not, to my thinking, in ac-
cordance with the kindly feeling that the love of flowers should
produce, that members of the trade should firet decline to
assist these elections and then advertise their ability to supply
the plants that such elections have brought out as useful.

But having this year obtained our qualified electors, has it
given us a more valuable result? It must bo remembered in
comparing this with previous elections that we have also
limited the list of Roses by distinetly requiring the best exhi-
bition varieties. It appears to my thinking thet both in the
first and second twelve there is no question that we have ob-
tained a first-rate article. Both the twelves are very good,
and a good stand either of the twelve or twenty-four would be
always a pleasure to look at. I fear the result will scarcely
please our good friend ‘‘ Wrip Savacz,” because in spite of
its being an exhibition election by prizetakers the Teas are but
poorly placed—Catherins Mermet No. 20, Marie Van Houtte
No. 31 (I tremble as I write it), Dsvoniensis No. 34, Souvenir
d’un Ami 37, and Souvenir @’Elise 39. In last year’s election
there were eight Teas in the first forty-eight. What will our
Tea worehipper, or totaller I had almost written, say to this?
It is perfectly true that Marie Van Houtte bas made a grand
jump from 44 to 31, but as a counterpoise Devoniensis in my
eyes and in my coil and climate is worth all the Bat I
dare not finish the sentence. I hear the rumble of the distant
thunder, and like the Rose I don’t like storms. But here a
word to my brother amateurs. Howis it that that lovely Rose
has fared so badly at your hands? Glance atthelist. Thirty-
two amateurs only give Davoniensis thirteen votes, whilst four-
teen nurserymen give it exactly the same number.

Beautiful as are the Teas, especially when partly oper, I am
heretic enough to gay that to my eye (the fault is there, no
doubt) when more expanded they cften lack form. They
want, in fact, to ‘‘dress-up in the centre; many would be
improved by more petals, and then, alas! when they have
them, like Isabella Gray, America, and others, they often
decline to unfold their charms. So f am not surprised at
their position on the poll. Dear old Gloire “ fat, fair,” but,
oh! sadly beyond ‘‘forty.’? J like the flavour of Tea enough
to regret seeing thee No. 59. It is, indeed, a fall from 23 to
58, a fall which I cannot help saying thou dost not deserve.
Query, Given the same amount of attention and care as many
other Roses receive that do not give us anything like so boun-
tiful a retarn, and I cannot help thinking thou art werthy of
a place in the forty-eight !

The position attained by Francois Michelon does not surprise
me. I ventured some years back to hazard the opinion that
it might wrest the premiership of its year from Etienne Levet.
This is the first year it has done so, but it will not surprise
me to zea it still higher. Some of the late introductions have
forced their way early into the forty-eight, notably Mons.
E. Y. Teas, Comte de Serenyi, Sir G. Wolseley, and Star of
Waltham, ond it is pleasant to see to two of these Roses the
names of English raisers. Of the raisers it may, perhaps,
interest some to analyse the forty-eight. They will find, I think,
Lacharme and Eugéne Verdier credited with vine each;
Guillot fils, five; Guillot pére, three ; Levet, Pernet, Panl and
Son, and Granger with two each; whilst the remainder have
each one representative.

Oat of the forty-six electors Mr. Walters in his list names
forty-three out of the forty-eight that ultimately head the poll,
whilst no less than twelve nseme thirty-five, the numbers
gradually diminishing tili we end with Mr. Scruby, who names
twenty-seven. Altogether 191 Roses have been mentioned.

In concluding this portion I tender my warmest thanks to
all who have assisted me by their lists. Many also have thrown
out valuable suggestions. To one and all I say fervently, My
hearty thanke.—JossrH Hinron, Warminster.

NEW STRAWBERRIES.

I rrurrep Traveller and Exquisite Strawberries two seasons
—namely, in 1876 and 1877, and being such a complete failure

266 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 4, 1877.

the first year had them layered in pots, and gave them a
second trial this season in a different soil with no better result,
and was much surprised to see them so highly praised in your
Journal. We found them insignificant in size, not of the best
flavour, with but a very moderate crop, while other sorts were
in all respects excellent. Some other new varieties are so much

inferior to many established kinds that we have rot inserted |

them in this season’s list, and they will soon follow Traveller
and Exquisite-—Cuar.es Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough,

SHELTER FOR BEDDING PLANTS IN WINTER.

A CORRESPONDENT, ‘‘R. F. B.,” asks for advice about make-
shift contrivances for keeping Geraniums and certain other
bedding plants in winter, and wishes to know if they may be
wintered in a cellar, as he reads has been done. There are no
doubt numerous other readers of the Journal requiring advice
oi a similar nature at this season of the year ; let me therefore
try to render this reply as comprehensive as possible, and first
as to keeping Geraniums in a cellar. Now, I have seen cellars
in which this could be done perfectly, for they were dry, had
ample light admitted through glazed windows, and were not
more than 7 feet below the surface; the Geraniums planted
thickly and firmly in boxes, having no water for months, and
requiring no other care than an occasional clearance of decay-
ing foliage, keeping plump and tolerably green, yet losing most
of the smallest roots—an evil soon remedied when warm
weather returns and water is given again. Will my friends
look about them and see if they have a similar apartment ?—not
necessarily a cellar so long as it is not very damp, is tolerably
well lighted, and is either frost-proof or possesses facilities for
the exclusion of frost. But if no such place is available I can
hold out no hopes of success in a dark cellar, for to tie up
Geraniums in bundles and put them aside till spring is, to say
the least, a very speculative affair, and I much fear very little
vitality would be found in any of them—certainly I cannot
recommend tha plan.

It is matter for regret that when means for winter shelter
are not available undue prominence is given to Geraniums,
there being so many other flowers wherewith a garden may be
made gay, and which can be kept in a dormant condition
throughout winter or easily protected, or, better still, be raised
from seed in spring—all three methods answering ‘‘ R. F. B.’s”’
wish “‘ to have done with them until spring.”

Among plants which may be said to lie dormant, tuberous-
rooted Begonias are beginning to take a prominent position.
Here in the sunny south they are left undisturbed in the beds
with a covering of coal ashes or litter to keep off frost; but as

«R. F. B.’’ hails from Windermere, he and others farther |

north will probably succeed best by removing the bulbs from
the beds into a cold frame half filled with coarse sand and coal
ashes, in which the bulbs should be buried till spring, the
frame being placed upon a high sheltered position where water
cannot accumulate, and rough litter thrown over to exclude
frost. Next come Fuchsiag, sometimes left in the same place
for many years. The best plan, however, for general purposes
is 1o take them up in autumn with plenty of soil about the
roots, place them close together at the foot of a wall, fence, or
any sheltering nook or corner, covering them with a heap of
leaves or other rough litter, and leaving them undisturbed till
the return of genial weather prompts us to plant them once
more in beds of very rich gritty soil for a summer display.
Then there are Cannas, holding an important position for a
variety of decorative purposes, and which may be treated pre-
cisely similarly to Dahlia, or, as is now the general way with
the more hardy varieties, be left undisturbed for two years, with
some coal ashes thrown upon the surface to exclude frost, onl:
lifting and replanting the roots in fresh rich soil in the sprin
of the third year.

Calceolarias have been so much written about that it seems
superfluous to add anything here, further than to note that
now is the time to insert cuttings in any unheated frame or
pit, watering well and shading upon bright days for a week or
two, afterwards as they begin growing withdrawing the lights
and exposing them fully to the air upon every fine day, taking
care to cover in frosty weather. Verbenas have been wintered
successfully in a similar manner, but it is questionable if it
could be done in northern districts, where the snow frequently
lays so long that the coverings remain on for weeks. Yet
much may be done by having the pit in a snug sunny corner
well sheltered from cold winds, so that every hour of genial
warmth may be turned to account, it often being possible to

remove the mats and litter and open the lights, even when
every surrounding object is covered with snow. The success
of any such attempt to winter Verbenas will much depend
upon haying the plants sturdy and well rooted by October.
The scarlet Lobelias are not hali so much grown as they
deserve, yet nothing can be more striking than the dark crim-
son stems and foliage surmounted by spikes of brilliant scarlet
flowers. They are easily wintered by removing the stems
when the flowers fade and transplanting the stools to a frama,
excluding frost and keeping a close watch for snails. The
crowns are divided in spring. Pentstemons may be wintered
as easily as Calceolarias, and do well in the north. And then
there are Violas, northern plants par excellence; how easily
they are grown, and how beautiful they are in a moist cool
clime !

Thus much for means of protection, the successful applica-
tion of which will much depend upon the care and painstaking
with which they are carried out. Let me in conclusion urge
everybody doing their best in such makeshift fashion to give
serious attention to the value of annuals easily raised from
seed in spring, affording a succession of the gayest loveliest
flowers from spring till winter comes again, requiring no
costly glass structures or puzzling makeshift contrivances, in-
volving no outlay for fuel, mats, or straw, and yet when well
cultivated are often more really ornamental and attractive than
the most costly of our much-vaunted ‘“ bedders.’’ Stocks,
Asters, Zinnias, Phloxes, Petunias, Nemophilas, Saponaria,
Senecio, Marigold, Poppy, Larkspurs, Balsams, and Portu-
laccas, all are worthy of a place—not one of them should be
excluded, and all are perfectly within the means of an amateur.
—Epwarp LuckHorstT.

HARDY APPLES.

By hardy Apples I mgan those which appear to have hardy
blossom or which are late in blossoming, and so escape injury
from the frosts of an inclement spring. The spring of the
present year was one of the most unpropitious that I have

Fig. 51.—Cellini.

experienced, and the Apple crop is consequently almost a
complete failure. In your answers to correspondents you
mention that Cellini has proved one of the most fruitful of
Apples during the present year. I am able to confirm that
statement. A few years ago I planted a considerable collec-
tion of Apples. Amongst them were three trees of Cellini,
and so fruitful have these trees proved that I regret that I
had not planted three dozen trees of an Apple so valuable.
The three trees have produced more fruit than have a hundred
other trees in the same collection. This Apple is as handsome
and as good as it is prolific. I send a section of a fair-sized
specimen and ask you to give the prominence to it which I
consider it merits by figuring it, so as to impress it the more
fully on the public mind as a serviceable Apple both for home
use and for market purposes. It succeeds admirably on the
Paradise stock, and makes a handsome bush or pyramid.

October 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Another Apple deserving equally honourable mention is
the old Court-Pendu-Plat: this is the Jatest-blossoming of all
Apples, and I bave never known it fail to set a full crop of
fruit. As there is more than one variety cultivated under the
same name, I ask you to engrave the section of the true old
short-stalked varicty as one of the most distinct, certain, and
valuable of late dessert Apples.

Fig.

52.—Court-Pendu-Plat.

Other Apples which have proved exceptionally hardy during
the present trying season are Cox’s Orange Pippin, King of
the Pippins, Stirling Castle, and Hawthornden.

I did not include Hawthornden in the list sent to Mr.
Killick on account of its liability to canker on light soil; but
on good soils it is extremely useful. I now ask Mr. Killick to
place a double asterisk against the five sorts now named which
are included in the list which I forwarded some months ago to
Mount Pleasant, Langley, Maidstone.

This is the worst of all seasons for an Apple election, and I
do not anticipate a large number of entries; still I hope if
those who are able to do so will send lists to the address named
of the best fifteen kitchen and fifteen dessert Apples valuable
information will be forthcoming, especially if the sorts are
marked which have best resisted the destructive frosts of the
late inclement spring.—A NorrHerN GARDENER.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
OcToBER 2ND.

We have to report an extensive, varied, and excellent meeting
—one of the best that has been held for some time. Plants
were not largely exhibited, but a collection of Nepenthes and
insectivorous plants from Messrs. James Veitch & Sons afforded
a rich treat by their great variety, singular forms, and excellent
condition. Tuberous Begonias, Tree Carnations, double Pri-
mulas, cut blooms of Roses, Dahlias, and Gladioli contributed
brightness to the Council-room. Fruit was also exhibited in
superior condition, notably Grapes and Pine Apples, while
Cucumbers, Potatoes, Cauliflowers, and Watercress in pans
were well represented amongst vegetables.

FEruir Commirrer.—Henry Webb, Esq., Vice-President,in the
chair. Three splendid Smooth-leaved Cayenne Pine Appies,
weighing respectively 9}, 9}, and 9]bs., were sent from Her
Majesty’s Gardens, Frogmore, and the Committee recommended
that a silver Banksian medal be awarded to Mr. Jones the gar-
dener. Mr. R. Hutton, The Gardens, Crown House, South-
port, sent two fairly grown Providence Pines under the name of
Charlottes Rothschild ; a vote of thanks was awarded. A cultural
commendation was awarded to Mr. Jones, Bentley Priory, Stan-
more, for a very good Charlotte Rothschild Pine, weighing
8 lbs., from a plant not eleven months old.

A very fine collection of eight sorts of Grapes was sent from
Messrs. Lane & Sons, Great Berkhampsted, Herts. It com-
prised fine examples of Muscat Hamburgh, Black Hamburgh,
Muscat of Alexandria, Gros Colman, Golden Queen, Mrs. Pince,
Alicants, and Trebbiano. The Committee unanimously recom-
mended that a silver-gilt medal be awarded forthem. Mr. R.
Gilbert, The Gardens, Burghley, Stamford, sent two very fine
bunches of Gros Colman with immensely large berries ; a bronze
medal was voted for them. Mr. Harrison Weir, Weirleigh,
Brenchley, Kent, sent Muscat Champion and Venn’s Black
Muscat Grapes, grown without the aid of fire heat. The speci-
mens of Muscat Champion were very fine indeed, and they
were recommended to the Council for a medal. From the
Society’s garden, Chiswick, came very good examples of Frank-
enthal Blanc; the berries were similar to the black sort, and
the flavour sweet and refreshing. Mr. Barron also sent a col-
lection of Peaches from the open wall; the frait was remark-

267

ably well grown. Belle Imperiale was handsome and well
flavoured. Desse Tardive is also an excellent late sort, but was
not so well flavoured. Osprey is a yellow-fleshed sort, but of
indifferent flavour. Mr. J. Tranter, Upper Assenden, Hentey-
on-Thames, sent a seedling Gooseberry, the fruit almost black,
but the flavour was quite gone.

Mr. C. Tyler, gardener to R. Gosling, Esq., Hassobury,
Bishop Stortford, sent a green-fleshed Melon named Exquisite.
It was very fine indeed, and the Committee asked to see it again
when quite ripe. Mr. EH. Bennett, The Nurseries, Rabley, Herts,
sent a scarlet-fleshed Melon, a cross between Little Heath and
Read’s Scarlet-flesh. It is a fine-looking Melon and will be a
good market variety. Mr. Allan, The Gardens, Gunton Park,
sent a scarlet fleshed Melon named Royal Ascot, of fair flavour.
Messrs. Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, sent
a new type of Melon, deeply ribbed and with long-shaped fruit.
The flavour was very good, and the flesh scarlet. It is very
promising. The Committee wished to see it again. The same
firm sent a new Capsicum with fruit as large as a medium-sized
Mangold Wartzel, and of a very rich scarlet colour. It was
named Giant Emperor. Besides this there was a large collec-
tion of other sorts, comprising Yellow Tomato, the Large Bell
or Bull Nose, Purple, &c. The Committee voted a letter of
thanks and a cuijural commendation.

A dish of Garibaldi Strawberry was sent by Mr. E. Bennett,
and a dish of Vicomtesse Héricart de Thury from Mr. Allen;
both dishes received acultural commendation, and in all respects
they appeared identical. A seedling Apple, Lord Home, was
sent from Mesera. Harrison of Leicester; it is a kitchen sort of
no apparent merit. Mr. Louis Killick, Mount Pleasant, Maid-
stone, sent examples of a kitchen Apple named Stone Apple.
The fruit is of large size, and well merited the first-class certi-
ficate awarded toit. A dish of Swanley Pippin was sent from
Mr. H. Cannell of Swanley, but it was not thought worthy of
an award. Mr. Howle, Eleanor Road, Waltham, sent a dessert
Apple named Howle’s Seedling, but it was not thought an im-
provement on established sorts.

Mr. J. Lovey, gardener to G. Dixon, Esq., Gothenburg,
Sweden, sent a very fine collection of Pears which had been
grown in pots under glass. The fruit was very fine indeed, and
equal to the best Jersey Pears. The collection comprised thirty
varieties of all the most approved English varieties; also a col-
lection of Apples splendidly grown, and two dishes of Grapes.
The Committee unanimously agreed in recommending the col-
lections for a gold medal. One hundred varieties of Apples
were sent from the nurseries of Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham
Cross, comprising the usual well-grown examples for which this
firm is noted. A letter of thanks was voted, and a bronze medal
was recommended to be given for the collection.

A seedling Onion resembling Bedfordshire Champion was
sent by Mr. Allen, but was not considered to be sufficiently dis-
tinct. A basket of very fine Brussels Sprouts was sent by Mr.
Gilbert, but the Committee expressed a wish to see the sprouts
as grown on the stem. Mr. C. Turner, The Royal Nurseries,
Slough, sent a new whita kidney Potato named Harly Bird.
The tubers were very clear on the skin, and remarkably hand-
some in shape, but it is a rule not to certificate Potatoes as
shown in small dishes; it was therefore voted to be sent to
Chiswick. A collection of Cucumbers was sent by Messrs.
Kelway of Langport, but none of them were in condition. Mr.
Miles, gardener to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey, exhibited
ripe and well-coloured Black Hamburgh Grapes from the same
Vines from which ripe fruit was cut and exhibited in January
of the present year. Col. Trevor Clarke exhibited a seedling
Grape resembling the Black Hamburgh; and a collection of
upwards of forty varieties of Nats was sent from the Society’s
Gardens at Chiswick.

Frorst CommirTere.—G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair.
Messrs. Veitch’s grand collection of Nepenthes and insectivorous
plants first merits notice. It was composed of about twenty
species and varieties of Nepenthes, besides a remarkable display
of Darlingtonias, Sarracenias, Droseras, Cephalotes, &c. Among
the Nepenthes were admirably grown specimens of N- Hooker,
N. Rafflesiana, and N. Chelsoni, with smaller plants of the
Chelsea hybrids and some rare species. First-class certificates
were unanimously awarded to three new varieties—namely,
N. hybrida maculata elongata, its splendid long dark pitchers
being very striking; N. Courtii, distinct and extremely fine ;
N. rubra maculata, dwarf, sturdy, free, and richly marked. We
noticed also N. intermedia, very rich; N. zeylanica rubra from
Ceylon; N. Kennedyana from North Australia, and the small but
distinct N. albo-marginata. Amongst the Sarracenias S. Chel-
soni, the result of a cross between 8. rubra and S. purpurea,
was extremely rich and distinct. This valuable and unique
collection was recommended for a gold medal, a distinction that
it fully merited, for novelty was combined with rarity and
erotsdue beauty, and skilful cultivation was stamped on every
plant.

Mr. Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited winter-
flowering Carnations in 5 and 6-inch pots. Too much praise

268

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 4, 1877.

cannot be given to these plants for conservatory decoration,
they are both beautiful and sweet. A first-class certificate was
awarded to Osman Pasha, vermilion scarlet, smooth, and extra
fine. The other varieties were Rose Perfection, Red Dragon,
Mazeppa, Miss Joliffe, and Sir Garnet Wolseley. A votes of
thanks was awarded. Mr. Turner also exhibited a splendid col-
lection of Pompon Dahlias in upwards of fifty varieties, A
glass stand in three tiers was also arranged with these miniature
Dahblias and Ferns, showing how admirably they are adapted
for that purpose of decoration. A vote of thanks was awarded
for this arrangement. These early, free-flowering, and attractive
Dahlias are not sufficiently grown in gardens. The collection
was highly commended by the Committee. Messrs. Rawline-,
Brothers, Romford, received first-class certificates for show
Dahlias James Willing, crimson maroon, rich, and of excellent
form ; and Mrs. Shirley Hibberd, creamy white, faintly tipped
with rosy purple, also of good form.

Messrs. William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts, exhibited
an admirable collection of Roses in nearly a hundred varieties,
including the new Rose May Quennell, very fine, and was awarded
a vote of thanks.

Mr. Gilbert, Burghley Gardens, Stamford, exhibited four of
his fine double Primulas, to three of which—Mrs. Barron, French
white mottled with rose; Princess, pinkish white mottled and
faintly striped with purple and white; Lady, fine pure white—
first-class certificates were awarded. ‘Lady Louisa, purplish
crimson, was also very fine. These Primulas are remarkable for
their fine flowers and the free and vigorous growth of the plants.

Messrs. Kelwey & Sons, Langport, Somerset, exhibited a col-
lection of Gladioli in varied colours and with the felness of
spike which characterises the best varieties of this renowned
firm. A first-class certificate was awarded to Rhamnes, rich
full scarlet with maroon bar and purplish rayed throat; very
striking.

Mr. Roberts, gardener to Baron Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park,
Acton, exhibited Odontoglossum Rothschildi, a richly spotted
variety of O. crispum, distinct on account of the blue tint which
suffused the flowers. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Messrs. Bell & Son, The Nurseries, Norwich, exhibited tube-
rous Begonias with bright flowers and the veined foliage of
B. Pearceii; also a crested Adiantum—A. Capillus-Veneris
corymbiferam, Messrs. Froebel & Co., Zurich, also sent tube-
rous Begonias. Mr. Cannell exhibited a compact plant of his
Perfection French Marigold and bedding Lobelia Defiance,
reddish purple in colour aud very promising. Mr. Noble, Bag-
shot, submitted trusses of his new Rose Queen of Bedders,
very rich and floriferous. Mr. Woollett, nurseryman, Caterham,
sent Cupressus Lawsoniana plumose argentea; Messrs. Stewart
and Sons, Dundee, a purple-leaved Norway Maple. Mr. G. F.
Wilson exhibited sprays of Escallonia Pterocladon, a white-
flowered species, very attractive ; Mr. Green, gardener to Sir G.
Macleay, Pendell Court, Bletchingley, sent a plant of Eryngium
serra; and from the gardens of Viscount Bridport, Cricket St.
Thomas, Somerset, was sent the stem of an Heliotropium
peruvianum. The plant wes planted in 1837, and covered
700 square feet of the conservatory wall. The stem was about
4 inches in diameter and covered with rough batk. The meet-
ing was largely attended by horticulturists.

INTERNATIONAL POTATO SHOW,
Royat AQuaRIUM, WESTMINSTER, OCTOBER 3RD, 4TH, AND 5TH.

In extent the Show is perhaps not equal to the Exhibition of
last year. The collections are arranged in the south and end
galleries of the building, but the space is too limited for such a
large exhibition being inspected with comfort. In quality—that
is, uniformity of size of the tubers, and that size generally
acceptable for table purposes, and for excellent shape, we un-
hesitatingly pronounce the Showa great advance on previous
displays: it is, in fact, the best Exhibition of Potatoes that
has probably ever been arranged. A few coarse tubers there
undoubtedly are, and others not clear in the skin, but they
are much less numerous than on former cccasions. The Show
opened in a dense London fog; the arrangements also appeared
to be alittle “foggy,” for they were not completed for some
hours after the appointed time. Time only permits our giving
the awards and the names of the first-prize varieties.

The first class in the schedule is a somewhat imposing one,
the prizes given by the Royal Aquarium Company being £12 12s.,
£8 8s., £5 5s., £3 3s., and £2 2s. for twenty-four varieties of
Potatoes, nine tubers of each. There are thirteen competitors,
the awards going as follows:—First to Mr. Peter McKinlay,
Woodbine House, Beckenham; second to Mr. W. Finlay, gar-
dener to Col. North, Banbury; third to Mr. Pink, gardener to
Lord Sondes, Faversham; fourth to Mr. Ironside, Keith Hall,
Inverurie; and fifth to Mr. R. Dean, Haling. Mr. McKinlay’s
splendid collection consists of Porter’s Excelsior, Onwards,
King of Potatoes, Climax, Brownell’s Superior, Breadfruit,
Parple Ashleaf, Early King, Grampian, Early Rose, International
Kidney, Schoolmaster, Model, Salmon Kidney, Rector of Wood-

stock, Blanchard, Taylor’s Seedling, Garibaldi, Alexandra Kia
ney, Late Rose, Snowflake, Emperor, Ashtop Fluke, and last
but not least, a fine new kidney named Royal Aquarium.

In the next class Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, provide &
silver cup value £10 10s. as the first prize for eighteen varieties,
nine tubers of each, open to gentlemen’s gardeners and amateurs
only. The second prize of £6 6s.is given by Mr. John Contts,
James Street, Covent Garden, and the third prize of £4 4s. by
Mr. James Crute, Watling Street, London. Highteen collections
are staged, the awards being as follows :—First to Mr. W. Porter,
King Street, Old Meldrum ; second to Mr. Donaldson, Inverurie,
Aberdeenshire; third to Mr. G. Bagerley, Syerstone Lodge,
Newark; fourth to Mr. James Pink, Faversham. The cup col-
lection contains splendid dishes of kidneys Bountiful, Improved
Ashtop, Fluke Crimson Walnutleaf, International Kidney, Na-
poleon, Snowflake, Meldrum Conqueror, Blue Ashleaf, Albion
Kidney; and of rounds—Blanchard, Rector of Woodstock,
Grampian, Climax, Early Emperor, Blue Prince, Bresee’s Pro-
lific, and Porter’s Excelsior.

Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, give all the prizes
in the class for twelve varieties. The first prize of £6 6s. is
secured by Mr. James Pink; the second, third, and fourth prizes
going respectively to Mr. Charles Ross, gardener to C. Hyre,
Esq., Newbury; Mr. William Finlay, gardener to Col. North,
Banbury; and Mr. C. C. Cornfoot, gardener to J. Tassell, Esq ,
Faversham. There are seventeen competitors. The first-
prize collection contains handsome dishes of Berkshire Kidney,
Garibaldi, Snowflake, Bresee’s Prolific, Early Rose, Coldstream,
Waterloo Kidney, Red Emperor, Ruby, Birmingham Prizetaker,
Early Goodrich, and Schoolmaster.

The Lawson Seed Company, Edinburgh and London, provide
the first prize of £6 6s. in the class for nine varieties, which is
won by Mr. R. Dean, Haling, the remaining prizes going te.
Mr. Peter McKinlay; Mr. Ellington, Mildenhall, Soham; and
Messrs. Lots & Hart, Whitehill Nursery, Faversham, in the
order of their names. Mr. Dean’s collection contains Climax,
Blanchard, Salmon Kiduey, International Kidney, Excelsior
Kidney, Grampian, Extra Early Vermont, Purple Ashleaf, sné
King of the Potatoes, all of great excellence. Highteen com-
petitors,

The first prize in the class for six dishes is 2 silver cup value
£5 5s., provided by Messrs. Daniells Brothers, Norwich. It is
won by Mr. W. Finlay, Banbury. The second prize, given by
Mr. C. Quincey, Peterborough, is secured by Mr. Ellington =
Mr. Ironside, Keith Hall, Inverurie, being placed third, and
Mr. Miller, Newbury, fourth. The winning dishes are ex-
tremely fine. They comprise Snowflake, Scotch Blue, Edgcott
Seedling, Blanchard, Magnum Bonum, and Walnut Kidney; a
fine class of twenty-three competitors. Mr. Pink’s collection
is highly commended; and Mr. Jones, Broughton House, Mr.
Osman, Sutton, Surrey, and Mr. Gilbert, Burghley, are com-
mended in this class.

Messrs. Wheeler & Sons, Gloucester, provide the first prize
of £3 3s.in the class for four dishes, two of round and two of
kidney varieties ; and Mr. Cockburn, Falkirk, the second prize.
There are twenty-three competitors, the awards going as
follows:—First Mr. F. Miller, gardener to J. F. Friend, Esq,
Margate; second Mr. J. Denyer, Penge Road, Beckenham;
third Mr. George Donaldson, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire; fourth
Messrs. Lott & Hart, Faversham. The first-prize collection con-
sists of Ashtop Fluke, Breadfruit, Blanchard, and Snowflake.

In the class for four dishes, distinct, new varieties not in
commerce, or in commerce for the first time this year, all the
prizes are provided by Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden.
There are twelve competitors, the first prize being won by
Mr. James Pink with Superior, a fine red variety ; Handsworth
Superior, Seedling No. 2, and Covent Garden Perfection >
second Mr. R. Dean with International Kidney, Radstock
Beauty, Bedfont Prolific, and Garibaldi; third Messrs. Lott
and Hart. No name was attached tothe fourth-prize collection,
which consists of very fine examples of Ice Cream, Centennial,
Telescope, and Heather-bell.

Messrs. Charles Lee & Son, Hammersmith, provide the prizes
in the class for two dishes, one round and one kidney. There
are twenty-six competitors. Mr. R. Dean is placed first with
International and Schoolmester, very fine indeed; Mr. Miller
second, aud Mr. W. Howerd, Bridge, Canterbury, third; and
Mr. R. Farquhar fourth; all exhibiting well.”

All the prizes for the best dish of any white round Potato are
given by Messrs. Harrison & Sons, Leicester. There are twenty-
three competitors, the prizes being awarded in the followivg
order. First, Mr. Robert Ironside, Ingleston, Inverurie, N.B .
with Rector of Woodstock; second, Mr. Pink with Harly Good-
rich; third, Mr. J. B. Hall with the same variety.

Mr. B. S. Williams, Holloway, provides the prizes in the class
for the best dish of any coloured round Potato, and they are

, awarded in the following crder—first to Mr. Pink with Red

Emperor, second to Mr. R. Dean with Radstock Beauty, and
third to Messrs. Lott & Hart. T:venty-eight competitors.
In the class for the best dish of any white kidney Potato the

October 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 269

prizes are provided by Mr. Charles Turner, Slough, and are won
—first by Mr. Miller with Yorkshire Hero, second Mr. W. Fiulay
with Lapstone Kidney, third Mr. Thos. Wraight, gardener to
Major Curtess, Rye, Sussex, with Jackson’s Kidney. Twenty-
one competitors, : i

Messrs. James Cutbush & Son, Highgate, give the prizes in
the class for the best dish of any coloured kidney variety. There
are twenty-one competitors, with the following result :—First,
Mr. J. S. Evenden, Longfield, Dartford, with Superior ; second,
Messrs. Virgo & Son, nureerymen, Guildford, with Early Ver-
mont; third, Mr. James Pink, also with Early Vermont. _

In the class for the best dish of Snowflake the prizes are given
by Messrs. Edward Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge. The
awards are—first, Mr. Pink; second, Messrs. Bliss & Sons;
third, Mr. R. Farquhar, gardener to Col. W. C. Gordon of Fyvie.
Twenty-one competitors. ;

Mr. J. Cattell, Westerham, provides prizes for the best dish
of Ruby Potato, which are won as follows :—First, Mr. Chas.
Ross, gardener to C. Eyre, Esq., Newbury; second, Messrs.
Lott & Hart; third, Mr. Pink. There are ten competitors.

For the best dish of Porter’s Excelsior the prizes are given
by Messrs. Thomas Gibbs & Sons, Down Street, Piccadilly. The
successful competitors are—first, Mr. Pink ; second, Mr. Ross;
third, Mr. John Belliss, gardener to Major Thoyts, Reading.
Nine exhibitors.

The last class in the schedule is for the best dish of School-
master, the prizes being given by Messrs. Barr & Sugden, 12,
King Street, Covent Garden. Thore are eight competitors, with

the following result—First, Mr. J. B. Hall, Gillingham, Kent; |

second, Mr. EH. Bennett, Enville, Stourbridge; third, Mr. T.
Worsfold, Horsham.

The varieties named in the four last classes are for some
reason or other excluded from competing in the other classes for
single dishes.

In the Miscellaneous classes Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading,
exhibit a fine collection of Magnum Bonum; Messrs: James
Carter an imposing stand of 180 varieties, including some supe-
rior produce from Sandringham; Mr. Turner, Slough, splendid
examples-of Schoolmaster ; and Messrs. Daniels, Bros., Norwich,
@ sensational stand containing five hundred named varieties.
Mr. Porter, Old Meldrum, also stages a fine miscellaneous col-
lection. Messrs. Kelway exhibit Gladioli, and Mr. Turner
Pompon Dahlias. The Exhibition, which continues until
Friday evening, is highly worthy of extensive patronage.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

A Fonuam corrmsronpENT writes:—‘‘On the morning of
the 25th ult. we had a foretaste of winter; the thermometer
registered 6° of frost, and the gardens about here presented
the aspect of Christmas. We have recently had dense fogs
until about midday. Crops are beginning to show symptoms
of drought—for instance, Savoys, Spinach, and other green
crops ars suffering for want of rain.”

—— Iv may be interesting to some of your readers to know

that quite one-half of the enormous crop vf Tomaroxs ia the
market gardens about Fulham were destroyed by tho disease,
which seems to be becoming an annual occurrence. But with
this loss the firm of Messrs. Bagley have been sending to the
market one thousand baskets of Tomatoes per week, three
baskets being equivalent to a bushel. The plants are grown in
the open fields and are trained to short stakes.
A CORRESPONDENT, ‘‘G. C.,’’ states that for tho last
three years he has washed his Porators at the time of taking
them up, as he can then pick out the bad tubers much better.
When the sound tubers are-thoroughly dry he stores them
away, and has not found 1 per cent. go bad afterwards. Tho
kinds grown are Haigh’s Kidney, Mona’s Pride, and Paterson’s
Victoria.

—— WE have received from My. Joseph Bentley, Lincoln,
heads of VertcH’s AutuMN Giant CauLirnowER. They are
admirable examples of culture of one of the most valuable of
autumn vegetables.

—— Wartrrcresses.—At the meeting of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society on Tuesday Mr. Shirley Hibberd of Stoke
Newington exhibited a dozen pans of Watercresses, grown
in the manner he has practised and recommended for some
ears past. One of the advantages of this system is that the
plants are under complete control to be placed in the sun or
the shade, or during winter in heated plant houses, and can at
all times be supplied with pure water, and thus be preserved
from contamination by the pollutions common to rivers,
brooks, and even Watercress beds. The pans in which the Cress
is grown measure from 15 to 20 inches across, and from 6 to
inches deep. The pans are filled with rich loamy soil inter-
Mixed with lumps of chalk or old mortar, and then very small

cuttings are inserted. These soon become strong plants, and
in from fifteen to twenty days they may be gathered from, the
produce being tender and delicate in flavour, and of the most
beautiful appearance. The twelve pans shown have been regu-
larly gathered from for the table for a period of six weeke, and
their fresh and robust appearance indicated that they might be
cut from for another six weeks without being exhausted.

One of the most attractive and elegant of variegated
plants of easy culture is HeMEROCALLIS FLAVA VARIEGATA. We
recently observed it at the Crystal Palace, where Mr. Thomson
had it in excellent condition and regarded it favourably as a
table and general decorative plant. Its leaves are clearly
striped and arch ia a pleasing manner. It was growing in a
warm greenhouse, and the temperature appeared to suit it
admirably.

In the south of Devon the Bercu trezs are loaded
down to the ground with nute. I never saw such a bearing
before. The trees have an elegant appearance, and the squirrelg
have a fine time of it, for not only the Beech-nuts but the
Hozal-nuts are abundant; but acorns are very scarce.—Sourth
Devon.

Mr. Harpina, gardener to the Rev. W. Arthur, Clap-
ham Common, has, we are informed, been appointed to the
charge of the Dowager Marchioness of Huntley’s garden at
Orton Langueville. Mr. Harding is known as a successful
exhibitor of Chrysanthemums and vegetables at the Royal
Horticultural Society and other metropolitan shows, and he is
an occasional contributor to the columns of this Journal.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
TREGOTHNAN, THE SEAT OF VISCOUNT FALMOUTH.

“Down a shady vale’? passes the road by which I went to
Tregothnan. Lofty trees shut it in and overhang it; not
those awe-inspiring ‘‘ monarchs of the forest’? which we
admire—almost worship, but a motley crowd of wildings
with just enough fine trees among them to show that neither
sou, climate, nor trees are at fault, but that man’s fostering
care is wanting; not that we should like to see an ardent
improver let loose upon the woods, for the trees are so lofty
and so old that sound. judgment, practical skill, and an
artistic eye are now more requisite for their treatment than
when they were younger. They afford proof that a judicious
clearance of weakly growth is a fundamental rule of forestry
to which due weight is not given, although it is fraught with
such momentous consequences. Why do I dwell upon this
wooded valley, and not hasten at ones to the gardens to which
itleads? Because it is literally a garden itself—jnst one vast
fernery, such as I had never seen before. On all sides—from
the road down to the margin of the stream, away up the steep
and undulating slopes far as the sye can reach among the soft
light of Nature’s areades—there are thousands of Ferns, most
of them magnificent specimens of elegant form and extra-
ordinary size, for they are not all crowded together in one
continuous mass, but are dispersed in clumps and singly in a
wild but charming manner, sometimes clothing an entire
slope with their charming frondage, and frequently, much
more so than is usual, standing out alone on little hillocks
and promontories, showing their large size and graceful pro-
portions in a way as striking as it is singular and pleasing.
1 had no idea that Scolopendriums would grow to such a size
as I saw them here by hundreds. The plants were doubtless
very old, each having some dozens of glossy green fronds—
long, broad, and recurved—springing from the crown in circles,
drooping gracefully outwards tier above tier, forming such large
bold tufts as to worthily rival the grand old specimens of
Lastrea Filix-mas, the Polystichums, and Osmundas with
which they are intermingled. Right up the stems of many of
the trees and along the branches 50 or 60 feet from the ground
Polypodium vulgare was growing in perfect health, imparting
to the trees an odd sort of Jack-in-the-green appearance, more
curious than beautiful.

Well, my walk from Lamorran to the gardens of Tregothnan
was among those wonderful Ferns for the greater part of the
way; it was therefore a pleasant walk, and when I reached
the gardens another extraordinary sight awaited me at the
very entrance—an avenue of Camellias, or rather a double
row of them standing out upon the turf on each side of the
path which swept onwards into the interior of the ghrubbery.
Every plant was a perfect specimen—globular in outline with
the foliage large, green, glistening with health, and so dense
as to conceal every trace of branch and stem. I have applied

7,

70

2

the common term of plant to them, but it is inappropriate, for

they are veritable shrubs 4 or 5 feet high and as much in|
So perfect in every point are they that one hesi- |

diameter.
tates to criticise, but duty compels me to say that the arrange-
ment is a mistake; the formal aspect of such long lines robs
the scene of that grace which it ought to possess, and which
might be so easily imparted to it by throwing the Camellias
into clamps—some standing out in larga circles upon the turf,
others spreading backwards in long flowing curves to meet and
bl2nd with the shrub borders behind. The scene would then be

magnificent and unique, fewif any gardens in this country con- |

taining such a number of Camellias growing in the open air.

Beyond the rows of Camellias the lawn opens outinto a bold |

ascending semicircular expanse on one hand and downwards |
Numerous shrubs and trees fringe |

over slopes on the other.

the boundaries and stand ous upon the turf. Mary of them

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 4, 1877.

are excellent specimens, notably some Camellias arranged with
the happiest effect in a bold group upon the semicircular
lawn. Here too are Rhododendrons, many of them seedlings
of arboreum and other species raised by Mr. Boscawen, and
bearing the impress of his handiwork in the large foliage and
vigorous growth peculiar to all the Lamorran seedlings. Some
dwarf Fan Palms planted out here are in excellent health, and
are evidently making steady progress upwards. One day they
will no doubt be regarded as a feature of prime importance.
They are worthy of all care, and it is matter for regret that
the largest of them all—a really fine Chamzrops Fortunei—is
almost lost to view in an odd angular nook, which might
easily be opened out and converted into a semicircle. A
much more prominent position has been giyen to a remark-
able specimen of what I believe to be Acacia dealbate, nearly
30 feet high. In making this statement I am well aware that

Fig. 538. —TREGOTHNAN.

exception will probably be taken to it; there, however, stands |

the tree—an undoubted Acacia, and my attention was called
to it as a fine example of the Green Wattle Mimosa—A. afiinis.
Whether it may ever be proved to be another variety is not, I
think, so important as the actual fact of an Antipodean Acacia
having attained to such proportions in the open air.

Many varieties of Conifers planted near this lawn with choice
deciduous trees have thriven, but the growth is becoming sadly
crowded. Another evil that is telling upon some of the best
specimens is a want of adequate shelter, the growth being per-
fectly healthy till it gets above the surrounding trees and then
it dies—killed by cold winds, and, of course, the tree is spoilt.
Picea Nordmanniana, still unscathed, is very handsome; Picea
Webbiana is not healthy, and is bearing cones freely; Pinus
pseudo-strobus, with pendant clusters of very long foliage, is
distinct and striking ; it is worthy of culture wherever it will
grow as it does here, but unfortunately it is rather tender,
which accounts for it being so seldom seen. A Pinus Monte-
zum exhibited in a striking degree the effects of frequent

judgment in the selection of the permanent position of a tree
and in planting it there when quite young.

A walk winding among shrubs leads upwards and onwards
to one of the most important features of the gardens—an ex-
tensive lawn on a gentle slope with enclosing belts of shrubs,
which sweep downwards from a broad walk at the top in bold
curves, gradually converging till they meet and blend with
other shrubs, clothing the side of a valley which this lawn
commands. The broad walk along the top is a quarter of a
mile in length in a straight line, having a seat of massive
slabs of granite at one end, and at the other a piece of statuary,
yery ineffective when viewed from the seat, and which might

| advantageously be replaced by an obelisk ora group of statuary

bolder and more massive in character. Midway and slightly

| back from the walk stands a rustic cottage overlooking the

removal in its stunted, weakly, shrub-like growth. When a |

tree of 12 feet and upwards is transplanted it requires four or
five years before it is thoroughly established in its new quarters,

repeated liftings affecting it so much as to gradually change |

its character from a fast-growing timber tree to a stunted
shrubby nondescript, hence the importance of care and sound

whole of the lawn and the valley down to which it trends. The
valley forms a charming vista, stretching away for a consider-
able distance with wooded slopes rising in the form of an
irregular semicircle at its lower extremity; its only blemish a
clump of timber stretching across the valley, spoiling the
grace of its flowing lines, and causing one to turn with regret
from the contemplation of a scene that but for it would bo
most beautiful. It was a happy thought which prompted the
artist to put no shrub groups on this lawn, the wide unbroken
expanse of turf imparting a dignified aspect that is eminently

October 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

272

in keeping with its commanding position, with which also the
noble promenade along the top is in perfect harmony. Itisa
masterly conception well wrought out, worthy of unqualified
praise and adwiration.—Epwarp LuckHunrst.

(To be continued.)

THE GRAPE SPOT.

Jupeine from the many answers to correspondents on the
subject of Grapes spotting and scalding which appear in the
Journal from time to time, it is pretty plain that if the secret
of prevention of the injury is found out and turned to account
by some cultivators, there are still a goodly number who seem
to be in the dark as to how to deal with it. The cause of the
spot may probably be traced to more than one source; at the
same time I am thoroughly convinced that a sudden change
of temperature is the main cause. Some Grape growers advise
a high temperature with dry atmosphere, while others prefer
a low or medium temperature with a little moisture.

I know no varieties so subject to spot as Madresfield Court
and Lady Downe’s, especially the latter. I have had a good
deal to do with this variety, and my experience is that much
depends on the state and condition of the Vines. The Vines
being in perfect health, I would advise the following treat-
ment: As goon as the buds begin swelling provide a little fire
heat, keeping the house moist till the Grapes are in flower;
then increase the heat and lessen the moisture, admitting air
as required, always leaving the top ventilators slightly open.
As the berries approach the critical or stoning period endeavour
to maintain an equilibrium of heat and moisture, for I am an
advocate of both. If the mornings are bright admit more air
as soon as the sun strikes the vinery, continuing to increase
the ventilation till near noon. Damp twice before noon and
once after. If we happen to have a bright spell of weather
just when stoning is going on mix some lime putty with water,
and with this syringe the glass outside; it breaks the scorch-
ing rays of the sun, and at the same time does not make the
house too dark. Still all this trouble will not insure success
if all else is not right. Au overcrop on delicate Vines is a
great and rather a common danger: on such Vines the berries
will spot in spite of all we can do. I know of two houses of
Lady Downe’s. Tho Vines in one house have a very light crop
on them, and yet have many spotted berries although they
have received careful treatment, while the Vines in the other
house have an extra heavy crop with little or none of the
berries spotted. My theory is that the lightly cropped Vines,
although to all appearance healthy and strong, have not the
sound constitutional qualities essential to fruitfulness, while
the more heavily fruited Vines have by their real health and
vigour not only been able to bear a good crop, but have been
able to cope with the spot under the good treatment which I
believe they received ; and I observed that what few spotted
berries were on the Vines were all on the rods bearing the
heaviest crop, and scarcely any on a rod which carried a light
one.

T believe I have seen it somewhere stated that the cause of
spot is the sun’s rays coming in direct contact with the berries.
This theory will not stand, for I have often observed that
bunches entirely shaded by leaves were sometimes quite as
much spotted as those exposed to the sun, and my neighbcur,
a nobleman’s gardener, has pointed the same fact out to me
on Vines under his charge. A proper equilibrium of heat and
moisture, I suggest, is the best preventive of the spot. The
subject is worthy of notice, and I hope to hear more about it
from those who have been taught in the echool of experience.
—B. G., Co. Down.

FLORAL CONCERT DECORATIONS.

THE promenade floral concerts which were inaugurated a
month ago at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, appear to have
been very popular. It will be remembered that large prizes
were offered and were won chiefly by Mr. Wills and Mr. B. S.
Williams. At the expiration of the period of the exhibition—
a week—the two floral decorators were engaged to embellish
the Hall for a longer period. They have done their work well,
and have sustained a really extensive and artistic exhibition
for the period of a month. It is estimated that sixteen thou-
Sand visitors were present at the last concert, when it was
noticeable that the visitors appeared to derive as much pleasure
by inspecting the flowers as by listening to the music. An

avenue of fine standard and pyramid Bays was formed in the
covered approach to the Hall. In the auditorium tall specimen
Cordylines were placed at wide intervals, and the margin of
the promenade was rendered attractive by valuable ornamental-
foliaged plants and flowers ; large raised flower beds were algo
formed in various parts of the Hall. The flowering plants em-
ployed were chiefly Liliums, Tritomas, and Gladioluses. The
plants which have endured their long sojourn with the least
injury are Palms. Crotons have suffered somewhat, as have
some of the Tree Ferns, although Dicksonia antarctica and
Cyathea medullaris appear about as fresh as ever. The geno-
ral condition of the plants, however, denotes that they have
not only received good attention, but that the Hall is well
adapted for displays of this nature. Amongst the decorations
were examples of artificial rockeries and rustic work. The

oN
—

Fig. 54.—Artificial Rockery.

accompanying figure represents the exhibit of Mesers. Dick
Radelyfie & Co., which was awarded the first prize in this
section of the decorations. Mr. Wilson, ex Crystal Palace, re-
mained ‘‘on duty ”’ throughout the period, and is now engaged
on a show of another nature—dairy produce and poultry.

CEMENT WALKS AND EDGINGS.

Som three years ago when I took charge of these gardens
it became necessary to entirely remodelthem. We commenced
first with the kitchen garden, which was to be solely confined
to fruit and vegetables—no flowers were to be permitted in it.
There was one especial subject I was to try to effect something
original in, and that was the edgings of the walks, the old
favourites Box, Thrift, Grass, Gentians, &c., and also the
fancy earthenware edgings, not meeting my employer’s wishes.
I therefore proposed plain cement edgings; and then the idea”
struck me, Why not have cement walks too? Having received
my employer’s sanction to this, and after three years’ ez-
perience of them, I wish to state briefly my opinion of these
walks.

Firstly, they are a great saving of labour throughout the
year; secondly, they always have a clean and neat appearance ;
thirdly, when once made they require no repairing, no keeping
up, and therefore the first cost is the only expense ; fourthly,
where a quantity of heavy wheeling is done it is done much
easier, as half the propelling power is not required on them
that is necessary on ordinary gravelwalks. The only attention
these walks require is the sweeping of them. For this purpose
we use a fine hair brush, as it removes all the dust from them.
When any adhesive dirt gets on them, which sometimes
happens after a quantity of wheeling, all that is required is
to apply a bucket of water and a hard whalebone brush, and it
soon all comes off; in fact even that much trouble is scarcely

272

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ October 4, 1877.

ever required, as the first subsequent shower invariably cleans
the walks eufliciently.

The garden here is oblong in form with a walk through the
centre, and the other walks running parallel on the north and
south sides respectively. Pyramid Apples and Pears are planted
on both sides of the central walk; each tree corresponds in
height and form as nearly as possible with its oppoziteneighbour,
and behind the rows of trees and the walk there are two rows
of Strawberries planted, and the dark green foliage of the
Strawberries contrasts effectively with the white appearance
of the cement. When this avenue of trees is in bioom in the
month of May the effect is very pleasing; but perhaps there
is no time these walks have a more striking effect than during
moonlight, they are certainly most picturesque then. Some
of the walks have marginal rows of Beet and Parsley. These
walks make a pleasant promenade which can be used at all
times; it matters not how wet it may have been, so long as
it is dry overhead. They will scarcely damp the sole of any
jady or gentleman’s dress boot—in fact water perfectly passes
off them, and there are openings scarcely visible left at the
sides of the walks near the edge, where the water makes a
quick exit.

Now as regards their making, it is quite simple: 8 inches
of excavation will do, then the cement edging is laid. About
4 inches of rubble does for a foundation. Anything will do |
for this, either broken stones or bricks, and act well. We use
¢linkers from the colliery, which is close at hand. On this
the cement is laid, which is composed of Portland cement and
ground bricks mixed together. The workman fashions it into
the shape required, and just before it dries he shakes pure
eement on, which gives that charming white appearance 50 |
highly prizeable here. The cement is spread in blocks of 8 feet
long, and every alternate one is done first, so as to allow of |
expansion in setting. In winter weather the walks are apt in
very severe weather to become slippery ; we then use silver sand |
and salt and keep the walk well swept, and we then experience |
little if any inconvenienes on that account.

The walks were laid by Messrs. W. B. Wilkinson & Co.,
Neweastle, at a cost of 3s. 6d. per square yard for the walk and
1s. 9d. per lineal yard for the edging. This perhaps to some
may be considered expensive, but it is the first and last cost.

I may here mention that the gardens and the estate likewise
are swarming with ants. When these walks were first made |
the ants perfectly covered them, so much so that we could
have swept them up by shovelfuls, and so did worms after rain
too.—B. Cowan, Arwell Park Gardens, Blaydon-on-Tyne.

IN THE NORTH.—No. 2.
ABNEY HALL, CHEADLE, THE RESIDENCE OF
SIR JAMES WATTS.

Tue President of the Manchester Botanical Society has long
been known for the energy with which he has entered into the
pursuit of horticulture, and his residence (within about six
miles of Manchester) has deservedly acquired a high renown
for the excellence of its cultures and the careful manner in
which it is kept. To those of us who live far from the busy
haunts of men it sounds somewhat startling that it is only on
the verge of the zone within which the Oak will thrive rounés
Cottonopolis. You meet with other trees in some degrees of |
luxuriant growth, but until you pass the boundary you meet
with no Oaks of any degree of vigour. I saw none on my way
here, and I am told it is the same on other sides of the city;
but once within the gates of Abney Hall you may fancy your-
self at any distance from the noise and bustle you have just
jeft behind you. There is a diversified character in the grounds
of which the most has been made, and a fine avenue of Cu-
pressus Lawsoniana is a feature which you do not see in many
places of much greater sizs, while specimens of other Conifers
and other shrubs are scattered throughout the grounds.

An an exhibitor Sir James Watts has made his mark; and
although now he has withdrawn from-the contest, you meet
in going through the houses the plants which have won for
him the distinction he has acqnired. At the last Manchester
Hshibition some of these plants occupied a conspicuous place,
although he no longer enters the lists as a competitor. Here,
for instance, are plants of Genetyllis fuchsioides and tulipifera

some 4 fest through; then, again, there is a fine plant of Boronia
pinnata quite as large. The Azaleas also were very fine; they
were not fully trained but allowed partly to grow naturally,
and the effect was exceedingly good. Then the Orchids were
excellent, more especially the Dendrobiums; such corts as

densiflorum, Fraserii, &c., being huge masses 3 to 4 feet through
and as full of bloom as they could possibly be. Heaths, too,
were exceedingly well done, some large specimens 3 to 4 feet
in diameter exhibiting great ckill in their treatment.

Bat after all the grand feature of the place is the conserva-
tory, and of the conservatory the Camellias. The conservatory
adjoins the mansion and is a well-designed and ornamental
building, but once inside it all this is forgotten in the glorious
specimens of the lovely flowers with which it is filled.
Although I have seen a good many Camellia houses—notably
do I recollect one many years ago at Lord Middleton’s at
Wollaton near Nottingham—yet I do noi recollect anywhere
to have seen grander or move healthy plantsthan those. They
were planted out, and some of them could not have been less
than 20 feet high. At the period of my visit they had long
passed out of flower and were making rapid growth for next
season, but when at their height of bloom the sight must have
been grand. The sorts were nearly all of the best and moat
useful kinds grown, such as the old Double White, which still
retains its position as the moet useful of all the pure white
kinds. Then there was Fimbriata Alba, a most lovely kind;
Imbricata, of which there were two plants fully 20 feet high;
Countess of Derby, Contessa. Lavinia Maggi, Cup of Beauty,
Sarah Frost, Jubilee, ever vigorous and free-blooming, and
many others. Another house was also devoted to Camellias,
which were brought in here to bloom, while the Orchids and
ottce flowering plants added great gaiety and beauty to the

ouse.

Of course under the care of so experienced a gardener as
Mr. McKellar every department of the garden was in excellent
order. Bedding plants were in immense quantities and in fine
condition ; Vines were healthy and full of fruit; the Peach
house also afforded a remarkable contrast to the condition of
trees on walls everywhere this untoward season. Butit seems
to be useless to expatiate on these, which are to be found in
every well-ordered establishment. I have indicated what seem
to me to be the chief features of the place and what make it
well worth a visit. Sir James Watts himself is now unable
to do as he was always ready to do, but his courtesy is the
same as ever, and permission is readily accorded to view the
grounds.—D., Deal.

GRAPES CRACKING.

On page 230 ‘A Kircuen GarpeNner”’ informs us that he
has succeeded this season in preventing the cracking of his
Grapes by letting three or four of the laterals on the tops of
the Vines grow at will. He does not inform us what sorts the
Vines are. ‘‘A KircHen GarpDENER’’ may be right and I may
be wrong, but I do not feel satisfied that by allowing three or
four of the laterals on the top of a Vine to grow and not pinch
them will prevent the cracking of Grapes; or why should
one sort crack more than another? Some Grapes never crack,
while others grown under precisely the same circumstances
always crack. Why is this?

Last year a writer in the Journal said that he had succeeded
in preventing his Grapes cracking by denuding the Vines of
some of their foliage. His practice was quite the opposite of
‘A KircHeN GARDENER’S,”’ and yet both state they succeeded
in preventing their Grapes cracking. ‘‘ A Kircen GARDENER’S””
practice would certainly lessen the flow of sap into the berries,
but the practice of your other correspondent would, according
to my ideas, force more into them, and cause them to crack
worse. This leads me to believe that it was not the means
adopted by your correspondents that prevented their Grapes
cracking.

About two years ago we potted a Vine of Madresfield Court
to see if by growing it in a pot we could prevent it from crack-
ing its berries. It grew well and ripened a good cane, which
the following season showed fruit. One very fine-shaped
bunch was allowed to remain, all the others being removed.
Tt set its berries well, and all went as well as could be desired
until the berries commenced colouring, when they as usual
began to crack. On the first signs of cracking less water was
given to the roots to lessen the flow of sap into the berries.
To such an extent was the water withheld that the Vine would
often flag. Still cracking went on until scarcely a sound berry
was left. There was at the same time abundance of foliage on
the Vine. Another instance: Last spring we planted-out in
the vinery a Vine of the same sort, which grew well and
ripened a shoot to the top of the rafter. It was last winter
ent-back to within 5 feet of the border. This spring it broke

October 4, 1877. ]

well, and every bud showed several bunches, and as the Vine
was very vigorous two bunches were left. This Vine has been
allowed to grow with very little restriction, and has a thoroughly
ripensd shoot as thick as a man’s thumb, with laterals in
abundance. It set its berries well, and all went as before until
the berries began to colour, then thsy began to crack. So
soon as it was noticed that the berries were cracking, the
shoots which bore the bunches were cut half through to iry
and prevent more berries going, still they went till the bunches
were good for nothing. Why was this? If the restricting of the
flow of sap prevents the berries cracking, why did it not do so
in my case? Certainly everything was done to lessen the flow
of sap into the berries, but it did not prevent them cracking.
This leads me to believe that it was not the practice adopted
by your correspondents that prevented their Grapes cracking,
neither do I believe that anyone can be certain what causes
Grapes to crack.—W. Harris.

WINDOW GARDENING.

THE possibilities of window gardening are various and great,
much more various and far greater than those unaccustomed
to close observation would imagine. Hvyen within the circuit
of the metropolis, smoke-begrimed and foggy though the at-
mosphere be, great things may be, indeed are, done—greater
things indeed than are to be seen in any other town in Eng-
land. This isin measure owing to the fact that the popu-
lation of London is cosmopolitan, and immigrants from sunny
Italy or buoyant France not unnaturally desire to surround
themselves with as many mementos as possible of the flowery
lands they have left. Strangely enough it is not among the
mansions of the upper ten that the possibilities of window
gardening are carried out to their utmost, although here and
there we see an example of what might be done: such for in-
stance is the area of a house in Grosvenor Square, where
Geraniums, Fuchsias, Calceolarias, evergreens, Ferns, elimb-
ing plants, and even Palms are employed with such effect as to
convert a few feet of paved yard into a pretty garden.

Middle-class dwellings have as a rule the best display of
window gardens, here and there the arrangement being so
novel and go artistic as to prove that they are the emanation
of personal taste, not a slavish following of a too prevalent
fashion. Nor do we find this only among the well-to-do. Hera
and there amid the very poorest class of dwellings in the
suburbs, aye, even in the metropolis itself, there crops up a
palpable outburst of that universal love of the beauties of
nature which has been implanted in man by his Creator, and
which, crushed down and repressed by the hard necessities of
daily existence, never becomes wholly extinct.

In taking our walks abroad we have lately seen several
noticeable features in window gardening, details of which we
subjoin. A terrace house with an underground parlour, the
front garden rising in a slope from the house, the first-floor
room having a projecting bay-window: from the garden up to
this window is a screen of octagon wire, over which are trained
Tropewolum canariense and Convolvulus major. These two
plants form a beautiful flowery screen to the window of the
ground-floor sitting-room, and being annuals the apartment
is again open to the light in winter. The restricted space of
the front garden is laid out to the best advantage and with
excellent taste, the ever-popular and brilliant colours of red,
blue, and yellow of Geraniums, Lobelia, and Calccolazia being
toned down by a judicious admixture of less showy subjects,
the whole presenting a refreshing relief to the sight from the
preponderance of good foliage and freshly green turf, forming a
pleasant contrast to the generally glaring dusty appearance of
the white-stone-fronted houses on this, the sunny side of tho
Grove Road, Hammersmith. Another novel and pretty ar-
rangement of a miniature garden in the same neighbourhood
is as follows: Along the railing against the road a healthy
Virginia Creeper is trained, also over the dividing wall be-
tween this and the adjoining premises, and right up one side
of the house and along the balcony of the lower windows, from
which it hangs in light and graceful festoons. The green of
the creeper and the beautiful smooth sward of the liliputian
lawn form an excellent groundwork for the well-arranged
bedding-out plants, which are of the usual order, the special
feature of the garden consisting in the employment of the
profuse-flowering rich deep purple hardy Clematis, for covering
a series of low arches across the end of the garden nearest the
Windows of the house, the growth of the climber being so
dense that the wire is completely hidden, and the flowers so

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

| there about the plant to recommend it?

273

numerong ard closely set together that the whole forms a
striking mass of bloom. The introduction of some tall free-
flowering orange-coloured Nasturtium would make the picture
perfect.

These are gardens of the well-to-do, and to keep them up a
certain if not very large amount of expenditure is necessary.
A flat-fronted one-storeyed shop in a little back street off
Hammersmith Broadway scarcely seems an eligible place for
a garden, yet one has been made of such a spot. As before
stated, the front of the house is perfectly flat, but above the
shop-front a wooden stage has been hung; on this are placed
as many Fuchsias and Geraniums, Calceolarias, &c., as can be
crowded in a miscellaneous but no less pleasing collection.
The plants are full of flower, and the blooms of the Fuchsias
hanging in such clusters that stage and pots are both entirely
masked. On either side of the stage are pots of blue Lobelia
and Creeping Jenny. A string fastened below the rim of the
pot and tied to a nail holds them in place; and this hanging
garden is, it is almost needless to gay, a delightful picture in a
poor neighbourhood.

Before leaving the subject, the employment of virgin cork,
now becoming so general for window decoration, deserves &
word. No one can deny how readily and beautifully this sub-
stance lends itself to garden decoration, but it must be in suit-
able situations. The effect of its employment for facing window
balconies to stuccoed or flat-brick houses is incongruous ang
inartistic in the extreme. For conservatories and picturesque
country cottages it is invaluable. Those who would see how
well it may be used under cover should psy a visit io the
“Grotto,” Villiers Street, Strand, where an entire ground
floor has been converted into a perfect cavern of coolness and
beeuty, fresh green feathery Ferns and other plants growing
freely from the fissures of the cork.—T. 8. J.

FUCHSIA PROCUMBENS.

‘‘ Tuts curious little plant,” states the ‘‘ Botanical Magazine,”
t. 6139, ‘co unlike a Fuchsia in habit and colour of the flower,
was discovered in 1834 by Richard Cunningham in the nerthern
island of New Zealand, on the shores of the east coast, oppo-
site the Cavalhos Islands, growing on the sandy beach, where
it has since been gathered by Colenso. It has also been found
on the Great Barrier Island by Mr. Kirk in two localities both
near the sea.”

The above extract shows it to be a seaside plant, yet, like
our Asparagus, it thrives wonderfully well inland without any
application of saline matter beyond that found in turfy loam
and leaf coil.

Its habit is prostrate or trailing, having small wiry stems,
alternate small leaves bearing some resemblance to the Fuchsia,
but very much smaller; its habit reminding of Linaria Cymba-
lavia rather than a Fuchsia, running along the ground scareely
an inch in height, covering it with a close carpet of green,
though the young leaves have a reddish tint when young, also
the stems, which letter change to reddish purple. It is about
as much like a Fuchsia as Ficus repens is like a Fig or India-
rubber Plant. Unlike Ficus repens and some other trailers,
it does not emit, so far as I have noticed, roots ai the joints;
therefore it is not disposed to climb, but grows straight away.
I had a few cuttings in spring—it being very readily increased
that way—which grew so rapidly and hung down the sides of
the pot eo gracefully as to suggest, What an admirable basket
plant it would make! We put three small plants in a basket,
and suspended it about 8 feet from the floor. It grew so fast
that in August depending all around were shoots and foliage
3 to 4 feet, and they would evidently have grown had it been
allowed until they had reached the floor. Clearly it is a good
addition to the very few really good basket plants we possess
for the greenhouse.

The flowers are produced at the axils of the leaves, and
unlike a Fuchsia, have the tubes upright—no drooping in this
case, for if the shoots depend the flowers are reared directly
upward, and very curious and pretty they are—green, yellow,
and purple—having the form of a Fuchsia. The flowers of
this Fuchsia being inconspicuous, it may be asked, What is
Well, the flowers are
followed by berries, oblong or elliptical in shape, about an inch
long and two-thirds that in diameter in the middle, which at
first are greenish-yellow or whitish, changing to rosy-purple,
which render the plant attractive. Eggs, indeed, they would
be; and is it not stated in the ‘“‘Gardener’s Dictionary”
(Johnson’s), that ‘‘ when gardenera discover the way to im-

274

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 4, 1877.

prove the size and flavour of fruits we cannot doubt but that
those of the Fuchsia ... will be amongst the first novelties
in the dessert?” Dr. Hogg, in ‘‘ Vegetable Kingdom,” page
358, says, ‘‘ Fuchsia excorticata, a native of New Zealand,
yields fruit which is pleasant, very sweet, and eaten with great
avidity by birds.” Is this species in cultivation?—G. ABBEY.

KITCHEN GARDEN CROPS IN THE SOUTH
OF IRELAND.

We have now come to the close of another active season,
and perhaps a few notes relating to my experience may be
acceptable to some of your numerous readers, especially to
those who, like myself, have to contend with an extremely
wet and cold climate. We have had an exceedingly unfavour-
able year, and I am sorry to say that in many cases the results
were anything but satisfactory. The spring was hard and
bitter, the summer cold and wet with a great deficiency of sun
heat, so that excellence among many crops of the kitchen
garden might be sought for in vain; however, I will give a
few stray notes on those vegetables which in my experience
best suit a damp soil and a heavy dripping climate.

Pras.—Those which I find do best in our climate are as
follow :—First sowings.—Dickson’s First and Best, Carter’s
First Crop, Sangster’s No. 1, and Laxton’s Prolific; these, when
frown at the same time form a good succession. For second
eowings Laxton’s Prolific, Laxton’s Supreme, and Mclean’s
Little Gem; these also follow in well. Third and general
sowings.—Ne Plus Ultra, Williams’s Emperor of Marrows
which is a splendid Pea, Veitch’s Perfection, British Queen,
Hundredfold, and Hair’s Dwarf Marrow. Fourth and last
sowings.—British Queen, Champion of England, and Laxton’s
Omega. Those, if sown as described and at proper intervals,
give-a long and plentiful supply, coming in well in succession
from the 20th of May till the middle of October. Everything
considered our crops of Peas have been very good. The last
two sowings particularly present a beautiful prospect, but are
just now at a standstill, waiting for some sun to aid them to
fill their pods.

Broap Bzans.—These have produced capital crops this year.
Those which I find do best in a damp climate are the Harly
Mazagan, Green Long Pod, Green Windsor, and Beck’s Little
Gem.

Dwarr Kipney Brans.—In the early part of the year this
vegetable proved nearly a failure on account of the severity of
the spring. To replace those lost I found it necessary to sow
@ quantity in pots and forward them by artificial means, which
after hardening off well I planted out to supply blanks, and
this answered the purpose well, giving a supply about the
25th of June. Those with which I have been most successful

are Williams’ Early Prolific, Negro Long-podded, and Canadian j|

Wonder, which is excellent both for exhibition and table pur-
poses. For the taller sorts I prefer the Champion, Scarlet
Runner, and Painted Lady.

CavuLIFLowERS.—Our spring crop was a thorough failure
owing to the severity of the weather. The only heads which

we expect to turn in now are the Walcheren and Veitch’s |

Autumn Giant, which we hope will be closely followed by
Grange’s Autumn Broccoli.

Broccont in general does not come to perfection in this
locality. I give the preference to Grange’s Autumn Giant,
Suow’s Winter White, and Backhouse’s Winter Broccoli, and
for spring and early summer use F'rogmore Protecting, Veitch’s
Protecting, Williams’ Alexandra, Carter’s Summer, and an ex-
ceedingly good variety, a cross between Cattell’s Eclipse and
Knight’s Protecting, this coming into use through May and
continuing until the middle of June; it is quite dwarf and
compact.

Brussets Sprouts do very well here, especially when planted
early. Iam quite content with Dickson’s Improved. Itis a
splendid variety, and suits our soil and climate well.

Borercote.—I find this to be a most useful vegetable for
winter use, growing luxuriantly with us, Dwarf Green Curled
or Scotch being our favourite.

CapBacEs.—I may mention a few of the very many useful
varieties of the Cabbage family. The Harly Dwarf York is
very early, and consequently very useful; Wheeler’s Imperial
comes next, it is a splendid variety; Cocoa-nut is also very
good; so is Enfield Market, notwithstanding it being a late
variety.

Savoy.—In this class our favourites are Dwarf Green Curled
and Drumhead.

Srinaco.—This useful vegetable when sown in succession
can be had at all seasons. I find for winter use none to equal
the prickly variety, and for summer use the round suits best,
sowings of which I make every eighth day during the summer
months. The New Zealand or Flanders is very useful, but
not a favourite with some consumers.

Turnips.—We had much anxiety this season concerning the
welfare of the Turnip crop, all early sowings having bolted
and were consequently useless; but those sown about the end
of March and subsequently maintained the character for which
the south of Ireland is celebrated, having grown to a good size
and superior quality. The sorts which thrive best are the
Early White Stone, Early Snowball, and Robertson’s Golden
Ball. For late sowings, Orange Jelly, Chirk Castle Black
Stone, and American Red Stone. When sown at proper inter-
vals these sorts give a good succession.

Carrots —For early sowings in frames the French Short
Horn, and for sowing out of doors the Harly Scarlet Horn,
James’s Intermediate, and Long Red Surrey. But the Carrot
requires much attention to bring it to perfection in our
climate, the wireworm being its greatest enemy. However,
all have done well this year; but I may add that in the pre-
paration of the ground I applied gas lime liberally, and to
this I attribute the success of the Carrot crop.

Parsnip.—This has been an unusually heavy crop with us
this season. Parsnips like’a deep soil, consequently I trenched
to the depth of 3 feet, introduced plenty of manure to the
depth of 15 inches under the surface, with a good layer of
quicklime over all, which I had forked-in. The sorts I grow
are Student and Hollow Crown.

Brrrroot.—This has been anything but a success this year,
the seed being unusually slow in germinating, and those plants
which succeeded in making their appearance above ground
showed a great desire to run to seed. The sorts grown here
are Cattell’s Blood Red and Dell’s Crimson.

Onions have fallen far ehort of being an average crop this
year. The Globe Tripoli has not turned out as well as usual,
growing luxuriant tops, but little bulb. Spring sowings are
rather small, but of good quality. The sorts which suit us
best I find to be Globe Tripoli for early use, and for general
use James’s Keeping, Bedfordshire Champion, Banbury Im-
proved, and Williams’s Magnum Bonum.

Leeks are very good this season, Heury’s Prize Leek being
a capital variety.

CELERY is quite a success with us this year. I have been
able to supply Celery of the very best quality since the 12th of
August. The plan which I adopt for blanching in the early
part of the season is to surround the plants with a quantity of
sawdust, and then bank-up in the usual way. The sorts I
grow being Williams’s Matchless White and Williams’s Match-
less Red, and for latest Laing’s Solid Red. I would recom-
mend the above mode of blanching early Celery.

Sanaps in general have given every satisfaction. A damp
season like that just passed suits this class of vegetables well.
—A, CAMPBELL.

(To be continued.)

NEW BOOK.

The Clematis as a Garden Flower; being descriptions of the
hardy kinds, directions for cultivation, and the purposes for
which they are adapted in modern gardening. By Tuomas
Moorg, F.L.S., &¢., and Grorce Jackman, F.R.H.S. New
and revised edition. 1877.

Tux title page from which the above is copied tells the pur-
pose of the volume, and we readily record that the purpose is
thoroughly effected. The Clematis is now one of the most
ornamental and popular of our garden plants, but it took
nearly three centuries to establish it in its present position,
as is told in this extract from the introduction of the volume.

Abont half a dozen species of Clematis—all European—found
their way to this country about the end of the sixteenth century
—namely, C. Flammula, C. Viticella, C. cirrhosa, and C. integri-
folia, all in 1596, and C. erectain 1597. The two former still hold
an honourable position amongst the ornamental species, though
eclipsed by later introductions, and more especially by recent
acquisitions of hybrid origin. The catalogues do not credit the
seventeenth century with any additions to our garden Cle-
matises; but in the course of the eighteenth century some few
are recorded—C. crispa, C. Viorna, and C. orientalis in the
former half, and C. virginiana, C. ochroleuca, C. florida, C. caly-
cina, C. angustifolia, and C. paniculata in the latter half.

Since the beginning of the present century the acquisitions

October 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

275

have been not only more numerous but more important; and | Monogynia.— This is far the most striking of the eighteen

to the introduction from China and Japan of C. patens and its
varieties, of C. lanuginosa, C. Fortunei, and C. Standishii, we
must ascribe the vast improvements which we now see in the
Clematis—improvements which are probably unprecedented in
the history of any of our popular flowers, when we take into
account the number and variety of the acquisitions on the one
hand, and the short space of time which has elapsed on the
other. Takivg them in chronological order, we find that this
century gave us in its first decade C. cylindrica, C. triternata
and C, campaniflora, plants now seldom heard of. Inthe second
decade we find recorded C. Simsii and C. reticulata, both rather
doubtful plants, and C. chinensis, now never seen. The third
decade gave us C. dahurica, C. lineariloba, C. biternata, C. ter-
niflora, and C. japonica. C. grata and C. montana were in-
troduced in 1831, followed by C. patens, C. Sieboldii, ard C. la-
thyrifolia, all in the fourth decade. Then came C. graveolens
and C. tubulosa in 1845, and C. Grahami in 1846; in 1851 the
glorious C. Januginosa was obtained; in 1854 C. barbellata; and
nally, C. Fortunei and C. Standishii in 1863.

It is from these materials, or rather from a small proportion
of the later introductions—C. patens, C. lanuginosa, C. Fortunei,
and C. Standishii especially—that the magnificent varieties of
Clematis now within reach of cultivators have been obtained.

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, anv FRUITS.

Cantssa GRANDIFLORA. Nat.ord., Apocynacese. Linn., Pent-
andria Monogynia.— A very pretty evergreen bush, with
white fragrant flowers and deep green leaves, of easy culture
in a moderate stove or warm greenhouse during winter, and in
a greenhouse or the open air in summer. It is a native of
‘Natal, where it was discovered by Drege, and has been since
collected by Peddie, Krauss, and other travellers. We have
also seen specimens from St. Helena, where it is cultivated.
Carissa grandiflora was introduced by Cooper when collecting
for Mr. Wilson Saunders; in a note to the herbarium speci-
men which he sent home he gives it tho native name of
‘Amatungula,’ adding, ‘fruitused for jam, tarts, &c.’ Harvey
states of the African Carissas generally, that tho fruit is plum-
like and delicious. That of the Indian C. Carandas is eaten
both raw and cooked. It flowers in the Palm house at the
Royal Gardens in May. It has narrower leaves and much
larger flowers than the native specimens and that figured in
the ‘ Refugium,’ which has also a greenish corolla, ours being
pure white.”’—(Bot. Mag., t. 6307.)

Tours OrrHanipEa. Nat ord., Liliacew. Linn., Hexandria
Monogynia.—* For garden purposes this is the finest of all the
Tulips of the sylvestris group. It has flowers as large as those
of sylvestris itself, but flushed on the outside with red instead
of green. It is quite hardy, being an inhabitant of the moun-
tains of Greece, at an elevation of from 3000 to 4000 feet above
sea level. It has been for gome time in cultivation under
Various names, having been discovered in 1857 on Mount
Malevo in Eastern Laconia by Dr. Orphanides, Professor of
Botany in the University of Athens, after whom it is named.
Our drawing was taken from a plant which flowered with the
Rey. H. Harpur-Crewe at Drayton-Beauchamp in June of
this present year. In its native stations it flowers as early ag
April, or even the latter end of March.”—(Ibid., t. 6310.)

Noryrra ALBIDA. Nat. ord., Orshidaces. Linn., Gynandria
Monandria,—« It is a native of South America, from Mexico to
Brazil. This species is one of the largest-flowered ones, though
inferior in this respect to some others as it is in colour.
Reichenbach well remarks that it resembles an Eria in habit
and colour, or a small-flowered Avgrecum. It was discovered
by Warscewiez in Central America, and sent by him to the
Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens many years ago, since
which time it has been re-imported by Messrs. Veitch, and
teat i April, 1872, in Messrs. Veitch’s nursery.” —(Ibid.,

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM Coorrri. Nat. ord., Ficoides. Linn,
Teosandria Di-Pentagynia.—' This is a very handsome and
free-growing species of Mesembryanthemum, filling a large pot
with its blue-glaucous glistening stems and foliage, and
bearing a handsome purple flower. It belongs to the Cras-
Sulina group of the Papulosa division, but differs very much
from all previously described species, all of which have very
slender stems. Its precise habitat is unknown; it was sent by
Mr. Cooper when collecting in South Africa for Mr. Wilson
Saunders, who, with his usual liberality, presented specimens
pean which flower annually in the month of June.””—(Ibid.,

TovaRIA OLERACEA.

Nat. ord., Liliacee. Linn., Hexandria

species of Tovaria, a genus better known by its much later
name of Smilacina. It is an inhabitant of the temperate
region of Sikkim, at an elevation of from 8000 to 12,000 feet
above sea level, and, as might be expected, proves to be per-
fectly hardy in English gardens. It was gathered first by
Griffith, in 1849 by Sir Joseph Hooker, whose sketch made on
the spot from the living plant is now in the Kew collection of
drawings, and recently by Dr. Treutler and Mr. C. B. Clarke.
It is the Smilacina described without a name by the latter
gentleman in the account of his journey from Darjeeling to
Tonglo, printed in the fifteenth volume of the Journal of tha
Linnean Society. We owe its introduction into cultivation to
Dr. Treutler, who presented some of the rhizomes which he
brought home to the Kew collection, where they flowered in
the herbaceous ground this present summer. According to
Dr. Hooker’s note (see his Himalayan journals, vol. ii., p. 48)
it is called ‘ Chokli-bi’ by the natives of Sikkim, and its young
flower heads, sheathed in tender green leaves, form an ex-
cellent vegetable, and it is to this that the specific name
‘oleracea’ alludes.’’—(Ibid., t. 6313.)

Epmenprum Sopuronitis. Nat. ord., Orchidaces. Linn.,
Gynandria Monandria.—‘ Perhaps the most curious characters
of E. Sophronitis are the broad honeyed area of the lip, and
the most singular pale glaucous greenish waxy secretion that
clothes both surfaces of the leaves. KE. Sophronitis is a native
of Loxa in Peru, where it has been collected by Wallis and
others. The specimen here figured flowered in the Royal
Gardens in May and June of the present year, and was re-
ceived from Mr. Linden.”—(Ibid., t. 6314 )

Crrorecia Barnuryi1.— This is one of many undescribed
species of Ceropegia which seem to abound in the dry regions
of South Africa. Ceropegia Barkleyi flowered at the Royal
Gardens, Kew, in May of the present year, from tubers sent to
H.E. Sir Henry Barkly, K.C.B. (late Governor of the Cape
Colony), from the Morley mission station in the Transkei
district, by Mr. Bowker. It is allied perhaps most nearly to
C. africana.”’—(Ibid., t. 6315.)

Boronia ELATIORN.—' It is a tall shrub with hirsute branches,
having pinnate dark green leaves, the flat linear rigid leaflets
varying in number from five to thirteen or more. The flowers
are axillary and pedunculate, bell-shaped, of a lively rosy-car-
mine hue, fragrant and very attractive, profusely decorating
the branches. It is, indeed, one of the most beautiful of the
Boroniasg, and is, as we learn from the Messrs. Veitch & Sons,
by whom it has been introduced to public notice, a plant of
remarkably easy cultivation. It was awarded a first-class
certificate when exhibited by them at South Kensington in
May, 1876. Boronia elatior is a native of Western Australia,
in which colony it is found at Kivg George’s Sound, on the
Darling Range, and at the Franklin River. It was formerly
named B. semifertilis by Von Mueller. The colour of the
flowers is much richer and more striking than that of the
other Boronias already in cultivation.”—(Flor. and Pom.,
33., x., 145.)

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Our main work has been gathering fruit and storing it for
late use. Nearly the whole of the Apples may now be gathered
except the very late sorts. There are some sorts too that are
not 80 late in ripening, that are very liable to shrivel if they are
gathered from the trees as soon as the pips change to a brown
tinge. Of sorts liable to shrivel may be named Court-Pendu-
Plat, Pitmaston Golden Pippin, Mannington’s Pearmain,
Reinette du Canada, and Fearn’s Pippin. There may be other
sorts, but those named are better to hang on the trees as long as
they will do so without injury. It is rather difficult, too, to
know the right time to gather Pears. We usually gather them
at intervals of a week or ten days from the same trees, and this
prolongs the season in which they are fit for use. It is best to
handle all fruits very carefully intended to keep, placing them
one at a time into the baskets and also lifting them out by hand.
A little clean hay or straw should be placed in the bottom of the
basket into which the fruit is gathered.

We have already urged the importance of purchasing early in
the season all fruit trees intended to be planted, and if the advice
has been taken the trees will be ready to be sent home early in
November, which is as early as they ought to be moved, especi-
ally as it may be necessary to send them aconsiderable distance.
If the places have not been prepared for them this ought to be
seen to before the ground is saturated with the usual rains we

276

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 4, 1877.

have at this season. When the ground is wet it rot only
requires more lahour to wheel the barrows, but moving very
wet soil if it can possibly be prevented is a great mistake. The
amount of preparation must be determined by the state of the
ground. We have sometimes had to dig ont a foot in depth of
gravel under the trees in order to obtain sufficient depth of
soil; at other times it has been necessary to dig out stiff clay
and mix sandy material with the compost. Some soils must be
well drained, others would not be benefited at all by draining.
Usually the stiffer the soil the more necessity there is for
draining. Something also depends on the district, whether itis
high or low; the rainfall also must be estimated, as this ranges
from 20 inches on the east coasts to 36 inches or more annually

on the western. Lichens and Mosses of sorts covering the stems |

of the old trees is a sign of stagnant water in the soil.

Gooseberry and Currant bushes which have been covered over
to preserve the fruit for as long a period as possible should have
the coverings removed on fine days to allow the fruit to dry, and
at the same time all mouldy berries should be removed.

No time should be lost in getting Strawberry plants out before
the severe weather, which we may soon expect, setsin. If they
are planted at once they will grow considerably before the
winter, and would even bear a few fruits next year, but they
cannot be expected to carry a full crop when they are planted
late. Our own plants are now of large size, and the ground be-
tween the rows has been frequentiy hoed. The beds ought to
he free from weeds at this season, for it is difficult to hoe them

ater.
PINE HOUSES.

It is now a good time to re-arrange the plants for the winter,
and to take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the glass out-
side and inside, as aiso the woodwork of the houses. The tan
beds should also be turned over, and if necessary a little fresh
tan may be added; but this ought only to be done in the case of
those plants that require to be incited into root-action, which
includes recently-potted suckers and plants which are now
throwing-up their fruit,or where the Pines are swelling. Plants
intended to be started about three months hence should be kept
quiet in a temperature of 60° at night, or even 55° in very cold
nights, and the bottom heat should not exceed 80° or 85°. Pines
are not unfrequently crowded too closely together, and added to
this the plants may be too far removed from the glass; good
fruit cannot under such circumstances be produced. The plants
like plenty of light and with it as much air as possible. During
the late autumn and winter months the Pine houses must be
kept in a proper condition as regards atmospheric moisture.
After this time it is better not to have moisture evaporate from
the troughs fixed on the pipes. Sprinkling the paths and
possibly the walls of the houses twice a-day will be sufficient.
In fine weather admit as much air as possible. We would
rather have more heat in the daytime from the pipes so as to
admit a circulation of air, than to maintain the same tempera-
ture with closed lights and no artificial heat. Watering at the
roots requires to be done with caution.

ORCHARD HOUSE.

The trees were repotted some time ago and are now fairly
well established in their pots. Some of those not potted have
been top-dressed. Mr. Rivers was the first to distinguish be-
tween top-dressing and surface-dressing, and it is a distinction
with this difference, that at this season a large portion of the
surface soil in the pots is removed with a piece of iron re-
sembling the tine of a fork. This is replaced with rich soil
composed of equal parts of loam and decayed manure. It is
pressed down firmly with a wooden rammer similar to that
used in potting the trees. Surface-dressing is merely adding a
little rich compost to the surface in June and July without dis-
turbing the roots at a time when the trees are in fall growth.
To form handsome trees it is necessary to purchase “maidens,”
and to pot them in 10-inch pots as early as the trees will bear
removal. It is frequently necessary to cut a considerable
portion of the roots off in order that the tree may be easily
potted, and we have not found the trees suffer from this severe
cutting-in. The potting material is very simple, merely good
turfy loam four parts to one of decayed manure. We drain the
pots well and press the compost in quite firmly, working the
soil in amongst the roots. It ought to bs noted, that if the
trees are sent from the nursery they should bo carefully lifted,
and some damp moss or something similar should be placed
round the roots. We have often wondered whether the fruit
trees sold at auctions in London ever succeed well; they lay
about in draughty places for days together with nothing round
the roots until every fibre is shrivelled. Such trees may be
sold cheaply, but they must be dear in the long run,

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

A frosty night or two came as a warning to remove all the
Cape and New Holland plants into their winter quarters, as they
not only suffer from frosts but we may expect continuous rains,
which will do much injury by saturating the soil and causing
the death of the small fibrous roots. There are scarcely finer
plants at this or any other season of the year than the Lapagerias

alba and rosea, and after their culture is understood few plants
are easier managed. We have been potting layers which were
pegged down rather more than twelve months ago. The young
plants hed formed quite a mass of roots, many of them as thick
as a goosequill; these were carefully preserved, and the plants
were potted into pots that seemed large for the size of the plants,
but were necessary to preserve the thick brittle roots. The
pots were well drained, and the potting material employed was
simply light fibrous peat; in this the roots luxuriats with the
greatest freedom. lLapagerias are sometimes placed in heat:
this is a mistake, as the plant is almost hardy and will suffer
from too much heat. To grow it well it must be kept rather
cool during summer. In our hot dry district a house facing
north is the best place for it, and when it is grown in a house
well exposed to the sun it is best to shade the plant from it.
We syringe the leaves twice a day, and keep the roots always in
&@ moist medium.

A few aphides had settled on the stage Pelargoniums, but two
nights fumigating with tobacco smoke checked their further
progress. Cinerarias were also fumigated for the same reason.
This.pest must be destroyed on its first appearance, or, what is
better, fumigate when the plants seem quite clear, as preventing
is better than destroying them after they have gained a footing.
Where plenty of flowers are wanted at this season Zonal Pelar-
goniums and Fochsias are suitable plants to grow, as they may
be kept in flower until the Chrysenthemums are ready to take
their place. In a week or ten days it will be necessary to take
all the Chrysanthemums under glass, as the frost, should it set
in severe, will damage the buds, especially those that show
colour.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

Dahlias are still in great beauty where the frost has nof
touched them. This grand old flower when planted in a suit-
able position is still a very king amongst autumn flowers. The
great many coloured globes nodding on their slender stalks have
always an imposing effect. They are best either planted as a
background to other flowers or as a foreground to a shrubbery
border; but those who grow for exhibition generally prepare a
piece of ground by trenching and manuring, and plant the
Dahlias in beds with about 4 feet between the plants. The
flowering growths must be thinned out at this season, and all
flowers which are past their best should be promptly cut off.

Hollyhocks hava now mostly finished flowering; if so, the
stems must be cut off near the surface of the ground—just above
where the young growths are likely to come out. About the
end of October the plants should be lifted, varieties that are
scarce should be potted, and the ordinary stock may be planted-
out close together where they may be protected from too much
wet, which causes more injury to the plants than severe frost.

We have looked over the Auriculas, and have picked-off the
withered leaves and any trusses of flowers that are coming up.
If these are picked off at once the spring bloom will not suffer
much from it, although it is certainly better when no autumn
bloom requires picking off. Young offsets are potted off as thoy
require it, but we shall not pot any after the middle of this
month; it is better to allow them to remain until the spring,
say the end of February or the first week in March.

Many of the Pinks have longer stems this year than ususl,
but they are now branching-out freely. We have placed smali
sticks to them to prevent the stems from snapping off at the
surface of the ground; this they will doin high winds if not
supported. Carnations and Picotees are now fairly established
in pots,and we remove the lights, except during high winds and
heavy rains. The plants require a fair supply of water af the
roots.—J. Douauas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

H. Cannell, Swanley Nurseries, Kent.— Autumn Catalogue of
Plants and Bulbs.

William Ramsey, Joyning’s Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N.—
Select List of Roses, Fruit Trees, Bulbs, &c.

Edmondson Brothers, 10, Dame Street, Dublin.—Autwmn
Catalogue of Hyacinths, Tulips, Lilies, Crocus, Anemones,
Ranunculus, Gladioli, éc.

Auguste Van Geert, Ghent, Belgium.—General Plant Cata-
logue for 1877-78. ;

Louis Van Houtte, Royal Nursery, Ghent, Belgium.—Cata-
logue of Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, &c.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

* * All correspondence should be directed either to “The
Editors,” or to ‘‘The Pablisher.’’ Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

CancEoLaRIA Som (An Old Subscriber).—We could find no insects in the
soil.

October 4, 1877.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

277

eee

PraNTAINs oN Lawn (J. S.).—We know of no mode of destroying them
except by cutting them out with a knife or dropping oil of vitriol into the
centre of each weed. -

GRAPE ContuRE (ZH. C.)—Our “Vine Manual,’ free by post if you
enclose thirty-two postage stamps with your address.

GERANIUMS (C. P. Bolton).—There are hundreds of varieties so nearly
alike that they cannot be named from mere trusses.

Fruit TREES FOR SOUTH-aASPECTED WooDEN FEncE (T. G.).—Of Pears,
Beurré Diel, Glou Morceau, Passe Colmar, and Winter Nelis. Of Plums,
Green Gage and Coe’s Golden Drop.

GRAPES SHRIVELLING (Mrs. Thorneycroft).—The premature shrivelling of
the berries of which you complain arises from insufficient moisture at the
roots. Have the border thoroughly drenched with sewage when the frovit
¢commences colouring, giving at the same time a surixce-dressing of manure,
and you will soon perceive a material improvement in branches, foliage,
and fruit.

Ivy nor CLINGING—CLIMBING Pants ror 4 NortH Aspect (F. J.).—
Some kinds of Ivy do not cling readily to walls of any description, the lead-
ing shoots having to be fastened with shreds and nails. A cemented wall
oan be covered with Ivy in this way, but the branch roots never take very
strong hold of such a surface because of its dryness, a porous surface
capable of absorbing much moisture, as brick or stone, inducing a quick
strong root-growth, which enters every crevice and spreads over the entire
surface. Mr. Luckhurst has Lonicera flexuosa upon a north aspect, and finds
it answers admirably. You cannot do better than train it upona trellisagainst
yoar wall as you propose. A few other good climbers for such a po-ition are
Cotoneaster microphylla, C. Simonsii, Cratwgus Pyracantha, Escallonia ma-
erantha, Ampelopsis hederacea, Bsrberis Darwinii, and Ligustrum japonicum.
The address which you require is Messrs. Barr & Sugden, 12, King Street,
Covent Garden. 3

PRUNING SUMMER GROWTHS OF Fruit Trees (F. M. S.).—It is good
practice not to prune yet, but to give each shoot a twist about 2 inches from
its base, not breaking it, but turning it downwards so as to direct the full
flow of the sap from the upper part of the shoot into the buds at its base,
which thus become large and full without starting into premature growth.
Prune when the leaf falls, leaving your spurs short or long as may be best
suited to their position on the tree, from one to six buds being left on as is
found necessary.

SEEDLINGS oF PANSIES, SWEET WILLIAMS, AND ANTIRRHEtNUMS (Idem).—
Transpiant from the seed beds immediately, in order that the plants may
be well established before severe weather gets in.

GLOIRE DE Dison RosE not Frowert1neG (Idem).—You need have no
fear that this very free-flowering variety will not develope its true character
eventually. As you wish your flourish‘ng young plants to come early into
flower avoid hard pruning, simply cutting off a few inches of the lung shoots
and nailing them horizontally along the wall to induce every bud to give
growth next season. Continue your liberal treatment; it is hardly possible
to overfeed a Rose so robust as this is.

Bone Dust For Roses (Amateur).—It is a “good thing” for Roses, a
Jarge hancfal mixed with the soil employed in planting each plant, or it may
be given in March. a handful sprinkled rround the plant for a distance of
1 foot to 18 inches from the stem, pointing-in lightly with a fork. Seedling
Briars will require to make two years’ growth, and in the third be budded, or
go soon as strong enough.

Funeus oN WATER Lity LEAvEs (WV. J. C.).—We know of no means of
destroying the jelly-like sabstance except to sponge it off. Probably eome
newts placed inthe water would tend to lessen the eyil by purifying the water.

LETTUCES AND RADISHES IN WINTER (Z. R. P.).—A rich friable loamy
soil is most suitable with about a fourth of well-decayed manure well
incorporated. ‘he soil should be placed about 8 inches thick over a hotbed
formed of sweetened dung, over which is to be placed a frame, the seed of
Radishes being sown in the early part of November. The temperature of the
bed should be 65° to 75°, and the lights may be put on but withdrawn when
the plants appesr, the object being to prevent them from drawing and. yet
Keeping them siowly growing. If the weather be frosty the lights must be
Kept on and frost excluded by a covering of mats over the lights in severe
weather, the opportunity to give air being carefuliy attended to whenever the
mildness of the weather permits. The temperature of the frame should
be 55°. Gentle waterings will occasionally be required, also lisings of
fresh dung to maintain the requisite temperature of the bed. A sowing
should te made every three weeks until the midale of February. he best
kinds for forcing are Wood’s Frame, French Breakfast, and White Foreng
Turnip. We row the kinds named on a border of lizht soil in a sheltered
situation at the end of September, and they come-in in early November, and
give a supply until near Christmas, they being covered wiih straw in severe
weather, removing it when mild. The China Rose and Black Spanish, sown
at the end of August or early September, are fins for winter, they being pro-
tected from frost or taken up in case of severe frost and stored in sand
Rampions are also useful for winter salading, the seed being sowu in May, the
Toots taken up in autumn and storedin sand. Lettuces should-be sown for
Winter use about the end of July or early August, which will give plants if
properly cultivated which may be transplanted in frames during November;
they, being well ventilated and kept from frost, will give a supp'y until
Christmas. They cannot be kept too cool, only exclude frost and wet. For
plants to succeed therm sow the third weekin August on a warm border in rows
Q inches apart, and the length of the frames the plants are to be covered
with. Thin the plants to 6 inches distance apart in the rows, and place on
the framesin November. Air to be given very freely, aud the plauts Kept
from frost by litter placed against the sides of the frame, and mats with
straw over the lights, removing in mild weather. ‘hey will succeed those
transplanted in frames, and continue until the antumn-sown outdoor plants
eomein. Hyery other plant should be cut, which w:ll give more room to the
plants left. The best kinds for winter use are Cabbaye—All the Year Round,
Herly Paris Market, and Stanstead Park; Cos—Brown Sugarloaf, Hicks’s
Hardy White, and Bath (black-seeded).

Som For Ferns (J).—The bog peat is not suitable. Kent peat answers
well, and so wili the heath peat if brown, fibrous, aud sandy The brown
fibrous bog peat will grow the stronger-growing kinds e:pecially “ tree”
kinds well. We find a majority of Ferns to do well in turfy lozm; indeed,
the home of most Ferns is a loamy soil overlaid with vegetable mat er, the
débris of their own or previous vegetation. We advise, however, two-thirds
of brown, fibrous, sazdy peat, one-third of yellow turfy loam, and a sixth of
Gilyer sand, which will suit most kinds, whilst for the strong-growing sorts

we should not scruple to use the “brown, fibrous, bog peat,” which as it
grows Rhododendrons very well would grow Ferns; yet we have used black
bog peat, and it became a soapy mass in which nothing flourished for a long
period. Leaf soil from decayed leaves is objectionable for the same reason.

Porrine Linium auratum (S. B.).—Mr. Wood cuts down the stems of his
Liliums at the same time that he pots them. He also gives each stema slight
twist and it comes out of the bu'b; then there is no part left in the bulb to
cause it to decay. Mr. Wood’s bulbs have been potted rather more than a
fortnight. The pots are plunged in leaf soil on a dry bottom, not in ashes,
which when employed fresh contain sulphur, which is washed out of the ashes
with rain and is injurious to the Liliums. ‘The plants are watered with
liquid manure water as soon as the pots are full of roots until the flowers are
ready to open, then soft water only is given. The bulbs are placed halt way
down the pots, good drainage being provided.

RENEWING VINE Borper (C. W.).—We are situated where the subsoil
and other surroundings ure the same as yours, and have alco had the Vines
to shank similar to yours. Our plan, which has beon successful, has been to
dig a trench at that part of the border furthest removed from the Vines, the
trench to be ag deep as the bottom of the border; then with forks remove the
old compost and raise the roots nearer the surface. Our Vines are planted
inside, and the borders are both outside and inside. We only do one border
at a time, and generally find ail the best roots in the gravel underneath.
We renew the border with « compost of good turfy loam eight parts, decayed
Toanure one part, and to each cartload add a bushel of charcoal anda peck
of crushed bones. Our borders are not concreted. Messrs. Backhouse of
York could supply you with plants of the Campanula you require, but not
very likely with seeds.

GREENHOUSE CLimver (R. M.).—Any of the London firms can supply the
Creeper you want, or will obtain it for you. Bignonia Chamberlaynei with
yellow flowers, or Passiflora cinnabarina with bright red flowers, would suit
you. Tne common large-leaved Ivy is the best for covering walls quickly.
We cannot recommend dealers in such plants.

Saow Pansies (0. J. B.).—Itis best to propagate young plauts annually.
You will finda number of slender growths springing from the base of the
plants; these are the best to make into cuttings, which strike freely now, or,
indeed, at any season under hand-lights.

CHERRY TREE UNFRvITFUL (Jdem).—It is not uncommon for the fruit to
drop off as you describe. Root-pruuing or lifting the tree altogether would
not mend matters. Indeed, there is no help for it, as nearly all the varieties
of Cherry trees throw off part of their fruit in a green state, some more than
others. Governor Wood, May Duke, Elton, and Black Tartarian are free-
bearing sorts.

CoLTuRE oF Trpxas (J. 4., Croydon).—These plants require similar
treatment to Achimenes. Pot them in peat and leaf soil with a good pro-
portion of silver sand. The plants like plenty of heat when growing. They
also require a short season of rest, but the roots must not be too much

dried, as they do not form tubers similar to Gesneras and Achimenes. After
a short season of rest it is best to start them again.
HobiyHocks (Quiz).—For treatment see “Doings of Last Week.” Frank

Gibb Dougal, James Laing, Mrs Laing, and Johu Stewart, are good varieties.
Six fine Dablias are—Artiste, Christupher Ridley, Canary, John Standish,
Ovid, and Herbert Turner; and three of the best Fuchsias are Avalanche
(Smith), Mrs. Marshall, and Mrs. Cannell.

LENGTH OF GREENHOUSE Licuts (LZ. F. O.).—You do nof inform us
whether the width of the honse includes the side walls or is the interior
width only. The back lights being 4 feet Sinches you will need lights for
the front part of the roof 5 feet G6inches in length, presuming the whole
width to ba 9 feet, including the side walls, which should not be less than
Q9inches thics, but should the width be 9 feet clear of the walls inside you
will require lights for the front part of the ro »f 7 feet long. The lights should
project 1 to 14 inch beyond the walls. We should have the front of the house
above 2 feet 6 inches from the floor line sashed for glass, and every other
light made to open, with corresponding lights in the upper part of the roof
also to open for vyentilatiun. As your house is not to be heated we should
be content with such plants as will be useful to you in future years for
forcing, such as Deutzia eracilis, Dielytra spectabilis, Spirea japonica,
Prunus sinensis alba flore-pleno, Helleborus niger, and Tea-scented Roses.
Clematises Lady Londesborough, Miss Bateman, and Albert Victor are very
fine. With these and bulbs—Hyacinths, Narcissuses, Tulips, and Crocuses,
you may have an effective display in spring, especially if you add a few of the
early-flowering Rhododendrons, and «zalea pontica in variety.

Canon HatL Muscat Grapes STONELESS (Alfred Powell).—Stoneless
Grapes betuken a waut of vigour in the Vine. Is the soil thin and poor?
If so, lose no time in applying a liberal surface-dressing of manure, to which
add any such substances as wood ashes, mortar rubbish, burnt weeds, or
chopped turf. How about the drainage and watering? Any defect or want
in either respect does harm. If nothing is wanting in any of the points
indicated, and the crop is abundant and fine, then we can only suggest care-
fal impregnation next season with pollen of this or any other Grape, taking
care to remoye the globule of moisture so frequently found upon the pistil
of the flowers of this Grape before you apply the pollen. Our reply to your
inquiry is necessarily suggestive rather than conclusive, for you tell ug
nothing about the condition of the Vines.

Heatine 4 Pranr Prorecror (An Old Subscriber).—tf you have any
hot-water apparatus the best plan would be to rum a 35-inch pipe round the
sides. Such a pipe could, of course, be attached to an ordinary kitchen
boiler. Failing the pipe, a small fusnace and brick flue would answer very
well, letting the flue pass through or rather under the centre in an open
trench of brickwork, the top of the flue being a few inches below the bottom
of the protector, with a grating or strips of wood over it, whereon plants
might be pleced, as the heat need never be 80 violent as to parch the roots,
your object being only to exclude frost. One flue would suftice, the farnace
being 2t one end, and the chimney with a damper near the bottom at the
other end.

VENTILATION OF A ConsERvaToRY (A Subscriber).—If by drawing down
the blind and opening all the yentilatore you cannot reduce the temperature
to within a few dezrees of that outside the house, then more openings must
be made in the roof, where in any case there should be some ventilators near
the ridge on the south slope, or how can you admit air when a cold north or
north-ea-t wind is blowiug onaclear day? Weare inclined to think there
is something wrong in the watering. Do you give enough water during
hot days? All the plants do not require water at the same time, and in hot
weather they must be inspected three times a-day, taking care that all nezes-

278

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

sary watering is thorough. If any doubts exist about a plant, submerge the
pot in water, and if bubbles come freely to the surface it is a certain sign
that the centre of the ball is dry, and the pot must remain under water till
bubbles cease rising.

REMovING Rose Currincs AND BEDDING PLANTS IN WINTER (S. B.).—
Take-up the Rose cuttings and pot them immediately, and they will be well
eatablished in the soil by the time of your removal. Bedding plants may
be taken out of the pots, the loose soil removed, the plants packed in
hampers, and repotted at the end of the journey with perfect success.
Especial care must be taken to pad the sides of the hampers with moss or
hay to exclude frost, and not to overwater the plants when they are repotted.

VARIEGATED ASH AND CoRCHORUS JAPONICA (Idem).—Both the yellow
and white variegated forms of the Ash are now well known and widely dis-
tributed. The first is Fraxinus aucubz!olia, and the other F. argentea varie-
gata. Corchorus japonica yariega‘a is also quite common. It will be better
recognised under the more familiar name of Kerria, It is readily propagated
by cuttings, young plants often being turned to good account in flower beds
and borders, the slender growth and variegated foliage having a sprightly
and very ornamental appearance.

TeRrRA Corra Stove (J. C. B.).—Our correspondent asks for information
from any reader who has used one successfully without piping to heat a very
small greenhouse.

CeLosi4s (Z. R.).—The roots must be kept active.
liquid manure.

Sea SAND FoR GARDENS (An Old Subscriber).—The value and usefulness
of such sand for the propagation of cuttings and raising seedlings altogether
depends upon the proportion of saline particles which it contains, a super-
abundance being likely to prove fatal to tender growth of seedlings. You
can, however, readily test it before accumulating any quaatity, and we shall
be glad to learn the result. Sand impregnated with oxide of ironis fatal to
most, but not quite all seedlings. The seed vegetates freely enough in it, but
the cuticle of the seedlings is destroyed so quickly that every plant dis-
appears in a few days. The sand and half-decayed mussel shells will un-
doubtedly prove highly beneficial to your stiff loam.

Names or Frouirs.—Our best authority being absent our correspondents
must wait a week or two for the identification of fruits they have sent.

Names oF Prants (J. G. G.).—1, Aspidium angulare; 2, Asplenium flac-
cidam; 3, A. Hookerianum (?); 4, Dicksonia antarctica or a close ally;
5, Blechnum occidentale; 6, Onychium japonicum. (R. A. P.).—5, Cystopteris
fragilis; 6, Polypodium Phegopteris. (John).—1, Pteris serrulata; 2, Pteris
cretica; 3, Lygodium japonicum; 4, Selaginella uncinata. (W. W. A.).—
Ceratopteris thalictroides. (EH. H. B.).—Tritonia aurea. (@rilloote).—Hedy-
chium. (J. C.).—1 and 8, Nephrodium dilatatum; 4, Probably Nephrodium
zmulum; 2, Indeterminable. (J. P.).—1, Veronica spicata; 2, Isolepis gra-
cilis; 3, Achillea millefoliam. (H.).—Aster Tradescanti? (I. E.).—Nican-
dra physaloides. (IM. B.).—Lysimachia vulgaris. (John Horton).—It is
ee. a Cotoneaster. (Murck)—The Field Sow Thistle (Sonchus ar-
vensis).

Apply a little tepid

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

THE OXFORD POULTRY SHOW SCHEDULE.

Tue sixth Oxford Show is to take place on October 24th and
25th. The career of this favourite Show has been a successful
one. It has increased in popularity and strength until now it
has become nearly the second in importance. We hope Oxford
has not yet gained the summit of its success, and that when it
does reach it that there it may remain. Too large a committee
generally do more harm than good, but when only the names of
two or three gentlemen appear upon a schedule as the commit-
tee many wonder why more neighbouring fanciers have not
embarked in the enterprise, and are wont to fear that some sort
of private speculation has been the cause. Wecan tell of one
or two great shows which began with a certain number of com-
mitteemen, and allowed that number from various causes to
decrease until only two or three gentlemen remained, who,
having the reins in their own hands, tried to ride roughshod
over exhibitors, and they failed. We trust this may never occur
to Oxford. There are many good fanciers in the city and its
environs, and we hope that, as the number from any cause
lessens of the present Committee, the ranks may be replenished.
It has not been done hitherto, for we can remember other names
in the list which do not now exist; some because removed by
death, and others from resignation; and now we learn that two
more of the number intend to take their names from the list
of the Committee after this Show. We have even heard that
the Secretary has in contemplation the removal of his name as
well. For the sake of this Exhibition we must here publicly beg
him to continue, for there is no other gentleman connected with
the Show who could manage the working of this Exhibition.

The schedule this year is better than ever. Its excellent
classification is remarkable, for nearly every existing breed is
here provided for. There are as many cups for the poultry as
there are weeks in the year, while Pigeons have also a very
large number; and for all these pieces of plate, liberal prizes,
and the entry fee is only 6s. a pen for poultry and 3s. 6d. for
Pigeons. We do trust all exhibitors will note this, for in these
days of frightfully exorbitant entrance fees a show whose prize
money is large and the opportunities of obtaining it so inexpen-
sive requires hearty support. Among the rules we note that all
the modern improvements are in vogue here, and we see that
the Committee rightly reserve the power to refuse any entries
and to elect an additional Judge if required, but we confess we

[ October 4, 1877.

see with regret that the price of a catalogue is raised to 1s. It
is far too much, and we heard at Ipswich loud and frequent
complaints of the price of the catalogues, though they were, as
they are at Oxford, got up in first-claesstyle. Among the various
classes for poultry we will only touch upon the particular ones.
Black Cochin breeders will hail their class surely with gladness
after the insult they have received at the Alexandra Palace,
where they are entirely omitted, while their cross-bred allies
the “ Long-shins” have a class and a cup. Black Red Game
cockerels here have a £10 cup and pullets a £5 5s. one, while
there is also a £3 one for undubbed cockerels. Polands, Blacks,
Silvers, and Golds, each have a cup, and so have Brown and
White Leghorns, Silkies, Sultans, Andalusians, and Malays.
For the Variety class there remain only La Fléche, Minorcas,
Chamois, Polands, and such odds and ends. The Waterfowl
have grand opportunities of showing themselves. There ara
classes for Aylesburies, Rouens, Black Hast Indians, Pekins,
Call, Mandarin, and Carolinas, and any other variety not befora
mentioned. Pheasants, too, havea class, and Turkeys and Geese
each acup. Six selling classes with an entrance fee of 5s. per
pen and twenty-three prizes finish this section, where the awards
will be made by Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay; and the various
classes each gentleman will adjudicate upon, as well as the
allotted portions in the Pigeons to Messrs. Allsopp, Esquilant,
and Jones, will be next week announced inthesecolumns. The
entries will close on Saturday, October 6th, but entries posted
on that day will be in time. The Pigeons have seventy-five
classes, of which Dragoons have eighteen, Carriers eight, Tum-
blers six, Antwerps seven, Owls five, Jacks five, Pouters five,
Turbits four, Magpies three, Fantails two, and Nuns, Archangels,
Swallows, and the Variety class one each.—W.

THE AQUARIUM PIGEON SHOW.
SECOND NOTICE.

In resuming the subject of the Aquarium Show I would begin
by stating that I never af any show saw the birds better looked
after. Food suppiy, water supply, sand, all excellent. There
are some occupations—would there were more—suited to women,
and among them the care of birds, but until recently I never
saw this work in the hands of a woman; but at the last Show,
as at this, the chief feeder was a daughter of the late Mr. Cum-
mins, a fancier of former years. Well did Miss Cummins do
her work; she delights in the birds, and loves to be among
them. Such a good feeder is a gain to fanciers, and I hope to
see her employed at other shows.

In future poultry exhibitions at the Aquariam I hope the
Pigeons will have the gallery, where they could be well seen
and no pens be one above another. I now am standing in front
of the Blue Pied Pouter cocks. Here the chief object of interest
is the bird who wins Captair Hill’s challenge cup value fifteen
guineas, thesame bird to win it three times. The same owner
and bird have won it twice—Mr. McCulloch of Belfast; but Mr.
Baker’s bird won this time. Both on Tuesday and Wednesday
this bird was so hopelessly out of show when I saw it—a mere
mass of misery, with its crop hanging, that I could not judge of
its merits ; as show, or even move, it would not. ‘Sick and
sad” was my verdict. The other bird of Mr. Baker’s does not
call for particular notice; but, as recorded last week, the very
highly commended of Mr. Fulton will be the bird of the future.
The Black Pied —These are getting more slender, but are they
quite as good in colour by the crossing to get the slenderness 2?
This first was also, with shape and half-moon, also of a good
colour. The Yellow and Red cocks.—First a Yellow, second
Yellow also, but poor in colour; third a Red; very highly com-
mended (567) capital as a Pouter, but too gay in crop. The
White Pouter cocks formed an excellent class, one getting cup.
The third (Mrs. Ladd) was sadly in moult. If the White cocks
were good the White hens were even better. Messrs. Ridley
and Dye were the most successful. The Blue Pied hens were
less to be remarked, while the Black Pied shot clear above them,
the cup hen having limb, colour, and shape, and being altogether
excellent. The Yellow hens—first Ridley & Dye, the best Yellow
in the Show. The other colour and marking cock or hen had as
Al a good Mealy of the true colour, with the usual Mealy excel-
lence in shape, good globe, and greatlength. The Pigmies were
in both classes very numerous, and the effort to breed them of
standard markings seems to be more and more successful. The
first hen was really a good Blue Pouter in miniature colour,
bars, and shape; and the third cock was the same, but not so
good; while the third hen was a fair Biue but bishoped. —

Passing on I reach the Carriers. As showing how rare is very
great excellence in fancy birds, as in everything else, here were
only three to compete properly qualified as having won not less
than three first prizes of value. Mr. Ecroyd’s bird, which cost
him £100, was winner, but the two next were close upon his heels,
particularly the Dun. There the three birds stood, the cream
of the Carrier world. Among the old Black cocks Mr. Hedley’s,
though ragged with moult, was first, as he deserved to be; a fine
three-year-old bird. As a class the old Black cocks were excel-

October 4, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

279

lent; Cucksey second, Stretch third. The Dun cup bird (Mr.
Hedley’s) all he should be save in colour. The Blue cocks.—
First a good wattled bird, and in build, &c., no Dragoon; second
cloudy in colour but a fine Carrier. White or Pied cocks.—
First White, too short in face; second White, a capital shape ;
third an old friend, Mr. Ord’s Mottle. Carrier hens, Black.—
Cup (Fulton) a very rag from moult, but grand though a rag.
Dan hens better than Blacks. Blue hens.—First a bird of
shape, second strong and large. “

Young Black Cocks.—I last week spoke against the cup cock,
so I see no reason to reconsider my words. The first Dun was
good in colour, narrow in head, and very promising. In Black
hens the Judge was all right in giving the cup to Mr. Heritage’s
bird. The Dan and Blue hens call for no comment.

Dragoons.—Blue and Silver cocks good, especially the former,
but the great praise mast be reserved to the Red and Yellows.
The cup Red (Sargent’s) was simply splendid, in deep colour
and proper Dragoon formation; an excellent Yellow came
second, and a good one third. ‘The White cocks very few.
There was a class for Blue-chequer, and Red-chequers also
appeared. These colours are too much associated with Ant-
werps to be very pleasing in Dragoons. I think special Chequer
classes a mistake; better to keep to the established colours,
admitting, however, Grizzles to a class. The Dragoon hens,
Blues.—Second a very charming bird, but as a class very
inferiorindeed. Silvera.—First really good. Red and Yellow,
however, the queens among the old Dragoons. Cup an excel-
lent Yellow in colour and properties. Blue-chequers better
absent. Among the Dragoons of 1877 the Silver-cup bird
(Mr. Wood’s) much the best. I come now to the Short-faced
Tamblers. Almond cocks.—First and cup (Henning)—head,
beak, carriage, a gem; second good carriage; third old and
rich in colour. The old Almond hens not remarkable. Now I
come to the birds hidden under the upper tier, and these were
unfortunately such birds as require a strong light to see their
full beauty, such as Almonds and other delicately-shaped Tum-

blers. Among these latter Agates seem now to bear the bell, |

and very good and pretty birds were shown. The Black
Mottles were, ax always, few but very choice, and the cup bird
charming. As to Balds, where were Mr. Woodhouse’s birds?
None shown were quite up tothe mark. Barbs next, and the
old ones certainly good, both in Blacks, Reds, and Yellows.
Mr. Frith’s cup Black cock was supreme in excellence, though
Mr. Hedley’s Red pressed him close. Among Barb hens Ful-
ton’s Yellow (1080) pleased me best. The young Barb cup hen
(1092) was alone much distinguished.

Next Jacobins, which appeared to give the Judges much
trouble, and in spite of the moult, and the pens of some were
carpeted, were excellent in all classes. Weget now in Jacobins
“‘lots of stuff,” length of feather; but there is, yes there is,
oh! fanciers, too great coarseness in the Reds and Yellows.
This}fault needs removal. Red cocks a very good class. First
long in feather but not fully moulted in tail, not quite as dark in
thigh as he ought to have been for his high position. The Red
Jacks have now become very good in colour. Colour of Yellows
as a rule good also. First Yellow cock a little too long-faced
and not dowr-faced, secondin miserable moult, third a first-rate
bird, though placed third. But if Reds and Yellows good, Blacks
much better. I quite agree with Mr. Fulton that the Black
Jacobin is the Jacobin from contrast of feather. Cup bird a
very gem in hood, eye, face, and colour; a great credit to Mr.
Heritage’s loft. Third better than second, except that it was
short in flights. Red, Yellow, and Black hens good. Then
came those most charming Pigeons the Whites, at present
shown cock or hen. Of all fancy Pigeons these and the
African Owls best deserve the title of “pretty.” Mr. Salter’s
cup bird a very exquisite Jacobin; his second good; so also
Mr. Baker’s third.

Any other Colours, Cock or Hen.—An interesting class. Here
were Mottles from which the Whites are made, and the pearl
eyes kept up. First a Mottle, second a Dun, third a Straw-
berry. The two latter the result of crosses, but as Jacobins
excellent. Fantails, prizes for both English and Scotch birds.
I hope one style only would be shown everywhere, the com-
pound of English and Scotch. The cup English bird all that is
wanted, shape and motion without super-motion. Fantails, any
other Colour.—The winners as usual being all Blue. Nuns.—A
neat nice lot, and as I recorded with pleasure last week, a Red
one won a prize. Trumpeters.—Ten pens, and eight of them
good. Swallows.—First a Black, second a Red, third a Blue.
These are great ornaments to a show. Archangels.—Cup bird
alone in great superiority. The champion class of Hnglish Owls
brought of course few, but the best in the fancy, four birds only,
and all noticed. Mr. John Ecroyd, the champion Carrier winner
was champion winner here too, The next classes of English,
Blue or Powdered Blue, and Silver or Powdered Silver, brought
only one real Powdered Blue and one real Powdered Silver,
but as Owls these classes were capital, and more than half were
noticed, but semi-powdering is not enough. The other classes
of English Owls were, too, very good, and a Silver hen (Salter’s)

took cup No. 45. Foreign Owls much less numerous. A beautiful
Blae (Wilde’s), took the cup. The other winners were White.
Turbits a show of themselves, pretty Pigeons now seem tho-
rougbly appreciated; 119 Turbits to sixty-five Pouters. Never
before so many Turbits seen together. The cup went to a
Black (Mr. Ecroyd). Altogether nearly sixty Turbits received
some notice. N.B.—I am glad the Shell-crowned had a class.

Magpies made-up in goodness what they lacked in numbers.
A Black bird won cup No. 48. Runts a little more numerous,
and as one had a cup we may expect to see more next time.
The Flying Tumblers, Balds and Beards.—The former the best.
Then the Any other colour brought Mottles and whole colours
of great beauty. These two classes give humble fanciers a
chance.

A beautifal class of Short-faced Frilled varieties followed, such
as Satinettes, Turbiteens, &c.,and attracted much attention from
non-fanciers, and more than half being noticed showed their
excellence. Antwerps of the two varieties and the Selling classes
brought up the rear, together with a special Flying class.

Such was this beautiful Pigeon Show of nearly 1200 birds.
It was held a little too soon in the season, especially such a
season as this, but it was very beautiful nevertheless. The time
lias now come, I think, for, in London, the Pigeon Shows to be
separated from the poultry; there is not sufficient room for
both. Then, again, a very large proportion of Pigeon fanciers
reside near London. The Pigeons can now stand by them-
selves, and are more pleasing to London visitors than poultry.
—WILTSHIRE RECTOR,

OUR DUTY TO OUR FOUR-FOOTED AND

FEATHERED NEIGHBOURS.—No. 5.
CRUELTY TO PIGEONS—THE SHOOTING MATCH.

In speaking of the cruelty to Pigeons entailed by a shooting
match I will not draw upon fancy ia the least degree, but upon
memory. A group of boys in an east of England school—an old-
fashioned grammar school, and strange to say held in the south
transept of the parish church (transept then walled off, now
properly thrown into the church at a recent restoration). These
boys were debating one cold winter’s morning upon the news of
a Pigeon match and the desirability of asking for a holiday.
The poor master—worn with troubles and ill health, never loth
to give a holiday unless he thought the parents would be
offended—after a show of resistance to the request soon yielded ;
then followed the brief and hearty thanks, then a rush was
made to the door, and away the lads run—waving their caps,
shouting their joy. Boys must make a noise if happy; the
buoyant spirit must break out in cheering, and laughing, and
shouting. Is not a nursery with healthy children in it always a
noisy place? By the way, is there any pleasure so great on this
old earth as that of a schoolboy’s holiday? Oaly a day, a brief
day, and then back to desks, and books, and slates; yet all are
forgotten, all disappear as by magic. The arithmetic dunce for-
gets even the hated rule of three. To-morrow the school work
will begin again; but that will be to-morrow. To-morrow in a
light-hearted boy’s mind is a hundred years henco. To-day is
life, and life to be enjoyed. Oh! early days, when the blood is
quicksilver.

*' Bliss was it in those days to be alive,

And to be young was very heaven.”
No competitive examinations then in my day, no priggish lads
who were all work and no play. We didn’t like work, and we
did like play; and oh! we did enjoy a holiday. No city clerk
enjoys his bank holiday more; not so much, poor fellow, I wish
he did; but his happiness is dashed by the thought of the mill
and its same dreary round which will begin again to-morrow.
It is only the boy forgets the coming morrow.

But how about the Pigeon match? We joined the concourse
of men and boys who, a thick-packed crowd, were going to the
place of meeting, hampers full of Pigeons preceding us. I soon
began to feel ashamed. All the rascality of the town werein the
crowd. It was a beer-and-tobacco-smelling crowd, even at that
early hour. It was a cursing swearing crowd and a betting
crowd. No girlor woman was there, whose presence has a
wonderfully restraining influence; they absent, bad men grow
worse. The ground for the shooting is reached, the trap set up,
and [ hasten to the baskets—I, a young Pigeon fancier—to see
the Pigeons. There they are, crammed into hampers with no
room to move; but crowded many deep, so deep that afterwards
it was found several at the bottom were dead. There are the
poor birds wing over wing, head over head, pecking each other
and struggling. Then they are not even the so-called Blue
Rocks, not even the Blue Dovehouse Pigeons got from the
farmers’ dovecotes in the country, but any mongrel. Here a
feather or two on the neck showing a Jacobin cross, there a long
beak showing a Dragoon cross. A little manin a fur cap sup-
plied the trap. Why is it that a fur cap is a sure indication of a
scamp? Butsoitis. Dickens has represented the blackguard
in ‘Our Mutual Friend ” with that head-covering. When the
poor wicked wretch of the story had been nearly drowned and

289 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 4, 1877.

was slowly recovered by the doctor his first words were,
‘‘ Where’s my fur cap? ”

Beware of @ man who wears a fur cap, especially if he has
little leering red eyes. If he is an undersized man he is a crafty
rogue, if a big man he is burglariously inclined. “Fur cap”
puts the first bird into the trap, which being suddenly opened
reveals the poor scared thing standing on the little platform
and too frightened to move. Driven away with stones it flies
straight towards the shooter, and towards death; happy bird,
one shot and dead. Not so other birds. They are not so fortu-
nate, the shooter misses or he wounds only; a few feathers fall,
but the bird flies on. Was there but one gun the matter would
not have been so bad and the contest not so unfair, but out of
the marked ground in fields all round were scouts—hobble-de-
hoys armed with all sorts of rusty guns. The poor escaped or
wounded birds have to run the gauntlet of these; bang, bang all
round, and continuously. Some of the birds that were out of
reach get across back again, and are again into the fire, so con-
fused are they; of course, there are some Pigeons—the cleverer
fliers, probably half-bred Dragoons or Skinnums—who, on being
missed by the shooter, rise clear up, and being above the shot of
the scouts go off straight to their homes. I kaew one such bird
in another part of England who was sold every winter for the
shooting, and always came back untouched. The farmer used
to look out for him soon after the shooting began and watch
him fiy back, and call the children with, ‘‘ Here’s our old Tom
back again.” But such luck is very rare.

But to return to the match at which I was present. I stood
usually near to the shooters, two of whom were very much the
observed of us all. One—a low class man who had married a
widow with good means, and whose ‘‘ getup” was of most elabo
rate sporting style then in vogue; poor fellow! he soon after got
to his regular pint of brandy a-day besides other drinks, and of
course he died. But another, and the very best shot there, was
still more noticed by us boys, for some years before he had been
at our school. He was now just of age, and had come in fora
considerable property, soon alas! to be all run through. Then
there were the sporting tailors and shoemakers, &c., who were
betting pence on either gun or bird; and quarrels consequent
upon the betting till the whole air rang with bad language. As
to pleasure, nobody seemed pleased unless it was some scout who
had managed to bag a Pigeon or two. Towards afternoon the
cold and damp with the wind came up from the fens, and we
boys, even with hands in pocket and jackets buttoned-up,
shivered to the bone. Oh! those dreary ugly old fens! how the
cold damp of them seemed to enter into one’s limbs, how the
water mills turned by the wind seemed as evening came on (I
have counted twenty-five from one site) to grow bigger until
they had a weird, uncanny, ghostly look, and I go home
hungry, cold, and unhappy. Why unhappy? Because I had
witnessed cruelty to poor birds—shameful cruelty, unfairness
to the poor things; and then what had I heard and seen around ?
—hbad language, drunken blocd-shot eyes, and bloated faces.

Are Pigeon matches now-a-days as bad as this? Some may
be, though manners and morals are better than formerly. But
there has come another feature—women attend them. Ladies,
dainty ladies, whom a drop of blood affrights, give their presence,
and they go to what has been called in refined words ‘‘a tourna-
ment of Doves.” <A wrong title, for a tournament meaus a mock
encounter, and it is the reverse to the poor Pigeons. Legitimate
sport there is among the stubbles on an English September on
the hills after the grouse; but a Pigeon match is not fair sport
—cruelty before it begins in the crowded hampers, cruelty at

‘the time, and cruel suffering to the poor wounded birds after-
wards as they sit moping and miserable in their lofts. Would
that all felt what I a boy felt—shame and disgust; and did as I
did, never be present at another match.— WiLTsHIRE REcToR,

BEES AT FLOWER SHOWS.

Tue experiment of holding a bee and honey exhibition in con-
junction with flowers and fruit has during the present year been
tried with unvarying success at Weston-super-Mare, Taunton,
Dorchester, Wolverhampton, Sherborne, Carlisle, Grantham,
Berkhampsted, and at least half a dozen other places, and has
tended not a little to add to the interest and enjoyment of the
day ; and it is astonishing what a great attraction an observatory
hive of living bees is to the general public, I may safely say not
surpassed by the finest dish of fruit or flowers. In many prize
schedules of small provincial shows it is customary to offcr a
trifling prize for honey, rightly considered a floral production;
and if the committees would extend their honey prizes and open
them to all comers I fee] sure they would make a move in the
vight direction, and, with an exhibition of hives added, do
much towards placing before their poorer neighbours a means
of increasing the family income. At most of the shows I have
mentioned practical demonstrations of driving, artificial swarm-
ing, transferring, &c., have been given, the spectators beiug
fenced off from the flying bees by a gauze screen; but in some
instances, so eager has been the curiosity of the crowd, that the

slight barrier has been demolished without any apparent penalty
being enforced by the disturbed bees. Indeed at Berkhampsted,
where I was the manipulator, we had no screen whatever. I
drove the bees from their full hive to an empty one and after-
wards returned them, closely surrounded on all sides by an
eager and curious crowd, some of whom readily became my
assistants unprotected by either veil or gloves, and I heard no
single complaint of a sting being used. After my exposition an
old man remarked to me, “ Well, sir, I have taken up bees
many years with brimstone, but after what you have shown us
I hope to try next time to do as you have done to-day.”

Country gentlemen who have learnt to handle bees fearlessly
are now numerous and widely scattered. They would do much
in the cause of bee culture if they would inaugurate bee shows,
in conjunction with flower shows or not, in their various locali-
ties; and if the want of funds stands in the way, then let a
small charge for the bees be made, and it will be found readily
met. At Ealing Horticultural Show this season no provision
had been made for bees, but I placed an observatory hive on
the table, and such was the interest excited that before the day
closed the Committee resolved to have a bee show next year as
an auxiliary to that of the fruit and flowers.—Joun HunTER,
Eaton Rise, Ealing.

OUR LETTER BOX.

AppressEs (4. B. C.).—We do not know those which you ask for. Write
to the Secretary of the show.

Unitine Stocks (Anwious).—You have nothing to fear, as both the hives
you name are in pretty good condition for the winter. Contract their doors,
keep them warm and dry, and look forward to next year for a gcod return
from them. The best way of uniting swarms is occasionally discussed in
our columns,

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN Square, LonpDon.
Lat. 51° 32'40” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
ro) |= Bee =]
éae.| Hygrome-| §.3 |¢+,:/Shade Tem-| Radiation aa
1 Wea ter. 35 |328| perature. |Temperature. eS
Sept. |2eLE Siz; |igios.|—= sae | eae
and |S354 Be | ONR In On
Oct. |2*S"! Dry. | Wet.) QS |F Max.| Min.| sun. grass.|
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. deg. | deg.| In.
We. 26 | 80.277 | 51.8 | 501 W. 51.4 | 6£0 | 45.5 99.5 43 6 _
Th. 27 | 30.899 | 445 | 44.3 WwW. 51.1 | 60.2 | 38.2 993 | 857 —
Fri. 28 | 80.363 | 50.3 | 49.3 N. 50.8 | 64.4 | 39.2 1026 | 85.0 _
Sat, 29 | 82.267 | 48.8 | 48.3 N. 53.9 | 64.9 | 42.0 103.0 | 37.8 _
Suu.30 | 80.189 | 55.0 | 509 N.E. 512 | 65.9 | 43.4 106.7 | 882 _
Mo. 1 | 80193 | 51.1 | 49.1 N. 51.1 | 63.3 | 446 99.2 | 40.1 _
Tu. 2 | 30.085 | 45.4 | 45.3 N. 51.5 | 61.5 | 88.3 100.3 | 34.2 _
Means} 80.253 | 49.4 | 48.2 516 | 63.5 | 41.6 1015 | 87.8
REMARKS.
26th.—Grey early, but fine forenoon, and bright all day; rather loss so ab
night.

27th.—Dense fog all ihe forenoon, clearing off about 1 P.u.; very pleasant
afternoon and evening.

28ch.—Very fine all day, though slightly cloudy about 1P.m.
29th.—Very bright and fine all day.
30ch.—Bright, fine, and fresh all day.

1st.—Another bright autumnal day.

2n !.—Hazy at 94.M., but soon followed by bright sunshine all day.

Fine autumnal week. Slight fogs in morning and evening, but not a drop

of rain.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—OcrToser 3.

THERE is scarcely anything of importance to quote this week, the supply
of goods being much the same as previously, and trade quiet.

FRUIT.
8. d. 8.a Katal
#sieve 2 6toS 6 ny
ozen 10 8 OG 0
lb. 0 4 0 6 0
ib, 0 4 0 G 0
Ib. 1 G6 6 0 0
each 16 4 0 atest 0
Nectarines... doz. 4 0 18 0| Walnuts.... 0

VEGETABLES.

8. d. 5. d. s.d. s.d
Artichokes...... dozen 3 0to6 0} Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0
Beans, Kidney.. bushel 2 0 4 0} Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
Beet, Red . 1 6 8 0@/ Onions ........ bushel 0 0 0 0
Broccoli ........ OSG LG: pickling ...... quart 0 4 00
Brussels Sprouts 4sieve 0 0 O 0/| Parsley.... doz.bunches 2 0 0 0
Cabbage ........ dozen 1 0 2 0} Parsnips.. : dozen 0 0 00
Carrots . bunch 0 4 O 8} Peas.... oo quart 0 6 10
Capsicums. 100 1 6 2 0] Potatoes... bushel 8 6 5 0
Cawiflowers.. dozen 20 4 0 Kidney bushel 56 0 7 0
Celery ...... bundle 1 6 2 0/| Radishes.. doz.bunches 1 0 1 6
Coleworts d banches 2 0 4 O| Rhubarb bundle 06 10
Cucumbers .. each 0 8 O 9} Salsafy bundle 0 9 1 0
Endive .. dozen 1 0 2 6} Scorzon bundle 1 0 0 9
Fennel. bucch 0 8 O 0] Seakale basket 00 0 6
Garlic 1b. 0 G6 O 0} Shallots Ib 08 08
Herbs .. bunch 0 2 O 0} Spinach bushel 2 6 40
Lettuce -. dozen 10 2 0| Turnips........ bunch 0 5 O 6
Meek Bieccrecien: bunch 0 4 O 0| Veg Marrows.. each 0 2 0 4

October 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

OO

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day eT Average Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s | Clock | Day
CNN OCTOBER 11—17, 1877. mem perainre near Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. petore sot
| Day. |Night,/Mean.| h. m./ bh, m.| b. m| &. m.| Days. | m. a.
| Ts 61.7 | 45.4 | 521 | 6 19| 5 14] Oags | 7 9 5 | 13 18 | a84
12 |F SOI | Ata 508s Ge 2081" 512) |F TS St gh a7 6 138 83 | 285
18 | 8 Twilight ends 7.4 Pp... 60.7 | 418 | 512 | 6 23) 5 10| 2 12) 9 16 7 #118 47 | 286
14 Sun | 20 Sunpay aFrrer TRINITY. 59.9 | 40.5 | 50.2 6 25 By ats) 2 40/10 29 » | 14 1 | 287
15 |M_ | Fire Insurance must be paid. 59.0 | 40.5 | 49.8 | 6 26) 5 5/ 8 1/11 42 9 | 14 14 | 288
16 | Tu | Valisnerius died, 1730. 59.0 | 401 | 495 | 6 298] 5 38] 8 16] mom.| 10 | 44 97 | 989
ily? [ae 58.8 lias | 49.8 6 30 bya 8 2s 0 55 11 | 14 39 | 290

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 58.3°; and

its night temperature

INSIDE versus OUTSIDE VINE BORDERS.

agree that Vines succeed better with their
roots in an outside border than under glass.

Vines are generally understood to do much
better under artificial treatment in this coun-
try than in a natural state, and certainly
their roots are growing naturally when run-
ning unrestricted in the open ground. Why
this difference should exist is an interesting
subject, and after considerable experience and thought on
the matter I am convinced it is produced by a very plain
cause. We will go no further than this season for a com-
parison between the two. Look at Vines now with their
roots wholly inside and the fruit hanging on the rods.
With the idea of improving the flavour of this fruit the
border is kept nearly dust-dry. Many of the leaves are
changing colour, but not the colour of slow maturity ;
they appear rather as if shrivelled and scorched. Can
this be otherwise than injurious to the future well-being
of the Vines? Take other Vines with their roots all out-
side: from the great amount of rain we lave had the
border cannot be otherwise than wet—actually saturated,
and the roots plump, the foliage green, and the fruit
swelled to its fullest extent. This is part of the difference
between the outside and inside. Some might say the
fruit must be deficient in flavour with the roots in a moist
border. It is nothing of the sort; quite the reverse. I
haye tasted Grapes—all kinds of Grapes—over and over
again from Vines with their roots outside, and in flavour
they were in every respect equal, and in juiciness far
superior to the half-raisin-like fruit of the inside Vines.

But it is not a small matter of good or bad flavour for
one year that is of most importance. This is the chief
question, Will the Vines succeed much better through all
their existence with their roots outside thanin? They
will, or all my observations, and many others’ besides
mine, are wrong. Vines with their roots outside I have
always observed as starting stronger into growth, remain-
ing more healthy through the season, swelling their fruit
better, colouring it better, and keeping it better from
shrivelling, shanking, and other diseases than Vines
having their roots inside.

Tonce saw a great many vineries planted in succession—
two or three one year, the same number next, and so on.
The vineries were made so that the whole of the Vines
had to be planted inside, but at the same time they could
reach the outside border after a year or two. During
the time the roots were inside the Vines did not make
the most satisfactory progress, and the first and second
crops shanked ; but after this, and as soon as the roots
were plentiful in the outside border, the Vines made a
more vigorous start than ever they had done, and since
then shanking has been unknown, and the Vines have
always been much freer from insects than formerly.

Now, nothing whatever was changed inside from what
it originally was, the only difference being the roots out-

No. 863.—Von. XXXIII., New SERIES,

7 HARLY all Grape growers of experience |

At first this might appear singular, because |

| side, and, curious to say, the soil and other ingredients in
| the outside border were the same in every respect to that
|inside. All the difference was the outside border was
never covered, but was always moist, especially in the
| winter time, while the inside one was as dry as being
supplied with no water for five or six months in autumn
and winter could make it. This would certainly lead
| one to suppose that Vines do better with their roots out-
side than in, because the outside Vines are never dry at
| the rcot. This I believe is the whole secret; and I believe
further, that it is one of the greatest mistakes that can
be made to let Vines become so dry at the root at any
time as many think is advantageous to them. No young
roots are more easily injured than Vine roots. I have
seen them quite fresh at the outside of the ball of a Vine
grown in a pot in the morning, and after the leaves have
flagged for want of water during the day every one of the
young fibres were dead at night. When the leaves are
| off the Vines of course it cannot be seen how the foliage
might go down for want of water; but the roots will
perish as quickly when the leaves are off as on, and there
cannot be the slightest doubt that many young roots die
in inside borders in the winter time: hence their deficiency
| of root-action, shanking, and other evils the following
season.

Vine-border-making is included in the work to be done
with us this winter. The outside will receive our very
best attention, but the inside we will have nothing to do
with.—A KircHEN GARDENER.

THE ROSE ELECTION.—No. 2.

Ir is rather interesting to note the position of some
of the Roses which have attained their place in the forty-
eight, not by superlative merits, but imagine rather by
all-round good qualities. Such I consider those to be
that have comparatively few first or even second-class
votes, and yet find a place amongst the élite of the
selected forty-eight—notably No. 13, Mdlle. Marie Rady,
has only five first-class votes; Edouard Morren, again,
No. 19, has but two. It cannot, in fact, be said that there
are a dozen Roses so generally excellent as to obtain two-
thirds of the first-class votes. This is rather extraordinary,
neither do I think it would have been suspected before-

Charles vee 49

hand. Let us see.
Marie Baumann 43
La France
Maréchal Niel and Baronne de Rothschild... 41

Alfred Colomb..
Then comes even thus early a great drop, Francois
Michelon obtaining only thirty-seven, a number that
must increase if its constitution prove good, the only point
I think of doubt about this great acquisition to our Rose
list; then Marquise de Castellane rises above Etienne
Levet, scoring twenty-four votes to the latter’s twenty-
three. In previous elections I have been surprised at
this Rose being invariably placed over Francois Michelon,
as in form it is so very inferior, at least as it comes with
me, though I grant exceptional blooms are of rare beauty
in other characteristics. Louis Van Houtte received
No. 1615.—Vou. LYIII., OLD SERIES.

282 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

twenty votes, Duke of Edinburgh seventeen, Madame Victor
Verdier fourteen. It is astonishing that in the first twelve
Roses there should be a drop s0 large as this, the twelfth Rose
failing to reach one-third the number of first-class votes. It
may interest ‘‘ Wr~p Savace’”’ to note that, continuing this
test, Catherine Mermet becomes fifteenth with nine votes,
Dr. Andry and Eugénie Verdier tying at one vote above her;
but to look down the second twelvs tried by this test it would
seem that our first-class Roses are but few. Contrasted with
this some of the newer Roses, expecially those of 1875, have
proportionately a far larger number of first-class votes, though,
probably from want of thorough trial, they have only a small
number in the grand total; notably amongst these we may
mention Mons. E. Y. Teas with four first-class votes, Comtesse
de Serenyi with five, Duchesse de Vallombrosa with five first-
class votes out of a total of fifteen; indeed it would seem very
probable that these Roses with another season would stand
considerably higher.

I now add the greater number of the amateur lists, and pro-
pose when completing this portion to make a few remarks on
Roses that greatly resemble each other—a subject that has
already excited some comment and that the list of one of our
most esteemed rosarians brings again prominently forward.—
JosErH Hiyton, Warminster.

VOTES IN ELECTION.

In the following returns the Roses are placed in the order of

merit—in twelve, twenty-four, and forty-eight varieties :—

R.N. G. Baxer, Esq., Heavitree, Exeter.

1. Charles Lefebvre i Camille Bernardin

2. Alfred Colomb §. Baronne de Rothschild

3. Marie Baumann 9. Francois Michelon

4, Dr. Andry 10. La France

5. Marie Yan Houtie 11. Maréchal Niel

6. Maurice Bernardin 12. Marquise de Castellane
13. Souvenir @’an Ami 19. Xavier Olibo

14, Mdlle. Marie Rady 20. Prince Camille de Rohan
15. Souvenir d’Elise 21. Sénateur Vai-se
16, Madame Caroline Kuster 22. Monsieur Etienne Levet
17. Marguerite de St. Amand 23. Duc de Wellington

. Louis Van Houtte . Emilie Hausburg
25. Ferdinand de Lesseps 37. Marquise de Mortemart

26. Monsieur Noman 38. Madame Charles Wood
27. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 39. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
28. Madame Brayy 40. Lord Macaulay

29. Royal Standard 41. Auguste Rigotard

. Sir Garnet Wolseley . Reynolds Hole
. Baron de Bonstetten . Princess Mary of Cambridge
32. Madame Lacharme 44. Dupuy-Jamain

83, La Rosiére 45. John Stuart Mill

34, Abel Grand 46. Horace Vernet

35. Edouard Morren 47. Duchesse de Caylus

36. Duke of Edinburgh 48. Madame Victor Verdier

Mr. WuitweEtu, Barton Hall, Darlington.

1. Marie Baumann 7. Baronne de Rothschild
2. Emilie Hausburg 8. Camille Bernardin

3. Marquise de Castellane 9. Charles Lefebvre

4, Marie Rady
5.
6
18

10. Star of Waltham

. Alfred Colomb 11. La France

. Maréchal Niel 12. Madame Victor Verdier

. Sénateur Vaisse 19. Thomas Mills
14, Louis Van Houtte 20. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
15. Madame Charles Wood 21. Dopuy-Jamain
16. Due de Rohan 22. Dase of Edinburgh
17. Belle Lyonnaise 23. Sir Garnet Wolseley
18. Hippolyte Jamain 24, Prince Camille de Rohan
25. Annie Wood 37. Bouquet d’Or
26. Madame Hippolyte Jamain 38. Maréchal Vaillant
27. Docteur du Chalus 39. Madame Lacharme
28. Catherine Mermet 40. Capitaine Christy
29. Madame Bravy 41. Princess Mary of Cambridge
30. Souvenir d’Hlise Vardon 42. Xavier Olibo
31. Miss Hassard 43. La Rosiére

32. Marguerite Brassac 44. Francois Michelon
88. Dake of Connaught 45. Etienne Levet

34. Ferdinand de Lesseps 46. Dr. Andry

35. Duchesse de Caylus 47, Madame Fillion
36. Abs] Grand 48. Marie Finger

Mr. Burnaty-Arxins, Halstead Place, Sevenoaks, Kent.

[ October 11, 1877.
29, Maurice Bernardin 59. Edward Morren
30. Monsieur Noman 40. Mdlle. Marie Rady
31, Annie Wood 41, Madame Margottin
32. Princess Mary of Cambridge 42. Olivier Delhomme
33, Exposition de Brie 43, Madame Clemence Joigneaus
d4, Madame Thérése Levet 44, Prince Camille de Rohan

35. Sénateur Vaisse 45. Monsieur Woolfield
36. Souvenir d’Elise 46. John Hopper

37. La Ville de St. Denis 47. Monsieur Boncenne
38. Maréchal Vaillant 48. Abel Grand

. Marie Baumann

Mr. J. Tranter, Upper Assenden, Henley-on-Thames.

Maréchal Niel 7. Louis Van Houtte
8. Madame Furtado

3. Alfred Colomb 9. Souvenir d’un Ami
4. La France 10. Sénateur Vaisse
5. Charles Lefebvre 11. Etienne Levet
6. Baronne de Rothschild 12. Francois Michelon
13, Camille Bernardin 19. Madame Lacharms
14. Catherine Mermet 20. Comtesse a’Oxford
15. Duchesse de Vallombrosa 21. Jean Liabaud
16. Emilie Hausburg 22. Belle Lyonnaise
17. Dupuy-Jamain 23. Madame Victor Verdier

18. Horace Vernet 24, Marie Rady

25. Paal Verdier 37. Star of Waltham

26. Marquise de Casiellane 88. Royal Standard

27. Reynolds Hole 39. Pierre Notting 7

28. Alba Rosea 40, Mdlle. Engénie Verdier
29. Felix Genero 41. Prince Camille de Rohan
30. Edward Morren 42. Madame Caroline Kuster
31. Ferdinand de Lesseps 43. Xavier Olibo

32, Madame Clemence Joigneaux 44, Baron de Bonstetten

33. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 45. Perle des Jardins

34, Princess Beatrice 46. Triomphe de Rennes

35. Mdlle. Thérése Levet 47. Victor Verdier

36. Marie Van Houtte 48. Henri Ledechaux

Mr. Hargineton (J. Mitchell, Esq. i, Gerpens, Cookestay, Essex.

1. Baronne de Rothschild . Camille Bernardin
2. Duke of Edinburgh 2 8 Fisher Holmes
3. Marie Baumann 9. Gloire de Dijon
4, La France 10. Ferdinand de Lesseps
5. Dr. Andry 11. Maréchal Niel
6. Sénateur Vaisse 12. Mdile. E. Verdier
13, Prince Camille de Rohan 19. Jean Dacher
14. Charles Lefebyre 20. Madame Margottin
15. Due de Wellington 21. Xavier Olibo
16. Devoniensis 22. Niphetos
17. Belle Lyonnaise 23. Alfred Colomb
18. Catherine Mermet 24. Victor Verdier
25. Lord Macaulay 37. Anna de Diesbach
26. Thomas Mills 38. Louis Van Houitte -
27. Duchesse @: Caylug 39. Monsieur Noman
28. Abel Grand 40. Monsieur Etienne Levet
29, Maréchal Vaillant} 41, Monsieur E. Y. Teas
30. Exposition de Brie 42. Marguerite de St. Amand
31. Monsieur Francois Michelon 43. Marquise de Castellane

2, Mdlle. Marie Finger

. Francois Fontaine é

33. Monsieur Boncenne 45. John Hopper

34. Elie Morel 46. Madame Victor Verdier
35. Auguste Rigotard 47. Gloire de Vitry

36. Horace Vernet 48. Olivier Delhomme

Mr. Pemperton, The Round House, Havering-atte-Bower, near

Romford.

1, Charles Lefebvre 7. Marie Baumann

2. Marquise de Castellane 8. Reynolds Hole

3. Baronne de Rothschild 9. Ferdinand de Lesseps
4. Dake of Edinburgh 10. Alfred Colomb

5. Dr. Andry 11. Capitaine Christy

6. Madame Lacharme 12, Sénateur Vaisse
18. Maréchal Niel 19. Lord Macaulay

14. Horace Vernet 20. Bessie Johnson

15 Pierre Notting 21. Niphetes

16. Belle Lyonnaise 22. Xavier Oliko i}
17. Beauty of Waltham 23. Gloire de Ducher

. Francois Michelon

Malle. Thérése Levet

25. Madame Bravy 87. Prince de Portia

26. Mdlle. Annie Wood 88. Edward Morren
27. Mdlile. Marie Cointet 89. Francois Fontaine |
28. John Hopper 40. Victor Verdier

29, Dupuy-Jamain 41. Abel Grand

30. Madame Victor Verdier 42, Fisher Ho)mes

81. Due de Wellington 43. Comtesse a’Oxford

32. Monsieur Noman 44, Catherine Mermet

83. Malle. E. Verdier 45. Lonis XLY. |
84. Louis Van Houtte 46. La France

35. Marie Rady 47. Maurice Bernardin

86. Madame Charles Wood 48, Marie Van Houtte

1. La France 7. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
2. Marie Baumann 8, Duke of Edinburgh

3. Etienne Leyet 9. Baronne de Rothschild
4. Charles Lefebvre 10. Dupuy-Jamain

5. Maréchal Niel 11. Francois Michelon

6. Alfred Colomb 12. Niphetos
13. Capitaine Christy 19. Marqnise de Castellane
14, Dr, Andry 20. Xavier Olibo

15. Comtesse d'Oxford 21. Malle Marie Cointet
16. Duc de Rohan 22. Camille Bernardin

17. Marguerite de St. Amand 23. Victor Verdisr

18. Louis Van Houitte

25. Reynolds Hole
26. Marie Finger

. Madame Lacharme

. Horace Vernet
. Centifolia Resea

Rev. H. L. FELLOWES, Wimpole Rectory, Royston.

1. Frangois Michelon 7. Marie Van Hontte

2. Marie Baumann 8. Louis Van Hontte
8. Ls France 9. Baronne de Rothschild
4

5

. Alfred Colomb 10. Charles Lefebvre
. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 11, Catherine Mermet
6. Maréchal Niel 12, Madame Victor Verdier
18. Miss Hassard 19. Etienne Levet
14, Marquise de Castellane 20. Madame Willermoz
15, Xavier Olibo 21. Reynolds Hole
16. Niphetos 92. Star of Waltham
17. Malle. Hugénie Verdier 23. Edward Morren
18. Duchesse de Yallombrosa 24, Hippolyte Jamain

Octoser 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COPTAGH GARDENER,

283

25. Comtesse de Serenyi 87. Souvenir de Baron de Semur
26. Emilie Hausburg 8S. Horace Vernet

27. Sénateur Vaissa 39. Marie Rady

28. Souvenir d’Eliso 4), Capitaine Christy

29. Princess Mary of Cambridge 41, Perle des Jardins

30. Souvenir d’un Ami 42. Comtesse d’Oxford

31. Dupuy-Jamain 43. Marguerite de St. Amand
32. Marie Finger 44. Duke of Edinburgh
33. Madame Caillat 45. Elie Morel
34. Devienne Lamy 46. Fisher Holmes
35, Dr. Andry 47, Victor Verdier
36, Adam 48. Maréchal Vaillant
Mr. Ripout, Woodhatch, Reigate.
1, Charles Lefebvre 7. Marquise de Castellane
2. Baronne de Rothschild 8. Maréchal Niel
3. Marie Baumann 9, La France
4, Francois Michelon 10. Camille Bernardin
5. Etienne Levet 11. Madame Victor Verdier
6. Mdlle. Thérése Levet 12. Edward Morren
13. Abel Grand 19. Exposition de Brie
14, Alfred Colomb 20. Catherine Mermet
15, Mdlle. Marie Finger 21. Perfection de Lyon
16. Eugévie Verdier 22. John Hopper
17. Comtesse @’Oxford 23. Marie Rady
18. Beauty of Waltham 24, Annie Wood
25. Horace Vernet 37. Marie Cointet
26. Le Havre 88. Lord Macaulay
27. Doke of Edinburgh 39. Devienne Lamy
28. Madame Lacharme 40, Xavier Olibo
29. Louis Van Houtte 41. Capitaine Christy
30. Ferdinand de Less:ps 42, Madame C. Crapelet
31, Pierre Notting 43. Dr. Andry
82. Madame CG. Wood 44, Due de Wellington
33. Devoniensis 45. Sénateur Vaisse
34. Due de Rohan 46. Reynolds Hole
35. Emilie Hausburg 47. Prince Camille de Rohan
36, Antoine Ducher 48, Madame C. Joigneaux

Mr. Joun Sarcant,

1, Charles Lefebvre 7.
2. Marie Baumann 8.
3. Baronne de Rothschild 9.
4, Marquise de Castellane 10.
5. Alfred Colomb 1k.
6. Frarcois Michelon 12.

Reigate.

Maréchal Niel

Etienne Levet

La France

Lozis Van Houtte
Marguerite de St. Amand
John Hopper

13, Horace Vernet 19.
14, Lord Macaulay 20.
15. Madame Victor Verdier 21.
16. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier 22.
17. Souvenir @Elise 23.

Due de Wellington
Comtes:e @’Oxford
Marie Rady
Xavier Olibo

Miss Hassard

18, Exposition de Brie 24. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
25. Annie Laxton 37. Marie Van Houtte
26. Madame Hippolyte Jamain 88, Prince de Portia

27. Dupuy-Jamain 29. Marquise de Gibot
28. Monsieur Boncenne 40. Camille Bernardin
29. Reynolds Hole 41. Comtesse de Serenyi
30, Fisher Holmes 42, Edward Morren
31. Dr. Andry 43, Duchesse de Caylus
82. Annie Wood 44, Hippolyte Jamain
83. Monsieur Noman 45. Cheshunt Hybrid
84. Capitaine Christy 46. Prince Camille de Rohan
35. Emilie Hausburg 47, Victor Verdier
36, Malle. Thérése Levet 48. Madame Lacharms

Mr. J. Parsons, Frome.

1, Alfred Colomb 7. Camille Bernardin

2. Marie Baumann 8. Devoniensis

3. La France 9. Victor Verdier

4, Marqnise de Castellane 10. Horace Vernet

6. Francois Michelon 11. Charles Lefebvre

6, Mdlle. Euzénie Verdier 12. Niphetos

13. Louis Van Hontte 19. Dake of Edinburgh

14, Etienne Levet 20. Beauty of Waltham

15. Madame de Rothschild 21. Mdle. Marie Rady

16. Comtesse d’Osford 22. Reynolds Hole

17. Auguste Rigotard 23. Madame Victor Verdier
18. Catherine Mermet 24, Thomas Mills

25. Dr. Andry 87. Centifolia Rosea

26. Emilie Hausburg 88. Pierre Notting

27. Princess Mary of Cambridge 39. President Thiers

28. Marie Van Houtte 40. Gloire de Vitry

29. Sénateur Vaisse 41. Hippolyte Jamain

30. Leopold I. 42. Mdule. M. Dombrain

31. Cheshunt Hybrid 43. Prince Camille de Rohan
32. Souvenir d’un Ami 44, Baron de Bonstetten
33. Capitaine Christy 45. Jean Liabaud

34. Fisher Holmes 46, Triomphe de Rennes
35. Edward Morren 47. Marquise de Mortemart
36, Gloire de Dijon 48, Elise Boélle

(Lo be continued.)

GREEN VEGETATION ON WALLS.

WHITEWASHED walls in vineries and other glass structures
are very apt to become green from the constant syringing re-
quired to keep these houses cool and moist. For many years
LT could not overcome this difficulty.

and mixed it in a pail of water, and with this brushed the
wall. This was done with the idea of destroying the germs or
seeds of this green mucilage. A few days after this the wall
was whitewashed, the limewash combining with the sulphuric
acid on the wali forming sulphate of lime. This operation
took place five years and a half ago; the wall has not been
discoloured nor whitewashed since.—OxnsERYER,

CUCUMBERS.

Havine resolved in my mind that our requiremants could be
met by two kinds—one for everyday use, a cut-and-come-
again sort about 12 inches in iength, short neck, symmetrical
in shape, swelling quickly, good flayoured, free-bearing, and
hardy constitution; the other having the good properties of
the former but twice the length—I had fixed upon Munro’s
Duke of Edinburgh as the everyday kind, and Tender-and-
True for beauty and good quality. Experience had shown
them to be ali that could be desired. Why give space to
others which would take up room that might, as hardy fruits
were likely to be scarce, be more profitably employed with
Melons? Ruminating—seeing space not wanted for Cucum-
bers deyoted to Melons—I was interrupted by receiving seed
of a new Cucumber—vyiz., Montrose Seedling, from Colonel
Taylor, Montrose, Weston Park, Bath, described as a cross
between Sion House and Lord Kenyon’s Freebearer, pedigree
sufficient to convince it must be an everyday kind; and seeds
of a new frame Cucumber were also received from Messrs.
Suttons, Reading, simply marked ‘“‘a new frame Cucumber.”
Why not pit these against the favourites; give them a chance,
devote 2 frame to each? It only represented so many Melons
less per light for every one set apart for Cucumbers, and why
not crop the Melon plants more heavily? An extra fruit per
plant would balance the loss. Who knew but what I might
have winners in the untried? Of course, as Burns puts it—

“ The best-laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft aglee,”

the space might be wasted, the Cucumbers would probably dis-
appoint, as new things often do; and how well the Melons
would be appreciated, particularly when the luscious Peach is
wanting! Only by trial could a satisfactory conclusion be
arrived at, and if the opportunity were let slip it might never
recur.

Never have I let an opportunity pass of making an experi-
ment when it would not interfere with the supply. LExperi-
ment is the key of information. More is to be gained by
experiment than a theoretical knowledge of all the ologies.
There is no denying the fact that experiments, if to be of use,
must be conducted upon such a scale as to show a correct
issue. A plant in comparison with a dozen stands no chance,
for there is great diversity in subjects of the same kind.
The experiment must be comparative—an equal number of
plants under the same climatic and cultural conditions, with
the same amount of space. Give a plant twice the space of
another equally requiring that essential and there is no com-
paring the doings of the two, as justice is only done to one,
which in a great measure accounts for the great doings of new
subjects. Seed is scarce, and they are thinly cast upon the
ground. The plants do wonderfully well, but when subjected
to ordinary culture, that of the standard older kinds, their
doings are not nearly so satisfactory a3 in the year of trial.
They come out at first all right, but after a few years it is
very uncertain what kind it will have degenerated into; of
course it is all due to the difficulty in keeping the stock pure.
They have been so often and long crossed that they degenerate
or sport. I am fully acquainted with the great difficulty of
procuring seeds of some kinds true to name, but that it is due
to degeneracy is only an excuse for negligence in the selection
of stock. I have this year Harly Longpod Bean for Seville
Longpod, a Pea about 2 feet high for G. F. Wilson, a short
white spine Cucumber for Munro’s Duke of Edinburgh, and I
am to accept them as due to degeneration. Fortunately some
seed of the true stocks pronounce very decidedly against such
reasoning, and we must accept the fact, unpalatable as it may
be, that there had been a substitution—a very different word
from degeneration, and having a decidedly contrary meaning.

I will endeavour to describe Montrose Seedling Cucumber.
Plant hardy, succeeding in a cold frame with a slight warmth
at commencement from a bed of leaves and a little old litter

An old mason seeing the | to hold the leaves together; foliage moderate, the leaves not

wall of a large vinery covered with green matter offered to | large, the bine not strong; fruit at almost every joint—five,

cure it.

He took a pint of common vitriol (sulphuric acid)

gix, or more joints consecutively, not a great number of fruit

284 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 11, 1877.

at a joint, which is no advantage, as one takes the lead and
the others are mostly crooked and otherwise ill-shapen from

irregularity of swelling, this haying the character of swelling |

quickly, regularly, and certainly. Fruit deep green, 12 to
15 inches in length, skin smooth or very few spines, very
symmetrical in shape, very short neck, flower borne well at the
nose, altogether a handsome fruit and good; core or seed

flavoured, free from bitterness or any unpleasant taste. Very

prolific, my two plants in a two-light frame giving sixty fruits |
in a month, and though the plants have been fruiting four ,

months none of the fruit have shown a disposition to ‘‘ knob”
at the end, which is not unusual with most kinds late in the
season. Its Sion House type is very marked, bearing some
resemblance to Munro’s Duke of Edinburgh, having a hardy
constitution. It will displace those I have hitherto grown for
‘* everyday ’’ use.

‘New Frame” Cucumber is a rather strong grower, but not
so strong as Marqnis of Lorne; foliage rather large, good con-
stitution, succeeding in a cold frame with a slight warmth from
leaves held together in a bed by stale long litter. Fruit 20 to
24 inches in length, neck short—scarcely any—remarkably
regular in thickness from neck to nose, the flower well carried,
skin deep green covered with ‘‘ blue” bloom, very beautiful in
symmeiry and bloom; spines white, sparingly but regularly
disposed, render it very attractive. The fruit had little core,
no seed found in any, and capital flavour. It swells freely,
fruits freely, and certainly is the handsomest fruit I haye seen.
I only regret that I have not been able to secure any fruit at
all like seeding as yet. If only it would ‘‘ knob” I should
feel satisfied, for I have no object in growing these things
other than to possess myself of the best kinds. I have tried
my hand at crossing Cucumbers, but I get nothing for my
pains except disappointment.

Ido not know whether it has been noticed before or not—
viz., that new kinds have at first, for two or three seasons,
better constitutions than they afterwards exhibit. Can it be
due to the influence of foreign pollen—fresh blood giving in-
ereased vigour? In-and-in breeding is well known as a source
of weakness if not barrenness in cattle, why not in plants?
—G, ABBEY.

BEDDING GHRANIUMS AT CHILWELL.

Tur season of 1877 will long be remembered in the annals
of flower gardening as a most unpropitious one. The per-
petual downpour of rain accompanied with extreme cold hag
told considerably against the beauty of the flower garden.
Where Alternantheras will succeed carpet bedding has been in
the ascendancy this season, but in many places they have not
moved since they were bedded-out in June, and since the
middle of August they have ‘‘ grown small by degrees and
miserably less;’’ and the Geraniums and other half-hardy
blooming plants have been no improyement on the Alter-
nantheras, for in many places they haye presented a woe-
begone appearance. However, in some favoured spots they
have behaved themeelves differently, and especially at Chilwell.
The Geraniums in this nursery are standing monuments to
Mr. Pearson’s memory. His genial converse is missed now,
but three sons who manage the business under the leading
spirit (Mrs. Pearson) promise to walk in their father’s foot-
steps, and to Mr. Charles Pearson I am particularly indebted
for much courtesy. The Geraniums on the 19th of Septem-
ber were bright and beautiful, those under glass were more
gorgeous than eyer, and those in the open flower garden were
in very good condition.

In the top garden nearest Mr. Pearson’s house a number of
eircular beds were filled with Geraniums of one sort for trial.
The very best in the garden was Mrs. Gregory, with beautiful
rose-coloured flowers, large truss, dark foliage, stout foot-
stalks, and an abundant bloomer; it appeared as if there
had not been a drop of rain on it for weeks. The next in
order of merit was Mary Pearson, a similar shade of colour to
Mrs. Gregory; a free bloomer, fine flowers, the shape of the
truss all that could be desired. These were sent ont in 1876.
Of the crimsons, the Rey. A. Atkingon stood pre-eminent, in
colour a glowing crimson, the trusses fine; an improvement
on Bayard, Mrs. Mellows, and Brutus. David Thomson, sent
out last year, is much of the same shade of colour ag the Rey.
A. Atkingon, has immense trusses, very stiff footstalks, and
the flowers well up above the foliage. In the lilac pink sec-
tion the well-known Mrs. Turner was most beautiful. We

had always thought that the trusses of Mrs. Turner were too
large for bedding purposes, and especially during a season
remarkable for its rainfall; but however, there she was as
bright as ever, clad in all her blushing beauty. Mrs. Turner
was the best pink Geranium on ithe trial beds. Lady Byron,
a beautiful soft pink with a light centre, is without a rival ag

| a pot plant, but is not suitable for outdoor bedding. Colonel
space small, no seeds found in any fruit cut, the flesh well |

Wright of the rosy-red section appeared to stand the weather
well; the trusses were large and well-shaped, the flowers very
perfect. Ernest is very much of the colour of the Colonel, and
quite as good in all respects. Charles Schwind, fine dark
glowing crimson, with good habit, is the darkest Geranium yet
sent out. §. Plimsoll, purple crimson, was too much run to
foliage, but the trusses were very fine. John Gibbons, scarlet,
was the best bedder on the lawn last year, but this year is not
quite so good. Rey. S. Hey, rosy red, was very dwarf, and
an effective bedding variety. Mrs. Jacoby was very good ag
regards the quantity of bloom, but the colour, a salmon rose,
was nearly all washed out of it. Mr. Pearson told us how
good she had been in fayourable seasons. Mrs. Paget, soft

rose, was moderately good, but the fine satiny texture of the —

flowers is too delicate for this stormy weather. Among the
Golden Tricolors Mrs. H. Walters and Rose Wood were spe-
cially noteworthy; and in the Silver-edged section Rosamond
Wright was distinguishable for the purity of her leaf-markings.

Turning into the long Geranium house it was—as is always
the case between the 1st of April and Christmas Day—a per-
fect blaze of flowers. We need not enter into detail respecting
the merits of these plants for decorative purposes, for they
lave been descrited in these pages over and over again. We
will, however, just mention a few of those sent out this season.
Mrs. Levers, pink, with white eye, large flowers, and truss
compact and good. Colonel Seely, scarlet flower, with white
eye; the flowers are perfect in shape, and would come up in
every point to the requirements of the florist. Gertrude,
salmon colour, the individual flowers are more than 2 inches
across; this is a noble flower. Mrs. Pearson and Lizzie
Brooks, each with salmon scarlet flowers, very large, exquisitely
good. Charles Schwind, very dark crimson, a splendid pot
plant. Rebecca, rosy crimson, the trusses 7 inches across.
There were many others all worthy of note and deserving a
place in any collection, but these named are among the best.
We observed thousands of seedlings in various stages of growth,
and among those to be sent out next spring are some fine
doubles of various shades of colour, quite a new feature from
this nursery.— VISITOR.

VINE RENOVATION AT WIMBLEDON HOUSE.

Vines have of late years been, perhaps, the weak point of
Sir Henry Peek’s beautiful and well-appointed garden. The
soil of the district is light, and is not what is known as of a
‘‘ wearing’’ nature: hence the Vines which flourished well for
a time eventually lost their vigour. Since Mr. Ollerhead has
had the charge of the garden the Vines haye been a source of
much trouble to him: to a gardener so thorough as he is they
could not be otherwise than disappointing. It is only recently,
however, that he has been able to direct his attention to their
renovation by a renewal of the borders and raising of the roots.
As others may be contemplating the renovation of their Vines,
and as this is the right period for the work being done, the plan
adopted at Wimbledon may be usefully mentioned.

The Vines are perhaps thirty years old. They are planted
inside, the roots having access also to outside borders. They
are planted and trained about 4 feet apart, and have been
pruned on the spur system.

Preparatory to the renewal of the borders, and as an im-
portant element in the restoration of the Vines, Mr. Ollerhead
last year trained up two young canes from each Vine, selecting
those which issued from the rods as near to the ground as
possible. These were trained between the chief rods.

Such old Vines have old fibreless roots—roots which do not
always in the readiest manner emit young feeding spongioles
eyen when fresh soil is provided: they would emit fresh roots
probably more quickly from the rods if laid in the soil than
from the old black roots. By the plan adopted by Mr. Oller-
head the Vines have an opportunity of doing this—in fact are
doing it, for the Vines in one house were operated on in

' August, and the roots from the stems laid down then are now

permeating the border. A free lateral growth has resulted,
and the Vines are established for supporting their next crop.
Other houses will be done at once before the leaves fall.

Gctober 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

285

The plan is briefly as follows: The soil of the old border is
taken out inside the house and fresh soil putin. The roots are
raised and placed nearer the surface. They are, I think, notched
at intervals; a portion of the stems are also notched and laid in
the border. The Vine belonging to No. 1 rafter is laid in the
soil and trained up No. 2, while that belonging to No. 2 is
conducted underground and is trained up No.1. Thus every
Vine has a fresh rafter, the layered stems—dquite 4 feet of
each Vine—crossing each other underground between the
rafters. Of the Vines so managed in Auguet young roots are
plentiful from the layered stems, especially from the young
canes which had been encouraged to grow; the old stems
have not yet emitted roots.

This mode of renovating Vines is well worthy of mention at
the present time. The preparation of young canes, the notch-
ing of the stems and laying a portion of them in the soil,
cannot fail to increase the root-action of the Vines to a very
considerable extent, and is the almost sure and speedy fore-
runner of good Grapes as at Wimbledon.

The border inside the house is not made of the full width of
the house, but 3 or 4 feet furthest from the Vines contains
simply fermenting manure. Such manure placed in a vinery
at the time of starting the Vines is of great assistance to the
breaking of the eyes, it also promotee healthy growth after-
wards, adds gentle heat to the border, and as the manure
decays forms a rich larder of food for the support of the Vines
-~when the crop is swelling and ripening. Mr. Ollerhead’s plan,
I believe, is to remove the manure at the winter pruning, and
with it the roots which haye penetrated it, placing fresh
manure and encouraging fresh roots yearly. If Iam wrong in
my assumption Mr. Ollerhead must oblige by correcting me.

It is asomewhat bold course of treatment—a wholesale annual
root-pruning, but which will no doubt answer its purpose ad- |

mirably—as well, indeed, with Vines as with fruit trees in
pots to which the practice is commonly and successfully ap-
plied.—J. W.

THE ROYAL GARDENS, HAMPTON COURT.

No more convincing proof of the increasing popularity of
Hampton Court can be needed than to witness the many
thousands of visitors who frequent these gardens daily. The
noble avenues of Lime trees verging on the banks of a pleasant
stream afford delightful shade from the fierce rays of a mid-
summer sun, and lend a charm to the numerous flower beds for
which they form a background.

Entering the gardens from the Palace front I found the long
ribbon borders planted with Hemp; tall Abutilons, Cannas,
Tobacco, Castor Oil, Solanums, and other subtropical plants
forming a background, and so well do they answer the purpose

required of them that in many places they completely shut out |

the wall behind them. In the front of them were Geraniums, and
marginal lines of Golden Chickweed and Cerastium tomentosum.
These borders are about half a mile inlength. The walls be-
hind are draped with Clematises, Honeysuckles, &¢., which add
to the beauty of these grounds at other seasons of the year.
The flower beds have been yery beautiful this year, and a brief
outline of a few of the most pleasing may be acceptable. A
bed planted with Miss Kingsbury, a very clear white variegated
Geranium, intermixed with Viola Blue Perfection, surrounded
with a double row of Iresine Herbstii, and margined with
Cerastium tomentosum, was very effective. A charming bed
planted in the ‘‘carpet” style also merits notice. Cables
were formed with Alternanthera paronychioides lined with
Echeveria retusa and a narrow belt of Golden Feather, filled-
in with Sedum glaucum, Alternanthera, and Mesembryanthe-
mum cordifolium yariegatum ; the corner segments were planted
With Alternanthera amcna, and the whole edged with Eche-
veria retusa. This was altogether a very attractive bed. Happy
Thought Geranium was here doing well, and displayed its
strange freak of vegetation to great advantage. It was edged
with Coleuses and Golden Thyme, and the trio made a very good
bed. Opposite the tennis court was perhaps the best arranged
carpet bed in the gardens. It consisted principally of ovals,
circles, and their segments, and was planted with Kleinia repens,
Alternantheras, Mesembryanthemums, and margins of Semper-
vivum californicum and Echeyeriaretusa. Many other pleasing
beds must be passed, but not two of the most showy. Their
centres consisted of large blocks of Pelargonium Bijou and Viola
Blue Perfection freely intermixed (Violas do well here); then
@ broad belt of Iresine Lindeni surrounded with the Golden
Stellaria, Whether viewed from a distance or examined

closely the arrangement was equally striking. Among the
best Geraniums employed here are Sir George Natchet,
Lucius, St. George, Waltham Seedling, Mrs. Haliburton,
Warrior, and Sybil. Robert Fish and Golden Harry Hieover
are good for edgings. The gardens and grounds were in
excellent order, reflecting great credit on the manager.
—J. W. Moorman.

FUMIGATING.

ScarcELy anything can be more important in the practice of
plant cultivation than the timely destruction of noxious in-
sects, or preferably their prevention. Soil, watering, struc-
tural conveniences are all rendered comparatively inert if
insects are permitted to become established in the houses or
on the plants. Thoze cultivators who haye won honours at
exhibitions and haye established their fame as accomplished
plant-growers for home decoration are those who have
persistently waged a war of extermi-
nation against insect pests. Those
writers, too, who conyey instruction in
plant culture find it necessary to re-
iterate the importance of insect pre-
vention or destruction. There are
various ways of subduing insects, but
one of the most familiar and effectual
is by fumigation. Clumsy makeshift
contrivances are frequently adopted in
the burning of tobacco or tobacco paper,
and when such is the case the work is
unpleasant, and is often deferred until
much injury has been done to the
plants. By way of making fumigating
a pleasant occupation Mr. Tebb has
produced a handy, simple, self-acting
apparatus which has been figured in
our advertising columns. This haying
proved acceptable a smaller fumigator
for frames and individual plants has
been produced by Mr. Tebb, which is
shown in miniature in the accompanying figure. To retain the
smoke the cloth simply requires to be tied round the stem of
the tree. We have tried this little apparatus, and it answers
admirably. It consumes the tobacco paper freely yet without
flame, and when the draught (which can be regulated at will)
is adjusted by the moveable slide no further attention is
requisite during the process of fumigation. The fumigators
are made of various sizes, and are cleanly, cheap, and durable.

Tebb’s Fumigator.

GRAPES CRACKING.

In your impression of October 4th W. Harris seems puzzled
with the yexed question, ‘‘ What causes Grapes cracking?’ I
have not come forward to clear-up this mystery, but I suggest
a little matter which, if not overlooked in his practice, is at
least not mentioned in his remarks—namely, the state of the
atmosphere.

Our friend asks, ‘‘ Why should one sort crack more than
another??? Some Grapes haye thin skins, others thick, and,
of course, the former must be more apt to yield to surrounding
circumstances than their more leathery-skinned neighbours.

After describing his two unsuccessful attempts at growing
Madresfield Court Grape without cracking he says, ‘* Certainly
everything was done to lessen the flow of sap to the berries,
&e.”’ Was he equally careful to facilitate the flow of sap from
the berries? Was hesure the atmosphere was not too moist?

I am quite of opinion, though others may think differently,
that the amount of moisture in the atmosphere of a house has
more to do with the cracking of Grapes than either the amount
of water supplied to the roots or the amount of foliage de-
veloped on the Vine. I haye under my charge a house in the
centre of which there is a pit once used for Pines, but now
filled with ashes for the purpose of standing Ferns on. In
this house there is growing together Muscat of Alexandria,
Mrs. Pince, Black Hamburgh, and Foster’s White Seedling. I
found that the latter variety cracked very much, but instead of
cutting the shoots half through to cure it I took every plant
out of the houses as soon as the Hamburghs began to colour,
and have done the same thing every year since, and have now
no cracked berries, not even in this remarkably dull, sunless
season, and in a locality, too, where about 14 inches of rain
has fallen from the beginning of June to the end of Septem-

286

JOUSNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 11, 1877.

ber, the borders being all outside.
much to do with Vines are familiar with what takes place on
the leaves of Vines when the atmosphere is overcharged with
moisture and indifferently ventilated, and I do not see any
yeason why berries with thin rkins should not crack if the
house is not moderately dry and well ventilated. R. Ineuts.

RED-BERRIED SHRUB—ROSE MILDEW.

I cannot remember all the sorrows of the ‘‘ Crry CLERK ”
and his questions, but I will answer all I can remember. The
best plant for red berries is the Box-leaved Cotoneaster (C.
buxifolia). It has beautiful white flowers in summer, and red
coral berries in the autumn. It is a trailing shrub, very
hardy, and will climb up a wall with support.

As regards mildew on his Roses, 28 soon as the ‘ Ciry
CLERK” perceives it he must cut off the twig and burn it, as
one tree will soon affect more. He must then give the plants
abundant water at the roots, and also syringe the whole tree
to wash off the resting spores. Sulphur and soot are valueless.
A thunderstorm is the best cure for mildew and aphides.

As regards aphides, he must in early spring search for them,
squeeze them, and syringe copiously afterwards, and con-
tinuslly. They will not then appear till September, when he
must again squeeze and syringe. He will then be free in the
meanwhile. Iam never troubled out of doors with either of
these plagues. When “ D., Deal,” was here, June 28th, I do
not think he could find either mildew or aphides among 2500
Roses. The September aphides are egg-layers, and the spring
aphides are viviparous.—W. F. Rapciyrrn.

ROYAL ROSES.

‘‘T warrep for the train at Coventry,” as Mr. Tennyson
says—at least at Slough, and suddenly bethought me of the
royal county’s Royal Nurseries and the truly royal Roses which
issue from thence. Anyone who has an hour to spare either
at Eton or Slough can hardly do better than spend it at Mr.
Turner’s interesting establishment. The gardens are of them-
selves most attractive. Magnificent Holly hedges afford shelter ;
and near the entrance a delightful little miniature Poplar
avenue was still affording shade to Camellias coming on, and tall
pot Briar Roses were recruiting for another campaign. Those
giant Roses in pota so familiar at the spring shows were stand-
ing out in long lines enjoying the fresh air before entering on
their London season. The plants are really prodigious. In
nothing, I incline to think, are the triumphs of gardening
science more manifest than in those wonderful Rose bushes
which are now produced under glass. But my inquiry as
usual was for the bed of seedling Roses. Under the guidance
of Mr. Gater, the intelligent and experienced foreman of the
Rose department, I was speedily introduced to all that was
interesting. Thereis a time for everything, and Lhold nothing
in its way more enjoyable than a Rose chat amongst the Roses
with one who understands them and makes his superinten-
dence a labour of love. AsI believe many others enjoy this
also I have taken the trouble from time to time to put on
record such gossips.

I spoke of the Rose seedling bed, but in fact there are many
beds, Mr. Turner besides his own having become possessed of
the stock of Mr. Laxton, to whom we are indebted for several
excellent Roses. Indeed Mr. Laxton has sought after new
Roses more scientifically than, as far as I am aware, any other
grower. In almost all cases vast masses of Roses are grown
together, and the bees or the wind in some way or other
do the hybridising. Mr. Laxton, I believe, always fertilised
the flowers himself. I saw a long narrow bed pretty full
of his new seedlings. It will be strange if we have not
something good from thence in the course of time. Among
the Slough seedlings I saw several of considerable promise,
though they must be good indeed to gain a place in the cata-
logue. People are hardly aware of the very severe ordeal
which, in our English gardens at least, every new Rose has to
go through. Hvyen after it has been accepted and extensively
budded, if it fail in form or fulness, however inviting the
colour, it has little chance of ever being presented for a cer-
tificate. I saw one here, a red Rose of very fine shape and
colour, which was only to be allowed to come out as a garden
Rose. When, therefore, a new Rose is put forth as of promise
by one of the great growers we may confidently consider it
will be an acquisition. One such is to be shown by the Royal
Nurseries next year, and to be in commerce the year after. Its

Most men who have had | name is Harrison Weir.

It is of the Xavier Olibo colour, with
Charles Lefebvre wood and robustness—certainly something
of very great promise. I saw many Briar stocks of it, but
only one imperfect bloom. Thence we passed on to seedlings:
already out, notably Mrs. Baker, who waz in great force, and,
as might be expected, abundance—a very lovely Rose, such as
the very charming lady to whom it is dedicated may certainly
view with acceptance and complacency.

There were still many excellent Roses in flower. Mr. Gater
said they had three seasons—that of the cut-backs, of the
Manettis, and then of the maidens. At present all three seem
uniting to form a fourth. Mons. E. Y. Teas was there, his.
character rising every season. Duchesse de Vallombrosa, an
improved Capitaine Christy ; Jean Liabeud, an improved Mons.
Boncenne; Madame Prosper Langier and Due de Montpensier,
both spoken of highly. Souvenir de Spa, which I admired at
Hailsham last year but have not seen since, was here very
fine; and last but not least charming Comtesse de Serenyi,
with its smooth, ivory-like, round, light pink bloom and of
perfect habit. There were the usual acres of budded Briars
most sturdily robust, and having at this time their cotton
wrapping taken off from them. ThusI concluded a busy but
most interesting hour.—A. C.

FLOWER GARDENING IN 1826.

Ir is fifty-one years since I began the gentle art of gardening>
and I find from dire experience that there is more of what may
be called glory than backsheesh connected with it. I began in
the gardens of Admiral Sir J. Hope at Carriden, Linlithgow-
shire, and there was a very good flower garden there of fully
an acre very well laid out, partly in grass and the rest a Box-
wood design and herbaceous plants. The only bedding-out
plant was Senecio elegans; one bed of it used to be planted,
and very pretty it was; it was kept over from cuttings every
season. I took a deep interest in the hardy plants; there was
always something coming into bloom. I had the honour of
serving three Harls and one Baronet for twenty-six years as
head gardener and forester, and I stuck to the old hardy plants >
but many beautifal varieties are grown now that were not to-
be seen in my early days, thanks to the enterprise of such
firms as Backhouse, Ware, Parker, &e.

It was about the year 1841 when Verbena Tweediana and
Tweediana grandiflora were introduced, and then the bedding-
out beganin a small way, but increased by degrees, till in many
instances it fairly swamped the old herbaceous plants. Yet
when the mania for bedding-out became so colossal I often
thought that there would be a re-action, and I have advocated
this for many years, and will while I can wield the pen. I
know full well from my own experience and that of many of
the very best gardeners in Scotland that bedding-out on such
a large scale is a bore, and though attended with a large out-
lay for glass structures, men, and plants, that it seldom gives.
the amount of pleasure they were led to expect. What with
drought, too much rain, and 2 want of sun, there is always:
something that is not up to the mark. If only one sort of
colour dies, or partially so, the harmony of the parterre has
vanished, and instead of its affording pleasure either to the
gentry or the gardener, it is the very reverse. But even when
the weather is so nicely balanced that everything is in order,
only think of the expense of propagating the thousands of
bedding plants, watering, planting out, pegging down, and
staking up so many plants. If it were all counted up and
shown to a lady or gentleman, I almost think I hear them
saying, ‘‘I had no idea that there was so much spent for that
which has given me so little pleasure, and think it will be
necessary to turn a new leaf and see if the backsheesh cannot
be turned to better account.”’

But what is to be done? Are we to fall back upon the old-
fashioned herbaceous borders, and discard all the beautiful
flowers that adorn our flower gardens and which add to the
enjoyment of one’s abode during the summer? Certainly I
will be the first to say No to such a proposition. I have no
more idea of bedding-out being abolished entirely than that
I would believe that Sir Robert Peel’s free-trade measures
would be repealed, or that slavery, that accursed thing, would
be again the order of the day.

Iam quite sure that the gentry had more pleasure in their
flower gardens even during the time there were nothing but
shrubs and hardy flowers of all sorts then with the bedding-
out stnfi. I always had much pleasure in looking at a collec-
tion of Roses, Pinks, Carnations, Dahlias, &c., and in seeing

October 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

287

beautiful shrubs; there is always something new to be seen
amongst them. But can thesams tale be told about Verbenas,
Geraniums, Calceolarias, &c.? Not at all, when they begin to
bloom about the end of June, so as to have any show; they are
the same day after day till the rain and cold in September
destroys them. To my way of thinking they become insipid,
and I only wonder how gardeners of otherwise good taste
should care about such heavy monotonous masses. It is rare
where the hobby of bedding-out is carried on so largely that
everything else receives the attention it requires. About three
years ago I went all the way to Lamport Hall to see that cele-
brated miniature rockery erected by Sir Charles Isham, and it
tertainly took me by surprise, and all done by the worthy
Baronet’s own hands during a period of nearly thirty years,
and it far surpasses anything I ever saw; and next to it is
Hoole House near Chester, but they are quite different. I saw
Chatsworth, also Eaton Hall and Alnwick Castle, when on my
tour to merry England. The beauties of Chatsworth, as the
house and its surroundings, surpassed anything I ever saw,
but Lamport Hall and Hoole House took me far more by sur-
prise than any of the places I visited. I was much surprised
and pleased this season with a place near Falkirk, Mayfield,
belonging to Proyost Russell. The evergreen and deciduous
trees and shrubs were worth looking at, and then they are in
beauty every day in the year, and the heights and colours may
be 80 atranged as to give an artistic appearance to the scene.
This seems to me far better than to see beds of bare soil
“ decorating” the lawn for nearly eight months in the year.
Fine shrubs and trees, some few of the best bedding plants,
and some spring and autumn-flowering plants, should be em-
ployed in due proportions, and I believe more pleasure and far
less expense would result than by indulging in the modern sys-
tem of garden decoration.—J. App1son, Ormiston, Edinburgh.

THE INFLUENCE OF SCION UPON STOCK
AND vice versi IN THE CASE OF THE VINE.

For a considerable number of years we have experimented
with a view to prove the influence which certain Vines, as
stock, produced on others when grafted on them, as well as
the influence which one variety as a graft exerted on others as
stocks. So far the results in some cases have been instructive,
while in others they have been both instructive and most in-
teresting. In grafting Gros Guillaume on the Muscat and not
allowing the stock to make any growth, not even to develope
a single leaf, the result was bunches somewhat more compact
than the general run of Gros Guillaume bunches, more regular
and larger-sized berries, and a colour exceeding in density any
other Grape except the best-finished examples of Black Ali-
¢ante. This variety, grafted on the Muscat and allowed to
‘develope itself in the proportion of one to two rods of the Museat
on which it is grafted, has been very much increased in fruit-
fulness, and bears freely on the short-spur system of pruning.
The shape of the bunch has, however, been entirely changed ;
the large shoulders characteristic of Gros Guillaume when well
grown being wanting, the bunches having assumed a long
tapering shape. The colour of the berries has not been
nearly so dense—in fact they have been more of a grizzly
colour, some berries colouring to nearly black on one side and
grizzly on the other. The flavour has been appreciably im-
proved, and the wood of the Vine ripens very rapidly and per-
fectly. On the other hand, the effect of one strong limb of
‘Gros Guillaume on the two limbs of the Museat is to deteriorate
them, as well as to influence the character of the foliage con-
siderably. As compared with other Museats on which no
other Grape has been grafted the limbs are weak, there being
a tendency to shank in the bunches, and the foliage goes off
early in the season with streaks of straw colour, much the
same as Gros Guillaume goes off streaked with claret and
¢rimson. The two Muscat limbs are also much more subject
to scorching from intense sunshine than are the Vines entirely
Muscat. These effects are distinctly realised and are very
€onspicuous at the present moment, an entire Muscat being
beautifully green in foliage, and the Vine next to it with two
Museat rods and one of Gros Guillaume, with the Muscat
portion of the foliage going off into straw-coloured streaks,
like the Gros Guillaume; the fact being that the latter is
deteriorating the character of the Muscat, while the Muscat
stock and limbs are exerting a most marked influence cn the
Gros Guillaume.

Gros Guillaume grafted on the Black Hamburgh comes very
fine in berry and colour for about three years, after which it

deteriorates, becoming less fruitful and much smaller in bunch
and berry. On one Black Hamburgh grafted with Gros Guil-
laume we have allowed a spur of the Black Hamburgh to grow
on each side of the stock, about 6 or 8 inches below the union
of the stock and scion. This was allowed in order to see the
effect of a large spread of Gros Guillaume foliage on the small
amount of Black Hamburgh stock growth. Last year, as it
happened, there were two bunches on the Black Hamburgh
spurs, and there was no appreciable effect on the fruit, but the
leaves assumed the shape of those of the Gros Guillaume, and
went off in autumn with exactly the same crimson colouring of
that variety, while no other Hamburgh foliage in the same
house did so. This season there is just one bunch on the
Hamburgh spurs (they having apparently become less fruitful) ;
but that bunch, althongh hanging over the hot-water pipes,
has just, like those of Gros Guillaume on the same Vine,
begun to colour, while the Hamburgh bunches round about it
are black. The berries are also much less in size than the
other Hamburghs. The foliege on the two portions of the
stock are this year again much more cut and pointed, and will
no doubt change, like those on the main limb of Gros Guil-
laume, into crimeon ag they ripen.

In the case of Muscat Hamburgh it has been found that,
grafted on Black Hamburgh and the stock and scion allowed
to develope in nearly equal proportions, the bunches set better,
form more compactly, colour better, and are less subject to
shank than when it is grafted on the same stock and no
growth allowed on the stock; the result in the latter case
being large-framed bunches, with more stoneless and shanked
berries.

Duke of Buccleuch on a Museat stock, with also a limb of
Gros Guillaume, does not succeed well at all. The berries
shank very much. In fact, the fellow scion robs and cripples
it. On the Black Hamburgh the Duke does well, with the
stock allowed to develope itself in about equal proportions;
but from an eight-years experience of this Grape we conclude
that it does best on the Muscat stock, the Vines being allowed
to grow in equal proportions. The Vines on which it was thus
grown were, however, destroyed. This Vine does very well on
its own roots when properly established.

The Grizzly Frontignan has done best on the Muscat stock,
the latter being also allowed to make growth in about equal
proportion.

Trebbiano grafted on Museat, and grown in proportion of
one rod to two of the Muscat, does better than on its own
roots; but from its very robust habit it has proved injurious
to the Muscat.

From our experience we conclude that any Grape grafted on
a given stock derives very little, if any, benefit or harm from
the stock after a very few years, if the stock is not also allowed
to make growth.—(The Gardener.)

A USEFUL PEAR.

A pyrAmip tree of Beurré Goubault in my garden, about
12 feet high and 6 through, regularly bears year after year
from 150 to 200 fruit, and I noweend youa portion of a branch
to show that in this unfavourable season it has maintained its
fruitful character. Though not to be compared with the best
autumn Pears, such as Beurré Superfin, Louise Bonne of
Jersey, Comte de Lamy, Thompson’s, and General Todtleben,
it hag a fine flavour and the great merit of ripening gradually
over a period of two months without going at the core, my
single tree affording a constant supply from the middle of
October to the middle of December, though in some seasons it
comes in a week or two earlier or later; but this has been my
experience with nearly all kinds of Pears. It is necessary to
note that it generally remains quite green when fully ripe.—
Essex.

[The branch received fully sustains the free-bearing charac-
ter of this Pear, for on a length of a little more than a foot
are eight excellent specimens.—Eps. |

THE POTATO DISEASE.

Mr. Appison says that no one shall make him believe that
the disease did not exiat previously to 1846. He is quite right,
for I have seen the disease in Potatoes in 1836. I do not write
to please Mr. Addison, nor do I wish to contradict any other
writer, but what I have seen I believa in,

Another writer says that no one can tell the cause of the
disease, and that the diseased Potatoes infest the land. My

288

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ October 11, 1877.

ee

reply to this is, I have grown Potatotes on the same land for
Seven years and had no disease. I have tried all sorts of
manure, and I find that with a good dressing of quick or gas
lime Potatoes can be grown in the same land for a number of
years. As for diseased Potatoes having anything to do with
the next planting is out of question. Dress your land well in
December or January with quick or gas lime, and you will
have no disease. If anyone should have a doubt let them try
one pole of ground with 2 cwt. of lime, and I shall be most
happy to hear the result.—W. G.

PRIMULA VILLOSA NIVEA.
Some confusion appears to exist as to the correct name of
the charming Primula now figured. It is popularly called
Primula nivalis, and is referred to under this name by Mr.

Awiuie
iH RN
ve AWSy i

of charming flowers. Mr. Douglas grows this Primula well,
and finds it worthy of his best care. Its cultivation is gradu-
ally increasing, a8 one of the most distinct and pleasing of
the attractive family to which it belongs.

THE CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY

(Conias Epvsa.)

Ir is curiously illustrative of popular caprice that while the
Colorado beetle, which has not yet settled here, has been
puffed into astonishing notoriety by newspapers and peri-
odicals, many interesting facts which immediately fconcern
British entomology receive no mention. I have seen hardly
any references beyond scientific journals to the abundance in
which Colias Edusa has appeared in 1877, there being the
unprecedented circumstance of a numerous flight of), these

Fig. 56.—PRIMULA VILLOSA NIVEA.

Donn; the Dahurian P. nivalis has, however, purple flowers.
It is known also as P. nivea (the Snowy Primula), and the
name is appropriate, for the flowers of no Primula are more
pure and chaste. The author of the ‘‘ Botanical Magazine ”
considers it a variety of P. villosa on account of its essential
resemblance to that species—its villous wedge-shaped leaves,
toothed at the upper ovate part only and quite entire below,
and by the funnel-shaped form of its flowers. It is one of the
most attractive of small-growing Primulas, and when grown
in pots or pans, and flowered under glass, as it should be, few
dwarf plants during early spring are more noticeable in the
greenhouse. It requires much the same cultural treatment as
the Auricula, and at this period of the year requires attention to
prevent it from damping ; indeed nearly all the dwarf Primulas
demand a little extra care now by providing them with suitable
Winter quarters. A shelf in a light well-ventilated house or
the wooden stage of a cold frame are suitable for this tribe of
plants during the winter months. When they show signs of
growth in the spring a top-dressing of fresh enriched soil and
more copious supplies of water aid in producing good trusses

butterflies in the spring as well as an autumn brood. Indeed,
in some places they almost outnumbered the common Whites.
Formerly scarce and then seemingly partial to the coast,
C. Edusa has gradually become commoner, but this season
has brought it outin unusual force; and as it feeds in the larva
state on Clover and Lucerne, it might furnish a topic for
alarmist paragraphs. There is, however, a probability that
our very variable winters will always keep the species in some
check.—J. R. 8. C.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
TREGOTHNAN, THE SEAT OF VISCOUNT FALMOUTH.—No. 2.
THE mansion, a massive pile, was figured last week. The

walk (fig. 57) leads from the lawn and forms a singularly
appropriate approach to the house, passing as it does among
lofty trees, fringed with a fine growth of Rhododendrons, a
magnificent old Silver Fir standing out prominently, meeting
the eye agreeably without obstructing the view. At the end of
this walk, close by the house, are many Camellias wonderfully

October 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

289

fine, 12 and 14 feet in height and of a proportionate diameter,
every one of them in admirable condition—a dense mass of
foliage from the turf upwards. Never again shall I care for
Camellias in pots, one glance at these glorious specimens
bringing conviction to the mind that the roots must ramble
freely in the soil, untrammelled by pots or tubs, to produce
Such vigorous growth. Surely the capacity of the Camellia
for decorative purposes is not half so well understood as it
ought to be. It will not answer so well in the open air in
every part of the country as it does here, but it ought to be
planted out in every conservatory bed, and it is undoubtedly
the shrub of shrubs for winter gardens and crystal palaces.
A meed of gratitude is due from horticulturists to the noble
owner of Tregothnan for planting this exotic shrub go exten-
sively, and affording such conclusive proof of its value and
hardiness.

The principal or terrace front of the house commands a fine
view down a valley having dense masses of timber on tho
right-hand slopes, not of formal aspect, but sweeping gently
forward in rounded outlines down to the turf-clad slopes of
the park on the left. In the distance there is a glimpse of the
waters of the Fal winding picturesquely in among the trees,
and beyond rise other wooded banks, the densely clustering
tree tops marking the undulations of the slopes almost as if
they were turf, so soft and pleasing is the effect. One turns
from this pleasant scene with regret, for, most unfortunately,
the terrace is not in harmony with it. Its boundary, a wall,
running right across the valley, forms a stiff and uncompro-
mising object for which nothing can atone, nor is there any-
thing upon the terrace itself that is at all calculated to do so.
The remedy is obvious: The wall facing the bottom of the
valley should be removed and a wide flight of broad granite

Fig. 57.—TREGOTHNAN—VIEW IN THE GROUNDS.

Steps introduced, with elaborate balustrades and vases for | angles of the walls, and with an ample central expanse of

flowers ; low tazzas, also, should be put upon the parapet of
the remaining portions of the wall from each side of the steps
to the ends of the terrace. The terrace itself is now occupied
with circles of Box embroidery and spar of various colours,
which might be dispensed with advantageously. In the centre
there should be some object worthy of the position, and in
keeping with the stately mansion with which it is inseparably
connected. A group of statuary would, of course, be in ex-
cellent taste, or, if statuary were objected to, a raised flower
bed, ascending in two or three tiers of stone or terra cotta,
having a broad fringe of the dwarf Rhododendron ferrugineum
round the lower tier, with no turf, but a bold encircling sweep
of gravel or white spar, with turf beyond towards the ends of
the terrace, where geometrical designs for flowers with cnrved,
not angular outlines, would tell well. The ceutral stone tiers
should not be perpendicular and stiff, but should present a
curved, flowing, and really ornamental front, and be so well
proportioned and symmetrical as to render it a striking central
ornament, pleasant to behold even when not gay with flowers.
The broad fringe of Rhododendrong would add to its dignity
ag well as impart the requisite repose.

In contrast to the imperfections of the terrace the carriage
Court is unobjectionable, being in excellent proportion, with
an agreeable margin of turf springing in semicircles from the

%

gravel, altogether forming an adjunct to the buildings of the
highest importance, imparting to them an indescribable air of
completeness and dignity.

If an unusually critical tone has been indulged in it is be-
cause its subject is worthy of it. The gardens at Tregothnan
are 60 beautiful that one longs toimpart completeness to them
by getting rid of the one or two blemishes indicated ; by seeing
more attention given to a due provision of shelter from high
winds for the numerous trees requiring such shelter, and which
are go worthy of it; and to the thinning and pruning of trees
and shrubs so much required. The collection of shrubs is a
fine one, but there are hundreds of magnificent specimens
overcrowding each other so much that if prompt measures be
not adopted the whole of them will be spoilt and the groups
and borders become mere thickets, devoid of that individuality
which is so charming, and without which even a wood becomes
meaningless and tame.

Let it not be thought that these hints are intended to convey
any reproach to Mr. Allen, whom I have much pleasure in
naming as @ painstaking gardener and worthy man, whose keep-
ing of the gardens in such good order with the limited means
at his disposal is highly creditable, but rather as pointing to
needful improvements coming more within the province of a
landseape gardener; and I may usefully conclude these notes

290

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 11, 1877.

by calling general attention to the fact, that when a garden is
planted for an immediate as well as a future effect due atten-
tion must be given subsequently to the thinning and re-arrange-
ment of shrubs, and to such alterations as the development of
growth invariably proves to be neeessary—a work of such im-
portance as may fairly be claimed to require mature experience,
sound judgment, and cultivated taste—HEpwarp LuckHURST.

STRAWBERRIES.

i ruink the authorities I mentioned are right in saying that
the success*of Strawberries in this country depends more upon
the nature of the soil than the climate, but nevertheless I
believe climate bas something to do with it. La Constante
does not succeed in some places in the south of England
because the fruit is stewed on the plant by a too powerful sun.
Myatt’s Prolific would never be a first-rate Strawberry grown
on any soil, and Nicholson’s May Queen does not succeed in
some places because the spring frosts are too severe; and ac-
cording to Mr. Marsden Carolina Superba would not succeed
in a rich loam, but requires a soil where red sand abounds.
These instances might be multiplied.

If Mr. Luckhurst’s ideas on this subject are right, and I
cannot say that I agree with him, they are impracticable. It
was easier for Mahomet to go to the mountain than for him
to get the mountain to come to him—i.e., you may select
Strawberries that will be likely to thrive in your present soil
more readily than you can change the whole nature of it.
Supposing you have-a light soil-on gravel, 10 change the whole
of it, it would be necessary to go at least 5 feet deep; and if
you kept the top foot of soil and carted away the rest, and
brought back clay to goat the bottom and loam to go at the
top-of that, and had a mile or two to cart the materials, it
would be a very expensive affair, and the alteration of a stiff
clay to.a loam would be nearly as bad. The mere addition of
3 or 4inches of clay would mot convert a light soil into a
loam,—AmaAtTEUR, Cirencester.

INTERNATIONAL POTATO SHOW.

No one not having seen the great exhibitions of Potatoes
which have been held in previous years at fhe Alexandra Palace,
and recently at the Westminster Aquarium, can appreciate their
magnitude, character, and the interest which has been mani-
fested in them by cultivators and visitors. Thousands of dishes
of selected tubers carefully washed have an imposing appear-
ance, Such shows afford evidence that the Potato bas fanciers
as ardentas has the Rose or any other product of our gardens.
They represent also the magnitude of the trade which is esta-
blished in the ‘‘noble tuber ’’—trade, too, of a decidedly ‘ in-
ternational” character, which has increased immensely during
recent years, and which is not likely to coilapse if commercial
enterprise can maintain it in its present high position. A glance
at the schedule of the Aquarium Show tells convincingly of the
importance that is attached to Potatoes as a ‘fancy’ crop by
those who are intimately identified with the production and
distribution of ‘‘show” varieties; for prizes—some of them
extremely liberal—were provided by several firms, who thus
seek to encourage the extended culture of the prince of root
crops, and to promote the diffusion of improved varieties. It
may be urged, indeed often is urged, that we have too many
varieties already. Regarded strictly from an utilitarian point
of view that may be true, as it is true of Peas, Broccolis, and
other vegetables; yet new varieties of all these vegetables
have caused a vastly increased interest to be manifested in
the kitchen garden, and have stimulated high culture to an
extent that would not have been indulged in if a few old
varieties only had been adhered to. The present season has
been one of the worst on record for Potato cultivators, on account
of the prevalence of disease consequent on protracted wet and
dull weather; yet it is highly probable that those who have
been the most successful in producing sound crops are the
“fanciers”? who have given special attention to the selection cf
sorts and the best modesof cultivation. They have thus derived
both pleasure and profit—the object, and a laudable one, of the
promoters of the displays such as those referred to.

After we had left the Show last week certificates were awarded
to the following varieties :—To the Rey. Mr. Peake for Vicar of
GLaleham, a red Paterson’s Victoria; to Mr. McKinlay for
McKinlay’s Pride, a fine variety of the Ashleaved type; to Mr.
Farquhar for Ice Cream, a handsome white kidney; to Messrs.
Bliss & Sons for Trophy, a red variety of Snowflake; to Mr.
Charles Turner for Early Bird, a beautiful kidney of the Ash-
leaved type ; and to Mr. R. Dean for Radstock Beauty, a round
exhibition variety of handsome shape, and for Bedford Prolific,
a fine kidney of the shape of Jackson’s Kidney, but quite dis-

tinct. In Messrs. Daniell’s great collection we noticed a round
variety named Masterpiece, certainly one of the most handsome
Potatoes in the Exhibition, and which would doubtless have
received a certificate had it been brought to the notice of the
Judges with that object.

A few of the more handsome dishes and varieties suitable for
exhibition purposes were the following :—Aidneys— Albion,
Edgcott Seedling, International, Waterloo, Salmon Kidney,
Sutton’s Magnum Bonum, Lapstone, Yorkshire Hero, Ashtop
Fluke, Perfection, and Fenn’s Bountiful (red), Veitch’s Royal
Ashleaf, and Myatt’s Prolific. Rownds—Rector of Woodstock,
Model, Bresee’s Prolific, Climax, Fenn’s Onwards, Taylor’s
Seedling, Porter’s Excelsior, Red Emperor, Bresee’s Peerless,
Coldstream, Early Goodrich, and Carter’s Main Crop (red).

VIOLETS EVERY MONTH IN THE YEAR.

Tx your Journal of October 26th, 1876, Mr. Beachey gives
directions for the culture of Violets and how to have them for
six or seven months in the year, but says that everyone is not
so advantageously situated as he is, Devonshire being the land
of Violets.

T have had Violet plants in my garden as long as I can re-
member, which bloomed a month or two in the year as other
peoples’ do, and I thought that quite enough; but now I have
Violets not only every month but every week in the year, and
that without frames, pits, or forcing of any kind. The secret
lies in my growing a particular kind of Violet, the name of
which I do not know nor have I been-able to find anyone who
could tell me, s0 I send you a bunch, and perhaps you may be
able to enlighten me on the subject.

About four years ago. friend of mine gayeme a few plants,
which he said he had had from a gentleman :who had raised
them from seed, and who told him they would bloom for nine
months in the year. I divided and planted them in good soil,
and in 1875 had Violets every month with the exception of
June; in 1876 Thad some every month, and this year I have
hitherto had them every week, and shall doubtless continue
gathering them to the end of the year.

I divide the plants in spring, cut runners off in summer,
and keep them at all times free from weeds, and have often
had Violets measuring more than an inch across, with stalks
7 inches long.—G. E. M.

[A valuable variety, resembling The Czar in size, colour, and
perfume.—Ebs. ]

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, snp FRUITS.

Yucca oRCHIOIES var. wAsoR. Nat. ord., Liliacew. Linn.,
Hexandria Monogynia.—Native of Southern United States.
Flowers white. Hardy.—(Bot. Mag., t. 6316.)

OponroGcLosstm crrRHosum. Nat. ord., Orchidaces. Linn.,
Gynandria Monandria.— This beautiful plant was discovered
in the Encadorean Andes in the valley of Mindo, at an eleva-
tion of 6000 feet, by the late Col. Hall, who sent dried speci-
mens to Sir W. Hooker that were imperfectly described by
Dr. Lindley, aud it has since been gathered in the same locality
by his fellow explorer of the Andes, Dr. Jameson, and others.
As aspecioes its nearest allies are O. Halliiand inter-purpureum,
both natives of the Andes, but it is abundantly distinct from
these and all other species. Since its importation by the
Messrs. Klaboch O. cirrhosum has flowered with many col-
lectors, amongst the first of whom, I believe, is Sir Trevor
Laurence, Bart., whose gardener, Mr. Spyers, informed Dr.
Reichenbach that thirty flowers might be produced on a single
panicle.”’—(Ibid., t. 6317.)

PrTcAIRNIA FLAVESCENS. Nat. ord., Bromeliaces.
Octandria Monogynia.—Native of Tropical America,
during April in the Kew Palm stove.—(Ivid,, t. 6318.)

DENDROBIUM cRySTALLINUM. Nat. ord.,Orchidaces. Linn.,
Gynandria Monandria.—F lowers white, yellow, and pink. Tt
was discovered by Col. Bencon, F.L.S., in Birma, and intro-
duced by Messrs. Veitch, who first flowered it. The Royal
Gardens are indebted to Messrs. Low for a fine specimen of
it, which flowered freely, and the drawing was made from a
plant in Mr. Ball’s nursery in June, 1874.”—(Ibid., t. 6319.)

Atiium unrroLium. Nat. ord., Liliaceex. Linn., Hexandria
Monogynia.— This is one of several handsome new Alliums
which have lately been discovered in California. It is found
in the vicinity of Oakland, and about the bay of Sin Francisco.
It was first named and described by Dr. Kellogg in 1861. It
was afterwards found that name was not an appropriate one,
the number of leaves not being a constant character. Of well-

Linn.,
Bloomed

October 11, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

292

known old-world types it is most like Allium roseum in the
flowers, but its underground structure is quite unique in this
very large genus so far as known, the bulbs being developed
some distance from one enother, and connected by a thread-
like rhizome, like that of Lilium canadense. It flowered with
Messrs. Backhouse & Son at Holgate near York in July, 1873.”
—(Ibid., t. 6320.)

VILLA GARDENING—SHAFTESBURY PARK.

Next in importance to the means presented by the parks of
London as affording wholesome exercise and sweet fresh air to
the closely packed thousands of the colossal City is the ex-
amples they have provided of effective garden decoration, and
the stimulus they have given to the cultivation of flowers by
the artisan and industrial classes. The London parks as at
present managed are great educational establishments, teach-
ing—and this teaching is extensively followed—lessons which
make homes more pleasant and their inmates more happy.

The spare hours of the industrial classes—the brain and
muscle-working population—represent a great, an unrepre-
sentably great power for good or evil. The time spent in
those thousands—even millions—of resting hours cannot but
exert a momentous influence on the lives and habits of the
numerically greatest class in the community. The difference
between those hours being spent worthily and unworthily is
immense, incalculable. Too often time is wasted, and worse
than wasted, not because what may be termed the abuse of
life is indulged in from choice, but because of a lack of means
for the time being employed ina more wholesome and salutary
manner.

Villa gardening, however small the scale may be on which
it is carried out, is an exercize which is commendable because
it is at once pleasurable and beneficial. A garden of only a
few square yards in extent affords the means for investing
spare time profitably, and for exercising such good taste as is
not uncommonly enveloped by fustian and corduroy.

Ti there are any who labour under the delusion that a con-
siderable extent of ground is necessary, and untainted country
air is indispensable for a garden tobe worthy of the name, let
them visit the locality contiguous to any of the London parks,
and mayhap a useful lesson may be learnt on ‘‘ economy,”
which is a popular term just now—economy in the arrange-
meni of tiny plots, and an utilisation of the simplicities of the
floral kingdom which are capable of contributing so effectively
to home adornments.

One of the many examples of successful villa gardening
Carried out on a very small scale by a very great number is
afforded by one of the suburban districts, the name of which
is not unfamiliar to the great newspaper-reading public—
namely, Shaftesbury Park. No more laudable undertaking
was perhaps ever organised than that for the erection of
small, complete, well-ventilated, and artistic ‘‘ homes for the
working classes.’’ More than a thousand of such homes are
Occupied on this estate, and every home has a garden. Per-
haps many of the little front plots do not exceed 12 feet by 6,
and some are narrower than that, and the walled back gar-
dens may not exceed 15 feet by 20, although several are larger;
yet nearly all afford scope for the exercise of considerable
taste, for many a little ‘‘ back” contains its summer-house or
greenhouse, while not a few of the frontages are ornamented
in a most creditable manner. These floral decorations testify
how much the gardens are appreciated and how greatly the
homes are enjoyed by the occupants. In order to foster a
taste for such salutary pursuits as gardening affords, encourage-
ment has been wisely given by the liberal distribution of
prizes for such examples of window and garden decoration
as were considered worthy of recognition. These awards
when carefully made by competent adjudicators afford a great
stimulus to further efforts being made in the good work which
they are intended to promote; and although for the present
the excellent system may be in abeyance, it is to be hoped that
it wil] eventually be resumed.

In the awarding of prizes of the nature referred to it is
important that the capacities of each plot should be consi-
dered ; also, as far as possible, attention should be paid to
the matter of the raising and preserving of plants. Purchas-
ing plants is easy to some, and little labour is needed to make
@ fine display for an occasion ; but the credit attaching to such
ig certainly not greater than to those who have individually
propagated and preserved the flowers, although the effect pro-
duced may not be quite so imposing. Not less important is it

that the backs as well as the fronts should be considered. A
grand outside show, if at the expense of cleanliness and neat-
negs behind the scenes, ought not to be unduly estimated.
Tidiness and good order are as important as Calceolarias and
Geraniums.

Ags may be expected in such a large community of miniature
amateur gardens various styles of decoration are adopted.
Some prefer the mixed style, and fill their garden with any
plants they can obtain; others are partial to sweet-scented
flowers, and indulge in Carnations, Stocks, Sweet Peas, and
Mignonette. Some, again, have a fancy for evergreen shrubs,
of which the most satisfactory for small town enclosures are
Rhododendrons, Aucubas, and Euonymuses. Veronica Blue
Gem appears to be s hardy shrub in the sheltered gardens of
Shaftesbury Park, for several fine bushes have passed through
at least one winter uninjured, and are now extremely attrac-
tive by their glossy foliage and profuse spikes of bright blue
flowers. This Veronica should be grown in all gardens where
cut flowers are cherished. It only requires planting out in
spring, potting in autumn, and protecting in frames or green-
houses in districts where the frost is too severe for it to con-
tinue in the open ground. A few aspire to Conifers, which,
however, do not thrive well in town gardens, yet Thujas,
Thujopses, Junipers, and even Retinosporas are growing fairly
well. Some little gardens are nearly filled with such shrubs
as those mentioned, and are further carpeted with Ivy. Others
contain no shrubs, but only flowers. Some of the residents
‘‘90 in” for spring decoration, and ‘‘come out” strong with
bulbs, Pansies, and that easily-grown and cheerful annual Vir-
ginian Stock. Others prefer summer flowers, and produce an
‘effect’? with Geraniums, Calceolarias, Golden Feather, and
Lobelias. Others again prefer plants of more elegant growth,
and plant Fuchsias freely, and attractive they are in rather
shaded positions. A few of advanced decorative proclivities
adopt carpet bedding, having taken lessons, no doubt, in the
adjoining park at Battersez. Golden Feather is, of course, the
staple plant, but Alternantheras have come from somewhere;
also Leucophytons, Echeverias, and even the now popular
Mentha Palegium gibraltarica may be seen. Some ‘go in”
for autumn flowers, and in a space of 12 feet by 6, or less,
devote their energies to Chrysanthemums. Others again have
a weakness, or perhaps strongness, for Roses, but few are strong
enough to make them succeed. Roses are not town plants.
The best of all for a town garden is perhaps Gloire de Dijon.

Wall plants and climbers are in great favour. The most
free grower of all is the Virginian Creeper, which forms fes-
toons, and is permitted in some instances almost to cover the
windows and darken the rooms, such is the love of ‘‘ greenery.’’
The smaller and closer-growing Ampelopsis Veitchii is finding
its way up many a cottage wall, clinging to brickwork and
even to metal spouting with determined tenacity; but it is
only on sunny aspects and in rather dry soil that it assumes
its brilliant autumnal garb. Here on a sunny wall is a Cea-
nothus, there a Vine growing freely aud bearing well. Tven
Fig trees are not unknown, while Passifloras are luxuriant and
beautiful. Tropwolums and Conyolvuluses are, as may be
expected, very popular, and are only exceeded in numbers by
one twiner, the common yet bright and useful Scarlet Runner ;
and Clematises, euch as C. Jackmanii, are steadily finding their
way into cottage gardens, and even such varieties as Rubella and
Star of India are flowering freely in this floral suburb.

Window-box and sill decoration is one of the features of the
‘estate.’ In several instances it is done ‘to rights,” if not
to wrongs; for it is even whispered that cases are not wanting
where inside comforts, even necessities, are sacrificed for out-
side show. Let us hope these are the whisperings of envy,
and emanate from those whose fronts are not so attractive as
they might be. Some of the window boxes, home-made of
course, are artistically wrought, and afford evidence of ekill,
patience, and good taste on the part of the ‘‘ manufacturers.”
Hanging baskets, too, and brackets for plants have their share
in the domestic adornments.

Some of the miniature gardens are “‘laid out” chastely,
others elaborately, and a few amusingly. Minton tiles, shells,
white plaster, and black clinkers are all utilised. Several of
the arrangements command admiration, a few provoking a
smile, such ag the erection of a “ castle’””—a miniature strong-
hold, correctly finished even to the cannon and ammunition,
the whole being almost sufficient to fill a costermonger’s
barrow, or as a real Londoner proud of his vernacular would
say, ‘‘barrer;’? but such a mode of decoration is commendable,
for it tells of the love of home. ;

292

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

[ October 11, 1877

Thus is villa gardening spreading, thus are workmen’s homes
made bright and cheerful and cherished by the ever-welecome
smiles of flowers. Healthy homes and garden plots are the
real antidotes to the mary allurements which when indulged
in leave behind them bitterness and misery. The garden
lovers in these suburban homes work as earnestly and are as
proud of their achievements as are those greater gardeners who
honour themeelves and the craft to which they belong by their
trophies of skill at the great exhibitions. Let the gardeners
from everywhere have the honours and rewards they so well
merit; let the affluent enjoy in fullest excellence the produce
of their gardens; but let also the humble earnest ciforts of the
thousands of those with kindred tastes have that meed of
recognition which all gardeners are so ready to give, for by no
class than gardeners and garden lovers is the truth of the old
motto more fully admitted that ‘‘a touch of nature makes the
whole world kin.’—J. Wricut, Ashbury Road.

TERRA COTTA STOVE.

Ty answer to “J. C. B.,’’ Lhave used a medium-sized terra
cotta stove for my greenhouse for two winters, and it has
effectually kept the frost out, the thermometer haying been
50° inside when it was 12° outside. My conservatory is about
30 feet long. The drawbacks to the stove are smoke and dust,
and the stove pipes supplied soon wear out. I grow Fuchsias,
Camellias, Palms and Hyacinths principally. I should prefer
a boiler for heating, but it is inconvenient to fixit. In buying
a stove he must be careful that the rim at the top holds the
sand properly, and he should get two buckets. I find charcoal
the best fuel, but_it is very expensive.—NEwrown.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—LIPWORTS.

Anone the many interesting plants that have been intro-
duced to our shores from the North American Continent we
look on Cedronella cana as an acquisition. The Lipworts are
all destitute of any deleterious quality, and most of them are
fragrant and aromatic. The Cedyonella is so gifted, and those
who like a strong aromatic perfume should be in possession of
this useful and beautiful Lipwort. It is of graceful habit, from
15 to 2 feet high, often forming a miniature pyramid, having
whitish grey foliage and spikes of red flowers. It blooms
during the summer and autumn months, but it is seldom seen
in cultivation.

It is usually called a hardy herbaceous plant, but it is
scarcely that in some districts. It must either be lifted in
the autumn and protected through the winter, or cuttings may
be struck in the autumn and kept in a cold dry pit plunged
in ashes. They require care, being impatient of damp. They
succeed well with the same treatment that is afforded Pent-
stemons. It may be increased by seed as well. If sown in
heat in spring and carefully tended the seedlings may be had
in bloom the same season. They are useful as pot plants for
many purposes.

There are other kinds, as Cedronella cordata, C. pallida, and |

€. mexicana, but there is much sameness about them. The
first and last named are most commonly met with: all re-
quire the same treatment.—V=ERITAS.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

TuHE visit to Carlisle of Mr. Cutler, the energetic Secretary
of the GARDENERS’ Roya BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION, was re-
warded by contributions which will justify seven or eight
additional pensions being granted next January.

— Tue following new members were elected at the last
meeting of the HorticunturaL Cuun:—Dr. Newington, Tice-
burst; Messrs. EH. G. Smeaton, Walham Green; T. Serle
Jerrold, Avenue Road, Shepherd’s Bush; and J. C. Fowler,
Cumberland Lodge, Lewisham.

— WE are informed that Mr. Hap, gardener to the late
J. P. Gassiott, Eeq., Clapham Common, has been appointed to
succeed Mr. Legg as gardener to S. Ralli, Hsq., at Cleveland
‘House, Clapham Park. The public have, by the kindness of
Mr. and Mrs, Ralli, derived both pleasure and instruction from
this garden, which, all must hope, will ke none the less enjoy-
able to its owners in the future than it has been in the past.
Mr. Ralli’s specimen plants which have been grown and suc-
cessfully exhibited by the present gardener will, we believe,
shortly be sold.

—— A CORRESPONDENT writes complainingly that having

travelled some distance for the purpose of seeing the Potato
Suow at the Westminster Aquarium, he was not permitted to
enter the Show at all, although he paid for admission into the
building. He arrived at 3.30 and found visitors excluded from
the Show, and barriers erected, which were not removed at
5 P.M, when he was compelled to leave the building to catch
his train for returning home. We have heard other complaints
of the same nature. With what object was the Show closed
during the time specified ?

We are informed that the only Potatoes used at the
International Potato Dinner were Surron’s Macnum Bonvm.

— As an attractive summer and autumn flowering ever-
green plant for covering south walls CraNoTHUS AZUREUS has
long been esteemed. Being a Mexican plant it is not suffi-
ciently hardy for the northern districts of England, but in the
south it suceseds well with no other protection than that
afforded by the wall on which it is trained. One of the finest
varieties of this plant that we have seen is Gloire de Versailles.
The flowers aro much finer and richer in colour than those
of the species. For covering a south wall in a warm sunny
position this Ceanothus merits especial notice. It is now
flowering freely on the low south wail of the conservatory in
the gardens at Wimbledon House, and its flowers are not only
attractive when growing on the plant, but are very suitable
for room decoration.

—— Guenr AzAtzEas, writes a Yorkshire gardener, are not
only very effective when flowering in contrast with Rhododen-
drons, but their foliage afterwards contrasts remarkably well
with the somewhat monotonous aspect of those shrubs. The
fine glaucous blue tint of Azalea pontica is very conspicuous
amongst the deep shining green of Rhododendrons during the
summer months. Much may be done by foliage, but very
much more by flowers. As thriving in the open spaces of
Rhododendron beds may be instanced Liliums, which do not
detract from the beauty of the foliage of the Rhododendrons
in winter, nor interfere with their gorgeous display of bloom in
early summer. Those having an eye for natural beauty may
plant Tropxolum speciosum, which, climbing over Rhododen-
dron foliage, gives a blaze of scarlet in latesummer. Will our
correspondent tell us when and how to plant this Tropeolum
to insure its satisfactory growth?

—— Messrs. WEzB & Sons, nurserymen, Wordsley, Stour-
bridge, have sent ue a schedule of prizes value nearly £300,
including thirty silver cups, to be awarded at their ANNUAL
Root SHow on the 20th of November next, for specimen roots,
Potatces, root crops, cereals, &c. Hniries for root crops (divi-
sion 4) close on Tuesday, October 23rd, whilst those for spe-
cimen roots and cereals (divisions 1, 2, ard 3) cloge on No-
vember 13th, and the latest day for receiving roots and cereals
intended for competition is Thursday, November 15th.

A sep of PHaL=Nopsis LupDEMANNIANA neatly 60 feet
in length by 4 feet in breadth, and numbering some two hundred
fine flowering plants, may be seen, says the Irish Farmers’
Gazette, at Lakelands, near Cork, the residence of W. Crawford,
Esq., long noted for its fine collection of Orchids and other rare
plants. About 4 feet in width of the wall of the Hast Indian

| house has been regularly lined off, wired, and padded with

peat and sphagnum. In this perpendicular bed, 60 feet long,
there are four parallel lines of Phalenopsis, large flowering
plants, fifty plants in each line, and all in the rudest health.

—— As the Poraro has a spreading root, and the tubers
are nearly all developed upon the under surface of the fibres
which run almost horizontally, itis considered by French Potato
growers very injudicious to earth-up the plants, as this of
necessity renders the roots more perpendicular.

—— THERE are paints, washes, and heterogeneous steeps
recommended for PRESERVING Posts, but each are comparatively
costly, and only partially successful. One great objection to
the application of solutions externally rests on the fact that
the sap being confined accelerates decomposition in the in-
terior. Most foresters must have observed this. What I
would recommend with fencing posts is, the materiale, when
felled, to be directly sawn into posts and stored under sheds
thoroughly ventilated, where they will remain at least a year
exposed tosunand wind. The neck, or part between wind and
water, of each post should be slowly charred over a strong
fire—slowly, because our principle means heating the timber
thoroughly to the heart, so as to extract any moisture which
may be still lodged at the centre, and hardening a crust on the
surface of the posts. Afterwards, to prevent the posts absorb-

October 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

293

ing water, they should be well coated with coal tar, having ] *Koh-i-Noor. Single Whites.—*Alba Maxima, *Grandeur A Mer-

its acid destroyed with fresh quicklime. The tar should be
thoroughly boiled to evaporate all watery matter, and applied
boiling hot. A large tank holding the posts set on end, and
filled with the scalding tar from a boiler, answers the purpose
very well. Of course the upper half of the posts can be painted
when placed in situ. Iam fully convinced coal tar, properly
applied to thoroughly seasoned timber, is far more effectual in
preserving posts than creogoting, poisoning, kyanising, or all
the paraphernalia of iron prongs, sheet-iron wrappers, &c.
One great recommendation in favour of the above process is
that it requires no skilled labour, and the cost is a mere trifle.
—(D. Sym Scorr in The Journal of Forestry.)

—— Tue American sHipmEeNts or AppuEs to Great Britain
last year were upwards of 385,000 barrels, besides consider-
able quantities sent to France, Germany, and even Russia. A
transatlantic contemporary observes that the opening of these
markets to American fruit is an event of great importance,
and establishes the business of Apple-growing on as sure 2
basis as that of the Wheat, Corn, or Cotton planter. It will be
fortunate if the Apple crop in America is this year a full one,
for it is rarely that such a scarcity of this useful fruit has been
seen in British orchards.

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

FLOWER GARDENS are now beginning to look somewhat deso-
iste, trees are shedding their summer clothing, and frosts have
rendered Dahlias, Heliotropes, and other tender bedding plants
useless ; while in the kitchen garden department supplies of
both Dwarf Kidney and Scarlet Runner Beans, also Vegetable
Marrows, have been suddenly stopped. We have had frosts
unusually early this autumn, and accompanied in the neighbour-
hood of London with dense fogs but no rain. . Letters which
have reached us from distant parts of the country tell us that
frosty nights have been general, while the days have been
bright and sunny, and thereby very suitable for ripening the
wood of fruit trees, so necessary to withstand the severity of a
sharp winter, and so conducive to the prospects of next year’s
fruitfulness.

The great business of propagating bedding plants for next
season’s summer’s supply should by this time be nearly com-
pleted. Calceolaria cuttings should be inserted now in prepared
cold frames. Ordinary Cucumber frames will do admirably, in-
corporating with the soil some sharp sand, and making all tole-
rably firm. Take-off small healthy young shoots either with or
without a heel of the old wood, and insert firmly from 2 to
3 inches apart, and give them a good watering. Keep them
close for a time, and as the cuttings show signs of becoming
rooted air should be given on all favourable occasions, even to
removing the lights entirely during warm days. In these un-
heated structures Calceolarias can be safely wintered if the pro-
tection of mats or other coverings are provided in severe weather.
Pentstemons can be struck exactly in the same manner. These
are beautiful border flowers. They produced a pleasing effect
this year in Battersea Park, associated as they were with the
free-flowering and attractive Anemone japonica alba (Honorine
Jobert), dwarf Dahlias, &c.

Buizes.—Hyacinths first claim our attention. No flowering
plants are more deservedly popular for room decoration, and
none are more easy of culture. Hyacinths are said not to be so
large as usual this year owing to unfavourable weather having
prevailed in Holland during the growing period; but be this as
it may, we desire the best possible results from those sent over,
and whether grown in pots for the decoration of the con-
servatory, for the exhibition table, in glasses for decoration of
rooms, or in beds and borders for the embellishment of the
Spring garden they must now receive immediate attention, and
orders must be sent without delay to tho respective dealers in
bulbs for the supplies required. The subjoined list contains
the best varieties that can be purchased, and includes cheap
reliable older varieties which are still to be found in the
Winning collections at our metropolitan exhibitions.

Single Reds of all’ shades.—Duchess of Richmond, Emmeline,
Gigantea, Madame Hodgson, Mrs. Beecher Stowe, Ornement
de la Nature, Queen of Hyacinths, and Solfaterre. Single White
or Blush.—Alba Maxima, Alba Superbissima, Baroness Van
Tuyll, Grandeur 4 Morveille, Madame Van der Hoop, Miran-
dolina, Mont Blanc, and Queen of the Netherlands. Single
Bluwe.—Argus, Baron Van Tuyll, Charles Dickens, Couronne de
Celle, Grand Lilas, Leonidas, Marie, and Mimosa. The follow-
ing are thirty exhibition varieties which have been separated
from the above list on account of their high prices, and in some
few cases the names in the foregoing list are repeated, thus
showing that though cheap they cannot be dispensed with.
Single Reds of all shades.—Cavaignac, *Fabiola, *Gigantea,
Garibaldi, “Macaulay, Prince Albert Victor, Princess Clothilde,
“Yon Schiller, *Vuurbaak, and the indispensable semi-double red

veille, *La Grandeur, L’Innocence, Mirandolina, Miss Nightin-
gale, *Mont Blanc, and Snowball. Single Blwes—Baron Van
Tuy, *Blondin, *General Havelock, *Grand Lilas, *King of the
Blues, Lord Derby, Marie, Princess Mary of Cambridge, *Czar
Peter, and *De Candolle. Single Yellows.—*Ida and *Bird of
Paradise. The very best eighteen varieties for superior colour
and massive spikes are those to which an asterisk is prefixed.
The single varieties are mostly to be depended on for their easy
culture and fine flower trusses, but if a few doubles are desired,
Blocksberg, Laurens Koster, and Van Speyk are among the best
of the blues; La Tour d’Auvergne, Prince of Waterloo, and
Anna Maria of the whites ; and Koh-i-Noor and Lord Wellington
of the reds.

Cultivation in Pots.—Rich light soil is of the first importance.
We prefer that which has had a large quantity of dried cow
manure and coarse gritty sand mixed with it some time previous
to being used. For exhibition purposes we pot the bulbs singly
in 32’3 or 6-inch pots, but for home decoration 48's are often
used. Some cultivators place three bulbs in a pot, but we
prefer one. Ifthe pots are new well soak them, for the white
fleshy roots of the Hyacinth have a great dislike to new pottery.
Fill the pot with the soil, make a hole with the forefingers, lay
on a little silver sand, and place the top of the bulb on a level
with the top of the soil; a rap on the potting bench will settle
all firmly around the bulb. When potted they should be placed
on a bed of coal ashes and be covered over to the depth of 5 or
6 inches with cocoa-nut fibre refuse; here they must remain
until well rooted, which is generally from six to eight weeks
from the time of potting.

Hyacinths in Water.—The single varieties are to be preferred.
for this purpose. Fill’an ordinary Hyacinth glass with rain
water, placing the bulbs on the top made for the purpose, almost
but not quite in contact with the water; place them in a dark
room for a few weeks until the roots have grown down the sides
of the glasses, when they may be removed to the light; a win-
dow is 2 very good place, as the close contact with the light and
air prevents them from becoming drawn. During severe frosty
nights they should be removed a distance from the glass.

Early single Tulips are very showy and bear forcing well, and
precisely the same sort of compost and the same size of pots and
the same treatment recommended for Hyacinths will suit Tulips,
only instead of one bulb, as in the case of Hyacinths, placing
three around the sides of the pots. The following are among
the best varieties :—Bride of Haarlem, Chrysolora, Couleur de
Cardinal, Keizer’s Kroon, White Pottebakker, Proserpine, Van
der Neer, and Vermilion Brilliant.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

WE have done but little work this last week in this depart-
ment, but surely never has the weather been better for pushing
forward out-of-doors operations. No rain to speak of has fallen
for more than a month, and the ground is perfectly dry. Our
northern friends will be surprised to hear that in this season of
floods we have a border of Coleworts with the leaves flagging
very much and of the usual bluish tinge that they take on in
seasons of drought. We hope they will soon have a soaking of
rain, as it is rather too much to expect us to water Cabbages in
October.

No time should be lost in having all spare ground dug or
trenched. Itis sometimes better to trench it, especially if the
soil is very poor, as the trenching affords an opportunity for
working-in a good proportion of manure. Some persons fancy
that it is waste to place manure deeply in the ground; if we had
only a small quantity we would not care to bury it a foot below
the surface, as this would not be using it to the best advantage.
It would be much better that it was buried about 5 or 6 inches ;
but in trenching we have a layer at the bottom of the trench,
then aspit of earth with the shovellings, and over this another
layer of manure. We obtain excellent crops from our light soil
by treating the ground in this way, the crops are more inde-
pendent of the weather, and will pass through a season of
drought that would seriously injure the crops if the ground had
only been dug up. We have done much hoeing. In this dis-
trict there ought not to be any excuse for the ground being over-
run with weeds during the winter months. Should slugs attack
the leaves of the young plants of Lettuce, Cauliflower, Cabbage,
&c., the best way to destroy them is by dusting the leaves at
night with dry lime. This was noticed last week, but the re-
medy is a very simple one, and if it is attended to in time the
plants will not suffer. If the principal leaves become riddled
with holes the plants receive much injury.

VINERIES.

Those who intend to start their Vines early, say in November
or early in December, ought to lose no time in getting them
prepsred. Ours have been pruned some time ago, the wood

234

pain{ed with sulphur dissolved in soapy water, the walls washed
with strong lime water, and it is also well to paint the hot-water
pipes. Surface-dressing the borders ought not to be omitted
annually. Of course there is some difference of opingon as to
the best method of doing this. We know of a good Grape-grower
in Scotland who saves up a quantity of solid cow manure for
this purpose, and when if is twelve months old it is ready for
use. About 3 or 4 inches of the surface soil is removed, or even
more, according to the nature of the roots, and about 2 inches in
depth or rather more of the manure is then spread over the
surface, and over this the same depth of turfy loam. The roots
run freely into this dressing and the Vines are much invigorated;
the Grapes are, we think, also of better flavour than they are
produced when guano or other hot manures are used. Our own
dressing is rather different from this. We mix cow manure
and horse droppings from the stable in about equal proportions.
There ought to be enough stable manure to cause the whole
mass to heat; this dries the cow manure, and after it has been
turned over frequently for three weeks or so it is ready for use.
The manure and decayed turfy loam is then mixed together in
equal proportions, and this forms a most excellent compost for
surface-dressing Vines.

When the leaves are falling in the late vineries the Grapes
have much tendency to become mouldy. Remove the leaves at,
once, and all berries that show the least tendency to decay.
Open the ventilators on all favourable occasions, and close them
before the night dews come on. Unless the weather is very cold
and a sharp frost is expected it is better not to have any heat in
the hot-water pipes. Our own experience with late-hanging
Grapes is to keep out damp and not cause moisture to arise
from heating the pipes at night. In our district thick fogs all
day long must also be kept out. So farthere has been no reason
to complain, and the state of the Vines show that we may expect
good crops of Grapes next year.

Orange and Fig trees in Pots.—To grow either of these fruits
well it is desirable to have the plants near the glass; they must
be regularly syringed, and considerable care must be taken as
regards watering them. They suffer from too little water, and
if the drainage is imperfect the soil becomes sour and the
flavour of the fruit is deteriorated. Fig trees are now approach-
ing the resting season, and water must be gradually withheld
and the soil must just be prevented from becoming dusty dry
until the period of starting them into growth again. We pot
our Fig trees annually, and it may be done any time during the
resting period. The plants make an immense quantity of
tough fibrous roots and require generous diet. Good yellow
moderately clayey loam, which is the best substance in which
to grow all our choice fruits, is also the best for Figs, and as
much water is required see that the drainage is well putin and
some tough fibre placed over it to prevent the finer particles
from mixing with the potsherds; about one-fifth part of de-
cayed manure should be mixed with the loam, and an 8-inch
potful cf crushed bones to each barrowload. Firm potting is
also an essential towa:ds success. Many persons fancy that
Figs can be grown ata great distance from the glass and under
the shade of Vines. Thisis a great mistake, It is not possible
to grow them so. The fruit produced is worthless, the leaves
being very thin and a prey to red spider. Orange trees will not
do well under the shade of Vines either, and itis best to do
withont them rather than to grow trees that will only be a dis-
credit to those who have charge of them. Many amateurs fancy
that if they have two or three glass houses they are going to
have everything in the way of plants and fruit trees. We know

-one who built a greenhouse and was quite taken by surprise
when told that it would uot be possible to grow Vines, Melons,
and Cucumbers in the same house. People must not only learn
this, but they must also learn that a greenhouse cannot be kept
gay with flowers from November to October without forcing
pits and frames, from which a supply of plants may be obtained
as others go out of flower.

This has also been a very good season for Strawberry plants
in pots. The heavy dews at night and the leaves having been
occasionally crusted with frost has stopped the growth of red
spider. We still carefully atterd to watering the plants, as also
cutting off any runners as fast as they appear.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

The work is much the same as we described a week or two
ago, and we are still washing plants and having them thoroughly
cleaned, Flowers are now rather scarce, and where plants are
in flower it is best to take as much care of them as possible.
Allamanda Schottii generally gives us plenty of flowers at this
Season, it is doing so now. We have also several of the Ixoras
in good condition; I. Williamsii has some huge trusses of bloom
on small plants; the pure white sort I. Coleii gives us plenty of
trusses, but they are small, and the white is not very pure.
This variety likes plenty of heat, and then it is a very desirable
variety. Gardenia florida is also supplying us with its delight-
fully sweet flowers, which are never unwelcome; and the noble
Amazonian Lily (Hucharis amazonica) has also been doing good
Bervice.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

[ October 11,1877.

Amongst Orchids the Dendrobium formosum, autumn-flower-
ing sort, is at present very beautiful; itslarge pure white flowers,
with a yellow blotch at the base of the lip, are a great boon at
this season of the year. This variety ought to be distinguished
with au addition to its name, as a confusion is caused from the
want of this. Those who want D. formosum to flower in June
and Jaly would be grievously disappointed if they received the
sort that flowers in September and October; but it would not
be fair to blame the nurseryman if he had no definite instruc-
tions. The growths are also quite distinct. The summer-flower-
ing sort has darker-coloured and more hairy growths than the
late-flowering variety, but the flowers arenot to be distinguished.
Miltonia candida is very useful for flowering at this seeson.
Although the flowers are not very striking they are freely pro-
duced, and are useful for cutting to fill vases or for bouquets.
Where there are a dozen plants of Phalenopsis flowers may be
produced all through the winter and spring months. We now
have P. amabilis in flower, and also other species showing. The
P. grandiflora hes the largest flowers and is the best amongst
them. We do not give these plants very much water at this
season, but only sufficient to keep the sphagnum alive, and care-
fully prevent any water from falling on the leaves. The winter-

flowering Calanthes haye formed immense bulbs this season, —

and are now throwing up vigorous flower spikes. They are ic
very small pots for the size of the plants, but the longer we grow
Orchids the more are we convinced that the most satisfactory
results are produced by growing all the piants in small pots.

FLOWER GARDEN.

The frosty nights that we have bad caused us to lift all the
Pelargoniums that we required. Wedo not pot-up any of the
green-leaved sorts, as for the small beds and comparatively
narrow borders plants from antamn-strock cuttings are the best,
and they grow quite large enough by the end of the season. We
pot the tricolor varieties, using very small pots. A good-sized
plant may be potted into a large sixiy. Before potting, all the
large and oldest Jeaves are removed, but it is better not to cut
or pinch the shoots. The beauty of most of the beds isnow quite
over, and the plants are being removed and the ground prepared
for spring plants. Roses have flowered very well this autumn,
but the mildew has seriously checked their growth and dete-
riorated the quality of the flowers. On a south wall the single
white Macartney Rose is a conspicuous object, and very attrac-
tive to visitors. With us it has produced a succession of flowers
during the summer months, and the plant seems as if it would
produce them a month longer.—J. Doveuas.

TO CORRESPONDEN?S.

* * All correspondence should be directed either to “The
Editors,” or to ‘The Publisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Pouliry 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.

Booxs (——).—‘ Loudon’s Encyclopedia of Gardening” explains theterms
genus, &c., which you need.

Tropxoxtum (A. F. B.).—It is Tropeolum tuberosum.

Carporic Acrp (MU. A. B.).—Those who report favourably of its use to
destroy weeds on welks are reliable authorities. It need not be applied so
close to the edgings as to affect either the lawn grass or border flowers.

Graves (Curiosity)—A Grape within a Grape, like an egg within an egg,
is a phenomencn unexplained. The small berries are with =eeds unfertilised.

SEEDS oF CoLoURED PriaRosEs.—A Castleton subscriber asks where
these seeds can be obtained.

REpoRTING (J. M.).—Thanks for your commendation, but we cannot be
our own trumpeters.

SEED (4ddlestone).—We cannot name a plant of which we are only shown
& seed.

Portine Roses (X. X.).—The Roses which were forced last year ought to
have been potted a month ago, but they will do well if potted now. Gapa-
geria rosea aud L. alba do best planted out in a border of turfy peat. See
that the border is well drained.

Rarsinc EprpHyntum From SEEpDs (EZ. L. L.).—The seeds should be re-
moved from the pulp and be carefully dried by exposure to the sun. Sow
them in sandy loam, just covering them over with the finer particles. The
seeds may be sown at any time in the year, early spring being, perhaps, the
pest time. Thenight temperature of the house ought not to beless than 55°.

Har-spaN VINERY (Inquisitive).—Your wall being 9 feet high the vinery
may be of the same width, with a front wall 2 feet high, which will give
11 feet of rafter. he Vines should be 18 inches from the ends and 3 feet
apart, so that for six Vines a length of only 18 feet will be reqnisite. Vines
and Peaches answer very well in the same house, but they canny t be forced:
together. A border the width of the house will snfiice for the Vines for &
few years; it will therefore be well to plant the Vines inside the house,

ee ee ee ee ee eee eee

October 11, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

295

making arches in the front wall for the roots to pass outwards when an ex-
tension becomes necessary.

Puantinc Frorr Trees (Ploughboy).— An article on the subject will
appear next week.

Raisinc Fucustas From SEED (4 Young Gardener).—When the seed-
pods are black and juicy the scedis ripe. Press them with finger and thumb,
wash away the pulp, and spread the seed upon paper to dry. Sow in rich
soil early in spring, placing the seed-pans in gentle heat, such as is found in
a Cucumber bed or propagating pit, pricking the seedlings into pots so soon
as they are large enough to handle.

WINTER SHELTER FoR Prants (Thomas Watson).—Sedum variegatum,
Vallota purpurea, and the Daphne might be kept plunged in ashes in a cold
frame as you propose, but Phoenix dactylifera and Dracena australis require
a greenhouse. Ficus elastica may be kept in tolerable condition in a green-
house, where also may be placed Oxalis rosea. You are quite right about the
name of the Palm.

PROPAGATION oF PHtoxes (Idem).—All the hardy perennial varieties are
propagated by cuttings made early in spring and placed in heat, or later on
throughout summer in cold frames or under hand@-lights, and also by division
of the stools. Phlox Drummondi is raised annually from seed sown in March
or April.

PLANTING RosEs (Sambo).—If they are planted at this period of the year,
and if the weather is dry, they require watering at the roots and syringing at
the tops, also the soil covering with manure as a top-dressing- Decayed
Manure mixed with the soil would be beneficial. Your other questions will
be answered next week.

PuantInc RosE Beps (Flora).—Roses which are grown for exhibition
purposes or for the excellence of individual blooms should not have any other
flowers mixed with them. If the Roses are grown for ordinary garden
decoration, and fine blooms are not required, other low-growing flowers,
especially bulbs in spring, and Stocks, Mignonette, &c.,in summer, are per-
missiblein the beds. Violets would not do any serious injary if not planted
close to the stems of tho Roses, and if an abundance of liquid manure was
applied to the bed3 throughout the sammer months.

Watson’s Lawn Sanp (C. M. Buckden).—Mr. A. D. Barbour, 3, Park Row,
Leeds, is the principal agent.

SrronG Guass FoR A ConspRvATORY Roor (R. J. S.). — Ribbed glass
answers perfectly for a conservatory roof, proving no hindrance to freedom of
growth and flowering, but clear glass is preferable for the sides.

Heatine A ConsERvatTory (Idem).—Hot-water pipes are altogether pre-
erable for a conservatory, no other method being so cleanly and none more
efficient.

Sowinec Grass SEED upon A Lawn (G. S.).—It is too late to sow grass
Seed, and you must wait till the end of nest March; then stir the soil of the
patches a foot deep, removing avy of it in which may be found the spawn of
fungi (a white thread-like substance), replacing it with fresh and tolerably
rich soil, renovating the old soil with a little well-decayed manure and sowing
the seed immediately. The condition of the entire lawn may be much im-
proved by a liberal eurface-dressing of soot thrown about during February or
March in a showery time, so as to be washed downwards to the roots quickly.

ASPARAGUS CULTURE (Old Subscriber).—There are five conditions essen-
tial for obtaining an abundance of fine Asparagus. 1, Beds well drained.
2, Abundance of rich dung in the autumn. 8, Weekly sprinklings of salt
and strong liquid manure during the whole period of growth. 4, Leaving off
cutting by the middie of June. 5, Not cutting down the seed stems until
they are quite yellow. Making the Bed.—This is best done at the end of
March or early in April, this being the best time also for planting. If the
ground is common loam and well drained, or having a subsoil of gravel or
chalk, nothing more is neeied than to trench the space intended for the
bed, and to mix with the soil as much rich thoroughly decayed dung as can
be worked in. The trenching should be done now. Two-year-old plants
should be chosen when they have started into growth 2 or 3 inches; they
should be forked out carefully, and their roots not allowed to get dry after
being {aken up. No heads should be cut the first year after planting, and
very few the second.

Sawbusr 4s Manure (F. C. H.).—All vegetable matters are promotive of
fertility when mixed with the soil. Sawdust decomposes slowly and becomes
soluble in the moisture of the soil. It is especially useful in rendering the
staple of a heavy soil more open.

WHITE Scabe oN CaMELLIAs (J. J.).—Sponge the plants thoroughly with
Soap and waiter.

Names oF Prants (J. G. @ardner).—1, Begonia fuchsioides ; 2, B. Ingramii;
3, Begonia Weltoniensis; 6, Pteris serrvlata; others not recognised.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

AGRICULTURAL HALL POULTRY SHOW.

Tue entries were small in proportion to the prize money
offered. The birds were ranged on three sides of the galleries,
where in most places the light was good. The Judges were
Messrs. Hewitt, Teebay, Nicholls, Smith, Martin, and Leno.
The days of the Show were far too many, and we are afraid
many birds will be the worse for their long incarceration.

The Dorkings came first on the list, and the two first birds in
the catalogue were Mr. Burnell’s cocks which won second and
fourth prizes. The second was a good-framed square bird. The
condition and size of the first pullet-was capital, but the whitest-
footed bird in the class was the third, and perhaps should con-
Sequently have been higher. The next class had some very
good Silver-Greys, and an excellent pen of Whites which came
in third, and nest Silvers fourth. The first Spanish were
good and won easily. We placed them first long before the
cards came round. WMénorcas and Andalusians met in the next
class and made eleven entries. First and second went to the
first-named breed. The Cochins were on the whole extremely

praiseworthy. The winning Buff cockerel was a very pretty
bird, its neck hackles are not out, but his colour is sound, and
had he more leg-feathering would make himself a good name.
The second, however, had far too much in this respect, and his
heavy hocks and coarse leg-feathering made him look ungainly,
The fourth was a pretty chicken, his wings a little poor in
colour, ox else he should certainly have had a higher place. In
pullets the winner was large and shapely, but had not an at-
tractive head; the second was very pretty in colour but very
small, Mrs. Allsopp and Lady Gwydyr both sent good pullets.
In Partridges the first chickens had the cup, and both were
good. The second was also a good pen, the cockerel shapely
and bright in colour. The pullet in the fourth pen was the
Aylesbury winner, a pretty bird but small, and not equal to the
lovely pullets of Mrs. Acton Tindal. In Whites we liked the
Judge’s choice for first and second; the pullet in the latter pen
was perhaps the best, but the first cockerel was whiter, and
both were really shapely pens of chickens. For third place we
should have gone to pen 95 (Breeze), which contains both the
Aquarium first-prize winners, but the cockerel wants more
breadth and chest. In Blacks the first were easily winners,
broad and in wonderful bloom, the cockerel very young but of
much promise. Tho second were also good and bright. The
third we did not like at all; they had long tails, and the pallet’s
comb was hideous. Mr. Darby showed good pullets, but we are
told his pens came too late for competition.

In Dark Brahmas the first cockerel took the champion sweep-
stakes. He is a good-looking bird, well feathered, and broad. The
second was showy and good, but had some brown in his wings.
The shape of the third was capital, but he was too heavily
feathered ; his colour, however, was beantiful. The first pullet
had also full enough hock-feathering, and was large and well
marked. The pencilling of the second, too, was good, and 50
was the fourth. In Light cockerels we thought the winner won
woll; he is a good bird all round. The condition of the second
was fair, but his comb was ugly, and the same applies almost
to the third. In pullets we liked the winner. She is good in
colour, well marked, and neatly feathered. The other winners
were good and well chosen. We were sorry to see Mr. Breeze’s
best pullet in so bad a plight, and on inquiry learnt thai the
basket in which she was drying caught fire, and before it could
be extinguished she was dreadfully scorched, and her face and
comb presented a very woe-begone appearance.

In Game the cup went to a Black Red cockerel, a bird good
for colour, but his wings were untidy, and we imagine the second
ran him close. In Black Red hens the colour of the second was
good, but her comb was poor. In Brown Red cocks the winner
was a fair bird, the second, however, running him closely. In
hens of this colour the winner was a pullet in good bloom. In
Duckwings the winners were very stylish; the third cockerel,
too, was good, and perhaps had he had a matured pullet would
have stood higher. The first Pile cockerel was rich in colour,
undubbed, and with much style; the second was also undubbed;
the fourth were smart chickens and in hard feather.

In Hamburghs the cup went to Blacks; they were a lovely
pen, in fine condition and very glossy. The rest of the winners
were good, and we especially admired the first Silver-pencils,
first and second Golden-pencilled, and the first Silver-spangled
cockerel, as also second pullet. The Golden-spangles, too, were
of great merit, the hens and pullets especially; their moons
were large and colour rich. In French the Houdans and Créves
were both splendid collections, and though the first Oréves were
rather out of plumage their size and points were admirable.
The second, too, were wonderfully large and good, as were Mr.
Stephen’s two pens. Of Houdans there were a score of entries,
and the first chickens were very large and good in comb. Se-
cond and third were old birds with but little difference between
them. The fourth were very large and excellentin shape. _

The Leghorns in two classes made fifteen entries. he win-
ners were well chosen, and the Judge, who was, we believe, Mr.
Nicholls, seemed to know just what to select. The Polands had
two classes and only made eleven pens, but the quality was all
that could be desired. The cup went to Black chickens, a very
beautiful pen. The cockerel in the second had lost his tail, but
his crest was huge and very white. The third were old birds,
the hen lovely tut the cock in moult, and his pen was full
of feathers. Fourth were chickens again, but the pullet here
had an ugly division in her crest behind. Inthe Spangled Golds
were second and fourth, while Silvers had the other two places
and were well marked and good, the third being old birds which
want more time. Malays made but five pens, and the Judge
had no difficulty to place his four prize pens in the proper order.
The Variety class was truly excellent, there being twenty pens
of admirable quality ; first went to La Fléche, second to Sultans,
third to Cuckoo Cochins, and fourth to Japanese ; Silkies, good
Scotch Greys, Cuckoo Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, &., coming
in for other carda of notice.

In Waterfowl the cup Aylesburies were very large and white,
and the first Rouens were large and good; but we cannot com-
ment on the winners for there seemed to have been some little

296

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 11, 1837.

uncertainty as to which were the winners on the first day of the
Show. The Pekins were excellent, and we are glad to see them
making progress; and we regret we cannot say the same for the
East Indians, which seem very few in number and out of fashion,
and they will continue so while the Judges insist on such small
size, almost disregarding colour forit. Mandarins and Carolinas
had no entries. In the Variety Waterfowl class good Spotted-
bills were first. Gcese came fourteen pens strong and were
good indeed, the first going to the Ipswich winners we believe,
a most excellent pen of Greys. But the Turkeys too made a
splendid display. The first contained a grand hen remarkable
for her rich colour and size; but the best cock was in the third-
prize pen, a huge bird in fine condition. We quite grant the
first hen won them the place fairly, but we liked the third better
than the second. In neither pen, however, was the hen very
large. The farmyard cross class produced a trio of pens, and
again exemplifies the mistake of putting such a class in an
exhibition of fancy poultry only. The first went to what were
apparently Black Dorkings, the second to a cross between &
White Dorking cock and Light Brahma hens, and the third
were monegrels of some kind with some Asiatic blood somewhere
about them. :

The Bantams call for no particular remark, for by some stupid
regulation the price of each pen was limited to 40s., and the
consequence was the classes were but meagrely filled with infe-
rior specimens save the Game birds of Mr. Entwisle, and if
they sold for 40s. a pen someone had some bargains. Many pens
were entered at other high prices, but these wil! of course not
have the prize money, for it will be surely allotted to the next
best in gradation. And we are shown by this how extremely
careful all ought to be in reading the rules, for even such a
frequent exhibitor as Mrs. Acton Tindal did not notice this
limited price, as her beautiful Black Rosecombs were entered
at £10. We doubt ourselves whether the Secretary should have
catalogued entries above the restricted price.

POULTRY.—Dorxinos.— Colowred.—Cockerel.—1, H. Lingwood. 2and 4, T.

C. Burnell. 3, Rev. H. R. Peel. Pullet—1, H. Lingwood. 2, Mrs. Radclyffe.
8,T.C. Burnell. 4,H. Lingwood. Any other variety.—Chickens.—1 and 2, T.
C. Purnell. 8, Mrs. M. Hayne. 4, Miss Pasley. SpanisH.—l, J. F. Silitoe. 2
and vhe, J. Powell. 8, W.H. Lowe. Minorcas anp ANDALUSIANS.—1, J. Har-
wood. 2, J. B. W. Williams. 8, C. Naylor. 4, Miss M. Arnold. CocHINns.—
Buff.—Cockerel.—1, Lady Gwydyr. 2 and 4, Mrs. A. Tindal. 8,— Allsopp.
Pullet.—l, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, Mrs. A. Christy. 8, J. H. Jones. 4, Mrs. W.
Steven. vhc, Mrs. H. Shutt (2). Partridge.—Chickens.—1 and 2, R. J. Wood.
8,7. Stretch. 4,J. K.& R.R. Fowler. White—Chickens.—1, Mrs. A. Tindal,
2, Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate. 38, J. K. &R. R. Fowler. 4, A, Todd. Black.—
Chickens —1, Lady Gwydyr. 2, J. Turner. §&, E. Snell. 4, H. J. Storer.
Braumas.—Dark.—Cockerel—Cup, H. Lingwood. 2, J. Earle. 8, Mrs. A.
Tindal. 4, H. J. Storer. Pullet—l, H. Lingwood. 2, F. Bennett. 3, R. P.
Percival. 4,8. W. Thomas. vic, E. Pritchard, J. Turner. Light.—Cockerel.—
1, G. B. C. Breeze. 2, P. Haines. 8 and vhke, J. Windred. 4, C. Naylor.
Pullet—1i, Lady Gwydyr. 2,A.Ive. 8 and vhc, G. B.C. Breeze.
G ame.—Black Reds.—Cock.—Cup, S. Matthew. 2, Duke of Sutherland, 8, J.
Co lgrove, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton. Hen—l,H.E. Martin. 2, Hon. and Rey.
F. Dutton. 8, W.J. Pope. 4, Duke of Sutherland, Brown Reds.—Cock.—l, S.
Matthew. 2,5.E. Martin. 8,— Perrin, 4, Duke of Sutherland. Hen.—1, J.
Cock. 2, J. Booth. 8, H. E. Martin. 4, A. Cameron. Duckwings.—l, H. E.
Martin. 2,S.Matthew. 8, T.P. Lyon. 4, A. &J. H. H. Staveley. <Any other
variety. —1, J. Colgrove. 2, Duke of Sutherland. 8, W.& R. Smith. 4,G. H.
FitzHerbert. Hampureus.—Silver-pencilled—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Rawnsley.
3, W. L. Bell. 4, H. Feast. Silver-spangled.—l, J. Fielding. 2, Fawcett
and Anderton. 8, H. Pickles. 4,J. Rawnsley. Gold-pencilled —1, W. L. Bell.
2, H. Pickles. 8, J. Rawnsley. 4, Duke of Sutherland. Gold-spangled.—1,
Duke of Sutherland. 2, J. Rawnsley. 8,T.Dean. 4,H.Beldon. Black.—Cup,
W. Bentley. 2,H. Feast. 38, H. Pickles. 4, Fawcett & Anderton. FrRencH —
Créve-Ceur.—Cup and 2, I. Ward. 8and4,H. Stephens. Houdans.—l, I. Ward.
2,R.A. Bossier. 38,W. Hamlyn. 4, G.D. Harrison. LecHorns.—White.—l,
A. Kitchen. 2,J. K.and R. R. Fowler. 8and4,G. Mumford. Brown.—l, T.
Reeves. 2, Bradbury Bros. 8, A. Kitchen. 4,F.H.May. PoxisH.—Spangled.
—l and 2, P. Unsworth. 8,H. Beldon. 4,J. Rawnsley. Any other variety.—
Cup and 4, P. Unsworth. 2,J.Rawnsley. 3,T.Norwood. Matays.—l, Rev. H.
Fairlie. 2, Rey. N. J. Ridley. 8, [T. Eaves. 4, R. Hawkins. ANY OTHER
Variety.—l, H. Stephens. 2, Mrs. A. Christy. 8, J.H. Cuff. 4, Rev. R.S.S.
Woodgate. vhe, Kev. A. G. Brooke. Ducxs.—Aylesbury.—Cup, 8, and vhe,
J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 2 and 4, E. Snell. Rowens.—l, P. Ogilvie. 2, W.
Meanley. 8,T. Mills. 4,F.G.S. Rawson. Pekin and Cayuga.—l and 2, J. K.
and R. R. Fowler. 3, E. Printer. vhc, W. H. Crewe. Black East Indian.—1
and 2,J. W. Kellaway. 8, P. Ogilvie. Any other variety.—l, J. Booth. 2, H.
Yardley. 8, J. Walker. 4, J. Booth. Turkeys.—l, Mrs. A. Mayhew. 2, Rev.
Y. Ridley. 3, W. Wykes. 4, E. Kendrick, jun. Grrese.—l, J. Everett. 2, E.
Snell. 3,7. Mills. 4,J.Birch,jun. vlic, Hon. Mrs. Colvill. SELLING CLAssEs.
—Dorking, Brahma, Cochin, or French.—Cock.—1, Lady Gwydyr. 2,3. Buck-
master. 3,H. Beldon. 4,H. Stephens. 5,G. B.C. Breeze. Hens.—Medal, P.
Ogilvie. 2,J. Buckmaster. 3, W. R. Park. 4, Lady Gwydyr. 5, H. Feast. Any
other variety, not Bantams.—Cock.—], P. A. Beck. 2,— Perrin. 8, C. Sidg-
wick. 4,5. W. Thomas. 5, W.R. Bull. Hens.—l, Rey. H.C. Fellowes. 2, E.
Burrell, 8, Hon.and Rey. F. Dutton. 4,J.C. Calcutt. 5,T. Mills. Bantams.—
Black Red—i,T.W. Anns. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 8, J. C. Fraser. 4, J. Long.
Black.—1, Mrs. A. Tindal, 2, R. H. Ashton. 8, R. Henderson. 4, H. Beldon.
Duckwings.—1, W. F. Entwisle. 2, W.Goodbody. Brown and other Game.—
Cup and 2, W. F. Entwisle. 8, F.C. Dayis. 4,J.Long. Any other variety.—1,
W. Richardson. 2,J. Buckmaster. 8,C. Naylor. Farmyard or Mixed Breed.
—1,E.Shaw. 2,G.B.C. Breeze. 8, Rev. N. J. Ridley.

CHampion SWEEPSTAKE,—1l, H. Lingwood. 2, S. Matthew. 38, Mrs. A. May-
hew. 4, Mrs. A. Tindal.

Oxrorp Pouutry SHow.—As we promised last week to furnish
the various classes which each Judge at the above Show would
adjudicate upon, we now proceed to do so, Mr. Hewitt will
take the Dorkings, Spanish, Cochins, Brahmas, and French,
also the Black, Sebright, and Variety Bantam classes; the Black,
Pekin, Call, Mandarin, Carolina, and Variety Waterfowl classes,
with the Pheasants and Turkeys. Mr. Teebay will have the
remaining poultry classes. In the Pigeons Mr. Allsopp will take
the Carriers and Dragoons; Mr. Jones the Barbs, Antwerps,

4, P. Haines. *

Owls, Turbits, Jacks, and special Flying class; while Mr.
Esquilant will judge the remaining Pigeon classes. The date
of receiving entries has been extended, but all must be posted
this day to be in time; and we hope that those who have not
already entered will consequently not delay doing so any longer,
or they will be too late.—W. 7

TONBRIDGE WELLS POULTRY SHOW.

Tue entries at this Show in many classes were small, but the
quality was better than we ever saw here. The Show was heid
in a large marquee in the fields below Broadwater Down, and
Mr. Ware, the member of the Committee who peculiarly
interests himseli in this department, was most courteous anc
obliging.

In Dorkings a very good pen of Silver-Greys were first, and
they also won the extra prize for the best pen in the Show.
Mr. Boissier is to be congratulated on the exquisite condition
these birds were shownin. Buff Cochins were moderate. The
winners (Christy) were well shaped, but the pullet wants more
time. The second cockerel (Stephens) was not very good in
wings, but was neat in shape; and the cock in the first prize
Whites (Boissier) was well shown and good, but the pullet with
him quite unworthy of his company. The first Dark Brahma.
chickens (Lingwood) were well-grown birds in good order, and
well first. Mr. Breeze’s first Lights too were good, though the
cockerel was fally too dark on his saddle for our taste. The
first Spanish (Hunt) were excellent, as too were the Cvéves of
Mr. Stephens which won first and second prizes. Hamburghs
were good. The winners were Golden-pencilled (Sales), and a
very good pen of Silver-spangles (Avenell) shown in faultless
condition and good in markings won in the other Hamburgh
class, Blacks being second. The Game were quite a meritorious
lot, and were well judged. We seldom see better Piles at great
shows than we did here. The Variety class was small, first
coing to old La Fléche (Stephens), rather untidy in appearance ;
second to the same owner’s La Fléche chickens, and third to
small and pretty Sultans (Mrs. Christy). In the Selling classes
the Light Brahmas of Mr. Pitt which won both first prizes were
excellently-grown birds, In Bantams Mr. Leno won firat with
moderate Laced. The Aylesburys of Dr. Snell and the Rouens
of Mr. Ware and Mrs. Brassey were up to a high standard, and
in the variety Waterfowl class very large but too yellow in
colour. Pekins, the first were exhibited by Mr. Kitchin. Turkeys
were capital; the winners (Warde) were very large and in good
feather.

In Pigeons My. Chandler monopolised most of the prizes
with good specimens of Carriers, Pouters, &c.

The Judges were Mr. M. Hedley, Mr. J. Nicholls, and Mr.
Harrison Weir. The Show was well attended and the awards
favourably received.

THE MANAGEMENT OF SMALL RABBITS.

Sma Rabbits are the Angoras, Himalayas, Siberians, Silver-
Greys, Silver-Creams, Polish, Dutch, and the common prick-
eared varieties. Another subdivision into the hardy and deli-
cate varieties will also be useful. The hardy class we consider
are Himalayas, Silver-Greys, Dutch,and Siberians. Thedelicate
are the Angoras, Silver-Creams, and Polish. The delicate do
best with a little heat, while the hardy, with the exception of
Silver-Greys, would not care for additional warmth.

Of course the hutches for the small breeds need not be 80
large as for those which are more than twice the size, and they
need not be so high, although the larger and higher they are
the better. For the smallest sorts, such as Dutch and Polish,
2 feet 6 inches by a foot by 10 inches will be large enough,
although 3 feet and a foot should also be the limits for length
and height respectively, and nothing less will do for such as
Angoras or Silver-Grey. An extra inch or two in height and
half a dozen in length is never thrown away; und if the hutch
is properly made without any draught holes there is little fear
of the increased size making the inmates cold, while the in-
creased facilities for exercise cannot fail to be very beneficial,
especially to the younger ones. The sleeping compartment
should be made a little smaller, and also the hole of communi-
cation. The partition need not be fixed more than 10 inches or
a foot from one end, as if larger it will not keep the inmates so
warm. The wires should be closer together, and if not quite so
strong it will not matter. :

We have classed Himalayas, Silver-Greys, Dutch, and Sibe-
rians as hardy Rabbits. They are remarkably strong and free
from disease, and do not require any heat. A little warmth
will, however, tend to develope the Silver-Grey’s shading satis-
factorily. All can be kept out of doors, and will do with but
little corn. A good supply of healthy green stuff twice a-day,
with one feed of dry stuff, will do all that is required, especially
as they are not required to be kept very fat. They are all very
prolific and good mothers. The young Himalayas are born pure
white, the points darkening with age. When about a couple af

October 11 1877. ]

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

297

Neen ——————————————————e Le La oe

yaonths old the points get a grey colour, and gradually get
darker, until at about six months old they become a light brown.
This darkens for another month or two, when they will be as
dark as they ever will be. The most critical period is when
they are about three weeks old, at which time they should be
very carefully looked to, for they pass through a moult and
disease in the same way 283 puppies pass through distemper.
The young Silver-Grey are born quite black, and continue that
colour for afew weeks, when by degrees a few light hairs make
their appearance, and the shade gradually increases in intensity
till the legitimate silver-grey is arrived at. The most annoying
feature is the nose, which is often white. The head generally
ig darker than the rest of the body, and this is no defect, although
generally speaking the more uniform the shade the better.
Young Siberians are also born quite white, or rather pink, and
continue white for a couple of months or so, when the ears,
nose, and feet begin gradually to look dirty and by degrees
brown, till at about nine months they are at their best. They
should be kept dry and clean, and the bair should occasionally
be combed. The colour of the little Dutch, however, can be
discovered almost immediately after birth, and after a week can
be told to a nicety, an old hand being able even at that early
period to give the approximate worth of each member of the
family. They develope rapidly, and at three months the colour
is as good as it ever will be: hence it is that very young Dutch
often run off with prizes, while the young of other breeds
seldom do so, owing to their points not having developed. The
Dutch doe is the most prolific of all,and the best mother: hence
she is often sold and used as a nurse doe, either to relieve a doe
with a large litter or to take the place of a deceased mother. In
either case, with a little judicious care, they do their work well
and give general satisfaction. avian

The delicate varieties, in which division we have placed
Angoras, Silver-Creams, and Polish, require more care and want
some little warmth to develope them properly. Polish Rabbits
are particularly delicate, and as they are not s0 prolific as the
others, nor does their scarcity make them more prized, we
hardly recommend their being kept, especially as it is only a
person who has seen the two together that can distinguish be-
tween a specimen of the breed and a common Rabbit white
with pink eyes. At present there is not much pure Silver-
Cream bred, nearly all the specimens shown being the pro-
ducts of across. The young of the Angora are born pink and
bare, but the wool comes very quickly, and they are soon covered
with a thin layer of silk. They are very delicate, and seem
affected by the cold more than any other breed, except, perhaps,
the Lop, and if they are kept in outdoor or draughty hutches
they are a very long time getting properly fledged. For the
first two or three months they require a good deal of care.
This breed at all times requires a little extra care to prevent its
long woolly coat from becoming matted. A comb worked
through the hair gently once a-week is a good thing, taking care
not to lug when there are knots, as the poor animal’s skin is
far from strong, and it will show plain signs of pain by wincing.
A specially roomy and clean hutch and a careful selection of
bedding are also necessary to insure perfection. If the wool
becomes very badly matted the worst parts should be cut off, and
the hutch kept a little warmer till it grows again. It you can
catch them at a moult it would be as well to cut the hair off
altogether, carefully combing the new hair as it makes its ap-
pearance. The best and prettiest Angoras are those with very
long wool parted down the middle. In fact, great care should
always be paid to the wool, which quickly degenerates into
masses of filth if not attended to; in fact, the easier it mats the
better the quality. ‘ ;

The three varieties last under notice all require some sort of
heat, as also do Silver-Greys. The Angora does are best with a
little warmth, but not too much. If there is not heat the wool
will not be so fine as could be wished, and if there is too much
the ears will grow long and flabby, falling something after the
fashion of the Lop. Both of these are to be avoided. The
Silver-Grey and Creams both want to be shielded from the cold
wind, and a little warmth will assist the shading process. The
Cream is certainly the more delicate of the two, and hence re-
quires more care and attention, and also a little warmer tempe-
rature. Asa rule, however, the foreign varieties of Rabbits do
with but little artificial heat—GrETA.

CHICKEN-FEEDING.—There is one ingredient in chicken-feeding
which deserves special notice, being of the greatest assistance
to those whose space is limited. We allude to the bone-dust, or
ground dry bones, which is often used by gardeners in potting
plants. For the knowledge and use of this ingredient we had
originally to thank Mr. John Stuart of Helensburg, well known
in Scotland as a successful breeder, and to whose unvarying
friendship in many other ways and instances we feel pleasure in
acknowledging heavy obligations. After full and satisfactory
trial ourselves, we had no hesitation in recommending the use
of bone-dust to other breeders; and the extent to which other
writers have followed us in various pericdicals, and to which

the substance is now advertised in the poultry papers, besides
the many private testimonies we have ourselves received, are
conclusive evidence of the value of an article of diet which
Mr. Stuart’s kindness had enabled us to be the first to introduce
generally to poultry breeders. Bone-dust for mixing in poultry
food should be on an average about the fineness of coarse oatmeal.
There are usually larger pieces interspersed, but these need not
be taken ont, as any too large will be rejected; though the meal
may be sifted free from any larger than peasif desired. The
price being never very much more per hundredweight than
good meal, it should be used liberally with all the soft food,
and about an ounce may be mixed with every half-pint of dry
meal before adding the milk or water.—(The Illustrated Book
of Poultry.)

THE BEE SEASON IN HERTS.

On former occasions I have given your readers some account
of my bees and their doings near Hitchin; and as we may now
consider the season for 1877 closed, it is my purpose to tell a
little of my year’s experience and of the lessons I have been
taught by it. Last season was one of unusual abundance of
honey, this season has been a very different one, although I am
happy to say that I am not obliged to mourn with those who
have had no harvest at all. All my hives have done something.
Some have given me no surplus of honey in supers, but these
have one and all given me powerful swarms, which in five cases
out of eleven not only filled their hives (all ten-framed wooden
hives) with combs and sufficient store to carry them on to next
March, but also filled sectional supers weighing from 10 lbs. to
35 lbs. each.

This result was brought about by two causes. Each hive into
which a swarm was placed had its frames filled with clean old
comb purchased from cottagers whose bees had died ont during
the winter and spring, or the bars were furnished with from
4 to 6inches of midrib moulded and fixed according to Mr.
Cheshire’s method, and in the second place all the swarms were
thus hived before the second week in June. No swarms were
hived after this period, but were returned to their parent hives
after the queen cells had been exciced. From experience I
knew that my honey harvest could only last for three or four
weeks, and that it would commence early inJune. As it turned
out, the season was a late one, and the clover was not in flower
till about the 12th of June. After cold wet weather a sudden
change took place, for me in the nick of time, and a fortnight of
lovely sunshine and hot weather arrived. Honey was abundantly
secreted in the flowers, and my bees worked merrily up to the
24th, when a change came—a sudden unwelcome change.
Copying from my diary, I find:—“ June 25th. Wind y.z., much
colder; bees get out to work much later than yesterday, and are
all home soon after5pm. Many forsake their supers during
the cold night.” This proceeding went on until I find under
date June 28th—‘‘ Most of the clover cut.” From that date
very little honey was stored in supers. On come hives where
the supers were nearly finished a few fine days during the lime
blossoming completed them, but all my best supers were worked
before the 25th of June. The greatest quantity taken off one
hive, a stock which did not swarm, was 631bs.; two Lee’s
Crystal Palace supers, 45 lbs., and the rest in sections worked
over the Lee’s supers. Some time since Mr. Abbott inserted a
letter of mine which bore testimony to the wonderful results
brought about by the employment of midribs in supers made
from a plaster cast of natural comb.

Mr. Hunter has told you of the midribs which are made by
an American invention. I hope to beable to test some of them,
and to note the results obtained from their use in comparison
with those obtained from the plaster casts. Given the casts, I
cannot see how the bars of frames can be supplied with guides
in a neater and more expeditious manner by the machine-msde
sheets. But midribs whether made by one or the other method
are essential to bee-keepers who wish for straight combs and
quickly filled supers. A Lee’s super, seven bars, which when
sealed-up weighed 22! lbs., was filled from end to end with
comb worked on these midribs given the whole depth (4 inches)
of the super, stored and sealed under sixteen days. Frames in
stock hives supplied with the same depth of guide sheets are
one and all built perfectly straight, and have given me this
autumn no trouble whatever to lift out one by one, full frames
being transferred from hives with bounteous stores to weaker
brethren, and the lighter put in their places, all fitting nicely
togethers and affording me the greatest pleasure to manipulate
them.

Next week I hope to tell you what advantages I have found by
the use of perforated zinc between the stock and supers, and of
some interesting and instructive accidents which happened
through its employment; also my experience regarding Ligu-
rian bees, which I have this year had for the first time, and to
which I have tried to give particular attention, carefully noting
any faults or excellencies in them as compared to our old friends
the so-called black bees.

I think that my experience of the year has more than ever

298 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 11, 1877.

impressed upon me the importance of gentle stimulative feeding
in early spring, both with barleysugar or syrup and pea flonr, in
order to have a powerful army of workers, early swarms, and
hives full of hatching brood before the honey season, which is
so short in our cold climate, commences. The stocks of the
cottagers near here who cannot be brought to attend to their
bees, but who have kept bees, some of them for fifty years,
swarmed (where they swarmed at all) in the very midst of the
short period of ingathering, some “hanging out” for days, and
wasting those precious hours only to be found this autumn not
worth the trouble of “taking up.” Yet for all that many went
down into the sulphurous pit. An old man who has kept bees
for nearly sixty years, who likes to walk round my garden and
see the bees filling the supers, yet who cannot be brought to
employ any new methods, has this year burnt all his bees un-
known to me until too late tosavethem. He tells me that they
had done nothing for him for some years now, and that he had
given them up in disgust. The first week in July I heard him
talking in an excited manner to a neighbour, and as I passed he
called ont to me to tell me that ‘‘The Lord had sent hima
swarm of bees.” None of his own had swarmed, but a powerful
colony had settled on his chimney. The neighbour hived them,
and left the skep on the roof. In the evening not a bee was in
the skep, all were in the chimney, the queen, doubtless, not
having been secured at the first. Here the bees remained until
during my absence from home last month they were smoked out,
a few pounds of honey obtained, and an immense quantity of

aluable comb thrown into the “ boiling pot,” their more lowly
sisters perishing the same evening. In contrast to this “ wilful
sinner” is a young man, an invalid, who has by my directions
increased his one stock of the spring of 1876 to five powerful
hives, one a bushel skep, into which he placed two powerful and
one weak swarms, and from which after driving the bees he ob-
tained over 40 lbs. of valuable honey. The bees were returned,
and are being fed-up into a splendid colony. A super of 8 lbs.
was obtained from another hive, and now the five are in good
condition to pass through a long winter. The next step in the
right direction will be the employment of bar-frame hives. My
own stocks are now thirty-one in number, only five of which
remain in 18 or 20-inch skeps, all the others have found their
homes in bar-frame hives, and those of the five skeps will do
the same as soon as I can make hives into which to transfer
them.—P. H. Puruirs, Ojffley Lodge, near Hitchin.

BEE-KEEPING IN NORTHUMBERLAND.

I HAvE three large hives which made over 20 lbs. each on the
moora in spite of the weather, whilst the small hives made only
from 5lbs. to 7lbs. Ican safely say that no other hives within
ten miles have made more than 7 lbs., hundreds of hives have
done nothing, and scores have died out. Such a season has not
been experienced for many years. Though the season has been
unfavourable I consider that I have been a gainer by increase
and improvement of stock, for I have three large hives worth
£6 6s.; three smaller, £4 10s.; one ditto, £1 5s.; one large hive
with bees, given to me for driving them, £1 10s.; 14 Ibs. of
fine honey, £1 1s.—total, £14 12s.; deducting £3 10s. cost, and
sugar £3 10s., there remains £7 12s. Iam glad to say I have
mastered the art of driving and uniting swarms. I have put no
less than seven swarms into one large hive, and they are taking
down three pints of syrup a-day, and seem to be doing well.
The weather is now beautiful, and the bees are gathering quanti-
ties of pollen and taking water from a tub placed near them
with a float on the water.

I shall be obliged if the following questions be answered in
your next issue :—l, Why do the bees in certain hives refuse
syrup offered, whilst others take nearly two quarts in twenty-
four hours? 2, Is it not unusual for drones to be flying about
on fine days at this late season? 3, Does the appearance of
drones at this time indicate that the queen is not fertile or that
the hive is queenless ?—Hanrpy-oN-THE-HILLs.

[Your correspondent has made a good beginning in an un-
favourable season, and from the tone of his letters I venture to
predict that his future career in bee-keeping will be bright and
successful. In answer to his first question it may be said that
the bees of some hives do not discover or find out the sugar or
syrup that is placed on their hives. There may be some dis-
tance between the bee nest and the syrup which is not often
travelled. In such cases some enticement is necessary. A trail
or track of honey, or a bit of comb soaked in syrup and laid
between the nest and food, will soon set the bees of any hive at
work. No bees refuse syrup properly made and administered.
Cold weather may prevent the bees from leaving their warm
nest, and drive them back to it after they have begun to take
syrup. The late Mr. Woodbury was astonished to find the bees
of some weak hives chilled to death with honey in their hives.
Our mode of feeding is from the board below the bees, and if
some swarm hives are not full of combs their bees do not always
come down for the syrup. In warm weather they never fail to
take the syrup, but in cold weather some enticement or contri-

vance is resorted to. Our correspondent’s second question
touches the appearance of drones late in the season. Itis un-
usual for drones to be flying about at the end of September, and
their appearance at that time generally speaking is an indication
that something is wrong—either that the bees are queenless or
have an unfertile queen. There is good reason to suspect every
hive that has drones in it now; but the existence of drones in
some hives may be traceable to special treatment, and five
years ago our bees and those of many other apiarians throughout
England did not kill their drones till November. The hives that
year were full of honey, and why they did not destroy the
drones at the usual time I cannot tell. The non-destruction of
drones that year till near Christmas was exceptional and extra-
ordinary, for our bees were blest and happy with the presence
of healthy fertile queens.—A. Perricrew. |

OUR LETTER BOX.

SUPERF@TATION.—We have several communications on this subject, but
we do not consider it suitable to our Journal.

Dressinc Rapper Sxrns (P. C.).—Take the skin as fresh as possible, and
having mixed a sufficient quantity of salt. and water till it will bear an egg,
saturate it with alum; put the skin into this blood-warm, and let it lie and
soak twenty-four hours; then take it out, and having tacked it upon a board
(the fur inwards), scrape the skin, and a thin membrane will come off; then,
having warmed up the pickle again, put the skin into it a second time, and
let it remain five hours more; after which take it out and nail it upona
board to dry (fur inwards), and then rub it with pumice-stone and whiting.
Hare and other skins may be prepared in the same way. They are always
in best condition for preparing in the winter.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SquaRE, LonDoN.
Lat. 51° 3240" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.!; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
Tr | a. [= aig d
eae .| Hygrome- 0+#,;|/Shade Tem-|_ Radiation sre
1877. |ES36 aes 33 |c25| perature. |Temperatare.| &
Ris resi 8 858 |— | —_
Oct. [SHES ] ge Sr In On
287! Dry.| Wet.) AS |B Max.| Min.| sun. |grass.|
Inches.| deg. | deg deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg.| In.
We. 8 | 30.005 | 45.6 | 456 N. 50.8 | 613 | 350 98.4 | 32.0 —
Th. 4 | 30.182 | 48.3 | 46.2 N. 49.9 | 60.1 | 87.1 94.0 83.0 _—
Fri. 5 | 80451 | 50.5 | 48.5 N. 49.9 | 647 | 40.2 106.3 | 86.0 _
Sat. 6 | 30.668 | 50.8 | 47.7 N. 49.7 | 63.4 | 39.6 101.2 | 33.6 _
Sun. 7 | 80.574 | 428 | 42.2 | N.W. | 49.3 | 56.8 | 36.4 71.2 | $1.5 | 0.0°8
Mo. 8 | 80.158 | 52.2 | 47.8 N. 50.2 | 57.4 | 48.5 105.3 | 435 _—
Tu. 9 | 80.314 | 483 | 44.2 N. 49.7 | 57.9 | 40.4 | 103.6 | 363 _
Means| 30.385 | 48.4 | 46.0 4995) 60.2 | 889 97.1 85.1 0.058

REMARKS.

8rd.—Fine morning, but rather hazy; very fine day and starlit night.

4th.—Grey morning and afternoon; fine forenoon, evening, and night.

5th.—Splendidly fine all day and night.

6th.—Rather hazy morning and early evening, otherwise a fine bright day ;
solar halo at 3 P.M.

7th.—Morving grey and hazy; fair all day, but not much sun.

8th.—Rain in early morning, but fair before 9 A.M., rain once or twice, but
only in small quantities; fine evening. u

9th.—Very fine morning, pleasant day, but rather deficient in sunshine; very
slight shower in early afternoon.

Beautifully fine at times, and pleasant all through the week. Temperature
slightly lower. Barometer very high G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Ocrtoser 10.

We have very little alteration to quote. Business continues quiet. Large
consignments of foreign goods are reaching us and are fetching lower prices.
Hothouse Grapes are more than equal to the demand. Kent Cobs meet with
a ready sale, prices tending upwards.

FRUIT.
2 Bios ¢ 10010 tole 0
celccedce 2 6to8 6| Oranges........-..- 0.
es 10 8 0| Peaches .. -»- doz. 8 0 24 0
Filberts .. b. 0 4 O 6| Pears, kitchen.. dozen 10 8 0
Cobs ....-s..eeee Ib. 0 4 O 6| dessert ...... dozen 20 4 0
Grapes, hothouse.. lb. 1 6 6 O| Pine Apples.. 5 0 so
Melons ........ .. each 1 6 4 0} Plums 0WoO
Nectarines..........d0z. 4 0 18 0| Walnuts. 0 so
VEGETABLES.
8. d.. 8..d. een oa Be oe Bud
i @S...... dozen 8 Oto6 0 ushrooms.... pottle t)

See eget bushel 2 0 4 0} Mustard& Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
Beet, Red ...... dozen 1 6 8 0| Onions bushel 0 0 0 0
Broccoli ......++ bundle 0 9 1 6 pickling quart 0 4.00
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 4 0 0 0| Parsley.... doz bunches 2 0 0 0
Cabbage » dozen 1 0 2 0} Parsnip » dozen 00 00
Carrots . bunch 0 4 O 8| Peas... quart 0 6 10
Capsicums. #100 1 6 2 0} Potatoes. bushel 8 6 5 0
Cauliflower dozen 2 0 4 0} _ Kidney ...... bushel 5 0 7 O
Celery . a tH rn f REEF Gc coz punaies a iz i .
oleworts doz. bunches vhubarb........ bun
Goreweree S008 each 0 8 O 9] Salsafy ........ bundle 0 9 10
Endive ... . dozen 1 0 2 0|Scorzonera .... bundle 1 0 0 0
Fennel... » buoch 0 8 O 0} Seakale ....... . basket 0 0 0 0
Garlic... lb. 0 6 O 0} Shallots........ lb. 08 08
Herbs ..... bunch 0 2 0 0Q| Spinach. bushel 2 6 4 0
Lettuce . dozen 10 2 0|Turnips........ bunch 0 3 0 6
Leeks ....seeee. bunch 0 4 O 0} Veg. Marrows.. each 0 2 0 4

October 18, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 298
WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average | sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s| Clock | Day

f f OCTOBER 18—24, 1877. Temperature near | p;.., * bef
oe Week. 7 oudone | Rises. | Sets Rises, Sets. Age. ‘Saone vee

Day. |Night.|Mean.| h. m.| h, m.| bh. m.| bh. m.| Days. | m a.
18 TH Sr. LuKE EVANGELIST. 60.4 | 40.7 | 50.6 | 6 31 4 59 8 39 Dyas 12 14 51 | 291
19 | F Sale of Orchids at Stevens’s Rooms. 59.4 | 41.7 | 50.5) 6 83/ 4 57] 38 49] 8 15 18 15 1 | 292
20 Ss 59.0 | 39.2 | 49.1 | 6 35 4 55 4 0 4 26 14 15 12 | 293
21 | Sun | 21 Sunpay AFTER TRINITY. 58.4 | 89.5 | 49.0 | 6 87] 4 53] 4 18| 5 388 15 15 21 | 294
22 M Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms. 58.9 | 42.4 | 50.6 6 88 4 51 4 28 6 53 @ 15 80 | 295
23 | Tu | Robert Fish died, 1873. 58.2 | 89.8 | 409 | 6 40; 4 49/ 4 46) 8 11 17 15 89 | 296
22 WwW Long Vacation ends. 56.8 | 89.6 | 47.9 6 42 4 47 5 18 9 381 18 15 46 | 297
|
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 52.1°; and its night temperature

THE ROSE SEASON OF 1877—A RETROSPECT.

(who, by-the-by, is de-
scribed in the ‘Journal des Roses” as
“Mons. Wyld Savage”) and others have

I may perhaps as well add mine, especially
as I have done so in previous years.

the same as usual. I have acted as judge
in various parts of the kingdom, have visited
many well-known Rose gardens, and haye

consequently seen Roses in the most varied aspects from |

their earliest blooming in pots to the last exhibition at
which they were prominently brought forward—the Crystal
Palace Show of September 21st, an unusually late date.
I shall therefore record my views in just noticing a few
points that the season has especially fixed on my mind.
1. “Has it been a good Rose year ?” is a question that
has been very frequently asked of me and others. My
own opinion is that it has not been so, and I do not see
how it could well be otherwise. The unusually mild
winter which stimulated an exceedingly early growth and
led in many cases to early pruning, the sharp early spring
frosts which destroyed the young growth. the cold easterly
winds that so long prevailed, the excessive wet in some
places, all combined to frustrate the hopes of the rosa-
rian; while the lateness of the season threw many out
of their calculations in the matter of exhibiting. Doubt-
less grand, yea, magnificent blooms of Roses have been

exhibited, but I do not call to mind any that have left a |

very marked impression on my mind; and I think it
tells something for the zeal and skill with which Rose-
culture is carried out in this country that, despite all
these drawbacks, such Roses should have been generally
exhibited as to have at all made the question a debateable
one as to whether it was a good Rose or not.

2. It has been demonstrated, I think, that late pruning
may be carried to excess. I will take my own Roses as
anexample. I had five beds of newly-planted dwarfs on
the Manetti sent to me by Messrs. Cranston & Co. of
Hereford, and Mr. Dickson of Newtonards, Co. Down,
Ireland. They were admirable plants, vigorous and
healthy, but the unusually mild winter stimulated them
into early growth; not only leaves but buds made their
appearance on the terminal shoots before I could prune
them, and I at first thought when I did so that the late-
ness of the operation would in no way affect them. In
this, however, I was greatly mistaken. I suppose that,
being newly planted, they had too much to do below-
ground to enable them to push out actively, and the
consequence was that many of the shoots died back,
others sent out short weakly growths of about 6 inches
and have made no progress since; so that these beds,
having also since then been attacked by orange fungus in
a mild form, present rather a miserable appearance. I
conclude that their being newly planted had something
to do with it, because in those beds which have not been
disturbed, although they were pruned at the same time,

No. 864.—Yon. XXXIII., NEw SERIES,

‘written their opinions of the Rose season, |

My |
facilities for giving that opinion are about |

| the erowth had not been hindered. Ina visit I paid to
my friend Mr. Baker’s garden at Exeter I found the same
| thing—a fact which accounted, I think, for his failure in

the cup class at the National, for on this piece of ground
'he had depended for success. They had been pruned
late—as July 4th in ordinary seasons was late for Exeter
Roses—and the result was precisely the same as in my
own case; for whereas in the other parts of his garden his
trees were marvels of growth and luxuriance, this quarter
presented the same woe-begone aspect as my own. Hence
| the lesson one would have to learn from this is, that it is
| better when plants have been stimulated by a mild winter
to run the risk of early pruning rather than defer it until
|a later period. By-the-by, what had better be done in
such a case? I have an idea that it would be best to
cut-back very bard to the old wood of last year, leaving
about two or three eyes, and trusting to their shooting
out low down, or even from underneath the ground, when
the bud is inserted low.

8. It has, I think, demonstrated still further the excel-
lence of the seedling Briar as a stock, especially for late
blooms. I have elsewhere recorded the fineness of the
blooms exhibited by Mr. Corp at Taunton on August 16th
and at the Crystal Palace on September 2Ist, periods
when it is not easy to find good blooms. In both these
instances it is true that they were cut from maiden plants;
but I understand from those who haye grown them that
they are also very fine from the cut-back plants. I heard
sO many persons expressing their determination to culti-
vate them largely that I am suro that this stock is in-
creasing in popularity. With some, cuttings from the
Briar find favour, the one drawback to the seedling Briar
being that it takes so long to come to maturity that plants
can hardly be sold so cheaply as those on the Manetti, and
hence it is not a nurseryman’s stock; but after awhile,
when it comes to be more largely grown, perhaps this
may be obviated.

4, It has been one of the most floriferous autumn
seasons I have ever known. I know that someone has
written about the Roseless autumn, but I cannot say that
it has been my experience, and should imagine that it is
very few localities to which this epithet would apply.
Teas and Noisettes have been something wonderful. My
plant of Réve d’Or has been full of bloom, and has now
(October Ist) a large number on it; while Hybrid Per-
petuals have given me some excellent blooms, the prin-
cipal being Baronne de Rothschild, Charles Lefebvre,
Duke of Wellington, Capitaine Christy, Jules Margottin,
Hippolyte Jamain, Dupuy-Jamain, Dr. Andry, and Baron
Bonstetten. People sometimes sneer at the notion of
Hybrid Perpetuals, but the difference is at once seen be-
tween such varieties and Paul Verdier and others which
have been brought out as euch, but which are simply
summer ‘Roses, never showing a second bloom. I may
here mention that Mr. Noble’s Queen of Bedders has
with me well deserved the title; it is most free-growing,
and J. have never seen a shoot made yet without a bud
at the end of it. Z

5. It has been a fine year for light-coloured Roses.

No.1516.—Vor. LVIII., OLD SuRIEs.

300

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

Sees en

This one could hardly have anticipated, but as far as I have
been able to form a judgment it isso. Certainly no Rose has
come out so surprisingly as Francois Michelon. Wherever it
has been exhibited it has been shown grandly, and has gene-
rally bsen chosen out as one of the finest, if not the very
finest, blooms in the show. Other light Roses, such as Mons.
Noman, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Comtesse de Serenyi,
have done well, but it has exceeded them all; and it is one
of the mysteries of Rose-growing why in particular seasons

certain Roses seem to come out with such excellence. This is
csrtainly the Francois Michelon year.
Such briefly is my record of the past season. Exceptional

it has been without doubt, but Rose-growers have shown that
no season thoroughly disappoints them, and when they can
note some points of excellence in their favourites they take
heart and go on with their culture in the firm hope in a good
sense that ‘‘ to-morrow (next seagon) shall be as this, and
much more abundant.”—D., Deal.

PLANTING FRUIT TREES.

Autumn hascomeagain. Another season of growth is almost
ended. Soon will the latest fruits be gathered and the fast-
decaying foliage fallen; then, and often only then, comes the
fruit-tree planter’s opportunity before the soil, saturated by a
winter’s rainfall, has become sodden and cold. Mark this
well, for success or failure in planting depends as much upon
the time as upon the manner in which it is done. ‘' Phoucu-
Boy’? would seem to be aware of this, for he has come to us
now to assist him in finding a remedy, or rather a preventive,
for the failure of fruit trees. He says, ‘‘ Last year I planted
in a marly soil a large quantity of fruit trees, and about half
of them are dead,” adding in the true national spirit, “I
intend trying again.” Well done, ‘‘Puoucupor!” ‘Try
again”? is the motto which points to success, and gladly do
we come to your aid.

Now there are two faults in a marly soil which require cor-
rection before it can become suitable for the growth of fruit,
and these are its poverty and its power of retaining super-
abundant moisture. The remedy for the first is a heavy dress-
ing of manure, and for the second drainage and a plentiful
supply of coarse gritty. matter, such as road scrapings, coal
ashes, shattered bricks or stone chippings thoroughly mixed
with the marl and manure, our object being to open up the
soil to the action of the air as well as to drain and enrich it.
Ti is of course desirable to treat the whole of the soil in this
manner; but as this is a costly process it is customary to
prepare stations for the trees, and to improve the condition
of the remainder subsequently. Hach station should be 6 feet
square and 24 feet deep, the bottom 6 inches being filled with

broken stones rammed hard, and the 2 feet above filled with j

the prepared soil.

Drains of common 2-inch pipes should be made 30 feet
apart and 4 feet deep, taking care to connect every station by
a branch drain with the main nearest to it; for when stations
are prepared in clay, or any substance of a compact adhesive
nature, if they are undrained they become just so many death
traps for the roots, owing to the accumulation of stagnant
water. Ia my own practice I am not content to make a branch
drain to the side of the station, but continue it right across
the bottom, laying the row of pipes upon the hard-rammed
stone. Asa general rule it may be taken for granted, that
when the soil in which fruit trees grow rests upon a deep com-
pact subsoil drains will do good, but when the soil is shallow
end has a substratum of rock, chalk, or shattered stone im-
mediately beneath it (anatural drain), then of course artificial
drains are uncalled for, and would, indeed, prove injurious.

Let the planting be done in November, pruning off all bruised
roots, and shortening all leading shoots to about 9 inches.
Do not bury the roots deeply, but keep them within 6 inches of
the surface, spreading every one of them out carefully to its
ntmost length, treading the soil so that none of the roots lie
at all loose in it. Cover the entire surface of the station with
3 inches of rough half-decayed manure immediately after plant-
ing, and fasten the tree securely with wire and stumps so
that it may never be swayed by the wind, for if the roots and
stem become loosened in the soil the tree will not grow and
there is much risk of its dying. Always plant quickly, or
eover the roots with soil when you receive them from the
nursery. The effect of exposing the roots to the air is so per-
nicious that many a tree has been lost through it. Take care
that the manure mixed with the soil is old and quite decayed,

] or if may contain the spawn of fungi, which is also found in
decaying wood and leaves, spreading thence over the roots of
the tree and killing them.

Watch the trees carefully during the first season of growth
after the planting. See that they do aot suffer from drought.
The surface-dressing of manure will act as a tolerable safe-
guard, but two or three thorough soakings of water or sewage
are of material assistance to the growth and health of the tree
ina dry season. See also that any fastenings of string or wire
are locsened in time to prevent harm to the bark, which swells
very fast upon a healthy strong-growing young tree.

Given healthy trees and due attention to these hints there
ought not to be a single failure. Every point and detail
mentioned is, however, of equal importance with the rest ; and
I must insist upon no negligence in any respect, for failures
often srise from inattention to some matter apparently trivial
in itself but of vital importance in its influence upon other
things, and ‘‘ Phoucupoy”’ will probably find that his lament-
able failure was caused by inattention to some so-called trifle.
—Epwarp Lucruourst.

STORING POTATOES. |

I rainx wherever it is possible the plan advocated by Mr.
Luckhurst should be followed. Ihave proved the value of it,
and so will others who practise it. The following is the results
obtained here :—We will commence with the soil, which is very
stiff and heavy, with aclay subsoil, undrained. We prepare our
ground for Potatoes by rough digging or trenching in the winter,
working-in all the manure we can procure. The sets are
planted in drilis 4 or 5 inches deep, 24 feet between the drills,
about the end of February or early in March. A mixture of
soot, lime, and guano mixed with fine dry soil is sprinkled
along the drills at the time of planting. The earlies are not
planted so deep or wide between the drills, and are kept
earthed-up as they appear above ground to protect from frost.
The late sorts are not earthed-up at all. We use the prong
hoe between the rows once, and keep clear of weeds. About
the first or second week in August we keep a sharp look-out
for the first appearance of the disease, and as soon as it is dis-
covered the haulm is all taken-up without delay and removed
off the ground. The crop is lifted as early as poseible, ripe or
not ripe. A great many people, I know, object to lifting before
the skin is set, but if the ground is in good working order and
the tubers come out clean, then by all means out with them,
but be careful and not rub them more than you can help. We
place them in a dry airy shed as thin as room will permit, and
we always sprinkle a little slaked lime among them as they
are emptied-out of the baskets. Out of fifteen sacks grown
this season we have had only about one gallon diseased, and
last year and the year before we had scarcely a diseased Potato.
We grow Snowflake, Rivers’ Early Ashleaf, Bresee’s Prolific,
Regents, Berkshire Kidneys, and Oxfordehire Kidney (which is
the best late Potato I know), and Sutton’s Red-skinned Flour-
ball.—H. Puaypon, Bearsted Vicarage, Maidstone. 7

THE ROSH ELECTION.—No. 3.

VOTES IN ELECTION.
Tw tho first seven returns the Roses are placed in the order
of merit—in twelve, twenty-four, and forty-eight varieties :—

Rev. C. P. Pracu, Appleton-le-Street.
1. Maréchal Niel 7. Baronne de Rothschild
2. Alfred Colomb 8. Mdlle. Marie Rady
3. Marquise de Castellane 9. Etienne Levet
4. Charles Lefebyre . Comtesse d’Oxford
5. . Francois Michelon
. M. Engénie Verdier
. Dupuy-Jamain
. Madame Victor Verdier
. Marguerite de St. Amund
. Princess Mary of Cambridge
. Maurice Bernardin
. Annie Wood

10
. Marie Baumann 11
12
19
20
21
22,
238
24
37. Fisher Holmes
38.
389
40.
41
42
43
44
45

6. La France

13. Dr. Andry

14, Miss Hassard

15. Louis Van Houtte
16. Emilie Hausburg
17. John Hopper

18. Duc de Wellington

25. Sénateur Vaisse

26. Marie Van Houtte
27. Annie Laxton

28. Belle Lyonnaise

29. Souvenir d’un Ami
80. Xavier Olibo

81. Mdlle, Thérése Levet
82. Lord Macaulay 4. Mons. Noman
83. Abel Grand . Wilson Saunders
84, Gloire de Dijon 46, Céline Forestier
85. Général Jacqueminot 47, Capitaine Christy
836. Duchesse de Morny 48, Edouard Morren

. Pierre Notting

. Thomas Methven

. Madame Vidot

. Victor Verdier

. Madame Lacharme
. Madame Caillat

Octover 18, 1&77. J

Mr. Aurrep Cuarer, Cambridge.

Charles Lefebvre
Maréchal Niel

Marie Baumann
Madame Victor Verdier
. Francois Michelon

. Marquise de Castellane

18. Louis Van Houtte

14, Dr. Andry

15. Emilie Hausburg

16, Malle. Eugénie Verdier
17. Deyoniensis

18. Madame Willermoz

25. Xavier Olibo

26. Pierre Notting

27. Marguerite de St. Amand
28. Dupuy-Jamain

29. Maurice Bernardin

30, Souvenir @’un Ami

31. Etienne Leyet

32, Mons. Noman

33. Prince Camille de Rohan
84. Horace Vernet

35. Sir Garnet Wolseley

36. Marie Van Houtte

ope S

Ooms

10.
11.
12.
19.
20.
21.
22,
23.
24,
387.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42,
43.
44,
45.
46.
47.
48.

. Alfred Colomb
. Comtesse d’Oxford

John. Hopper
Catherine Mermet

La France

Baronnue de Rothschild

Victor Verdier
Edouard Morren
Reynolds Hole
Marie Rady
Sénateur Vaisse
Duke of Edinburgh

Souvenir d’Elise
Duc de Wellington
Gloire de Santenay
Beauty of Waltham
Duchesse de Caylus
Abel Grand
Niphetos

Due de Rohan
Prince de Portia
Rey. J. B. M. Camm
Felix Genero

Gloire de Vitry

Mr. J. L. Curtis, Chatteris, Cambs.
5. { Due de Rohan

1, Charles Lefebyre
Mavie Baumann
2. / La France
( Baronne de Rothschild
5. { Francois Michelin
Alfred Colomb
Dr. Andry
ul peace Vernet
15. Marguerite de St. Amand
16. Reynolds Hole
17. Madame Victor Verdier
18. Duchesee de Morny
25. Dupuy-Jamain
26. Auguste Rigotard
27. Louis Van Houtte
28. Duchesse de Caylus
29. Marie Rady
30. Eugénie Verdier
51. Marie Finger
82. Marie Cointet
53. Duc de Wellington
84, Lord Macaulay
35. La Ville de St. Denis
36. Comtesse de Serenyi

*This Rose I should place much higher but for its great predisposition to

turn blue,

48,

Devienne Lamy

. Maréchal Niel

. Marguerite Dombrain
. Duke of Edinburgh

. Etienne Levet

. Comtesse d’Oxford
. Olivier Delhomme
. Emilie Hausburg

. Cloth of Gold

. Sénateur Vaisse

. Xavier Olibo

. Madame Nachury

- Monsieur Nomen

. Abel Grand

. Catherine Mermet

. Sonyenir d’Elise

2. Marie Van Houtte
- Queen Victoria

. Maurice Bernardin
. Victor Verdier

. Madame Charles Wood.
+ Monsieur Boncenne

Camille Bernardin*

Mr. J, Laxan, Chipping Norton.

1. Maréchal Niel
2. Marie Baumann
8. Alfred Colomb
4. La France

5. Devienne Lamy

6. Marguerite Brassac

13. Charles Lefebvre

14. Malle. Marie Rady

15. Francois Michelon

16. Marqnise de Castellane
17. Catherine Mermet

18 Etienne Levet

25. Maurice Bernardin

26. Hippolyte Jamain

27. Mdlle. Marie Finger
28. Marie Van Houtte

29. Comtesse de Serenyi
80. Horace Vernet

31. Ferdinand de Lesseps
82. Madame Marie Cointet
83. Prince Camille de Rohan
31, Fisher Holmes

35. Reynolds Hole

86. Souvenir Vun Ami

7.
8.
9,
10.
11.
12.
19.
20.
21.
22.

25.

24,

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42,
43,
44,
45,
46
47.

48.

Baronne de Rothschild

Madame Victor Verdier
Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier

Souvenir d’Elise

Louis Van Houtte

Dr. Andry

Star of Waltham
Perle des Jardins
Capitaine Christy
Dupuy-Jamain
Camille Bernardin
Madame Lacharmo

Duchesse de Caylus
Pierre Notting

Le Havre

Marie Ducher
Princess Beatrice
John Stuart Mill
Senateur Vaisse
Edward Morren
Beauty of Waltham
Nardy Fréres

John Hopper
Madame Bernutz

Rev. Anan Cunanes, Brockham Vicarage.

1. Charles Lefebyre

2. Maréchal Niel

8. Alfred Colomb

4, Baronne de Rothschild
5, Marie Banmann

6. La France
13. Francois Michelon
14. Malle. Hugénie Verdier
15. Duke of Edinburgh
16. Pierre Notting
17. Reynolds Hole
18, Malle. Marie Finger

25. Madame Lacharme
. Camille Bernardin
27. Madame Charles Crapelet
| 28. Marguerite de St. Amand
_ 29. Princess Mary of Cambridge
30, Capitaine Christy
31, Monsieur Noman
~ 32. Comtesse de Serevyi
33, Emilie Hausburg

16

8.
9.

10.
iii

12.

19.
20.

21.

22.
23.
24.

84.

Marquise de Castellane
Comtesse d’Oxford
Louis Van Houtte
Madame Victor Verdier
Annie Wocd

Marie Rady

Madame Brayy
Niphetos

Victor Verdier

Annie Laxton

Gloire de Dijon
Souvenir d@’un Ami

Horace Vernet

35. Dupuy-Jamain

36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42,

Hippolyte Jamain
Sénateur Vaisse
Xavier Olibo
Edward Morren
Due de Wellington
Fisher Holmes
Princess Beatrice

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

43.
44,
45.

301

Ferdinand de Lesseps
Baron Gonella
Malle. Thérése Levet

46.
47.
48.

Duchesss de Vallombrosa
John Hopper
Rey. J. Lb, M. Camm

Mr. A. T. Cross, St. George's Terrace, Chesterton, Cambs.

D> OTR CO BS et

13.
14.
15.
LG:
17.
18.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
80.
351.
32.
33.
34,
35.
86.

. Maréchal Niel
. Alfred Colomb
. Charles Lefebvre

La France

. Marie Baumann
. Baronne de Rothschild

. Comtesse d’Oxford

. Mdule, Eugenie Verdier

. Xavier Olibo

. John Hopper

. Etienne Levet

. Emilie Hauvsourg

. Duch:ss of Edinburgh

. Visomte Vigier

. Dr. Andry

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Edward Morren

. Prince Camille de Rohan
. Ferdinand de Lesseps

. Camille Bernardia

. Rey. J. B. M. Camm

. Elie Morel

5. Duchesse de Morny

. Cheshunt Hybrid

7

8.

9.
10

Duke of Edinburgh

. Fravcois Michelon

Madame Victor Verdier
fێoateur Vaisse

. Marquise de Castellane
. Louis Van Houtte

. Souvenir de Coulommiers

20. Devoniensis

. Mdlle, Marie Rady
. Horace Vernet

23. Reynolds Hole

. Catherino Mermet

- Thomas Mills

. Due de Wellington

. Gloire de Dijon

. Malle. Therése Levet
. Maurice Bervardin

Due de Rohan

. Marie Van Houtte

. Victor Verdier

. Madame Bravy

. Marechal Vaillant
. Leopold I.

. Madame Willermoz

Mr. W. Scrousy, Harlow, Essex.

. Baronne de Rothschild
. Frangois Michelon

. Marie Finger

. Duke of Edinburgh

. Catherine Mermet

. Charles Lefebvre

Rubens

Maena Charta
Victor Verdier
Louis Van Houtte
Celine Forestier
Baron de Bonstetten
Maréchal Robert
Star of Waltham
Hippolyte Jamain
Marie Rady

Edward Morren
Empress of India
Monsieur Noman
President Thiers
Comtesss d’Oxford
Marquise de Castellane
Centifolia Rosea
Bessie Johnson

7.

8.

UE
10.
11.
12.
ity.
20.
21.
22,
23.
24,
37.
3B.
389.
40.
41.
42.
45.
44,
45.
46.
47.
48,

La Fraace

Etienne Levet
Monsieur E. Y. Teas
Malle. Eugénie Verdier
Alfred Colomb
Capitaine Christy
Marie Baumann
Reynolds Hole
Prioces3 Mary of Cawrbridge
Niphetos

Devoniensis

Maréchal Niel

Dr. Hooker

Jean Liabaud

Duchesse de Vallombrosa
Marie Van Houtte

Henri Ledechaux

Madame Lacharme

Le Havre

Thomas Mills

Wilson Saunders

Marie Cointet

Madame Georges Schwartz
Baronne Haussman

In tho three following returns the first twenty-four Roses
are placed in order of merit; the remainder not in order of
merit :—
Rey. J. B. M. Camm, Monckton Wyld, Charmouth.

oe Cobo

- Maréchal Niel

. Souvenir d’Elise

. Souvenir d’un Ami

. Marie Van Houtte

. Catherine Mermet

. Cloth of Gold

. Mdlle. Hugénie Verdier
. Duke of Edinburgh

. Emilie Hausburg

. Beauty of Waltham

. Abel Carriére

. Pierre Notting

. Xavier Olibo

. Marguerite Brassac

. Marquise de Mortemart

Horace Vernet

. Senateur Vaisse
. Marie Cointet

John Hopper

. Monsieur Noman
. Madame Victor Verdier
. Jean Ducher

Edward Morren

. Francois Michelon

45,
46.
47.
48.

. Charles Lefebvre

. Alfred Colomb

. Marie Baumann

- Marquise de Castellane
. La France

. Baronne de Rothschild
. Ferdinand de Lesseps
. Camille Bernardin

Marie Rady

. Dr. Andry
. Etienne Levet
. Marguerite de St. Amand

. La Rosicre

. Annie Wood

- Due de Wellington

. Sir Garnet Wolseley
. Dake of Connaught

. Prince Arthur

. Duchesse de Caylus
. Général Jacqueminot

Madame Caillat

Mons. EK. Y. Teas

Louis Van Houtte
Prince Camille de Rchan

Mr. A. Evans, Marston, Oxford.

. Maréchal Niel

. Alfred Colomb

. Marie Baumann

. Charles Lefebvre

. Malle. Marie Cointet

. La France

. Devienne Lamy

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Etienne Levet

Emilie Hausburg

. Duke of Edinburgh
. Perle de Lyon

. Royal Standard

. Monsieur EK. Y. Teas

. Felix Genero

. Francois Michelon

. Baronne de Rothschild
. Louis Van Houtte

. Madame Victor Verdier
. Xavier Olibo

.. Pierre Notting

. Senateur Vaisse

Capitaine Christy

2. Dr. Andry

. Mdlle. Thérése Levet

. Marquise de Castellane
. Sir G. Wolseley

. Duc de Rohan

wo
oO
bo

. Duke of Wellington 89. Thomas Mills
30. Edward Morren 40. Horace Vernet
51. Comtesse d’Oxford 41, Madame Lacharme
32. Madame Charles Wood 42. Belle Lyonnaise

Miss Hassard 43. Auguste Rigotard

. Princess Beatrice 44, Reynolds Hole
. Mdlle. Marie Rady 45. John Hopper
. Madame Marie Finger 46. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier

37. Maurice Bernardin 47.

Madame Georges Schwartz
. Hippolyte Flandrin 48.

Prince Camille de Rohan

Mr. SmaLuBoneEs, Chatteris, Cambridge.

1, Maréchal Niel 7. Louise Van Honite
2. Alfred Colomb 8. Etienne Levet
8. Charles Lefebvre 9. Mdlle. Marie Rady
4. Baronne de Rothschild 10. Camille Bernardin
5. Marie Baumann 11. Madame Victor Verdier
6, La France 12, Francois Michelon
13. Ferdinand de Lesseps 19. Xavier Olibo
14. Monsieur Noman 20. Reynolds Hole
15. Duke of Edinburgh 21. Marquise de Castellane
16, Sénateur Vaisse 22. Hippolyte Jamain
17. Dr. Andry 23. Comtesse de Serenyi
18. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 24, Horace Vernet
25. Abel Grand 37. Madame C. Wood
26. Baron Bonstetten 38. Emilie Hausburg
27. Capitaine Christy 39. Prince Camille de Rohan
28. Comtesse d’Oxford 4). Pierre Notting
29. Duc de Rohan 41. Princess Beatrice
30. Fisher Holmes 42, Mdlle. Thérése Levet
31. John Hopper 43, Souvenir de Malmaison
32. Marguerite de St. Amand 44, Devoniensis
33. Marie Finger 45. Marie Van Houtte
34, Madame Hippolyte Jamain 46. Catherine Mermet
35. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier 47. Belle Lyonnaise
36. Madame Lacharme 48. Gloire de Dijon

Rev. Canon Hout, Caunton Manor, Newark.
These are extracted from the “ Book on Roses,” and are not placed in order

of merit.

1, Alfred Colomb 7. La France

2. Baronne de Rothschild 8. Louis Van Houtte

5. Charles Lefebvre 9. Maréchal Niel

4, Emilie Hausburg 10. Marquise de Castellane

5. Etienne Levet 11. Marie Baumann

6. Francois Michelon 12. Xavier Olibo
18. Capitaine Christy 19. Dupuy-Jamain
14. Comtesse d’Oxford 20. Edward Morren
15. Comtesse de Paris 21. Marie Finger
16. Deyoniensis 22, Pierre Notting
17. Duchesse de Vallombrosa 23. Reynolds Hole
18. Duke of Edinburgh 24, Souvenir d’un Ami
25. Comtesse de Serenyi 37. Annie Wood
26. Dr. Andry 38. Catherine Mermet
27. Duchesse de Caylus 39. Duc de Rohan
28. Exposition de Brie 40. Horace Vernet
29. Hippolyte Jamain 41. Leopold Hausburg
30. Madame Clemence Joigneaux 42. Mdlle. Thérése Levet
31. Madame Victor Verdier 43. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
32, Marguerite de St. Amand 44, Maréchal Vaillant
33. Madame Hippolyte Jamain 45. Mdlle. Marie Rady
34, Miss Hassard 46. Rubens
35. Souvenir d’Elise 47. Sénatear Vaisse
36. Souvenir de Spa 48. Victor Verdier

W. Wootten Wootten, Esq., Headington House, Oxon.
Best forty-eight exhibition Roses in alphabetical order,

1. Alba Mutabilis 25. Madame Bravy

2. Alfred Colomb 26. Madame Lacharme

3. Baron de Bonstetten 27. Madame Victor Verdier
4, Baronne de Rothschild 28. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
5. Camille Bernardin 29. Mdlle. Thérése Levet
6. Capitaine Christy 30. Marechal Niel

7. Charles Lefebvre 31. Marquise de Castellane
8. Climbing Devoniensis 32. Marie Baumann

9. Comtesse de Nadaillac 33. Marie Cointet

10. Comtesse de Serenyi
11. Comtesse d’Oxford
12. Duke of Edioburgh
13. Edward Morren

14. Emilie Hausburg

34. Maurice Bernardin
35. Miss Hassard

36. Miss Ingram

37. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
38. Monsieur Noman

15. Etienne Levet 89. Nardy Fréres

16, Ferdinand de Lesseps 4). Niphetos

17. Frangois Michelon 41. Oxonian

18. Gloire de Dijon 42, Pierre Notting

19. Henri Pages 43. Prince Camille de Rohan
20. Hippolyte Jamain 44, Royal Standard

21. John Hopper 45. Sénateur Vaisse

22. La France 46. Sir Garnet Wolseley

23. Lord Clyde 47. Victor Verdier

24. Louis Van Houtte 48. Xavier Olibo

N.B.—La Rosiére, Marguerite Brassac, Prince Camille de Rohan, and
Charles Lefebyre not sufficiently tested.

Mr. D. L. Copprnerton, Oldbridge, Drogheda, Treland.

. Abel Grand 8. Camille Bernardin

. Alfred Colomb 9. Catherine Mermet
Annie Diesbach 10. Centifotia Rosea

. Auguste Rigotard 11. Charles Lefebyre

. Baronne de Rothschild 12, Cloth of Gold

. Beauty of Waltham 13. Comtesse de Nadaillac
- Boule de Neiga 14. Comtesse de Serenyi

Noopwps

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ October 18, 1877.

15. Dr. Andry 832. Mdlle. Marie Cointet

16. Duke of Edinburgh 33. Mdlle. Marie Rady _

17. Due de Wellington 34, Maréchal Niel

18. Dupuy-Jamain 35. Marguerite de St. Amand
19. Edward Morren 36. Marie Baumann

20. Emilie Hausburg 57. Marquise de Castellane
21. Etienne Levet 38. Maurice Bernardin

22. Fisher Holmes 39. Miss Ingram

23. Général Jacqueminot 40. Monsieur E. Y. Teas

24. John Hopper 41. Mrs. Baker

25. La France 42. Niphetos

26. Lelia 43. Prince Camille de Rohan
27. Leopold I. 44, Sir G. Wolseley

28. Lord Macaulay

29. Madame C. Wood
30. Madame Hippolyte Jamain
31. Madame Nachury

45, Souvenir d’un Ami

46. Souvenir d’Elise

47. Souvenir de la Malmaison
48. Xavier Olibo

GRAPES CRACKING.

In criticising the remarks of ‘A KircHeN GARDENER,’’ who
had recommended leaving a portion of the top of the Vine to
grow at will, Mr. W. Harris (see page 272) says he does not
believe that the means adopted prevented the Grapes cracking,
and he sums up the recommendation of another writer to take
a portion of the foliage off the fruiting branches in a similar
unceremonious way.

Now, it does seem strange at first sight that two very
opposite proceedings should have a similar effect, but I hope
to show that they are not so much in opposition as at first
sight appears ; and as I happen to be the other writer referred
to I shall of course try to make my own point good, and will
commence by telling Mr. Harris that his physiology is a little
faulty when he believes that by taking a portion of foliage off
he ‘“ would force more sap into them (the berries) and cause
them to crack worse.’ All gardeners ought to know that the
foliage has the power of attracting moisture and gases from the
soil to a large extent, but that this power in the fruit itself is
very limited. If you want a fruit to grow fast encourage
plenty of foliage leading up to and beyond it; the channels of
supply are enlarged thereby, and the communication is swifter.
Any given branch of such a tractable plant as the Vine can be
enlarged at will by bearing in mind this primary use of the
foliage-and regulating it accordingly. Again, not only does the
foliage pump up the necessary elements for supplying the fruit,
but at the same time as the foliage enlarges it causes the roots
to act in harmony with it, and consequently to keep up an
ever-increasing supply.

Although I do not covet large bunches of Grapes I have a
great partiality for large berries and good finish, and as I
know these cannot be had without ample foliage I do not stop
the shoots in the orthodox way, but allow as much to grow as
there ig room for, especially after the commencement of
stoning. Under these conditions and with liberal feeding any
kind of Grape will be liable to crack if the Vine is not carrying
a full crop; but the first cracked berry would be the signal for
checking the growth by stopping the points or perhaps taking
a few of the young growths off altogether, and the cure would
be almost instantaneous. The only difficulty is to know how
much to do, for there is a danger of overdoing it, and I
pointed out last year that in dealing with a Madresfield Court
Vine I took too much off, and the berries did not finish colour-
ing nicely.

I follow the same system with Melons. Cashmere, which is
grown largely, is very liable to crack just as it is ripening; but
taking the foliage off beyond the fruit, and if necessary some
of that leading up to it, will generally make all safe, and is a
more certain method than strangling the stem.

So much for the denuding process. Now, how am I to re-
concile it with ‘A KitcHEN GarDENER’s’’ of allowing the top
to grow freely? Simply thus—the sap naturally flows most
freely to the top at any time, and by stopping the side shoots in
closely, while allowing the top to grow freely, it would of course
more certainly take the main line, and the branches, especially
those low down, would get little or nothing. At the sametime
if there were a bunch on the main rod Ishould not be sur-
prised to see it cracked.—Wint1am Taytor.

Hayrina overcome the difficulty of growing Madresfield Court
Grape without cracking, at least last year and this, I may,
perhaps, be able to assist other cultivators who are troubled
with their Grapes cracking. I have sent by rail a small
bunch cut from a Vine with a heavy crop of bunches averag-
ing in weight from 1 Ib. to 4 lbs., and not a berry cracked on
the Vine. The plan I adopt is this: As soon as I see the
Grapes commence swelling after stoning I begin leaving on a

October 18, 1877. j

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

303

little air top and bottom all night, and keep on increasing the
amount little by little till the cracking period arrives, by which
time I have no trouble at all with ventilating, as I leave on
just as much at night as I doin the day, and I manage to
grow several of the leading varieties in this way, including
Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Hamburgh, Madresfield Court,
Black Hamburgh, Lady Downe’s, Alicante, and Frontignan.
I might add I never use a syringe in any vinery, not even
sprinkle a rod when they are breaking, although I have had
from fifteen to twenty years’ teaching to do so by several good
Grape-growers. I provide all moisture required by sprinkling
water on the floor of the house, and I am not troubled with
red spider, as you will see by the leaves sent. No doubt the
“ fixed temperature” growers will disagree with what I say,
but the proof of the pudding is in eating it; and I have two
or three vineries yet with Grapes in, which I should not have
the least hesitation to show any Grape-grower, grown with the
wind blowing through the houses.—T. T., Hastbourne.

(The foliage sent is clean and healthy, the bunch of good
form, not a berry cracked, and the bloom excellent.—Ebs. |

COMPANY SHOWS.

Berne one of those who have always understood that the
primary object of horticultural exhibitions is to benefit horti-
culture, I cannot but regret the tendency which is becoming
established of societies selling themselves to public companies,
gaining, it may be, a small immediate pecuniary advantage,
but running the riek of humiliation, and not attaining in a
certain and substantial manner the object desired. Some dis-
satisfaction has been expressed and much more felt at visitors
having been excluded from the Aquarium Potato Show ; but it
must be remembered that the object of the Aquarium Managers
was different from that of the Potato Show Committee. The de-
sire of the promoters of the Show was to attract public interest
towards their object, and this object a worthy one—namely, to
foster improvement in Potato culture, and to encourage the
production of superior varieties. The object of the Aquarium
Company was to make money. They simply regard the Potato
or any other society of a horticultural nature as means to that
end: hence they bid for their prestige, buy them for the time
being, and make the best of them. The matter of company
shows is one which seriously requires to be considered; and
I hope there is suflicient of the true horticultural spirit left to
prevent the craft or science, call it what you like, with which
s0 many are identified being made subservient to the purpose
cf any company who have no sympathy for an object beyond
what they can extract from it for raising their dividends. I
consider an alliance of horticulture and acrobats unseemly,
unnatural, and incongruous. What do others say ?—AN OLD
EXHIBITOR.

THE ROSELESS AUTUMN.

Bors Mr. D. T. Fish and Mr. W. Paul have publicly referred
to the passing season as the Roseless autumn. Isitso? I,in
common with most gardeners, dabble in a few Roses (my col-
lection does not exceed four hundred), and with me in Surrey
the supply has been abundant and the quality most excellent,
especially with the darker varieties. Isend you (October 1st)
a dozen varieties, in order that you may see that we are not
yet ‘‘ Roseless’’—viz., Madame Victor Verdier, Charles Loe-
febvre, Dake of Wellington, Mrs. Veitch, Victor Verdier,
Madame Charles Crapelet, Sénateur Vaisse, Vicomte Vigier,
Sir Joseph Paxton (from a wall of which I could cut many
clusters), Madame Berard, Souvenir de la Malmaison, and the
never-failing Gloire de Dijon; this latter will supply many
blooms yet. As for the Old Monthly or China Rose, I can
safely say there has noi been such a profusion of bloom on
them any time before this season. On Thursday, September
27th, I cut quite eighty blooms from my Perpetuals, and have
been continually cutting since June, and judging from what
T have seen there are many other places where Roses have been
in glorious profusion. I am an utter stranger to the locality
in which Mr. Fish lives, and the sunless autumn, together with
the large amount of rain which has fallen in several parts of
England, may have had much to do with the Roge’s shortcomings
in that situation; but with Mr. W. Paul the case is very diffe-
rent, and the corroboration of Mr. Fish’s statement perfectly
astounded me after seeing the extensive collections which have
been voluntarily exhibited both at the Alexandra and Crystal
Palaces, on September 13th and 21st respectively. At the

Alexandra Palace fourteen boxes, representing nearly 350 Roses,
came from Messrs. Cranston & Co., Hereford; a great number
also came from Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt; others from
Mr. Ramsey of Waltham Cross and Mr. Corp of Oxford, making
on the whole a very extensive display. Wasthis an indication
of scarceness? At the Crystal Palace there were collections
from Messrs. Paul & Son, Mr. Turner, Mr. Cranston, Mr. Corp,
and from Messrs. William Paul & Son. Was there any indi-
cation of a scarcity even on the 21st? On September 12th I
was at Brighton. Messrs. Mitchell & Son staged forty-eight
varieties in trebles; two other competitors also competed in
this class. Teas were also numerously represented, not only
by the trade, but by several amateurs. Altogether there were
considerably over a thousand blooms exhibited, the majority
of which, both nurserymen’s and amateurs’, were of very good
quality.

With me the late frost during May did much damage to the
forwardest buds, and a yellowish green caterpillar and the
Rose maggot destroyed others, so that I had not such an
influx at one time as I might otherwise have had, and possibly
I have been repaid by a subsequent and unusually fine autumn
display. Besides those sent Marquise de Castellane, La France,
Baronne de Rothschild, and Madame and Marie Finger have
been very fine during the present autumn.—J. W. Moorman.

[The blooms received were extremely fine, and at the exhi-
bitions referred to Roses were exhibited in greater numbers and
of better quality than we ever remember haying seen at pre-
vious autumn shows.—Eps. |

NOTES ON MILDEW.

‘‘ HEREFORDSHIRE INcUMBENT’s”’ generalisms on mildew on
pp. 263 and 264 contain a quotation which says that mildew
is the result of a peculiar state of the atmosphere. As regards
Vines in vineries I am of opinion that a close moist atmosphere
will produce mildew. I believe this from two cases which have
come under my own observation. In both cases close confined
atmosphere started it, and when once the Vine mildew becomes
established there is the risk of its spreading through every
vinery, and may reach Vines also in other places in the vicinity
of those affected. Proper ventilation of vineries is most im-
portant in order to prevent it. If it should make its appear-
ance dusting the bunches or the house with salus is better
than sulphur. It is lighter than sulphur, and if dusted on
the bunches can easily be blown off again, and whenever it
touches the mildew it destroys it, but although this is the case
it still leaves the mark where the mildew has been.

Vine mildew is very different to the kind that affects the
Rose and Peach tree, though no doubt the same kind of influ-
ences will generate either. Peach trees sometimes may only
be affected in one or two cases in a garden, and the variety
Royal George is a likely one to be affected. It may be con-
sidered singular how one Peach tree may be much affected with
mildew and another beside it not touched. The probability
is that the case would be different in a vinery, for as I have
just noted, the mildew would go over the whole house. With
Roses in pots in a Peach house 1 have observed that with want
of ventilation the mildew soon makes its appearance and curls
up and whitens the leaves of the Rose plants when the Peaches
are not affected. This shows that Roses are more liable to
mildew under a close atmosphere than Peach trees, being
affected with it in an atmosphere in which Peaches are ex-
empt.—R. M.

STRAWBERRIES.

No doubt Mr. Luckhurst is right in saying that Strawberries
will grow in sound rich loam, but it is, nevertheless, a fact
that some sorts will grow in such soil better than others. It
is just possible that my experience as a cultivator of Straw-
berries is equal to that of your correspondent, and my success
also may have nearly equalled his. I have tried, I think, all
established varieties in cultivation, and have given such at-
tention to the soil that my experience suggested was requisite,
and I think, but of course I may be wrong in this point, that
Mr. Luckhurst could not have done more. But after all I
could do, La Constante, for instance, was comparatively worth-
less, while President was magnificent ; Rivers’ Eliza was very
unsatisfactory, Sir Joseph Paxton was splendid; Amateur
was only moderate, Lucas extremely fine; British Queen and
Dr. Hogg I could also grow well. A mile from me was a
clergyman’s garden with soil of better staple than mine—

OL JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ October 18, 1877.

fresher and stronger. Runners from my fine Presidents pro-
duced insignificant crops in the rector’s garden, while plants
raised from my comparatively poor Amateurs yielded abun-
dantly there, and La Constante was equally good when similarly
removed. Would it not have been a mistake on the part of
the rector and myself to have ineurred both labour and ex-
pense in attempting to grow srorts which proved themselves
unmanageable by local peculiarities, while we had other good
varieties which flourished well with ordinary cultural care ?—
A YorESHIREMAN.

A PAPER FLOWER BASKET.

Att who have a garden know how gratefully those not simi-
larly circumstanced welcome the gift of a few flowera to take
away with them.
are either made up into a wisp and carried in a warm hand to
wither and die, or else a basket is lent with the doubt, too

The difficulty is how to take them. They |

the pattern; then spreal it open and fold in again where the
dotted lines are, making the single fold the bottom, the double

the sides; then lay it flat again—this time it will be divicel
in three pieces—and fold for the ends where the double dotted
|line is. Now take the two ends aud bend them up to meet
| each other, folding the middle pi ce in at the ends according
to dotted lines as shown there. Oae end will now fit in to the
(other, and must be secured by a few stitches. A strip of
| paper will be wanted for the handle 16 inches long, 4 or 5 wide ;
fold it four times and join underneath the basket, and secure
it at the side in the same way as the basket. Of course the
basket can be any size; these are simply right proportions,
—D., Deal.

JOTTINGS ABOUT PEARS IN THE NORTH.
Tus being the commencement of the planting season, what
to plant is of importance, and it may be the more worth know-
ing when I state that of thirty-eight

Fig. 58.—Pattern for Makiog Paper Flower Baske

often a certainty, as to whether the owner will ever see it again. |
I send you herewith directions and a pattern by which anyone

XE

Fig. 59.—Paper Flower Basket.

may in a few minutes make out of strong brown paper a basket
that will answer the purpose, and concerning the returning of
which there need be no questioning. My daughter has found
such a basket very useful, and I have no doubt it will be a
boon to many who wish to distribute their floral favours
amongst their friends.

varieties of Pears eight of one variety
were all that had any pretence to a
crop, and many of these dropped
midway in the season. That my re-
marks may be valued for juet so
much as they are worth, I may be
permitted to state that, a little over
two years ago a fine old pasture field
of two and a quarter acres being
offered for sale within a quarter of a
mile of where my father for over
thirty years laboured as a market
gardener, I decided to throw up my
trade as joiner and builder and com-
mence the occupation more after my
heart—a fruit-grower. I decided with
hardy outdoor fruit to secure every
variety recommended, and then at
the earliest possible opportunity to
reduce the number to only those
which did best in the locality. This,
as stated, found me last spring with
the number of Pears named, and with
the exception of Beurré de l’Assump-
tion and Souvenir du Congrés, which
I had only as maidens or trained,
they were all well set with fruit bude.
The third week in January threatened
to see many of them in bloom, and
the bloom would have been strong
and promising. The third week in May
found them in bloom, but blighted
and miserable-looking ; and seeing
that we had not the severe frosts in the county of Durham
in May which there were in the south of England (my own

ti.

| glas3 never registering more than 5°), I attribute the failure
| here, not to frost but to the embryo blogsom having perished
| during the great length of time it hung in the half-expanded

state. When we had frost it was always after a dry day,
but for weeks together we had little but rain, and rain, and
clouds, and cold. I carefully, night after night, wrapped large
sheets of paper around one and more trees of every variety; but
the result was no perceptible difference between the covered
and the uncovered trees. The most healthy-looking bloom was
on eight trees of Pitmaston Duchess: it was not thickly set, but
remarkably promising. The most miserable-looking were eight
trees of Durandeau, and on these trees every leaf perished ;
but sinsular, these were of the variety that set fruit, and they
have algo set a second crop, but, of course, of no value. What
I bought for Alexandre Biyort is the third variety, but both
last year and this the fruit has been smaller than I expected.
Of over twenty trees of Louise Bonne of Jersey, and which is
admitted to be one of the hardiest, neither on my protected or
unprotected trees had I a single fruit; neither had I one on
eight and more trees of any of the following :—Baronne de
Mello, Beurré Bachelier, Beurré d’Amanlis, Beurré Hardy,
Beurré Superfin, Williams’ Bon Chrétien, Maréchal de Cour,
Doyenné du Comice, Joséphine de Malines, Madame Treyve
or Olivier de Serres; one on Marie Louise, whilst of Marie
Louise d’Uccle I have a fair crop. My Hessles even failed to
set a fruit, but with them it was hardly a fair trial, and, judg-

Instructions for Making the Basket.—Take a piece of brown
paper 13 inches by 11, and fold it in five equal portions like |

ing by my neighbours’ trees, my unhesitating opinion is that
Marie Louise d’Uccle is as hard as the Hessle, and is destined

October 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER,

305

of first-class Pears to be the Pear of the north of England.
One other thing is worthy of notice: Had the Pear crop in the
north been ever so abundant it would have been next to value-
less, as the fruit has grown to little more than half its usual
size. The cold ground, through lack of sun, has undoubtedly
prevented their swelling.—J. Wirnerspoon, Chester-le-Street.

Witt anyone tell me his experience of the Pear Désiré
Cornelis? It is highly spoken of in tho ‘‘ Fruit Manual,” but
I have never met with it. I tried last year to buy a tree or
grafts, but failed. Neither Messrs. Rivers nor Mr. Smith of
Worcester could supply me; I should like to know where I
could procure it.

I for one should be very glad if now, at the commencement
of the planting season, your correspondents would give us the
benefit of their experience in the matter of Pears, stating, of
course, their locality, and whether the Pears which they recom-
mend or condemn (for this should be done as well as the
former) are grown as standards or against a wall. There are
Some old favourites that succeed anywhere, and of course need
not be mentioned—e.g., Jargonelle, Marie Louise, Winter
Nelis, Seckle, Glou Morcsau; but there are many kinds more
recent or less known which may well deserve to be ranked
with these. There is a certain pleasure in trying experiments,
but life is too short to plant many varioties of Pears and then
to be disappointed by them.

I can recommend Doyenné du Comice (pyramid), Bergamotte
Esperen (wall, su), and Joséphine de Malines (wail, s.n.),
especially the latter, as quite first-rate. Louise Bonne of
Jersey is inferior with me. Knight’s Monarch will not ripen,
nor Beurré Diel. Fondante d’Automne is good, so is Comte
de Lamy and Thompson’s. SBeurré Bose varies with the
season. These (except Beurré Bosc) are grown as pyramids
and standards.—L., Cheshire.

ORANGE CULTURE.

We cannot give you (‘‘ M. P.’’) better information than is
contained in the following extracts from a paper written by
Mr. Rivers and read at the International Horticultural Con-
gress held in London in 1866, and which was published in the
“* Report of Proceedings :’’—‘‘ The difference,” says Mr. Rivers,
“* between Oranges freshly gathered from the trees and the very
finest imported is most remarkable; there is a crispness and
fine aroma in Oranges freshly gathered difficult to realise un-
less they are promptly compared with imported fruit. They
are indeed 2 luxury, and as such will be cultivated ere long in
every good garden. The houses best adapted for their cultiva-
tion are the large span-roofed, 24 feet wide, 6 feet: high at each
side, and 15 feet high in the centre. A house of this size
will require eight 4-inch hot-water pipes, four on each side,
ag artificial heat is required all the year to ripen Oranges in
one season perfectly. A smaller span-roofed house, 54 feet
high at each side and 12 feet high in the centre, heated by four
4-inch hot-water pipes, two on each side, is almost as eligible
for Orange culture as one of the larger size. A house of
these dimensions, with a central path, and a border on each
side planted with Orange trees, would form a pleasant and
productive Orange garden; but to form an Orange grove, so
as to have trees of fine growth and to give abundant crops, the
jarge house must be resorted to. From the experience I have

gained I firmly believe that no conservatory, no Orchid house,’

nor greenhouse, is half so beautiful or interesting as an Orange
house coustructed on the principles I now advocate, and pro-
vided with fixed roofs, rafters 24 inches apart, glazed with
large pieces of glass, and admitting abundance of light, so that
in December, when the trees are covered with their golden
fruit and many of them showing their snow-white perfumed
flowers, the scene is indeed enchanting, and is enhanced by
the agreeable temperature, which need not be higher than from
50° to 60° Fahr. (10° to 15° Cent.) in cloudy weather. It is
noi frame heat in winter that ripening Oranges require, but
an even agreeable temperature such ag is experienced in tho
Azores during that season of the year. The houses above
mentioned should have side ventilation as in Orchid houses—
viz., an opening on each side of the large house 2 feet wide,
for the smaller houses 1 foot wide; these openings should be
in the centre of each side, and shutters of wood or sashes em-
ployed to close them, the latter of course being the most
agreeable. The cultivation of dessert Oranges in pots or tubs
is very simple. The compost they require consists of equal
parts of peat, loam, and manure thoroughly decompoged; the

two former should not be sifted, but chopped up with the pieces
of turf and roots so as to form a rough compost. The trees
will grow in this freely and bear abundantly, but they should
have gentle constant root heat. This is best given by enclosing
hot-water pipes in a shallow chamber of bricks, and placing
the pots on a flooring of slates or tiles forming the roof of the
chamber. One of the most charming and prolitic of dessert
Oranges is the Tangierine; the tree has small leaves, and
seldom attains a height of more than 7 feet even in North
Africa. Its most valuable quality is its early ripening, so that
in October, just ax the late Peaches and other soft fruits are
over, this luscious little fruit is ready for the dessert. And
when freshly gathered no fruit can be more gratifying or de-
lightful, as its aroma is so delicious end its juice so abundant,
in this respect offering » pleasing contrast to those imported
from Lisbon in November and December, the flesh of which ig
generally shrunk from tho rind instead of being ready to burst
as is the case with those plucked from the tree. They should,
in common with all home-grown Oranges, be placed on the
table with some leaves adhering to the stalks, thus showing
that they have not made a voyage.”

WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD EXAMPLE OF
AN UNPROVED NEW GRAPE?

I NoTIcED an announcement in the Journal stating that the
prizes offered for the three single bunches of Golden Queen at
the Crystal Palace were withheld, because they were not con-
sidered good enough. It appears that threo prizes of £5, £2,
and £1 respectively were offered by the raiser for the best three
bunches, but these liberal prizes have failed to bring out more
than three competitors, and none of the samples are considered
excellent, and the prizes are withheld. The donor of the
prizes and holder of the stock of the new Vine, while holding
out the inducement to gardeners to buy his Vine and compete
for his prizes, attaches no conditions, so far as I am aware, to
his offer; but for all that, when the competitors come forward
in good faith on their part they are told their samples are
bad, and that they must go without the prizes. Is this fair
and honourable, may I ask? and further, may I inquire by
what standard of excellence as regards the Golden Queen were
the three bunches judged? or, in other words, was it the fault
of the growers, or the fault of the Grapes, that the bunches
were insuch ‘‘ bad condition?” In my opinion the action of
the Judges, or whoever was instrumental in withholding the
prizes, has not improved the prospects of the Golden Queen.
One can understand judges withholding a prize from a bad
sample of Black Hamburghs or any other Grape of known
excellence, but not in the case of a Grapo that is on its trial
for the first time; for I hold that it is no safe guarantee of its
excellence generally that the raiser of the Grape may have
produced fair samples of it himself. What now Grape, good,
bad, or indifferent, that has been raised within the last
twenty years has not been sent out as all that was excellent by
the raiser, but which under general culture has perhaps turned
cut to ba worthless? Permit me to say that I am not a disap-
pointed exhibitor, nor was I at the show. I only gather my
impreggions from the reports.—A GrapE-GROWER.

FLOWER GARDEN NOTES.—No. 1.

A coup spring; spring flowers late in flowering and for the
most part of short continuance. Primroses were an exception,
flowering grandly, but bulbous plants though fine were soon
over. The late frosts cut off to the ground such succulent
plants as Dielytra spectabilis and injured the flowering stems
of Spiraea japonica.

Summer bedding plants were, owing to the cold during the
early part of summer, planted out late, and in most instances
in a backward condition. Calceolarias put out in April suffered
severely, the frosts early in May cutting off many plants to
the ground and damaging all more or less. They recovered,
however, famously, breaking strongly from the stems, forming
stocky plants by the early part of June. One-half of the
plants—about a thousand—were at that time moved with
good balls, well watered, all going well until the latter part of
July, when a plant here and there showed by the flagging
foliage evidence of disease. The disease appeared before the
cold and wet, and continued its ravages with the rains. The
infected plants wholly succumbed to the disease, the fungus at-
tacking the stem at its junction with the soil or a little below,
and destroying the plant root and branch. Though the disease

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JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

only showed itself in a few plants at first it spread rapidly,
plants adjoining those infected were quickly contaminated; a
diseased plant showing itself in a line or mass, when all or a
majority of the plants in the infected line or mass became
diseased. This disease is certainly contagious, for out of twelve
detached lines or masses five only have no diseased plants.
In no ease is the fungus confined to the plants first showing
evidence of its attacks, but has spread and is spreading (Sep-
tember 20th) to others. It is remarkable that the plants left
where first planted have no disease, and the soil in which the
diseased plants are growing is not nearly so heavily manured
as that of the healthy plants.

Calceolarias are not much valued now-a-days, yet in their
season and colour there is nothing to equal them, especially
the yellows, in contrast with Perilla or Beet. We can have
yellow foliage in place of yellow flowers, yet flowers are indis-
pensable, none affording yellow so well as these.

Tagetes signata pumila has done grandly, growing finely and
blooming profusely. Its colour is at best a dirty yellow though
it ig very useful, its foliage being so neat, the whole a dense
close mass, and where Calceolarias do not succeed is a good
substitute.

Lobelias have done well, and notwithstanding that we have
a great many varieties of the speciosa section there is none
better than the species when a true stock can be obtained, and
the plants come quite true from seed, doing away with much
labour and saving room for tenderer plants. Seedling plants
endure drought much better than plants from cuttings, and
flower more continuously to a later period.

Alternantheras have been a completa failure as they have
ever been here, for though any amount of moisture is borne
by them it must be accompanied with warmth, or the plants
decrease instead of increase in size.

Succulents have enjoyed the wet, but the wet for weeks
completely obliterated the hues of flowers; and ornamental-
foliaged plants have grown well, except Iresine, which requires
heat as well as wet. Beet was never, perhaps, finer nor better
coloured.

Pelargoniums have been a failure, the best being Waltham
Seedling, Vesuvius, and Glow in scarlets; Master Christine in
pinks, though Christine has stood well, not going to seed as is
its wont; and in whites, White Clipper. Prince Silverwings,
May Queen, Bright Star, and for growth Golden Circle, have
been good in the variegated section.

Flower gardening as I have seen and experienced it in the
north has been a complete failure. What brightness there has
been was afforded by foliage. Plants cultivated for their flowers
have not done at all well. Notable exceptions are Violas,
which have grown splendidly and bloomed freely; the masses
of blue produced by Blue Bell and the yellow of Lutea grandi-
flora are really pleasing to behold in the midst of so much
greenery, which no one need complain of this season as want-
ing to relieve the gorgeous glaring of flowering plants. Colour
as afforded by flowers has been of a very meagre character;
and though foliage colouring is all very well in its way, it is in
seasons like this that soft hues and neutral tints need the
richer glow of flowers to heighten their effect.—A,

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Str Henry ScupamorEe Sranwore, Bart., writes to us from
Holme Lacy, Hereford, that the hurricane on the 14th inst.
has done great damage :—‘‘ The fine old Tulip Tree is a per-
fect wreck, as well as the Liquidamber and Deciduous Cypress.
The havoc among Oaks and Elms is dreadful; magnificent
Found trees are torn up by the roots in every direction, and
damaged trees are innumerable. It will take a considerable
time to clear the grounds of limbs and boughs.” We regret
this very much, for the trees referred to are, or were a week
ago, grand ancestral ornaments.

— Tue Lapacertas, especially L. alba, now flowering on
the roof of the entrance corridor in Messrs. Veitch’s nursery
at Chelsea, are highly worthy of inspection, as is also the large
and healthy young stock of these deservedly popular climbers.
Amongst the more notable plants now in beauty in the Orchid
houses are several choice Cypripediums. OC. Sedeni is proving
its great decorative power, both by its exuberant growth and
numerous and richly-coloured flowers. C.Schlimii alba is in
lovely condition. C. selligerum is remarkably fine, as also
are C. uryandrum and C. Harrisianum. The varieties raised
in this nursery are not more noteworthy for their intrinsic

Several other Orchids are algo flowering. In the intermediate
house the almost ever-flowering and ever-beautiful Rhodo-
dendron Taylori attracts notice, and the incomparable col-
lection of Nepenthes, Cephalotes, Droseras, and insectivorous
plants are in superb condition. It is an advantage to cul-
tivators that many of these extremely singular and withai
beautiful plants are not by any means difficult to manage, and
only require a comparatively cool temperature.

— TxHeE WeaTHER in the south of Scotland, a correspon-
dent writes, has been very fine from the 6th of September to
the 9th of October, when it came on very wet, and has con-
tinued showery eversince. The Corn crop is nearly all secured,
but Potatoes in many places are not worth lifting owing to
disease. Grapes coloured well during the month of fine weather.

At last Mr. Buli’s new Drac=na GoLprgana is announced
for distribution. ‘‘ Not distinct enough” is the verdict often
passed on many new plants, but it cannot be applied to the
plant in question. It is distinct, remarkable, and beautiful—
a plant to be obtained and cherished by all who desire their
collections of fine-foliaged plants to be in the greatest degree
attractive and complete. It has contributed powerfully to Mr.
Bull’s success in the classes for new plants at the chief exhi-
bitions at home and abroad. The eitect of the collection at
Chelsea, the broad fleshy foliage with zebra-like markings, is
striking and unique. As seen in the condition in which it is
produced at home none can dispute the novelty and great
decorative excellencs of this Dracena. A few attractive Or-
chids are now flowering, such as Oncidium varicosum, Rogersii,
tigrinum, and Marshallianum (a large importation of the
latter having been received, one variety of which is very dis-
tinct and fine), Lelia marginata superba, Dendrobium for-
mosum giganteum, and Odontoglossums. A considerable addi-~
tion is about being made to the nursery, Mr. Bull having pur-
chased ground near to Cremorne whereon Mesers. J. Edmonds
and Son, Lillie Bridge, Fulham, are about to erect eighteen
span-roofed houses each 60 feet in length.

—— Last year attention was directed to the mode of grow-
ing EupHorBia JACQUINIZFLORA at Wimbledon House by plant-
ing a row of plants close to the back wall of the pit in which
the Pines were plunged and training the Euphorbias to wires,
thus forming a hedge reaching from the bed to the roof—s
brilliant hedge it proved—at the back of the Pines. The same
plan is adopted this year. A few of the old Euphorbias have
been permitted to remain; but it is clear that young are better
then old plants for this mode of culture, hence nearly al! the
plants now forming the hedge were struck from cuttings in the
spring ofthisyear. The plan adopted is altogether so valuable
—yielding as it does thousands, even armfuls, of brilliant
sprays during the winter without occupying space which could
otherwise be employed—that it is recommended to all who
have the means of carrying it out. Not the slightest harm is
done to the Pine plants by planting the Euphorbias at the
margin of the pit; indeed, the Pines, which are now planted
out, are finer and more promising than ever. The visitor
scarcely knows which to admire most—the sturdy and exube-
rant Pines or their remarkable background of Huphorbias.

—— We learn that Mr. F. Smith, late gardener to Lord
Cloneurry, Lyons Hazelhatch, has been appointed gardener to
Sir Charles Coote, Ballyfin House, Maryborough, Queen’s
County, Ireland.

—— Tue Orcuip Hovss in the Victoria and Paradise Nurse-
ries, Holloway, is now particularly bright and attractive. The
plants in flower are Leliag Perrini (very fine), Dayana, pres-
tans and cinnabarina; Makxillaria nigrescens; Masdeyallias
ignea and Harryana ; Dendrobium chrysanthum and formosum
giganteum, the flowers of the latter having continued fresh for
upwards of six weeks; Pleiones lagenaria, maculatum, and
Wallichianum, very beautiful; Sophronites cernua; Sacco-
labium bigibbum, a little gem; also S. Blumei; Vandas Bate-
manii, suavis, and tricolor; Oncidiums yvaricosum, Rogersil,
crispum, pulvinatum, and tigrinum; Odontoglossums crispum,
Reichenheimi, Lindleyanum, and grande; Cattleya Loddigesii;
Aérides suavissimum; Cypripedium Harrisianum; Zygopeta-
lum maxillare; and Warecewiczella quadrata. The plants not
in flower are also attractive by their cleanliness and excellent
health.

—— WuEN it is considered that a chief standard of excel-
lence in a Danuta is the handsome form and entire doubleness
of the flower if may savour almost of retrogression to recom-
mend varieties with single flowers, yet we do not hesitate to

beauty than for their free-growing and flowering properties. ' speak strongly in fayour of two single varieties (a yelowand a

October 18, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

507

scarlet) which have been flowering—indeed, are flowering still
—in the nurseries of Messrs. Veitch at Chelsea. The effect of
the two rows of plants is very striking, the thousands of small
well-formed flowers imparting a distinct and attractive feature
tothe plants. The plants are dwarf (about 3 feet high) and
bushy in habit; the foliage, like the flowers, is small. For
beds or borders in pleasure grounds—for groups, such as large
bed or lines in public parks—these single doriferous miniature
Dahlias are especially suitable, and would afford an agreeable
and attractive change from the double varieties—indeed, from
all autumn-flowering plants. When a white variety is forth-
coming a trio of great decorative value will be produced. The
flowers when cut are excellent for vase, church, and festival
decoration.

—— Tue Ontario Farmers’ Advocate recounts the following
BENEFITS WHICH THE BIRDS AccoMPLISH. The swallow, swift,
and night-hawk are the guardians of the atmosphere; they
check the increase of insects that otherwise would overload
it. Woodpeckers, creepers, chickadees, &c,, are the guardians
of the trunks of trees. Warblers and flycatchers protect the
foliage. Blackbirds, thrushes, crows, and larks protect the
surface of the soil; snipe aud woodcock the soil under the
‘surface. Each tribe has its respective duties to perform
in the economy of nature; and it is an undoubted fact that
if birds were all swept from the earth man could not liva
upon it, vegetation would wither and die, insects would be-
come so numerous that no living thing could withstand the
attacks. The wholesale destruction occasioned by the grass-
hoppers which have lately devastated the West, is undoubtedly
caused by the thinning-out of the birds, such as grouse, prairie
heng, &., which feed upon them. The great and inestimable
good done to the farmer, gardener, and florist by birds is only
becoming known by sad experience. Spare the birds and save
your fruit.
than compensated by the vast quantities of noxious insects
destroyed. The long-persecuted crow has been found by actual
experiment to do far more good by the vast quantity of grubs
and insects he devours than the little harm he does in the
few grains of corn he pulls up. He is one of the farmer’s
best friends.

An American contemporary says that J. R. Young, jun.,
of Virginia is probably the largest STRAWBERRY GROWER in the
world, he having picked this season 375,000 quarts from
185 acres of land, nine-tenths of which are of Wilson’s Albany
variety ; 1700 pickers was the greatest number employed any
one day. His average product is a fraction over 2000 quarts

to the acre, yet the average crop of all the land cultivated in |

the vicinity was 1400 quarts per acre.

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, anp FRUITS.

FRITILLARIA DASYPHYLLA AND EF’. acmoprTata.—‘! These are
two Fritillaries of which living plants have lately been brought
for the first time from Asia Minor by Mr. Elwes, and liberally
distributed. F. dasyphylla is a dwarf species, first gathered

by Professor Edward Forbes, which belongs to the section |

with an entire style, and resembles in general habit F. tulipi-
folia of the Caucasus, figured ‘‘ Bot. Mag.,” tab. 5969. TF. ac-
mopetala, on the coutrary, is a tall-growing plant, closely allied
to EF. pyrenaica, but with very different leaves. Both are
plants of the mountains and perfectly hardy. F. dasyphylla
was gathered by Mr. Elwes in light sandy soil between Moolah
and Aidin, at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, and
F. acmopetala in rocky woods in Caria.”—(Bot. Mag., t. 6321.)

ONcIDIUM EUXANTHINUM.—‘‘ A member of a small group of
chiefly Brazilian Oncidia, of which the first described species
is O. bifolium, a native of the Brazils, which differs in the
racemose flowers, much smaller broadly obovoid pseudobulbs,
and shorter leaves. It is even nearer the O. martianum var.
bicolor, Lindl. (O. bicolor, Lindl. in ‘ Bot. Reg.,’ 1847, t. 66)
in the racemose flowers, but that species has a solitary broad
leaf, and very much narrower lateral lobes of the lip. Dr.
Reichenbach describes the flowers of the original specimen as
having greenish sepals and petals with brownish bars, but
those of my syecimens are of the same clear yellow as the lip,
and the spots on the latter are of a clear red hue. The warts,
&c., of the lip are not only variable in this genus, but most
difficult to describe; in the present species they occupy a
narrow area on the disk, and consist principally of a trans-
verse row of tubercles and a prominent but small conical
horn.

The little corn and fruit taken by them is more |

| scribed by Salmdyck (see Kunth, Enum. vol. iv. p. 525).

“Q, euxanthinum is a native of Brazil, whence it was im-
ported by Messrs. Veitch.” —(Ibid., t. 6322.)

Buppiera asratica.—‘‘ A very common and graceful larga
shrub or small tree of Continental India, Burma, the Malay
Peninsula, Cochin-China, and Java, advancing north-west-
wards to the Indus, ascending to 4000 feet in the Himalaya,
and to 6000 in the Nilgherri Hills, but curiously enough absent
from Ceylon. Two forms of it are common, differing much in
the flowers, which are very variable in size and the length of
the tube of the corolla; one form has a salver-shaped corolla,
with orbicular spreading lobes; the other has much smaller
flowers with short sub-erect corolla-lobes. Tho stamens in
both are inserted near the mouth of the corolla-tube, not, as
stated by Roxburgh, near its base. ;

“Tt is certainly remarkable that so very common, elegant,
and sweet-scented a plant as this, which flowers for three
months continuously in India, should not be in common cul-

| tivation; but it does not appear in the ‘ Hortus Kewensis,’ nor

is it figured in any work published in England. For the speci-
men here deseribed we are indebted to Messrs. Downie, Laird,
and Co., who sent it in February, 1874.”—(Ibid., t. 6323.)

ALor TRICoLOR.—‘ Perhaps it may be, as Mr. N. E. Brown
has suggested, the A. arabica of which the foliage alone is de-
Bat
it is clearly not the plant originally named arabica by Lamarck,
which is founded on the Arabian A. variegata of Forskahl.
Our present plant flowered for the first time in the Kew col-
lection this spring. We received it from the Oxford Botanic
Garden, and they had it, labelled as a Cape species, from Mr.
Justus Corderoy of Blewbury.”—(Ibid,, t. 6324.)

MickosTyLis JOSEPHIANA.—‘‘A very curious novelty, re-

| sembling a good deal the African genus Lissochilus, differing

in size and habit from the majority of species of Microstylis,
which are for the most part weedy green-flowered plants of no
interest to the horticulturist. It is 2 native of the tropical
forests of the Sikkim Himalaya, where, however, it escaped the
notice of all observers previous to the late Dr. Anderson, F.LS.,
then Superintendent of the Calcutta Botanical Garden, who
discovered it in 1863, and sent plants to the Caleutia Garden.
These flowered in April, 1867. It flowered at the Royal
Gardens of Kew, in May of the present year, from plants sent
by Mr. Gamnie, Superintendent of the Sikkim Cinchona

| Plantations, to whom the Gardens are indebted for numerous

and very valuable contributions of Sikkim seeds and plante.
It is named after the editor of this magazine in recognition
of his services to orchidology when exploring, for the first time
by any botanist, the primeval forests of the Sikkim Himalaya.”
—(Ibid., t. 6325.)

ARTHROPODIUM NEO. CALEDONICUM.—‘! This is a native of New
Caledonia, recently introduced into cultivation by Messrs.
Veitch. It is interesting geographically as extending to New
Caledonia the range of another of the characteristic Australian
and New Zealand genera. Its nearest ally is A. candidum,
Raoul, of New Zealand, and the other five or six species besides
these two are all confined to Australia and New Zealand.
Whether it will be hardy about London still remains to be
proved. The plant flowered with Messrs. Veitch in May, 1877.”
—(Ibid., t. 6326.)

A ROSS-SHIRE TRADITION.

A TRADITION prevails in Ross-shire that it was foretold by
the last preacher in a kirk at Loch Carron, now ruined, that
after his death an unknown tree should spring up where his
pulpit was, and that when it reached above the wall there
should be a Huropean war. A tree of which the like is not
known in the neighbourhood has grown on the spot. This
year for the first time the top is above the wall. I send youa
sprig and berries. Can you tell me what tree it is ?—J. Bropiz
InNEs.

(The tree is Sambucus racemosa, Red-berried Hlder, in-
troduced by Gerarde in the year 1596. No genus has more
superstitions connected with it than has the Sambucus.—EDs. ]

CARPET BEDDING.

Ewmspossep bedding, jewel bedding, tapestry bedding, mosaic
bedding, and artistic bedding are terms which have been
applied to the more advanced types of garden decoration
wherein low-growing plants remarkable for their striking
habits and attractive foliage have been exclusively employed.
There has, indeed been a general ransacking of the vocabu-

308

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

lary in searching for terms peculiarly descriptive of thie mode ; its essence. If it is not formal (exact) it is nothing. But

of embellishment. It will suffice, however, to refer to it under

the ‘‘old familiar name’’ of carpet bedding, leaving each to |

choose the special appellation he deems most appropriate.
Much has been written for and against this mode of garden
ornamentation—some considering it not only as being the most

advanced but the most excellent expression of decorative art, |
while others denounce it as being harsh, formal, and un- |

natural.

The mode of decoration adopted in gardens is simply a
question of taste, and taste in flowers, as in dress, varies. If
mistakes have been made in the arrangements of colours in the
garden they have not been so numerous and so flagrant as to
justify the system of carpet bedding being described by a con-
temporary as ‘‘glaring.” Formal it is; indeed, formality is

over-colouring has certainly not been the characteristic of
those beds which during the present season have had the
greatest share of public approval.

Carpet beds may be and are arranged in the most quiet of
colours, of which the accompanying engraving from a photo-
graph of the central bed in Mr. Ralli’s garden at Clapham
Park affords a sufficient example. When a bed is planted
quite level—that ie, in the true carpet style—a diagram affords
a fair idea of its effect, but when the soil of one portion of the
bed is depressed and another part elevated something more
becomes necessary to enable the appearance of the bed to be
adequately understood. It is not asserted that the illustration
is of the best carpet bed ever seen, but it is submitted as one
of the most distinct and pleasing that has been arranged in a

a
|

Fig. 60.—CarPst BED AT CLEVELAND HOUSE.

private garden. It is not a bed that is appropriate to any
garden, nor are the means of every garden such as to enable
this mode of embellishment being carried out successfully. It
is submitted as an example of chasteness in colouring and
excellence in execution, and also because the great majority of
the plants employed in it are comparatively hardy. The
planting of this bed has been described as follows by a visitor
who inspected it in August:—Fancy a hugo hollow and rather
deep saucer-like dish 12 feet across with a rim a foot in diameter,
and in the centre of this dish a raised mound, formed after the
style of an inverted bowl, this mound being about 3 feet across
the top and proportionately wider at the base, and about 3 feot
high. Such is the ground-plan of tha bed, and now for the
mode of decoration. In the centre of the mound is an elegant
specimen of Dracena indivisa, rising from a circular base
about 24 feet in diameter of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium
variegatum ; this ig surrounded with a ring 2 inches in diameter
of the green Sedum Lydium, followed bya circle of Echeveria
secunda glauca. Next comes a broad band about 8 inches
wide of Sedum glaucum, in which at regular distances are
richly berried clusters 6 inches across of Nertera depressa,
each plant of Nertera being encircled with very small plants
of Echeveria secunda glauca. Next comes a narrow belt
round the mound of Alternanthera amcena, margined with
KEcheyeria. At intervals in this outer circle eight chains of
the same plant descend down tho sides of the mound, termi-
nating in the lowest part of the bed—the ‘dish’ of the

saucer, each chain encircling a miniature mound of succulents
out of which springs a small plant of the silvery Chamzpuce
diacantha. There remains now the groundwork decoration of
this designa—the whole interior of the saucer and sides of the
central mound. It is simply planted and densely covered with
the dwarf emerald green Sedum above mentioned. There is
yet the rim of the saucer to be noticed. It isa foot or more in
width and rather rounded. The inner and outer circles are
Echeveria secunda glauca, next two narrow circles of Alter-
nanthera amcena, the centre of the rim being a band 6 inches
wide of Sedum glaucum, dotted every 3 inches with small
round plants of Nertera depressa. The bed is as striking in
appearance as it is original in conception and artistic in
execution. Every part is excellent, and, being chiefly of
neutral colours enlivened with the brilliant bead-like clusters
of Nertera, the more and the longer it is looked at the better
it pleases.

The bed is a worthy example of carpet bedding and of Mr.
Legg’s taste.

Tur Poraro Disease versus Gas Lure.—At p. 288 ‘' W. (GoM
gays, ‘‘ Dress your land well in December or January with gas
lime, and you will have no disease.’ We make our own gas
here, and have therefore plenty of gas lime. Last autumn
one of the kitchen-garden quarters had a good dressing of it.
This spring the same piece was planted with early Potatoes.
When lifted not more than one in ten was free from disease.

October 18, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

Iam not acquainted with anything that will prevent the Potato
murrain in a wet season.—A Kitchen GARDENER.

NIEREMBERGIAS AND THEIR CULTURE.

ELEGANCE of growth, pleasing habit, and chaste yet con-
spicuous flowers, are combined in the Nierembergias—qualities
which certainly render them attractive, and also (since fashion
now permits it) popular. During that period in English
flower gardening known as the massing epoch many plants of
quiet beauty passed into comparative obscurity and had to
give place to others possessing qualities of a more imposing

character—such as would add colour or grandeur to a formal

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 309

design. Since that time the public taste has changed, and
not only changed but improved. Bright-coloured free-flower-
ing plants can never be dispensed with for decorative purposes ;
but it is becoming more and more recognised that there are
other and less gorgeous plants which are capable of contri-
buting to the attractiveness of a garden. Amongst these are
the Nierembergias—a small genus of plants allied to Petunias ;
they might indeed be almost regarded as miniature Petunias,
both belonging to the same natural order, Solanacee,

The Nierembergias were named in honour of John Eusebius
Nieremberg, a Spanish Jesuit, and author of a history of
Nature. The species which is perhaps best known and most
extensively exltivated is N. gracilis: it is a valuable edging

N \

Fig, 61.—NrEREMBERGIA RIVOLARIS.

plant for flower beds, and has been so employed effectively in
Battersea Park during the present season. It is also highly
attractive when grown in pots or baskets for greenhouse de-
coration. Plants taken up from the beds in autumn and
potted flower early and profusely during the following season.
Cuttings strike readily, and may be wintered in cold frames
and protected in severe weather. N. filicaulis (lilac), and
N. calycina (white), are also familiar, and are distinct and
pleasing when cultivated in pots.

A species of more recent introduction and less seldom seen |

ig N. rivularis. We are indebted to Mr. Ware of Tottenham
for the accompanying illustration of this plant. It is also figured
in the ‘‘ Botanical Magazine,’’ and is described as a beautiful
little species, a native of La Plata, whence it was introduced
by Messrs. Veitch of the Royal Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea,
with whom it flowered in July, 1866. It was discovered by
the late Mr. Tweedie upwards of thirty years ago. This col-
lector describes it as a most lovely and fragrant plant, abound-

-

ing by the sides of the Plate river, and only within high-tido-
mark, its flowers rising above the dwarf grass which grows in
similar situations in such profusion that the plant is discerned
from a great distance. The flowers, which are yellowish-
white, are sometimes tinged with rose colour. It roots freely
from its slender stems. It is a charming sub-aquatic plant,
suitable for cultivating ir pots or in moist places in the flower
garden during the summer.

OSBORNE HOUSE.
(An American Horticunrurist’s ComMENTARY.)

I HAVE mentioned the Queen’s private residence at Osborne
House in the Isle of Wight as one of the small but beautiful.
gardens with which England abounds. It was to me especially:
interesting, as showing how rapidly trees could be made to
grow into beauty, or even utility if one were disposed to look.
on planting as a money investment alone. There are, of

310

course, Many trees now which were growing on the estate when
it belonged to Lady Isabella Blatchford, of whom Queen
Victoria purchased it; but the msjor part of the trees now
growing here wers planted by Prince Albert or since his time,
and numbers are over 50 feet high and 6 feet in circumference.
Cedar of Lebanon, which we may with justice call a slow-
growing tree, ara many of them here over 40 feet high. A
large number of our Californian Conifere, of which Prince
Albert was very fond, are also of about the same height, and
many of them I saw in great beauty for the first time. The
Cupressus macrocarpa, for instance, here about 30 feet high,
forms one of the most beautiful sights that a human eye could
desire to look upon, and there are some very fine specimens of
Libocedrus decurrens, which I may say here I find, all through
England, ‘‘ Thuja gigantea,” though the error has besn shown
over and over again in American literature, and though any-
one can see by the very look of the plant, if they were disposed
to be inquisitive, that it is not a Thuja at all. If you ask
¢hem for Libocedrus decurrens they ‘do not know such a
plant.” The real Thuja gigantea they call Thuja Craigiana.
A very large number of the trees—enough to make quite en
arboretum by themeelves—have been planted at different times
by celebrated or distinguished persone, as memorials of their
visit to Osborne, or as commemorative of the birthdays of
the Queen’s family. The names of the planters and the oc-
casions are neatly painted on “labels” at the foot of each
tree.
fortune in their career and locked unhappy; but the majority
were doing very well sud must be a great source of pleasure.
I envied especially the Princess Helena, who on May 25th,
1855, planted an Abies bracteata which was now 30 feet high.
The branches lay flat on the ground, and the tree made a
regular cone. These branches on the ground measured 55 feet
round. The general appearance of the tree at a little distance
reminded me of some of the beautiful Douglas Spruces I had
seen in their native places of growth, but the leaves are very
long, and I should judge a Torreya when old would look some-
thing like this. I wondered when I saw it whether in our own
country we had in cultivation so pretty a specimen of our own
native tree. The part where these trees are mostly growing
is separated from the other parts of the ground by a dense
hedge of Laurels and Laurustinus ; and this makes a shelter
from the stiff sea breeze very favourable to evergreen coni-
férous trees brought from our Pacific shores, though the hedge
itself was planted to give a good landscape gardening effect to
the grounds. There are some pretty specimens of our Mam-
moth Tree, Sequoia gigantea, onthe grounds, and some that
have suffered from the same disease which has not left us one
good specimen in the Hastern Atlantic States, indeed hardly a
specimen of any kind at all. Whenever I would ask the tree-
srowers of England or France about this disease they would
answer that they knew nothing of it, and yet I saw traces of it
everywhere in both countries. It is probably a species of
cidium, a small parasitic fungus. If attacks the lowest and
weakest branches first, and thrives best when the weather is
warm. In our country with so much summer heat it pro-
gresses upwards rapidly enough to destroy the whole plant
before winter sets in; but in these European instances it only
browns some of the lowest branches, though in a few cases I
saw half the tree destroyed. When I would call attention to
it I would be told it was ‘‘ only something in the soil,” al-
though a close neighbour, a little more shaded, perhaps, in the
same “soil” would look quite sound.
- There is a long avenue to the main road planted by Prince
Albert with a double row of trees. ‘The first is of Araucaria
imbricata, the Chili Pine, saiternating with Evergreen Oaks,
and the back row of Cedars of Lebanon and Evergreen Oaks.
There were thus three chances of some one doing well, so that
the other two could be cut away in time. All have done well,
and there has been nothing cut away yet. Our readers, of
whom only a few have seen the Araucaria in greenhouses, can
hhaye no idea of the peculiar effect this tree has on the English
landscape. It is quite hardy in that country, and we meet
with it everywhere. Every garden has its beauty spots formed
by some combinations or other; but I do not know that I saw
a@ more beautiful piece of garden art in England than was
here with an Araucaria for the chief centre. It was on a
mound a few feet high, and behind the Araucaria were two
beautiful specimens of the Californian Cupressus macrocarpa,
the dark and feathery edge of which, seen on each side of the
Arvaucaria, made a sort of perspective shadow to it, rounding
it off, as it were, in a most beautiful manner. In the fore-

Some of these, like some of the planters, have had mis- |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

ground of the mound, and in front of the Araucaria, were pieces
of fossil wood and rock, and in among them our Yucea gloriosa.
Around the base of the little evergreen-crowned mound a
narrow gravel walk sweeped, and on the other side of the walk,
on each side, masses of Yucca filamentosa. The Araucaria
itself has, as those who know it recognise, a sort of fossil-like
lock, and the Yuccas are scarcely less geological in their ex-
pression. The whole made a happy union and harmony such
28 we rarely see in landscape gardening. A seat was arranged
where one could sit and enjoy this very pretty feature, as I
did for some time. Those who know Queen Victoria tell.me
that she has a keen relish for natural beanty such as this.
We often see trees, especially evergreens, clippsd and sheared
into mary strange if not really hideous forms; but there is no
tree-shearing on these grounds, except where some object is to
be gained byit beyond the mere manufacture of a monstrosity.
One of these usefully sheared plants is a Myrtle against a wall.
This Myrtle covered the whole surface of the wall except the
coping, and was sheared so close and regular that one might
almost imagine a painter had wholly covered a board with
green foliage. The whole was regularly about 8 inches deep.

In mary paris of Hagland the Pyzacantha and Cotoneaster
are grown against walls in the same way, and when kept thus
neatly sheared are remarkably pretty—quite as much, if not
oiten prettier, than Ivy. On a large heavy wall here cur
Magnolia grandiflora is grown and neatly trained. Of coursa
this tree is ‘‘ hardy” in HEugland, but it misses our summer
heats, and this wali treatment supplies some of this. Here,
with its very sweet white flowers and fine evergreen leaves, it
was very highly prized.

One of the matters which I have been struck everywhere in
Hoagland, and which I find to prevail even here in this royal
place, is the simplicity of the materials out of which tha best
garden effects are made. In front of some of the Queen’s
rooms is an extensive geometrical flower garden, made-up of
numerous beds for flowers in masses, with gravel walks be-
tween. In many of these gardens the borders may be of Box;
but here a narrow edge of what appeared to be costly stone
surrounded cach bed. The efiect was very pretty; but a closa
examination showed the stone to be only painted wood. Near
by is a very beautifal garden, made up in the grandest style,
for in the centze is the celebrated Greek Slave, which, as a
work of art, drew so much attention at the first and great
World’s Fair. The fountain basin is of polished granite; but
soon after we pass out into real nature under an arbour of
Roses aud Vines. Ata little distanco is an alcove mado in a
terrace wall, and we are struck with the apparent richness of
the work and the general choice appearance of everything in it.
But as we get closer wa see that the pretty flowers and foliage
apparently carved-out are only saa-shells fastened on the wall
in that way, and the whole washed with stone-coloured cement,
and the massive ebony work is but polished coal. About these
very artificial garden parts are, in excellent taste, the more
artificial-looking plants, and the different kinds of Palm enter
largely into the beautiful effects. Some of these Palms must
be very valuable from their great size. Here, for instance, is
a Chamzrops humilis about 10 feet high, and with numerous
young ones about it, so as to make a complete mass of Palm
leaves. Though even the Orange grows here so well that thera
were some fruiting on the garden walls, it is thought best to
protect the Palm in winter a little, and it is boarded over.

As Ihave said, the Queen prefers natural beauty to sheared
trees, except when such shearing harmonises with artificial
work, and in the square in which is one of the geometrical
gardens are four sheared Bay trees in each of the four corners.
They are of huge size, and here their efiect is good. Leading
down to the sea is also a wide gravel walk on each side of
which are sheared Portugal Laurels, which also have a good
effect. Around the palaces in Paris are huge Orange trees
which have been kept in large square tubs for many years.
They are all sheared, or rather trimmed with knives, so as to
be all exactly of one size. If one could look along the top of
a hundred of them in a line, no one would show a quarter of
an inch higher than the others. These, during the summer,
in France, are set out in their tubs alongside the walks at
equal distances. But they cannot well have Oranges at Osborne;
but they have Portugal Laurels in huge tubs, looking for all
the world like these French Orange trees, as they are treated
and placed in the same manner. But they appear grander,
for the tubs in which they are growing are very much greater,
and the trees are larger in every respect. But the secret is
explained when the reader learns that the tubs are never

2 ly OG

October 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

311

moved. The tree being hardy, remains there winter and
summer; indeed the tubs have probably no bottom, and the
Laurels are really growing in the ground. Yet these neatly-
painted tubs with globes on the four upper corners give all the
grandeur of the Versailles Orange trees; and what is of more
consequence to an American and an Englishman, at very little
cost for all! The piece of landscape gardening connected with
this tub-Laurel-lined avenue is a masterpiece of good art.
There appear to be only two or three acres on each side of
the avenue, but while one is kept flat and smooth, and relieved
only by the groups of Conifers and other artistic trees, the
other side has a rolling contour of surface, and has massive
groups of deciduous trees to match with the heavy swells of
ground surface. Yet so well is the long straight walk carried
through that no incongruity between the scenery on his right
and his left strikes even the most critical.

Here, as everywhere, the aim in bedding is to have some
carpeting unique, and not a copy of someone else’s work. One
might write a volume of what he sees in this respect, but it
would be out of date by another year, as the object is to have
new styles, as our ladies have new bonnets. In these grounds,
coming to a placa where some roads cross, there are beds in
the angles in which the plants are arranged as playing cards.
The hearts, clubs, and diamonds are outlined chiefly with a
sort of Golden Stellaria, or perhaps it may be a Cerastium and
Alternantheras. I remember, however, that the diamond was
made of Echeveria for the outline of the character, and the
filling-in was of Golden Pyrethrum.

The vegetable garden is not large, the Qaeen having most of
the kitchen wants supplied from Windsor. What is grown,
however, has to be of the very best character, and everything
looked well. Those who think that pruning injures trees
would especially be struck by the healthy appearance of the
wall fruits, which are here of immense age, having been grown
here before the Queen bought the place. A pruned plant, of
course, never has a large stem. The Osage Orange in our
country, unpruned, makes a large stout tree in a few years—in
hedges, cut back, in twenty years is no stouter than one’s
wrist. So here in this garden we have Pear trees trained to
the walls and pruned annually that were yet of very large size. I
measured the stem of a Glou Morceau which was 3¢ feet round.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—COMPOSITES.

TuE family is an extensive one, and though not possessed of

the attractive properties that many of our favourites are, yet |

there is something about them that claims our attention. In

the estimation of some they may bo termed coarse. We admit |

that, but we think they ougkt not to be cast to one side be-
Cause some will persist in saying they are ugly. They may
not now be in such estimation as some of them have been in
days long past. Some of them belong to our own land, there-
fore we note them the more pleasantly.

Elecampane (Inula (Corvisartia) Helenium) is a large showy
British plant, in possession of medicinal properties esteemed as
a tonic, and still retained in materia medica; itis also said that
from this plant the Vin d’Aulnés of the Frenchis supplied. Its
virtues have been extolled by the older naturalists, as Dioscorides
and Pliny, but in modern days it has fallen into disuse; but
the plant still retains its aromatic and stimulating properties
useful in case of indigestion and nervous disorders, yielding its
qualities to spirits more readily than to water. Few of this
plant are seen in cultivation, being uncouth. Any out-of-the-
way corner seems good enough for them when met with; they
are at home in most situations, but they like light, air, and
sunshine. They are not particular as to soil. Any ordinary
free garden soil will meet their requirements ; stagnant places
are injurious. Some of them are strong growers and are the
better for being staked, or they get blown about with the wind
and become unsightly. They are easily increased by division
in the spring or autumn.

Inula Oculus-Christi is very desirable, and with a little
care may be made a very attractive plant. In a choice
border its large, deep orange yellow, Aater-like flowers always
attract attention when well grown. It is a capital plant
for exhibition. Inula crithmifolia (Samphire-leaved Inula),
is frequently vended for Samphire, to which it bears a very
striking resemblance. Inula dysenterica is often met with by
our waysides in out-of-the-way places, often in large quan-
tities, cheering us in autumn. I. saxatile is a dwarf kind,
and is desirable as a rock plant where variety is sought after,
useful alike for pot and indoors. I. suaveolens is a little coarse,

but worthy of cultivation for the pleasing perfume it emits.
I. grandiflora is from the Caucasus, and ought to have a place
in all shrubberies. Many others of this extensive family might
be enumerated, but their being so little known, and I fear less
cared for, they remain amongst the neglected ones.— VERITAS.

PROTECTION FOR FORCED PLANTS.

[THis subject, on which “J, A., Birmingham,’ seeks infor-
mation, is an important one, and is judiciously discussed as
follows by Mr. W. Hinds in ‘‘ The Gardener.’’]

Ir would be difficult to name any other subject connected
with forcing houses that is more in need of general reform
than the one which gives the title to this article. The value
of proper means of protection before and after plants are forced
cannot be over-estimated from either a cultural or a pecuniary
point of view, because we cannot expect plants or shrubs of
any sort that are exposed to sudden fluctuations of temperature
to remain long in good health and vigour unless they are care-
fully tended and nursed for some considerable time after it has
been necessary to remove them from the conservatory or show
house. This being so, I should think that if the matter were
intelligibly laid before any reasonable employer, little objection
could be taken to a small outlay in providing such inexpensive
places as would prove valuable auxiliaries to forcing houses.
Both sides of the question should bo stated clearly, in order
that the idea might assume the character of a profit-and-loss
account, which I think would tend to remove any misconcep-
tion as to lavish expenditure. In the first place it would be
necessary to run up the annual expenditure on plants for
forcing, taking into account the length of time that intervenes
between the date of forcing and the time when the same plants
would have sufficiently recruited themselves to undergo another
similar ordeal without the means referred to. It is generally
supposed that forced plants and shrubs have reinvigorated them-
selves after a season’s rest, so as to make them eligible subjects
for a like purpose the following year; but I doubt the general
accuracy of such a statement. True, there may be cases
where this rule applies, but they are few and fer between, and
are only to be found where suitable structures are provided
for completing and hardening the growth that is made under
the cloudy skies of an ordinary English winter before they
are turned out of doors. When proper pits, or temporary
erections of some sort, are not obtainable, there is no other
alternative left but to place such things in a warm sheltered
corner out of doors, which is a poor substitute for a glass
structure. It is here the comparison can be made, and it
requires no expert at arithmetic to calculate the difference in
value between two sets of plants treated respectively in the way
Ihave described. Look at those early-forced Rhododendrons,
Azaleas, Prunuses, Deutzias, &c., crammed together like so
many oxen in a truck, with sickness depicted in every limb,
and half-developed leaves scorched or starved into premature
decay, or, at all events, rest ; for we know that ‘‘sudden chills”
impede the feeding or supplying power of plants, and once
healthy action between root and branch ceases to exist we can
no longer expect healthy development for a future day. Thus
it is that a premature cessation of growth is forced upon plants,
only to be removed when the weather becomes genial enough
to excite the growing power which was not exhausted by
natural means, but had been suddenly checked by the un-
natural agency of cold. This is what is called second growth,
which means a disorganised system of plant-growing, a system
which is fraught with danger to the plants themselves as well
as to those in charge of them.

Now, it is not wide of the mark to contend that those who
build forcing houses in quantity have plenty of means to build
auxiliaries to them; and I think I may further suggest that
no more profitable investment can be made than in securing
proper provision for the maintenance of health and durability in
plants. Looking at the matter in a purely commercial light the
question resolves itself into one of money either way. If there
are no plant-protectors there are more plants required each year,
in proportion to the inadequacy of the protection, and vice
versa; 80 that in reality the employer who sanctions a small
expense in this way is the gainer in a few years. Assuming
for a moment that anyone was desirous of erecting one or two
convenient places for this purpose, the following is a very good
plan: After selecting a suitable piece of ground in some out-
of-the-way place which is warm and well sheltered from winds,
a foundation of bricks, level with the surface of the ground
should be laid for say one, two, or three span-roofed pits, the

312

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

proportions of which should bg shaped according to the ma-
terial at command. Tho sides of the pits may consist of
thatched hurdles, which should be made to slide in a groove
made in the sill which rests on the brickwork. Any old
sashes of equal length can be prepared at avery slight expense,
and agkeleton framework on which to lay them will merely
eost a nominal sum. In this simple way useful plant-pro-
tectors can be erected, and the little outlay expended on them
will be amply repaid in the health of forced plants, and in the
neatness and general good order of a place.

Nothing imparts a more rubbishy appearance to Peach and
orchard houses then a glut of such things strewn about here
and there without any apparent system in arrangement.

Portable plant-pits of this description are not only useful
for hardening-off plants that are forced, but they are also in-
valuable for bringing forward such things as Liliums of all
sorts, or, indeed, any hardy greenhouse plants. Inthe autumn,
again, what a relief to better-class houses to have such places
to bring forward Chrysanthemums—a class of plants that
suffer more from early housing and insufficient ventilation
than any other we could nams; and lastly, we may notice that
anyone in possession of two or three of those pits may prolong
the season of Chrysanthemum flowers, and store away all pots
that are required for stock.

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Tue weather has recently been favourable for forwarding
all outdoor operations, especially the storing of roots. Beet
must be lifted very carefally and stored without receiving any
injury to the tap root, or it will lose its colour in boiling; also,
instead of cutting the tops off close to the root, give them a
twist round in the hands, and sufficient will break off. The
weather has also been favourable for tying Lettuces and Endive
for blanching, and for the removal of others to frames for pro-
tection. These should be lifted with good balls of soil and
placed thickly in cold frames, from which frost and wet are ex-
eluded. Frequently stirring the ground is beneficial to Cabbages,
Spinach, and other crops; it not only destroys the weeds which
spring up at this season of the year, but adds materially to the
well-doing of the crops. Young Cabbage and Lettuce quarters
should frequently be searched for slugs and a grub that burrows
under the ground and eats the plants off just at the collar; and
all blanks should be made good as often as they occur.

Cauliflowers raised from seed sown about the end of August
will require the protection of hand-lights or frames to render
them safe throughout the winter. The plants are now about
the proper size for transplanting. Hand-lights are most useful
protectors ; nine plants may be placed in each, andremain until
spring, when those in the centre may be removed, leaving the
four corner plants. These with liberal treatment afford useful
early heads, and the others canbe planted out in suitable quarters
for succession.

Potatoes which have been stored should ba occasions lly looked
over, as one decayed tuber speedily affects many others. Onions
which are well dried should be stored thinly, or perhaps there
is no better plan to preserve them than the old-fashioned one of
“‘ropeing”’ them, which is work that can be done during wet
days. Clear away Bean haulm and other decayed and useless
vegetation, in order that the kitchen garden may be made as
enjoyable as possible.

Flower gardens now require a regular transformation; the
remains of the summer bedding plants which are not required
for store purposes should be cleared away and thrown to the
rubbish heap, and the edges of the beds be neatly trimmed, the
beds manured and dug, and the spring-blooming plants planted
with all possible dispatch to allow them to become well estab-
lished before severe weather is upon us. Double Daisies, both
white and red, Wallflowers, Polyanthuses, Pansies, Forget-me-
nots, and the various Silenes are amongst the more hardy and
useful flowering spring annuals. The plants must have been speci-
ally prepared jor this purpose as advised in former calendars,
and should now be strong and well established. Crocuses, Snow-
drops, donble and single Anemones, Turban Rananculuses,
Tulips, and Hyacinths are also suitable for spring blooming,
while many of the hardy Sedums (now so extensively used in
summer carpet bedding) are also useful as edging plants; and
seedling plants of the Golden Feather can also be advantageously
employed. In planting bulbs it will be necessary to use Crocuses
and Snowdrops as front lines or for the margins of the beds.
Tulips and Hyacinths are taller, and should necessarily occupy
the centres or back rows, as the case may be. Where spring
flowers are not planted the beds can be made to present a very
cheerful appearance by planting small hardy shrubs which have
been kept in tho reserve garden. Small plants of Aucubas, Re-
tinosporas, Cupressuses, Hollies, Portugal Laurels, Box, Ivy, &c.,
are all suitable for this purpose.

Hybrid Perpetual and climbing Roses are now in good condi-
tion for making cuttings, and if the tops are taken off and cut in
lengths of 6 to 9 inches and planted thickly in rows on a warm
border most of them will root. Place the soil firmly around
them, and protect them slightly in case of severe weather.

The grass will not require mowing frequently, but wormcasts
and leaves will be troublesome for some time to come, and the
lawns will require to be constantly swept and rolled; roll walks
also, to make all firm and solid.

Greenhouses are now tolerably full. Care should be taken to
ascertain that the Azaleas and other hardwooded plants lately
taken under cover have not suffered by want of water. If the
interior of the ball is dry a good soaking in a pail of water will
save much after-trouble. Richardias, Spireas, Lily of the Valley,
Dielytras, and other early forcing plants require potting from the
open ground, where they have been growing throughout the
summer.

Chrysanthemums now require protection, for whilst the warm
days and dewy nights are beneficial to them, frost may come any
night and destroy all prominent flower buds, and it is possible
we may have a taste of the equinoctial gales, which will destroy
in one night perhaps that which has taken months to grow.
Chrysanthemums are generally late this season, but the buds
appear very plump and even, 80 that though they may not be
in time for the earliest-fixed shows, we may expect some good
blooms. All training of specimens, standards or pyramids,
must be finished forthwith, or the foliage will not have time to
resume its natural appearance. Continue to supply the plants
liberally with liquid manure, for it is while they are swelling
their buds that extra support is needed. An ounce of guano to
a gallon of water will help them considerably.—J. W. Moorman,

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WHEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

On all the hardy trees the leaves have either attained the
golden tinge of autumn or are rapidly doing so. Thoss in the
open quarters fully exposed to the wind are speedily whirled off,
but it is not so with Peach, Nectarine, Cherry, and other trees
on the walls. If the leaves do not fall from such trees sorapidly
as they ought a half-worn birch broom drawn gently up the
branches will clear them off. See that all the branches are also
nailed securely to the walls. We shall also look over all the
trees in the open garden and do any pruning that is required.
Trees grown on the dwarfing system are very apt to become
overcrowded with wood, especially in light soils. It is very de-
sirable that all superfluous wood should be cut out at the earliest
opportunity. We do not find that the trees grow too much if
the soilis heavy. Summer pruning is a good antidote for ex-
uberant growth and deficiency of fruit buds, but we have found
that in addition to this it is also necessary to prune the roots,

There are two objects to be attained by root-praning: one is
to cause the formation of fruit buds by checking the strong
summer growth; the other is to stop canker should the trees
show signs of this disease, which we fancy is caused by the roots
running into unsuitable soil. In either case the object of the
cultivator is to raise any descending roots nearer the surface, or,
if this is not possible, to cut them, which will cause the forma-
tion of young fibrous roots; and if suitable fresh loam is placed
round the roots they will spread laterally in all directions. We
have sometimes, instead of cutting the roots all round the trees,
done half of them one season and the other half the next. The
check that the trees experience by having the whole done at
one time deteriorates the crop for next season in some instances.

We shall as soon as possible go over the Raspberry quarter,
and cut out all the old wood, and tie up the strongest growths
which were made this season to the stakes where a stake is used
for each stool. On one portion we have two wires strained, one
above the other, to which the shoots are tied. This last plan is
the best, as it allows the growths to be more regularly placed,
It rather crowds the growths too much to tie up from four to
six toa single upright stick; the other way they are arranged
at reeular intervals about a foot apart.

There are still a few of the trees from which the Apples and
Pears have not yet been gathered, but we shall have them at-
tended to very soon. The Pears that ought to ripen in October
do not as yet show signs of doing so, and we fancy that some
varieties will not ripen at all. The fruit is keeping very well
that has already been gathered, except where it had been pecked
by birds. They annoyed us very much this year, as not only
Pears but a considerable portion of the crop of some sorts of
Apples was damaged. Such sorts as Cox’s Pomona and Cellini
were the most attractive. Wo kept the birds from choice Pears
on tho wall by placing netting in front and fastening it securely
at the top and bottom of the wall.

No delay should now occur in haying plantations of Straw-
berries finished. If the work is not done this month the plants
have but little chance to become established before the winter.
We have kept the hoe at work between the rows of those plants

October 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

513

that were puf out in August, the plants are now of large size
and free from weeds.

Strawberry plants in pots are not unfrequently neglected at
this season. If the roots become dusty-dry the plant does not
show signs of distress, but it is a great mistake to allow the soil
in the pot to get in this state. It is quite necessary to pay as
careful attention to watering at this period of the year as during
the summer. The soil has now become quite filled with roots
and the ball ef earth is very hard, and if from over-dryness the
soil cracks away from the sides of the pots it is not easy to
make it thoroughly wet again. If the plants are left out of
doors until the end of this month and a wet period sets in, the
best plan is to lay the pots on their sides to prevent the soil
from becoming too much saturated. Leying them down also
exposes the under sides of the leaves to the wet, which will
destroy any red spider that may be on them.

CUCUMBER AND MELON HOUSES,

We have placed out the Cucumber plants, which will begin to
bear next month, and continue to doso freely for the next twelve
months if they are attended to and are not allowed to bear too
heavily at anyone time. We still grow Tender-and-True for
winter, and have besides planted two sorts received from Mr.
Kelway of Langport, Somerset. Mr. Kelway has succeeded in
raising a strain of Cucumbers, evidently of the Blue Gown and
Tender-and-True type; they are not only well adapted for exhi-
bition, but are also good winter cropper. We explained our
method of culture in the number for September 20th. It has
been a very good season for the last few weeks for ripening
Melons, and we have tasted green and scarlet-fleshed sorts of
excellent quality. It has not been difficult to keep up the
required temperature at night, and the sun has had a powerful
influence by day. Fruit in a growing state or ripening must be
treated to a temperature of 65° at night, and but little moisture
is required from evaporation. Allow air by night as well as by
day when the fruit is approaching the ripening stage.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

These structures ought now to be kept very clean, and the
flowers should be carefully preserved as long as possible, as they
are very scarce at this season out of doors. Fading leaves are
removed from Azaleas and many other greenhouse plants as
they become tinged by decay. The house looks untidy if these
are not removed; and further, as they may contain red spider
and thrips they are better burned, or the insects may spread to
‘other plants and cause very much more trouble afterwards.
Zonal Pelargoniums are very useful plants at this time, but they
have an untidy appearance if the decaying flowers in the centre
of the trusses ure not removed as soon as they are perceived.

The Chrysanthemums have been removed under glass, as we
were afraid of the frosty nights injuring the blossoms which were
showing colour ; indeed, some of the early-flowering varieties,
such as James Salter, have flowers very nearly expanded. Asa
preventive of mildew we throw a cloud of sulphur from the sul-
phurator, forcing it up amongst the branches, so that the largest
portion of if adheres to the under sides of the leaves. Thrips
and green fly also attack the young leaves and work into the
petals of the flowers, causing much damage. These may both
be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco smoke. The flower
buds of Pompons may be tied into their proper position, and
they should not be tied down too closely, as nothing looks more
unnatural than to see the clusters of flowers jumbled together,
while a well-trained specimen with the flowers evenly arranged
and in their natural position—facing upwards, is a most beautiful
object. No sticks are required for Pcmpons, but to grow the
large-flowered varieties well it is necessary to have a stick for
each flower, and when they are well grown and trained they
make a fine show during the greater portion of November and
December. It is well also to take note of the earliest and latest-
flowering sorts. Mrs. G. Rundle, for instance, is sometimes in
full beauty by the second week in November, and Lady Slade,
Her Majesty, and other sorts of the same. type will not be in
flower until the last week in the same month. This very much
prolongs the bloom. It isthe same with the Japanese sorts; the
earliest, James Salter, opens its flowers a month or six weeks
before the latest, which with us is a noble golden yellow sort—
Grandiflora.

Cinerarias and Calceolarias must now be attended to. The
plants should be quite close to the glass, and they must also be
protected from frost and damp. Their worst insect enemy is
green fly, which seems to grow at a most rapid rate on the Cal-
ceolaria. Whether this is found on the leaves or not, the house
should be fumigated with tobacco smoke to prevent its appear-
ance altogether. Neither of these plants do well in a honse
where the atmosphere is very dry; they like a moist atmosphere,
but it must not be so damp as to hang upon the leaves to cause
mould on them._

FLORIST FLOWERS.

The work of the florist (the man who goes in for florist flowers
thoroughly), is never done, and as the season wanes into autumn,
and autumn gives place to the dull dark days of winter, there
is sufficient to occupy all his spare time. Any time this month

the Carnations and Picotees may be potted and the Pinks
planted out. Ours were done three weeks ago. It was neces-
sary to pot the Carnations and Picotees to check their growth,
else we do not care to pot them before the second week of this
month. If they are potted too early the small pots become too
full of roots before it is time to repot them in the spring. We
would rather pot a second time later in the month to consoli-
date the growth. Green fly continues to increase upon Auriculas,
but we either famigate or dust the leaves with tobacco powder.
The larger outer leaves decay as the season advances, and wo
have them removed to prevent them from injuring the main
stems.

_ The recent frosts have severely punished the Dahlias, and it
is as well to dig them up on a fine day and to dry the tuberous
roots in the sun, placing the stem downwards. This is neces-
sary to drain out the water which frequently gathers in the
hollow stem. The roots should be stored in a dry place and
where no frost can reach them.—J. Douetas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

J. C. Wheeler & Sons, Kingsholm Nursery, Gloucester.—
Autumn Catalogue of Fruit Trees, Evergreens, and Roses.

William Knight, Floral Nurseries, Hailsham, Sussex.—Cata-
logue of Fruit Trees, Evergreens, Roses, &c.
fe Soupert et Notting, Luxembourg.— General Catalogue of

oses.

Joseph Schwartz, 43, Rue du Repos, Lyons, France.—Cata-
logue of Roses.

J.B. A. Deleuil, au Haut de Rue Paradis, Marseilles, France.
—Special List of Amaryllises, Tuberous Begonias, Yuccas, &c.

Rawlings Brothers, Old Church, Romford, Essex.— Catalogue
of Dahlias.

Thomas S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham.—Autumn
Catalogue of Hardy Florists’ Flowers and Roses.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to ‘The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.’’ Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and thoge on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions at once. All articles intended forinsertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

Books (J. Sampson).—The title is “‘ The Natural Principles of Landscape
Gardeping, or the Adornment of Land for Perpetual Beauty. By J. F.
Johnson.” Write to the publisher, C. Aitchison, 12, Castle Place, Belfast.

SEEDLING GERANIUMS (W. Swanson).—Your seedling Geraniums are not
superior to others already in cultivation, and therefore would not be saleable
as ew varieties.

Porato DisEasz.—‘ W. G.” will oblige several correspondents if he will
detail how and when he applied lime and gas lime so as to prevent the disease
occurring.

Leaves Sporrinc (An Old Reader)—Caused by defective root-action.
The soil is not suitable probably, or water is applied injudiciously. We
cannot name Ferns that have no spores on the specimens.

Vines MinpEweED (R. B. R.).—If you remove the Vines to another house
the mildew will be continued there unless it is previously extirpated by
thorough dressings of sulphur.

NewcastLe SHow (Hilion).—You must write to the exhibitors for the
information.

CucumBerR (J. B. A.).—Write to any of the principal seedsmen and tell
them what youreed. They will not willingiy disappoint you.

Boxes (2. J. Harrison).—Write to Mr. Lovel, Weaverthorpe.

PRESERVING Leaves (A Devonian). — Place them between sheets of
blotting paper under a gentle pressure, and when quite dry stitch them on
sheets of stout paper in a book of which each alternate leaf has been removed.
Your bad specimens were not even numbered.

Viotets (R. J. S.)—We cannot without his permission publish the direc-
tion of ‘'G, E. M.”

Lamp-HEATING.—* H. ©.” asks for the experience and results of someone
in heating by lamps.

BoupDLEA GLozosa (E. Y.).—It is a shrub, and usually grows to the height
of 10 or 12 feet. Itis a mative of Chili, We have grown it luxuriantly on a
chalgy soil, and also on a gravelly soil.

ScALeE (S.).—You will do well to destroy the Cotoneaster.
tine brushed over the branches would kill the insects.

Srove (H. M.).—We cannot recommend any, never having used one”
Write to the makers and ask for the nam3 of someone who has tried their
stovez.

Bon Curetren Pear (Croydon).—It was introduced long before the last
century. Rea in his “Pomona,” published in 1689, includes the Summer
and Winter Bon Chrétien without any intimation that they were recent in-
troductions. Dr. Hogg in the last edition of the “Fruit Manual,” states
that various opinions have been expressed as to the origin of the name of

Spirit of turpen-

314

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

{ October 18, 1877.

Bon Chrétien, one of which is that Francois de Paul, the founder of the
Minimes, being called to the Court of Louis XI. for the recovery of his health
was styled by that Monarch “ Le Bon Chretien,” and that he brought along
with him from Calabria some of the fruit of the Pear now called Winter Bon
Chrétien, which is said to be there grown in great quantity. Munting
seriously affirms that the Pear appears to have received its name at the
beginning of Christianity, and that from this title it merits the respect of all
Christian gardeners. Another opinion is, that St. Martin, Bishop of Tours,
was the first who obtained this variety, and that a king of France, having
tasted it with him, asked, when it was presented to him, for Des poires de ce
Bon Chrétien. But, perhaps, the most probable derivation is from the sup-
position, more or less well grounded, that it is the Crustumium of the
Romans, but whether or not it is so is difficult to determine. Switzer says
they are so called from not rotting at the heart, but beginning to decay from
the exterior part.

Maenotia (T. H.).—The leaf is of a Magnolia conspicua. It is unusually
large, but this is accounted for by rich soil and the climate of South Devon.

BULBS IN WATER (J. G.).—The best bulbs to grow in water are Hyacinths.
By using cocoa-nut fibre as you propose Crocuses and Tulips will do pretty
well. Mr. Barr of King Street. Covent Garden. has grown and flowered the
“pretty sweet-scented Iris alata in a Hyacinth glass.” Other bulbous or
tuberous-rooted flowers may be tried in the same way.

PLANTING SPIREA JAPONICA AND NERTERA DEPRESSA (Sambo).—Spirna
japonica and S. palmata are quite hardy, though liable to have the foliage
cut by severe late spring frosts. They should be planted in good rich light
soil in a sheltered yet open situation from November to March in mild
weather. Nertera depressa is hardy on moist rockwork in peat or vegetable
soil in a sheltered situation, but is best wintered in a frame.

APPLYING CHARCOAL AND Bone Dust To FrowEeR Beps (Idem).—Both
are first-class manures. Charcoal may be used at the time of making the
beds. A dressing 2 inches thick mixed with a foot depth of the surface soil
is the most we have used to a strong soil, an inch thickness of charcoal and
worked in with a fork would be a sufficient application to ordinary-textured
loams. One peck of bone dust per rod (304 sqaare yards) distributed over
the surface and pointed in with a fork lightly prior to planting is very in-
vigorating to most plants, notably Pelargoniums cultivated for their foliage.

Courting DowN VARIEGATED RHODODENDRON (Dan). — Cut it down to
the height required during moist weather at the close of April or early May.
Propagation is very tardy from cuttings, but Jayers made now or in spring
are certain to form plants quickly, the shoots being notched previously to
being pegged in the ground.

BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS AND LXLIA PURPURATA NOT FLOWERING
(Subscriber).—The Bougainyillea should have the roots confined to a very
limited space as compared with the extent of surface to be covered by the
plant, and to be very sparingly watered after the growth becomes free, the
object being to have the wood firm and wellripened. Watering should cease
in August, only a little should occasionally be given to prevent excessive
fiagging, and the wood should be trained thinly so as to expose it fully to
light and air. By keeping dry from August to March your plant ought to
flower, pruning being restricted to thinning the shoots. The Lelia does not
flower because we apprehend it is kept constantly growing, whereas it requires
a plentiful supply of water and moisture until the growth is complete, and
should then be kept dry and fully exposed to light, when it will flower in due
course, provided the growths are sufliciently strong.

Names oF Fruits (Essex).—Your Apple is Gloria Mundi. (I. P. H.).—We
do not recognise your Pear. The deformities are not uncommon. (J. D.
Duffus).—Hawthornden. (Fitz).—l ard 2, Not known; 38, Dumelow’s Seed-
ling; 4, Gloria Mundi; 5, Wormsley Pippin; 6, Golden \Winter Pearmain.
(Northern Spy)—1, Winter Peach; 2, Wadhurst Pippin; 3, Rhode Island
Greening; 4, Morris’ Russet; 5, Pitmaston Golden Pippin. (Rev. R. Percy).
—Lincoln Codlin. (C. J. B.).—Cambusnethan Pippin. (Connaught Sub-
scriber).—Yat. (W.H. Ashwin).—1, Gloria Mundi; 2 and 8, Winter Haw-
thornden ; 4, Very like Golden Reinette; 5, Cobham; 6, Lewis’s Incomparable.
(G. F. B.).—1, Not known; 2, Duchess of Oldenburg; 3, Cellini; 4, Beauty
of Kent. (J. Edge).—Northern Spy. (Sedgley).—Tower of Glamis. (R. B. L.).
1, Winter Peach; 2, Herefordshire Pearmain; 3, Dumelow’s Seedling; 4, Not
Enown; 5, Bedfordshire Foundling; 6, Baron Ward. (A Ten-years Sub-
scriber).—1, Flower of Kent; 2, Winter Gilliflower; 3, Ord’s; 4, Winter
Colman; 5, Bedfordshire Foundling ; 6, Braddick’s Nonpareil.

Names or Puants (C. 7.).—Viburnoum Lantana. (Rev. T. A. B.).—We
have no plants on hand unnamed. Send some fresh specimens. (A Sub-
scriber, Andover and T. J.).—Viburnum Lantana, the Wayfaring Tree.
(4. M’Donald).—Tecoma radicans. (N. C.).—Specimen of Fuchsia insufti-
cient. (Cycad).—Coccoloba platyclada. (Ten-years Subscriber).—1, Leyces-
teria formosa; 2, Erythrina crista-galli. (4. Y. D.)—Sedum_ spectabile.
(TZ. Hyde).— White Beam (Pyrns Aria). (J. P.).—Duranta Plumieri. (G. B. C.).
—1, Coccoloba platyclada; 2, Cystopteris fragilis.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

TOUTING SHOWS.

THERE is a system very prevalent in the present day among
the managers of poultry exhibitions which we consider very
objectionable. The matter to which we refer is the plan of
writing round to the chief exhibitors a day or two after the
entries are supposed to have closed in the following way:—
“Blankshire Show. Please send some entries! Open up to—.
At present have only two Dark Drahma cocks and two ditto
hens! Others proportionately weak. Hope you will help.”
This little note, generally written on a postcard, is then sent
round to perhaps half a score of (for example) Dark Brahma
breeders by the same post; and though it may be true that at
the time they were sent only two entries had been made in
those particular classes, generally most of the recipients of the
postcard imagine on its arrival that they can get a prize very
cheaply and so are constrained to send an entry, whereas by the
fact of many thinking the same the class is frequen‘ly made

larger and the competition more severe than is usually the case.
We maintain that if such a missive is sent to Mr. Jones it should
be also stated that the Messrs. Brown, Smith, and Robinson also
have had such an one, or else it appears to us to be obtaining
entries on false pretences. We received such a card the other
day, and have above copied it verbatim, only altering the name
of the breed. And the fact of the system being worked as we have
described was very vividly brought home to us, for a poultry
fancier who was staying with us at the time, in the course ofa
post or two, had his letters forwarded from his home, and
among the enclosures was a fac-simile of our own card; and he
in his turn leaving us went to stay with a fresh poultry ally,
and found to his surprise that he too had received just another
card. This gentleman, however, very properly considers that
equity should be the maxim of all shows, and as he did not like
the idea of entries being obtained by these means he wrote to
the writer, and remonstrated with him on the unfairness of
writing in the same terms to so many without stating to each
who else he had written to among exhibitors of the various
classes. He also wrote to us in the following words, and his
letter was a type of many such we have received. We quote
from it:—“‘In my reply to the postcard, which I took some
pains in wording, I said that had I intended exhibiting at Blank-
shire my entries would have been made in due course, and that
I thought it very unfair to those exhibitors who had duly
entered their birds that the lists should be kept open after the
day originally fixed, and still worse that the Committee or
Secretary should endeavour to swell the lists by informing a
number of possible exhibitors of the classes in which there was
likely to be little competition. I added that I was aware I was
not the only exhibitor to whom a similar communication was
addressed.” The reply of the gentleman who sent about the
cards was in the following terms :—‘‘ By dint of hard work and
almost cadging for entries they have come up to more respect-
able numbers. I know it has become the custom to write
round as I did to the well-known exhibitors if entries are short
at the last moment, and if I had not found it to be the general
practice from the oldest established shows down to the smallest
local ones to do the same thing I might have hesitated to take
such a course. It was done with no intention of deceiving any-
one or drawing them in under false pretences, for surely there
is no harm in striving to get up the strongest competition
possible, especially when prospects look as gloomy as ours did,
with only —— entries on the evening of the date first announced
for closing.”’

Against the practice there is this to be said—that those who
make their entries at the proper time are not equally treated
with those who are allowed to enter some days after the
advertised date; for the first make their entries without know-
ing if certain birds of theirs will be ready by the time, while
others by waiting do not enter unless their specimens are in a
fit state, and so have the better chance; while if the date had
been closed to all at one time, either all would have had to share
alike in the uncertainty of the matter, or the first-comers would
have had the class to themselves and less competition against
them. Again, acainst the touting principle many perhaps would
not have entered because they had arranged for their birds to be
on the day at some other exhibition, but on receiving the card
imagine inferior birds will win in such small competition and so
make their entries, whereas the similar cards being sent to many
the class ends in being large and the chances for less valuable
birds to win small. What should consequently be done is what
the Secretary of an important show said to us the other day :—
“Choose the last possible day before the show is held when
entries can comfortably be received, and then publish that day
and keep to it.” Exhibitors will soon find out that the rule
is observed and accordingly enter in time, which will stop all
the necessity and consequent unpleasantness of the touting
system.—W.

ALEXANDRA PALACE POULTRY SHOW.

Tris makes the third of the metropolitan shows for this
season, and we are sorry that it has, on the whole, come off
short in the number of its entries. This was, however, to be
expected, for we never remember so large a number of import-
ant chicken exhibitions being held within so short a space
of time in the early part of one season. We must, however,
congratulate Mr. Nicholls on his admirable arrangements, The
pens were all on one level, while the cards were placed on them
as soon as each slip was handed in from the Judge. We were
greatly pleased at this, and Mr. Nicholls has inaugurated, we
hope, @ commendable system for future shows. The Judges were
—for poultry, Messrs. Mathews, Hewitt, and Teebay; and for
Pigeons, Messrs. H-quilant, Tegetmeier, and Capt. Heaton.
We must content ourselves with noticing the chief objects of
merit in each class, as the early date of going to press necessi-
tates it. The quality of the birds was good, and many of the
awards most judiciously made, while others, though under the
same adjudicators, were much reversed from those of the Dairy
Show last week.

October 13 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENFR. 315

Coloured Dorkings made thirty-one pens, and in cocks Mr
Burnell won with a chicken we have not seen him show
before. He is a big bird and goodin claws. The third (Beachey)
was in fine condition, and a thorough Dorking in shape, while
Messrs. Parlett and Lingwood and the Rev. H. Peel all had
good specimens. The cup went to the dark hen, a large bird of
fine colour but with dusky feet, and the fourth and fifth toes on
one foot growing nearly together. The fourth (Ponting) wasa
good bird. In Silver-Greys the three prize pens were all in
good condition. The cup cockerel was especially good, but the
most promising pullet in the class we thought was in 37 (Cress-
well). She had huge frame and fine colour, but the cockerel
was a bad colour and not straight in claws. In the other
Dorking class a lovely pen of Whites won, a really first-class
pair. Second and third were of merit, but nowhere near the
first pen in size or purity of colour.

In Cochins the first Dairy Show Buff cockerel again won here.
His hackles have come out greatly, and the long show did not
seem to have hurt him; second were pretty in colour, but the
cockerel narrow. In Partridges Mr. Wood again won the cup,
but we do not think he had the same pullet in his cup pen as at
the Dairy Show, or else she looked better here. In the next
class first-class Whites won first, the pullet very good. Second
went to the pen which we said at the Dairy Show should have
been third, but there the Judge only thought them worthy of
mc., and in the third pen here there was an excellent pen of
Blacks. For the £5 5s. class a very white pen of old birds won
first, and not dear at the price. The Langshans which followed
seemed here to show what a farce both the breed and the judging
of the breed ig, for first went to very good Black Cochins, and
second to birds of the Langshan type.

Dark Brahma cockerels had a score of eniries. The cup went
to Mrs. Tindal for a hugely bedied bird of good colour, while in
pullets the cup bird (Peerson) though exquisitely pencilled was
a shade pale and a little small. The cup Light cockerel wes
large with a pretty comb, but of indifferent colour, as, in fact,
were most of the birds in the class. The cup Light pullet was
of fine shape and colour and prettily marked. We greatly
admired the third pen (Mrs. Holmes), and also pen 232 (v.Hc)
of Mr. Breeze. Lady Gwydyr and Messrs. Petter and Clarke
had good birds, and the class in fact was excellent.

Spanish made a small class of six pens, where’ the first and
second won easily, and were two good pens.

In French both the cups fell to Mr. Wood. His Houdan
cockerel has a charming comb, but he is full yellow in his crest.
The third (Thomas) were also god, and in C.cves the winners
were very large and of very fine colcur.

The Hamburgh classes were uot strong, and we believe many
awards were hee reversed from the Dairy Show. In Silver-
pencils the winners vere in pretty ord-r, but we thought the
cockerel too devoid cf marking; the second pullet (Pickles) was
good. In Blacks the first were in excellent feather, but we
thought the c lcur of the second (Sidzwick) the best.

In Game the cup Black Red _ pullet was a fine bird of good
points. The cup cockerel we did rot so much admire. Mr.
Lyon had a good one in pen 331. Brown Reds were highly
meritorious, and after the winners we thought the one in pullets,
374 (Rudd), was good. Both Mr. Martin’s first-prize birds were
fresh and in excellent order and feather.

The Polish were very fine. The first Gold pullet admirable
in crest and colour, but her mate’s back certainly looked high;
second and third also good; while in Silvers Mr. Adkins cleared
the board with three grand pens. The Blacks, too, wera very
good though so few, and the awards were made to the birds as

we marked them in our catalogue before the cards were placed
on the pens.

Andalusians mustered ten pens, where mapy birds wanted
more time. The winners were stylish, but yellowish in ear-

obes.

Silkies were a good class, and the winners again were on the
whole well chosen, though we dislike the green feet of the first-
prize pullet, for green feet and bills are not right, and must be
bred out.

In the Variety class pretty White Leghorns were first, La

Fléche second, and Brown Leghorns third, or else Black Minor-
cas, we forget which, but we preferred the latter.
_ Game Bantams were numerous and good, as too were Blacks,
in which Mr. Beanland won with a pretty pen. In Laced the
cup birds were pretty Silvers, both well laced, but the cock too
large incomb. Mr. Leno had some good Golds, which seem to
be, we fear, waning in popularity after the Silvers; and in the
variety Bantam class White Rose-combs with slate-coloured
legs were first, White Japanese were second, and Cuckoos third.
Our own choice was for pen 699 (Mrs. Brassey), which were
beautiful dark Japanese, and which this lady we believe brought
from Japan in her tour round the world.

Waterfowl mustered fairly, the Aylesburys and Rouens being
both good collections, and the winners fine. In Blacks Mr.
Kelleway walked his two pens in once more first and second,
taough Mr. Ogilvie made a good third with a pen very lustrous

though a little too large. We hear there are fifteen pens
entered of this breed at Oxford, and shall hope to see some
fresh quality there. In the Variety Duck class a pretty pen of
Mandarins won first; while in Geese the winners were all Grey
and very heavy in appearance. Turkeys had only five entries,
but the wirners were well chosen.

The Pigeon notes will, we hope, be given next week. We
congratalate the managers cf the Show on their Exhibition, for
in quality and arrangements it was certainly most admirable.

POULTRY.

DorkinGs.—Coloured.—Cockerel.—1, 1. ©. Burnell. 2, L. Pilkington. 3, R.
W. Beachey. 4, Henry Lingwood Pullet.—), Cup, and 2, Henry Lingwood.
8, E. Ponting. 4, E£, Ponting. Silver-Grey.—Chickens—Cup and 2, T. C. Bur-
nell. 8, R.A. Boissier. Any other variely.—Chickens.—l, O. E. Cresswell. 2,

Mrs.M. A. Hayne. 8,R.F. Smythe. Any variety.—l, L. Pilkington. 2, Dr, E:
Snell. 8, P. Ogilvie. 4, J. Gee. itis 2 4

Cocuixs.—Cinnamon or Buff.—Chickens.—l, Lady Gwydyr. 2,3. Everett. 3,
Mrs. A. Tindal Partridge.—Chickens.—Cup and 2, R. J.. Wood. 8, Mrs, A.

Tindal, Any other variety.—Chickens.—1, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, G. B. C. Breeze.
8, Lady Gwydyr. Any variety.—1,A.E.W. Darby. 2,H. Tomlinson. 3, H.J.
Tritton. 4, A. Bamford.

LanGsHans —Chickens.—Cup, H. J. Storer. 2, A.C. Croad. 38, G. Fortey.
Braumas.—Dark.—Cockerel —Cup, Mra. A. Tindal. 2, H. J. Storer. $ and
vhe, Horace Lingwood. 4,J. Earle. Pullet.—Cup, G. S. Pearson, 2 and 8, R.
P. Percival. 4, Horace Lingwood. vhc, F. Bennett. Mrs. A. Tindal. Cock and
Hen.—1, H.J. Storer. 2,W.R Garner. 8,G. B.C. Breeze. 4, H. W. Johnson.
Light.—Cockerel.—Cup, J. Mitchell. 2, G. B. C. Breeze. 8, P. Haines. 4, S.
Reid. vhe, J. W- Wiuared. Pullet—Cup, Horace Lingwood. 2, G. W. Petter.
8, Mrs. J. T. Holmes. 4, P. Haines. vhc, G. B. C. Breeze (2), Lady Gwydyr.
Cock and Hen.—1, W.J. Nichols, 2,G. B.C, Breeze, 8,J.W. Windred, 4, J.
Rimmer.
SpanisH.—Chickens.—Cup and 2, J. Powell. 8, J. F. Sillitoe, Houpans.—
B WV. Thorcas. vhe, Mrs. Vallance.
2

Chickens —Cup, R Wood. 2,1. Ward. 8,S
CrREVE-C@urs.—Chickens.—Cup, R B. Wood. W. AR. Park, 3,I.Ward. vhe,
J.

R Pound, H. Stephens

Hampurcus.—Golden-spangled.—Chickens.—1, Duke of Sutherland. 2,
Jackson. 3, T. Dean. Silver-spangled.—Chickens.—l, J. Stuttard. 2, H.
Pickles. 8, Ashton & Booth. Golden-pencilled.—Chickens.—1, J. Stuttard. 2,
J. Ross. 8, W.L. Bell. Silver-pencilled—Chickens.—Cup, J. Stuttard. 2, H.
Pickles. 8,W.L. Bell. Black.—Chickens.—1, W. Bentley. 2, C. Sidgwick. 8,
R. L. Garnett.

Game.—Black Red.—Cockerel._Cup and 2, J. R. Pratt.
Rey. F. Dutton. Pullet.—Cup, W.J. Pope. 2,D. Harley. 3.T. P. Lyon. vie,
T. P. Lyon, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton, D. Harley. Brown Red.—Cockerel.—l,
H.E. Martin. 2and38,1'. Mason. Pullet—land 3, H.E. Martin. 2, T. Mason.
vhe,G Hodgson, Pile.—Cockerel.—l, T. P. Lyon. 2, W. & K, Smith. 8 and
vhe, G. H. FitzHerbert. Pullet —Cup, J.Colgrove. 8,J.Brassington. vhe, D.
Harley. Any other variecty.—Cockerel.—l, D. Harley. 2,T.P.Lyon. 8, W.E.
Oakeley. Pullet.—1, F. Sa'es. 2, A. Cameron. _3, Hon. and Rey. F. Dutton.
whe, T. P. Lyon, W. KE. Oakeley, H. E. Martin,

Matays.—Chickens —Cup and 2, E. Stanley. 8, J. Hinton. 4, T. Lecher.
vhe, J. Hinton, E. Stanley. .

PotisH.—Golden-spangled.—Chickens.—1, J. Partington. 2,J.Stuttard. 8, P.
Unsworth. Silver-spangled.—Chickens.—Cup, 2, and 8, G. C. Adkins. Black,
or any other variety —Chickens.—1 and 8, P. Unsworth. 2, J. Stuttard, vhe,
T. Norwood. k R

‘ANDALUSIANS.—Chick:-ns.—1,C. Naylor. 2,Mr3.M.A. Wilson. 8, — Wiggins.

S1iK1E3.—Chickens.—1 and 8, O. E. Cresswell. 2, Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate.

Any OTHER VarteTY,—Chickens.—l, E, Midgley. 2, H. Stephens. 8, —
Wiggins. B K

are Cuasses.—Price not to exceed $2.—Dorkings, Brahmas, and Cochins.
—@Oock or Cockerel.—1, Lord Turnour, 2, Kev. H. J. Borrow. 8 S. Lucas. 4,
J. Everett. Hens or Pullets.—1, Rev. H. J. Borrow. 2, H.W. Johnson. 8,C.
Sidgwick. 4,G.B.C. Breeze. vhe,S. Lucas. Cock and Hen or Cockerel and
Pullet.—l, Mrs. A Christy. 2, H. Brown. 3.R.TFoster. 4,W.Adams. FRENCH.
—Cock or Cockerel.1. A. Stephens. 2,J. E, Pilgrim. 8, Rev. H. R. Peel. 4,
C. Naylor. Hens or Pullets—l, W. H. Copplestone. 2, J. W. Atkin. 8, H.
Stephens. 4, J. E. Pilgrim. Any other variety except Bantams.—Cock. or
Cockerel—1, Hobson & Robinson, 2,J. Hinton. 8, E. Burrell. 4,C.Sidgwick.
vhe, G. P. Pointer. Hens or Pullets.—1, R L. Garnett. 2, J. Preston. 3, W.
Nottage. 4, G. P. Pointer. Cock and Hen or Cockerel and Pullet.—l, R. L.
Garnett. 2, C. Naylor. 3. A. Smith 4, W. H. Copplestone. vhc, Rev. N. J.
Ridley, W. Hitchcock. Bantams—1,J. W.G. Nicko's. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 3,
E. Winwood. 4, R. Swift. :

GAME Bantams.—Black Red —Chickens.—l, T. Breeds. 2,E. Morgan. 8, W.
Wardle. Brown Red.—Chickens —Cup, T, H. Stretch, 2and8, W. F. Entwisle.
Duckwing.—Chickens.—|, S. Beighton. 2, W. Adams. 8, W. F. Entwisle.
Pile.—Chickens.—1 and 2, R. Brownlie. 8, W. Shaw.

Banrams.—Black.—l, F. Beanland. 2, Ludlow & Rackham. 8,R H. Ashton.
Sebright—Cup, H. Stephens. 2, F. W. Hariwick. 38, M. Leno. Any other
distinct voriety.—l, J. W. Crowther. 2, H. Stephens, 8, T. ¥. Phelps. vhe,
Mrs. Brassey, F. C. Davis.

Docks.—Aylesbury.—Cup, Dr. E. Snell. 2,J. Walker. 8,J. Hedges. vhc, J.
K. & R. R. Fowler. Rowen.—i, J. Walker. 2, F.Parlett. 8, P.Unsworth, vhe,
W. Meanly, F. Parlett. Black.—l and 2, J. W. Kelleway. 3, P. Ogilvie.

ANY OTHER VARIETY OF DucKs oR ORNAMENTAL WATERFOWL.—], M. Leno.
2 and vhe. Mrs. H. J. Tritton. 8, J. K & R. R Fowler. GrEsE.—l, Dr. E.
Snell. 2,J. Everett. 8, J. Birch, jun. vhc, E. Woodford. TorKeys.—l, Rev.
N.J. Ridley. 2,H.J.Gunnell. 38, W. Tippler.

PIGEONS.

PoutErs,—Pied.—Cock.—Cup, R. Fulton.
Hen.—Cup and 8, J. Baker. 2, Ridley & Dye.
Fulton. 8, Ridley & Dye. Hen.—1and 8, R. Fulton.
—Young Cock.—Cup, Ridley & Dye. 2, T. Herrieff. \ 4
Hen.—1, R. Fulton. 2, Ridley & Dye. 8, H. Pratt. Pigmy or Australian.—
land2,C.B. Child. 8, Rev. H. R. Peel.

CarrreRs.—Black.—Cock.—Cup, J. Ecroyd. 2 and vhe, R Fulton. 3, H.
Heritage. Hen.—Cup and 2,R. Fulton. 8, J. Firth. vhe, H. Heritage. Dun.
—Cock.—1 and vhe, J. Ecroyd. 2, R. Fulton. 8,J. Baker. Hen.—1and2,R.
Fulton. 8,J.Ecroyd. vkc, H.M. Maynard. Any other colowr.—Cock.—1, T.H.
Stretch. 2, R. Cant §, H. M. Maynard. vhc, J. Chandler. Hen.—l, G.
Bentley. 2, B.C. Stretch. 8,R. Cant. Black—Young Cock,—Cup, R. Falton.
2, H. Heritage. 3 and 4, H. M. Maynard. Hen.—1 and 2, H. Heritage. 38, R.
Fulton. vhc,H.M. Maynard. Dun.—Cock.—1,R Fulton. 2, J. Walker. 8,H.
Heritage. Dun.—Hen.—1,J. Walker. 2,H. Heritage. 8,R. Fulton. <Any other
Colour.—Gock —1, G. H. Gillham. 2,J.C.Ord. 8, W. Hooker. Hen.—l and 3,
J.C. Ord. 2, G H. Gillman.

DraGcoons.—Blue.— Cock —Cup, R. Woods. 2, T. C. Burnell. 8 and 4, W.
Smith. vhc. R. Woods, G. Packham, Hen.—land 2, R. Woods 8, G. Packham.
vhe, W. Smith. Silver—Cock.—l and 2,R. Woods. 3, W. Osmond. vhe, T.C.
Burnell. Hen.—Cup, R. Woods. 2, T. C. Burnell. 8, W. Osmond. Red or
Yellow.—Cock.—1 and 8, R. Woods. 2, J. Atkins. Hen.—1, R. Woods. 2, Ww.
Sargent. 8, W. G. Flanagan. vhc, W. Sargent, RK. Woods. White—Cock.—l,
CG. E. Chavasse. 2, R. Woods. 3,D. Wootton. Hen.—1 and 2, W. Bishop. 3,G.
Packham. Any other colour.—Cock.—1, T. C. Burnell. 2 and 3, R. Woods.
Hen.—1, 2, and 3, R. Woods. Blue or Silver.—Single Young Birds.—Cup, 2, and
8,R. Woods. 4,T.C. Burnell. Red or Yellow.—1 aud 2, R. Woods. 8, F. P.
Ellis. Any other colour.—l and 3 R. Woods. 2, G. Packham. ;

8 and vhe, Hon, and

2, J. Baker. 8, Ridley & Dye.
White.—Cock.—1 and 2, R.
2,J. Baker. Any colour.
8. W.C. Bullen. Young

316

JOURNAL OF HORTICULYUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

TumBierRs.—Almond.—Cock.—Cup, J. Ecroyd. 2, H. C, Henning. 3, J. Baker.
Hen.—1 and 2, J. Baker. 3, R. Fulton. Almond.—Single Young Bird.—Cup and
2, H. C. Henning. 3,'T. Rale. Black Mottled.—Cock or Hen.—1, H. C. Henning.
2and3,J. Baker. Balds or Beards.—Cock or Hen.—l, W. Woodhouse. 2 and
8, H. Yardley. Any other variety.—Cock.—1, J. Baker. 2,J.Ecroyd 38,H.C.
Henning. Hen.—l and 3, H. C. Henning. 2,H. Yardley. Not Shortjaced.—
Single Bird.—1, H. Yardley. 2,R. Woods. ¢, J. Barnes.

Basp.—Cock.—Cup and vie, J. Firth. 2,M. Hedley. 8,R. Fulton. Hen.—
1, R. Fulton. 2, M. Hedley. 8, H. M. Maynard. vhe, J. Chandler. Black
or Dun.—Single Young Bird.—Cup and2,R. Fulton. 3,M. Hedley. <Any other
colour.—Single Young Bird.—1,P.H. Jones. 2,R. Fulton. 3, J, Firth.

JAcoBIns.—Red.—Cock.—1 and 8, J. Frame. 2,H. Heritage. vhe, J. Pyper.
Hen—Cup, J. Frame. 2 and vhe, J. Baker. 3, G. Hardy. Yellow.—Cock,—
land 2, J. Frame. 8, J. Baker. vhe,H. Heritage. Hen.—l, R. Fulton. 2, J.
Baker. 8, J. Frame. vhe, J. Thompson. White.—Single Bird.—1 and 2, S,
Salter. 3,J. Thompson. Any other colour.—Single Bird.—1, J. Baker. 2, H.
Heritage. 8,J Schweitzer.

Fantaius.— White —Cock.—1 and 2, J. F. Loversidge. 8,J. Baker. Hen.—
Cup, 0. E. Cresswell. 2,J. Eaton. 8, J. F. Loversidge. Any other colour.—
Single Bird.—1, J. Baker. 2, H. Yardley. 8,H. W. Webb.

Nouns.—Single Bird.—1, H. Jacob. 2, W.b. Stevenson. 8, J.T. Herbert.

TrumMPETERS.— Single Bird —Cup, J. Lederer. 2,3. Baker. 8, R. Fulton.

Owxs.—English.—Cock.—Cup and 2, J. Ecroyd. 3, S. Salter. Aen.—l, J.
Ecroyd. 2. Ward & Rhodes. 3,T.G.Sprunt. Foreign —Single Bird.—Cup, J.
Baker. 2,F. Wilde. 3, R. Fulton. English.—Single Young Bird.—1, J. Ecroyd.

2,T. H. Stretch. 8, 5. Salter.

Tospits.—Blue or Silver.—Single Bird—1, J. Ecroyd. 2,T.C. Burnell. 8,
S. Salter. Red or Yellow.—Single Bird.—Cup, T. C. Burnell. 2,J. Baker. 3,
C. A. Crafer. Any other colour.—Single Bird —1, J. Ecroyd. 2, O. E. Cresswell.
8, ldley, & Dye. Any colour.—Single Young Bird.—1, C. A. Crafer. 2, S.
Salter.

—1, W. E. W: 2, T. Gomm. 38,
Flying Class of Homing.—Cock.—Cup, J. Edmonds, . - 3d.
Collard. 4, J. Edmonds. 5, G. Carvill. Hen.—l, J. Collard. 2, E. T, Dexter.
8,G. J. Lenny. 4, P. F. Cheffins. 4,J. Edwards.

ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, H. W. Webb. 2,T. Rule. 38, Rev. R. Peel.

SELLING CLassEs.—Single Bird.—1, J. Chandler. 2, P. H. Jones. 8, W.
Bulmer. 4, H. M. Maynard. vhe, W. Bulmer. Pairs.—1 and 2, P. H. Jones.
8, J.J. Edelsten, 4,3, T, Theobald,

THE PIGHON FANCY.

“Took! Do you see that flock of small Pigeons very high
up just passing yon strip of black cloud? Those are mine.”
“Yours!” ‘Yes mine. They are my Tumbler Pigeons taking
their afternoon’s aérial trip. They will alight here, and goin
there to roost. There are six or eight young birds in the nests,
and I will show you them up among the clouds with their
parents if you will give me a call by-and-by. But just watch
a minute; see every second or two one or other of them throws
asingle, double, or triple somersault, und they seem to vie with
each other which will do those somersaults neatest and oftenest.
Notice the one a little above the others. He is a Blue with
barred wings and tail. See! he stands an instant on air, and
there!—three turns at one roll, and he has not fallen much
above afoot. Look again. Two somersaults and yet going up-
wards! Heisa bird of remarkable power of wing, and always
acts as leader of the flock.” ‘“ Most extraordinary!” exclaimed
my friend. ‘‘I never saw anytuing like that. Surely that isa
curiosity in natural history. Is that tumbling not a disease ?”
‘No; but could it be proved to be disease it is a most healthy
one, as Tumbler Pigeons are the most hardy of all the family,
and live to a good age.” How big I felt then, when I could say
those birds are mine—birds on the wing away among the clouds,
Soaring free as the wind, having all around them boundless space,
and yet I could and did say they are mine.

“But come, I will show you something unique in the tumbling
line amongst Pigeons. You see that pair of small red birds on
the floor; stamp your foot. There! the cock with the white
feather in the tail has risen but 2 feet and tumbled twice; and
the hen (self-coloured) has risen only 12 inches and has tumbled
once, both as neatly as the mostaccomplished Japanese tumbler.”
“Why is all this not generally known?” said my friend. “If
it were known it would put a check on some of the wild theories
now started.” My reply was also in the form of a question.
“Why do people walk over and trample down the most beautiful
flowers and not know it? Answer, Because they wo’n’t look at
what they are walking upon, and don’t know of the world they
live in.” The above dialogue took place fully thirty-five years
ago; itis no fiction, but what actually passed almost verbatim.

In those days the Pigeon fancy was carried out in all its en-
tirety ; all the varieties were kept pure—all we then had, which
comprised all we now have excepting the Russian Trumpeter
and African Owl. Of course I exclude the numerous Toys that
come now and then from the Continent. At this late date we
can still show a flight of Tumblers second to none, all colours,
and still a pair at least that will tumble once for every 12 inches
they rise from the floor or ground, and we still feel that it is
something to be able to say to a friend who comes to see our
flights of Tumblers in the clouds, Those birds are mine.

Without prejudice let us look at the state of the Pigeon fancy
now. I may safely question, as a general rule, whereis if? I
go into the large towns of England—say, Liverpool, Manchester,
Birmingham, and all the “black country,” the very places in
which the fancy might be carried to the highest points; but
what do I see? At the breakfast and dinner hours perhaps
from ten to fifteen flocks of Pigeons in view flying round and

round the chimney pots of the locality, so long as they are kept
up by terror of the flag that is waved to keep them from alight-
ing. These are no Tumblers, no! not anything of any merit.
A lot of mongrels only fit to fly when pressed to it by the fear of
some old rag, and the thing has become so disgusting that the
magistrates of Walsall have determined to put a stop to Pigeon
flying on the Sabbath, having already fined two men for prose-
cuting it. Certainly a move in the right direction. This is one
of the fruits of the degeneracy of the fancy. It must not be
supposed that I find fault with the particular fancy of anyone ;
I merely deplore the present state of matters, and would, if I
could, turn the tide into the old channel when birds were
bred to the original points without any innovations. When I
used to start from my native city, Edinburgh, on my English
journeys whet a store of beauty awaited me! Newcastle on
the one hand, and Carlisle on the other.. South and farther
south to London the sights were endless; Canaries predominated
in this town and Pigeons in the next, and all as a rule were of
high if not of the first-class order, and in the very Pigeon shops
something could be bought worthy at the time of a better price
than was asked. In those days the stocks exhibited to friends
told at once of the artistic eye and elevated taste of their pro-
prietors. The birds were kept for the pure love of the fancy, and
therefore they must be of the highest order, not bred for the
sordid love of gain, either by sale or for prize money to be ob-
tained from shows. I hold that shows have done no good to
the fancy, not because I do not approve of shows, but because I
cannot approve of the manner in which they are conducted.
But more of this shortly.

But what doI see now? Of course many of the old fanciers
are gone; but alas! the fancy in a great measure seems to have
gone with them. Here a stock of coarse birds, so-called Hnglish
Owls; there a lot of Dragoons; again a stock of birds, mere
nondescripts called Antwerps; again the remains of the wreck
of that beautiful bird the Jacobin. I am shown a bird which I
cannot tell from what it has sprung, and am told “This is a
sure Winner.” Iam written to for birds, but ‘“‘Don’tsend them
unless they are certain winners.” I can’t see that anyone can
ever be a true fancier who insists upon playing out the game of
money in connection with the fancy.

Just look at our shows, particularly in England, what are
they made up of? Long-faced, Medium-faced, and Short-faced
Antwerps—in fact common flying Pigeons, Dragoons of different
colours, and so-called English Owls, all birds of no merit and
bred without trouble. I see a show advertised to take place
next month in the south, in which there are to be eighteen
classes for Dragoons, seven for Antwerps, and five for Owls:
what interest can those birds have for the general public, or are
they likely to attract an aspirant to the fancy? The fancy in
the south is not only rapidly degenerating but seems to bein a
moribund state. Over and over again I among others have
appealed to our friends in the south to keep to birds having
distinctive characteristics and to be done with a!) the cross-bred
trash which are not worth a day’s trouble or expense, and to
come out in something genuins and worthy of their genius.
But it seems of no avail, they will go on in their own course;
and therefore I shall trouble no farther, but turn to the fanciers
of my native land, and appeal to them in connection with the
trash that is so often seen, and say in almost the exact words of
my ancient townsman Robert Ferguson—

“ O Scotland that could ance afford
To bang the pith o’ Roman sword,
Winna your sons wi’ joint accord
To battle speed,
Fight till the fancy be restor’d
Whilk now lies dead 2”
—JAmES HoiE.

CANARY TREATMENT.

Tue following advice of Mr. Barnesby relative to the manage-
ment of a sick Canary which was infested with insects, and yet
refused to wash except in its drinking fountain, having proved
successful in restoring a favourite bird, may, perhaps, prove
useful to others :— i

“ At once,” advised Mr. Barnesby, “transfer the bird to
another cage whilst you dress with either turpentine or naptha
the crevices of the one infested with the vermin. In about an
hour’s time scald and clean the cage with soap-and-soda suds,
The following day the cage will be ready, but prior to placing
the bird in let it undergo the washing operation, which can be
performed in the following manner—One advantage is to get
the bird washed as speedily as possible, and keeping it warm
the whole of the time. You will require a cage for drying the
bird in before the fire, with a cloth spread on the bottom of the
cage. When holding a bird to wash it do so carefully but firmly.
Place the bird in the left hand with its head towards your wrist
and the tail over your forefinger. Do not press the thumb
tightly across its neck or the feathers may become curled or frilled,
Then with a soft shaving brush lather well down the back, wings,
and tail. Turn the bird over and operate the same way about

October 18, 1877. ]

the breast and underneath the tail. Wash the head and neck
lastly, and when you find the dirt well extracted from the
feathers rinse off in clean warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Afterwerds place the apparently prostrate bird in the drying
cage, and in about fifteen or twenty minutes you will find the
bird attempting to perch and shake and regulate its feathers.
Let the water be about blood heat, and be careful the bird is not
placed too close to the fire to dry. But even with all the above
operations and precautions you may not at once get rid of the
vermin, for around the very nail in the wall whereon the cage
may hang the insects will secrete themselves, and this will
show the necessity of further perseverance before the vermin
are exterminated. Plenty of grit sand and bathing are neces-
sary, and if your bird habituates itself to splash about in its
drinking fountain it must be taught otherwise. No doubt you
have noticed that when you have replenished the water foun-
tain daily, the bird will take its bath such as it is. Instead
of replacing the fountain open the cage door and hang on the
entrance a proper kind of bathing vessel. The same may be
purchased at a bird shop in London. The bird will thus
gradually learn to drink and splash therein. After the regular
bath is taken away replace the fountain.”

The bird which was apparently approaching its end has now
recovered its song, and is healthy and happy.—J. W.

THE USE OF PERFORATED ZINC IN
SUPERING.

Tuts zinc is ‘made in sheets 6 feet long and a yard wide, and
can be bought in this shape at a much cheaper rate than that
charged for smaller quantities. The perforations are 5-24ths of
an inch in diameter, which size permits the workers to pass to
and from the supers, but excludes the drones and queens. I
have this year employed it in seventeen hives, and in no in-
stance was a super disfigured either by brood or pollen. I be-
lieve that this has not been invariably the case, as in the “British
Bee-keepers’ Journal” for September Mr. Abbott writes: “In
Some instances the comb (i ¢., the comb of sectional supers) has
been filled with brood in most regular order, and in others some
of the cells have had pollen deposited in them. This argues
either that queens and bees differ in size respectively, and that
one pattern of zinc will not suit all equally well, or that the bees
and their queens are very wilful, for in the two sets of sections
received from our honourable friend at Haverhill there was not
a speck or blemish of either brood or pollen.” Perhaps I may
be permitted to suggest that one or more perforations in the
zinc employed in the former case proved faulty in regard to size,
and so admitted the queen and polien-laden bees. I found a
piece of zinc in this state, having four holes ragged and elong-
ated, which would Certainly have given a passage to a small
queen if I bad used it. _At the Alexandra Show last year I saw
the zine was employed in some cases simply by laying a sheet
cut the same size as the top of the hive upon the frames, the
supers being placed upon it. ;

My 1ethod of using it is as follows :—I fix the sheet of zinc
to a frame formed of quarter-inch wood 1 inch broad, and having
& picce running across it parallel to the bars of the frames to
support the zine in the middle. I remove the quilt, and the
framework occupies its place. Over cach half of the shect a set
of sectional supers can be placed. I only place one set at first,

cepite the opposite side covered with piece of carpet until
the first super has been commenced, then a second super is
given. When one super is finished I take out with a penknife
two slits of wood from its top and place a second super over.
The bees soon ascend if honey is being collected, and as soon as
the upper one is well under weigh I withdraw the lower one, the
upper one taking its place, and s0 on to the end of the season.
The framework upon which the zinc rests allows the space of a
quarter of an inch above the frame bars, and thus gives free
entrance irom any part of the hive to the supers. Two acci-
dents occurred to me this season in connection with the use of
the perforated zinc. On May 14th a stock which was unusually
powerful, and which was bringing in honey from frnit trees,
peomed ready to enter a super. I was much engaged at the
bag and placed a set of sections upon the quilt, giving access
ee i aouge the central feeding hole. This super remained so
or about a week, the bees building several sections of comb,
wi oul substituted the zinc and framework for the quilt and
place d the super in its proper position at one side of the top of
ae ® hive. The super was rapidly filled and another at its side.

Wo others were entered above them, and according to my
papal plan I proceeded to remove the lower supers. I then found

at the bees refused to vacate the first super, and upon exami-
nation I found that her majesty was located therein and that
the four central sections were full of brood and eggs. I first
ascertained that all was worker comb (L did not wish to have a
peep of dead drones on the zinc), and I then determined that

uring the glut of honey which had set in I would prevent the
queen from again entering the hive, detaining her a prisoner in
the super. That particular hive gave me the greatest produce

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

317

of honey of all the hives in my apiary excepting one. When
the harvest began to fail I released the royal captive, having
first examined the stock hive, which, as I expected, was stored
with honey from side to side. Several combs were extracted, to
be employed in hives to receive driven bees this month. Empty
combs were put in their places. Gentle feeding commenced,
and now that hive has a teeming population and plenty of stores
for winter consumption.

The other hive alluded to above contains the queen which
headed the colony in the straw skep last year, and which pro-
duced 1514 lbs. of surplus honey shown at the Alexandra Show.
This queen having proved to be s0 valuable, and being likewise
a young one, I determined should not be prevented for want of
room from producing as numerous a colony eas care and her
“natural abilities” couldcompass. I think I stated last autumn
that I bad transferred her and the bees and combs to a bar-frame
hive, having room in it for sixteen frames. I constructed this
hive with a particular purpose. During the winter the eight
central frames only were tenanted by the bees, wooden partitions
of a quarter-of-an-inch stuff parting off the four outer frames
at either end from the central ones. I spared no pains to induce
the queen to lay eggs early, and the month of April showed me
that in spite of the unpropitious spring the eight central frames
were covered with bees and full of brood in all stages. I then
gave two more frames to the brood nest by moving the two par-
titions back and exposing a frame at each end respectively.
These frames were provided with clean old worker comb. The
honey harvest commenced. The hive was full of bees, and now
I carried out my design. A Lee’s Crystal Palace super was first
given over zinc at the top, covering the ten frames. This was
entered, and when well begun I moved the wooden partitions,
this time not only placing them respectively a frame back, but
substituting for them two sheets of perforated zinc. The frames
exposed were guided with wax midribs, and could-be reached
only through the zine perforations. I believe that the bees
would have swarmed that day, but that the extra collateral
space prevented them from doing so. Strips of half-inch wood
resting on the rebates shut off the passage to the side spaces
from above. I found that the bees still increased, and that a
glut of honey had set in; I therefore removed the wooden parti-
tions altogether, and although the harvest ended so suddenly
and prematurely, [found the whole of the six frames, three at
each end of the hive, stored and sealed, not a speck of pollen
and not a trace of brood visible on them, Weight 31lbs., a
Lee’s super 221bs., and a set of sectionals over the Lee’s 18 bs. ;
total of virgin honey, 71}]bs. I was quite contented with this
considering the season, and I think I have learnt a new method
of employing the zinc, together with the use of the dummies
or wooden partitions.

Many interesting experiments have been made by some of our
leading bee masters during the past season similar in some
respects to the one I proposed to myself and carried out, but all
differ somewhat from the method I have attempted to describe,
My desire was to give to the bees, at the same time that super
room was being slowly augmented, gradually enlarged collateral
space, and I believe that in a good honey season the results I
obtained could be more than doubled in value by removing the
frames from the sides one by one as they are completed and
replacing them by others with deep sheets of midribs. My
letter has been spun out to such a length that I cannot ask for
more space to give your readers my experience—my first year’s
experience of Ligurians; this I shall hope to do on a future
occasion.—P. H. Pumures, Offley Lodge, near Hitchin.

BEES IN THE YHAR 1877.

Tur bee season of 1877 wili long be remembered by apiarians
as being one of the worst experienced for a considerable number
of years—for over two decades at least, In looking back over its
course I can scarcely find one redeeming point from its opening
to its close. Its disastrous history may be read in the mortality
of hundreds of hives throughout the country; indeed, in the
utter ruin and extinction of whole apiaries. Ido not know if
matters are so bad in the south, in the more genial climate of
England, where comparatively better weather apparently pre-
vailed; but in Scotland, more especially in the eastern, central,
and northern portions of the country, the havoc produced in
many apiaries is unprecedented.

My own experience of the present bee season may, perhaps,
in some measure represent that of many other bee-keepers.
The autumn of 1876 found our hives generally well stored with
provisions and amply populated. The wintering was extremely
favourable. No lengthened confinement occurred to injure
health or diminish unduly the population of the strong and
healthy stocks. The opening spring accordingly found hives
generally in splendid condition. Breeding, too, commenced
very early, and everything promised well so far. February and
March, however, were cold and backward, and scarcely a pollen
load was seen to enter many hives for days together. Aprii was
not much better. Breeding evidently became completely

318

checked, and the bees accordingly diminished rather than in-
creased in all hives. There was an improvement in May, and
things began to assume a more hopeful aspect. June, too, with
not a few good days succeeded, but all hives were far back for
the season. The population in any hive was not such as it
should be in this the great swarming month in Scotland.
Swarms issued freely enough in the earlier localities, but the
young colonies were comparatively small. In the later districts,
however, bad weather prevented in many cases swarming al-
together, and there were few after-swarms anywhere. For a
time things went on hopefully yet slowly, but the season was
now far advanced, and unless really good weather set in during
July there would be little or no flower honey. Alternate good
and bad days occurred, but swarms failed to fill their hives even
with comb in the usual time, and little or no honey was being
collected beyond the temporary wants of the moment. It now
became evident that there would be no surplus flower honey.
The supers were taken possession of, but little progress was
made in workingin them. Any little honey that was collected
and stored there was afterwards speedily removed and utilised
for the more pressing wants of the community. Now came the
white clover season, but it miserably failed. This flower, second
only to the heath in productiveness of sweets, was from the
character of the weather unvisited by the bees, and so, too, may
it be said in some measure of the wild mustard and bean, both
highly prized by bees: little or nothing was obtained from them.
Thus all the principal honey-yielding flowers of summer com-
pletely failed from wet, windy, and unseasonable weather. One
hope still remained. The heath was yet a resource left, but it
would be two weeks late at least. Meantime the hives were
being fed to keep them up to the mark. Notwithstanding every
effort, however, it was apparent the hives were fast diminishing
in population onwards to the middle of August, when to the
moors they were sent as the last resource left. I long hesitated.
The weather was still doubtful; indeed throughout the season
a sort of chronic sameness prevailed, so that if a few good days
occurred these were succeeded by the recurrence of wet, cold,
and sunless weather. No sooner had the hives been pitched
down in the moors, therefore, when it became too evident that
the movement was a mistake. There was no change in the
character of the weather, and, to crown all, the heath blossom
itself was defective, and even in the scanty flowers there was
little or no nectar secreted. Thus after a three-weeks visit to
the moors the hives were brought back in a worse state than
when they were sent. Feeding even had to be resorted to at
the moors to ward off starvation, a circumstance unprecedented
in my experience. I counted some eight hives around my own
that had completely succumbed, and during a subsequent visit
I witnessed that ill-omened phenomenon, a hunger swarm, issue
from some starving hive and settle upon one of my own hives.
Considerable massacre was the consequence, as these are not the
kind of accessions—a starving population—any hive is disposed
to receive with favour. The poor queen was shortly afterwards
found cast out dead.

But failure in honey-gathering is not the only evil of this
most disastrous season. Most hives are sadly deficient in bees,
and an examination of some will show that much of the combs
are filled with unhatched brood, famine-reduced population
combined, producirg a state of matters very undesirable in any
hive—namely, combs filled with sealed dead brood. Nor is this
all the bad results of this untoward season. Not a few young
queens have failed to become fertile from long-continued in-
auspicious weather. No less than five cases of this kind occurred
in my own apiary. Such hives accordingly found at this season
in such a condition are almost worthless, for though supplied
with fertile queens they can never sufficiently recover or be-
come good keeping stocks, as all the bees are adults, two or
three months old, and cannot perhaps see, far less outlive, the
winter.

Such is the sad experiencs I have to record of the present
bee season, and I would accordingly advise that all hives be
thoroughly examined, and their wants and deficiencies supplied
as well in regard to food and population as to the state of the
brood combs.—J. Lowe, Edinburgh.

BEE GOSSIP.

I HAVE given my hives this autumn nearly 1 cwt. of sugar, or
about 170 lbs. of syrup. As I have only fed seven of them it will
be seen that the average given to each stock has been about
24lbs. This large quantity, however, makes but a poor show in
several of the hives (although they are probably well enough
supplied for the winter), because the bees were in general so
utterly pauperised that they had nothing whatever to live upon,
hence they had to support themselves and their brood from the
rowibion with which my not unselfish bounty had supplied
them.

For five or six weeks in August and early September the food
was taken down with great regularity and in considerable
quantities every day, but no hive took down more than 2 lbs. in

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 18, 1877.

the day. All this time there was more or less of breeding going
on in each hive. Latterly, however, but little food has been
taken down, although the weather has been very warm by day
with plenty of sunshine. It seems as if the bees had sud-
denly tired of it. Is it that September is a rest month with
them, or that there being nothing to tempt them out into the
fields they have fallen into a semi-torpid state and have not that
stimulus to their energy which an actively foraging stock always
finds when honey is to be found abroad? I am, nevertheless,
daily expecting to witness a change, as the ivy blossoms are
beginning to expand and will soon be full of honey and pollen if
the weather permits. Then I expect to find, simultaneously
with the waking-up of the bees’ activity in the fields, a corre-
spondingly renewed activity in emptying my feeding bottles.

The nights are unusually cold now, even within five miles of
the Bristol Channel, and on low ground, and my bees begin to
shrink within their combs and cells, s0 enabling me to see the
condition of their stores. All look healthy and comfortable and
seem ready for what may come, but soon I shall begin to cover
and swathe them in drugget coats and blankets, that they may
feel as little as may be the vicissitudes of weather, be it hot ox
cold. When once bees are wintered they should be kept still
and quiet as much as possible. The quieter they are kept ina
moderate and equable temperature the more successfully and
with a lesser consumption of honey will they pass the Decem-
ber quarter. Sono more feeding till the month of March.

All entrances should be narrowed to a size sufficient for four
bees to pass in at a time; if larger, cold winds will enter with the
more deadly effect, not to speak of various enemies which are
now hunting about for winter quarters as well as for plunder.
Drifting snow, too, must be carefully guarded against; if pene-
trates every crevice, and should be swept away continually as
being among the deadliest of pests to our apiaries.—B. & W.

OUR LETTER BOX.

eae Povttry SHow.—The entries are, of poultry 1013, and of Pigeon’
70.

Rassrts (F. L.).—Write to Messrs. Baily & Son, Mount Street, Grosvenor
Square, and ask them for the information.

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.
29 = es a
if ae .| Hygrome-| £3 |6#,;:|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation ool
1877, Beas ter. 33 Bat 8 perature, |Temperature. e
Oct. |2553 | ge Ban In On
Aea™! Dry.| Wet.) AS |& Max.| Min.| sun. |grass-
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg.| In.
We. 10 | 80.160 | 44.0 | 42.7 w. 49.0 | 587 | 365 60.8 | 38.6 | 0.159
Th. 11 | 29.911 | 50.0 | 45.5 w. 49.9 | 58.2 | 44.0 98.0 | 42.2 _
Fri. 12 | 29.930 | 50.0 | 45.7 W. 49. 58.0 | 42.4 98.7 | 88.1 | 0.180
Sat, 13 | 29.849 | 57.8 | 539 S.W. | 498 | 62.4 | 47.4 92.1 | 41,1 _—
Sun. 14 | 29.830 | 57.8 | 52.2) S. 5L1 | 67.5 | 52.1 100.4 | 47.3 | 0.010
Mo, 15 | 29.714 | 528 | 46.1 |W.S.W.) 52.6 | 66.2 | 52.0 988 | 47.1 | 0.010
Tu. 16 | 80.077 | 47.1 | 488 | S.W. | 50.4 | 51.6 | 42.5 88.0 | 881 | 0.023
Means| 29.924 | 51.2 | 47.2 52.8 | 59.7 | 45.3 909 | 41.1 | 0.332
|
REMARKS.

10th.—Rather hazy forenoon, dull but dry all day; wiod rising at night.

11th.—Rain during the night, followed by a very fine day; windy at night.

12th.—Very fine all day, but rain at night.

13th.— Wind and rain during the night and in the morning; a dull day, with
a slight shower about 5 P.M. and very dark; starlit night.

14th.—Beautifully fine all day, and starlight at 9 p.at.; but before midnight the
wind rose rapidly, and by 1 a.m. it was terrific, and so contioued till
nearly 9 A M.3; raio fell about 6 a.m.

15th.—Wind and rain at 9 a.m., but soon becoming bright and fine, though
windy, all the forenoon; afternoonless bright; evening fine, but wiad
very high soon after midoight and duriog the early morning.

16th.—Rether a dull day, and much colder.

The most noticeable feature of the week was the extremely violent wind in
the early morning of the 15th; but it was not so great here asin other parts
of the country.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—OctToser 17.
A very dull market the last few days, large quantities of Apples remain-
ing on hand, reduced prices failing to effect a clearance. Kent Cobs a good
sale, quotations fully maintained.

FRUIT.
s. d. 8. d. s.d, 8. d
Apples... sieve 1 6to8 6 | Melons.. each 1 6to4 0
Apricots . dozen 0 0 O 0} Nectarin dozen 4 0 18 0
Chestnut bushel 0 0 O 0| Oranges .. #10010 0 16 0
Currants. ysieve 0 0 O O| Peaches....... - dozen 8 0 24 0
i 0 0 O O| Pears,kitchen.. dozen 10 8 @
10 80 dessert ..... ° ozen 20 4 0
0 4 O 6G | Pine Apples Ib 0 8 0
. 0 4 O 6| Plums..... . 0 12 0
0 0 O 0} Raspberries 000
i BB Oy iwwataatats 0 8 0
6 0 109 0 ditto....... 000

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day ENERO Sun Sun | M M 13 | Clock | D
ER 25— i Moon oon | Moon’s s ay
tn oe OCTOBER 25—31, 1877. LISS near | Rices Sota Rives, | Sets hee before via

Day. |Night.{Mean.| h. m.| h. m h. m:| ‘ho. m Days. | m. a.

95 TH 55.9 | 38.5 | 47.2 6 44 4 45 5 51) 10 47 19 15 50 | 298
26 | F 55.6 | 86.5 | 46.1 6 45] 4 48] 6 45/11 54 20 15 56 | 299
27 iS) J. Strutt born, 55.1 | 884 | 46.7 6 47 4 41 7 55) 0048 21 16 2] 300
28 | SUN | 22 Sunpay arreR TRINITY. 54.5 | 85.9 | 45.2 6 49/ 4 89] 9 17] 1 96 22 16 7 | 301
29 |M 54.0 | 85.7 | 448 | 6 SL 4 87) 10 44 1 54 (¢ 16 11 | 302
30 | Tu | Sale of Mr. Ralli’s plants at Cleveland House, Clapham | 54.9 | 88.5 | 46.8 | 6 53) 4 35} morn.) 2 15 24 16 14 | 3803
81 | W Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms. [Park. | 54.0 | 88.0 | 46.0 6 54/ 4 88] 0 11] 2 81 25 16 17 | 804
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 54.8°; and its night temperature

PREPARING FOR WINTER IN THE KITCHEN
GARDEN.

ANY owners of gardens, especially those of
the amateur class, think that when the
§ kitchen-garden quarters are cleared of their
summer crops it is not necessary to do any-
thing to the ground until it is wanted again
for next year’s crop. This is certainly the
easiest way of gardening, but it is not by
any means the best either for the ground
or what has to be put in it, nor those that
expect anything out of it. Turning over
the soil and leaving it as rough on the surface as possible
is the first thing we do at this time of the year as the
ground is cleared of any kind of vegetable. The ground
is very firm on the surface after most crops have been
removed: if left like this during the winter neither frost

nor wind, both excellent fertilisers, would ever penetrate |

beyond the surface. Heavy land especially is greatly
benefited by exposure to the atmosphere in winter, and
the lightest of soils is sweetened. We do not dig-in any
manure now, as much of it would be decayed by cropping-
time. This is put in when the ground is again dug, im-
mediately before the crop is put in.

Not a weed should be allowed to grow amongst any
winter vegetables, especially amongst low-growing crops,
such as Spinach, Turnips, Endive, Lettuce, &c., as the
more these are sheltered, drawn-up, or protected in any
way now, they will be the more tender in the colder
months to come. Plants are also much more liable to
damp and decay when closely surrounded by weeds than
when everything is clear about them. One good cleaning
now will keep them right for the winter. Weeds look
as untidy in the kitchen garden in winter as summer.
Those on the ground now will grow if left all winter, but
if they are cleared away now no more will spring up for
some months.

We lifted all our Carrots the other day; it is not wise
to leave them in the ground after the end of this month.
Clean the soil roughly off them as they are dug up, lay
them out thinly in an open shed for a few days to dry,
and then store them in a cool shed or cellar, putting
layer after layer amongst dry river sand. Beetroot is
stored in the same manner, but when it is lifted the
leaves are not cut off close to the crown like the Carrots,
but they are twisted off with the hand a few inches from
the crown to prevent bleeding. When cut close they
lose much of their juice. Parsnips we leave in the ground
all winter, only lifting a few when frost threatens. Sal-
safy istreated in the same way. Onions have been under
cover for some time; most of them are strung and hung
upinashed. This is the best way of keeping them.

Young Cauliflower plants for early spring planting are
dibbed closely together in a two-light frame. The lights
are never put on unless in a continuance of rain or frost.
Sometimes we never cover them with elass at all, but
put a hurdle over the frame in hard weather and cover
it over with dry bracken. This reminds me that this ig

No. 863.—Vou. XXXIII., NEw SERIES

| one of the very best covering materials.

|

Wherever it
can be had, no time should be lost in cutting and laying
in a large rick of it. There are some hundreds of acres.
in the deer park attached to the Castle here covered with
bracken, so we have no difficulty in getting what we want.
It is an excellent protector and not so littery asstraw. We
not only use it for frames, but spread it lightly over
Lettuce, Endive, and such-like things when frost occurs,
and find it answer capitally.

Small Lettuce, to stand the winter and plant-out for the
early spring supply, should never be protected excepting
when it is actually necessary. Ours remain in the bed
in a south border in which they were sown until they
are finally planted. Many err in covering up these kind
of things now when there is no frost but only a little
cold at night ; this blanches them and makes them tender,
when they should be hardened to withstand the frost.

Care should be taken not to over-earth Celery ; always
leave the centre above the soil, or the centre heart may
decay in the damp days in winter. In the time of snow
or frost bracken is an effectual covering for Celery.

Begin blanching Endive some weeks before it is wanted.
In dry weather it is a good plan to tie the whole of the
leaves up in a bundle at the top. In wet weather the
centre often rots when tied up. Previous to the middle
of October we tie them up; after that time we lay thin
deal strips over each row, and blanch it in this way.

As soon as Asparagus stems begin to wither they should
all be cut off, the bed cleared of weeds, and then covered
over to the depth of 2 or 3 inches with rich dung. We
shall begin lifting the roots for forcing the first week in
November, to have a good batch of it in by Christmas.

Peas and Dwarf Kidney Beans are nearly over; stakes
from these, if not rotten, may be stored away for mixing
amongst new ones next year. Our outside Dwarf Beans
are succeeded by those in deep frames, and seed will be
sown in pots about the end of this month to come in
about Christmas when the kitchen delicacies are scarce.
Rhubarb should be covered over like Asparagus.

All kinds of Winter Greens should be gone over every
other week and all decayed leaves removed. By break-
ing and turning a few leaves over the heads of Broccoli
when they are beginning to show through the small
centre leaves, they keep for several weeks longer than
when left exposed to the weather. Cabbages to come in
about May next year may yet be planted. Dutch-hoe
frequently amongst those planted some weeks ago, and
as soon as they are tall enough draw a little soil to their
stems.

Globe Artichokes should be cut down to about 1 foot
from. the ground, then pack some bracken or long litter
close round the stems without ccvering the top. Jeru-
salem Artichokes we leave in the ground and lift ag.
yequired.

Old plantations of Strawberries should be trenched
down 2 feet at once. Leave the soil rough on the surface
asin digging. Ido not see many recommending it, but
we always fork-in a quantity of manure between our
Strawberry rows about this time. Strawberries which

No.1517.—Vou. LYIII., OLD SERIES.

290
320

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER,

{ October 25, 1877.

have been planted for two or three years require assisting
with manure, and I find it does them most good when forked-
in about 2 inches below the surface.

Fruit trees we never plant until the leaves are fallen, but
preparation may be made for planting them now by getting
some good loam together, and chop it up ready for putting to
the roots as soon as planting begins.—A KircHEN GARDENER.

, THA ROSES.

Iam of opinion, from the little experience I have had with
Tea Roses, that a great future is in store for them andus. I
believe they have never yet been grown to anything like per-
fection. They are often worked on the wrong stock, generally
placed in a wrong position, and always coddled too much.

They will not last long on the Manetti unless they are
planted sufficiently deep to form roots of their own above the
union. As standards they are generally miserable objects; on
cultivated seedling or cutting-Briars as dwarfs they do fairly
well under favourable conditions ; but where the soil is suitable
I prefer them, as I do Perpetuals, on their own roots. Indeed
Tea Roses on their own roots have more advantages than
Perpetuals have, because the very life of a Tea Rose is its
suckers. When it ceases to throw-up strong shoots from the
base it is nearly all over with it.

Cuttings are very easy to strike. July and August are
perhaps the best months to insert them, as they only require a
hand-glass. and a little shade, but half-ripened shoots will
strike freely at any time in a cold close frame. I prefer getting
them rooted, polted-off, and partially hardened before winter,
giving them just sufficient shelter to prevent them losing their
leaves during the first winter, and potting them on in January,
never allowing them to become anything like pot-bound or
stunted, for if such a thing once happens they are afterwards
only fit to be thrown away.

If intended for planting-out, 8-inch pots will do for them,
and are none {00 large, as they ought not to be planted-out
before the end of May, and then if all goos on well they will
produce some good flowers in the autumn. If intended to be
grown in pots the above size is not large enough to carry them
through the summer, and they ought, if want of indoor space
prevents it in the spring, to be placed in pots 10 or 12 inches in
diameter early in summer. I have a batch of plants, little
more than twelve months old now, which have produced a few
fine blooms through the summer, end promise to make large
plants in the spring. They have lately been shifted into
14-inch pots, and will be kept in a house where the frost is
merely excluded. They will not cease growing under these
conditions, and will throw-up a few odd flowers through the
winter and bloom profusely in April and May, or earlier if
assisted with a very little warmth. Forcing spoils them.

. The soil used and recommended is fresh turfy loam, mostly
in pieces from the sizs of a hen’s egg to that of half a brick, a
good sprinkling of half-inch boiled bones, and a little charcoal.

For Tea Roses out of doors I believe the best possible
position, in the southern and western counties at least, is a
well-drained north border adjoining a hothouse or other build-
ing, to the walls of which the shoots can be tacked and be free
from much frost and also much gun, while they enjoy full
exposure to the air. Amongst several plants in such a position
a@ temporary roof was erected over one last winter, and that
very plant, selected because it was a good one, was the first to
have mildew and has done the worst ever since.— Wu. Taynor.

TRANSPLANTING FRUIT TREES.

Ty the description of the destruction of property during the
late hurricane mention is made of the uprooting of hundreds
of Apple trees in Herefordshire; but unless these trees ware
old I should think that this accident may turn out beneficial
rather than otherwise. It is proverbially an ill wind that
blows nobody good. Has not Nature, in this case of uprooting
Apple trees, herself done whet cultivators have been go often
enjoined to do in vain? Will not trees when replanted be
more likely to yield iruit in future years? I have myself this
year gathered delicious Apples from a tree which was trans-
planted two years ago; but my experience has been not so
much with Apple trees as with Peaches and Nectarines in
the orchard house, and it has taught me that an uplifting of
trees planted in the ground in alternate years is a good pre-
ventive against the growth of gross wood. Trees will grow
thusif not disereetly checked. It is one of the arts of orchard-

house culture to restrain over-luxuriance, for those gross shoots
which look go well to an inexperienced eye produce only barren
shade. The Romans knew this full well. Your classical
readers will no doubt remember the lines in which a youthful
poet—after describing the causes of such fertility, that Bacchus
wondered at his own Grapes and Minerva at her own Olives,
and the weight of the fruit was so great as to threaten to break
the branch unless a prop were placed underneath it for its
support—proceeds :-—
“ But since the Plane tree, whose umbrageous leaves
Afford a barren shade, most praise receives,

We too the bearing trees, if such am I,
Broader and more luxuriant leaves supply.”

Now mark the result :-—
** And now no crop is gathered year by year.”

My advice is, any time after the leaves have fallen, lift all
those trees which have been making gross shoots. I urge this,
not because it is a novel expedient, for it has long been recom-
mended by the best authorities, but because I have found it
by my own personal experience to answer, and now is the time
to be thinking about it. Take that opportunity to give your
trees a good winter dressing, so as to keep them free from
scale, aphides, and red spider. Gishurst is a good compound
for that purpose.

I yentured in the earlier part of the season to give your
readers some account of the quantity of fruit in my orchard
house this year. Out of the 1600 fruits I suppose as many as
500 fell off in the stoning, but the remainder proved excellent
in quality; no sleepy Peaches, no woolly ones, but all luscious.
One Peach in particular (not one of those turnips that you
sometimes see among the clingstones in October, but soft and
meliing) measured 113 inches in circumference. While so
many lost their hopes of a crop in the spring I attribute the
preservation of mine to the good effect of lamp stoves in keep-
ing out the May frosis. I find in my cordon border along a
back wall 12 feet high an alternation of trees in 20-inch pots
with those in the ground a satisfactory arrangement in the
case of single cordons.—H. W. Hopson, Ashwell Rectory.

WINTERING GHRANIUMS.

WHENEVER I see information given on wintering these plants
T note that it is not of an encouraging kind to ‘ small people”
like myself, and yet those are the very people who are chiefly
interested. A light place would, according to our instructors,
appear to be indispensable, such as a greenhouse. No doubt
2 greenhouse is a great advantage to a garden, and is the best
place for Geraniums ; but I have wintered hundreds of plants
without their having been in a greenhouse, and they have
proved very useful. I have a greenhouse it is true, and this I
fill with Geraniums—young plants which are struck in August.
These are wintered in boxes, and in March they are ‘‘ turved”’
(not potted) and placed in turf pits. These make fine plants,
which commences flowering early and are pianted in the more
prominent positions in the garden. But several hundreds of
plants are required in addition to those for planting in borders
and beds in different parts of the garden, and these are pro-
vided on a plan which may be a rough one, but which is none
the less useful, for the plants secured by it make a fine late
summer and autumn display.

The plants are simply taken up in October and are divested
of all the fibrous roots. The tops are also cut off, leaving not
more than half an inch of the mainshoots. The wood there is
quite brown and hard, and is not prone to decay; at any rate,
decay is prevented by dressing the wounds with dry fresh lime
at the time the plants are cut down. These stumps—for
stumps they are—are closely packed in boxes of moderately
moist soil, which is placed firmly round the roots. By making
the soil firm sufficient moisture is retained to keep the stumps
fresh without watering them during the winter. Ii the soil is
loose it speedily becomes dry, and when water is applied in
winter decay succeeds.

The boxes are placed in an old building which is nearly dark
and nearly frost-proof, and all that is required to preserve the
Geraniums is to cover them with perfectly dry hay during
severe weather. They are examined occasionally, and if there
is any evidence of mould a prompt application of dry lime
checks it at once.

Eyentually buds are formed on the stumps, and shoots suc-
ceed—white if in the dark, green if under the infinence of
light. The great source of danger consists in the eyes pushing
too soon and before the boxes can safely be removed to a light

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. :

iE)

21

position, such as a turf pit or cold frame. ‘Che best means of
averting this danger is deferring the cutting-down and boxing
to as late a period as possible. If the plants are cut down and
placed in the boxes during the first week in October fresh
growth will commence in November if the weather is mild, and
failure is then likely to result; but if the work is not done
until the last week in the month, then the eyes remain dor-
mant until January, which is a great advantage, for before
the shoots become drawn the boxes can be placed in a light
position.

They are removed to pits and frames as early in the spring
as possible. Some are potted, some inserted in square turves,
and some replanted thinly in boxes in light fresh soil. They
then make fresh roots quickly and grow as freely as weather
will permit. The shoots are thinned out; this is important,
and fine plants are produced by the end of May. When the
boxes of plants are brought from their winter quarters they are
placed under glass for a time, at least as many of them as can
be so accommodated, and the others are protected as best they
can be. Some of these die, but many live and flourish.

I learned this plan of preserving Geraniums in a nobleman’s
garden where thousands of plants were thus wintered and
managed annually, and I have seen it successfully practised by
a cobbler who has no glass except the windows of his shop and
dwelling, and his garden is far brighter than those of his
neighbours.

In cutting employ a very sharp knife, and cut the branches
off where they are quite hard and close to the main stem.
Trim the roots somewhat in the same proportion, removing
the soft fibres, and with a little attention the unsightly stumps
will in a few months become attractive plants.—A Groom AND
GARDENER.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

ANYONE using gas lime as recommended by your correspon-
dent ‘‘ W. G.” (page 287), believing it will prevent the Potato
disease, will, I fear, be disappointed with the result. We have
used it in the following manner without success.

The end of last autumn we had a plot intended for Potatoes
dressed with gas lime, using, as near as we can judge, 1 ewt.
to a pole of ground. The lime was left exposed to the weather
during the winter. In spring the plot had s heavy dressing
of old decayed vegetable soil. The soil had been prepared in
winter by being turned and well mixed with a good dusting of
gas lime. In March this was dug in, and Potatoes planted
at the time of digging. I have never seen Potatoes so badly
diseased as they were this season from that plot treated as I
have described. We did not use lime thinking it would pre-
vent disease, but to check wireworm, which it did to a great
extent.—THomas CoomBeER.

FLOWER GARDEN NOTES.—No. 2.

Arrer the early part of August we had rain almost daily,
July being a wet month, telling disastrously upon Roses, yet
we had some fair flowers, some, indeed, fine. The best were
Alfred Colomb, Francois Michelon, La France, Baroness Roth-
schild, Marquise de Castellane, SénateurVaisse, Charles Lefebvre,
Madame Lacharme, Madame Victor Verdier, Dupuy-Jamain,
Claude Levet, Thomas Mills, John Hopper, Prince Camille de
Rohan, Boule de Neigo, Etienne Levet, Comtesse d’Oxford,
Exposition de Brie, Queen Victoria, Francois Courtin, Jean
Dalmais, Edward Morren, Louis Van Houtte, Maréchal Vail-
lant, Charles Rouillard, Baronne Louise Uxkull, Annie Laxton,
Felicien David, Miller Hayes, Thomas Methven, Marquise de
Chambon, Madame Chirard, Madame Boll, Madame Clert, La
Ville de St. Denis, Duchesse de Caylus, Dr. Andry, Capitaine
Christy, Baronne de Prailly, Bessie Johnson, May Turner,
Arthur Oger, La Souveraine, Antoine Moutin, Sir Garnet
Wolseley, Princess Antoinette Strozzio, Mariette Biolay, Miss
Hassard, and Olga Marix. Gloire de Dijon was, as usual, fine
as to flowering, but the summer blooms were all ‘‘ quartered,”
scarcely a flower passable, yet it fully redeemed its character
in September, and is now (October) giving some good blooms,
being the best of the few autumn bloomers we have this year,
followed by Alfred Colomb, La France, Charles Lefebvre, Olga
Marix, Sénateur Vaisse, Baroness Rothschild, Boule de Neige,
Thomas Mills, Francois Michelon, Frangois Courtin, John
Hopper, and Madame Lacharme. The Bourbons have plenty
of buds all ‘‘ glued” up, or very imperfect flowers. They
seldom do any good in autumn in this part (North Riding of

| Yorkshire), it being usually too cold and wet.

The best this
year have been Reine Victoria, Baron Gonella, Sir Joseph
Paxton, Armosa, Catherine Guillot, and Louis Margottin.
None have stood the wet and cold better or so well as the old
Blush or common China, which is really very pretty in the
bud, and forms a fine bed; Cramoisie Superieure also forming
a fine mass. The continual downpour was too much for the
foliage, which was to a great extent mildewed; the parasites
and the wet weather combined have stripped many plants of
their leaves, they being as bare of foliage now as we usually
find them here in December.

Gladioli of the Ramosus section did not flower until the
early part of September, and are more irregular in flowering
than has been the case previously. I do not consider the
plants of the same kind not all flowering together any draw-
back, but rather advantageous, as the continuity of flowering
is considerably prolonged, there being fully 2 month between
the first to flower and last—indeed more, some not having
flowered as yet (October 6th), being later than many kinds of
Gandavensis. The spikes of Ramozus are much more useful
for cutting than those of the more shapely Gandavensis vars.,
some of them, as Ne Plus Ultra, having a fine branching habit,
which amounts to as many parts for cutting as there are
branches, and a spike or branchlet with two or three expanded
flowers is as useful for vases as a spike as many feet in length.
I usually cut the spikes when the lowest flowers on the spike
are fully expanded. The peeping flowers are an attraction,
they opening as certainly in a cut state as upon the plant; in
fact, the spikes last a long time, as we have only each time the
vases are supplied to remove the faded flowers, cut off a corre-
sponding length from the stem, and the spike is as good as
the day it was first cut, and continues until every bud is blown.
No flower surpasses the Gladiolus as acut flower. The Gladioli
season is opened early in June with Byzantinus, Communis
albus, Communis roseus, Blandus, which has the advantage of
being sweet; Cardinalis and its variety roseus, and Colvilli
with its variety alba, certainly one of the finest for cutting.
These are all hardy, succeeding in any well-drained soil,
planted about’ 4 inches deep. They increase rapidly, forming
fine clumps, which require to be taken up about every fourth
year and divided. September or early October at the latest is
the time for renewing the clumps. Fresh-planted bulbs are
not nearly so effective the first season as subsequently; in-
deed, they annually increase in effect as the masses become
established. They do well in peaty soils and sandy loams well
drained.

The Ramosus hybrids are almost equally hardy, and ought
not to be taken up ennually, nor at all only for purposes
of increase, and then planted again as soon as possible. I
planted dry bulbs this year and have lost several from “yellows,”
being unable to account for the irregularity of flowering in no
other way than that the roots had been taken up before they
were matured. When left in the ground I de not remember
to have seen a single plant collapse of ‘‘ yellows.” I shall
leave the Ramosus vars. in the ground, and have some hanker-
ing after trying the Gandavensis vare. in the same way, as our
soil appears to suit the bulbs well, being a vegetable one of a
sandy character overlying a cool bottom. A neighbour leaves
his bulbs in the ground, the soil being well drained; ‘‘ All that
is wanted,” he says, ‘‘is afree open soil and situation sheltered
from winds, mulch, and watering copiously during growth.”
All I can say is, my friend has some grand spikes and laughs
at the mention of ‘‘ yellows.” Taking up, he insists, is only
necessary in heavy wet soils and for trade purposes. ‘‘ It only
weakens the bulbs, late planting and early lifting ruining them.”
Be that as it may, over-stimulation may have eomething to do
with it, and so it will ever be with plants cultivated upon the
high-feeding system essential to secure the spike and flowers
that can only satisfy exhibitors. There is one peculiarity of
Ramosus vars. that is not often recognised—namely, they last
longer in bloom than Gandavensis vars., the family giving
matchless spikes for cutting from June to December, the
cutting not impairing but adding to the vigour of the bulbs in
a future season.

Phloxes, herbaceous, were kept from flowering by the rain
and cold, and it is a flower that will stand as much wet weather
ag most; but the end of September setting in fine, and October
promising to bea, real Michaelmas summer, the plants recovered
wonderfully and produced some immense heads of flowers, finer
indeed than at any earlierdate. It is surpricing how the roots
increase, what great clumps they become ; a mass a yard across
and as much or more high, with a hundred stems, each sup-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ October 25, 1877.

porting a bouquet of flowers, make a grand display in her-
baceous or shrubbery borders. All they require is a free soil
liberally manured and an open situation. No plants surpass
them for affording a quantity of effective beautiful flowers
with so little trouble and expense. The only trouble is to keep
the clumps within bounds and manure in mulch form liberally.
A collection, or rather selection, should be in every garden,
alike for effect and cutting from.

Pyrethrums were fine in June, but the late-summer or autumn
flowers have not made their appearance. There is no plant that
slugs are so fond of as this; to keep them under sprinklings of
soot should be given, and in winter some sharp ashes placed
around the crowns are a good application, as the pests when
having their own way make quick work of the plants. Dusting
with quicklime destroys all the slugs it falls upon.

Pinks did well, but Carnations, especially Cloves, were much
damaged by the wet, the fiowers rotting ; those having the
fullest flowers—i ¢., most petals—were glued up, those rather
thin opening more freely. The end of September and early
‘October (the promise being yet good) being finer than any
previously. Their great beauty and fragrance are always
appreciated; indeed no flower, excepting the Rose, is held in
higher esteem.

Stocks had their central spikes good, when the wet com-
pletely converted them into a rotten mass; the flowers being
individually large only helped the ruin. The plants struggled
on bravely, and are now finer than I have ever seen any in
October. The per-centage of single to double-flowering plants
was greater than usual. I consider fully two-thirds of the
plants had single fiowers, a characteristic of Stocks in general
this season.

Asters did not so much as show colour until the cloze of
September, it being remarkable what an influence sun exerts
upon plants, and surprising what a few days’ bright weather
effects. The season has certainly been too cold for them.

Marigolds have given very indifferent flowers—very coarse
and badly marked. An improvement has been induced by the
weather. September shows should this year have been held
in October. African Marigolds stood the weather much better
than the French.

Dahlias, notwithstanding the wet, have flowered well and
grown strongly. The Dahlia is one of the very best of flowers
for a display in late summer, the dwarf varieties making grand
beds, and the bouquet sorts are truly superb for decorative
purposes.

Verbenas have been wretched, the great trussed kinds being |

the worst, and the pips of none can long withstand rain.
The erect growers, as Lord Raglan, have been the best ; those
of prostrate babit have done nothing but grow.

Scabious, than which there are not many sweeter useful |

flowers for cutting, grew luxuriantly, and are now rewarding
with a profusion of perfect half balls in various shades of
eolour. I wonder prizes are not offered at late summer shows
for cut blooms. They are handsomer and in greater variety of
colour than Marigolds.

Phlox Drummondi made strong growths. These are really
very useful and effective plants with a great diversity of colour
and marking. Prizes for a dozen heads of flowers—distinct
varieties—should form part of the schedule of all late summer
shows. The flowers withstood the wet well, and will continue
flowering until frost.

Sweet Peas, which combine delicate sweetness with beauty of
flower, were practically useless until late September, when they
flowered profusely. I would even offer prizee for these as cut
flowers—any and every plant in fact that affords variety,
being of a useful decorative character—with a view to encourage
a taste for those plants within the reach of everyone. Double
Jacobeea, double Indian Pinks, and many others may be named
as very effective and of the easiest culture, that are well worth
the attention of the framers of schedules, whose chief aim
appears to be to honour what are chiefly luxuries of the
wealthy, instead of fostering a taste for hardy plants at the
command of everyone possessed of garden grounds. Great
sums as prizes for material that is more to be measured by the
means at command than upon the skill required in cultivation
lead but to one result—the bringing-out of ‘‘ lions” paraded
from one show to another, ths same plants doing the grower or
purchaser justice for years. It frustrates the aims of the pro-
moters—the advancement of horticulture, andits dissemination
among the masses.

Hollyhocks may, as regards flowering, be put down a failure.
Not a flower expanded until October; but as it is said to be

“ better late than never,” so it may be with this stately flower.
Taken altogether there are more flowers this year in October
that at any earlier period. The weather appears to have
suited very few plants; notable exceptions are the Primula
family, Daisies, and the genus Viola. Pansies are blooming
as freely now as in early summer. I had some seed of the
French Impératrice Eugénie, and such a mottled, dotted,
striped variety of flower I have not before seen, nor in so great
variety of colour. No one can but be interested by such great
diversity of flowers, some of them being really marvels of tint
and shades of colour, a few having really well-formed flowers.
They beat the Belgians hollow.

There is a great promise of Violets (Victoria Regina and
Neapolitan), and we have been gathering them since the middle
of September. Hardy spring flowers are remarkably vigorous,
giving promise of a great bloom in due season.—A.

NEW HYACINTH GLASS.

Messrs. Stevens & Wututaus of Brierley Hill Glass
Works, Staffordshire, have
f recently registered a new
Hyacinth glass with sup-
port, of which we append
an engraving. When not
required for Hyacinths the
glass can be used for cut
flowers. The rod does
not at all interfere with
the bulb, as it can be ap-
plied by means of aspring
outside the glass, thus ob-
viating the employment
of any hooks or screws.
The supports for the leaves
and flowers are made of
brass bands, the flat sides
of which alone touch the
plant. By this means ac-
cidental bruising or cut-
ting is prevented. These
supports are also so ar-
ranged that they are able
to slide up and down. The
top support is capable of
admitting the spike of the
flower without any diffi-
culty, and itis at the same
time of sufficient strength
and firmness to uphold
the largest Hyacinth.

Fig. 62.

IMPROVEMENT OF LIGHT SOILS.

Ir is just possible that the statement of ‘ Ci1rENcESTER
AmaTEUR”’ on page 290 in last week’s number may deter some
readers of the Journal, whose garden soil is too light to pro-
duce good Strawberries, from trying the great improvement
they may efiect at a slight cost by surface-dressing their soil
with a moderate quantity of clay in preference to burying it,
otherwise I wonld waste neither your space nor my time in
noticing his assertion that ‘‘it would be necessary to go at
least 5 feet deep,” &c. Deep cultivation is all very well, but
has anyone ever prepared a bed for Strawberries 5 feet deep ?
We may next be called upon to prepare for Radishes yards
long, and Carrots running down to the greensand. But aiter
all, in such a matter no amount of argument is worth one
carefully conducted experiment.

Let anyone make a bed on light soil according to ‘‘ CrrEn-
CESTER AMATEUR’S” instructions of any novelty he recom-
mendsg, and prepare a similar bed for British Queen by spread-
ing 3 or 4 inches of clay on the surface, leaving it exposed for
the winter, and then mixing it in with the top spit just before
planting, which should be done with runners from a nursery
bed early in the spring. The next season, immediately after
the fruit is gathered, the plants are to be dug up and replaced
with the earliest runners that can be obtained, or plants from
a reserve bed the same as the first season, and so on for a
season or two, till it is evident whether the permanent bed of
novelties, said to be suited to light soils, or the British Queens
are the best.

October 25, 1877. ]

JOTRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

323

Three or four inches of clay will practically convert the top
spit into loam. After some years I should trench and clay
again. In most districts a little judgment and forethought
will provide all the clay that may be required at a trifling cost ;
but if every load has to be carted from a distance I should
adopt a plan, which I believe is carried out at Loxford Hall
gardens by Mr. Douglas, of placing a shovelful of strong loam
round the roots of each plant as it is put out. Few of your
readers can have worse soil to contend with or produce better
results.—Essex.

FILBERT CULTURE IN KENT.

Tux Filbert (Corylus avellana)—a corruption of ‘full beard,”
as it was originally styled, to distinguish it from smaller
nuts—so highly appreciated at dessert, is cultivated extensively
in the neighbourhood of Maidstone. It is not grown to any
extent beyond a circuit of seven or eight miles round that
town, though there are a few plantations at Ightham, about
thirteen miles north-west of it, and in the West Kent fruit-
growing district. It does well upon the soils of the ragstone,
but thrives exceedingly upon the Atherfield clay, locally called
the ‘‘coomb,” which has been described as follows by a prac-
tical farmer :—‘‘ There is a very narrow belt of land running
along the escarpment of the ragstone, which, though of a very
heavy and adhesive texture, is astonishingly productive in Hops,
fruit, and grain.’ The situation best suited is a southern
slope, sheltered from rough winds, which are apt to enap off
the delicate shoots in the early spring and bruise the blossoms.
Filbert trees are always grown on cultivated land, planted
under standard Apple, Pear, and Plum trees. Fruit bushes
gre generally planted as well. Filbert trees are set about
13 feet apart, giving 257 trees to the acre: they are invariably
propagated by suckers obtained from old trees, and put in
nurseries until they are two or three years old, being carefully
pruned and trained to the required form.

The first operation in an established Filbert plat is to open
® small trench round each trea, to get the suckers or “ spawns”’
from off the roots and lower part of the stems. Rags, shoddy,
fur-waste, sprats, ‘‘sheep-trotters,” hop-bines, are used for
manure. Digging the land is done with the spud peculiar to
Kent, before Christmas if possible; before the trees are pruned,
that the bloom, which appears very early, may not be rubbed
off. Pruning or cutting Filbert trees is 2 most elaborate pro-
eess. Hach branch is examined by the tree-cutter, who leaves
the finest young wood that he sees, or ought to ase at a glance
if he knows his business, to be bloom-bearing, and cuts away
all wood of coarser, older growth, comparatively unfruitful.
The “ bloom,” or cluster of pistilline flowers, is remarkably
pretty, like a small scarlet star upon the extremities of the
shoots. It is fertilised by the ‘‘catkins,” as the stamineous
flowers are called, growing on the same branches, some of
which are left by the jndicious cutter. After the pruning the
trees look mere skeletons. A stranger who had seen Filbert
trees thus naked and forlorn in the winter would be surprised
to see them in September with a wonderful wealth of leaves,
branches, and nuts upon them. A typical tree has a stem of
about 2 feet in height, from which the branches are trained to
spread out laterally, and to form a centre of a saucer-like
shoot, with a diameter of 7 or 8 feet, and a height of about
4 feet. After pruning, nothing is done until July, when most
growers have the long suckers taken from the middle of the
trees, and the leading shoots are broken off to relieve them
from the burden of supporting unproductive wood. Mr. Webb
states that he saw some Filbert trees near Maidstone which
had grown 40 Ibs. of nuts on each tree. A crop of a ton, or
even more, is occasionally grown; but the average yield may
be set at about 8 ewts. per acre.

Filberts are frequently sold on the trees, as the growers
have Hops to attend to, and do not want the trouble of pick-
ing and selling them at the busiest time of the year. They
are for the most part sent to Covent Garden in sieves which
hold about 28 Ibs. of green and 40 lbs. of ripe or harvested
nuts. It is customary to send a portion of the crops to Lon-
don when the bunches are quite green, and the kernel not by
any means developed. There is a certain demand for these,
as they look well on the table, though at this time they have
but a mere soupcon of the true Filbert flavour. When Filberts
sell well at this stage some growers send their whole crop up,
as the weight of green nuts is nearly double that they would
have if duly harvested.

Prices of Filberts range from 5d. to Is. per lb., according

to the supply. They are not much influenced by the com-
petition of foreign nuts, none of which have the flavour or the
appearance of the genuine Kentish Filberts, although the
quantity of nuts of all kinds imported is very large. The value
of the imports of this duty-free fruit, which chiefly comes
from Belgium, France, and Brazil, amounted to £584,325 in
1875, as against £408,291 in 1871.

The Kent Cobnut, or Lambert’s Filbert, is superseding the
old-fashioned Filbert in a degree, and is generally preferred
for new plantations ; it is a much larger nut than the Filbert,
with a thicker shell, and is a more hardy and more abundant
bearer. As these trees do not thrive so well under standards
as Filberts, they are now generally planted by themselves,
with bushes under them, or with Plums, Damsong, or half-
standard Apple trees. They are treated in the same way,
requiring, perhaps, to be cut a little harder than Filbert trees.
A casual observer would not notice the difference between
Cob and Filbert trees, but their leaves are different ; the whole
growth of the former is more vigorous, and its ‘‘ bloom,’’ or
pistilline cluster, is darker than the Filbert bloom. As a rule,
Cobnuts make rather higher prices than the Filberts,—(Royal
Agricultural Society’s Journal.)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION.

As the shows of this fine autumn flower are approaching, a
few hints on the management of exhibition blooms may not be
inappropriate. Last year the best kinds opened very early,
and such as Beverley, Aurea Multiflora, Prince Alfred, Queen
of England, Empress of India, and several good varieties were
over before showing commenced. This year the plants are a
little later, and good stands ought to be forthcoming. I have
frequently noticed flowers staged with very bad centres, some
flat and reflexed, others with too much centre through not
taking them in hand sooner. If the plants be looked over
carefully, or rather the flowers, every day, taking each flower
about fourteen days before it will be up in the centre, and take
the eye carefully away with a pair of tweezers, then by tying
the flower down facing the floor or stage will make a great
difference in the appearance of it when wanted for the stand,
especially such sorts as Queen of England, White Globe,
Empress of India, Prince Alfred, and all the long-petaled
varieties. It will also retard the flowers if getting too forward.
Some will say flowers well grown should not have an eye, but
it is almost impossible to grow them without. Also, when the
flower comes very full without an eye the middle of the flower
often spoils a stand through the petals being small and often
of another tint of colour; therefore, all this should be re-
moved as I said above, and in the same manner as the eye.
It will be found that the space will soon be covered by the
other petals. Such kinds as Aurea Multiflora, George Glenny,
and Mrs. G. Rundle seldom want dressing at all unless exposed
to too much sun, which is very injurious when the flowers are
erect, but if suspended will not injure them so much. This
will be found a far better practice than to place the blooms
in dark sheds and cupboards, as I have seen done frequently,
which destroys the colour of the flower before half open. I
have seen Golden Eagle, Rey. J. Dix, Princess of Wales, and
other varieties exhibited with not an atom of their true colour
left through being exposed too much to the sun.

The very best way to bloom the Chrysanthemum, to obtain
superior flowers and good colour, is to place the plants in a
vinery or Peach house, if span-roofed so much the better,
placing the pots at the sides of the house and tying the
plants to the wires, allowing the flowers to hang down. They
will enable the cultivator to look into his flowers and keep
them free from vermin much better than when the plants
are crowded together in a large bed. I have written more
for the instruction of the young beginner than for the expe-
rienced exhibitor.—J. P.

THA ROSE NARCISSEH.

I counp never discern why this little gem of a Rose has not
found more favour with the Roge-growing public. If I were
asked to name one Rose for general usefulness I should not
hesitate for a moment to say Narcisse. I am fully aware of
the ‘‘ old Gloire’s’’ claim. . I do not forget many others; their
worth is fully acknowledged when I say, Give me Narcisse for
any of them.

“But itis a Tea,” you will say, ‘it is too tender.’’ Nota
bit of it; it is as hardy as old Gloire, and such a little beauty,

324

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 25, 1877.

when once you have it nothing will induce you to give it up.
Its lovely soft, delicate, creamy-coloured buds render it a per-
fect button-hole flower. I have never found lady or gentle-
man that would not always have it before any Rose that I
could give them, and most strange it seems, it was new to most
if not allof them.

A gentleman said to me one day early in the summer, ‘‘ Ah!
how much I should like a house to grow such exquisite Rose
buds as you always have.” This very bud was plucked from
an old standard some eight or ten years old, and had been
replanted last autumn. This samo old standard Narcisse has
produced more Roses than any half-dozen Rose trees in the
place. This says not a little for its hardiness. Its beautiful,
clean, bright foliage stands out most conspicuous amongst all
others in this most trying season of blights of all sorts.
Never before did I see mildew and rust so bad as this season.
Plant Narcisse in a sheltered situation, worked on the Briar,
prune but little, feed it well, and you will have Roses early
and late from it; in fact, it is difficult to go for a bud and
be disappointed. I daresay I have had not less than four
dozen buds off this same old tree this summer, No Rose is
equal to it for bouquets. Itis simply lovely so uged ; it is fine
for ladies’ hair as well as for placing in rooms, &e. May I not
ask, Why is this good Rose not often met with ?—J. Taynor,
Hardwicke Grange.

GRAPES CRACKING.

Ar page 272 Mr. Harris seems to be of opinion that it is not
within the compass of man to solve the mystery of Grapes
cracking, and Mr. Inglis at page 285 is of opinion that atmo-
spheric humidity is the cause. My theory to some extent
clashes with both, still I hope to be able to bring forward facts
which will substantiate my theory.

I believe there are varieties which are more liable to crack
under certain conditions than others. Much, I believe, depends
on the constitution of the variety.

Many will remember the humid state of the atmosphere
last autumn, and how badly Grapes kept. I had a house with
afew Black Hamburghs and White Frontignan still hanging
init. The Hamburghs were totally destroyed with crack and
mould, but not one berry of the Frontignan was affected; and
I believe that its firm Muscat flesh and dwarf habit just saved
it, while the soft sappy berries of the Hamburghs had a greater
affinity for the damp which brought their ruin. This result
I believe rests entirely in the difference between the two Vines.

Cracking arises generally from two causes brought about by
the same thing—the want of moisture at the root and in the
house. After a spell of dry weather we generally have a spell
of wet weather, which not only saturates the border but creates
much moisture in the house. If the Vines have not been
sufficiently supplied with water during the drought they will
now gorge themselves at both roots and foliage. The skins of
the berries having become hard and brittle from want of mois-
ture will not expand suddenly, hence they crack. This applies
more particularly to those varieties having a voracious nature,
such as Madresfield Court, White Tokay, Lady Downe’s, &e.
Last season I had a clear proof of this. In a vineryI had a
few Muscat Hamburgh and Lady Downe’s; the former is
characteristic of being very moderate in its demands for feed-
ing—so moderate, it is often not able to perfect more than
half a crop; and although the border was deluged with rain,
and the atmosphere at the point of saturation, not a single
berry of this Grape either moulded or cracked, while, on the
other hand, nearly all the Lady Downe’s did. I believe the
reason they cracked so badly was, they were kept too dry out-
side and in.

I have Madresfield Court grafted on Black Hamburgh in an
early house, where it gets lots of moisture, and I have little
or no cracked berries. I know it was sparingly supplied with
sap, as it never coloured right till after some of the Hamburghs
were cut from the Vine; then it coloured, as if by magic, jet
black.—B. G., Co. Down.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—PHLOXWORTS.

Turis is one of the choicest of all the numerous families of
our hardy border flowers. I believe we are indebted to the
North American continent for the choicest of these our spring
beauties. They are deserving of every attention that can be
afforded them, and when well grown they cannot fail to give
satisfaction. They attract attention by their compact habit,

bristle-like leaves and stems, and their carpet of lovely flowers
in the sunny days of spring. I have proved their merits under
a variety of circumstances. Jor indoor decoration in pots in
early spring they are invaluable; and on sunny slopes, on the
rockwork, or in the border, they are highly attractive. They
are worthy of a place also on the exhibition table.

They are a very accommodating race of plants, and are of
easy culture. They succeed well in any ordinary garden soil,
but they are impatient of much moisture. For lines and
edgings in the spring garden and for beds and patches they
scarcely have an equal. They are quite at home on the lime-
stone, and I think in such situations their flowers are particu-
larly deep in colour. They are readily increased by division
after flowering, or by cuttings during summer and autumn in
well-drained pots in sandy soil, in a cold pit, or under hand-
lights in a shady situation. They must be kept free from
damp. Ihave never been able to increase them by seed—i.e.,
those dwarf spring-flowering varieties. Iam not nowalluding
to the splendid kinds that belong to the florist-flower depart-
ment, of which there are so many magnificent varieties in cul-
tivation, but to our little spring gems.

One of their greatest recommendations is that they are
cheap and within the reach of all who have any pretensions to
spring gardening or border decoration. A bed of Phlox verna,
known also by the names of P. reptans and P. stolonifera, rooting
from the runner-joints like the Strawberry, is one of the most
beautiful. Phlox subulata, with its white variety known as
P. Nelsoni, make a charming pair. Phlox frondosa when in good
trim gives us sheets of lovely pink flowers, lasting a long time
in bloom; it is one of the very best rock plants we possess.
P. canadensis is a useful plant; it is one of the tallest of the
dwarf kinds, and deserves more attention than it is at present
receiving. P. procumbens, P. ovata, and P. suaveolens are all
worthy of extensive cultivation. P. setacea is one of the
dwarfest growers of the family; there is a white variety of
this species, but it is of delicate constitution, and is seldom
met with in cultivation.—VERITAS.

RAISING TREES FROM LEAVES.

Tue first who made this art known was Agostino Mandirola,
Doctor of Theology, an Italian minorite of the Franciscan
order. In a small work upon gardening, printed for the first
time at Vicenza, in duodecimo, in the year 1652, and which
was reprinted afterwards in various places, he gave an account
of his having produced trees from the leaves of the Cedar and
Lemon, but he does not relate this circumstance as if he con-
sidered it to be a great discovery; on the contrary, he appears
rather to think it a matter of very little importance. His book
was soon translated into German, and his account copied by
other writers, such as Bockler and Hohberg, who were at that
time much read. A gardener of Augsburg, as we are told by
Agricola, was the first who imitated this experiment, and
proved the possibility of it to others. He is said to have tried
it with good success in the garden of Count de Wratislau,
Ambassador at Ratisbon from the Elector of Bohemia. But
never was this experiment so often and go successfully repeated
as in the garden of Baron de Munchausen at Swobbler. A
young tree was obtained there from a leaf of the Limona rivo,
which produced fruit the second year. It was sent to Mr.
Volkamer at Nuremberg, who caused a drawing to bs made
from it, which was afterwards engraved, in order that it might
be published in the third volume of his ‘‘ Hesperides;”’ but as
the author died shortly afterwards it was not printed. The
exact drawing as it was then executed at Nuremberg, and an
account of the whole process employed in the experiment at
Swobbler, were published by the Baron de Munchausen him-
self from authentic papers in his grandfather's own hand-
writing. No one, however, attracted so much attention to this
circumstance as the well-known George Andrew Agricola,
physician at Ratisbon, who, with that confidence and prolixity
which were peculiar to him, ventured to assert that trees could
be propagated in the speediest manner by planting the leaves,
after being steeped in a liquor he had invented ; and for the
truth of the assertion he referred to his own experience.
Among the naturalists of that period none took more trouble
to examine the possibility of this effect than Thunning, who
endeavoured to prove that not only leaves with eyes left in
them could in well-moistened earth throw out roots which
would produce a stem, but that leaves also without eyes would
grow up to be trees. Baron Munchausen, on the other hand,
assures us that, according to the many experiments made in

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER. 825

his garden, one can only expect young plants from the leaves
of those trees which do not bring forth buds; that experiments
made with the leaves of the Lemon tree had alone succeeded,
but never those made with the leaves of the Orange or Lime
tree; and that Agricola and Thunning had erroneously im-
agined that the leaves themselves shot up into trees, their
midrib becoming the stem, and the collateral ribs or veins the
branches. It is probable that the well-known multiplication
of the Indian Fig gave the first idea of this experiment; for
every joint of that plant stuck into the earth, and properly
nurtured, throws out roots and grows. As these joints were
commonly considered to be leaves, people tried whether other
leaves would not grow in the same manner. Luckily those of
the Lemon tree were chosen for this purpose, and what was
expected took place. Thus from a false hypothesis have new
truths been often derived; and thus was Kepler, by a false and
even improbable opinion, led to.an assertion, afterwards con-
firmed, that the periodical revolutions of the planets were in
proportion to their distance from the sun. But the raising of
trees from leaves was too rashly declared to be a method that
might be generally employed, for it is certain that it now seldom
succeeds.—W. R.—(Journal of Forestry.)

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

THE importation of Porarozs this year is much larger
than in 1876. In September of this year 184,459 ewt. were
imported; and in the same month of last year, 176,348 cwt.

Amonesr the many fine examples of Palms and Tree
Ferns in the conservatory of Mr. B. §. Williams of Holloway
is a noteworthy example of Topra arricanA. The specimen
has been recently imported. Its stem or trunk is about 5 feet
high, is roughly triangular in form, and measures nearly 9 fect
in circumference. It has seventeen crownsfrom whence healthy
fronds issue, these measuring from 3 to 5 feet in length. ‘The
plant is a very striking feature in the conservatory, and is
much admired by visitors on account of its singular form and
venerable appearance.

—— We haye received the Rrrort on THE Brissane Bo-
TANIC GARDEN, and are pleased to see that it testifies to the
successiu] management of its Curator, Mr. Walter Hill. The
glass structures, the drainage, and other details have been
improved; 104,000 cuttings, 22,000 roots and bulbs, 21,326
plants, and of seeds 1046 packets and 46 Ibs. hava been distri-
buted among public and private establishments.

—— An American bouquetist observes that a very pretty
and tasty BouguEr for summer time may be made of scarlet
Geranium, Begonia Weltoniensis, or some other pink flower,
Catalonian Jasmine, Browallia elata (blue), and a few Fern
leaves. he first two varieties should be used for base flowers,
the next two for projecting, and the Ferns for edging. In
making the bouquet alternate the scarlet Geranium and Be-
gonia. It is immaterial that these flowers be packed together,
ag the Browallia and Catalonian Jasmine will make the bouquet
light and graceful. These two should be cut from the plants
with long stems, as the buds are almost as pretty as the
flowers. They should be projected about 3 inches above the
other blossoms. There should be about twice as much Jasmine
as Browallia, as a very little blue will make a much greater
effect than the same quantity of white. Edge the bouquet
with some light and graceful Fern leaves, and a gratifying
result will follow. A round-top nosegay is preferable to any
other style when made as above described, because the pro-
jecting flowers show with ereater effect.

—— In reply to ‘F.,” who has sent us e M.S. on plants
written by Str Jonn Himt, it is sufficient to state that he was
@ physician, but wrote upon any subject the booksellers paid
him for. Amongst his publications were poems which oc-
aoe many satires, amovg the most clever of which were

686 :-—

“The worst that we wish thee
For all thy yile crimes
Is to take thy own physic
And read thy own rhymes.”
The rejoinder to which was—
“No! Let the order be reversed,
Or he'll not rve his crimes;
For if he takes his physic first
He’ll never read his rhymes.”

Sir John Hill died in 1775.

— Tue American Cultivator truly observes that Porato
Tors are valuable either as a green manure for ploughing under

or as an addition to the compost heap. The stem and leaves
of the Potato contain a good per-centage of the most’ valuable
organic and inorganic elements of plants. According to From-
berg 100 lbs. of the leaves in their natural state contain from
0.82 to 0.92 lbs. of nitrogen, or 100 lbs. of dry leaves contain
5.12 to 5.76 lbs. of nitrogen. By every ton of Potato tops
ploughed under we add to the land about 50 lbs. of inorganic
salts, and a quantity of organic matter containing 20 lbs. of
nitrogen, or about 23 lbs. of ammonia. The best Ichaboe or
inferior African guano yielded but 9 to 10 per cent. of ammonia,
hence one ton of Potato tops may in this respect be compared
to 250 lbs. of cheap guano.

GuvEe For Damp AtuosPpHERES.—A glue, fast in damp
atmosphere, for fastening labels on preserve bottles may be
made by macerating five parts of good gluein from eighteen
to twenty parts of water for a day, and then adding to the
liquid nine parts of sugar candy and three parts of gum arabic.
The mixture can be brushed upon paper while lukewarm ; it
keeps well, does not stick together, and when moistened ad-
heres firmly to bottles. For labels to be used in places subject
to damp it is well to prepare a paste of good flour and glue, to
which linseed oil, varnish, and turpentine have been added, in
the proportion of half an ounce to the pound. Labels pre-
pared in the latter way do not fall off in damp places.

— Waitrne to the ‘‘ Journal of Forestry’? on the im-
portance of TRENCHING THE GROUND FOR TREES, ‘‘ THE SqurireE’s
Otp GARDENER’’ narrates the following experience :—About
twelve years ago a gentleman having determined to make a
considerable number of clumps or plantations on various parts
of tke estate, it fell to my lot to see to the work being done in
a proper manner. I advised my employer to have the whole
of the ground trenched 2 feet deep, which he at once agreed
to have done. The soil varied from good loam to stiff clay,
and in some parts a shallow sandy soil resting on rock, the
stone cropping up in places at less than afoot deep. Before
the work of trenching was completed my employer was advised
by a person in whom he had great confidence that Iwas put-
ting him to a great deal of unnecessary expense, and that if
holes were dug 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep it would answer the
purpose, and act as well as the trenching I was giving it, and
so the trenching was stopped, and ‘holes were dug in ‘the re-
meinder of the ground, and the young trees were planted.
They consisted of Spruce and Scotch Fir, Birch, Elm, and
Poplar, as well as various kinds of dwarf shrubs, all being alike
strong and healthy plants. The planting was done in Novem-
ber, and every tree lived for the first two years, all appearing
to flourish alike; but then we had a very dry hot summer,
when a change came quickly over the scene. Where the soil
was trenched the trees seemed to revel in the heat, and sent
their routs deep down into the good soil prepared for them,
while the plantations on the ground not trenched appeared
scorched and stunted and all growth stopped, many of the
trees dying, and those that remained alive never recovered
their former vigour.

IN THE NORTH.—No. 3.
NEWTON STEWART.

In my report of the Galloway Rose Show I have alluded to
the zeal for horticulture which is manifested in this far south-
west corner of Scotland, and have spoken of one of the places
in the neighbourhood where a good example of gardening is
set, but I think a somewhat more detailed account of it and
another of the country houses in the neighbourhood may not
be uninteresting to the readers of the Journal. They do not
pretend to be show places nor even to be great gardens, but
they are none the less a proof of how widely extended is the
love of gardening amongst us.

PENNINGHAME CASTLE.

This beautiful spot, the seat of Stopford Blair, Esq., is
situated about four miles from the town of Newton Stewart
amidst the most lovely wild scenery. Seeing it as we did on
a brilliant day in July when it was looking at its best, we can
well understand how much its owner must rejoice in it when
escaping from the bustle of a London season. Doubtless it
tells (like most country places, and especially those in moun-
tainous districts) a very different tale when wintry weather
prevails. The Castle stands on an elevated plateau overlook-
ing the river Cree, and the view irom the flower garden in front
of the house commanding that of the windings of the river is
very beautiful. The beds in the garden were well filled with

326

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTI'AGE GAKDENER.

[ October 25, 1877.

the usual bedding plants, although, like every other place that |
I have seen this year, they were three weeks behindhand. |

The houses are situated in the kitchen garden, which is walled
in; and although small in extent, showed in all the depart-
ments the results of care and attention, which after all go a
longer way in the ordering of most things, gardens included,
than very great cleverness. Having with me two of our very
best rosarians—Mr. George Paul of Cheshunt and Mr. Cant of
Colchester—we had a talk over the curious way in which the
Roses are affected, and to which I made allusion last year, the
leaves all curling and blistering-up as if they would never do
any good, but getting the better of it as the season advanced.
We diecussed the various causes that might effect it—the soil,
want of manure, so that the plants were probably deficient in
vigour, situation, &c.; but I think we all came to the conclusion
that it was due to atmospheric changes. The cold north-

easterly winds, which, severe as they are everywhere, would
when they occur perhaps be more injurious in so generally
mild a climate ; and yet there must be something also in the
special situation, for I saw nothing of it among the other Rose-
growers in the neighbourhood. My two companions were as
much struck as I had been last year with the beautiful Tro-
pxolum speciosum, which was full of bloom, and would, we
were assured, so continue until cut down by frost. No matter
what was the situation or position it throve well: springing
out of a gravel walk, under Apple trees, or on a warm border,
it seemed alike to flourish, and displaying in all directions its
brilliantly coloured scarlet flowers; but I imagine in our more
southern climate that it will do best with a north aspect.

The season has been here, as everywhere, against the pro-
duction of out-of-door fruits; but the various small fruits were
abundant and all paris of the vegetable garden in good order

Fig. 63.—PENNINGHAME CASTLE.

and the cleanliness and order of everything reflected much
credit on the painstaking gardener Mr. Duthie.

CAIRNSMORE,
The then residence of Mr. Stewart, whose death I saw an-
nounced the other day in the Times, is an old-fashioned place,
but its laird was an accomplished botanist, and in his garden

had managed to get together a fine collection of the old herb- |

aceous plants that our fathers used to delightin. In an evil
hour he engaged a gardener who looked upon all these things
as weeds and nothing to be compared with the brilliant reds
and yellows of the modern style of bedding-out, and so, as the
old laird was not able to get about as he used to do, he had
it somewhat in his own way. However, there is a dawn of
better things, and the collection is gradually coming back to
its former condition. The garden is large, the soil good, and

both afford by their large wide borders great facilities for the |

growth of herbaceous plants. Amongst other things there
was a bed of Primula japonica, which I was told when in bloom
was the most brilliant thing imaginable. Fine clumps of the
old Dictamnus Fraxinella were most beautiful. Lovely little
bushes of Menziesia and the white variety of it, grand pieces
of Spirea, were here to be seen in full bloom; then as we
walked round fine masses of Delphinium, Phloxes, and other
plants of a similar character everywhere met the eye. It may
be prejudice, but I cannot but think there is more pleasure

in going round such an old-fashioned garden as this and
| meeting everywhere some fresh beauty, than going to some
| spick-and-span place where there are fresh masses of colour
and trimly arranged beds over which the scissors has so
constantly to pass; for while in a kept garden there must
of necessity be some violence done to natural growth, yet this
excessive trimness is a violation of all the canons of good
taste. Rhododendrons, of which there is an excellent col-
lection of fine named varieties, flourish here, as do all shrubs,
most vigorously.

I wrote last year of the difficulties under which my friend
| Mr. Mackenzie follows out his gardening tastes; let me only
add this year that he is still manfully fighting against the rude
elements, and has by his example done much to encourage the
taste for horticulture in and around Newton Stewart. By-the-
by, last year I said the town seemed to have no higher industry
than sawing wood and curing bacon. Let me correct myself,
for I was this year shown some of the most artistic and novel
| inventions in the way of toilet ware I have ever seen. The
inventor is Mr. Vernon, and the great novelty of it consists in
| the letting-in of indiarubber to the bases of the jugs, basins,
| &e., used; so that they are perfectly noiseless, and the possi-
| bility of breakage reduced to a minimum. They are most
| artistic in design, and I have no doubt by-and-by when they

come to be more fully known will meet with general adoption,
and both Mr, Vernon and his fellow townsmen may be well

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

327

a

congratulated on the marked proof of inventive genius and
talent they display.

In my notes of the Rose Show I have stated what I cannot
but reiterate, that nowhere amongst my wanderings do I meet
with more thorough kindheartedness and hospitality than
amongst the lovers of gardening in this somewhat remote
Scottish town; and in this I shall, I am sure, be joined by
Messrs. George Paul and Cant, who were my companions on
this occasion.—D., Deal.

DEATH OF MR. THOMAS RIVERS.

Iv is with feelings of great regret that we have this week to
announce the death of Mr. Rivers of Sawbridgeworth, which
took place on the evening of the 17th inst., about half-past
eight o’clock, in the 80th year of his age.

now among the oldest existing in this country, were commenced
some time between the years 1720 and 1730 by John Rivers,
who was a native of Berkshire, and so they have been in the
possession of the same family for a century and a half at least.
The extent of the grounds at that time and for some years
after was, like the beginning of most great enterprises, limited,
and might be regarded as an easy-going common-run sort of
country nursery, the produce of which consisted of anything,
no matter what, by which an honest penny was to be earned.
Fruit trees and forest trees for the neighbouring gentry,
Cabbage plants for those who had gardens, and market-garden
produce for those who had none; flowers, fruit, and nosegays
were alike in readiness for all comers, and, that the tastes of
each might be further gratified, one of the staple commodities
was a glass of good currant wine. To such an extent did this
last branch of the business become, that in 1761 we find his

Fig. 64.—Mr. THOMAS RIVERS.

_For a long time past the sad event was looked forward to by
his family and those who were most intimate with them with
feelings of sadness and of hope—of sadness at the prospect of
parting, and of hope that a life of so much energy and useful-
ness would not be prolonged in a state of suffering ; for during
the last four or five years Mr. Rivers has been a confirmed
invalid, and totally laid aside from work of any kind. Though
his mental faculties were sound to the last he has long suffered
from disuse of the lower limbs, and the disease from which he
suffered appears to have been a sort of creeping paralysis,
which gradually extended upwards till it reached the vital
parts, and thus ended peacefully a life of marvellous energy,
an intellect of no ordinary compass, and the work of one who
has added perhaps as much as anyone to the pleasures and
enjoyments of his fellow creatures.

Mr. Rivers was born at Sawbridgeworth on the 27th of
December, 1798. He came of a long line of ancestors who
had followed the same calling in the same place for nearly
a century at the time of his birth. The nurseries, which are

son and successor, Thomas Rivers, actually built, for the pre-
servation and maturation of his domestic vintage, an immense
vaulted cellar, 30 feet long by 10 feet wide—a fact which ho
recorded, for the information of subsequent generations, on &
square stone bearing the initials of his name and the date of
the year when the event took place. The cellar is still in ex-
istence, and is now applied by the present proprietor for the
purpose of a fruit room, and a very excellent one itis. The
house at that time was known by the sign of ‘‘ The Fox;”*
and the swinging board, which for several years battled with
many & summer’s breeze and winter’s blast, is still in posses-
sion of the family, having been converted into an article of
household furniture ; but the pictorial delineation of ‘‘ The

* Many of our readers may not be aware that it was customary in those days,
and for many years afterwards, for nurserymen and seedsmen to designate
their establishment by such signs. The more common were “The Acorn,”
“The Rose,” &e. George Ricketts, at Hogsden (Hoxton), adopted ‘‘ The
Hand;” Edward Fuller, in'the Strand, ‘‘ The Three Crowns and Naked Boy ;”
and Francis Weston’s, in the Strand, was known by “The Flower de luce.”

328 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURH AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 25, 1877.

Fox,” and the announcement of the host, ‘I shall be at home | derived from the sun and the shelter of the glazed roof. The

myself every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday,” have un-
fortunately been obliterated. This Thomas Rivers was the late
Mz, Rivers’s grandfather's uncle, and was so successful as to die
the proprietor of the place he and his father had previously
occupied as tenants.

The nursery grew in extent and importance with every
change of successor, and on the retirement of his father in
1827, Mr. Rivers took the whole responsibility of the establish-
ment on his own shoulders, so that from that time what was
comparatively of moderate extent gradually increased till it
became what it now is, one of the largest in this country.
In those days the plants cultivated were of a miscellaneous
character, and such as were to be found in a well-appointed
country establishment; but Mr. Rivers was always quick to
perceive the rising of a popular attraction, and the first
speciality to which he directed his attention was the exten-
Sive cultivation of the Rose. Formerly standard Roses were
all imported from France, and Mr. Rivers set himself to pro-
duce at home what had hitherto been a lucrative article of
commerce with the Paris and Rouen nurserymen. His at-
tention was first directed to a specimen of the Apple-bearing
Rose (Rosa villosa), which had been planted by some of his
joredecessors, and which had by treatment and age acquired
the habit and magnitude of a little tree. This induced Mr.
Rivers to train up plants of this species as standards; but it
was found to be too tedious a process, and his attention was
then turned to the ready-made standards of the Dog Rose
which bs found in the woods and hedges of his native county,
on which to bud the choice varieties. In 1833 Mr. Rivers pub-
lished his Catalogue of Roses, of which Loudon said, ‘‘ This
we consider to be the most useful catalogue of Roses in the
Hnglish language.” This was an imperial foliosheet for send-
ing as a single letter by post. ‘The Rose Amateurs’ Guide”
first appeared in 1837, and in the space of forty years it passed
through no less than eleven editions. This was the first really
practical work on the Rose which had appeared in the English
language, and it soon attained a reputation which established
it and its author as the leading authoritieson the subject. Mr.
Rivers was also a raiser of Roses from seed, and there are
many who still remember his George IV.

Although fruit trees had always been among the leading
articles of the Sawbridgeworth as of other nurseriss, about the
year 1840 Mr. Rivers began to turn his atiention more in that
direction, and to give special attention to their culture, and so
in that year he published the first edition of the Catslogue
which in subsequent years has become go familiar to fruit-
growers. In this year also appeared the first edition of the
« Miniature Fruit Garden,’ which was the outcome of articles
he had communicated to ‘‘Loudon’s Gardeners’ Magazine”
on root-pruning. Although root-pruning had been practised
for centuries before, and the late Mr. Beattie of Scone Palace
had not long previously advocated the practice, it needed an
energetic mind like Mr. Rivers’ to give it an impetus and to
force it on the attention of the public. This he did, and did
successfully, through the ‘Miniature Fruit Garden,” which
from 1840 to 1877 passed through eighteen editions, and has
been the means of revolutionising the whole system of fruit
gardening in this country. The first ideas he obtained of this
system of fruit gardening were during a continental tour through
France and Belgium, where he found small trees skilfully
managed by being kept within small compass taking the place
of the wide-spreading overshadowing standards and dwarfs that
were sO common in our own limited gardens. This mode of
fruit culture has now taken root in the country, and where one
or two trees formerly occupied a large space of ground a great
number of small trees easily protected are now grown, afford-
ing a good supply of fruit and in greater variety.

About the year 1848-49 Mr. Rivers first conceived the orchard
house. At that time the writer of this, on one of his visits
to Sawbridgeworth, was conducted by Mr. Rivers to a part of
the grounds where there were small square spaces enclosed
with Beech hedges. These are frequently met with in nur-
series as places for sheltering the more tender and delicate
plants from storms and cutting winds, and it was one of these
spaces that Mr. Rivers had covered with a glazed shade, the
walls being nothing more than the Beech hedges. Within the
space a turf bank was thrown up by way of a stage, and the
path was slightly sunk to afford head-room. In this structure
Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots were growing in pots and
Jaden with fruit. No ventilation was required, for the air per-
colated through the Beech hedges, and the only heat was that

success that attended this essay induced Mr. Rivers to attempt
a more substantial structure, which resulted in the glazed roof
being supplemented with boarded sides, and ventilation being
admitted by openings at the front and back. This was found
to be an improvement on the original erection, and in 1850
Mr. Rivers published the first edition of the ‘‘ Orchard House.”
It was a pamphlet of very modest pretensions, and was written
with the laudable object of its proceeds being applied to the
repairing fund of the old parish church of Sawbridgeworth.
The publication was very successful, and the amount obtained
for the repairs was £189, which entirely cleared-off the debt
which had been incurred. The first edition was in the form
of a pamphlet the ordinary size of his nursery catalogues,
and it passed through several editions in this shape; but this
with his other works was ultimately issued in the duodecimo
size in which they now appear. In the preface to the first
edition the author anticipates the pleasure he was providing
for those who love the pursuit of gardening. He says, ‘‘ The
method of culture given in the following pages has been to me
a pleasant relaxation from the cares of an extensive business,

and I feel convinced that it may be made equally agreeable to —

a2 numerous class of busy men who make their gardens a source
of untiring quiet enjoyment.”

The hold which the introduction of the orchard house took
upon the gardening public was firm and rapid. The little
work in 1859 had passed through five editions, and in the pre-
face to the fifth we find these words :—‘ Orchard houses are
now familiar things; hundreds are now rising up all over the
face of the country ; no garden structures have ever so rapidly
advanced in popularity. That they deserve to be popular I
am more than ever convinced, and I cannot help feeling grate-
ful that, through the exercise of my humble literary ability so
much good, because so much intellectual pleasure, has been
derived from this new mode of cultivating fruit trees.’ The
popularity of this work rapidly increased, so that in 1877 it
had passed through fifteen editions.

But besides those works that were published separately Mr.
Rivers contributed voluminously to all the current periodicals.
His first appearance publicly was in ‘‘ Loudon’s Gardeners’
Magazine” in 1827, when, under the signature of ‘‘ Matus,”
he gent an article on ‘An Orchard in Miniature; or the
Culimrs of Apple Trees as Dwarf Standards after the manner
of Gooseberry Bushes.” This, however, was not the precursor
of the “‘ Miniature Fruit Garden,” the principle of which rests
on root-pruning, end in this that operation is never mentioned.
It seemed to consist in selecting the dwarf-growing varieties
of Apples, such as the Nonpareil, for the purpose of grafting
them on Paradise and Crab stocks. In the subsequent volumes
of the Magazine his name as T. Rivers, jun., frequently occurs
as a constant contributor. Mr. Rivers possessed a ready pen,
and he was ever ready to communicate to others the knowledge
which he had himself acquired, and of this the readers of this
Journal can fully testify. For nearly thirty years he made the
Journal of Horticulture one of the chief channels through which
he diffused his extensive knowledge, and scattered the seeds of
instruction far and wide to appreciating readers in these king-
doms and their colonies.

In 1870 a movement was set on foot to commemorate the
services rendered by Mr. Rivers to the cause of horticulture.
This took the form of a memorial portrait, to which a large
number of his admirers subscribed, and the amount being
much more than was needed for the portrait, the balance was
giyen over to the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. An
admirable portrait was secured, and it was handed over by Dr.
Robert Hogg, who initiated the matter, to the Trustees of the
Lindley Library, and if is now suspended in the hall of the
Royal Horticultural Society along with those of Sir Joseph Banks,
Professor Lindley, Mr. James Dickson, Mr. James Veitch, Rev.
Joshue Dix, Mr. John Standish, and Rev. M. J. Berkeley.

During the last few years the Sawb ilgeworth Nurseries
haye been under the direction of Mr. T. Francis Rivers, and
they will still be continued under his management. That he
may be long spared to continue and still further develope the
resources of this great industry is, we are sure, the hope of all
who hold in honour the family name.

GOLDEN QUEEN GRAPE.
IT ax not sure that I can answer all the questions of “A
Grarn-GrowEr” which appeared in your last number, but at
least I think I can throw a litile light on what to him seems

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

329

darkness. Heseems to think that the prizes offered should have
been awarded to the Grapes shown, no matter in what condition
they were, because Golden Queen is a new and untried Grape.
Surely ‘‘A Grape-GrowER’’ must be aware that this “ new
Grape’ obtained its certificate in 1873, having then been
proved for three seasons at Chilwell; that since that date it
has keen shown, I believe, three or four times before the
Royal Horticultural Society’s. Committee; that it was also
shown at Carlisle, Derby, and the Alexandra Palace, where
there were not prizes specially offered for its appearance—for
aught I know it may have been shown elsewhere, but these
three cases I have heard of; that this ‘new Grape” has
been in the hands of the public for the last two years, and is
now offered in almost every Vine-grower’s catalogue.

‘(A Grape-GroweER’’ must, I think, admit that the Judges
of the Crystal Palace Show had some little experience and data
to go upon when they pronounced the three bunches exhibited
at the Palace unworthy of the prizes offered, even if Golden
Queen has not quite the known excellence of Black Ham-
burgh. That the Judges were entitled to withhold the prizes
I maintain, inasmuch as, having written to the Secretary of the
Show to allow us to offer the prizes at the Palace, we placed
the matter in his hands, and of course subject to the rules of
the Show, and advertised that the prizes would be awarded by
the Crystal Palace Judges.

I fear I have begun in the middle of “A Grapg-GroweEr’s”’
questions, and must now note some of his earlier points. I
hope I have shown by what I have written that we are not
what your correspondent calls the holders of a new Vine, but
that, on the contrary, Golden Queen is a Vine which has been
sent out two years, and I hope I may say with an established
reputation. Had it been otherwise we had been simpleindeed,
with a score or two of good bunches at home, to trust entirely
to chance to see it well shown at the Palace; at any rate, its
being shown well or badly will not make or mar its prospects.

As to your correspondent’s last remark, of everybody’s geese
being swans or something to that effect, I can only say my late
father sent out Golden Queen, and I think I may say with
safety that his character has been long enough before the
public to need no vindication from my pen.— ALFRED H. Prar-
son, Chilwell, Notts.

THE OLD MARKET GARDENS anp NURSERIES
OF LONDON.—No. 18.

Resvumine the subject of the suburb of Hammersmith I
remark that, being somewhat farther off than Kensington and
Brompton, and therefore rather beyond the influence of the
movement westward which has so revolutionised the suburban
districts in the vicinity of the Thames since 1830, it had, as
much as Fulham, quite the aspect until recently of a place
that had made up its mind not to be swallowed by the all-
devouring metropolis. Now, perhaps, Fulham has retained
more of its rurality, and the cause is obvious. At present
Fulham has escaped the noisy railway lines which, ramifying
across Hammersmith, have opened up new roads and called
into existence piles of new buildings constructed on what we
may term the ‘‘ Hodge-razor principle”? for the most part—
that is, built to sell or mortgage, but with slight regard fox the
health and comfort of the occupants. And it may be esteemed
a little curious, as Hammersmith was the early head quarters
of the manufacture of London bricks, that much of the
supply went to be used elsewhere ; and up to twenty years ago
Hammersmith with its park-surrounded mansions, its garden
grounds, and open fields where cattle grazed placidly, might
have deemed itself the rival of the northern Hampstead or the
southern Norwood, though the rapid changes in Kensington
should, so to speak, have made Hammersmith shake on her
foundations. Possibly the disappearance of the Cedar, to
which many a visitor was attracted as he passed through the
suburb, may have been esteemed a bad omen. There is a
place called ‘‘ The Cedars” in the Hammersmith Road, and
near these houses are two trees of this kind by no means
despicable, but they will rot compare with the original Cedar,
the memory of which has almost vanished. This was reputed
to be the finest produced in Britain; at its perfection the
branches extended at least 80 feet from the trunk, which was
16 feet in circumference, and the height 59 feet. It bowed to
the axe on September 1, 1836, yielding, it is said, 17,520 lbs.
of that valuable wood. There are many fine old trees about
Hammersmith still, chiefly Elms, Limes, and Poplars; the
Oak, however, is as scarce as in most London suburbs, though

Oak woods once flourished in this part of Middlesex, as witness
the not far distant ‘‘ Acton,” which is presumed to have been
originally ‘‘ Oak-town.’’ And as yet the axe and the spade
have left untouched Ravenscourt Park, the special delight of
Hammersmith folk, who can no longer boast that they observe
the old custom of tolling the curfew bell, though this was the
last of the suburban parishes to drop a usage which was
originated as a protection against fire. During the summer
season in bygone times, after the curfew, there would start
forth from the market gardens here quite a procession of men
and women carrying loads on their heads intent on reaching
Covent Garden about the day-dawn. ‘This expensive and
fatiguing plan of conveyance has been superseded, of course ;
nor are there now, as formerly, many girls engaged at Ham-
mersmith who have come from their homes in Shropshire and
Wales for a few months’ employment, to return in September.
Trish labourers are predominant, I think, amongst those at
present engaged in the market gardens, judging from the speci-
mens of dialect that greet the ear, nor is their urbanity at all
remarkable.

The public-house signs in a neighbourhood are frequently
significant; and at Hammersmith we have near the Vineyard
Nursery the sign of the ‘‘ Hand and Flower,” and at Brook
Green, once in the centre of market gardens, there is the sign
of “The Jolly Gardeners.” Possibly also the ‘‘Rose and
Crown’? may be reckoned with these, as it might have been
suggested by some loyal gardener. Other signs, such as the
“Plough and Harrow,” the ‘‘ Barley Mow,” and the ‘Cock
and Magpie” belong to the time when there were farmers who
grew Wheat and bred cattle and poultry in Hammersmith.
How much of significance there is in names that we often
miss! For instance, ‘‘ Bradmore,’’ which is attached to one
locality in Hammersmith, does not, to ninety-nine persons in
a hundred, convey any thought; yet there is reason to suppose
if represents ‘‘ broad mere,” pointing back to the time when a
broad mere or lake-like pond connected with the Thames was
situate here. Much of the land in Hammersmith must have
been under water in some seasons before the drainage was im-
proved—perfected it cannot be said to be; but as beneath the
surface soil there is generally sand or gravel, except in a few
places where loam prevails, it has always had the credit with
gardeners of being one of the best districts near London,
particularly for the culture of fruit.

Mention has been made of the establishment of the Messrs.
Lee, which is, as I understand, likely soon to be a thing of the
past in Hammersmith, for a sale has already taken place at
the time-honoured ‘‘ Vineyard Nursery,” and the business of
the firm will be carried on at their grounds farther out in the
suburbs. Hence houses will cover the spot sooner or later.
There may be, it is true, a ‘ Vineyard Terrace” or a ‘“‘ Lee
Crescent,’ I hope there will. Farther on in the main road,
and before the Broadway is approached, there is another nur-
sery of some standing occupied by Mr. Elmes, concerning
which there is nothing special to record; like its neighbour,
it is probably in peril from the builders. On the southern
side of the road, and extending towards the Thames, muck
land is under cultivation by Mr. T. Steel, whose name is a
familiar one amongst gardeners at the west of London, and
who will, I trust, steel his heart against the tempting baits
speculators may offer. This is not the only district where
market gardens are owned by that firm. In Hammersmith,
however, where every effort seoms to be made to get the most
from the land, the beauty of the scene is interfered with in
order to increase profit. Hence much of the orchard ground
has been cleared, a succession of vegetables being found more
advantageous than the production of fruit, especially as the
securing it from depredators is troublesome when the popula-
tion is numerous. From the yet remaining orchards in the
vicinity not many Cherries and Walnuts now go to the market.
though Apples and Plums may. Few Pear trees were planted
by the early gardeners, on the supposition that these did not
flourish here.

The nursery of Messrs. Colley & Hill had a frontage (a nar-
row one, I presume) in King Street, and the grounds extended
towards the Mall and overlooked the Thames. Vainly would
the visitor now seek for any traces of a nursery which in its
day sent many choice plants to public and private displays of
flowers. According to Faulkner the establishment at the
beginning of Her Majesty’s reign was noted for its Auriculas,
Dahlias, Verbenas, Fuchsias, Cyclamens, Tulips, Azaleas, and
Roses, with other things unenumerated no doubt, for the
worthy historian was evidently not very learned in plants, or

330

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ October 25, 1877.

he would scarcely have added that the firm had a good collev-
tion of ‘‘ hybreds.”’ I have been unable to ascertain when the
nursery was closed, but on some part of the land houses had
begun to be built twenty years ago or more, and probably like
some other nurseries its extent grew ‘‘small by degrees”
through portions being taken off for scattered houses, till the
remainder at last made way for streets. At Bradmore also,
when Faulkner wrote, Mr. James Lee, jun., had about eight
acres of nureery and garden ground, excelling in his Dahlias,
Pansies, and Pelargoniums. The nursery of Mr. Wells at
Brook Green, which is yet extant, was another of some repute ;
in 1838 there were attached to it seventeen acres. But the
market gardeners were more numerous than the nurserymen,
and amongst the principal of these forty years ago I find the
following specified :—Mr. Clarke, holder of fifteen acres, Brad-
more; Mr. Brookes, eight acres, Angel Lane; Mr. Deadman,
fifteen acres, Red Cow Lane; Mr. Masters, ten acres, Ham-
mersmith Road; Mr. Yeldham, ten acres, Fulham Road; Mr.
Dobson, eighteen acres, Pallingswick Green. Between Starch
and Brook Greens were Messrs. Browne, Hodges, and Martin,
with ten, twenty, and thirty-six acres respectively.

Then there were amateur gardeners at Hammersmith deserv-
ing of a passing notice; but there were never here, as in some
London suburbs, gardens belonging to the nobility, which
served to help on the progress of horticulture. Occasionally,
no doubt, Hammersmith nurserymen gained admission to the
grounds of the adjacent Palace at Fulham, more famous for its
flowers and shrubs in Georgian days than it isat present. The
name of Louis Weltgee is mentioned by writers on horticulture,
he being a successful raiser of seedlings, which he distributed
to a great extent gratuitously; he also devoted special atten-
tion to the Auricula and Pelargonium. Mr. Salter, in the
reign of William IV., was presumed to have one of the finest
collections of Iris in these islands at his garden near Shepherd’s
Bush. At this place was formerly the nursery belonging to
Mr. Plimly, who was also a market gardener. In his forcing
houses were to be seen, forty years ago, splendid specimens of
the Queen and other good varieties of the Pine. From Lord
Holland’s establishment he received early examples of the
famous Dahlia purpurea, which was raised in 1803 by his
lordship’s gardener from seed which that nobleman had brought
with him from Spain. And there formerly lived at Hammer-
smith an eccentric old gentleman of the name of Keene, whose
boast was of his garden in Vale Place and the Apricots and
Peaches he gathered there. With a love of gardening he com-
bined (oddly enough) a fancy for collecting black-letter books.
Harly in this century he was to be seen daily promenading the
main road in a “‘ brown suit of clothes surmounted by a brown,
unpowdered, and highly polished wig, topped by a shovel hat,”
and flourishing in his hand a‘‘ hooked crabbed stick of stately
dimensions.”
grower Mr. Strong.—C.

NEW BOOK.
British Industries—Horticulture. By F. W. Burviver. Lon-
don: Edward Stanford, 55, Charing Cross.

Unver the editorship of Mr. G. Phillips Bevan, F.G.S., a
series of volumes on the industries of Britain have been pre-
pared and published; and as horticulture was recognised as of
sufficient importance to be represented in the series, Mr. Bur-
bidge was commissioned to prepare the present volume. It is
necessarily in a great measure a compilation, and the garden-
ing press of this and other countries has been laid under con-
tribution, and official records have been utilised and books of
some private firms have been placed at the author’s disposal,
and the result is that horticulture for commercial purposes has
been shown in a plainer manner than it was ever shown before.
But the volume also contains much original matter—much that
is both entertaining, instructive, and useful. There are chap-
ters on fruit culture, vegetable culture, herbs, decorative plant
culture, hybridising, and plant propagation, Covent Garden
Market, fruit and vegetable preserving, gardening industry
abroad, with allusions to some collateral industries, and last
but not least in usefulness, a capital index. Such is the scope
of the work, its nature will be best appreciated by a few extracts.

After stating that the capital employed in the leading me-
tropolitan nurseries varies from £10,000 to £50,000, or even
more, fruit cultivation is thus aJluded to—

At the present time we are paying a sum of £6,000,000 annu-
ally for imported fruits alone, and yet news reaches us from the
Continent that fruit culture is being rapidly extended in many

At Brook Green resided the celebrated Tulip |

agricultural and pastoral districts, so satisfactory to the fruit
prowers are the prices now realised in our markets. France,
Jersey, Holland, Spain, Portugal, and Tarkey send us Grapes,
Melons, and Figs; the great bulk of our imported Apples comes
fcom France and America; Pears from France and the Channel
islands (from Jersey we annually receive £7 worth of Potatoes
per acre for the entire acreage); and during the earlier part of
the season, when Strawberries, Cherries, and Plums fetch good
prices, our own growers have but a poor chance of competing
with the continental cultivator, who, in addition to a sunny
climate, cheap labour and transit charges, and in most cases
freehold land, brings a vast amount of intelligent ability to bear
on fruit culture as a profitable industry.

Now that the acreage of our Wheat and Potato crops is de-
creasing year by year, and the production of meat is yearly be-
coming more risky and less profitable, it is a matter of great
moment that the importance of gardening as a food-producing
industry should receive that attention which it so well deserves.
That we should import Apples and other hardy fruits to this
country at a yearly cost of nearly £2,000,000 is all the more re-
markable when we consider how many thousands of acres of
cultivated land are annually devoted to a far less remunerative
industry—viz., timber-growing ; when thousands of acres are left
waste which might be made most profitable for fruit culture.

And now

That we have an ever-growing population of 30,000,000 people
to feed, and according to the latest reports only about 40,000 acres
of land specially devoted to vegetable gardens, the produce of
which is regularly marketed, it need no longer surprise us that
our trade in imported fruits and vegetables should be expanding
year by year.

The orchard, or hard-fruit growing, area of Great Britain is
given as being only 154,584 acres, or less than half ths return
for the American State of Illinois alone, where an area of
534,067 acres is occupied by orchards. Notwithstanding enor-
mous imports, however, current prices are maintained, or rise
ratber than fall, so that it seems that the demand still exceeds
the supply ; nor is this demand altogether owing to increasing
population, but rather to a growing taste for fruit and vegetables
as articles of food among the more intelligent of our labouring
population, who, it must be remembered, influence the sale of
food commodities far more than the wealthier clases.

The author further states—

That fruit-growing may become a remunerative calling to any
person of intelligence having a capital of from £100 to £1000
has been proved by the direct experiments of the Rey. William
Lea, M.A., whose work entitled ‘Small Farms: How they can
be made to answer by means of Fruit-growing” published at
the Journal of Horticulture Office, is one of the most concise
and valuable of any hitherto published on this branch of cultural
industry.

The cost and value cf growing different kinds of fruits are
alluded to, and there are chapters on the cultivation of vege-
tables, detailing the practice of the London market gardeners.

Decorative plant culture is thus referred to—

This branch of gardening industry has been wonderfully de-
veloped during the last twenty years, and an immense amount
of labour and capital has been devoted to the culture of orna-
mental plants in small pots suitable for sitting-room or window
decoration, and also to the production of choice cut flowers of
various kinds, from the choicest of tropical Orchids to the old-
fashioned Narcissus and Snowdrops of our gardens.

Some years ago immense profits were made by plant-growers
for markets, but competition in this branch of industry, as in
those of vegetables and fruits, has done much to reduce these ;
at the present time, as a rule, but little more is made than a fair
return for the capital and labour expended, and further compe-
tition in this field is not likely to be successful unless some fresh
line of culture is adopted, or some striking novelty introduced
into the market. In this branch of gardening the capital expended
varies from £100 to as much as £2000 and even £5000 per acre.

Nearly all plant-growers for market have something of which
they make a speciality. Mr. Beckwith of Tottenham sends to
market yearly from 80,000 to 90,000 show and fancy Pelar-
goniums. The plants of the show and fancy kinds are struck in
the spring, as early as cuttings can be obtained, and potted-on
till they occupy 48-sized or 32-sized pots. They are subjected
to gentle warmth, and abundance of air night and day when the
weather will permit, and are copiously watered daily. The only
kind of stimulant used in this great plant factory—for such it
may be called—is soot water, which is applied of different
strengths, according to the different stages in which the plants
may be. This has the effect of dispelling worms from the soil,
and imparting to the foliage a dark green healthy-looking colour.

Bulbs also occupy a very important position in this establish-
ment, especially Hyacinths and Tulips. Of the former between
60,000 and 70,000 are forced yearly. Mr, Beckwith always con-
trives to send twenty dozen pots of Hyacinths to market the

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

33

day before Christmas. Tulip bulbs are placed in shallow boxes,
in which they remain until flower-buds can be seen, when they
are lifted and potted four or five in 48-sized or 32-sized pots,
using good sandy loam for the purpose. The single Duc Van
Thol is the principal variety grown. Another market grower,
Mr. Reeves of Acton, imports and grows yearly as many as
160,000 Tulip bulbs. Mr. Smith, of Ealing Dean Nursery,
makes a speciality of Cyclamen culture, and yearly sends 10,000
or more to Covent Garden and other markets. A very large
house is devoted to the culture of Poinsettias, and a more bril-
liant sight than they present when in bloom can scarcely be
imagined, thousands of large scarlet bracts being open at one
time. These plants are grown in 48-sized pots, are about 12 or
15 inches high, and well clothed with large green foliage from
top to bottom. In addition to these several thousand Solanums
are grown, 10,000 Begonia Weltoniensis, 12,000 Cinerarias, and
as many Fuchsias. Some growers devote themselves to Migno-
nette, Heliotrope, Hydrangeas, and Asters; while others make
a speciality of white Arum Lilies (Richardia xthiopica), Pelar-
goniums, Fuchsias, and perhaps Chinese Primulas or Cinerarias.

We can only at the present make one more extract from the
chapter on collateral industries of gardening.

Directly and indirectly gardening industry is beneficial, as
aifording employment to thousands of persons, head gardeners
and their assistants, labourers, artisans, and others, to say
nothing of an immense number of extra hands, principally
women and children, who are employed in gathering fruit and
vegetables during the summer months. In our best market
gardens we frequently find three to five hands per acre, and in
nursery gardens of course the rate is much higher; indeed, gar-
dening is, of all forms of land culture, that which affords the
best market for labour, whether skilled or otherwise. Messrs.
Crosse & Blackwell inform me they employ regularly over a
thousand hands, and from three tofour hundred extra labourers,
chiefly women, during the fruit season, the annual amount of
wages paid by this one firm alone being £50,000; this expense
for labour is necessary to the due preparation and distribution
of 1500 tons of fruit, and 10,000 hogsheads (500,000 gallons) of
fruits and vegetables in a preserved state, either as pickles or
sauces; and among the ingredients necessary for this wholesale
conservation, we note 1200 tons of sugar, and about 500,000 gallons
of vinegar, the latter being prepared by the firm at their own
brewery. The consumption of corks, pepper, wire, paper, and
wood for packing cases, is proportionately great, to say nothing
of show-cards and the hundred little requisites of such an exten-
Sive business, We are not told the sum paid for the glass bottles
and porcelain jars in which these preserved fruits and vegetables
are packed previous to their distribution, but it must be some-
thing considerable.

Extensive as is the fruit-preserving and pickling industry in
this country, our American neighbours are ahead of us in the
matter, and, thanks to their rich and almost boundless tracts of
alluvial lands, they are enabled to supply half the world with
canned fruits and vegetables of excellent quality and at a cheap
rato. It has been estimated that of Cucumbers alone 100,000
barrels are pickled annually in the United States; these, on the
average, being worth £4 per barrel; if those put up in jara with
vinegar and spices be included, it gives a total value of £400,000
for this one product alone, to say nothing of Tomatoes, green
Corn, Cranberries, Bartlett Pears, Blackberries, Apples, and
other fruits, and the thousands of tons of Apples, Pears, Plums,
and vegetables now preserved by the Alden and other desicca-
ting processes.

We commend this modest little volume to our readers, and
believe that not many of them will rest satisfied without
reading it through. ;

SINGULAR TREES.

THERE are many species of trees growing upon the earth’s
surface of a very peculiar nature and entirely unknown in this
region of the world. For instance, the Brazilian Nut Tree, a
native of the country whose name it bears, affords a delicious
fruit and grows to an average height of 75 feet. The fruit re-
sembles a Cocoa-nut, and is about a third larger. Hach ball
contains from twelve to twenty nuts, three-cornered in shape
and nicely packed together. During the season of their falling
it is dangerous to enter the forest without a shield, as the
force of their descent is sufficient to knock down the strongest
man. In Guinea they have the Cannon Ball Tree, growing to
the height of 60 and 70 feet, bearing a flower remarkable for
beauty and fragrance, being of a brilliant crimson; the fruit
resembles large cannon balls. From the shell various kinds
of domestic utensils are made, while the pulp affords two kinds
of acids, sugar and gum, besides material for an excellent
drink in sickness.

At Goa, near Bombay, they have what is known there as the

{ Sorrowful Tree, because it flourishes in the night only ; at sun-
set no flowers are seen, but in half an hour after the tree is
full of them. As soon as the sun shines on these blossoms
they close up again. The fiower has a sweet smell and blos-
soms all the year. On the side of Mount Etna there is a
famous Chestnut tree, measuring nearly 200 feet in circum-
ference just above the surface of the ground. Its enormous
trunk is separated into five divisions, which gives it the ap-
pearance of several trees. In a circular space formed by these
large branches a hut has been erected for those who collect the
great yield of Chestnuts, which are four times the size of those
growing upon our New England Chestnut trees. A similar
fruit is produced in the south of France, and is sometimes to
be seen for sale on the corners of the streets in our northern
cities under the name of Italian Chestnuts. In the country
where they are grown these Chestnuts form no inconsiderable
source of sustenance, being extremely palatable and nutritious
when roasted.

There is a most curious dwarf tree, unknown, we believe,
except in the mountain region near Cape Horn, only about
3 inches in height, yet with regular branches spread out 4 or
5 feet along the ground. In Bombay there is what is called
the Sack Tree, because from its trunk and branches may be
stripped a natural sack which resembles felt in appearance,
and which is in universal use among the inhabitants. The
Ivory Nut Tree is very common in South America. It is a
species of Palm, the nuts making choice buttons and small
ivory articles, while the broad and substantial leaves form a
covering for the huts of the natives. The Butter Tree is
found on the banks of the Niger in Africa, and from it excellent
butter is obtained. The tree is like our Massachusetts Oak,
and the fruit somewhat resembles the Spanish Olive. The
kernel of the fruit is boiled, and the butter thus obtained is
whiter, firmer, and of a richer flavour than is that from a cow,
besides which it will keep a year without salt. This brief
mention by no means exhausts a subject to which we may
again refer.—(American Cultivator.)

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Tue weather is still fine, but too cold at night for Dwarf
Kidney Beans, Scarlet Runners, or even Peas, to do any good.
Indeed ours have been over for some time, and in no season
have Peas ever done well with us in the autumn. ~ Where Cauli-
flowers have formed heads these must be protected from the
frost. Some persons merely break or bend one or two of the
inner leaves over the heart, but a better way is to tie them
together over it with a strip of matting. Some gardeners lift the
plants where the heads are not yet formed and lay them in
deeply in a sheltered place rather close together with the heads
inclining to the north; the plants are then easily protected by
having a few light mats laid over them in frosty nights, or some
dry straw may be used for the same purpose. Endive should
also be tied-up to blanch, but this must be done when the leaves
are dry; so also should the Cauliflower leaves. The plants are
easily injured by damp at this season, and they may be kept
quite dry by having an 11-inch board placed ready to lay over
them ; it may be kept above the plants by having bricks laid on
the ground to supportit. Lettuce and Cauliflower plants may
now be planted in frames to stand over the winter. We gene-
rally plant the Lettuce in the open ground, but the vicissitudes
of our winter sometimes make sad havoc amongst them, and it
is well to have a small reserve to fall back upon. We shall soon
have the hand-lights filled with plants of Harly London and
Walcheren Cauliflower.

If the late Potatoes have not yet been lifted no time should be
lost in doing so, as they can only take harm now that the haulm
has been destroyed by frost. We have tried many plans to
keep them, but the most convenient next to a frost-proof shed
is to make a clamp or pit of them. This is done by digging out
the ground to the depth of from 4 to 6 inches, and then care-
fully put in the Potatoes in the form of a cone or long ridge,
according to the quantity to be put in; then thatch them with
dry straw of any sort, and cover the straw over with about
6 inches of soil; this will protect the Potatoes from any
amount of frost, and they may be taken for household use as
they are required in fine weather.

As the weather is so fine and the ground dry, Carrots, Salsafy,
Scorzonera, Beet, and other roots should be lifted and stored,
as they keep well when lifted in such a dry state during a
fine dry day. if the ground between growing crops is close
and hard a good plan is to run the Dutch or draw hoe through
the ground; even if there are no weeds the crops are much
benefited by it.

332 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COrTAGE GARDENER.

[ October .25, 1877.

VINERIES.

It is very desirable to pay particular attention to the fruit
hanging in the late house. The leaves are now falling rapidly,
and owirg to the evaporation of moisture from them the berries
are more liable to mould than they are at other times. All that
can be done is to keep up an equable temperature in the house
and to remove the leaves as soon as they fall, or to pick those
off from the Vines as soon as they cease to be useful. ‘The dense
fogs have also set in generally at night, and sometimes con-
tinuing till mid-day. Last Thursday at 11 4.™. it was so dense
that a person could not be distinguished at six yards. This is
what tries us the most, especially if the fogs are continued for
many days. We are now making arrangements to renew the
border of one of the early vineries ; the roots have penetrated
beyond their bounds, and no doubt they have gone through
the drainage into a bed of gravel underneath. We shall cuta
trench through the border parallel with the front wall and
about 6 feet from the Vines. All the roots on the further side
of this will be cut off, and the whole of the old compost will be
removed. After that has been removed the rubble at the bottom
will be turned over, removing from it all the particles of loose
earth; the rubble will then be levelled over the bottom and
some turf be placed over it with the grass side down. The next
thing is to work into the old border thst remains, and level
about 6 or 9 inches of this into the bottom before putting in the
compost that has been already prepared. We do not use it any
richer for this than it was used for the border when the Vines
were planted. The component parts of a Vine border have been
so often described that one would think it was known to every-
body, had not a correspondent written last week to ask if the
following would answer to make a border for Vines—viz., to
twelve cartloads of turfy loam add six cartloads of stable manure,
two loads of lime rubbish, and twenty bushels of crushed bones.
It was fortunate that the correspondent wrote to the Editors for
information, else a large expense would have been incurred to
end in failure. One load of decayed manure is sufficient for six
or nine cartloads of loam according to its quality, and 1 cwt. of
crushed bones would be enough to add to it, with two bushels
of charcoal. A cartload of lime rubbish might be added to six
cartloads of heavy loam or nine cartloads of light loam.

PEACH HOUSES.

As in the case of vineries, preparations must now be made to
begin forcing the earliest house. by washing the woodwork,
dressing the wood of the trees, and renovating the borders.
Besides being subject to the attacks of red spider, thrips, mildew,
and green fly, the wood is often attacked by brown scale. This
pest does much injury when it is allowed to increase unchecked.
Before painting the wood with the mixture the scale ought to
be washed off with a sponge dipped in soapy water. The wood
ought also to be tied into the place where it is permanently to
remain, and then, if it is necessary to put any plants into the
house, they may be arranged on a temporary stage in the most
advantageous position. In the late house the leaves will nearly
have all fallen except on such sorts as Salwey, Comet, Lord
Palmerston, or other late sorts. A suitable ripening tempera-
ture shouid be kept up, and as soon as the fruit can be detached
by hand it ought to be gathered and removed to the fruit room,
where it will keep in good condition if required for ten days.

PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

At present we are not doing much except to clean the plants,
pots, and stages, glass, and woodwork, both outside and inside.
Whatever plants are flowering should be attended to, and the
flowers be preserved for as long a period as possible. Many of
the same plants are in flower that we alluded to a few weeks
ago, and they continue quite as long again now as they do in
summer. Nearly all the summer-flowering plants are approach-
ing the resting period of their existence, and should not be
excited by too much heat combined with moisture at the roots.
Clerodendron Balfourianum and Bougainvillea glabra—two of
our most useful stove plants either for decorative purposes on the
home stage or for exhibition—will stand over the winter in a
Warm greenhouse, but they must be very sparingly supplied
with water; indeed, they will scarcely require any. These and
plants of a similar character will pass through the winter in the
stove. They will not start into growth if water is not supplied
to them. Poinsettias are now forming their flower bracts.
These plants must not be over-watered, and an over-moist
atmosphere does not suit them. They require a temperature of
about 60° at night. A little guano water, or manure water formed
by steeping sheep or cow manure in water, adds greatly to the
strength and brilliancy of the floral bracts. We have the old
variety and the new sort introduced to England by the Messrs.
Veitch of Chelsea two or three years ago, and it is interesting to
notice the difference in growth between the two, and also that
the new sort is later in forming its bracts. It was thought that
this new variety would displace the old sort altogether. We do
not think so. They are both required; the old variety to flower
earliest, and the variety plenissima to prolong the display at
least two months longer than heretofore. Keep the plants close
to the glass and admit as much air as possible, still keeping up

the temperature to about 60? at night and 65° or 70° by day.
We would again urge the utility of the winter-flowering Calan-
thes. Now that the bulbs can be purchased at a very cheap
rate, and can be grown in an ordinary stove amongst other
plants, every collection should contain them. We simply pot
the bulbs when they start into growth in February or March—
three small in a 5-inch pot, selecting the largest bulks to be
potted in 6-inch pots. Turfy loam with a litile decayed stable
manure added is. the best potting material; they do better in
this than in peat. C. oculata rosea and lutea are the earliest
to flower, to be succeeded by C. Turnerii (pure white) and
C. Veitchii, the beautifal hybrid we owe to the skill of Mr.
Dominy. Of these there are many shades of colour, from pale
rose to crimson. The noble Odontoglossum grande is very
beautiful at this season, and is easily grown. We have it in the
cool house with Odontoglossums from New Grenada, and in the
Cattleya house with the Mexicans. The variety O. grande
leopardinum has the labellum of the richest gold and crimson
bars ; the sepals and petals are also much darker. O.bictonense
is easily grown, and its spikes tower erect above most others.
O. autumnalis is throwing up vigorous spikes, but the flowers
will not open for a month yet. Although many plants are in
flower or showing, it is not well to excite them with too much
heat or moisture. We keep the Odontoglossum house about 50°,
a few degrees less or more according to the weather; the Cat-
tleya house about 55°, and the East Indian Orchids 60° to 65°.
—J. Doveuas.

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough.— Catalogue of Roses,
Fruit Trees, &c.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should ba directed either to ‘‘ The
Editors,” or to “Ths Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Boors (B. R.).—“ Greenhouses for the Many,” price 6d., or “ Garden
Manual,” 1s. 6d.

INSTRUCTION (Pimlico).—Write to Messrs. Veitch.

Tournies (4 Lady Reader).—They are stringy if they have produced stems
for flowering. They are best kept by being baried in sand in a cellar.

Fern (4. McDonald).—It is Aspienium fontanum.

Leaves (L. H.).—We cannot name from leaves only. The Vine roots have
probably descended into an unsuitable soil. Manure the surface over them.
Echeverias may be wintered in a greenhouse.

TyinG Fruir Tazes (E. W.).—Stockholm-tarred string is not injurious to
the tree tied with it, but you must adopt means to prevent the bark being
chafed.

TRELLIS (Sambo).—Train over it Ivy and Crategus Pyracantha.

Satsary (4. 8. H.).—Sowin March and Aprilin an open situation in shallow
drills 9 inches asunder, scatter tha seeds thinly, and cover them half an inch
deep. When the plants are 2 or 3 inches high thin to 10 inches asunder.
During very dry weather water occasionally very plentifally, and if half an
ounce of guano is added to each gallon of water it will be very beneficial.
They will have large roots by September or October; and in November, when
the leaves begin to dezay, a quantity may be preserved in sand for use in
time of severe frost, but those left in the ground will not be injared. In
spring, when those remaining in the ground begin to vegetate, the shoots
when 2 fewinches high may be cut for use as Asparagus, being excellent
when quite young and tender.

CELERY (IW. J.).—Dig a trench and bury the sticks, leaving the green tops
uncovered.

Vines Minpewep (L. H. and G. F.).—They seem to have had a slizht
attack. You can do nothing now until the leaves fall, when you must prune
the Vines; then wash the wood with soapy water, and paint it afterwards
with a mixture of flowers of sulphar stirred in soapy water till it is of the
consistency of thin paint, add to ita little tobacco liquor. No harm will be
done to your Vines if the wood is well ripened. Vines are most subject to
mildew when they are unhealthy. Probably the roots have gone down into
unsuitable soil; if so it would be bast to raise them as you propose and put
in fresh soil. Vines are more subject to mildew in a greenhouse than they
are in an ordinary vinery. The low temperature is the cause. When the
parasite appears dust the leaves with flowers of sulphur. The gas stove
would not cause mildew. Paint the Vine when dormant with the sulphur
mixture.

Lave-KEEPING AppLes (4. B. C.).—Gooseberry, Wellington, Blenheim
Qrange. Ranunculus will not do well behind a north wall.

TREATMENT OF ORANGE TREES (Idem).—They will do in a temperature
of 65° during the winter months, but it is not desirable to keep them in this
temperature unless they are bearing a crop of fruit which it is intended to
ripen. The trees can be kept much cleaner and more healthy in a greenhouse
temperature.

Borter.—W- Palmer wishes to know some gardener who has tried Messrs.
Heap & Wheatly’s boiler for heating a small greenhouse.

Wiese Peace Watt (——).—The trees will not do so well with the
wires fixed 6 inches from the wall as they will close to it.

BRRatvm.—Mr. Wootten Wootten, Headington House, Oxon, writes that the
foot-note attached to his list of Roses on page 302 should read as follows :—
La Rosiére has not been sufficiently tested to compare with Prince Camille
de Rohen, nor has Marguerite Brassac as regards Charles Lefebvre.

caih

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

333

VioLETs,—We have aletter for “G.I. M.,” which can be forwarded if we
receive the full address,

CovERING PracH TREES WITH GLAss (Kittie). — Of the three plans we
prefer No. 2, and if the glass lights at the top were made to lift up with a
rod, which could easily be managed, it would make a most efticient covering.
The sashbars ought to be 24 inches deep by 1d}inch wide. No.1 plan would
answer equally well, but we object to the wood top.

STRAWBERRY TREATMENT (A, B. C.).—By your letter we fancy yours is
rich light soil, as such soil has a tendency to cause the production of leaves
minus fruit. The runners were too late in being planted to bear fruit last
summer. Another reason may be in the fact that you have not good varieties.
Let your beds alone this winter, but obtain some runners of such sorts as
Keens’ Seedling, President, Auguste Nicaise, Duc de Magenta, and Frogmore
Late Pine, and plant in another portion of your ground; then look out in
** Doings of the Last Week” for instructions as to future treatment.

RHODODENDRONS NOT SHOWING Bioom Bups (Idem).—You did wrong to
pot them at the time you did; it is best to pot after the bloom buds are
formed. They will not be likely to form them now.

MAxinG VINE Borper (A. N.).—The roots sent were dried up, but we did
not notice any disease upon them. Nothing could be worse to put in the
bottom of a Vine border than ‘ old oak stumps,” and your proposed compost
is far too rich. Two cartloads of hotbed manure is enough to mix with six-
teen of decayed turf; to it add two cartloads of Jime rubbish and 2 cwt. of
crushed bones. You need only turn the compost twice before using it.

GLoxmnrd TREATMENT (Desperandum).—The leaves are turning yellow
because the plant is going to rest for the winter. Lay the pots on their
sides in your house, and you need not water them until February, when it
will be time to start them. Do not place the pots close to hot-water pipes,
else the corm or bulb may become too dry.

REPLANTING AN OLD ORCHARD (Subscriber).—As the ground under the
old trees has been for so long meadow land we advise you to trench the
soil before replanting it again with young trees. If you do this we are
confident that they will do well. Add manure at the same time if the
ground requires it.

ReEMoviING A PEAR TREE (Z. B.),—If the tree has not been disturbed at
the roots for twelye years we would make a semicircle round the roots at
4 feet from the stem, then dig a trench ebout 2 feet deep and work a foot
nearer the tree, raising the roots, and after placing some turfy loam amongst
them fill-in with the ordinary soil; the tree may then be removed next year
in November. It will be found to be a mass of fibrous roots where the loam
was put in.

TREATMENT OF IMANTOPHYLLUM MINIATUM (Subscriber).—This plant is
usually classed as requiring greenhouse treatment, but it does better with a
little more heat than the ordinary greenhouse temperature. Your plant may
be too much shaded under the Vines in vinery. If it was placed near the
glass and enjoyed more light it would flower. It succeeds well potted in
turfy loam, a little leaf soil, and sand added to it.

ALTERATION oF VinERY (J. W. L.).—It will be quite necessary to have the
ventilators at the highest part of the roof. You must therefore cut the long
rafter at the point B, and use the bottom part for the short lights at the back.

TRANSPLANTING Roszs (J. P. H.).—It will of course be best to transplant
your newly budded Roses to the permanent positions; the only reason for
hesitation is the unornamental appearance which they will present for the
next year ortwo Cut back the Manetti stocks to within 2 or 3 inches of the
bud immediately, and carefully remove all stem buds and suckers when they
are taken up. ‘‘Rivers’s Rose Amatenr’s Guide,” D. Thomson’s ‘ Handy
Book of Fruit Culture under Glass,” and our ows manual of “ Fruit Garden-
ing for the Many,” are the works you require.

TRELLIS FoR RoszEs (C. 7. S.).—Stout galvanised wire strained from eye-
Jets or staples driven into the mortar answers admirably. They may be
strained up and down with cross wires in the form of squares or diamond-
shaped, fastening every two wires with wire thread at every angle, and driving
in a few intermediate staples to stiffen the central parts. A handy man can
do a large space in afew hours with a pair of nippers and a hammer.

FLOWERS Farting PREMATURELY IN A CoNSERVATORY (J. C. M.).—When
Camellias that are planted in a bed in a house so Well ventilated as yours is
shed the flower buds at this season of the year there is something wrong in
the soil, the bed, or the watering. Camellias answer in loam, in peat, and
also in a mixture of both, with enough grit or other Lard substance to afford
a quick and ready passage to water, care also being taken to drain the bed.
When this is well done you can hardly give too much water; but if the drain-
age be at all inefficient, then bud-dropping and yellow foliage soon follow.
The fact that plants in pots also shed their buds soon after they are brought

into the house points to overwatering, and we should not be surprised if | a c
fe De aan | class, hoping they might sell.

find that somebody has amused themselves with a waterpot in your absence.
A hot dry atmosphere induces bud-shedding among greenhouse plants.
Camellias require no artificial heat, only for the exclusion of frost.

WINTERING Acacra LopHanrHa, &c. (Sambo).—Acacia lophantha lives
through the winter in the open air in the Scilly Isles, and it would probably
do'so in some parts of Devon and Cornwall, but in all other parts of this
country it must be taken up at once and put in a greenhouse or pit. Inthe
public gardens of London a fresh stock of it is raised every spring from
cuttings or seeds, young plants with clean single stems being found most
useful for bedding purposes. A packet of seed can behad foréd. Scented
Verbena (Aloysia citriodora), may frequently be met with in the south in
snug corners, and trained to sunny walls, where it exists and flourishes for
many years. Under less favourable circumstances it must have the shelter
of a frame or shed in winter. Fuchsias may be leit out if the crowns are
protected by a little heap of coal ashes; but as by this method the whole of
the stems are usually cut down by frost, itis far preferable to lift them and
put them in any shed, cellar, or frost-proof building, cavering the roots with
sand. We have seen them wintered successfully by covering-up the entire
growths, yoots and branches, in a heap of leaves from autumn till spring.
When this is done care must be taken to remove the leaves from the branches
before the new growth appears, or much of it will be broken off.

PLANTING BuLBs IN OPEN Beps (Idem).—Lilies of all kinds may be
planted from the present time till March. Ii the soil is poor and thin deepen
and enrich it, planting the bulbs quite 4 inches below the surface. Hyacinths
and Tulips answer best when planted in September aud October. Both may,
however, be planted successfully till the end of the year. 2

Insect (Rosa).—Smith in his ‘‘ Ferns British and Foreign ” says, ‘* Within
the last twenty years a small white-winged insect like a midge ee made its

appearance (supposed to have been first introduced with imported plants to
Kew). They congregate on the under side of the fronds, and when the plant
is moved dart off like a flocs of white Pigeons. At first it was supposed to be
harmless, but such is not the case, as it has been found to feed on the cuticle
like thrips. Repeated tobacco fumigation destroys it.” We have found it on
the under side of leaves more especially the Tobacco plant (Nicotiana), also
on Rivina levis, Panicum plicatum, Oldenlandia Deppeiana, and Nephrodium
molle; but these plants were growing in a Cactus house where the atmosphere
was rather dry, while houses in close proximity in which Ferns were growing,
and the atmosphere always kept very moist, have even been quite iree from
the insects. The name of the insect is Aleyrodes vaporariorum.

Names oF Fruits (J. Woodliff)—l, Beauty of Kent; 2, Bedfordshire
Foundling; 3, Bess Pool; 4, Braddick’s Nonpareil; 5,Golden Russet. (South
Devon).—1, Devonshire Buckland: 2, Hunt’s Deux Ans; 3 and 4, Emperor
Alexander; 5, Wheeler’s Extreme; 6, Not known. (Joseph Robinson).—
Golden Noble. (New Plant and Bulb Company).—2, Wormsley Pippin;
8, Melon Apple; 8, Downton Pippin; 10, London Pippin; 138, Golden
Reinette; 14, Lady’s Finger. (C.J. B.)—Dumelow’s Seedling. (Connaught
Subscriber).—Nelson’s Victory.

Names oF Puants (J. P.).—Echeveria glauca. (G. A.).—1, Fuchsia pro-
cumbens; 2, Pellea hastata; 8, Onychium japonicum; 4, Pellwa rotundi-
folia; 5, Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum. (0. C. H.)—Cattleya Loddigesii.
(Gratus).—1, Pyrethrum frutescens; 2, Pierardia coronaria? (Zebra).—
1, Physalis Alkekengi; 2, Specimen insufficient. (W. Crowde7).—Limnan-
thes Douglasii. (Rev. T. A. Brennan).—The specimens were not numbered.
The Editors cannot answer by post. (Richard Carnall).—1, Eucomis punc-
tata; 2, Chrysanthemum fruticosum; 3, Hyssopas officinalis.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.
THE CRYSTAL PALACH SCHEDULE.

Tue schedule is out and the entries are supposed to have
clcsed, but Mr. Howard has announced that the Committee
have decided to keep open their entries until efter the results
of the Oxford Show become known, and that entries will be
received until the 29th inst. Outside and inside the little book is
so much as usual that the notices of past year’s schedules will
almost suffice for this. The highest value of any one poultry
cup is £6 6s., and some more money has judiciously been
offered for old birds, such as Buff Cochin hens, &c. We are,
however, sorry to see that the class for Silkies has been omitted,
especially when many fanciers of long standing have this season
joined their ranks. It is true they only mustered seven pens
last year; but if this is why they are now cut out, with their
departure should have gone too classes for Silver-pencilled
Hamburgh cocks and Silver-pencilled Hamburgh hens, White
Leghorn cocks, &c. A national show should surely comprise
the best classification extant, and not drop out a class save
under exceptional circumstances. We musi also again express
our disappointment that the untrimmed class is allowed to
remain; but we do not blame the Committee one-half as much
as the exhibitors generally, for there were twenty-nine entries
last year, and that means £10 17s. 6d. in entry fees, and as the
cup was given only £2 came from the Society’s funds, and they
therefore netted £8 17s. 6d.; but we do wonder such exhibitors
as Messrs. Leno, Petter, Beldon, Lingwood, &c., competed. Was
the class only for ‘ Vulture-hocked Asiatics” we would welcome
it gladly.

Langshans have a class and a cup presented to them by their
champion. We wonder if Black Cochins from a Black Cochin
yard will obtain it. It is truly ridiculous to find what fanciers
think of this title, and to see how Black Cochins generally win
the club’s prizes or those given by their supporters. An exhi-
bitor whom we know recently won the Langshan cup at a show,
and wrote to us afterwards thus :—‘‘ The Langshans I must tell
you are the expiring effort of my Black Cochins. Having de-
termined to get rid of my whole stock of them, and to please
one of the Committee I sent a pair to that Showin the Langshan
I was rather dismayed at their
success, and shall be very glad to be quit of them all.” Among
the other classes we want to say a word for the Turkeys. They
haye three divisions here, and we do hope the pens will be
properly divided and that we shall see no more of those san-
guinary fights as we did at the Dairy Show, where two lady
exhibitors had to go out to buy canvas wherewith to divide their
pens more securely, for the cocks were utterly ruining each
other’s appearances by fighting; and their pens too should really
be larger, for the one in which Mrs. Wyke’s Turkey cock was
at Islington could not hold him. And we do sincerely hope the
Turkey chicken classes will only have poults this year in them,
for we can all remember what many said last year when old birds
were supposed to have won prizes for chickens, and how the
protest was, we believe, not noticed by the Committee. We are
very glad to see the managing body have made a concession
regarding the double baskets, and after the unpleasant facts of
last year’s disqualification they have done mosi wisely in stating
in their sixth rule that when fraudulent practices are subse-
quently discovered the prizes will be withheld.

The Judges are much as usual, though the Rev. C. C. Ewbank
and Mr. Maldon have been engaged for the French and Black
Ducks. We should greatly have liked to. have seen a larger
amateur element; one for Dorkings, another for Cochins, and
another for Brahmas would have amply repaid, we are sure, in

334

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ October 25, 1877.

entries any extra expenditure. We should much like to know
what each Judge will do, and cannot understand why this should
not ie known, for a mere string of names is as useless as none
at all.

There are a few new Pigeon classes, and there appear to be
lots of new Pigeon fanciers, so we hope the classes will obtain
very many entries. The collections of four pairs of Pigeons
other than Carriers, Pouters, and Tumblers still remain, and
always make to our mind a great feature of the Show. Mr.
Howard is still the Secretary, and Mr. Crook the Treasurer ; the
names of the remainder of the Committee do not transpire, but
the schedule of rules and regulations is signed by their order
by Mr. Howard. We have every confidence of a great show
again, and we shall be delighted to see such an one; and the
sight of some of last year’s inmates of the Palace interspersed
with the chickens of this season will be very pleasing, for in
the number of the past chicken shows we seem to have quite
learnt to know the peculiarities and appearances of most of the
youngsters, though, of course, many will appear here which
have meyer before seen the walls of Messrs. Turner’s and Billett’s
cages.—W.

MOULTING FOWLS.

Tuer moulting season is the most critical period of the year
for old fowls; and yet in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred
there is less care taken then than in the spring, when every-
thing is in their favour. The idea seems to be, that now the
young stock is out of harm’s way, they can all shift for them-
selves.

Some have much more difficulty in moulting than others.
Spanish are a long time naked. All the non-sitters feather more
slowly than the others. It may be because they lay a greater
number of eggs, and that the production of them causes more
exhaustion of the system than the twenty-one days of the sitters.
Certain it is, however, that moulting is an effort, and taxes the
bird so much that at such a time any old weakness or partially
cured disease is sure to show itself again. Thus where roup has
existed in a poultry-yard it always re-appears at moulting time.

Perhaps many readers have never considered the great drain
upon the system of the fowl during this change of covering.
Not only have the regular flesh-forming, life-giving processes of
Nature to be fulfilled, but an entire new coat of feathers has also
to be manufactured. These feathers consist not of flesh and
blood alone, but of component parts of animal and mineral sub-

stances. These substances are assimilated from the food, and |
unless birds can obtain such food as contains the necessary |

qualities the work drags, is prolonged, and the poor fowl droops
and grows thinner in the vain endeavours to fulfil Nature’s re-
quirements without the proper means to work with. I doubt if
one person in twenty has ever given this a thought, and yet it
is of the utmost importance to thorough and completes success in
raising first-class stock.

Birds that have their fall liberty and are well fed always
moult well; but when they are kept in confinement, care and
precaution are generally necessary. The effects of food may be
proved by a fact. Quails are exceedingly fond of hemp seed.
This is of a very heating nature, and if they are allowed to eat
too much of it their plumage becomes nearly black. If they are
fed entirely on it, their bodies aro so heated that everything is
dried up and no nourishment is possible. Their feathers, like
plants, dis for the lack of moisture. If improper food has this
effect, then judicious feeding ought to assist. When birds are
moulting they must have plenty of cooling food, and there is
none so good as lettuce; if it has yone to seed and stalking so
much the better.

Sometimes a fowl will be seen while moulting to be continu-
ally pecking or scratching at one spot of its body. On ex-
amination it will be found that one or more feathers have failed
in passing through the opening in the skin that is provided for
the purpose. They keep on growing, but they grow beneath it.
This causes much pain. It is common in the top-knots of
Polands, but the remedy is a very easy one; take a stout needle
and pass it under the quill end of the covered feather, then draw
the feather from under the skin. An abundance of warming
nutritious food is needed at this time, and a tonic of some kind
may also be given. Stale bread soaked in old ale given two or
three times a-week is said to be beneficial; but perhaps one of
the best things to use is one-half pound sulphate of iron (green
vitriol), one ounce sulphuric acid, two gallons of water. Puta
teaspoonful of this mixture to each pint of water in the drinking
fountain, and keep it by them during the whole time of moulting.

One thing requires to be watched; they will sometimes, in a
dissatisfied habit of body, begin to peck and eat each other’s
feathers. Ifa fowl does this it should at once be removed, as it
will teach others the same habit.—(Stock Jowrnal.)

Biruinenam Carrie anp Pounrry SHow.—The schedules of
prizes for the above important Exhibition, which has now
reached its twenty-ninth year of existence, are in circulation,

and intending exhibitors are reminded that all entries must be
forwarded to the Secretary, at Bingley Hall, on or before Thurs-
day next, November Ist. The lists have in past years been so
liberally extended that little change has now been thought
necessary, the premiums ranging in the cattle department from
£100 down to £5 for the leading breeds, which are kept distinct
throughout, besides the President’s twenty-five guinea cup, the
Elkington 100-guinea challenge cup, and other valuable trophies.
The amount devoted to this division is close on £1200. The
poultry list will be augmented by the addition of classes for
Black Cochins, Leghorns, Langshans, Andalusians, and Silkies ;
and several additional cups are given to the Pigeons, the prizes
for which amount to about £850. New Selling classes have
likewise been introduced for all breeds of poultry, Ducks, and
Pigeons, the entrance fees in these classes being at a reduced rate.

OUTDOOR RABBIT HUTCHES.

Like all other animals Rabbits in domestication require to be
very carefully housed, without which they will not give satis-
faction to the keeper. There are many varieties of hutches, but
asa rule the simplest and warmest are the best. Sometimes
the only houses provided are tubs or barrels turned on one side,
and short planks nailed across the bottom to make a level floor.
As they bulge out in the centre and go smaller at the ends they
make very suitable hutches for single Rabbits but do not answer
generally for breeding, although some of the hardier varieties,
especially the common Grey, will breed very well in them.
The mode of construction is very simple. Instead of nailing-in
the floor it is best to have the planks loose and fitted in a groove.
If a space of half an inch between each be left the cleansing
process will be much facilitated, as the boards can be removed
and the bottom washed. For the front a square frame should
be made about the size of the bottom square, the interstices
being planked over. This will give both air and retirement, and
will be very satisfactory. The frame should consist of wooden
slabs nailed on cross pieces. The slabs should be 2 inches wide
and linch apart. If the Rabbits gnaw the bars, as they some-
times do, their mischief can be stopped by fixing a piece of
copper wire near each edge. If preferred iron netting may be
nailed over, but it is a trifle too cold for an outdoor hutch.
Perhaps the best of all are iron hoop bars, which may be nailed
on as the wooden ones. They cannot be gnawed, and they tend
to strengthen the frame very much. The top of the tub should
be covered with felt to keep the wet out, and it will be found
economical to tar or paint this, as otherwise it would soon rot
and want renewing. It need not be nailed down, but is better
laid on loose, so that it can be shaken occasionally and thus
kept free from vermin. The framework referred to, and which
is much the same for all outdoor hutches, should be very strongly
made. Four pieces of wood the proper size nailed together will
do and last for some time, but the proper way is to dovetail the
pieces together, using glue and a screw at each junction. The
wood should be at least three-quarter-inch or it will not be
sufficiently strong. The iron bars should be put on evenly and
upright. Ifyou are short of tools take the hooks to a blacksmith,
who will cut them to any length—and the lengths are easily
measured and chalked—and will moreover make the holes in
each for the nails by which they are to be affixed to the solid
frame. For about sixpence this can be done, and it will save
much trouble. If the hoops are broken to the desired lengths
the edges will be rough and never look well. If it be desired
to do matters extra well, and so as to be very durable, the bars
should be screwed on. Great care should be used not to split
the frame, and if a little red lead be put in the screw holes it
will be well. Of course one screw each end will be enough. If
preferred the bars may be put between two pieces of board for
the frame, and the two pieces screwed together. There is somo
difficulty in putting them together like this, but they will last
a very long time if once well done, although for ordinary wear
and tear it is not necessary. Barrels are sometimes merely
stood on end under a shed and used as hutches. This form is
very useful for a day or two on a sudden addition being made
to the rabbitry beyond the strength of the hutches, but it is not
to be recommended for several reasons. Not only does it look
untidy and unfinished, but it also places a great temptation in
the way of cats. Besides this there can be but little comfort
for the Rabbit and the waste of space is enormous, the height
being so much more than can be necessary. Still, as previously
remarked, there can be no objection to a temporary hutch being
formed in this way. 2

A good strong case—such as can be bought from egg-importers,
grocers, and others—will make a capital outdoor breeding hutch,
and a very inexpensive one into the bargain. A wine case is
the best, but they are generally very expensive. I once had
one made of 1}-inch boards with each plank dovetailed into the
next, so that it was both water and damp proof. It was given to
me, but I think it would cost at least half a sovereign. A suit-
able case can be purchased for much less than a quarter of that
sum. Let the length be from 2 feet 9 inches to 3 feet 6 inches,

“

October 25, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

335

the depth from 1 foot 6 inches upwards, and the height a foot or
upwards. In any event there will be a few little holes which
should be seen to. It is best to nail aslab over any hole. If
the wood is thick this course will be quite sufficient; if, how-
ever, the thickness is only half an inch it is advisable to nail a
thin slab along each joint and a thick slab crossways. If a
few bands of iron be used it will also strengthen the frame, a
necessary precaution if the hutch is ever likely to be removed.
The next thing will be to provide a nest place for the young.
The way to do this will be to divide the hutch into two parts,
one of which should be at least double the size of the other.
The partition should be of thick boards, say an inch or 1} inch;
this will be a great strengthener to the hutch itself, and will
keep the top in its place, otherwise it will be a little liable
to fall in, in which case the front will not open well. There
will have to be a hole for the Rabbits to get through—a
circular one about 5 inches in diameter. The edges should be
rounded and tinned to prevent gnawing. The frame will have
to be the exact size of the outside portion, the door for the
smaller being made small for the purpose of increased warmth
and privacy. The floor should be planed as smooth as possible
to facilitate cleaning, and the harder the wood the better will be
the result. A small rackshould be put up at the corner farthest
from the sleeping compartment to hold hay and green stuff.
This will keep it clean and dry and save a great deal of waste,
as the Rabbits do not care about food after it has been trampled
upon. The roof should be protected to keep the wet out. A
second layer of boards is perhaps the best plan, and the next is
to nail a piece of carpet or felt over it. In any case the top
should extend a few inches beyond the front to prevent the rain
from beating in.

A shutter should also be constructed the exact size or per-
haps a little wider than the front. This can be let down at
night or in wet weather, and if a padlock be used will be some
protection against biped and quadruped nocturnal marauders.
The whole of the outside of the hutch should be well painted
with two coats of good brown or buff paint, and the inside should
be whitewashed. Both should be renewed every spring, and
the hutch will be found to last longer if this matter be well
attended to.

In selecting a place for an outdoor hutch a high fence or wall
should be preferred, as by that means both wind and rain will
be kept off. A corner at the junction of two high walls is very
good.—GerTa.

Importation or Hacs.—Last year the value of the eggs im-
ported into England was £2,612,231, but even this large im-
portation failed to satisfy our requirements, and the high price
of eggs in the market at the present time shows that we can buy
more and eat more if we can only get them. It seems probable
that substantial help in this as in other matters relating to food
supply will come from the other side of the Atlantic. Canada is
establishing an egg trade with us which promises to assume im-
portant dimensions. Last week one steamer alone brought to
Liverpool from Canada 280 barrels of eggs, and there is every
prospect of a continuous stream of eggs setting in from that
country. The Canadians cannot, in fact, keep up their hens,
who lay more eggs than the colony can consume. The market
report of the Hamilton (Ontario) Spectator of the 9th of August
mentions that eggs were ‘‘ very quiet,” there being really no
wholesale trade in them at present. In Ottawa fresh eggs were
selling at 12 cents—thatis,6d.a dozen. Eggs at this price would
be a boon to the British housekeeper, and might take the place
of meat, in which case there would be less grumbling and gout.

ARTIFICIAL FOUNDATIONS.

Ovr transatlantic friends quite transcend the British bee-
keepers in experiment and invention. Almost every modern
invention in bee-keeping is an outcome of American activity,
and comes across the Atlantic Ocean tous. While we are hardly
half awake to the possibility of improvements the American
apiarians compass and perfectthem. While John Ballis putting
on his boots our friends across the water can travel across a
continent. The American. bee-keepers have bluer skies and
warmer summers than we have, and therefore have greater en-
couragements to make exertions and experiments. The exer-
tions made do not all end in important discoveries, and many of
their inventions are of no practical value. The impressed
sheets of wax called “comb foundations” are in my humble
opinion the best things that ever came from American bee-
keepers to this country, as they are likely to be extensively used
when their practical value becomes known. What I now say is
nothing more than opinion, for I have not tested by experiment
the worth of comb foundations introduced into hives. A few
weeks ago asked Mr. Hunter of Haling to send me a small bit
of foundation comb for examination. As this year’s consign-
ment had not arrived, he sent me a bit of last year’s lot, which
came safely by post, and which I admire much. It is a capital
imitation of natural comb, so perfect in form and manufacture

that every apiarian who examines it cannot avoid admiring the
ingenuity and machinery which produce it. Itis rather darker
in colour than natural virgin comb, and I fancy the walls of the
cells are slightly thicker and contain more wax than natural
comb. In a note accompanying the small piece of comb found-
ation referred to Mr. Hunter says that “ this is rather a thin
sample as readily accepted by the bees, but not so quickly
worked-up into comb, the bees having to supplement the supply
of wax from their own resources. The sheets are made from
4 to 9 square feet to the pound, the heavier furnishing ample
wax for the bees to complete the combs.”

The value of these wax foundations to the bees and bee-masters
is still, of course, an open question, and doubtless various and
differing conclusions will be come to by apiarians when extensive
experiments are made with them. All I can say at present is
that I have formed a very favourable opinion of them, and that
if the bees take to and adopt them readily they will be usefal
in many ways, especially in supering. But comb foundations
meant for supers should be made of wax well bleached, and
made as white as possible. We all know that wax, like flax, is
bleachable. If bees readily adopt comb foundation bee-keepers
wil! find it an easy matter to entice their bees to commence
work in supers. A few large pieces of foundations fitted in
supers and running from tops to bottoms will serve to draw the
bees into them as soon as the hives on which they may be
placed become fall, For swarm hives meant for stocks comb
foundations of a darker colour, or made of wax not so well
bleached, may be used. Forswarm hives nothing but bee comb
foundations should be introduced, and for supers nothing but
drone comb ; the reasons for so doing are easily understood.

By using two or three sheets of foundations in swarm hives
it is likely that all the eggs queens may lay after swarming may
be set for brood. When swarms are placed in empty hives the
bees have not cells enough for the eggs laid by their queens,
and almost invariably place eggs in cells before their natural
foundations are well laid. The walls of the cells in swarm hives
are frequently built up and around the eggs placed on their
foundations, and doubtless if artificial foundations answer the
end for which they are made eggs will be set in them before
they are completed. I will not venture to say more about these
American sheets at present. My object in noticing them now
is to help Mr. Hunter in calling the attention of bee-keepers
generally to them. According to the statement made by Mr.
Hunter in this Journal a few weeks ago the price of these sheets
of comb foundations is very moderate indeed—2s. 6d. per pound
if I remember rightly. My wax in the lump and unbleached
sells readily at 2s. per pound. If it be found by experiment,
ample and satisfactory, that bees readily adopt the artificial
foundations and work them up into combs, we may safely predict
that they will be extensively used by the bee-keepers of Great
Britain and a very good account given of them.—A. PeTTicREW.

LIGURIAN BEES.

My experience of Ligurian bees is not very great, extending
only over the past season, but during that time I have en-
deavoured to make myself as much acquainted as possible with
their peculiar excellencies or deficiencies. A Ligurian queen
was sent to me by Mr. Abbott towards the end of May. From
a very large skep, holding about a bushel, I drove aswarm and
introduced the stranger queen to the driven stock. She was
received amicably, and at once proceeded to deposit eggs in the
thousands of empty cells. Nine days after a powerful swarm
was led-off by the Ligurian, and it joined itself to another
swarm from a neighbouring hive. By casting all the bees upon
a white cloth a yard or so in front of a bar-frame hive I managed
to catch both queens under wine-glasses. I returned the black
queen to the hive whence she had led the swarm, and to make
all sure I placed the Ligurian for twelve hours in a cage and
inserted it between the frames. She was duly released, and
next day had deposited lots of eggs. Young Ligurians appeared
twenty-six days after at the mouth of the hive. I had seen
them first on the combs twenty-two days after the insertion of
the queen. Gradually the powerful black colony died-out, and
the third week in August none but yellow bees inhabited the
hive excepting a few drones, which were soon after expelled.
Meantime the Ligurian princess was proving herself a worthy
successor, and young bees hatched-out after all those which
must have been the progeny of the pure queen appeared to me
to differ nowise from their older relatives either as to size or
colour, although the young queen must have been fertilised
by a black drone. Both hives made honey while the sun shone,
and I was able to take a sectional super with five sections com-
plete, and two nearly filled but not sealed, from the bar-frame
hive before the honey season ended. Weight of seven sections
161 lbs. Every frame, ten in number, was filled with beauti-
fally built comb, started upon a guide of worker pattern mid-
rib 4 inches deep. These combs are perfection for the extractor,
all straight as a line. Four were taken out and given to a
weaker stock, and I have kept my yellow-jackets busy fixing old

336

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE -GARDENER.

[ October 25, 1877.

empty combs for me in frames, to use next spring for early
swarms. They have abundance of honey in both hives for
winter consumption, and breeding has been kept-up lata by
giving a small but constant supply of barleysugar. All my
stocks are so fed in autumn. Syrup given at that time only
supplies a superfluous amount of liquid, which is evaporated
and renders the hive damp at a time when it cannot be kept too
dry. Of course syrup must be given to increase rapidly the
stores of a weak stock, but for gentle stimulative feeding I
prefer barleysugar; the bees cannot take this too fast. I makea
number of rough little boxes without bottoms or lids, about
4inches square. Inthe place of bottoms I tack on & small piece
of perforated zinc, that used for supering, and a small square of
drugget or any warm covering is laid over the box. Thus all
moisture escapes; the barleysugar is put into the box which is
placed over the feeding-hole in the quilt, and the bees fetch it
gradually, in quite sufficient quantities to stimulate the queen
to continue laying.

But what was Ilwriting about? Ligurians? Yes. Are Ligurians
more energetic in searching for food, or have they the powers of
scent more fully developed than our black bees? Whether it
be the one or the other it matters not. If we can prove that
they find food much more quickly than the black bees, then we
at once find in them a recommendation to our favour. Let any-
one with both black and yellow bees in his garden test this
point for himself. I have done soa score of times. Place an
unfinished super, a piece of comb with honey in it, or some
scented syrup in a place unfrequented by the bees, say under a
cabbage in a bed of that vegetable, and note the first bee that
visits it. In nine cases out of ten it will be a Ligurian, and
among the first dozen bees that pilfer the sweets there will be
eight or nine Ligurians, or hybrids, as the cass may be. Some
have found their Italians much more irascible insects than the
black bees. I cannot say that I find any difference in regard to
disposition. Both kinds can be readily made perfectly docile
by being first thoroughly intimidated by a puff of smoke and
bribed by the gift of a little warm syrup in cases of emergency.

I find that my Ligurians visit flowers which I have never
seen visited by our native friends. I have had flowers of Tac-
sonia Van-Volxemii blooming in my conservatory nearly all the
year round. My bees have always visited the primulas, heaths,
cyclamens, and many other flowers, but until I had Ligurians I
never saw a bee on the tacsonia blossoms, neither on the flowers
of the tritoma. Again, what insinuating rascals they must be.
In ceven different hives, when inspecting them previous to their
going into winter quarters, saw Ligurians. How they had got
there and why they went there I leave others to answer, but
not a single black bee can I find in my Ligurian and hybrid
stocks. This fact tells me that they are more audacious and at
the same time more tenacious of their own rights than their
sombre sisters. Altogether I find myself, although only at the
close of my first year’s acquaintance, becoming a lover of the
graceful Italian, and when I compare her with her Anglican
sister | must say that I find my predilections strongly biased in
her favonr.—P. H. Puruuies, Ofiey Lodge, Hitchin.

CAN BEES EAT POLLEN ?

“Do bees eat pollen ?” is a question that was put and answered
in this Journal some months ago. Can bees eat pollen ? isa more
difficult question to answer. Those who have studied the struc-
ture of the bee, and have made anatomical investigations of its
head, are perhaps best able to answer this question. If any
apiarian prove that bees eat pollen an anatomical examination
will be quite unnecessary. The fact will establish the power.
It is known that adult bees do live and are healthy for months
without pollen; it is also known that pollen or bee bread is
largely consumed by bee grubs before they pass into the

chrysalis state. It is well known, too, what ravenous creatures”

caterpillars are, and how soon they skeletonise cabbage blades
and gooseberry leaves; but after the caterpillars reach maturity
and appear es butterflies they do not eat cabbage and gooseberry
leaves. Bees and butterflies evolved and matured from maggots
and caterpillars are altogether changed. After transformation
do they possess organs and instruments for mastication? A bee-
keeper in Scotland once told me that he soaked a boiled potato
in syrup and gave it to a hive, and that the bees ate every bit of
the potato. A Cheshire bee-keeper says he boils honey and
pollen together for his bees, and that they thrive on it. I did
not believe the Scotchman’s story, neither do I believe that the
bees of the Cheshireman swallow pollen. Often enough have I
given honey polluted with pollen to bees, bat never found them
to fail in filtering the honey into their hives and leaving the
pollen as dust in the vessels in which it was presented to them.
Some three months ago I soaked a boiled potato and broke it up
in syrup in a saucer which was placed on a board not quite full
of combs. The bees took the syrup and well drained the potato,
which lay next morning in the saucer dry and tasteless. Some
time ago a gentleman in Altrincham told me he bought some

honey of a grocer or chemist of that town for his bees, and gave | Leeks .........+

|

some of it to them in a trough. Next morning he found the
bottom of the trough covered with flour. The grocer was told
that his honey was impure, but he did not think it was so, and
filled a clean trough himselfand gave it to the bees. He returned
next morning to examine the trongh, when he found it covered
with flour. In the face of these facts the question is asked, Can
bees eat pollen ?—A, Perticrew.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Fowis IN CoNFINED Space (Hamburgh).—In a space 80 feet by 60 you
may keep thirty stock fowls. They would not injure the trees planted in
their run.

MARKING Fowts (WW. B. P.).—Nothing is easier than to mark poultry by
putting a wire ring or sewing a piece of list round the leg, and this last is
capable of developmens by enabling those who wish to do it to mark the
different broods by using worsted or list of different colonrs. There is always
difficulty in telling the age of hens. A very good judge may feel tolerably
sure and justified in giving an opinion, but if he were asked to name the
grounds on which his decision was based he would be unable to do so, and
would hide behind generalities.

Ducks BREEDING (Mrs. W.).—Ducks require waterin the breeding season
They do perfectly well without it at any other time. The Aylesburys are
the best layers, but they do not sit. The Rouens come next, and then the
Buenos Ayrean; these last lay and sit well; they are also hardy. Your Light
Brahmas will not lay before September, and that will depend somewhat on

e weather.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CampEN SquaRE, LonDoN.
Lat.51°32'40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W-; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date 9 Aart Is THE Day. |
a1 dhe :| Hygrome-| § 3 |S+3;|Shade Tem-| Radiation | 4
S77. | Eang| ter. S32 | S28) perature. |Temperature.| ¢
Pitta) | ~ Soa!)
Oct. [S228 2= |8an| In | On |
jA4S" | Dry.| Wet.) AS | | Mas.| Min.} sun. grass:|
2 [Tnches,| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. |deg.; deg. | deg.| In.
We.17 | 30.372 | 40.9 | 37.8 |cHWee 47.6 | 53S | 320 95.0 | 29.3 | —
Th. 18 | 30.370 | 33.9 | 33.9 | N.W. | 45.2 | 518 | 313 | 912 | 966 | —
Fri. 19 | 30.265 | 89.1 | 38.0 | N.W. | 45.9 | 56.4 | 30.9 $3.1 273 5 —
Sat, 20 | 30.146 | 47.2 | 445 | W- 459 | 61.2 | 38.1 923 | 366) —
Sun.21 | 29988 | 540 | 47.2 | S.W. | 47.5 | 53.8 | 46.1 73.2 | 42.6 | 0.063
Mo. 22 | 29.980 | 57.7 | 54.7] S.W. | 49.0 | 62.3 | 52.4 101.2 | 47:3 | 0.082
Tu. 23 | 29.611 | 45.4 | 45.3 N. 49.0 | 56.7 | 40.2 62.5 | 862 | 0.154
Means) 30.083 | 45.5 | 43.1 | 47.0 | 57.8 | 88.7 | 855 | 85.1 | 0.299
| | | |
REMARKS.
1jth.—Strong white frost in morning, beautifally “fine and bright during the
day, and at intervals cloudless; rather cool.
18th.—Very foggy morning, fine day, fog2y again at night.

19th.—Rather foggy, pleasant after 11 a.m, and beautiful night.
20th.—Very fine and very pleasant day; much warmer.
21st.—Very dull all day; windy in afternoon and evening.
22nd.—Windy with occasional showers; fine night.
23rd.—Dall and thick morning, rain at intervals till 6P.1.; fime and moon-
light after.
Cooler than the previous week, but in no way remarkable.—G. J. Syazons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—OcroseEr 24.

A BRISEER market the last few days, and clearances in Apples have been
more readily effected, though with no alterationinrates. Large quantities of
Pears still reach us from the Continent, consisting mainly of Duchesse
d’Angouléme and Béurre Diel. Cobs are easily cleared at last week's quota-

tions.
FRUIT.
8. d. s.d.| 5. d. s. da
Apples -.. #sieve 1 6to3 6/ Melons.......... Gto4 0
i dozen 0 0 O 0} Nectarines .... 0 is 0
bushel 0 0 9 O| Oranges.. 0 16 0
¢sieve @ 0 O 0/| Peaches... 5 0 24 0
dsieve 0 0 O 0} Pears, kitchen. 0 3s 0
ozen 10 8 040
lb. 6 4 0 0 so
Ib. 0 4 0 01220
$bushel 0 0 O asp) 0 o0a0d
Ib. 1 6 6 0} Walnuts 0 su
#100 6 vu lu oO i 000
VEGETABLES.

s. d. s.d. gd. 3.2
Artichokes...... dozen 8 Oto6 0} Mushrooms.... potile 1 6t02 0
Beans, Kidney... bushel 2 0 4 0/} Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2 0O 4
5 16 30 00 00
OM9 FENG o4 00
40 0 0} 20 00
ro 2 0 0000
04 08 4 * = 0
Capsicums. 2100 16 20 0
Ganlifiowera.... dozen 20 4 0 i es 5 OS a7 x0
Celery ........... bundle 1 6 2 0Q/| Radishes.. doz.bunches 1 0 1 6
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0 --- bundle 0 6 10
Cucumbers .... each 0 8 0 9 . bundle 09 10
Endive ... dozen 10 20 - bundle 1 0 00
Fennel.. bunch 0 8 O 0| Seakale ... - basket 00 00
Garlic Tb. 0 6 O 0} Shallots ........ lbh 03 09
Herbs ... bunch 0 2 O 0} Spinach. - bushel 2 6 40
Lettuce . « dozen 10 2 O| Turnips........ bunch 0 S$ 0 6
bunch 0 £ O O| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 2 0 4

a

Noyvemter 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day , Day | epee oe Average | San Sun | Moon | Moon | Moon’s | Clock | Day
Sig as | NOVEMBER 1—7, 1877. Temperature So | Rises. | Sets. Rises, | Sets. Age. petore Toa
| | Day. |Night.|Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| bh. m.| b. m. | Days. ork tb |
ey | ee ALL Satnts’ Day. Kempfer died, 1716. 543 | 387.9 | 46.1 6 56 4 3L 1 38) 2 45 26 16 20 | 305 |
AE | Seale lle ais | ea
Sel Sten 535 | 35 ie 25 16 20 | 307
4 | com | 23 Sunpay srter Trinity. Paty | ae ee i 3 | i a . 59 a 29 29 a) 19 B08
5 | | 52. 4 0 | 27 | @ 16 17 “
6 | Tu | Royal Horticultural Society—Frait and Floral Com- | 524 | 87.9 | 447 7 5 | 4 22) 8 54) 4 19 1 16 15 | 810
NOW | { mitteesatll p.m. Camerarius born, 1534. | 52.1 | 867 | 444 7 | 4 21 | 10.18") 4 59 2 16 11 | 811
|
|

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 53.1°; and its night temperature
7.05.

GRAPES CRACKING.
RE UR correspondents, Messrs. Taylor and
others, seem to think they can stop the
cracking or splitting in the Madresfield
Court Grape. Mr. Taylor, indeed, can do it
instantaneously. I only wish he would try
his hand on a couple of Vines here, or re-
concile their vagaries in that respect with
his hypothesis on the subject.

ase)

west end where it has ihe most light. Both Vines are

We have two Vines growing in the same |
houso and entirely in an inside border. One |
Vine is in the middle of the house, and the other is at the |

planted in the middle of the border—that is, equidistant |

from the front and back walls, and one is trained down

the rafters and the other is trained both up and down, a |

shoot diverging each way where the stem reaches the |

wires. Both Vines were planted in 1870, and they are
moderately vigorous, bat the one that is trained down-
wards is the strongest, and has always the finest foliage,

though it has not been allowed to extend an inch for |
some five years, and the sap is forced directly into the |

spur-trained shoots, fruiting or otherwise, and which are
every year stopped methodically in the usual way. The
Vine at the end has been allowed to extend a foot or two,
but otherwise it has been treated like the other ; and with

this exception the breadth of foliage developed on each |

every year, and weight of crop, has been as nearly as
possible the same.

And now for the “cracking.” The fruit cracks less or
more on both Vines, but the end Vine is always much
the worst. This season there was not a bunch on it that
did not crack, some very badly; whereas on the Vine in
the middle of the house there was not a single bad berry,
so far as I am aware, and the last bunch is still hanging
on the Vine dead xipe and partially shrivelled; and yet
this Vine, according to Mr. Taylor, is just the one that
should have cracked berries. It is the strongest Vine,
has the most succulent foliage, the sap cannot go any-
where else but into the lateral shoots and those which
bear the bunches, and no attempt has been made to
check the growth as Mr. Taylor directs. Besides, this
Vine gets considerably the most water at the root, for it
has to take its chance with the others, chiefly Alicante
and Lady Downe’s, and we water as copiously as most
people. Contrary to what it ought to do, too, the Vine at
the end begins generally to go off on the bottom limb
first, though it is the weakest, the sap turning by pre-
ference into the top limb in its ascent. I may just say
that the crop, including the Madresfield Court, has
coloured as well this season as I have ever known it do.

Leaving the problem here propounded for your corre-
spondent to solve, I ask, in conclusion, why cracking
should always be supposed to be produced by the force
of the sap from within? Neither in the case of the
Madresfield Court nor the Chasselas Musqué Grape does
any sap flow out when bursting occurs. Before the berry
cracked by distension one would expect the sap to ooze

No. 866,—You., XXXIII., NEw SERIES

|

| through the pores of the skin, as it does in the case of the
Lady Downe’s Grape when the fruit is allowed to hang
on the Vine till the sap begins rising in the spring, but
it does not.

To me the cracking has always appeared to be just the
same as that which appears on chapped hands and on
the lips of human beings, which is caused by external
cold and exposure. It isa curious fact that in the case of
the Vine at the end of the house, to which I have already
referred, the sun shines directly on the bunches for a
long while every afternoon; whereas on the other Vine,
where there is so little cracking, the bunches are much
shaded, as the Vines are trained only 2 feet asunder and
the foliage covers the roof entirely in every part.

If any of your correspondents can give information on
this point it may throw a new light on the subject of the
cracking of Grape berries.—J. 8. W.

JOTTINGS ABOUT APPLES.

Wits hundreds of varieties to choose from, and half a
dozen all that are really necessary, the difficulty is not
to find six first-class Apples, kitchen or dessert, but
the varieties that will meet our wants best over the
longest season. An old servant is none the worse for
being old—the reverse. With old favourites we have

| coupled long and tried services and other pleasant remem-

brances. The old Keswick as soon as ever they are big
enough we can either eat, bake, or boil. For use to
the middle of August plant sufficient of the Keswick.
I once in the month of August heard a person engaged
in the judging of kitchen Apples remark that he did not
like the Lord Suffield, there was no weight in them.
These are of the difficulties exhibitors meet with; an
Apple in season—the correct thing—may or may not be
appreciated. For use from the middle of August to the
end of October plant Lord Suffield, and when it fails in
having a crop Apples in that district will be scarce. For
use from the end of October to Christmas plant Ecklin-
ville Seedling, and of all Apples I do not think you will
find a Jarger, or one more taking in appearance, or, of
more importance as a surer bearer. From Christmas to
the latter end of March I know of nothing superior to
Warner’s King, it will answer all kitchen requisites. To
fill up the intervening space is perhaps not difficult, but
Iam so taken up with a local Apple grown in two or
three places in Northumberland that J shall claim the
liberty of naming it. A friend (Mr. Harkness of Allen-
dale Town) last June sent me a present of a few as
sound as when pulled; and in addition to good keeping
qualities they were of good size and passable for table
purposes. Itis known as the Gateshead Lemon Pippin.
Two others I strongly recommend are Cellini and Manks
Codlin; they crop well, in fact are of our hardiest Apples,
and will in a strait pass muster for eating.

And now for dessert. I place the Early Margaret
first ; its blossom will stand a little frost, and it isa good
cropper. Follow this with Irish Peach, next Kerry

Pippin, and then plant to the full extent Cox’s Orange
No. 1518.—Vou. LVIII., Orp SERIEs.

338

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 1, 1877.

Pippin, ‘winding up for the season with Court-Pendu-Plat.
Adda to this list any for which you may have a fancy, and as far
as need requires you may safely pass by all the rest. Though
do not for a moment let it be considered that I hold this to
be the best possible selection that can be made; I only con-
tend that it is a good selection. In factI rather regret to
leave out such Apples as Dumelow’s Seedling and the new
Hawthornden.

And nowabout planting. When I plant a Gooseberry bush I
do no more than rake a piece of soil, place the bush on the site
raked, spread out the roots and cover them over like a good-sized
molehill and in proportion. I prefer this to deep planting. A
stake will steady a bush the first year; it will protect itself
afterwards. You will have clean fruit when your neighbours’
is dirty, and your bush will grow none the worse for having
beneath it the increased depth of soil. With a clay bottom
good drainage is the most necessary thing. If the bottom is
poor, rotten, and cankerous, then you must make a sound
one; one 2 feet deep will answer all purposes. I will take
it for granted that any reasonable expense will not be allowed
to stand in the way of good results. One ton of the best
cement can be purchased at from £2 to £2 5s., and to this
can be added from two to three parts of sharp sand, but
test its strength for yourselves. If you get it sufficiently hard
to put the soil on without injury it will keep getting harder
afterwards. This secured, set to work and throw out a
trench say 6 or 8 feet wide, leaving it round in the middle,
and on either side put a drain tile just sufficiently deep to
carry off the surplus water. Let the bottom of the trench
be smooth; then take the parts of cement and sand, mix one
pailfal at once, and spread it with a plasterer’s trowel thinly
over the bottom ; @ quarter of an inch thick is sufficient. As
soon as it is sufficiently hard throw back your soil, with an
addition of as much burnt rubbish as you like, but let all the
necessary manure be spread over the surface.—JosEPH WITHER-
spoon, The Vineries, Chester-le-Street.

AUTUMN PERENNIALS FOR SHRUBBERIES.

Tuer is a dearth of flowering shrubs in autumn compared
with spring, and wild flowers too are scarce. We have, is is
true, the glorious tints of the fading deciduons shrubs and
trees; but oh! how short-lived is their beauty! One little
frost and a breath of wind, and allis over. Annuals are often
recommended for the sides of woodland walks, but they are
seldom satisfactory ; even if birds, reptiles, and insects allow
them to grow, most of such as will thrive in such positions
have rather a weedy appearance, and by the end of summer
are rather an eyesore than otherwise. Ordinary bedding plants
haye an air of vulgarity about them when placed against
shrubs, or indeed against any good foliage, a mass of Cannas
edged with scarlet Geraniums in Battersea Park this summer
to wit. The colour was right, but something in the habits of
the two plants did not harmonise. A few plants (not a con-
tinuous line) of Gladiolus Brenchleyensis in lieu of Geraniums
would have made all the difference. I have nothing particular
to say against bedding plants so long as they are kept to the
beds, but bedding plants in mixed borders, subtropical beds,
or around and amongst shrubs, are about as incongruous as
winding walks and London rockeries in a vegetable garden.
There is, however, something about the better class of herba-
ceous plants which claim our respect if we are not too bigoted.
A plant here and there suitably placed can be made to look
like part and parcel of the whole concern rather than like inter-
lopers or tenants-at-will. Those I shall name are such as will
almost take care of themselves when once well planted, need-
ing no protection, no guarding from insects, and little or no
tying-up.

It must not, however, be supposed that all herbaceous plants
need so little attention. There is no place in the flower garden
which takes up so much time as the herbaceous borders where
there is anything like an attempt to keep them in good order;
and besides this, ordinary labourers and young gardeners cen
hardly be persuaded to take an interest in this class of plants.
With regular lines and bright colours the superintendent’s
work is light, but to have herbaceous or mixed borders well
attended to there must be someone in charge of them who has
some pretensions to the possession of taste as well as a little
aptitude for learning names. The following are taken at a
glance along the borders as those which are likely to stand the
roughest treatment, and yet they are all really good. It would
be an easy matter to extend the list, but many of the prettiest

plants have such horrible long ugly names that there is-a
danger of frightening beginners with an extended list.

The queen of hardy border flowers is of course Anemone
Honorine Jobert, algo called A. japonica alba, but it certainly
is not a white variety of A. japonica, as it is distinct in foliage
and habit. Anemone vitifolia, also called A. hybrida, is a
pinkish variety nearly equal to the above, and growing to the
same height—about 24 feet. Anemone japonica is also very
beautiful, but it does not succeed with me as well as the other
two; it, however, grows well in most places. I think all three
of them, though they look well almost anywhere, are best as
specimens about 2 feet through on the grass. K

Tritomas or Torch Flowers are suitable for similar positions,
and the effect of coming suddenly along a winding walk to a
large patch of T. Uvaria glaucescens backed by dark green
foliage is almost startling. T. grandis is a later and larger
variety, flowering from October to Christmas. Its flowers are
equally as bright as the preceding, but they are not quite 80
freely produced.

All kinds of Lilies are admissible in the shrubbery. Most
of them, perhaps all excepting L. candidum and its varieties,
do best in light soil which does not hold too much wet in
winter. Peat suits them admirably, and they can generally be
grown along with American plants. Lilium speciosum (syn.
lancifolium) and L. speciosum album, L. punctatum, L. exi-
meum, L. excelsum, and of course L. auratum, are specially to
be recommended for such positions. L. tigrinum, L. tigrinum
Fortunei, L. aurantiacum, and the Martagon Lilies, are not so
particular about the texture of the soil.

Helianthus multiflorus and H. multiflorus plenus are very
telling perennial Sunflowers, growing 3 to 4 fect high and
flowering all through the summer. Patrinia scabiosefolia is
something like a single Sunflower, growing the same height,
and igs extremely pretty. The Golden Rod, Solidago multi-
flora, also growing 3 or 4 feet high, and the dwarf variety
named §. reflexa, are very showy without being vulgar-looking.
Monerdas, generally called Bergamot, have perfumed foliage
as wellas handsome flowers suitable for cutting, and the best is
M. didyma (syn. M. Kalmiana), a bright scarlet about 18 inches
high. Achillea Ptarmica plena is an attractive pure white
flower, very useful for cutting, and almost always in bloom;
it also grows about 18 inches in height. A. aurea and A. Mille-
folia rosea are likewise good.

Among Michaelmas Daisies (Asters) are a great many weeds
not worthy of cultivation, but on the other hand there are
some varieties which are very beautiful, and these are as easy
to grow as the most worthless sorts. To my mind the best of
all is A. longifolius formosus, a rosy lilac, very free-flowering
variety. A. Amellus is alarge- flowering purple variety of dwarf
habit. A. horizontalis, called here ‘‘ Farewell Summer,” is
also very pretty, and so is A. pendulus. Galatella cana, 3 feet
high, with small Jilac flowers similar to an Aster, is good, and
so is the dwarf variety called G. hyssopifolia. Schizostylis
coccinea is a beautiful Gladiolus-like flower, but it is rather
late in opening, so that, excepting in sheltered situations, it is
liable to be cut off by the frost just as it is coming to its best.
It is a fine plant for autumn work in pots. :

Amongst other plants I have jotted down as suitable for
edges of shrubberies are Polygonum Brunoni, Tritonia aurea,
Colchicum byzantinum, C. autumnale album, C. autumnale
plenum, C. autumnale striatum, and in fact all Colchicums ;
but autumn Crocuses are not so safe where there are rats or
mice. Funkias, too, are good for this purpose; F. Sieboldii,
F. Sieboldii variegata and ovata, are among the best. Sedum
Fabaria, Phygelius capensis, and the Monkshoods, Aconitum
Napellus, A. Napellus bicolor, and A. autumnele, are also hardy
and showy.—Wu. Taynor.

VENUS’S FLYTRAP.

Tuts is a most interesting little plant, and one that should
be more extensively grown than itis at present. Iwas visiting
a friend at Preston, Lancashire, last year, and was taken by
him to look at a collection of plants belonging to Mr. Fore-
shaw, an enthusiastic amateur of that place. There were
many very good plants in the stoves and greenhouses, but the
one that arrested my attention most was a beautiful pan of
the Dionwa muscipula, or Venus’s Flytrap. This year I saw
that the same plant, or rather pan containing a number of
plants, was exhibited at the summer show at Preston and was
much admired. Some of our best gardeners, and amongst
them Mr. Baines, had stated that they had never seen this

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

339

plant so well grown. I wrote for information as to the treat-
ment it received; and Mr. Lauchlan Black, who has potted
most of Mr. Foreshaw’s plants for the last three years, writes
as follows :—

“ T consider this to be one of the easiest plants to grow with
which I am acquainted. Some persons fancy that it can be
grown in a greenhouse, or even with the protection of a cold
frame, but it will not thrive under such circumstances. The
best compost to grow it in is very fibry peat, sphagnum, pot-
sherds, and lumps of charcoal, and the sphagnum ought to be
encouraged to grow on the surface. It doeg best in a shallow
pan well drained. The plant is now at rest and will make but
little growth until the early spring months, and as soon as
growth commences shake all the old potting material from
amongst the roots and divide the mass of plants into single
crowns. The potting material should be raised above the rim
of the pan in the centre, then the strongest crowns should be
planted in the centre and the smaller plants nearer the edge.
The best temperature in winter is one from 50° to 55°, but as
soon as the plants are potted in the spring the pan should be
removed to a warmer house; a Cucumber house with a night
temperature of 70° answers as well as any. During the whole
of the growing season a plentiful supply of water is required.
During the winter season enough water should be given to
prevent the sphagnum from dying. The plant should not be
placed in a draughty place, and it succeeds best in a still,
warm, and moist atmosphere.”

Sach is the result of Mr. Black’s experience, and I can con-
firm it from some little experience of my own. I grew a plant
during the summer in a case with Filmy Ferns; it is now in
the Cattleya house, where it will remain until the spring, and
will then be potted as above and be transferred to the Cucum-
ber house.—J. Dovauas.

WINTER CUCUMBER CULTURE AT EASTNOR.

Wuen visiting Harl Somers’ renowned garden recently—re-
nowned not more by the great taste and liberality of its owner
than by the well-proved ability of the gardener—I was struck
with the excellent condition and great promise of the winter
Cucumbers. The Grapes were nearly all cut, the Melons on
their ‘last legs,’ the Fig trees barren—the barrenness of
October, and the Pines appearing as if halting between two
seasons—summer and winter. They are grown with an object,
and for a time, and that time for ripening, not now; but the
Cucumbers had the appearance of having enjoyed a genial
Spring and were entering on summer instead of having been
guided through autumn and on the eve of winter. They were
’ so fresh, clean, strong, and springlike as to demand a note, a
note of high commendation ; a seasonable note too, for do they
not teach an useful lesson at a seasonable time ?

A mere sight-seer, I mean one of the many who admire flowers
and enjoy fruits even when growing, but who are not initiated
into the modes of cultivating what they inspect, would per-
chance see little to admire in the Cucumber house at Hastnor
in October. Hyen the young enthusiastic professional im-
patient to make a name and a mark, might not be entranced
with the steady, yes steady (mark the word), practice of a
Coleman in growing Cucumbers on the threshold of winter.
Probably when the ardent youth lived at so-and-so, had full
charge there, the trellises were laden with fruit at this season
of the year, but at Hastnor only a few Cucumbers were to be
seen! That is just the point, the important point too, in
winter Cucumber culture. Batter, far better, than a crowd of
fruit was the stout natural-looking foliage and the thinly-
trained shoots: more attractive than a fruit-laden trellis were
the vigorous white roots creeping out of one turf and into the
next, so active that in fancy one might almost see them move.
That is the condition in which Cucumbers should be now
from which fruit is expected from November till March.

Strong early growth, a well-coyered trellis, yet the shoots
thinly disposed, leathery foliage bright and clean, active
healthy roots bridging air spaces between turfy soil, and little
or no fruit, should be the October standard for winter Cucum-
bers. That was their state at Hastnor on the 22nd ult. Hyi-
dently the temperature, ventilation, and atmosphere had been
well managed: the soil, too, was simple yet effectual, and for-
bearance had been exercised in restricting the bearing cf the
plants. Precocious fruitfulness is the bane of winter Cucum-
ber growing. The resources of the plants require to be hus-
banded now so that they may have a store of strength for the
dark days, not expended in producing an early sensational crop,

and consequently weakened when the strain upon them is at
its maximum.

It is some time since I saw the soil used for Cucumbers so
simple and so good—that is, so rough, as at Hastnor. In its
roughness consists its chief excellence. It is simply turf, turf
no doubt pared from good soil, yet simply turf and used just
as it was dug in large square junks. It is surprising how little
of such soil is required to grow Cucumbers when it is rightly
used. There overhead was a large trellis quite covered with
shoots and foliage of the most satisfactory kind; below a
narrow ridge of turves, the roots protruding through them in
all directions asking for another thin casing of the same sus-
taining and enjoyable food. Periodical layers of turves, and
liquid manure when the plants are heavily worked, are all the
food required by Cucumbers. All they ask for is to have the
turfy soil ‘little and often,’ and rough.

In the next house, a succession house, the plants were in
very large pots and the growth had nearly covered the trellis.
In these pots they will remain, and their rooting medium will
be rougher, far rougher, than even rough turyes. What can it
be, do you ask? Answer, bricks, yes bricks, or perhaps half
bricks, for the Cucumbers are not particular so long as it is
rough. The large pots are placed on a layer of ‘‘ good stuff”
over the hot-water pipes. By-and-by the roots will not only
be encouraged to the surface of the pots, but over them. They
will be enticed over them by rich rough food. Bricks and
turves will then be packed round the pots. Water will be
regularly poured in, and down the roots will go to the heat,
moisture, and food below, gathering sustenance as they de-
scend; their moist, warm, dark, rugged path, and liquid
manure ad lib. will do the rest. That is what Cucumbers like
—aérated food. What they do not like is a huge mass of close
soil ‘given all at once and done with.’’ They do not like
alternations of heat and cold, dry draughts and cold fogs, nor
especially to be heavily cropped when young. They may be
young and willing, but the manis not wise who permits them to
exhaust themselves to make a grand show during the early
days of autumn and winter. Mr. Coleman at least does not
allow them to do go, and the Hastnor plants before the winter
is over will prove his practice correct.—J. WnricHt.

COMPANY SHOWS.

UnveEr the above heading you have published some remarks
about which there may be some difference of opinion; indeed
I know the subject alluded to is regarded differently by different
people, and the remarks of an “‘ Oup Exureiror” on page 303
if they are acquiesced in by many are not by all. It was
suggested in the letter referred to that special horticultural
societies practically ‘‘sold themselves’ to ‘‘ companies’ who
had no real sympathy with horticulture, or any branch of it
which they bought for the “‘ time being and made the beat of.”
That is rather strong language, not pleasant to many, yet I
fear that it contains some truth.

The special societies of a horticultural nature now established
are one and all calculated to do considerable good by advancing
the culture of that particular flower or vegetable with which
they are identified. The officers of such societies are generally
disinterested men, who labour to advance their object and not
to trade upon it. With the supporters of those societies the
case is different. It is obvious that many of them have an
“eye to business.” What, then, can the few disinterested
managers do in such acase? They arein 2 dilemma. Most of
their supporters ‘‘ mean businegs’’ on the one hand, and the
managers of companies, such as the Aquarium, “‘ mean busi-
ness’? on the other. It is their duty to attract custom, and
they make liberal, even spirited, bids for popularity. The
special societies of a horticultural nature must have money,
and their supporters would not support them if their com-
mittees ‘‘ threw such chances away’ as the ‘‘ companies” from
time to time offered. That is the real difficulty.

By many this state of things is considered unsatisfactory,
and they are brought face to face with another real difficulty
when seeking a remedy. Not many special societies are strong
enough to be really independent, and consequently they enter
into alliances which are to a certain extent incongruous. They
are induced to patronise a place of public entertainment, first
because of the ‘‘ consideration’ offered, and secondly because
there is the chance of a large number of visitors inspecting
the show, some of which may perchance become specialists
themselves and supporters of their new hobby.

It is very easy to over-estimate the influence of mere num-

340 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 1, 1877.

bers, and to attach a greater importance to a ‘central position”
—a position ‘‘in town,’ than such an advantage (?) is worth.
In the first place the ‘‘ crowds’ do not flock to special shows
of a horticultural nature. It has never yet been proclaimed
from the housetops that the National Rose Show at St. James’s
Hall was a “‘ brilliant success’’—not more successful, indeed,
than the Rose Shows at ‘the Palaces.’”’ The Auricula Show
at the Crystal Palace was well attended, perhaps better than
any other special show of the year, but has it resulted in an
accession of members to the Auricula Society? The Carnation
Show at the Aquarium was worthy of far more of public patronage
than it received, for although Roses were there also, visitors
were ecant; and the same may be said of the Putato Show;
and this, in addition, may be said in regard to the Aquarium
—and few impartial observers can deny it—that a horticultural
show cannot be enjoyed there during the afternoon, the only
time when many visitors can attend.

It appears to me as one interested in horticulture, yet having
no particular connection with any one society—that is, having
no bias towards one over the other either large or small, but
desirous of seeing all prosper, that the first condition to secure
in a horticultural society is a horticultural status. A mere
*“company” alliance will not secure this, because the chief
objects and sympathies of the two are foreign in their nature.
What will secure it and promote what so many are desirous of
seeing—true horticultural progress? I prefer putting the
matter in the formof questions. Would it not be desirable for
special and purely horticultural societies to be regarded as
branches of a central head having branch—subsidiary—shows
in alliance with that head? If it is desirable, is it practicable.
—HoRrricvLtvuRist.

THE ROSE ELHECTION.—No. 4.
VOTES IN ELECTION.

Tue Roses in the following returns are placed in the order
of merit—namely, the first best twelve, the second best twelve,
and the third best twenty-four varieties, except where other-
wise expressed :—

Mr. T. Brown, Gardener to A. J. Waterlow, Esq., Great Doods,

Reigate.
1. Alfred Colomb 7. Duke of Edinburgh
2. Charles Lefebvre $. Etienne Levet
3. La France 9. Baronne de Rothschild
4, Marquise de Castellane 10. Louis Van Houtte
5. Marie Baumann 11. Francois Michelon
6. Maréchal Niel 12. Dr. Andry
13. Camille Bernardin 19. Abel Grand
14. Comtesse d’Oxford 20. Prince Camille de Rohan
15. Victor Verdier 21. Dapuy-Jamain
16. Comtesse de Serenye 22. Catherine Mermet
17. Madame Victor Verdier 23. Souvenir d’Elise Varden
18. Edward Morren 24. Sonvenir d’un Ami
25. Sénateur Vaisse 37. Henri Ledechaus
26. Ferdinand de Lesseps 38. Horace Vernet
27. Annis Laxton 359. Marguerite de St. Amand
28. Mdlle. Eagénie Verdier 40. Reynolds Hole
29. Marechal Vaillant 41. Beauty of Waltham
30. Madame Thérése Levet 42. Annie Wood
31, Jules Margottin 43. Madame Lacharme
32. John Hopper 44. Devienne Lamy
33. Auguste Rigotard 45. Baron A. de Rothschild
84. Cheshunt Hybrid 46. Madame H. Jamain, u.P.
35. Duc de Wellington 47. Duchesse de Caylus
36. Duc de Rohan 48. Capitaine Christy

Rey. E. N. Pocuty, Barkby Vicarage, Leicester.

1, Maréchal Niel 7. Marie Baumann
2. Charles Lefebvre 8. Francois Michelon
3. Alfred Colomb 9. Marquise de Casteliane
4, La France 10. Comtesse d’Oxford
5. Etienne Levet 11. Dr. Andry
6. Baronne de Rothechild 12. Emilie Hausburg
18. Horace Vernet 19. Louis Van Houtte
14, Due de Wellington 20. Duke of Edinburgh
15. Marguerite de St. Amand 21. Edward Morren
16, Madame Victor Verdier 22. Marie Cointet
17. Victor Verdier 23. Marie Finger
18. John Hopper 24. Dupuy-Jamain
25. Mrs. Charles Wood 87. Star of Waltham
26. Mdlle. Marie Rady 38. Ferdinand de Lesseps
27. Auguste Rigotard 89. Sénateur Vaisse
28. Madame Hippolyte Jamain 40. Catherine Mermet
29. Madame Clemence Joigneaux 41. Sir Gamet Wolseley
30. Paul Neyron 42. Comtesse de Serenye
31. Centifolia 43. Souvenir d’un Ami
32. Belle Lyonnaise 44. Duchesse de Caylus
33. Lord Macaulay 45. Fisher Holmes
34. Xavier Olibo 46. Devyoniensis

35. Abel Grand 47. Comtesse de ChabriJant
36, Duchesse de Vallombrosa 48. Madame C. Crapelet

Mr. R. W. Beacuey, Fluders, Kingskerswell.

1. Alfred-Colomb
2. Maréchal Niel
3. Charles Lefebvre
4. Francois Michelon
5. Marie Baumann
6. La France

13

14.

. Etienne Levet
. Duke of Edinburgh

15. Princess Mary of Cambridge

16. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
17. Marie Finger

18. Marquise de Castellane
25. Dupuy-Jamain

26. Souvenir d’un Ami

27. Duc de Wellington

28. Souvenir d’Elise

29, Fisher Holmes

30. Antoine Ducher

31. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
32. Général Jacquemirot
33. Centifolia Rosea

34, Baron de Bonstetten
35. Cheshunt Hybrid

36. Xavier Olibo

7. Camille Bernardin

. Baronne de Rothschild

. Ferdinand de Lesseps

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Louis Van Houtte

12. Devoniersis

19. John Hopper

20. Catherine Mermet

21. Madame Clemence Joigneaux
22. Dr. Andry

23. Star of Waltham

24. Marie Van Honutte

37. Comtesse d’Oxford

88. Comtesse de Serenye
89, Mdlle. Marie Rady

40. Prince Camille de Rohan
41. Victor Verdier

42. S. R. Hole

43. Richard Wallace

44. Madame Victor Verdier
45. Comtesse de Nadaillac
46. Rubens

47. Le Havre

48. Gloire de Dijon

HH
HOOM

JouNn Scott, Esq., Warminster.
Best forty-eight exhibition Roses not in order of merit.

1. Maréchal Niel

2. Alfred Colomb

8. Charles Lefebyre

4. Catherine Mermet
5. Xavier Olibo

6. Marie Baumann

13. Niphetos

14. Monsietr E. Y. Teas
15. Capitaine Christy
16. Ferdinand de Lesseps
17. La France

18. Dr. Andry

25. Annie Laxton

26. Duc de Wellington
27. Edward Morren
28. Exposition de Brie
29. La Rosiére

30. Louis Van Houtte
31. Marie Rady

32. Madame Nachury
33. Madame C. Wood

34. Madame Clemerce Joigneaus

35. Madame Victor Verdier
36, Marquise de Gibot

1. Charles Lefebvre

2. Maréchal Niel

3. Duke of Edinburgh

4. Marie Baumann

5. Baronne de Rothschild
6. Francois Michelon
13. John Hopper
14. Jules Margottin
15. Marquise de Castellare
16. Madame Victor Verdier
17. Catherine Mermet
18. Pierre Notting

25. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
26. Xavier Olibo

27. Mdlle. Marie Cointet
28. Dupuy-Jamain

29. Etienne Dupuy

30. Madame Georges Schwartz

31. Baron Bonstetten

32. Monsieur E. Y. Teas

33. Sir Garnet Wolseley

34. Comtesse de Chabril’ant
35. Ferdinand de Lerseps

36. Marguerite de St. Amand

7. Barorne de Rothschild
8. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
9. Duke of Edinburgh

10. Etienne Levet

11. Francois Michelon

12. Horace Vernet

19. Fisher Hoimes

20. Jules Margottin

21. Comtesse d’Oxford

22. Marie Cointet

28. Marquise de Castellane
24, Sonvenir d’un Ami

37. Marquise de Mortemart
88. Paul Neyron

89. Prince Camille de Rohan
40. Senateur Vaisse

41, Sir Garnet Woleeley
42. Star of Waltham

45. Victor Verdier

44, Deyoniensis

45. Madame Bravy

46. Souvenir d’Elise

47. Triomphe de Rennes
48. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier

DD: Deal.”

7. La France

8. Alfred Colomb

9. Louis Yan Houtte
10. Madame Lacharme
11. Cioth of Gold
12. Marie Van Houtte
19. Comtesse de Serenya
20. Etienne Levyet
21, Mdlle. Marie Finger
22. Mdlle. Marie Rady
25. Prince Camille de Rohan
24. Comtesse d’Oxford

37. Emilie Hausburg

38. La Havre

39. Edward Morren

40. Felix Genero

41. Victor Verdier

42. Niphetos

43. Princess Mary of Cambridge
44, Perle des Jardins

45, Star of Waltham |
46, Thcmas Mills p
47. Madame C. Wood |
48, Belle Lyonnaise x

Mr. J. Mayo, Corn Market Street, Oxford.

Best forty-eight exbibition Reses not pleced in order of merit.

. Alfred Colomb

. Charles Lefebyre

. Baronne de Rothschild
Comtesse de Serenye

. Devienne Lamy
Etienne Levet

18. Dr. Andry
14, John Hopper

SUP 0 bo

Go

15. Madame Hippolyte Jamain

16. Eugénie Verdier
17. Mdlle. Marie Rady
18. Sir Garret Wolseley]

25. Annie Wood

26. Beauty of Waltham
27. Camille Bernardin

28. Duke of Edinburgh
29. Ferdinand de Lesseps
30. Horace Vernet

8L. Le Havre

32. Madame Charles Wood

7. Madame Victor Verdier
8. Francois Michelon
9. Maréchal Niel

10. Marie Baumann

11. Sénateur Vaisse

12. Hippolyte Jamain

19. Louis Van Houtte

20. Comtesse d’Oxford

21. La France

22, Marquise de Castellane
28. Duke of Wellington
24, Marie Yan Hontte

88. Marie Cointet

34. Marquise de Mortemart
85. Baron Gonella

86. Star of Waltham

87. Prince Camille de Rohan
88. Royal Standard

89. Madame Georges Schwartz
40, Baron A. de Rothschild

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

341

41. Reynolds Hole 45. Madame Lacharme
42. Princess Beatrice 45, Maurice Bernardin
43. Pierre Noitirg 47. Emilie Hausburg
44, Edward Morren 48. Anna Olivier
“A County Dusiin AMATEUR.”
Best forty-eight exhibition Roses.
1. La France 7. Alfred Colomb
2. Francois Michelon 8. Dr. Andry
3. Baronne de Rothschild 9. Madame Victor Verdier
4. Duke of Edinburgh 10. Maréchal Niel
5. Charles Lefebvre 11. Mdle. Eugénie Verdier
6. Marie Baumann 12. Catherine Mermet
13. Marquise de Castellane 19. Louis Van Houtte
14. Etienne Levet 20. Sir Garnet Wolseley
15. Marquis de Mortemart 21. Dupuy-Jamain
16. Duc de Rohan 22. Victor Verdier
17. Beauty of Waltham 23. Annie Laxton
48. Marguerite de St. Amand 24. Camille Bernardin
25. John Hopper 87 Xavier Olibo
26. President Willermoz 88. John S. Mill
27. Cheshunt Hybrid 89. Richard Wallace
28. Thomas Mills 40. Princess Beatrice
29. Senateur Vaisse 41. Souvenir d’un Ami
30. Mdlle. Marie Rady 42. Centifolia Rosea
31. Marécbal Vaillant 43. Madame Charles Wood
32. Comtesse d’Oxford 44. Rabens
33. Madame H. Jamain 45. Madame Lacharme
34. Mons. E. Y. Teas 46. Lelia
35. Ferdinand de Lesseps 47. Abel Grand
36. Princess Mary of Cambridge 48. Madame Willermoz
Mr. Josrpa Hinton, Warminster.
Best forty-eight exhibition Roses in order of merit.
1, Maréchal Niel 7. Charles Lefebvre
2. Marie Baumann 8. Pierre Notting
3. Catherire Mermet 9. Alfred Colomb
4, Francois Michelon 10. Triomphe de Rennes
5. La France 1!. Souvenir d’un Ami
6. Baronne de Rothschild 12. Baron de Bonstetten
18. Emilie Hausburg 19. Etienne Levet
14. Dr. Andry 20. Comtesse @’Oxford
15. Marie Finger 21. Marquise de Mortemart
16. Marqnise de Castellane 22. Horace Vernet
17. Camille Bernardin 23. Devoniensis
18. Marie Rady 24. Mons. E. Y. Teas
25.-Duke of Edinburgh 37. Gloire de Dijon
26. John Hopper 38. Edward Morren
27. Duchesse de Caylus 39. Madame Lacharme
28. Ferdioand de Lesseps 40. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
29. Général Jacqueminot 41. Marguerite de St. Amand
30. Duke of Wellington 42. Lord Macaulay
31. Madame Victor Verdier 43. Marie Cointet
32. Beauty of Waltham 44, President Willermoz
33. Dupuy-Jamaino 45. Xavier Olibo
34. Devienne Lamy 46. Prince de Portia
35. Louis Van Houtte 47. Victor Verdier
36. Madame Brayy 48. Centifolia Rosea
Rev. C. H. Butuer, Credenhill Rectory, Hereford.
Best forty-sight exhibition Roses.
1. Alfred Colomb 22, Madame Victor Verdier
2. Charles Lefebyre 23. Edward Morren
3. La France 24. Duke of Wellington
4, Etienne Levet 25. Monsieur Noman
5. Barcnne de Rothschild 26. Horace Vernet
6. Marie Baumann 27. Capitaine Christy
7. Marquise de Castellane £8. Elie Morel
as press Enugénie Verdier 29. Senateur Vaisse
"| Marie Finger 80. Beauty of Waltham
9. Dapuy-Jamain 31. Marquise de Gibot
10. Louis Van Houtte 82. Reynolds Hole
11. Francois Micbelon 83. Annie Laxton
12. Comtesse d’Oxford 34. John Hopper
13. Maréchal Niel 635. Madame Fartado
14, Marie Rady 36. La Rosiére
15. Dr. Andry 37. Jules Margottin
16, Emitie Hausburg 38. Général Jacquemino§
Abel Grand 39. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
alj7. 4 Marguerite deSt. Amand 40. E. Stuart Mill
Princess Mary of Cambridge 41. Madame Théré3e Levet
18. Xavier Olibo 42. Madame Hippolyte Jamain
19. Star of Waltham 43. Thomas Mills
Exposition de Brie 44. Madame Charles Wood
Ferdinand de Lesseps 45. Mdlle. Annie Wood
620. ) Maurice Bernardin 46. Duchesse de Morny
Sir Garnet Wolseley 47. Marie Van Hontte

21. Duke of Edinburgh 48. Catherine Mermet

a These varieties are bracketed only for the purposes of an election, not
for the Rose catalogue or exhibition box.

6 This variety (35) holds its place from the good qualities of colour, form,
freshness, ard perfume, also beauty of foliage and certainty on the maiden
Manetti, in elector’s county early boxes being rarely without it.

N.B.—Dark Roses of the Bonzenne school have been purposely excluded,
as seldom exhibited through opening badly or burning, though admittedly
indispensable when in form.

Ihave been particular in closing the lists of the amateurs
with that of the Rev. C. H. Bulmer’s, because the list and the
note attached thereto, coupled with his request that it may
be printed as sent, opens up a question mooted by “ Wrup

SavacE” and myself in the earlier days of this election.
Finding it met with opposition, and now acknowledging
that from my natural infirmity of ‘ thickness in the clear” I
did not exactly express what I meant, I withdrew the propo-
sition, fearing it might, if misunderstood, imperil the genuine
character of the election. Several electors have touched upon
the topic, some merely naming one or other of these Roses,
pointedly saying the vote was to be given to the named Rose,
not the other; others, like my friend Mr. Beachey, enlarging
on the reasons for preference of one over another, but Mr. Bual-
mer’s list and his request bring the matter rather to a crisis.
Let me state how I did act as regards these votes in Mr. Bal-
mer’s list. In every case of similar bracketed Roses I gave the
vote, for it is plain there is only one vote to be given in each
case to the Rose already standing highest on the list. It so
happened that Mr. Bulmer’s list was nearly the last received,
and so the matter was easy.

Of course all of us think very highly of our own ideas—as Sam
Slick would say, ‘‘’tis human natur;’’ but it seems to me it
would be wise to settle this little point, and argue out the pros
and cons. I believe that in this present election we have not,
for this very reason, arrived at the correct position of these
similar Roses. Granted that they can often be distinguished
‘one from t’other and t’other from which,’’ yet it must also be
confessed that often, more often, ‘‘ Ceasar and Pompey are so
| very much alike, especially Pompey,’’ that identification utterly
fails as far as the bloom alone is concerned, certainly to the
ordinary Rose-grower, and even, I fancy, occasionally to the
very best judge. Why, then, should not, for the purposes of
election, this matter be allowed? Precedent is not wanting,
as in the case of Lwlia and Louise Peyronny.

I cannot resist giving my opinion, based on the numerous
returns I have now for some years waded through, that these
similar Roses scarcely attain their right position; for instance,
Marie Finger and Eugénie Verdier. I can understand a
person saying, ‘‘I cannot put two Roses so similar in my forty-
eight. I choose Marie Finger, it comes best;” but another
reasons exactly in the same way as regards Hugénie Verdier.
Here, then, are two similar Roses that receive only one vote
each, whilst these same electors each vote for some dozen
Roses, like Marie Baumann and Maréchal Niel, which thus
score two votes. Let this be repeated only three or four times
amongst forty electors, and the result will very materially
modify the position they would otherwise attain.

Let me now state briefly how I think the difficulty may be
met. Confession is said to be good for the soul, and I confess
I erred in saying at the onset all votes for either of these
similar Roses would be given to a named one; it was, in fact,
taking my opinion of the merits as the correct one, and I
properly received castigation for the same. I propose, there-
fore, that for purposes of election Lelia and Louise Peyronny ;
Alba Rosea and Madame Brayy; Marie Finger and Eugénie
Verdier; Ferdinand de Lesseps, Maurice Bernardin, and Expo-
sition de Bric; Baron Prevost and Colonel de Rougemont; &¢.—
one Rose, and that whichever the elector prefer—should be
named, then the returning officer might publish his list thus :—

Eugénie Verdier )

These figures denoting the

6—6—10 = 22 :

18 pe 10 —10 —17 = 87 + votes in both twelves and
owe Hinger) J the next twenty-four.
4—4—7=15

Ferdinand de Lesseps
pauses
Maurice Bernardi =
aso Saul 7—8—16=81

24
| Exposition de Brie
Lo) Sat
Such a plan would not only show us the most generally use-
ful of the similar Roses, and thus be a guide to those able only
to have a limited number of varieties, but by the collective
vote these similar Roses would allstand higher. Such arrange-
ment would further admit into the charmed circle of the forty-
eight some Roses that, as the Rev. C. H. Bulmer says, we
desire to see there; for when it comes to the last few votes,
how difficult it is to balance the respective merits, and how
many favourites are left out in the cold—with regret, deep
regret. Mr. Beachey writes, ‘‘ Many of the newer Roses are
so good that they cannot be omitted, and yet for auld acquain-
tance’ sake, if for nothing else, how can one have the heart to
give the cold shoulder to such dear old valued and faithful
friends as Sénateur Vaisse, Pierre Notting, Gloire de Dijon (I
must just slip in the last-named before the door is closed),
Abel Grand, Lelia, Madame Bravy, and such like?” Other

342

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 1, 1877.

electors, like the Rey. C. P. Peach, go even further, for he
adds to his list of forty-eight Roses the names of fifty-three
other varieties, headed ‘‘ Regret to have to omit the following.”
Our ‘‘Peach”’ is far more tender-hearted in the kernel than
the fruit.—JosrerpH Hinton, Warminster.

P.S.—Roughly looking at this point, I think I may say that
had this election been thus carried out the Marie-Finger-

Hugénie-Verdier Rose must have polled at least forty-two |

votes, and the Ferdinand de Lesseps, Exposition de Brie,
Maurice Bernardin type would have mustered forty. The
former must have forced her way into the first dozen (a very
welcome addition in colour), and the; latter would have made
a plucky effort to follow her.—J. H.

NOTES RELATIVE TO THE POTATO.

Mr. Appison seems to think (page 225) that the disease is
brought on by deterioration in the sets and careless treatment
of the same rather than an atmospheric cause. I believe the
truth of the matter has been well elucidated by your able
correspondent ‘‘A NorrHEeRN GARDENER,’ and I add my
testimony to his. I do not know what the people of
England think, but I know that in Ireland we have been
taught by experience to look entirely to the season and the
state of the atmosphere. The most casual observer here can
and does prophesy about our crop. They draw their con-
clusions from the season. If the sets are planted about
March or early in April, and May and June set in showery, it
does very well; but on the other hand, if July, August, and
September are wet, it is the universal cry, ‘‘ The Potatoes are
in danger.” This is quite true. Last season we had an ex-
ample of it; from July till about the middle of September was
pretty dry, but about the latter period wet set in. The Pota-
toes were in full growth, or at least were quite green, with no
bad tubers. A fortnight afterwards we had lots of diseased
tubers, caused, we believe, by the change of weather.

It has been said by some writer that the Potato disease is
contagious, and that it is an error to plant for years con-
secutively in the same piece of ground. This is a theory
which I think will not stand im the light of experience. I
know plots that cottagers have been growing Potatoes in (and
nothing else) for this last twenty years, and year for year
there is no difference in them from those grown in the beat
rotation-of-crop system. Most observers have noticed that
there are varieties which are more subject to disease than
others, and also that it depends on the constitution of the
variety, as we find all sorts having soft delicate haulms are
more prone to disease than those having strong haulms of
upright growth. It is, I believe, a fact almost generally ad-
mitted that it is the haulm that conveys the disease to the
tubers. This being granted, if there is no disease to carry there
will be none at the root; but if there is, the haulm that can
best resist it will have the most sound tubers. The potency of
this theory I have seen in the Skerry, the stalks of which do
resist the disease long after all others are cut down, and this
year, notwithstanding that all other Potatoes are much affected,
this variety is almost all sound. I knowit to bea Potato requir-
ing much inorganic matter to bring it to perfection. In a lot
of about thirty varieties of seedlings that we had planted in a
field I observed that all haulms of a soft flimsy nature were
cut down with disease about August; the tubers were very
bad. The haulms of others remained fresh and firm till we
were taking them up (10th of October), and the tubers were
fresh and almost free from disease.

I endorse the most of what Mr. Addison says about disbud-
ding seed Potatoes several times before planting. Itis a terrible
error in management. No doubt it deprives the sets of some
of their vitality, but how it can affect or assist a malady purely
atmospheric it beats me to know. I say atmospheric, as I have
seen what attacks the tops of the Potatoes on several plants,
especially this season, when it came on so early, while all
foliage was tender. I examined the leaves of Beans, Beech, and
Lilac, and to all appearance it was identical. In this matter I
do not stand alone, as my employer tells me it was perceptible
on many trees and shrubs in the years of 1845 and 1846.

In conclusion let me say that as the Potato is so valuable
as a culinary root, it by all means ought to be grown for its
quality and not for its quantity. It is to be seen in far too
many cases planted too thickly, so that when about half
grown they are growing into and weakening each other. I
believe if we were to grow none but those having stout haulme,
and plant them in goil mostly inorganic such distances from

each other that they could be seen individually all through
their growth, we should have less of disease. This, I know,
would be a step in the right direction. Experience teaches
me Potatoes ought to have an inorganic soil, as the quality of
those grown on an organic soil is never £0 good; besides, I
know the disease always attacks them on boggy soils first. I
believe the disease travels in the dense fogs that visit us
through the months of July, August, and September. These
fogs and aqueous organic soils have a great affinity for each
other, and therefore the disease settles here first.—B. G.,
o. Down.

THE LATE MR. RIVERS.
(Continued from page 228.)

In our last we gave a sketch of the life and works of Mr,
Rivers in their general relation to horticulture. We will now
consider what he has done in that branch with which his
name is likely to be most enduring, and in the interests of
which he did more than any other person in modern times.
When Mr. Rivers first turned his attention seriously to. fruit
culture our orcharding and fruit-trea management were at
the lowest possible ebb. The orchards of Kent which had for
centuries furnished the supplies of fruit to the great metropolis
had become gnarled, cankered, and unproductive. The re-
moval of the protective duty on imported fruit discouraged the
Kentish farmers; many of them grubbed the orchards they
had, and those who had them not refused to plant. In this
condition did the fruit-producing districts for many years
remain; the old cankered orchards became older and more
cankered, and no attempt was made to supply the deficiency
that was yearly becoming greater. No more short-sighted
policy could have been followed by the English orchardists, for
by their action they merely opened a wider door to the foreign
grower. With a soil and climate adapted for fruit-growing to
supply our every want, we were about to be handed over to
the foreign producer for the supplies which we could easily
have of far better quality at home. Mr. Rivers saw the course
that was inevitable, and he set himself to arrest it. He was
strongly imbued with a patriotic feeling, and though suf-
ficiently cosmopolitan he never forgot that there was nothing
that any other nation could do that was not equally within
the power and grasp of the Anglo-Saxon race in similar cireom-
stances. This was a feature in his character which we often
remarked, and one of the phases of it was that he never would
be outdone or allow that an Englishman could be outdone by
any other nationality. He used often to remark, ‘‘ Why should
we import fruit from abroad when we have the soil and climate
to grow it here in England?” Hewas always impatient of the
old Kentish orchardists, as he was of all laggards and dullurds.
He was a man of action and great foresight, and knowing that
this state of affairs could not long continue he set himself to
inaugurate a better way, and he lived to admire the modern
orcharding of Kent.

Mr. Rivers was not a mere talker and writer, for he acted
both what he talked and wrote. While he was instructing
the fruit-growers of the country by his writings, he was at the
same time showing them an example and instructing them by
what he did. It is now many years since he planted hundreds
of Louise Bonne of Jersey Pears and Harly Rivers Plum as
pyramids, to show what could be done on a small space of
ground with trees of small size properly managed. These
trees are in existence still and continue to produce abundant
crops. The practice which he followed in the nurseries at
Sawbridgeworth was, perhaps, of greater value than his yo-
luminous writings, for there facts could be studied, and those
who could not realise what they read by description could see
the real thing before their eyes.

It was mainly in Worcestershire, in the Vale of Hvesham,
and in some of the market gardens round London, that the
system which Mr. Rivers advocated was first practised; and
the success that attended it being universally acknowledged, the
Kentish orchardists seeing the advantages of the new system
soon adopted it, and now in that favoured county may be
seen hundreds of acres of fruit trees grown on the pyramid
fashion, while perhaps a still greater extent is being planted
with standard trees of superior sorts both in quality and fer-
tility. That which aided Mr. Rivers in this description of
orcharding was the use of the dwarfing stocks—the Quince for
the Pears, and the Paradise for Apples. He was the first to
urgé an extensive use of the Quince stock, and for years he had
to battle againss much opposition before he could convince

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGEH GARDENER.

343

the public of its importance. It had for many years been
used in France, and a few wero grown in English nurseries,
more to indulge a fancy than anything else; but its use on a
large scale was due to the unabated advocacy of Mr. Rivers,
and he succeeded at last in convincing the British gardener
that to grow garden fruit properly and to economise space the
use of the dwarfing stocks with root-pruning were necessary.

For Apples he, like others, used the French Paradise stock and
the Doucin till he found that neither was so well adapted for
the purpose as could be desired. The former was a weak and
delicate plant not adapted for this climate, and being fortunate
in finding a number of trees among some seedling Apples
which retained a dwarf habit and the peculiarity of throwing-
out an abundance of small roots near the surface of the ground,
his ready eye detected them, and they were selected for experi-
ments in dwarfing. One or two were chosen as being the best,
and at last Mr. Rivers found that every qualification being
supplied by the variety called the Nonesuch, this has now
become the only dwarfing stock for Apples used in the Saw-
bridgeworth Nurseries. Of its excellence for dwarfing and
inducing fertility we can amply testify from long experience.

It was at an early period in life that Mr. Rivers began to
raise seedling fruit trees. As we have already stated in our
former notice published last week his father resigned to him the
whole interest in the Sawbridgeworth Nurseries in 1827, and
shortly afterwards in 1834 he succeeded in obtaining two seed-
ling Plums, which were respectively known at that time as
Rivers’ No. 1 and Rivers’ No. 2.. These were raised from the
Precoce de Tours, an old early variety ; and they were both so
much earlier, more hardy, and greatly more prolific than their
parent, that Mr. Rivers showed his appreciation of them by
making a plantation of fruiting trees, which have amply justi-
fied his judgment and foresight by the remunerative returns
they have made. No. 1 ultimately became known as Early
Favourite and No. 2 as Harly Prolific, the latter being now
better known as Harly Rivers; and if Mr. Rivers had done
nothing else to keep him in remembrance the introduction of
this valuable Plum would have been sufficient to have done go.

Shortly after he started growing fruit trees in pots the Stan-
wick Nectarine, raised by Lord Prudhoe at Stanwick in North-
umberland, was placed in his hands for propagation and distri-
bution. The plants were all reared in pots, and on the 25th of
May, 1850, the stock, consisting of twenty-four plants, was sold
by auction for £164 17s., which amount was handed over to
the funds of the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. The
introduction of the Stanwick Nectarine and the discovery of
the orchard house combined to lay the foundation of Mr.
Rivers’ success as @ raiser of new fruits. Without either it ig
very probable that the many new Peaches and Nectarines
which have added so many delights to cur gardens would never
hhave existed. The Stanwick gave a new character to the fruit,
and the orchard house enabled him to grow and to fruit the
trees in @ space of time shorter than had ever been accom-
plished before, and with a security which induced him to pro-
ceed in the work, and this he certainly did with untiring
energy.

At this period the Horticultural Society of London was notin
a very flourishing condition; its efforts for the time seemed
paralysed, and there was no authority to which a raiser of new
fruits could submit his seedlings to ascertain their merits or to
receive a commendation. In 1853 the idea of a Pomological
Society was first suggested in the pages of this Journal. The
need for such 2 thing was evident from the fayour by which it
was received, and accordingly on the 10th of July, 1854, the
British Pomological Society was instituted at a meeting held
at the house of the Horticultural Society in Regent Street, the
chair being occupied by Mr. Rivers ; and Mr. Spencer of Bowood
and Dr. Robert Hogg being respectively Treasurer and Secre-
tary, and the promoters of the movement. The impetus that
was given to fruit culture by the establishment of this Society
was very marked, and so useful had it become as a promoter of
this branch of horticulture that the Horticultural Society of
London a few years afterwards invited the members to amalga-
mate with that Society, and it ultimately became the Fruit
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, which still con-
tinues to do the work which the original Society was insti-
tuted for.

It was at one of the meetings of the Pomological Society that
Mr. Rivers exhibited his first seedling, obtained by croseing the
old varieties of Nectarines with the Stanwick. He early dis-
covered the faults of the Stanwick, and that it would never be
a usefal fruit for the outdoor climate of these kingdoms. Its

flavour he knew was exquisite, but its liability to crack, and
requiring more heat to ripen it than can be obtained from
a cool house or an open wall, were defects he endeavoured
to obviate by crossing it with some of the hardier varieties.
This he succeeded in doing, and accordingly on the 6th of
August, 1857, he exhibited at the meeting of the British Pomo-
logical Society two seedling Nectarines from the Stanwick,
being only geven years from the time when the plant was first
distributed. One of these appeared for several years in his
fruit catalogue as Stanwick Seedling No.3. On the 5th of
August, 1858, he exhibited for the first time a seedling Peach,
which was subsequently named Rivers’ Early York, by which
this excellent Peach has now become widely known. On the
9th of September, 1858, he exhibited a seedling Nectarine
raised from a Peach stone, and which is now so well known as
Prince of Wales. In 1859 he raised Rivers’ Orange Nectarine
from Pitmaston Orange, and in 1861 were announced Pine
Apple and Victoria Nectarines, and Early Albert and Early
Victoria Peaches. The Nectarine Peach raised from the stone
of a Nectarine appeared in 1862. In 1865 there was a strong
addition to what would to many have appeared sufficient, and
these were Peaches which have now established their reputa-
tion—Alexandra Noblesse, Dagmar, Dr. Hogg, Early Alfred,
and Lord Palmerston. The year 1867 brought a measure of
good fortune as compared with which all that had been done
before sank into comparative insignificance. This was the
raising of Early> Beatrice, Early Louise, and Early Rivers
Peaches. These by their wonderful earliness have added
nearly a month to the duration of the season of Peaches.
That grand Nectarine Lord Napier, which was raised from a
stone of Early Albert Peach, first appeared in 1870. But space
will not allow us to record all Mr. Rivers’ achievements in
fruit-raising; suffice it to say that in this way he has accom-
plished far more in the short space of time between 1854 and
1874 than can be attributed to any other worker in the same
field, and with results that will be lasting.

Whatever tended to add to the pleasure of the people by ex-
tending the culture of fruits by modes that were simple and
inexpensive, was sure to meet with Mr. Rivers’ support. Cheap
glass erections, whether they were mere shades over enclosures
of Beech hedges, glazed wooden structures with roofing-felt
for walls and heated by a brick Arnott stove which he himself
cortrived, or a sand-pit planted with Vines and covered with a
simple glass roof—these were so many ways by which he
showed practically that fruit culture was simple, inexpensive
and remunerative, producivg good returns with a large amount
of pleasure. Another of these contrivances, though it did not
originate with, was introduced and eagerly fostered by him.
This was the ground vinery, which when carried out properly is
one of the most valuable adjuncts to a large or small garden. Ag
we have frequently seen it producing most handsome bunches
of Black Hamburgh and other Grapes, we are confirmed in
our opinion that it is a great boon to the owner of a small
garden who either has no glass houses, or who may be afraid
to build them as fixtures to a freehold which is not his own.

To recount all the labours of Mr. Rivers would fill a book.
We will conclude by giving a list of the fruits that were raised
by him as recently published in the pages of a contemporary.

Peaches —Albatross, Alexandra Noblesse, Comet, Condor,
Crimson Galande, Dagmar, Dr. Hogg, Harly Albert, Early
Alfred, Early Beatrice, Early Louise, Early Leopold, Early
Rivers, Early Silver, Falcon, Gladstone, Golden WHagle,
Goshawk, Lady Palmerston, Large Early Mignonne, Lord
Palmerston, Magdala, Merlin, Nectarine, Osprey, Prince of
Wales, Princess of Wales, Radclyfie, Rivers’ Early York, Sea
Eagle, Stanwick Early York.

Nectarines.—Advance, Albert, Albert Victor, Byron, Dante,
Darwin, Downton Improved, Humboldt, Lord Napier, Pine
Apple, Prince of Wales, Rivers’ Elruge, Rivers’ Orange, Rivers’
White, Stanwick Elruge, Victoria.

Plums.—Autumn Compéte, Blue Prolific, Czar, Early Favour-
ite, Early Rivers, Early Transparent Gage, Grand Duke, Late
Rivers, Late Prolific, Rivers’ Harly Apricot, Rivers’ Harly
Damson, Sultan.

Pears.—Beacon, Fertility, Princess, Seedling Bergamot,
St. Swithen, Summer Beurré d’Aremberg.

Apricot.—New Large Karly.

Cherry.—Karly Rivers.

Raspberry.—Autumn Black.

Strawberries.—Royal Hautbois, Seedling Eliza.

And thus have ended the labours of one who did much to
make life happy, and so add in no small degree to the in-

344

dustrial wealth of the country, by encouraging, like John
Evelyn, the planting of fruit trees.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

WE are informed by Mr. Killick that the APPLE ELECTION
will appear in the next number of the Journal.

— Tuar pretty and curious shrub CoLLETIA HORRIDAis NOW
in full bloom in the garden of Mr. Harrison Weir, where it is
perfectly hardy, and flourishes without the least protection.
The situation is an elevated one near Brenchley in Kent, and
here many other plants stand out of doors that require pro-
tection in rome parts of the country.

—— WE have rarely seen Mrs. Prncn’s Muscat GRAPE grown
better than it is in a house entirely devoted to its culture by
Mr. Harrison Weir of Weirleigh near Brenchley. The bunches
are very large and well set, and the colour and bloom are per-
fect. Where Mr. Weir considers his success rests is that the
house is lofty, the rafters long, so that the Vines have scope
for producing an abundance of healthy foliage, and an abun-
dance of air is constantly admitted, but always from the side
away from the wind. This is managed by having alarge space
to open at each end of the house as well as on the roof, and
air is never admitted except on the lee side.

— Tue Rev. W. F. Ravciyrre states that Déstré CoRNELIS
Pear was raised by Van Mons, but it did not fruit till five years
after his death. It is in shape like Beurré Diel, and of the
flavour of Marie Louise. It ripens avout the same time as
Williams’s Bon Chrétien—about the end of August.

general meeting of the members of the DuNDEE HorTIcULTURAL
Socrety was held on the 26th ult., about 150 gentlemen being
present.
showing the condition of the Society financially. He stated
that the income from members’ subscription, entrance money,

WE learn from the Dundee Advertiser that the annual |

The Treasurer (Mr. James Hardie) read a statement |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

&c., was above that of any ordinary previous year, while the |

ordinary expenses had been less.

Owing to the liberality with |

which prize money had been distributed there was a deficit of |

£70 on the year’s transactions, but they had still £414 13s. 9d.
at their credit. In the year 1865 the Society only paid £58 as
prizes, and since then it had gradually risen, and now stood
at £342. Of the entire income of the Society since its com-
mencement (£6518 18s. 6d.) there has been given in prizes

£3300. The income of the past year, including balance, had |
been £1056 18s. 7d., and the expenditure £642 4s. 10d., show-

ing a favourable balance of £414 13s. 9d. Previous to the
election of office-bearer for the year Mr. Thyne moved—‘‘ That
no partner or employé of any seed or nursery firm be eligible
for election as an office-bearer,” which, after discussion, was
rejected by a large majority.

— Tue CHRYSANTHEMUM SEASON is approaching, and good
displays of this flower are anticipated in the metropolitan dis-
trict. The plants at the Inner Temple never looked more
promising than this year, and the collections at the Crystal
Palace and Victoria Park are extensive and excellent. The
collection at the Temple will be in beauty from the Ist of
November, but some varieties are several days later this year
than they were last. The Stoke Newington Society eppears
to be divided, for their exhibition is advertised to take
place in two separate places—at Stoke Newington on the
16th inst. and at the Westminster Aquarium on the 20th.
Brixton and Gravesend Shows open on the 14th, Walton on
the 15th, Ealing on the 17th (it having been postponed from
the 10th), and Kingston and Dartford on the 21st of the pre-
sent month.

— ‘A WetsH READER’? informs us that one of the most
extensive FLoops within memory has occurred this week in
South Wales. Cardiff Castle, the seat of the Marquis of Bute
(lately figured in the Journal), was nearly surrounded with
water, and the grounds covered to the depth of 3 feet.

—— Ar their annual Roor Sxow to be held at the Agri-
cultural Hall, Islington, on November 14th and 15th, Messrs.
James Carter & Co. offer good prizes for farm roots, also for
vegetables and Potatoes. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, as usual,
offer liberal prizes at their Root Show on November 24th, and
they amount to nearly £500. Many manure manufacturers
also offer prizes at the same Show.

— Ay AmaTecr writes to us on the cuLtrvsTIon oF Hya-
CINTHS, that he last year received a collection of bulbs from
Messrs. Veitch, some of which were so fine that he purchased

[ November 1, 1877.

for them some extra large pots. In due time he had a very
fine display, but—and this is the point to which he directs
attention—he considers that he wasted his money in purchasing
the large pots, for the spikes from bulbs grown in 48’s (5-inch
pots) were quite equal to those produced by 6 and 7-inch pots.
He had excellent spikes from bulbs grown in 4-inch pots,
which size is often very convenient for decorative purposes.
With rich light soil and careful watering, using clear soot
water as a stimulant when the spikes are advancing, satisfac-
tory results, our correspondent remarks, may be produced in
Hyacinth culture by employing pots considerably below the
orthodox size.

—— AtrHoucs there was a good attendance at the CLEYE-
LAND House plant sale (Mr. Ralli’s) on Tuesday last the
prices obtained for the plants were not large—some, indeed,
being small. Nepenthes Refilesiana, a splendid plant with
nearly sixty pitchers, realised 23, and N. lanata 14 guineas.
Seedling Crotons Madame Ralli and Leggi, raised by Mr. Legg,
were sold for £12 and £4 respectively. Anthurium Scherzeri-
anum Leggi was secured for 10 guineas, and A. S. Album
(Bull’s variety) with ten crowns for 15 guineas. The specimen
Crotons only realised comparatively small amounis, the fine
plant of Volutum being bought for 44 guineas. A good plant
of Lepageria alba was sold for £9, and a fine specimen of
Cycas revoluta for 10 guineas. The Heaths realised from
£1 10s. to £5 10s. The total amount of the sale was £392.
The principal buyers were Messrs. Bull, Davis, Humphreys,
Jackson, Lee, Shuttleworth, Wills, Walker, Warren, Williams,
and Wheeler. Mr. Warren bought the exhibition van for
55 guineas.

— Onz of the best examples of successful FRUIT CULTURE
which we have this year seen is at Barham Court, Maidstone,
(Mr. Roger Leigh’s). The crops appear to have been good, judg-
ing at least by the appearance of the fruit-room, which con-
tains a noteworthy collection of well-grown and highly-coloured
specimens. The trees are principally grown as espaliers,
cordons, and pyramids, and their condition affords evidence
of Mr. Haycock’s skill and care.

— A very satisfactory instance of LApAGERIA CULTURE
has come under cur notice in the garden of R. Hudson, Hsq.,
Clapham Common. The Lapageria in question is growing in
a large pot, and is trained near the roof along the south front
of alarge span-roofed plant house. In such a position the light
is often too intense for this fine climber, and it would probably
be so in this instance but for the shade afforded by a shelf
which is placed along the front of the house; and under the
shelf—not above it—the Lapageria grows luxuriantly and
flowers profusely. Thus the space, the under side of a shelf,
which is usually unoccupied, is here turned to account in a
most satisfactory manner. The plant is kept scrupulously
clean and has the best attention in watering. The opposite
of those conditions—namely, drought at the roots, too much
eun, and insect ravages, too often impair the health and mar
the beauty of this beautiful greenhouse climber. Mr. Rapley
the gardener, who grows other plants well, is to be compli-
mented on £0 well pointing out a position where, with suitable
care, the Lapageria will flourish in other greenhouses where
space has not hitherto been found for it. Mr. Hudson only
requires to have the white variety, which is one of the most
chastely beautiful of all greenhouse flowers, to render the front
fringe in his house complete. The same garden contains what
would please the readers of the other end of this Journal—
excellent arrangements for poultry and Pigeons, which are
among the best that have come under our notice, and which
are worthy of being again referred to. A little of everything,
and that little done well, appears to be the guiding principle
in the compact and enjoyable garden referred to.

THE KING’S ACRE NURSERIES. HEREFORD.

Visitrxe a Rose nursery when there are no Roses, or only
a mass of decaying blooms which the early frosts of winter
have degpoiled, and when the leayes are withering on the
branches or haye been driven therefrom by the violence of
the equinoctial gales, may not be a favourable period for
appreciating the beauty of the national flower arranged en
masse, but it is at least opportune for affording an idea of the
magnitude of the trade in the most popular of garden flowers.
It was at such a period that I found myself at King’s Acre,
the celebrated nursery of Messrs. Cranston & Co., who not only
rank amongst the foremost of British rosarians, but who are

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

345

‘the donors of the greatest prize ever provided for competition
at Rose tournaments.

The King’s Acre Nurseries are situated about two miles from
Hereford. The walk—or drive—is a pleasant one without
being picturesque, and the observant traveller has not to pro-
eed far before he perceives that he is in a district peculiarly
‘favourable to Rose growth. Not only in the villa gardens skirt-
ing the town and in the cottage allotments ‘‘ further afield”
do Roses grow vigorously, but the Briars in the hedgerows
tell us by their luxuriance that they enjoy 2 good larder and
acongénial air. The atmosphere of Herefordshire is undefiled
by the smoke of ‘works,’ such as foundries and factories,
and the soil is such that renders the cattle sleek. It is under
such conditions that Roses flourish—in such a district where
“Mr. Cranston has won renown by the excellence of his pro-
duce of blooms in summer and plants in winter.

In extent the nursery is about eighty acres; thirty of which
are devoted to the increase and culture of Roses. Conifers,
forest trees, and evergreens are largely grown, occupying about
thirty acres, and there are twenty acres of fruit trees. Healthy
and well-grown Conifers are attractive at any season, but espe-
cially during the winter, and the Conifer avenues at King’s Acre
are worthy a passing meed of commendation.

in choice variety. Alternating with these are avenues of Roses,

which during the summer season must have an imposing |
At the extreme end of the nursery is a boundary of |

effect.

They reach the |
entire length of the nursery, the shrubs, &., in the borders
being arranged with care—small and medium-sized specimens |

specimen Conifers of commanding size and well-balanced pro- |

portions.
Abies, Thujas, Cupressuses, &c.—are really excellent.

But it is the Roses, unattractive though they be, that pri-
marily arrest attention. In no other place than in a Rose
manufactory such as this can the extent of the Rose industry

be appreciated. Thousands of Roses, even acres, are here seen. |
These are imposing—almost surprising; but more wonderful |
still is it to think that this is only one item in the great Rose |
trade of the country. We must think aleo of the Pauls, Turner, |

‘Cant, Veitch, Smith, Wood, and others who provide similarly

powerful contingents, some of them perhaps even more power- |

ful, to the national army of Roses in order to fully comprehend
the full magnitude of the Rose trade in this country.
That Messrs. Cranston & Co.’s is an important Rose rendez-

-vous must be admitted by all who inspect King’s Acre, and |

especially, perhaps, if the visit occurs in the lifting and pack-
ing period.

account—the sturdy bright wood, and, what is to the practised
eye so attractive, the upturned bristling roots bushy and
‘close at home.”

A striking feature of the nursery is a bed of 50,000 standards
which have been budded during the present season.

the ground slopes; the Briars have also been assorted and
planted systematically, the tallest at the extremities of the
rows furthest from the eye graduating to the dwarfest at the
ends next the central walk. During the blooming period next
year these gigantic sloping banks of Roses will have a grand
effect. This is only a portion of the stock of standards. The
stock of Manettis budded during the present year is still larger
and amounts to 200,000 plants. These are remarkably healthy,
and have been budded very low. In order that the buds could
de inserted quite close to the roots the soil had been dug out, and
the budded Manettis are nowin trenches. When growth com-
mences in the spring the trenches will be filled-in and roots
will issue from the bud, and thus aid the parent stock in fur-
nishing support for the plants. But this is not all; for Roses
thus worked seldom if ever produce suckers; and, moreover,
Mr. Cranston places it beyond the power of planters to err
in exposing any portion of the Manetti stock above ground
—an important provision. The Manetti should always be
covered to insure success, and with plants worked so low as
these are it must be covered, for they simply cannot be planted
without covering the junction of the bud and the stock.

The stock of Manettis now ready for distribution amounts
to 150,000 plants. But many—some hundreds, probably thou-
sands—haye already been dispatched, as was evident by the
Jarge blanks in the quarters, and similarly by the loads of
bundles and packages awaiting their turn for delivery. Roses
were being packed not only for British gardens, but cases
were being prepared for the Continent, especially Italy, for
America, Ceylon, and even New Zealand and Australia. For

The quarters are then bloomless and almost leaf- |
less; but the character of the plants is better seen on that |

A path |
is arranged down the centre of this “plantation,” to which |

The examples of these—Wellingtonias, Pinuses, |

the long voyage of three months the plants are specially pre-
pared. They are chiefly small plants of the newer varieties.
The roots of each are firmly ‘‘ mossed,” and about 150 plants
are placed in each case, and nearly all are found to reach their
destination safely. The foreign trade in Roses is evidently
@ great one, and it is no slight compliment to English packers
that are able to secure the safe transit of Roses even to the
Antipodes.

For the packing of Roses to home districts fern (bracken)
is employed at King’s Acre instead of straw. It is found to
be considerably cheaper than straw, while it is quite as good
if not better for the Roses. Mr. Cranston purchases the ~
bracken from Wales, and the extent of his consignment this
year is suggestive: it amounts to forty tons of dry fern. This
is stored as far as possible in barns, which are now full, but
when the packing season is over will be empty.

A visit to a great Rose-growing establishment during the
packing time affords an excellent opportunity for observing
the varieties which are most popular with the Rose-growing
public. And here the old Gloire de Dijon has a more honour-
able position than in the Rose election. Of all Roses it is
the greatest in request. The stock of it—and a fine sight it
is—at King’s Acre now ready for distribution is upwards of six
thousand plants, and these even on the 20th of October were
‘all sold!” The stock of Maréchal Niel is, to use a nursery
phrase, always ‘“‘run off its legs.” Baronne de Rothschild is
the most popular of the light Roses, indeed of any Rose except-
ing those above named, and upwards of five thousand are pro-
vided to meet the demand. La France sustains its popularity
and increases in favour yearly. Four thousand plants have
recently bloomed grandly at King’s Acre, and another year
they will bloom somewhere else. It is one of the most con-
tinuons in blooming of all Roses—one of the most chastely
beautiful, and one of the most sweet. Amongst the dark
Roses Alfred Colomb and Marie Baumann head the list in
the public estimation, and the pair are here represented by
nearly ten thousand plants. Of other varieties the Rose
election poll of the Jowrnal of Horticulture is a good index of
merit in public estimation, and the Roges there honoured are
increased accordingly.

Mr. Cranston’s fine Rose Sir Garnet Wolseley is apparently
in great demand, for the stock is large and the blanks already
numerous. Another King’s Acre Rose—a garden decorative
and forcing Rose—Cranston’s Crimson Bedder, is grown largely
and sold readily; indeed the stock of this year is already
‘sold out.’ An order of five hundred plants of it for Ame-
rica was being executed. These were principally for forcing,
it having proved valuable as a winter and spring bloomer.

~ Then there are the Teas—the lovely Teas. Year by year the

demand increases for these charming Roses, and glass erections -
have to be increased for growing them in pots. Many hundreds
of small plants are plunged in brick pits and protected when
needful; and larger plants are accommodated in houses—
splendid plants, it may justly be written, and splendid houses.
One of them, a new one just erected by Messrs. Boulton & Paul,
is an extremely fine structure; not highly embellished, but
neat, light, strong, and well arranged and ventilated. The
glass of this house (21-o0z.) is well bedded in putty, but no top
putty is used. It is a span-roof, 150 feet long by 24 feet wide.
There is a central stage or bed, and side stages, with hot
water beneath for bottom heat in the propagating season, when
cases are placed over the beds which are now filled with fine
plants. These plants were worked in January last, and are
now in 7 and 8-inch pots—large plants, well trained and ripened,
which will bloom freely all the winter. A finer example of
Rose-culture is seldom seen than that afforded by this ad-
mirable collection of Teas. What plants can surpass such as
these for decorative purposes and affording button-hole blooms
and drawing-room flowers? None. What can equal them?
Few. Near this is another house still larger; it is the same
length, but wider and more lofty—the Rose conservatory.
Here in a broad central bed the Roses are planted out.
‘“‘ Trees,” real trees, some of them are which would gladden
the eyes of ‘‘ Parson’s GARDENER,” for he would require a
ladder for cutting the blooms. On the side beds are Roses in
pots, but a few are planted-out with a view of arching them
over the path at intervals, which will add to the attractiveness
of this house. A ‘‘tree”’ of Maréchal Niel in this structure
must be a ‘sight’? when in bloom. Its stem is of great size,
but it will persist in swelling faster than the stock of its
foster-parent the Briar on which it is worked, and this may
shorten its days. i

346

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 1, 1877.

Other span-roofed houses there are of smaller size—about a
dozen of them—some filled with Roses, some with Vines in
pots, some with greenhouse plants, and some are propagating
houses for Conifers, which, with fruit trees, appear to be next
in importance to Roses in this nursery.

A large tree in the centre of the nursery demands notice—a
fine old specimen of a weeping English Oak. It originated
here; its branches are distinctly pendant, and it is very orna-
mental. On the lawn adjoining Mr. Cranston’s house is a
grand specimen of the Cedar of Lebanon planted about ninety
years ago by a former proprietor; it is matched by a Purple
Beech planted at the same time, but the Cedar has attained
the greater proportions. The lawn is now cheerfal by some
admirable specimens of Thuja aurea, which show to advantage
now the flower beds are bare—bare but not unsightly, for they
are planted with bulbs, and neatly finished in a workmanlike
manner, which contributes so much to the appearance of a
garden in winter. The outside of the residence is draped
with Ivy and Wistarias. And the inside? Well, it contains
all fhe a wandering rosarian needs—quiet but genial converse,
Test, &c.

Such is King’s Acre in winter. What must it be in summer ?
Perhaps a ‘“‘ HeREFoRDSHIRE INcUMBENT” will tell us by-and-
by.—Noman.

SPIRAL VALLISNERIA (Y. sprrauis).

Native in ditches in Italy, especially near Pisa. Communi-
cated from near Arles in Provence by the late Dr. Broussonet

Ci \\
} Y\\
Fig. 65.—Vallisneria spiralis mas.

inf1784. Mr. Brown found what he is almost certain of being
the same species in New South Wales, about Port Jackson.
This plant is perennial, flowering in summer and autumn.
The root consists of long fibres, and propagates itself very
widely by means of runners, so that the canals in which the
Vallisneria grows are choked up with its foliage and rendered
not navigable for boats. Stalks of the female flowers very
long, thread-shaped, unbranched, single-flowered, curiously
spiral, but becoming more or less straight when the flower
is ready to open, by which means the latter floats on the
surface, and after impregnation the stalk coils up again and
lodges the fruit at the bottom of the water. This frnit is

3 or 4 inches long, and are rather of the nature of a berry
than a capsule. The male flowers grow on a separate plant
on short, simple, straight, radical stalks. Hach minute white
flower separates from the common spadix, and rises closed,
like a little bubble, to the surface of the water. Bursting
there, these flowers float about in immense numbers, covering
the water, and impregnating the females above described.

mo LS
‘an

Fig. 66.—Vallisneria spiralis femina.

This singular aquatic plant is popular in small globe
aquariums ; it grows with tolerable freedom and is not difficult
to manage, and the great interest attaching to it when grown
in this way is to see the circulation of the sap, which can
easily be observed with the naked eye.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
PENTILLIE CASTLE, THE SEAT OF COLONEL CORYTON.

Upon a steep and thickly wooded hillside high up among the
trees, standing out clearly, yet having an air of snug cosy
warmth, is Pentillie—a stately building with elegant surround-
ings upon a commanding yet sheltered position in the centre
of a wooded crescent, with the river Tamar flowing past its
foot in a bold graceful curve, onward in serpentine sweeps to
a still bolder curve, where it widens like the expanse of a lake,
beyond which rise other bills undulating and broken—not into
abrupt declivities or anything approaching startling contrast,
but with rounded contours and flowing outlines, wonderfully
varied yet allin harmony. That is the characteristic of the
Castle and its position, of its pleasure grounds and woods,
of the views which it commands; unity, fitness balance—no
clashing, not one offensive object or feature; softness and
repose most skilfully interwoven with infinite variety.

My work of inspection and note-taking at Pentillie were done
quietly, deliberately, and under peculiar advantages; but too
often one’s visit to places worthy of careful inspection is just
a mere rush through, a hasty scribbling of notes and away
again to catch some inflexible “‘ express.” Here it was not so.
In regponse to an invitation from its kindly owner I arrived at
the Castle overnight just as darkness was coming on so fast as
to impart & weird-like indistinctness to everything out of
doors, even including a magnificent Magnolia grandiflora, to
which I, and Mr. Boscawen, who accompanied me, groped our

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

347

way to have ‘just one look’’ before goingin. In the morn-
ing the first sight which met my eyes was a Pinus insignis full
80 feet high in perfect health, and no unworthy rival of the
Lamorran trees, standing right before my bedroom window
upon a steep grassy slope running from the terrace bounding
two sides of the Castle down to the bottom of a glen which
intersects the crescent, not detracting from but rather con-
tributing to the grace and beauty of the general effect, while
forming in itself a distinct and striking feature. There are
other fine trees near the insignis, over which I looked on to the
farther side of the glen, all clothed with a dense growth of
deciduous trees, and with just a few picturesque old Scotch
Firs upon the highest point of the slope, imparting a finish
and character to the scene co unique that with the sense of
admiration came the more uncommon one of luxurious enjoy-

ment. Such depths of shadow among the trees, such a play of

light among the branches, as the rays of the rising sun glinted
down among them! It was one of those clear bright morn-
ings which come to us as summer lingers upon the threshold
of autumn, and which always seems to me a fitting type of
the calm bright happiness that soothes the declining years of
a well-spent life; and as I threw up my window to enjoy the
fair scene fully, up from among the trees came an intermittent
cooing of doves, breathing of security, contentment, and peace.

A closer inspection of the whole of the grounds and gardens
strengthened the agreeable impression to which this first view
gave rise, I found much to admire—ample variety, many fine
and distinct features, with an unity of tone and connection in
every part; abundance of fine timber, flourishing specimens
of many Conifers, flowering shrubs well represented and pre-
senting themselves in that pleasant guise always attendant
upon tasteful arrangement combined with healthy growth; a

—

|
|
|
|

Fig. 67.—PENTILLIE CASTLE.

good collection of climbing plante, beds and borders well filled
with flowers in great beauty, and in the kitchen garden an
abundant supply of vegetables and fruit, successional crops all
in capital order and condition, reflecting much credit upon
Mr. Edwards the able gardener, who evidently has his charge
thoroughly well in hand.

The terrace is, of course, the most important feature of the
gardens close by the Castle. It starts from a level expanse on
the carriage front, and is continued along the south and east
sides of the building, overlooking most of the scenery to which
Thave alluded. The abrupt descent of the slopes from the
south terrace renders its retaining wall a high one, which has
been turned to account by clothing it with a collection of
thriving climbing plants, including most familiar with the
more uncommon kinds of Myrtle, Pomegranates, Solanum
jasminoides, vigorous, healthy, and very ornamental; as was
also a large Mandevilla suaveolene that has climbed right on
to the top of the wall, hard by an almost equally vigorous ex-
ample of the sweet-scented Clematis flammula bearing a
cloud of its pretty flowers. Magnolia grandiflora was also
well represented by several large specimens both here and
upon the Castle itself, all of them remarkable for the large
size of the deep green glossy foliage clothing every part of
the sturdy branches. A ribbon border running along the foot
of the terrace wall gay with summer flowers contained an un-
common and very attractive feature in a broad back row of

Lilium speciosum rubrum, or roseum, just bursting into flower,
and which would thus serve to impart a freshness—a kind of
autumnal beauty, to the border that is desirable and worthy
of imitation. Re

From the east terrace a lawn slopes gently outwards to the
crest of the hill which sweeps upwards to it from the river, all
covered with timber and an undergrowth of Rhododendrons.
The outward boundary of the lawn is a low belt of shrubs
composed entirely of choice flowering kinds, imparting bright-
ness and variety at all seasons of the year, and which in
| spring and early summer must form a gay floral fringe that is
in charming contrast to the dense foliage of the tree tops
below. This lawn imparts dignity to the adjacent buildings
and an air of repose, but not quite in the telling manner it
would do if its somewhat stiff formal semicircular outlines
were softened into more graceful flowing curves, and three or
four flower beds now dotted upon its centre were turfed over.
It is true that these faults are quite of minor importance, yet
where all else is so superior one does not like to see a single
blemish ; nor are these likely to remain unaltered, for a con-
servatory in course of construction close by betokens a spirit
of progress and desire for improvement.

Retirement, seclusion, and pleasant shade abound in the
numerous paths winding among the trees from the terrace
along the slopes down to theriver. As we go down flourishing

examples of Oak, Chestnut, and Beech are seen on all sides,

348 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

forming a pleasant sight, and a useful lesson in the convic-
tion which they bring to the mind of careful planting and
judicious thinning, the free stout growth of the Oaks especially
presenting a striking contrast to the stunted appearance of the
Oak coppice, of which one sees so much in Cornwall. These
trees are seedlings, while the coppice growth is all from the
stools of old trees that have been cut down, hence the difier-
ence. At the river side a flight of steps leading down to the
landing-pier impress one as being in good keeping with the
position, consisting as they do of simple blocks of granite with
no elaborate balustrades, but with what may be termed natural
and certainly very ornamental spandrils of Hscallonia, Berberis,
Spirzas, Cotoneaster, Garrya, and Pampas Grass, all mingled
together in wild and charming confasion.

The only really level expanse is by the carriage front of the
Castle, not a formal court, but having its outline apparently
determined by the natural formation of the adjoining slopes,
falling away on one hand and rising on the cther in pictur-
esque variety. Itformsa central point upon which the carriage
drive and the walks leading to the most important features
allconyerge. The idea is a happy one, and we will act upon
it by making one or two excursions from here, turning first to
a walk along the inner slope of the glen under the overhang-
ing branches of some “ brave old Oaks,” past several flourish-
ing Deodars and other choice Conifers, onwards for a consider-
able distance till it enters the wild woodlands beyond under
an overhanging arch of leafage, forming an appropriate end-
ing to the dressed grounds in that direction. The treatment
of this inner slope is so excellent as to merit a full description,
which shall be given in due course; and I will only state here
that its frequent unbroken stretches of turf from the walk
down to the bottom of the glen tend materially to enhance
the effect of the densely wooded outer slope.

Grand old plants of Yucca, Berberis, Arbutus, Rhus Cotinus,
and Rhododendron stud the banks which rise abruptly on the
other side of the carriage front. Upwards among them winds
another path to a charming little flower garden—a circle with
surrounding pillars and pendant chains, all covered with climb-
ing plants, and with a novel entrance through an arcade of
Cotoneaster microphylla. I am tempted to linger here, but
must not, for the constantly ascending path leads onwards
among rich masses of shrubs, and still invites us to explore.
We follow, and are well rewarded, as we enter an American
garden, which I must pronounce most excellent. Its outlines
are a series of long irregular symmetrical curves, with a back-
sround of tall trees. The beds, also having irregular curved
outlines, are on turf, and contain Rhododendrons, Azaleas,
Kalmias, and Andromedas, all of large size and in robust

when one reaches the upper end and turns to look back that
the full beauty of this garden is seen. Nothing clashes, all is
in harmony: the beds in their disposal, their form, and the
shrubs which they contain. The enclosing belts of shrubs
and trees exclude all surrounding objects except just one little
opening at the lower end, where through a fringe of boughs a
narrow vista of the river, the swelling country beyond, and
the granite crags of a lofty tor on distant Dartmoor, meets the

eye like a vision of fairy land, the reality being far more |
Tt is |

beautiful than any fanciful conception ever could be.
true that the garden itself is a work of art, but this glimpse

of rich natural scenery, lying far away beyond its boundaries, |

and yet apparently so near, imparts a charm and finish to it
of which mere description can only serve to convey a faint
idea.

From the Rhododendron garden the walk goes onwards |

among other shrubs, still ascending under lofty trees, many of
which have Honeysuckles trained up the stems and left to
ramble wildly among the branches—till it leads out into the
grassy uplands of the park, where from the highest point the
whole magnificent landscape comes fully into view, spread
out before the eye—a veritable panorama. Nothing appears
to be wanting ; water, woods, hills and valleys, breezy uplands
and shadowy hollows—all are here in infinite variety, stretch-
ing away far as the eye can reach in rich and picturesque pro-
fusion. In the foreground the winding Tamar stands out pro-
minently, and away to the south-east, over the waters of the
Hamoaze, are the clustering houses of Devonport and Ply-
mouth; the Albert Viaduct at Saltash, Brunel's greatest work ;
the heights of Mount Edgcumbe, whence the eye sweeps west-
wards over many other places ‘‘ famed in ancient story,”’ but
which I must not enumerate here, catching glimpses as it
passes of lofty hills which loom dimly in the far distance, and

6d. per pound.
health. The walk winds upwards among the beds, and it is |

{ November 1, 1877.

numerous tors that spring upwards from the bosom of rugged
Dartmoor.

I must not conclude these notes without devoting a few
words to the kitchen garden. The path from the Castle to this
garden is a straight one 9 feet wide and 400 feet long, the
branches of large timber trees overhang it, and it has a broad
fringe of Fern on each side, so that it has a cool, shaded, re-
freshing appearance that is very inviting in summer. In the
garden I found some good black Grapes well coloured; excel-
lent Muscats—not exactly prizewinners, but with plenty of
those well-finished, compact, little bunches that tell best
upon the dinner-table. Peaches were abundant and the trees
in capital condition, both on open walls and under glass.
Cherries and Figs are grown in curious structures formed of a
framework of timber with fine wire netting stretched over it—
a novel and sure way of excluding birds, but not a desirable
object to see permanently established in a garden.

There were some good plants in the houses and a capital lot
of Gardenias in a pit, with the pots plunged in leaves, which
impart that cool moisture iu which this plant thrives best in
summer. A bed of Solanum Capsicastrum in an open border
was excellent, as the plants invariably are when so treated in
summer, the branches being laden with berries and well clothed
with deep green foliage. The treatment of these and other
plants in course of preparation for the coming winter, to-
gether with the excellent condition of the vegetable crops, all
betokened intelligent culture and painstaking alike worthy of the
garden and creditable to the gardener.—EpwarD LucKHURST.

PEARS.

In answer to ‘‘L.’s’’ letter on page 305 I beg to say we can
supply him with trees of the Pear he requires, Désiré Cornelis,
as dwarfs or pyramids on the Quince stock. With us it is a
Pear possessing good flavour and is of medium size.

I am very much surprised to hear that Louise Bonne de
Jersey does not succeed well with him, as with us it bears well
in the orchards as a standard, attaining a fair size, and is first-
rate in quality. Beurré Bosc, another Pear he mentions as
variable, has with us proved to be cne of the best orchard
Pears. Some years ago we grafted an old tree of Aston Town
or Grey Beurré standing in the orchard with this variety, and
it has borne large crops of fruit I believe every year since.
This season is in our neighbourhood s most wretched one for
nearly every kind of fruit; notwithstanding this our friend
Beurré Bose has borne a crop of 8 pecks, 18 Ibs. to the peck,
and the quality was sufficiently good to command a price of
T,.” does not mention Williams’ Bon
Chrétien. I should think it would succeed well with him.
With us it is very hardy, and bears almost every year; this
year, however, it had but a poor crop. Beurré d’Amanilis is
another hardy Pear, which as a rule bears large crops as &
standard, but this year it has failed us. This is scarcely to be
wondered at, as on March ist we enjoyed three hours’ skating,
the thermometer having registered 16° and 18° of frost the two
previous nights. Pears which had set a fair crop and were
looking well lost all their fruit. I can fully endorse all that
your correspondent Mr. Witherspoon says respecting Marie
Louise d’Uccle. It is extremely hardy, and of first-rate
quality for an orchard Pear. Hach season we have an increas-
ing sale for this Pear.—Atrrep H. Prarson, Chilwell, Notts.

GLOIRE DE DIJON ROSE.

Ir is somewhat remarkable that this, the most popular and
best known probably of all Roses, should not rank high as an
exhibition Rose, but if is none the less true; and rarely where
the class is limited do we see an exhibitor venturing to place
it with his Marie Baumanns, Alfred Colombs, &c.; it lacks
the form and permanency so desirable in au exhibition Rose.
But wherever a few Roses are grown, therein some form or other,
as a standard, but more frequently as a climbing Rose, is old
Gloire to be found. A detailed history of it is given in the
‘Journal des Roses’ for October, but, as has been remarked,
nothing is said of its parentage. There is a very good reason
for this—nothing is known of it. Some years ago I had the
pleasure of visiting the gardens of M. Henri Jacotot at Dijon,
where it was raised, and he told me that it was entirely a
chance seedling, coming up in an out-of-the-way corner of his
garden, but from whence he knew not. It would indeed be a
curious thing to know of how many of our best Roses can the
pedigree be traced, and whether hybridising is much resorted

November 1, 1877. ]

to among rosarians (I do not speak of Englieh raisers, but of
foreigners). I remember some years ago tke elder Margottin
of Bourg-la-Reine saying to me that he thought we were getting
too much of the blood of Géré:al Jacqueminot amongst our
Roses, and that he was going to try back, at the same time
showing to me the plants from which he was hoping to obtain
seed; but he has obtained nothing since that year of any value.
We read indeed of such a Rose that it is the “issu de Jules
Margottin,” or ‘‘ Victor Verdier,’ &c., but I think that simply
means that the heps have been gathered from these varieties,
not that they have been hybridised ; my own impression (it
may be a wrong one) being that this is not in any appreciable
degree resorted to by our neighbours. There is one thing in
connection with this Rose that I would notice, and that is the
miserable caricature of it that appears in the ‘‘ Journal des
Roses.’’ I remember when I edited the ‘Floral Magazine”
how often I used to be bantered about Andrews’ figures of
Roses, and how often the superiority of the foreign artists
was lauded. Well, take this plate for an example, and can
anything be more wretched? Neither in form, colour, or
foliage is it a bit like the Rose, and I am sure that neither
Fitch, Worthington Smith, Burbidge, or McFarlane would
venture to turn out such a production. Whatever they may
do in other matters, we certainly cannot say of the figuring of
Roses ‘‘ they do these things better in France.’’—D., Deal.

ADIANTUM FARLEYENSE.

Ir is a gem amongst Ferns, and by this time has found its
way into almost every collection; and when for the first time
a plant is procured we justly regard it as a treasure that
requires our tenderest care to develope it. into all its natural
grace and beauty. It is truly the queen of its genus, and
those distinct qualities which it possesses render a special note
on its successful culture desirable.

The plant is certainly of easy growth, for in the hands of
nearly all Fern-growers no difficulty is experienced in pro-
ducing fine healthy fronds. But still it is a fact that many
cannot succeed with it ; in this case undoubtedly the disappoint-
ment of the gardener is equal to that of theemployer. Some-
times I have found it in a cold fernery, sometimes in a green-
house, and planted out as a rockery plant; it is seldom to be
found in perfection in such situations as those.
tender and delicate when sent out by the trade, and a check is
often given in transit which is not soon remedied. It delights
in a shady quiet atmosphere—no sun, no draughts, and a
close barrier between the plants and hot pipes. I find itisa
good plan to have the stage slated over and covered with a
layer of gravel, or cocoa-nut fibre refuse, which I give the
preference to. Afterwards I place the plants on inverted pots ;
this brings the plants 12 inches higher than the ordinary level
of the stage plants, and affords ample room for the Ferns, and
enables their graceful weeping to be admired from all sides.

In paying a neighbourly visit to some of my friends I in-
variably find this Fern potted in a compost which is anything
but suited to its requirements. On one occasion I discovered
it potted in bog peat and silver sand. On such discoveries I
invariably recommend the Journal of Horticulture as a remedy
for such vexing mistakes. The standard compost for this
Fern is usually peat, loam, and charcoal in equal parts. It
should be thoroughly mixed, open, and rough. In this they
will grow vigorously. Care should be taken in the drainage ;
if defective the pots become waterlogged. In potting I have
found it a good practice to keep the stool of the plant rather
high, as the fronds come more vigorous. When the pots be-
come filled with roots I find liberal watering requisite, still
given by one, however, who knows from experience when to
withhold and when to give.

P.S.—Have any of your correspondents noticed A. farleyense
to produce seed spores? I have carefully watched it, but go
far in vain.—Joun Boyn, Balbriggan.

SILVER BEET.

Tuts Beet is not so much grown as it should be. It is a
very excellent vegetable. We have been using it since June,
and shall continue using it for some time longer yet. Three
long rows of it were sown with the other Beets at the end of
April. The plants were thinned out to fully a foot apart, as
it produces a bushy head of green leaves, each of which have
& very large broad midrib pure white in colour. This is the
part that is used. It is cooked precigely the same as Seakale,

It is extremely |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 349

and many tasting it for the first time take it for this vegetable ;
but it is much better than Seakale, and it is much longer in
season, and also requires less attention in cultivation —
A KarcHen GARDENER.

A ROSELESS AUTUMN.

I venturRE to write a line to say how the Roses have done
this autumn in the eastern counties. I am surprised to see in
your Journal of October 18th in a letter by Mr. J. W. Moor-
man that Messrs. Fish and W. Paul have found this such a
Roseless autumn. I am glad to say that this has not been
the case by any means here. I quite agree with Mr. Moor-
man with regard to the autumn Roses this year. I never
had such blooms before of such size, such subatance, so abun-
dant, or of so good a colour, that it was impossible to mistake
what a Rose really was, as is so often the case with autumn
blooms.

I will mention a few of the varieties which have done very
well. I will begin with the Teas, which I may say have all
bloomed abundantly, but especially Marie Van Houtte, Madame
Camille, Catherine Mermet, Niphetos, Souvenir d’Elise, and
the beautiful though much despieed, at least by some, Cheshunt
Hybrid. Of the Hybrid Perpetuals, Marie Baumann, Marquise
de Castellane, E. Y. Teas (which I think will goon vie with
Marie Baumann for first place in the Rose election), Madame
Victor Verdier, Capitaine Christy, La France, Auguste Rigotard,
Dr. Andry, Comtesse d’Oxford, Jules Margottin, and Comtesse
de Serenye have been most conspicuous; but I could name
several more, which would make this letter too long, but I must
not omit the Baroness, which has been splendid—much better
here this autumn than in the summer, when she was thin.

My soil is a stiff heavy loam, and, of course, good for Rose
culture; but I attribute the beautiful blooms I have had not so
much on account of the soil, but because a great portion of
my Roses are budded on the seedling Briar, which I have
obtained of Mr. Prince, Oxford. I am quite certain that the
seedling Briar is the stock on which to grow the Rose, and I
most strongly recommend those who grow Roses for exhibition
to give the seedling Briar a trial, and I feel certain they will
not be disappointed. I have to-day (October 19th), cut a large
basket of Roses, and hope to continue to do so for a short
time longer, until Jack Frost comes to rob us of our queen of
flowers.—Epwarp Lyon Frtuowes, Wimpole Rectory, Royston.

FORCING ASPARAGUS.

Last spring in cutting the Asparagus we left one long bed un-
touched. This produced many strong shoots, which must have
strengthened the roots very much.. These stems are yellow
and ripe now, and will be cut off close to the surface of the bed
at once. In the first week in November a quantity of the roots
will be lifted out of this bed for forcing, and the first dish will
be cut from them about the middle of December. Asparagus
is a favourite dish with our family at all times, but it is doubly
valued at Christmas and about that time when choice second-
course vegetables are scarce.

Asparagus is not a difficult vegetable to force. It cannot be
forced, however, without a good deal of bottom heat. This is
what is most required, and must be had either from hot dung
or hot pipes. We force ours above both. A steady bottom
heat of 75° brings it on well. Hot-water pipes in beds are
generally covered over with boards or some other covering to
prevent the stuff in the bed from resting on the pipes; over
the platform of boards 2 inches of very open soil should
be spread, then lift the roots, remove most of the soil from
them, and pack them in the bed on the 2 inches of soil as
close as they will lie together without covering one another.
When the desired quantity is packed-in cover the crowns over
to the depth of 2 inches with the same kind of soil as that
which is below them, work it well in amongst the roots, and
when this has been done give the whole a thorough watering
with water heated to 80°. Keep the atmosphere close after
this, but provided the bottom heat be 75° the air heat need
not exceed 50° or 55°, and this need not be increased. The
roots must be kept regularly moist. As soon as the young
tops can be seen keep the atmosphere moist, and on sunny
days the bed may be damped over with the syringe. Begin
cutting as soon as the shoots are 8 inches high; cut off all the
small twigs as soon as they appear. When the whole has been
cut lift the roots out and throw them away. They will not
pay to keep. About three weeks after the first lot has been

350

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 1, 1877.

placed in heat another batch must be put in-in the same way
to keep up a succession. Where a supply is wanted until it is
ready out of doors a lot must be introduced every three weeks
until the end of February.

In forcing it on dung beds (the beds must be made up like
any ordinary hotbed, with a frame on the top of it) spread
the soil over the dung the same as it was over the pipes, pack
the roots in, and doit exactly in the same way as in the pit;
but care must be taken not to give too much water at the
roots, as the soil does not become dry so quickly above the
damp dung asthe hot pipes. During cold nights, when the tops
are above the soil, cover them with glass; when the heat de-
clines add fresh linings around the frame. My greatest objec-
tion to hotbeds is that in wet weather they soon lose the heat,
and this of course they are much more liable to do in winter
than at any other time. Ihave a bed about 4 feet wide and
the same in depth in the inside of a lean-to house which I fill
with dung as a hotbed, and this I find holds the heat as long
again as the hotbeds outside —A Kircuen GARDENER.

Johnston's Elements of Agricultural Chemistry.
Dr. Cameron. Tenth Hdition.

Tue above title is a guarantee of excellence, for both author
and editor are well known as good authorities. One extract
will show the nature and value of the contents,

CHANGES WHICH FARM MANURE UNDERGOES IN STORAGE.—F resh
farmyard manure generally contains about 70 per cent. of water
and 30 per cent. of (dry) organic and earthy matters. Only a
very small proportion of the dry matters consists of substances
soluble in water. In a short time, however, the organic matters
—straw, &c.—begin to ferment, one result of which process is
the production of soluble compounds. Eresh manure produces
but little effect when applied to crops; but when it is far ad-
vanced in decomposition (7.e., well rotted), it then contains so
much soluble matter absorbable by plants that it acts as a power-
ful fertiliser if used in sufficient quantity.

In fresh manure the most important constituent of its: soluble
portion is potash; of phosphoric acid and ammonia it contains
but very small proportions. Rotten manure, on the contrary,
yields to the solvent action of water large amounts of nitrogen
and phosphoric acid. If good fresh farmyard manure be dried
at 212° F'., the soluble organic matters of the residue will be
found to amount to from 7 to 8 per cent., and its soluble mineral
matters to from 4 to 5 percent. On the other hand, dry rotten
farmyard manure contains from 13 to 16 per cent. of soluble
organic matters, and 5 to 6 per cent. of soluble mineral sub-
stances.

Dr. Voelcker has shown that there is very little free ammonia
in either fresh or old farmyard manure, and that the peculiar
odour of the latter is not due, as popularly supposed, to the
escape of ammonia from the manure. In the hot centre of a
fermenting dung-heap some free ammonia is formed, but this is
prevented from escaping by the cold outer layers of the manure,
which act like a chemical filter.

Dr. Voelcker, in a paper of great value published in the 17th
volume of the Royal Agricultural Society, gives the following
summary of the changes which farmyard manure undergoes in
storage :—

1. That during the fermentation of dung the proportion of
both soluble organic and soluble mineral matters rapidly in-
creases.

2. That peculiar organic acids not existing—at least, not in
considerable quantities—are generated during the ripening of
dung from the litter and other non-nitrogenised organic consti-
tuents of manure,

3. That these acids (humic, ulmic, and similar acids) form,
with potash, soda, and ammonia, dark-coloured very soluble
compound: Hence the dark colour of the drainings of dung-

eaps. .

4. That ammonia is produced from the nitrogenous consti-
tuents of dung, and that this ammonia is fixed for the greater
part by the humus substances produced at the same time.

5. That a portion of the sulphur and phosphorus of the excre-
mentitious matters of dung is dissipated in the form of sul-
phureted and phosphoreted* hydrogen.

_6. That volatile ammoniacal compounds, apparently in incon-
siderable quantities, escape into the air.

7. That the proportion of organic substances in fresh dung
rapidly decreases during the fermentation of dung, whilst the
mineral substances increase in a corresponding degree.

8. That this loss of organic substances is accounted for by the
formation of carbonic acid, oxide of carbon, and light carbureted
hydrogen, or marsh gas.

Edited by

* It is not probable that phosphoreted hydrogen is given off during the
decay of any kind of ordinary organic matter. Plisz and Hoppe-Seyler found
that decomposing fish emitted sulphureted hydrogen, but not phosphoreted
hydrogen.—C, A. C.

|

9. That the proportion of nitrogen is larger in rotten than in
fresh dung.

Loss OF FERTILISING MATTERS FROM MANURE.—The experiments
of Voelecker show that farmyard manure does not lose much by
exposure to air, heat, and light. The deterioration which ill-
kept manure-heaps undergo is therefore due to losses by drain-
age. The dark-coloured liquid which we too often observe
trickling away from badly kept dung-heaps is rich in nitrogen,
phosphoric acid, and potash.

Koerte found that one hundred loads of dung kept in the
usual wasteful manner were reduced at the end of—

Loads. Loads,
81 days to 73.3, sustaining a loss of 26.7
285 ,, 64.4, 7 9 35.6
gs4,, «62.5, i Be 87.5
499 ,, 47.2, of fp 52.8

Thus in sixteen months more than one half—and that the
most valuable portion—of the manure had disappeared, leaving
a highly carbonaceous matter, poor in all the elements of fer-
tility.

NOTES on VILLA anv SUBURBAN GARDENING.

In a former calendar the lifting and transplanting of trees and
shrubs was referred to, but the unusual spell of dry weather
which has followed since those instructions were given has
prevented most of us from fully carrying them out. Now that
the soil hag had the benefit of heavy rains we urge on all who
contemplate alterations and additions of any kind to proceed
with them as rapidly as possible. Whether it be the removing
or thinning of already existing plantations, the renewing of
fresh Rose beds, or the alterations or additions of fruit trees,
the sooner they are permanently placed in their new stations
the better chance they have of making fresh roots before the
extreme cold weather is with us. A list of trees, shrubs, and
climbers is appended. The selection is chosen either from their
beauty or from some other good quality rendering them well
adapted for small gardens. Many are excluded that are likely
to grow out of proportion to the size of most villa or suburban
gardens. Among the evergreen shrubs the Aucuba is especially
noted for its spotted Laurel-like foliage, and its readiness to
grow in almost any soil and situation places it pre-eminent as a
town shrub. Aucuba japonica vera, maculata and angustifolia,
are amongst the best. If the true green male variety is intro-
duced tho possibility is that during the winter months some of
the shrubs will be loaded with beautiful scarlet berries. Ber-
beris aquifolia and B. Darwinii, the many varieties of Box,
Cotoneasters, Escallonias, and Euonymuses are also suitable ;
Garrya elliptica with its nut-like catkins is very attractive
during mild winters; the various sorts of Holly—the Gold, Silver,
Prickly, or Smooth-leaved—are very bright and always pleasing ;
Olearia Haastii, Skimmia japonica, Veron’ca Andersoni, Yaccas
recurva gloriosa and filamentosa, are all worthy of notice. Of
deciduous trees and shrubs some of the Maples, such as Negundo
fraxinifolium and its variety albo-variegatum; Acer japonicum
polymorphum, A. platanoides dissectum and laciniatum ; the
Snowy Mespilus, one or two smaller-growing forms of the Birch,
double-flowering Cherries, Chimonanthus fragrans and Jasmi-
num nudifloram for covering walls; Hawthorns, notably Paul’s
New Scarlet; Cydonia japonica; Deutzias crenata flore-pleno,
gracilis, and scabra; Leycesteria formosa; Syringas, especially
the large flowering variety Philadelphus grandiflorus ; Prunus
sinensis flore-pleno; Elders of the variegated and cut-leaved
varieties, and all the Weigelas are excellent for shrubberies. Of
climbers Ampelopsis hederacea and A. Veitchii, Clematis fiam-
mula and Jackmanii, the various forms of Ivy, Lonicera aurea
reticulata, Jasmines, and Ceanothus Veitchianus, azureus, rigi-
dus, and dentatus are all useful for covering walls and fences.
Compact specimens of Conifers for lawns are the Gold and
Silver Yews, Retinospora plumosa and R. p. aurea, Retinospors
filicoides and R. obtusa aurea, Cupressus Lawsoniana gracilis,
and CG. L. erectis viridis, Thujopsis borealis variegata, Thuja
aurea and elegantissima, with Junipers, are all suitable, For
larger-growing specimens Cedrus Deodara, C. Libani, C.atlantice,
Abies Albertiana, Piceas lasiocarpa, nobilis, Nordmanniana, and
Pinsapo, Thuja gigantea, and the renowned Wellingtonia gi-
gantea should all be included. Great care should be taken in
planting those larger-growing trees not to place them too near
to walks or the sides of buildings; for although at the time of
planting they may look well, in the course of a few years they
become obstructives, and then there is a difficulty of removing
them.

In planting the various specimens care must be taken to break
the ground well around and underneath them, and if large
breadths of planting are done there is no better way than
trenching the ground. Merely digging small holes and cram-
ming the roots into them is like digging a grave to receive them,
especially in heavy soil, for on such ground the water is
held around the roots as if ina pond the whole of the winter,
consequently the smaller fibres—the feeders—decay.

Selections of Roses have so recently been given in your pages;

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

351

and amateurs cannot do better than choose from the “election,”
for generally speaking the best exhibition sorts are also the
best for general purposes. A deep pulverised and richly ma-
nured soil suits them best; and if there are any doubts that beds
have become exhausted through being planted for a length of
time, or that Elm or other roots of trees are exhausting the
soil, by all means lift the Roses, deeply trench and manure the
bed, and replant them again. Collect Briar stocks and plant
them in rows for next year’s budding. Roses in pots which
have been plunged out of doors during the summer ought now
to be placed under cover, merely keeping on the lights during
heavy rains and in severe frost. The weather has been very
favourable for ripening their wood, and an over-abundance of
moisture must necessarily be kept from them, or the sap will
rise and bleeding will follow pruning. Where pits or houses
cannot be spared to protect them lay tke pots on their sides and
protect them from being frozen. Where early blooms are de-
sired the plants should be pruned at once, and brought on in a
very steady temperature. No flower has a greater dislike to
harsh treatment than Roses in pots, and for very early forcing
itis well to prune hard and use the smaller plants; the larger
plants will make a greater display during the early summer
months.

Chrysanthemums which have been recently housed must not
be kept close, but air must be freely admitted if good foliage is
desired. Continue helping them with manure water, as the
majority of the blooms are very late this year. Elaine and
James Salter of the Japanese section are the only flowers open
with us yet. For some years we have had numbers of blooms
open by the Ist of November.

Asparagus beds should now be cleared of their ripe stems and
the weeds hced off, and a liberal dressing of manure spread over
the beds to lay throughout the winter. The principal other
work for the present will be the collecting of leaves and keeping
the garden as neat as possible.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WERK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

We have now had a good soaking of rain, which will enable us
to do any transplanting that may be required. Previous sharp
frosts have caused the leaves to drop. It is as well to take an
early opportunity to transplant any trees that it is intended to
move to another site, either because alterations in the winter
require it, or young trees have grown too much and require to
be removed to make room for others. When they have been for
many years in one place the roots within 3 or 4 feet from the
main stem are not well furnished with fibres. In order to insure
complete success it is well to dig a deep trench round the tree
and cut most of these roots at that distance from the stem, in
the same way as we have already recommended for root-prun-
ing; this should be done so as to allow a season to intervene
between the time of cutting the roots and lifting the trees. After
the growth of one season a mass or bunch of fibrous roots will
have been formed from each root that has been cut, and when
the tree is carefully lifted and planted in its new position it will
suffer but little from the removal. When the trees are removed
the holes, which of course must be ready for their reception,
should be rather larger than the full spread of the roots. It is
not always possible to have turfy loam decayed and chopped
up to place amongst the roots, but if it can be had if tends
much towards the formation of fibrous roots. When the tree is
planted and the earth firmly levelled round it a mulching of
manure must be placed over the roots, and it should extend to
their furthest extent.

Owing tothe rain we have not quite finished gathering all
the fruit, but will do so the very first favourable opportunity.
We frequently look over the Apples and Pears storéd in the
fruit-room to remove those that are decaying, as there is most
injury from decay the first few weeks after the fruit has been
gathered. We shall take the first opportunity when the ground
is hard with frost to mulch under the dwarf-trained trees in the
kitchen-garden borders with good manure. Many persons never
dig under the trees, but we think it better just to lightly fork
over the ground once a year—that is, in the early spring. It
might be better for the trees to leave the mulching as it is, but
we have found that it causes the kitchen garden to be very
untidy at a time when every part of it ought to look its
best. The small birds scratch the manure over the gravel
walks, and if this is cleaned up one day it is scattered over
again the next. Leaves are now blowing about in all
directions, but as they are mostly down on the ground now we
shull at least clear the walks of them.

re yi PINE HOUSES,
_ We do not grow a sufficient number of plants that will fruit
in the winter to devote a whole compartment to their culture.
If we could do this the night temperature would range from
652 to 70°, according to the weather. The plants require to be

very carefully attended to as regards watering. It is better
rather to under than over-water them. We examine the soil
once a-week and water all that requireit. As a rule the pots
require water about once in two weeks. In fine weather the
temperature by day may rise to 75° or 80°. No moisture igs
allowed to evaporate from the troughs over the hot-water pipes
after the last week in October, and it is sufficient to moisten
the walls and paths of the house twice daily. In our house,
where plants are at rest to start early in the year, there are
several fruits in various stages, some taking the second swelling
and others just set. The temperature ranges from 55° to 60°,
and with that temperature very little atmospheric moisture is
required, and as the pipes are not much heated it is not neces-
sary to sprinkle water about except after cold nights followed.
by sunny days. We are not watering the plants at all that are
resting, and they are not excited by much bottom heat. Those
showing fruit require water sufficient to keep the fruits plump
and in a growing condition, as it is out of the course of nature
to rest plants swelling their fruit, and we would have them in a
higher temperature if we could. Suckers for succession are
also wintered in the same température and receive very similar
treatment. They are now growing in 6 and 7-inch pots, and
will receive but little attention until they are potted into their
fruiting pots in the spring.
ORCHARD HOUSE.

This structure is now filled with Chrysanthemums of the
different types, either for specimens or plants trained to a single
stem, so as to have flowers of the largest possible size. Tho
fruit trees have as usual been plunged out of doors in cocoa-nut
fibre refuse, where they wil! remain fully exposed to the weather
until they are removed into the house about the beginning of
the new year. Strawberry plants are also left out until about
the same time. If the roots are likely to be saturated with
water we lay the pots on their sides, which prevents injury
from this cause. Should severe frosts occur it would then be
quite necessary to placé them inside, where the pots would be
protected. We do not think the roots receive much injury from
frosts, but the expansion of wet soil splits the pots.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.
This is a critical period of the year for Cape and New Hollan
plants. They are not unlikely to be attacked at this season by
many of the ills that plant life is heir to. Mildew is, perhaps,
the most insidious in its attacks. The leaves and branches are
sometimes covered with its hair-like threads before it is per-
ceived. The skilful and experienced cultivator is not to be
caught napping, and he knows the plants most likely to suffer;
knowing also that prevention is better than cure, his plants will
be dusted with flowers of sulphur, which will resist any en-
croachments of the enemy. Next to it is red spider, which
attacks many species and varieties. It has a warm affection for
the pretty new Boronia elatior and others of this species besides,
and as the under sides of the leaves are attacked first we lay
the plants on their sides and syringe that portion of them
thoroughly with tepid water. We shall now find an opportunity
to train some of the hardwooded specimens into the required
shape, and in doing this the habits of the plants ought to be
studied. It is the nature of many plants to form irregularly
shaped bushes, and when these are grown in pots a few of the
stronger main branches will take the lead and overpower those
of weaker growth; judicious pinching performed at the right
time will prevent this. Sometimes it is better to tie such strong

‘ srowths down, the weaker growths will then be encouraged.

Many species need no sticks, others must have sticks placed to
them to support the stems and form a regularshapely specimen.
In this category come the slender-stemmed Heaths, Dracophyl-
lum gracile, the several species of Aphelexis,&c. We use sticks
made of sound pine wood painted green, and the most lasting
material for tying is the black linen thread used for sewing
carpets ; if can be obtained at any carpet warehouse at a cheap
rate. One shilling invested will serve the requirements of a
large establishment for twelve months.

We have now potted the Hyacinths, Tulips, and Polyanthus
Narcissus for late flowering. They begin starting into growth
about the end of October, and we fancy it must exhaust the
bulbs to allow them to do this. The potting material has been
previously described, and we would now only sey that the pots
should be clean and be removed to an open space and covered
with ashes, cocoa-nut fibre refase, or some similar protecting
material.

Some persons fancy that Hyacinths must be protected from
heavy rains, and we have seen them stered under the stage of a
greenhouse, than which there could scarcely be a worse position,
We saw one lot much injured from this cause. When the pots
were taken out some of them were saturated with wet from
being under-the drip of water from some of the plants; others
had not been under the drip, and these were dusty dry. Asa
consequence of this mismanagement all the plants were weakly
and did not flower well. We never saw them suffer from wef
when the pots were plunged in the open.

The Liliums were cut down some time ago and ought to be

352

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 1, 1877.

potted at once. We shall have them done the first opportunity.
They have sometimes been potted with turfy peat in the com-
post, and at others without it, using only turfy loam, and we did
not notice any difference in the quality or strength of the
flowers or spikes. There are some sorts of loam that do not
mix well with peat; the loam of our own district does not. The
best loam to mix with turfy peat soil is a yellow medium clayey
loam, which is found at Wanstead, Wimbledon, and Epsom
commons, and in which the common hardy Heaths grow natu-
rally. We have not used any artificial heat in our houses this
season yet, nor do we notice any injury from damp to the
flowers.
FLORIST FLOWERS.

Tho Auriculas which have been all the summer and autumn
behind a north wall have now been removed from that position
to one where they are fully exposed to the sun. Previous im-
pressions are confirmed, that the Auricula delights in a dull
moist season. The northern growers state that they have
seldom had a stronger or more healthy growth, and the weather
there has been dull and cold enough with more than the usual
quantity of rain. The weather with us has not been so favour-
able, and there is plenty of autumn bloom owing to the drought
and heat when they were making their autumn growth.

Weather which has been favourable to the growth of Auriculas
does not suit the Carnation and Picotee, and the principal
growers in the north state that they have not yet been able to
take off all their layers. The ‘grass’? was not ready to layer
until the last week in August, and the weather since has not
been favourable to the development of the plants. Our own have
all been taken off, and some of those left until the last (about
two score pairs) did not seem to have any roots, or they were in
some cases just forming; these were taken off and potted in the
usual way, and the pots plunged ina gentle hotbed. In that
way they speedily strike roots,and as the heat declines air is
admitted more abundantly to strengthen the plants. Pinks
certainly never made better growth than they have done this
autumn—they are almost as strong as Picotees. The ground
must now be stirred amongst the plants with a Dutch hoe.

We are about planting out a bed of seedling Pansies, and also
named sorts. These plants are apt to become infested with
green fly under glass, and it is convenient to put them outin
their flowering beds at once.—J. Doucuas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Richard Smith, St. Jonn’s Nurseries, Worcester.—Catalogques
of Fruit and Forest Trees, Conifers, Roses, Alpine and Herb-
aceous Plants.

Francis & Arthur Dickson & Sons, ‘‘Upton” Nurseries,
Chester.—Catalogue of Select Roses.

James Bromwich, 25, Buckingham Palace Road, Belgravia, |

8.W.—Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs and Room and Garden Orna-
ments.

Cranston & Co., King’s Acre Nurseries, Hereford.—Descriptive
Catalogue of Selected Roses.

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 unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Back NUMBER (4 Subscriber).—You can have the number dated October 4th.
ASHES 4S MANURE (J. F. K.).—The sulphur will be beneficial.

GOLDEN QUEEN GRAPE.—We think it has been discussed sufticiently.
Attention has been aroused, and cultivators may judge for themselves.

VaLuaTiIon (A Constant Reader).—Consult a neighbouring gardener. No
fue cen give a trustworthy opinion without seeing the plants and knowing the
ocality.

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES (N. J. M.).—If taken up before required for use
place them in layers alternated with sand in a cool shed. If your garden
nets are soaked ina tanner’s vat and kept in a dry place the moth will not
attack them.

CAMELLIAS UNDER VINES (Yorkshire Amateur).—Your idea is a good one.
Camellias do well under Vines. They grow freely and flower abundantly.
Plant the old Double White, Lady Hume's Blush, Bonomiana, Imbricata,
Mathotiana, Layinia Maggi, and Hlegans.

REMOVING WALNUT TREE (G. T. Wade).—Now would be a good time to
transplant; but if it has been ten or twelve years in one place it would be
more satisfactory to dig round it, as is recommended for Apple and Pear
treesin another place, and transplant it next year. You may now cut the
branches off.

PRUNING PYRACANTHA (M71s. Holmes).—It is too late to ‘‘ clip the breast-
wood with a pair of shears” of the Pyracantha, also the Escallonia and
Cotoueaster. Cut out with a knife a sufficient portion of the shoots to enable
you to secure the remainder to the wall thinly and without crowding them.

BuckwHeEat CoLtureE (S. W. F. K.).—The proper time for sowing buck
wheat is in May, when there is no longer any danger to be apprehended from
the frosts, for so tender is this vegetable at its first appearance as to be un-

able at an earlier period to withstand the vernal cold. The slightest frost in
their infant state would infallibly cut off the young shoots; and as from
this circumstance it must be sown at a season when dry weather may be
expected, the crop on that account not unfrequently fails. The produce,
which varies with the seasons (and this is rather an uncertain crop), ranges
from two to four quarters per acre. It is commonly grown in England in
preserves as food for pheasants and partridges. It is an excellent food for
poultry; pigs thrive upon and are fond of it (it is commonly given to them
mixed with potatoes), and when bruised it is good food for horses, two bushels
being equal for this purpose, it is said, to three of oats (a bushel weighs about
46 lbs.). Cows when fed with it yield a large increase of milk. Sheep when
fed upon the plant when in blossom stagger and tumble about asif drunk.
It is sometimes made into hay, which is nutritive, but tedious to make, and
ehould be consumed before the winter. It is cften grown on poor exhausted
soils and ploughed-in when in bloom; in this way it increases very materially
the fertility of the soil, and is a mode often practised in Essex, Suffolk, Nor-
folk, and in Scotland. Mr. Ballipgal has given an account of his experiments
with it upon a clay loam recently limed, from the result of which he warns
his brother farmers that it is “needless to attempt to grow it upon damp
soils, or to expect full crops upon lands exhausted by overcropping.”

PRESERVING GRAPES (Grape-G ower).—Nine-tenths of the gardeners in
the country have no better means of preserving their Grapes than you have,
but you lack the best-keeping Grape—viz., Lady Downe’s. If you had given
the inside border only one good watering after the Grapes began colouring it
would not want more until they are all cut. If you read “ Doings of the Last
Week” you will find all the information about ventilating, firing, &e. You
will gain nothing by bending down such stout stems as your Vines have.

Removina Youna Pear Trees (F. I.).— They may be safely removed
this autumn. It is not necessary to keep the union between scion and graft
covered now if it hag taken well; if not, tie a binding of matting round the
union, not very tight.

WINTERING BEDDING GERANIUMS (ZIdem).—You had batter not cut them
back until the spring, ag you have only cold frames to winter them in.

TRAINING YouNG Fruit TREES (Idem).—If for pyramids cut the “‘ maiden ”
stem back one-third; for espaliers and cordons it ought to be cut back to 15 or
18 inches from the graft.

CRINUM CAPENSE PLANTING (Mana Cat).—We have had Crinum capense
planted by the margin of a stream four years. It appears thoroughly esta-
blished, and has flowers every year. The top part of the bulb is some 2 or
8 inches below the surface, and the soil is that of an ordinary garden border.
It requires no protection in winter, and may be planted immediately.

TRITELEIA UNIFLORA (4. Boyle).—Triteleias are quite hardy and do not
require the shelter of a frame in winter as was once supposed. Plant in rich
well-drained soil, not crowding the bulbs, but afford each plant ample space
for its full development, and you will have flower spikes S or 9 inches high.
The flowers are sweet-scented and appear in early spring, continuing in full
beauty for several weeks. You may plant them at the present time, including
those you have in the pit.

NERTERA DEPRESSA (4 Constant Reader).—Take shallow flower-pans aud
fill them with rich soil, say one part of loam and two partsold hotbed manure;
pour in water till the soil acquires the consistency of mud, then prick little
bits of the Nertera upon the surface; place the pots upon a light shelfin a
pit or greenhouse. Keep plenty of water in the pans, and the plants will
spread over the surface, flower freely in spring, and become cushions of bright
littl orange-coloured berries early in summer, when they may be planted-out
when required for the flower beds. The plants grow freely potted in the
ordinary fashion, but they are apt to bear very few berries when so treated.

Anmonta versus S~uGs (4 Country Vicar).—One gallon of gas ammo-
niacal liquor mixed with seven or eight gallons of water will kill slugs if
poured on the soil, and will banish worms if applied to a lawn.

DvuKeE oF BuccLeucH Grape (F. W. T.).—The colour of the berries is
pale amber.

Rose (H.R. C.).—We do not think your specimen is of Narcisse, but of
Isabella Sprant.

Dr. Hoce Grape (C. T. H., Dorset)—Dr. Hogg Grape will ripen in the
same temperature as the Chasse!as Musqué. We should not graft it on that
Vine. It would probably do well grafted on the Black Hamburgh, or youmay
plant a young Vine of it. It is a good Grape with a Frontignan flavour, and
what may be termed warm Black Hamburgh treatment will suit it.

Names oF Fruits (Rus in Urbe).—1, White Paradise; 2, Summer Golden
Pippin; 3, Norfolk Stone Pippin. (7. P.).—1, Lady’s Finger; 2, Cellini.
(@. McG.).—2, Alfriston; 6, Northern Greening; 7, Large Hunthouse; 8,
Cox’s Pomona; 10, Braddick’s Nonpareil; 11, Tower of Glamis. (W. D.).—
Red Calville. (H. J. B.).—1, Winter Hawthornden; 2, Wormsley Pippin; 3;
Gloria Mundi; 4, Not known; 5, Golden Noble; 6, Hall Door. (G.).—2,
Minshall Crab; 3, Winter Greening ; 4, Cox’s Pomona; 5, Not known; 6, Russet
Nonpariel. (Spero).—1, Not known; 2, Adams’ Pearmain ; 3, Striped Beefing;
4, Bess Pool; 5,Sammer Pearmain. (EH. H. R.).—1, Keswick Codlin; 2, Not
known; 8, Yorkshire Greening; 4, Dumelow’s Seedling; 5, Cox’s Pomona;
6, Ribston Pippin. (M. 4. W.).—Hollandbury. (EZ. R.).—Trumpington.

Names or Poants (W. F. R.).—Sedum carneum fol. var. (Z. H.).—It is
Honesty (Lunaria). It is quite hardy. (R. Carnall).—It is a Tropeolum,
but we cannot name the species without seeing a flower.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

OXFORD POULTRY SHOW.

Tur sixth Meeting was held on the 24th and 25th inst., and
was by far the largest show which has so far this season been
held. The arrangements were all exceedingly good, and reflected
the greatest credit on Mr. King and his working Committee.
All the minor details were here satisfactorily looked after, such
as chaff, gravel, grass, and good food for the birds, and the
exhibits were mostly very effectively staged. We much regret
that the civic authorities should not take more interest in the
Show, for the visitors it brings to their city and the consequent
advantages for trade must be considerable.

November 1, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 353

Dorkings with four classes were the first in the catalogue |
where the cup pen were a pair of Darks of greut merit, their
shape, combs, and feet being all that could be desired. The
second were very fine birds, but the pullet hardly in her fall
beauty. The cup Silver-Greys were excellent, the cockerel’s
colour being extremely good, and his pullet a great beauty in
fall feather and good condition. The first Alexandra Whites
here again scored the similar honour, and most deservedly ;
they are of superb colour, and good in combs as well as being
large, while the cup Cuckoos were very even in markings and
large inframe. We were glad to see the quality so satisfactory
in this class.

Spanish were not a large collection, but we thought the quality
very good. The winners won their places easily, and we much
liked the pullet in the third-prize pen.

Cochins were in excellent force, and we thought the winners
well selected in each department.. In Buffs the winners were
the first Alexandra pair claimed there of Lady Gwydyr. They
were in beautiful feather and looked well. The cockerel in the
second pen was very rich in colour, and had a good-coloured
pullet. In Partridges the first pullet was very good, her pencil-
lings being excellent. The ccckerel in the second-prize pen was
as yet in poor feather, and requires some time to have his neck
hackles down. The cup Whites were in fine condition, and
though not very large deserved their place, and we are sorry to
say that the tail feathers of both birds were many of them
clipped by some evil-disposed person, as was, too, the fluff and
side feathers of the second-prize cockerel. In Blacks the cup
pen were in the best feather, but the second were the largest.
The pullet here was, however, moulting her neck feathers. We
were sorry to see no Cuckoos exhibited.

Brahmas mustered well, especially the Lights. The winning
pullet was prettily marked, and her mate will in time probably
be a good one; as yet he is rather raw in appearance. The cup
Lights were much hocked or else very large, and the second and
third were also good, though the latter cockerel could have been
of a better colour with advantage. Mr. Lingwood’s pens in both
classes were empty.

Game made a great feature in the Show, and we believe the
awards were on the whole most favourably received. All agreed
in the great excellence of the £10-cup Black Red cockerel, which
was claimed at the catalogue price of £50 during the Show.
His colour, style, and shape were all perfection. The cup Black
Red pullet was also very good, and this choice was again much
approved of. The Brown Red cockerel which won the cup was
very shapely and good in feather, as was the same exhibitor’s
Duckwing. In the other pullet class a Pile, very fine and
good in colour was first, the same bird which won at the Alex-
andra, we believe. In the undubbed class a stylish Brown Red
won the cup, and a good Black Red had the second honours.

Hamburghs made the finest display we have so far this season
seen of the breed. The cup Silver-pencils were very pretty,
and the pullet good in markings; the cockerel will look better
when his tail is more matured. The cup Blacks have had the
Same position frequently before, and the cockis glossy and neat,
but certainly too pale in the face. The Golden-spangles were
good, and the pullet handsome in moons, with a good cockerel.
The Golden-pencils were very strong, and there were several
capital birds as well as the winners which came in for cards.

Polands were of great merit, though the Blacks were few in
number. In this colour the cup pen were the whitest in crests,
and deserved their position. The Silvers, too, were good, though
itis doubtful if either second or third were not superior to the
cup pen; but all were remarkably fine, and all came from one
yard in the first place we believe. The Golds made the largest
class, and the quality was very good, the third-prize pens being
very even in merits and well selected.

French came to the front in a strong way. The Houdans
Were especially numerous and good. There did not appear to
be much between the first and second, but the latter were the
darker; both, however, were large, good in claws and crests.
The cup Créves were not, perhaps, the largest, but we liked them
as a pair. Mr. Wood had a larger cockerel, but his tail was far
too high.

Malays were extremely good, the pullets especially, there
being many of that beautiful dark pheasant colour which we so
much admire. The winning cockerel was a very tall and fine
bird, and we thought they won easily. Mr. Hinton had a good
pullet, and Mr. Downing a good cockerel.

Americans brought forty pens, and they were very fine. The
Whites, though placed in a high situation, looked to advantage,
and the cup pen were certainly very large and good in combs
and ears. The Browns were very light in colour as far as the
noticed pens went, and the fine condition of the cup and second-
prize pen doubtless helped to place them.

White Silkies and Sultans were grouped in the upper gallery
with the ornamental Waterfowl, and this department was in the
evenings the most crowded with visitors. The cup and second
Silkies were very near each other in points, and in Sultans an old
pair in very lovely feather took premier honours in a good class.

Andalusians mustered sixteen pens and made a striking
feature of the Show. The winners were excellent, and were
well-grown chickens; many of the other pens required more
time.

In the Variety class La Fléche were first and Plymouth Rocks
second, and third going to Black Minorcas. This class was not
80 good as many of the others in its quality.

Bantams were a good lot, but unfortunately the Game were
much in the dark and could hardly have justice done to them.
The winning Blacks were exceedingly lustrous and smart; and
the cup Laced very beautiful Silvers, the hen finely laced and
most pure in ground colour. In the Variety class very pretty
Pekins won first and White Rosecombs second, White Japanese
having third place.

Waterfowl were wonderfully good, and the Aylesburys and
Rouens very fine indeed, the former cup pair.being large and
very clear in bills. The Blacks were better than we have before
seen them this year. The first and second were small and
bright in colour; the third were larger or else good in colour,
and were claimed at catalogue price. The Mandarins and
Carolinas were almost a show in themselves, very beautiful
specimens of the first-named winning the cup. Their lovely
condition and feather were something to be remembered. In
the variety Duck class a good pen of Kasarkas came in first.

The Geese were numerous, and all the prizes went to Greys ;
while in Turkeys the cup pen was very fine and in beautiful
condition, appearing to beat the same time very youthful indeed.

The Judges were Messrs. Hewitt and Teebay, who divided the
work between them.

PIGEONS.

The Pigeons were shown as usual in the Town Hall. So
popular is this Show becoming that this building, formerly
amply large enough for many poultry classes as well as for the
Pigeons, is now barely large enough for the exhibition of the
latter and the Bantam classes.

Carriers came first as usual. Blue or Silver cocks numbered
eight. The first and second-prize birds were excellent, both
Blues. Mr. Fulton’s struck us as the best in beak wattle, but
Mr. Stretch’s in colour. Fifteen Black cocks were entered. An
old acquaintance won first and cup in capital trim. Second is
magnificent in wattle, but not quite perfect in beak. Duncocks
numbered eight. First and second were well-known winners.
We should almost prefer the latter when in his best trim. Blre
or Silver hens (eleven), first very fine in form, second good in
colour. Black or Dun hens (sixteen), first and cup Mr. Fulton’s
splendid Black, which we have before described; second a Dun
with good wattle, third another good Dun. Any other colour,
cock or hen (eight), first a White, better in points than Whites
generally are; second and third Pieds. Black or Dun, hatched
in 1877, a class of twenty-nine, only four of which were noticed.
we fear many birds were shown in this class which ought from
their age to have been in the preceding classes. First-and-cup a
capital Dun, second a nice Black, third a Black too. There
were nine entries in the class for young birds of any other colour ;
first and third were Blues, second a good White.

Pouters had five classes. The cup went to Mr. Lang’s White
hen. She is a beautiful bird all round, but some breeders of
coloured birds thought themselves aggrieved by the award from
the additional. points, difficult to produce, possessed by the
coloured varieties. 1t may be a mistake for whole-coloured
to compete with marked birds for the same cup, but when they
do so we consider that the best bird of its kind should have the
cup, and consequently think this award a good one. The bird
was, we believe, claimed for thirty guineas. Blue or Black cocks
(ten), first a Black very long in limb, second an immense Black,
third a pretty Blue. Blue or Black hens (eleven), first a very
pretty Blue, third a Black. White cocks (thirteen), first a very
large and grand bird, second and third very fair. White hens
(nine), first the above-mentioned hen; her one blemish seemed
to us shortness of thigh. Any other colour (eleven), first Red,
good all round; second another Red, very slim in girth, and
generally thought the best bird in the class ; third a Yellow.

Barbs had three classes. We have seen much better shows
of this breed. Cocks (twelve), first-and-cup Mr. Headley’s Black,
well ahead of the rest. Hens (eight), first a well-known Yellow
thoroughly out of condition, second a Black. Hatched in 1877
(eight), the winners all attractive birds and young, others in the
class looked antique.

Tumblers.—Almond (eleven) were a capital class. First-and-
cup a very beautiful cock, second a hen prettily marked. Young
Almonds numbered only six; the first and second were very
promising. Mottled Short-faced (nine), first a Black rather
lightly mottled, second a Red, third a Black with too much
mottling, extending over the back. Short-faced, any other
variety (eleven), all the winners were Agates and beautiful birds.
First a cock, second and third hens. Balds or Beards not Short-
faced (ten), first a Blue Bald, second a Black Bald, third a Blue
Beard. Any other variety (eight), three Yellow Mottles won.

Dragoons.—This variety had no less than eighteen classes,
232 entries, £31 15s. in prize money and four cups! Proud in-

354

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 1, 1877.

deed must those who first produced this variety be if they have
lived to see its number and popularity. Worthily to criticise
such classes would take all the time we could devoie to the
whole Show. Blue cocks (thirty-two), first exquisite in colour
and most points, but he has a little under wattle which we do
not like; second we preferred all round as a perfect Dregoon ;
third good in head, but pale in colour and poor in bars. We
admired Mr. Burnell’s very highiy commended bird. Silver
cocks (ten), first a good Blue Silver; second too Carrier-like in
head, but with good black bars. Red or Yellow cocks (fifteen),
the winners all Yellows. First and second of a very rich tint.
White cocks (sixteen), the winners all Carrier-like. Blue-
chequered cocks (five), the first the best. Any other colour cocks
(ten), first a very fine Grizzle. Blue hens (eighteen), first and
third we liked best. ‘Silver hens (twelve), a good class. Red
or Yellow (fourteen), cup went here to a Yellow. White hens
numbered twelve, and Blue-chequered eight, both fair classes.
Any other variety but four, first being a good Grizzle. Blue of
1877 (twenty-one) had rightly appended to them by the Judge
“Very good class.” Mr. Woods carried off all three prizes ; we
thought his second the better type of Dragoon. Young Silvers
numbered nine, young Reds or Yellows eleven, young Whites
twenty-one, Blue-chequers four, and Any other variety six.

Antwerps (Shortfaced cocks).—‘‘A wonderfally good class”
(so rightly did the Judge label it} of thirty-nine. First-and-cup
a Red-chequer, very good in head; second a Silver Dun; third
a Red-chequer rich in colour. Short-faced hens (twenty-four),
first a Red-chequer, second a Silver. Not Short-faced (twenty-
seven), first and third Silver Duns, second Red-chequers. Four
large classes for Homing birds followed. Rwnts (eight), first a
Silver, second and third Blues. Owls.—Blue or Powdered cocks,
seventeen entries, nearly all good. First and second both very
good and highly developed in head. Any other colour cock
(fourteen), first-and-cup Mr. Eckroyd’s champion cup bird, se-
cond an indifferent Silver. Blue or Powdered hens (twelve),
first an indifferent bird save in beak, second a good bird and
known winner. Any other colour hens, first-and-cup a Silver
wonderful in head, second another good Silver. Foreign (four-
teen), firsta White not very small, second a Blue, third a some-
what coarse White.

Turbits were a fine show of sixty-two birds in four classes.
Blue or Silver cocks (fifteen), first-and-cup an old and well-known
Silver, fine in head properties, but coarse; second a Blue with
good bars; third a Blue good in head. Any other colour cock,
first Mr. Burnell’s well-known Yellow, a beautifully down-faced
bird, but poor in colour; second a Black, also well known, first
at the Crystal Palace last year; third agood Red. Blueor Silver
hens (seventeen), first and second Silvers, the bars of the first
are not good, on one side; third a beautiful little Blue. Any
other colour hens (fourteen), first-and-cup a lovely Yellow, with
the finest frill we have ever seen; we hear she is but two years
old, and has been twice first at Birmingham. Seconda bright-
coloured Black, third a fair Red.

Fantails.—White (seventeen). This class is confessedly most
difficult to judge—birds looking so differentat different moments,
and certainly the awards did not give the general satisfaction
they did in most classes. First was a large coarse bird with a
round though very open tail; second fair in tail, but with no
carriage; third a very fine bird with even flat tail; we thought
it about the best, though we know its owner, a capital judge,
preferred Mr. Cresswell’s unnoticed bird, a beautiful little hen,
cup-winner at the Alexandra Palace. Any other colour (six), all
Blues, large birds with good tails, but quite devoid of carriage.
Nuns (eleven), first and second Blacks, the first very good;
third a Yellow. Swallows (sixteen) a very good class. First-
and-cup a capital Yellow, second a Red, third a barless Blue.
Archangels (thirteen) a fine class. We are glad to see this
lovely variety coming into vogue. Firstandsecond rich copper-
coloured birds; third a Black, which we consider quite a spurious
Archangel, and not eligible in this class.

Jacobins had five classes and sixty entries. Red or Yellow
cocks (fifteen), first-and-cup a Red, not small, but wonderful in
hood and chain, its head seeming quite buried; second a small
rich Red, its closeness of hood almost exaggerated; third a
Yellow good in colour and hood. Black or White cocks (twelve),
first a beautiful Black, second a White a little irregular in hood,
otherwise good; third a coarse Black. Any other colour cocks
(six), first a Strawberry Red, very good-in beak; second almost
White ; third a Splashed bird, the merit of which we could not
see. Red or Yellow hens (seventeen), first a beautiful Red, beak
a little too straight to please us; second a Yellow, long in chain
but not so good in hood; third a nice little Red. Any other
colour hens (ten), first and third Whites, second a Black. Mag-
pies are a specialité of Oxford; they had three classes and forty-
eight entries. Blacks (nineteen), Reds (fourteen), Auy other
colour (fifteeen), Messrs. Bulley & Salter carried off nearly
all the prizes with capital birds. Any other variety, first a
Black Russien Trumpeter, second a Blue Priest, and third a
Satinette—C,

POULTRY.
Dorxines.—Colowred.—1 and 8, T. C. Burnell, 1 Local, G. M. Morecrait. 2,

R, W. Beachy. 2Local, F. P. Bulley. 4,H. Lingwood. Silver-Grey.—l, R. A.
Boissier. 1 Local, E. Woodford. 2, Miss Pasley. 2 Local, W. Bateman, jun.
3, Countess of Dartmouth. whe, T. C. Burnell. White—1. O. E. Cresswell.
1Local,H T.Sotham. 2, Miss E. Williams. 3,J.R. Pilgrim, vhe, Mrs. M.A.
Hayne. Any other variety.—1 and 2, Countess of Dartmouth. 3, J.H. Putney.

SpanisH.—l, J. Powell. 1 Local and 2 Local, H. Johaos, 2, J. Yates. 3, H.
Blower. vhe. J. ¥. Dixon.
Cocurns.—Cinnamon and Buff.—l, E. Burrell. 1 Local, J. Gee. 2, W-. A.

Burnell. 2 Local, F. Dell. 3, Mrs. A. Tindal. vic, Mrs. Allsopp, Mrs. T. Pye.
Partridge—1i, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, E. Tudman. 8, R. J. Wood. vhe R. J.
Wood, Mrs. Gordon, G. Lamb, H. C. While, J. K. and R. R. Fowler. Black.—1
and 3,4. E. W. Darby. 1 Local, J. W. Craddock. 2, Lady Gwydyr. vhc, E.
Pritchard. Any other varicty—1, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate.
2 Local, H. Perkins. 8, Rev. H.J. Borrow. vhe,J.K.& R. R. Fowler.

Braumas.—Dark.—l, R. P. Percival. 2, Mrs. A. Tindal. 3, Rey. T. C. Peake.
4, Rev. H. Buckston. Light—1, G. W.Petter. 1Local, T.Smith. 2,P. Haines.
pa ocal Mrs. Staples-Brown. 8,G. B.C. Breeze. 4,Mrs. J.T. Holmes. vhe,

A. Dean.

LanGsHans.—] and Cup, A. C. Crowd. 2,E. Skelton. 8, F. J. R.Nuan. Py

GamE.—Black-breasted Red.—Cockerel—1, W. J. Pope. 2, Major G. Newdi-
gate. 3,P.A. Beck. Pullet—1, T.P. Lyon. 1 Local and 2 Local, S. Field. 2,
W. 4H. Stagg. 3, Major G. Newdigate. 4, W. J. Pope. whe, W. J. Pope, Dr. A.
Cameron. Brown-breasted and other Reds.—Cockerel.—1, S. Matthew. 1
Local, Miss Osborne. %,J. P. Dunstan. 3,T. Mason. Pullet —land 1 Local,
Miss Osborne. 2, T. Mason. 3, W. Perrin. vhc, H. E. Martin. Any other
variety —Cockerel.—l, S. Matthew. 2,D. Harley. 3, H. E. Martin. vhe, Hon.
and Rev. F. Dutton, T. P. Lyon. Pullet.—1, J. Colgrove. 2, Hon. and Rev. F.
G. Dutton. 3,Dr.A. Cameron. vhe,T. P. Lyon. Undubbed.—Cockerel —l, J.
Braithwaite, jun. 1 Local. S. Field. 2, Hon.and Rey. F. G. Dutton. 2 Local,
Miss Osborne. 3,S. Matthew. 4,J.CGolgrove.

Hampureus.—Gold-pencilled—1, J. Rawnsley. 1 Local, J. T.K. Castell. 2,
J.Long. 2Local, J. Caleutt. 8, W. L. Bell. vie. H. Pickles, W K. Tickner.
Silver-pencilled.—l, F. Jagger. 2,H.Beldon. 3, F. C. Davis. vhe, H. Pickles.
Golda-spangled—\ and 2, G. & J. Duckworth. 8,J. &P. Allinson. vhe, T. May,
J. Rawnsley, Duke of Sutherland, H. Beldon. Silver-spangled.—l, H. Robin-
son. 2, Ashton & Booth. 2 Local, Rev. S. Ashwell. 3, J. Fielding. vhc, H.
Pickles, J Rawnsley. Black.—l, W. Bentley. 1 Local, 8. Woodford. 2,L.8.
Suthers. 8,J. Rawnsley. whe, C. A. Jessup, H. Pickles.

Ponanps.—Black with White Crest.—1 and 2, P. Unsworth. 3, T. Lecher.
Gold-spangled.—1, J. Parlington. 2, J. Rawnsley. 3, E. Burrell. Szlver-
spangled —1 and 2, G. C. Adkins. 8,E. Burrell. vie, P. Unsworth. Houpans.
—1, J. Graham. 1 Local. 2 Local. and 4,Rey. G- Day. 2,R. B. Wood. 3, Mrs.
Vallance. vhc, R. B. Wood, R. K. Penson, S. W. Thomas, Mrs. Vallance. J.
Ward. CrEve-Ceurs.—l, R. Pound. 2, J. Ward. 3, Robinson & Myers. vhe,
R. BR. Wood. Matays.—l, T. B. Lowe: 2, E. Stanley. 3, G. Burnell. vie, J.
Hinton, E. Stanley. LEGHORNS.—Brown.—1 and 2, Bradbury Bros. 1 Local,
Miss Harvey. 3,J. Heastie. vhe, A-S. Midgley, R. Strong. White —1,J. K.
and R. R. Fowler. 2, A. Kitchin. 2 Local, Mrs. T. Harton. 8, G. Mumford.
whe, Mrs. Spence. Srmxres.—White.—1 and Cup, Rev. R.S.S. Woodgate. 2, 0.
E. Cresswell. 3,H.J. Borrow. vhe, Mrs. J.T. Holmes. SunTans.—l and Cup,
Mrs. A. Christy. 2, Rey. J. P. Wright. 8, H. R. Dugmore. vhe, H.W. & H.
King. ANpDaLusians.—l, J. H. Fry. 1 Local and 3, Rev. S. Ashwell. 2, R.
Hewett. 2 Local, J.H. Brooks. vihc,Mrs.M.A. Wilson. ANY OTHER VARIETY.
—1,A.J.Blampied. 2,H.R. Peel. 3,J.B W. Williams.

Bantams —Game, Black Reds,—l and 2, W. F. Addie. 1 Local, J. Richmond.
2 Local, J.C. Fraser. 3, E. Walton. vhe, F.W. R. Hore. Game, Brown and
other Reds.—1 and 2, W. F. Entwisle. 8, T. H. Stretch. Game, any other
variety.—1, R. Brownlie. 2, W.F. Entwisle. 8,S. Beighton. vhc, E. Walton.
Black, Clean-legged—i, W.H. Shackleton. 2, J. W. Crowther. 3, T. F. Phelps.
vhe, G. Vigers. Sebright.—l and 2,M. Leno. 2 Local, Master Cavell. 3, Rey.
W. Serjeantson. vhc, H. Cooper, Countess of Dartmouth, H. Stephens. Any
other variety.—1, H. B. Smith. 1 Local, E. Woodford. 2, J. W. Crowther. 3,
H. Stephens. vhe, T. F. Phelps, F. C. Davis. sata

Ducss.—Aylesbury.—l. Dr. E. Snell. 1 Local, E. W. Morris, jun. 2, J. K.
and R.R. Fowler. 2 Local, W. R Pratt. 8, R. K. Penson. Rouen—l, Dr. E.
Snell. 1 Local, F. P. Bulley. 2,T. Mills. 2 Local, T. Emmens. 3, T. Wake-
field. vhe,F G.S. Rawson, P. Ogilvie. Black East Indian.—1 and 2, J. Kelle
way. 3,R.K.Penson. vhc, M.A. Hayne, P. Ogilvie, J. Kelleway. Pekin.—1,
W. Jacob. 2,W. H. Crewe. 2 Local, G. W. Child. 3, J. K. & R. R. Fowler.
vhe. S, W. Terry, A. Kitchin, H. Beldon, W. H. Crewe. J. K. & R. R. Fowler.
Call.—1, H. Beldon. 2, Mrs. H.J. Bailey. 3,J. J.&. Pollard. Mandarin and
Carolina.—1 and 1 Local, Mrs. Arkwright. 2, Rev. W. Serjeantson. 3, WwW.
Boutcher. the, J. Bailey, jun., H. B. Smith, Countess of Dartmouth, W.
Bouteher, M.Leno. 4ny other variety.—l, Rey. W.Serjeantson. 2,J. Trickett.
8, M. Leno. vie, H. B. Smith.

Pueasants.—l, M. Leno. 2, Mrs. Brassey. 3, Mrs. J. May. Turkers—i
and 2, Mrs. W. Wykes. 1 Local, Miss Wilsden. 2Local,Mrs F.Turril. 3, EF
Ward. vhc, Rev. N. J. Ridley, T. Watson, EB. Kendrick, jun. GEEsSE.—1, J.
Birch, jun. 2,3. W. Crowther. 2 Local, J.c. Fraser. 3, T. Mills. vke, Dr. E.
Snell.

SELLING CLAssES.—Brahmas, Dorkings, and Cochins—Cocks. —1, G. H.
Smith. 2, Mrs. M. A. Hayne. 8, J. Gee. 4, T. C. Morris. Hens—l, J. L.
Lowndes. 2, Rev. J. Buckmaster. 3,A.Ive. 4, R.A. Baker. vhc, W. A. Bur-
nell. Any other variety.—Cocks.—l, C. Sidgwick. 2, J. Aldridge. 3, J. Rawns-
ley. 4,A.Kitchen. vic, F.C. Davis. Hens.—l, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton. 2,
C. Bloodworth. 3, J. Rawnsley. 4 Rev. J. Buckmaster. vhc, J. R. Pilgrim.
Bantams —1, R. Henderson. 2; W. F. Entwisle. 8, W. F. Addie. vhc, Mrs. J.
T. Holmes, M. Leno. Ducks.—1, C. E. Printer. 2, W. H. Copplestone. 3, J.
Hedges. 4,J. Trickett. vhc, C. E- Printer, J. K. & R. R. Fowler.

PIGEONS.

Carriers.—Blue or Silver—Cock —1,T.H.Stretch. 2,R.Cant. 3,J. Baker.
Hen—1 and vhe, W. Hooker. 2, R. Fulton. 3, W. G. Hammock. Black.—
Cock.—l and Cup, J- Ecroyd. 1 Local, J. Caleutt. 2,R Fulton. 8, E. Burton.
whe, J- Dye. Dun.—Cock.—1 and 2, J. Ecroyd. 8, R. Fulton. whe, J, Baker.
Black or Dun.—Hen.—l, Cup. and 8, R. Fulton. 2,3. Ecroyd. vic, R. Fulton,
J.Dye. Any other colour.— Cock or Hen.—1,R. Fulton. 2, R.A. Pratt. 3, Ww.
G. Hammock. Black or Dun—Young—1 and Cup, H. Simpson. 2, A. Bill-
yeald. 3.J.C. Oru Blue, Silver, or any other colour.—Young.—1, W. Hooker.
2,R. Falton. 3,J. C. Ord. :

"PourEers.—Blue or Black Pied —Cock.—1, R. Fulton. 1 Local, C. F. Herrieff.
2,3. Baker. 3. J. Dye. Hen.—i,J. Baker. 2,J. Dye. 8, J. Baker. White.—
Cock.—1, R. Fulton. %, L. Watkin. 3, J. D. Lang. Hen—1 and Cup, J. D.
Lang. ¥,J. Baker. 3, J. Dye. Any other colour.—l, T. Herrieff. 2and 3, R.
Fulton.

Barps,—Cock.—1 and Cup, M. Hedley. 2, J. Baker. $ and vhe, R. Fulton.
Hens.—l, R. Fulton. 2,J.Chandler. 8, M, Hedley. Young.—l and 3, R. Ful-
ton. 2,M. Hedley.

TuMBLERS.—Almond.—l, Cup, and 8, J. Ecroyd. 2,J. Baker. Young.—l and
2,H. C. Heming. 3, R. Cant. Mottled Shortjaced.—i and 2, J. Baker. 8, H.
C. Heming. <Any other variety Short-faced.—l and 2 J. Baker. 3, H. C.
Heming. Balds or Beards, not Short-faced.—1, H. O. Crane, 2, R. Woods. 8,
BE. Lund. Any other variety.—i, 1 Local, and2,H. 0. Crane. 8, J. Baker.

DRacoons.—Blue.—Cock.—1, Cup, 2, and 8, R. Wood. vhe, T. C. Burnell, W.
Smith, C. E. Chavasse. Silver.—Cock—1 and 8, W. Osmond. 2, W. Smith.
Red or Yellow.—Cock.—1 and 2, V. Shaw. 8, R. Woods. White—Cock.—l, W.
Bishop. 1 Local and2, C. F. Herrieff. 8, R. Woods Blue-chequered.—CGock.—
J, T. C. Burnell 2and 8,R. Woods. Any other coloured.—Cock.—l and 2, R.
Woods. 8, W. Keeler. Blue —Hen.—1, RK. Woods. 2, V. Shaw. 8, W. Smith.
Silver.—Hen.—1 and 2, R. Woods. 8, V. Shaw. vhe, W. Osmond. Red or
Yellow.—Hen.—1 and Cup, V. Shaw. 2, W. Sargent. 3, R. Woods. vhe, J.
Atkins. White——Hen.—l, 2, and 3. W. Bishop. vhe, G. Parkham. Blue-
chequered—Hen.—l, 2, and 3, R. Woods. Any other colour.—Hen.—l, V

B

November 1, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER,

555

Shaw. 2,R. Woods. Blwe.—Young Cock or Hen.—1, Cup, 2, and 3, R. Woods. |

1 Local, H. O. Crane. vhe, W. Smith, B. W. Phillips, H. O. Crane. Silver.—
Young Cock or Hen —1 and 2, R. Woods. 3, C.F. Herrieff. vhc. T. C. Burnell,
C. E. Chavasse. Red or Yellow.—Cock or Hen—1, S. Patterson. 2 and 3, R.
Woods. vhe, V.Shaw. White—Young Cock or Hen.—1, G. Parkham. 2. C.E.
Chavasse. 8,J.A.Simms. Blue-chequered.—Young Cock or Hen.—1, 2, and 8,
R. Woods. Any other colowr.—Young Cock or Hen.—land 8, R. Woods. 2,
Ward & Rhodes.

ANTWERPS.— Short faced.—Cock.—1, Cup, and2, J. Ecroyd. 3,E.Lund. whe,
J. Wright. Hen—l, J.S. Collice. 2, J. J. Bradley. 8, H. W. Weaving. vhe,
H. Yardley. Not Short-faced.—1 and Local, C. F. Herrieff. 2, J. Ecroyd. 8
and vhe, J. Wright. Homing Bird, Blue or Black-chequered.—Oock.—, G. J.
Lenny, 2, C. G. Butler, 3, Cotton & Barker. Hen.—l, J. Grice. 2, G. J.
Lenny. 8,E.Newman. Any other colour.—Cock.—1, G.J.Lenny. 2,J. Callen.
8,7. G. Ledger. Hen.—l and 8, Cotton & Barker. 2, G. J. Lenny.

Runts.—],H. Yardley. 2.J.S. Price. 8, J. Bailey, jun. a

Own1s.—Blue or Powdered Blue.—Cock.—1, BE. Lee. 2, A. Duthie. 8, Ward
and Rhodes. vhe, J. Ecroyd, 8. Salter, J. Thresh. Hen,—l, J. Barnes. 2, J.
Eeroyd. 38,E.Lee. Any other colour.—Cock.—1 and Cup, J. Ecroyd. 2, T. G.
Sprunt. 8, J. Dye. vhe, S. Salter (2). Hen.—1, Cup, and 8, S. Salter. 2, J.
Ecroyd. Foreign.—l and Local, S. Salter. 2,J. Baker. 8, J. Feroyd.

TurBits—Blue or Silver.—Cock.—1 and Cup, G. Webster. 2,3. Dye. 3, G.
Sadler. vhe, J. Ecroyd. Hen —1, J. Ecroyd. 2 and Local, S. Salter. 8,T.C
Burnell. Any other colour.—Cock.—1, T.C. Burnell. 2, 0. E. Cresswell. 38, J*
Dye. vhe,J. Ecroyd. Hen.—l and Cup, O. E. Cresswell. 2, S. Salter, 3, E*

Holland.
Fanraris.—White.—1, S. Swift. 2, J. Baker. 8, Rev. W. Serjeantson. Any
8, Miss Dickinson. Nuns.—l, A.

other colour.—l, J. Baker. 2, H. Yardley.

Duthie. 2, J. T. Holmes. 8, Rev. A. G. Brooke. Swattows.—l, Cup, and 2,
H. Draycolt. 8, V. Shaw. ArcHanaEus.—l, J. Pounsett. 2, G. Parkham. 3,
F. P. Bulley.

Jacopins.—Red or Yellow.—Cock.—l, Cup, and Local, S. Salter. 2, J. Baker.
8,T. W. Swallow. vhc, B. Norman, R, Fulton. Hen.—l and 2,J, Baker. 3, A.
Heath. Black or White.—Cock.—1, 2, and 8, S. Salter. Any other colour.—
Cock.—land8,J. Baker. 2,S. Salter. Hen.—l and 8,S. Salter. 2, R. Fulton.

Maaprres.—Black.—1 and 8, S. Salter. 3, A. P. Maurice. Red.—1, Cup, and
Local, F. P. Bulley. 2and 8,8. Salter. Any other colowr.—l, S. Salter. 2, E.
Norman. 8,J. Ecroyd.

ANY OTHER VaARIETY.—1, J. Baker. 2,F.P.Bulley. 8, V. Shaw.

Homine Birps.—Flying.—1, W. G. Flanagan. 2. F. W. Benham. 8, E. Newman.

SELLING CLAssEs—Carriers, Pouters, or Short-faced Tumblers. —1, H.
Stephens. 2,J. Dye. 8, W.R. Pratt. Any other variety.—1, J. Dye. 2, C.W.
preter 8, J. Shillingford. Pair of Birds—1,S. Salter, jun. 2, J. A. Simms.

» J. Dye,

LONGEVITY OF A CANARY AND GOLDFINCH
MULE.

Mention has before been made in the Journal of an aged
mule bird belonging to a Mr. L——,, residing at St. John’s Wood,
London. In February last I saw the bird when it was suffering
from illness, from which it recovered, and in the month of
August passed through the moulting sickness. Judging from
the capital condition of its plamage—its coloured facing appear-
ing as bright as it did when a two-year-old—the bird after its
moult gave promise of reaching a still greater age. It had been
petted for years, and took its few crumbs and seeds from the
same table as its owners, looking for its liberty daily by being
permitted to fly from its cage. On more than one occasion the
bird had even flown through the open casement and perched
itself upon the edges of flower pots, but managed to retrace its
way back into the cage so long tsnanted. The owners of the old
Mealy mule wishing to spend their holiday in Brussels last Sep-
tember were much disappointed, four days after their departure,
in hearing of the bird’s death at the ripe old age of twenty-one
years. The bird’s skin has been preserved, and it is somewhat
remarkable the young appearance the bird always presented
about the bill, shins, and feet. The fact of the bird’s age can
be vouched for, having myself bred it years before most of the
All-England bird exhibitions were known of.—G. J. BARNESBY.

COVENTRY CANARY, PIGEON, AND RABBIT
SHOW.

Tuts, the second Exhibition, was held in the Corn Exchange
on the 27th, 29th, and 30th October, when the following prizes
were awarded :—

PIGEONS.—Pourrrs.—Cock.—1 and 8, R, Fulton, 2, H. Pratt. vhe, R.
Fulton, H. Pratt. Hen.—l, H. Pratt. 2, R. Fulton. 8,A. P. Byford. vhe, R.
Fulton, H. Pratt. Carrters.—Cock.—land 8, R. Fulton. 2,H. Yardley. vhe,
H. Yardley, P.H.Jones. Hen.—1,2, and 8, R. Fulton. Young.—Cock or Hen.
—1,R. Fulton. 2and 8, H. Yardley. Dracoons.—Blwe or Silver.—Cock or Hen.
—1, R. Woods. 2, W. Smith. 3, F. Elkington. Any variety. ‘ock or Hen.—
1, R. Woods. 2and3,H. Yardley. ANTWERpPs.—Shortfaced.—Cock or Hen.—
land 2, H. Yardley. 3,J. Kendrick. vhe,T. Baker. Any variety—Cock or
Hen.—2, H. Brown. 3,J.T. Clarke. ToumBiers.—Short-faced.—Cock or Hen.—
1 and 2, H. Yardley. 8, R. Fulton. Long-faced.—Cock or Hen —1 and 2, H,
Yardley. 3,R. Fulton. Owxis.—Foreign.—Cock or Hen.—1, R. Fulton. 2,T. W.
Swallow. 8, H. Yardley. English.—Cock.—land 2, R. Fulton. 8, W. Dugdale.
Hen—1, P.H.Jones. 2,H.Yardley. Turpits.—Cock or Hen —1, W. Dugdale.
2,R. Fulton. 3, R. Woods. vhc, G. Roper. Jacoprns.—Cock or Hen.—1 and 3,
R. Fulton. 2, H. Yardley. Barss.—Cock or Hen.—l, 2, and 8, R. Fulton.
Fantatts.—Cock or Hen.—1, W. J. Warhurst. 2and3,J. &. Loversidge. vhe,
H. Simpson. Any orsEeR VaRIeTY.—Cock or Hen.—2, G. Roper. 3, H. Yardley.
vhe, R. Fulton, J. Wilson, SELLING CuassEs.—Single Bird.—l, H. Yardley.
2, A. P. Byford. 3, H. Simpson. Pairs.—l and 2, H. Yardley. 3, A. Bladon.
vhe, H. Yardley.

CANARIES.—Benetans.—Clear or Ticked—I1 and 2, J. Adams. 3, H. T.
Pratt. vhe, W. Shakespeare. NorwicuH —Clear Yellow.—l and 2, C. J. Salt.
8,J.Adams. vhe, C.J. Salt, W. Capella. Norwica—Clear Buff.—l and 2, C. J.
Salt. 3, W. Capella. vhe,C. J. Salt, J. Adams. Lvenly-marked Yellow. —1, 2,
and 3, C.J. Salt. vie, Cox & Griffia. Lvenly-marked Buff.—i and 3, J. Adams,
2and vhe, C.J. Salt Ticked, Unevenly-marked, or Variegated Yellow —1, J.
Adams, 2, 8, and whe, C. J. Salt. Ticked, Unevenly-marked, or Variegated
Buff.—1, 2, and 8, C.J. Salt. vhe, C.J. Salt, J. Adams. Crested Yellow.—l, J.
Adams. 2, C. J. Salt. 3, Hampton & Cleminson. vhe, C. J. Salt. Crested
Buff.—1, C.J. Salt. 2andvhe, Hampton & Cleminson. 8,J. Adams. Lazar.
—Golden-spangled.1, Hampton & Cleminson. 2and8, J. Adams. vhe, C.J.
Balt. Silver-spangled.—1 and 3, Hampton & Cleminson, 2and vie, J. Adams,

Crynamon.—Yellow.—1 and vhe, C. J. Salt. 2 and$, J. Adams. Buffi—l and
vhe, C.J. Salt. 2and8,J.Adams. Ticked or Variegated.—l, L. Belk. 2,C.J.
Salt. 8 and vhe, J. Adams. ANY OTHER VARIETY oF CaNAry.—l,L. Belk. 2,
C.J. Salt. 8,J. Adams. vhe, J. Adams, C. J. Salt. Group oF Four Canaries.
—1 and 2,6. J. Salt. 8, Hampton & Cleminson. vhe, W. Stringer. SELLING
Cuiass.—l and 8, C. J. Salt. 2, L. Belk. vlc, Hampton & Cleminson, Shilton
and Gadd, C.J. Salt. Munies.—Variegated, Yellow, Goldfinch, and Canary.—
2, C.J. Salt. 8, Stevens & Tenniswood. vhc, W. Capella. Variegated, Buff,
Goldfinch and Canary.—1, Stevens & Tenniswood. 2, L. Belk. 8, C.J. Salt.
Dark Goldfinch and Canary.—2, C.J. Salt. 8, Cox & Griffin. vhke, W. Capella,
ANY OTHER VARIETY OF MULE.—2 and 8, Stevens & Tenniswood. vic, W.B.

Gibbins.
BRITISH BIROS.—GouprincH.—1 and 8, J. Athersuch, 2, W. Allso. Any
vhe, J. Athersuch

ees Variety.—l,J.Lacy, 2,J.Athersuch. 8, T. Berry.
» Over,
FOREIGN BIRDS.—Parrots OR ANY OTHER VARIETY OF FoREIGN BrRDS.—

land 2, F. Voigt. vhe, F. Voigt, W. Draycott.

RABBITS.—Lop-kar —Buck or Doe.—1,T. & EB. J. Fell. 2,3. Cranch. 8,E,
Pepper. vhe, T. & BE. J. Fell, W. J. Coley, T. Green. DorcH—Buck or Doe.—
1, E. Pepper. 2, J. Foster. 8, W. E. Clark. vic, T. & E.J. Fell. J. Foster.
AnGora.—Buck or Doe.—l, T. & E. J. Fell. 2,8. Buckley. 8, R. A. Boissier.
Himatayan.—Buck or Doe.—1, H.E. Gilbert. 2, F. S. Wright. 8, D. Oldfield.
vhe, H. E. Gilbert. Sinver-Grey.—Buck or Doe.—land 8, T. &E J. Fell. 2,
J.W Prescott. vhe,T. & E. J. Fell, D. Oldfield. Any Variety.—Buck or Doe.
—1,E. Pepper. 2,8,andvhe,T. & B.J. Fell. SELLine Crass.—Buck or Doe—
1, E. Pepper. 2,.B. Robinson. 8,T. & E. J. Fell. vhe, T. & E. J. Fell, E. Pepper,
J. Aris3,J. Webb, L. Dyson, T. Purser.

AMATEURS’ CLASSES.

CANARIES.—Clear, Ticked, or Variegated Yellows.—1 and 2, E. Brooks and
Athersuch, jun. 8, J. Bayliss. vic, J. Bayliss, G. Clark, Brooks & Athersuch,
jun. Clear, Ticked, or Variegated Buffs.—1 and 3, Brooks,& Athersuch. 2, J.
Bayliss. viic, J. Bayliss, Brooks & Athersuch, J. Anderson. Any other variety
of Canary.—1 and 2, J. H. Lee. 8, G. Clarke. vhe, J. Bayliss, Brooks and
Athersuch, J, Anderson.

PIGEONS —AntWerps.—Short-faced.—l, 2, and 8, T. Wilson, Dracgoons.—
land 8, T. Wilson. 2, C. Fawson. ANY OTHER VARIETY OF PIGEON.—]1, 2, and 3,

T. Wilson.

RABBITS.—Lop-EARED.—1 and 2, T. Wilson. 8, J. H. Marshall. Sinver-
Grey.—l, T. Wilson. 2,C. Kimberley. 8, R. Matthews. ANY OTHER VARIETY.
—1, T. Wilson. 2,H.J. Atkins. 8, T. Howard.

Jupers.—Pigeons and Rabbits: Mr. E. Hutton, Pudsey, near

Leeds. Cage Birds: Mr. J. Bexson, Derby.

Live anp Dean WercutT or TurKxeys.—Farmers frequently
have occasion to sell Turkeys by live weight, and wish to know
what is the fair relative price between live and dead weight.
In Turkeys dressed for the New York market, where the blood
and feathers only are removed, the loss is verysmall. For the
eastern markets the heads are taken off and the entrails are
taken out. This makes a loss of nearly one-tenth in the weight.
A large gobbler was recently killed weighing 314 lbs. After
bleeding and picking ho weighed 29} lbs.—a loss of 2 |bs., or one-
fifteenth. When ready for the spit he weighed 284 Ibs.—a loss
of 31 1bs., which is nearly one-tenth of the weight. When the
market requires the New York style of dressing the price is
15 cents a-pound live weight, or less if the labour of dressing
be counted anything. In tho other style of dressing, if the
price were 20 cents, the farmer could sell for 18 cents, or less,
live weight without loss. Farmers who never tested the loss of
weight in dressing often submit to the deduction of 3 or 4 cents
a-pound for the middlemen, who are interested in making this
large difference.—(Philadelphia Times.)

MR. PETTIGREW’S BEE-KBEEPING.

Last year (1876) the spring being cold, [had no hive ready
for swarming until the first day of June. This swarm, ont of
No.1, I put into No. 2, a hive 18 inches diameter by 14 inches
deep (inside measure), flat on the top. The months of June and
July being very fine, the bees not only filled No. 2, but also sent
out a large swarm on the 2lstof July. This swarm I placed into
hive No. 3, 16 inches by 14, which was well filled by the middle
of September. To prevent No. 2 sending off a second swarm I
placed a nadir under it. Harly in the month of August, when I
took them to the heather, No. 2 with its nadir weighed 110 lbs.,
No. 1 (the old stock), 1041bs., and another hive 102lbs. I left
them on the moors quite a fortnight longer than I ought to have
done, and they decreased a few pounds in weight, but after all
I took the honey from No. 2, driving the bees into the nadir
below, which made a fair stock hive, and from two other hives,
which altogether realised—honey, £6 10s.; wax, 10s.

The above facts convince me that Mr. Pettigrew has not over-
estimated the laying powers of the queen, since No. 2 hive,
after having to build the combs, was able to send off a larger
swarm than was put into it seven weeks before, and that there-
fora the secret of success is in the use of large hives. For the
future I intend using for all good May swarms hives 20 inches
by 14.

*phis year although the spring was 60 cold and the summer so
wet, I have been able to nearly double my stock, as well as keep
the balance on the right side.—Marx Smion, Wollerton, Market

Drayton.

Rassrt BREEDING IN ITALy.—Mr. Colnaghi, the British Consul
at Forence, in his report on the industries of Turin, states that
the breeding of Rabbits was entirely neglected in Italy until
1873, when it was taken up by Messrs. Costamagna, furriers of
that city. Thinking that a supply of these animals would not
only be useful to their trade, but that Rabbits would form an

356 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 1, 1877.

important article of food for the poorer classes of the population,
a breeding establishment was erected in a few months, with six
hundred cages for that number of does, with a larger number of
compartments for the young. The prejudices of the public have
been combated by publications and by facts. A shop forthe sale
of Rabbits was opened, and in four months twelve thousand
head were killed and sold. Messrs. Costamagna not only taught
how the Rabbits were to be cooked but added example to precept.
They distributed in various parts of Italy upwards of one thousand
animals of the best breeds, and have also placed at the disposal
of persons of small means one thousand five hundred Rabbit
families—in all nine thousand animals—with their cages, &c.
The debt thus incurred by the receivers is redeemable by a
small annual quota of the products.

BEE GOSSIP.

Your correspondent, P. H. Phillips, describes a bar-framed
hive which is in many respects similar to a hive which I de-
scribed in your Journal many years ago. It is there called
“the Tasmanian hive,” because I first made use of it when I
was resident in that part of the world. In shape it differed
from the one described at page 317, inasmuch as at each end it
tapered down at an angle of 45°, so that in shape it resembled
somewhat an ordinary beetle trap reversed. The object of this
was to facilitate the removal of the end combs. It answered
well enough, but I found its great length unwieldy in my apiary,
and finally it was cut back to the dummies which terminated
the hive at ordinary times right and left of what Nutt would
have called ‘the pavilion of Nature.” Where, however, room
is no object, I am persuaded that the principle of Mr. Phillips’s
hive is a thoroughly sound one; this his success in so bada
year has proved. The only hope of honey this year in ninety-
nine cases out of a hundred lay in preventing all swarming and
having the hives as full as possible of bees, to be inreadiness for
any glut of honey which might come for a longer or shorter
time. Seventy-one pounds of honey from one hive is no bad
result in any year. In a good year such a hive worked simul-
taneously with supers and side combs ought to produce almost
any amount of honey, taking out combs and removing supers as
fast as they were filled. In the old fashion of working supers
it was always difficult to prevent swarming, owing to the bees
often being overcrowded before a super was removed, as the
bee-master was anxious to have it perfectly sealed-up in every
part before removal.

The use of perforated zinc by Mr. Phillips also proved a
success, although probably each bee found a difficulty in wrig-
gling its body through the narrow aperture. This would appear
at first sight rather an objection to the zinc, but ‘the proof of
the puddingisin the eating.” Long agoI discarded zinc feeders
from observing the difficulty with which bees got their bodies
over the sharp edge. It often required several efforts before
they succeeded. This would be remedied in the case of the
perforated zinc if it were possible to have a thick cardboard
lining with holes perforated to match,

This autumn threatens badly for my bees. Usually all this
month they are actively pollen-gathering from the ivy which
in many years affords a considerable quantity of honey. As it
is—probably owing to the ivy being late, as all flowers have
been this year—perfect stagnation reigns in my apiary. No
pollen-gathering means no breeding, and this again means a
weakened population with which to begin the new year, and
everybody knows what that promises, or rather portends, for
1878. Two years ago we had a wretched autumn, and numbers
of hives perished the following spring from the same cause.

It is curious to observe the difference in queens. This year
I introduced two lively young queens imported from Italy, sup-
planting with them two degenerate queens. One of them set
to work immediately, and is the mother of a large proportion
of the population of her hive. The other has remained perfectly
quiescent ; only yesterday for the first time did I see a pollen-
laden bee enter the hive after a six-weeks reign of its imported
queen. What is the cause of this strange difference? Ihave
noticed it before, and thought the queen dead, which afterwards
turned out very prolific. In this case both hives have been
steadily fed, but one has taken down five times as much as the
other, both being well peopled.

I may mention that, finding the less active of these italianised
stocks deficient in weight, while the bees refused to feed from
the bottle, I recently adopted a plan which answers well and is
particularly safe for late feeding. I screwed an eke of about
14 inch stuff to a bottom board, which is a fac-simile of the one
in use by this hive. Within the space I lay pieces of sound
drone comb flat on the board, and carefully fill each cell with
the syrup. The hive which exactly fills the eke is quietly set
over it, and the old bottom board removed. As fast as the food
is taken up the cells are refilled. In warm weather this method
of feeding can be safely adopted throughout the winter, with
the maximum of hope that the bees willstore away enough food,
and the minimum of risk of all other dangers.—B. & W.

OUR LETTER BOX.

THE PIGEON Fancy (J. *—General complaints are of no influence.
We will readily insert any state:uent of actual wrong.

Eoecs IN Winter (ZL. H.).—We have had a fair supply of eggs from
Brahmas. Fowls do not injure ivy.

PreEons (J. H.).—“‘ The Pigeon Book” can be had from our office if you
enclose twenty postage stamps with your address. The Blue Rock would
suit you.

GRANTHAM SHow.—S. Woodhouse, Esq., Mapperley. asks for the Se-

cretary’s name. A letter addressed to ‘'The Secretary,” we think would be
delivered to him.

Bar-FRAMED Hrves (W. H. Attwood).—Your hives 18 inches square and
11 inches deep, if inside measure (clear), we think too large. But the size of
hives must be regulated in great measure by the productiveness of the
country. Here we find the Woodbury size fully as large as our most favour-
able seasons authorise us to use—namely, 144 inches clear, and Sfinches
deep. By no means transfer your bees at this time of year, it would be
rnivation to them. Wait till May, or April at the earliest, and do it in warm
and sanny weather.

CaNARY SUFFERING FROM AsTHMaA (M. H., Bath).—From the description
given of your ‘‘old p:t,” we believe the bird is suffering from asthma, and
we think there is but slight hope of the objectionable noise abating, uvless
death ensues. The causes of the disease may be easily accounted for. The
occasional “ tbhrowing-off of feathers” has been brought about through the
bird being suspended from the upper part of the room, and breathing a
high temperature during the time the fire and gas are lighted, and then after-
wards duricg the night time combating with a temperature many degrees
lower. Such treatment is ‘ enough to kill a horse.’ However, supply the
sufferer freely with plantain seed (upon the stems which may be obtained in
abundance just now), and plain biscuit steeped in sherry, likewise about
twice each week give the bird a drop of cod liver oil so administered that the
oil may be deposited in the bird’s throat instead of upon the feathers sur-
rounding the beak, which can easily be opened with a large needle or bodkin.
Whilst the beak is moderately opened let a careful assistant deposit the oil
in the throat from a thin quill or skewer. For an occasional diet give bread
and milk. Ifyou have not a cat the bird will breathe purer air if you lower
the position of the cage about a couple of feet, bat keep the invalid out of
draught, and let it roost with a cloth over the cage during night time.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CAMDEN SquaRE, LonpDoN.
Lat. 51° 32’40” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
52 civenls 3 iati Lf
ene .| Hygrome 6#,:|Shade Tem-|_ Radiation
1877. SOae vero 28 Bas perature. |Temperature. &
Bne fe =
Oct. |SRE5 ] ge | Ban In On
RSa™| Dry.) Wet.. AS |F Max.| Min.| sun. |grass:
Inches.| de: deg. | deg. | deg. deg. | deg In.
We. 24 | 29.538 roy 47.7 | 556 | 88.1 95.5 | 840 | 0.300
Th. 25 | 29.299 | 515 48.0 | 532 | 41.5 55.8 | 39-7 ; 0.281
Fri. 26 | 29.786 | 49. 49.7 | 56.0 | 466 79.2 | 42.4 | 0.029
Sat, 27 | 29896 | 53. | 48.2 | 57.8 | 457 70.5 | $96 | 0.442
Sun.28 | 30.082 | 48 48.1 | 59.2 | 424 92.2 | 880 | 0.020
Mo. 29 | 99 84) | 54 48.1 | 583.| 42.1 578 | 88.7 | 0.262
Tu. 30 | 29.867 | 49. 49.2 | 61.3 | 45.6 98.0 | 41.2 | 0.010
Means| 29.758 | 49.8 | 48.3 48.3 | 57.8 | 43.1 78.4 | 39.1 [2885
REMARKS.

24th.—Very fine sunny day; rain at 7.30 Pp w., and nearly allthe rest of the
evening; fine night. :

25th.—Rainy morning, wet and dull day ; fine at night.

26th.—Close damp morning, finer afterwards; foggy from 5 P.M.

27th.—Wet morning, slight sun at intervals from 10 a.m. to noon; very heavy
rain from 2 to 2.80 p.m. ; fine night.

28th.—Very fine day; misty in evening. :

29th.—Damp, dull, and wet day ; very warm in the evening,
at 9 p.m. being 57°. Z n}

80th.— Overcast in morning, slight sun at intervals, and very windy after oP...

A dull damp week, and at times windy.—G. J. Symons.

the temrerature

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—OctToser 31.
TRADE quiet. We have no alteration to report from last week.

FRUIT.
8. d. 8. d. 8 8. @
tsieve 1 6to8 6| Oranges... #100 10 Otol6 0
dozen 1 0 8 0| Peaches . doz. 8 0 24 0
Ib. 0 4 O 6) Pears, kitchen dozen 1 0 8 0
Yb. 0 4 O 6 dozen 20 4 0
Ib. 1 6 6 0 0 s0
each 16 4 0 012 0
...doz. 4 0 18 0 0 80
VEGETABLES.
gs. d. s.d. fea Be ae es ¢
rtichokes.... dozen 8 Oto6 0| Mushrooms.... pottle 0)
Rens Kidney.. bushel 2 0 4 0 | Mustard & Cress punnet 0 2 O 4
Beet, Red ...... dozen 1 6 8 0 | Onions bushel 0 0 O 0
Broccoli.....--. bundle 0 9 1 6 pickling ...... quart 0 4 0 0
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 4 0 0 0 Parsley.... doz. bunches 2 0 0 0
Cabbage .....+++ dozen 1 0 2 0| Parsnips. 20 dozen 00 0 0
Carrots . bunch 0 4 O §8/| Peas..... quart 0 6 1 0
Capsicums. 4100 1 6 2 0 | Potatoes. bushel 8 6 5 O
Cauliflower: dozen 2 0 4 0 Kidney ....-. bushel 5 0 7 O
Celery ......--++ pundle 1 6 2 0 | Radishes.. doz.bunches 1 0 1 6
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 Q/Rhubarb........ bundle 0 6 10
Cucumbers ..-- ea 0 8 O 9/Salsafy .......- bundle 0 9 1 0
Endive ... dozen 1 0 2 0|Scorzonera .... bundle 1 0 0 @
Fennel. bunch 0 8 O 0| Seakale ........ basket 00 0 0
Garlic . Yb. 0 6 O O} Shallots........ lbh 0 8 08
Herbs . bunch 0 2 O 0} Spinach. bushel 2 6 4 0
Lettuce . . dozen 1 0 2 O| Turnips.... bunch 0 8 O 6
Leeks .......... bunch 0 4 0 0| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 2 0 4

November 8, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun Sun Moon | Moo: Clock |D
% F m | Moon’ ; ay
of nh NOVEMBER 8—I4, 1877. Temperaturenear | Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. | Before | of

Day. | Night. Mean: | h,. m.| h. m h, m./ b. m- | Days, m 8
TH 520 | 34.3 | 43.1 | YY) 4 19/11 18 5 68 3 LGB 7a)|\:812
EF Lord Mayor's Day. Prince oF WALES BORN, 1841. 50.5 | 38.8 | 422 | 7 10] 4 18/ 0a 6} 6 59 4 16 2] 318
8 Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms. 504 | 840 | 422 7 12 4 16 0 40; 8 IL 5 15 56 | 314
Sun | 24 Sonpay arreR TRINITY. MARTINMAS. 50.2 | 842 | 422 | 7 14/ 4 15/ 1 8] 9 26 6 15 49 | 3'5
M 50.2 | 83.8 | 42.0 | 7 16 4 13 1 21; 10 39 C 15 82 | 316
Tu | Sale of Nursery Stock at Derby. 49.9 | 35.2 | 42.6 Ti | 4°12) 1 84) 11 60 8 15 23 | 817
Ww Brixton 1nd Gravesend Chrysanthemum Shows. Carter’s | 485 | 838 | 41.2 7 19; 4 10; 1 46] mom. 9 15 18 | 318
[ Root Show.
From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temporature of the week is 43.8°; and its night temperature
—
APPLE ELECTION. DESSERT APPLES. KITCHEN APPLES,
* Votes. Well Votes
: : Blenheim Pippin ........ 22 ellington .........0.00-
HAVE received twenty-five lists, and another Cox’s Orange eippin 21 | Lord Suffield ....... SanbO
year I hope many other lovers and cultiva- | Ribston Pippin .......... 20 | Alfriston ........... 50

tors of the Apple will assist. At the same | King of the Pippins ...... 16 | Keswick Codlin ..........

time I think the result will be of use to many | Searich Nouparell goudcchp i | Haw thorndent Pee ieleiy es

; 7 . . i : Kerry, Pippinisricjesisieieie/sieis) 1 4)| \COX/S LOMONA rs c\clatereretelelere

puede Saas also anaid to stOwers | Devonshire Quarrenden.. 14 | New Hawthornden ......

or grafting and other purposes. There will | Trish Peach .............. 13) hGellinie-preceene Gavetsiere aie

DDN PB essphoOlmcccrsccierecs

be many an opportunity for discussing the | Margil

relative merits of the Apples in the lists,

Court-Pendu-Plat

Warner’s King

but as planting time is approaching, I will
make a few observations on the leading sorts
as a guide to small growers—that is, growers of a few
sorts. I only consider the result of the election as a
very small guide to the orchardist as to planting for
profit; but at the same time I think it shows the
merits of the Apple as an Apple for profit and merit
combined.

In the dessert kinds I have received the names of
ninety-two sorts; I have included thirty-two in the lists,
leaving off with those that had received four votes. The
Blenheim is at the head of the list, not on its merits as a
dessert Apple, but on the votes awarded in both kinds,
and if left in the two lists it would not have had due
justice rendered to it. Cox’s Orange Pippin, there is no
doubt, is now the king of dessert Apples. I believe it
will do well either as a standard or pyramid. The Rib-
ston will still remain with us (although I should not
recommend it for planting), while its merits for flavour
are handed down to successive generations. It is im-
possible to discuss the merits of all the kinds at this
time, but for bearing in succession I have found the
summer Golden Pippin, King of the Pippins (now ripe),
Court-Pendu-Plat, and Sturmer, generally have a crop.
In kitchen Apples it is a curious coincidence that the
number receiving four votes should be within one of the
dessert—viz., thirty-three. There is another fact, that
two kinds stand far ahead—viz., Wellington (Dumelow’s
Seedling), and Lord Suffield. If I had to choose two more
sorts for a small grower that would be constant bearers
I should take Cellini and Beauty of Kent. But there is
one point in relation to cooking Apples that I should like
to see carried out, and that is the result of the cooking of
a certain quantity of the best known Apples by measure,
and I think it would be found that many of our sorts,
although producing a quantity on the tree, would not
make much apple sauce.

There are many kinds of Apples that do better grafted
on another stock. The best to plant for stocks are Goff,
Cellini, and Beauty of Kent, and many sorts will grow
on these stocks that refuse to bear on any others. I
have many notes that I shallbe pleased to place before
your readers in future numbers, but I do not think the
publication of the result should be deferred, and therefore
send it for publication this week. I only hope it may be
the means of enlarging the knowledge of Apple-growers
as to the best scrts to grow and the best means of grow-
ing them.—Lewis A. Kiuicx, Mownt Pleasant, Langley,
Maidstone.

No. 867.—Vou., XXXIII., NEw SHBIES,

Sturmer Pippin Bedfordshire Foundling ..

Atstrach anipicescmcicisiesiels Tower of Glamis ....... 5
Summer Golden Pippin .. | Northern Greening ......
Court of Wick............ Striped Beefing ..........
Old Nonpareil............ | Dachess of Oldenburg ....
Golden Harvey .......... | Ecklinville Scedling......

Emperor Alexander ..
Stirling Castle ....
Beauty of Kent
Gravenstein...
Yorkshire Gree
Fearn’s Pippin

Mannington’s Pearmain
Red Joanetting
Cornish Gilliflower
Ashmead’s Kernel....... .
Early Harvest............
Golden Reinette..........

White Joanetting ........ VIN OL erelntterelerele 000000 000
Reinette du Canada ...... Small’s Admirable ......
Old Golden Pippin ...... Gooseberry Pippin ......
Melon Apple ........... ; Winter Quoining ........
Lord Burleigh........... : Manx Codlin ............
Claygate Pearmain ...... 4 | Hollandbury dcoe
Wyken Pippin .......... 4 | Norfolk Beefing..........
Pearson’s Plate .......... 4 | Waltham Abbey Seedling.
Sam Young!....0..ss00n6 4 | Nelson’s Glory ..........
Cockle Pippin....... ..... 4} Hanwell Souring ........

Lord Derby........... 009

ECONOMY IN HEATING GREENHOUSES.

Now that the time has again arrived for the heating of
greenhouses and other glass structures by artificial means
it may not be out of place to say a few relative words,
but more especially in reply to the remarks of ‘‘ RrespicE
Finem” which appear on page 246 of a recent issue o
this Journal. /

‘“‘ Respice Finem,” in the first chapter of his Three-years
Experience in a Greenhouse, gives an interesting account:
of the ways and means of erecting his house, and I would
say that amateurs who have the time and ability (for it
is not everyone who is blest with either), and are desirous
of putting up a similar house as cheaply as possible, can-
not do better than follow him in his modus operandi ; but
Iam afraid that few if any of us amateurs will care to
follow in his footsteps as to heating them. By this I do
not so much mean the apparatus by which they are heated
as the cost of doing so.

Roberts’s patent terra-cotta stoves such as used by
‘¢Respice Finem” are, if I mistake not, intended to be,
and from all I have heard of them if properly handled
are no doubt, fuel-economisers; and therefore I read
with considerable surprise that it had cost him £2 15s.
for heating his small house during a period of eight
months. Icould scarcely think that possible; but not-
withstanding the amount seemed io me large at the time,
on calculating what would be the cost per hour for the
period stated I find it is a trifle under one-eighth of a

No.1519.—Vox. LVIII., OLD SERIEs.

358

penny, which does not after all seem very much, yet compared
with the outlay for heating my house it is excessive.

While it cannot be for a moment doubted that ‘‘ Ruspicu
Fivrm”’ went the right way to work in erecting his house,
it appears to me that he did not de soin feedingit; and there-
fore I beg to offer to him, and others who may feel enough
interest in the matter, some notes as to the way in which I
heated mine at much less cost for the years 1876-7, while at
the same time maintaining an average temperature of 50°
throughout three seasons of the year—i.e., autumn, winter,
and spring.

My house is considerably larger than that of ‘‘ Respicr
Fineu,”’ being 15 feet long by 8 feet wide, and the heating
apparatus consists of a brick flue, once straight through the
house, the furnace being inside the house but fed from the
outside. For heating this, and keeping up the temperature
named, what was the outlay? Why, not more than £1. And
of what did tho fuel consist, and how much? The answer is,
one and a half chaldron of coke breese supplied me by the gas
company here at 8s. per chaldron delivered to my house (I
could get it for 6s. per chaldron were I to send to their yard
for it), and allowing for wood and a sprinkling of coal where-
with to speedily light the fires, I make up at the very outside
20s.,—a saving of nearly two-thirds on the outlay of ‘‘ Resprcr
Fine.”

Now, it is not only the cheap and at the same time excellent
fuel so obtained which brings about so small an outlay. The
secret in economising is also to be found, to a great extent, in
the attention and care bestowed on the firing and the regu-
lating of the damper in the chimney. In my case I take care
that the furnace is well cleared every morning of all cinders
and ashes, thus causing a free draught, and the throwing away
of all clinkerg, to make which breese has a great tendency ;
and.if they remain to be used again with the fuel for fresh
fires the latter will be deadened and the flue not properly
heated, no matter how much the fire may be stirred up. In
starting the fires let the damper be drawn out as much as
possible, but when well up the furnace may be filled with fuel
and the damper closed to within 14 to 2 inches (enough for
the escape of all smoke), thus retaining all the heat within
for the purpose for which the same is required. As to the fuel
itself, there is none in my opinion to equal the breese either
for its cheapness or good qualities. I do not mean to use
anything else, and I think I may safely say to all whom it may
concern, it is the cheapest and the best fuel for all lovers of
flowers to use who have places to grow them in other than the
garden during the few summer months with which we are
now favoured.

My house is only now one year old; my experience in it is
therefore short, but it has been of a practical nature, and I
will on some future occasion render an account thereof. It
may interest some of my fellow readers of these pages who
like myself are but amateurs.—L. Haxeman, Bromley, Kent.

NEW FANCY PANSIES AT PINK HILL.

WHEN visiting Edinburgh some time ago I had the pleasure
of a “look round” the Pink Hill Nursery, and of enjoying a
hearty shake of the hand with one of the heartiest of florists
—John Downie. I observed many ‘good things’? there—
flowers which fo my mind have something more sterling and
satisfying about them than Geraniums, Calceolarias, and
Golden Feather—such plants as Pentstemons, Phloxes, and
Pansies.

Nothing attracted my attention at Pink Hill more than the
seedling beds of fancy Pansies. They were growing with the
luxuriance of Watercress, and flowering with the profusion—
well, of Violas. And such flowers! The size and substance
of some of them, together with their bold quaintness and mar-
yvellous variation of colour, are not soon to be forgoit n. Why
are not these beautiful flowers more generally grown? ‘ Oh!”
Someone may possibly reply, ‘‘ they are northern flowers and
do not flourish in the sunny south.” To this my reply is that
I have grown them three hundred miles south of Edinburgh,
and this not on the moist west, but on the drier east coast,
and have found them capable of yielding much pleasure to the
owner, attracting a large share of attention from visitors, and
recommending themselves as worthy of being taken awsy in
tho form of ‘“‘a few cuttings” by all who had the luck to
obtain them. Tho truth is they will grow and flower ag well
in the south as in the north, but not so long; long enough,
however, quite lovg enough, to be worthy of their room and

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 8, 1877.

cost, and to give other flowers an opportunity of having their
‘turn’? of appreciation.

Fancy Pansies are the most free in growth of all the types
of Violas and the most gorgeous in colour—gorgeous but not
gaudy, for many of them are extremely chaste. They like a
generous soil and cool: afford them this, and the protection
also of a few pegs or sticks to prevent them being broken by
the wind, and they will give an ample return in any county in
the three kingdoms. The great point to attend to is to plant
them early. If very choice they should be wintered in pots in
a cold—quite cold—frame, and be planted out on the advent of
genial weather in spring. Late spring planting is a fertile
cause of Pansy failures.

Sin¢e inspecting the striking beds of seedlings the work of
selection has been going on, and the following varieties have
been named as worthy of heading the list in the class to which
they belong—the latest and the best of their tribe.

Mr. Jamieson.—Rich golden yellow ; the finest of its class that
has yet been raised. It has won three first-class certificates.

Mrs. Scott Plummer.—Bronze and yellow, with a large crim-
gon-maroon blotch. A splendid variety, having been twice
certificated.

Mina.—Pure white and purple, clearly and charmingly laced.

Mr. Comfort.—Deep rich bronze with a bright yellow eye.

John Beveridge.—Brouze lilac shaded with blue; of excellent
form and attractive.

Tago.—Yellow, slightly edged with white ; novel and chaste.

Mrs. Forbes. —Creamy yellow; upper petals rosy crimson.

Mr. A. Doughal.—Pure white, of fine form and good ‘sub-
stance; very chaste.

Such are the cream of the Fancy Pansies at Pink Hill—Mr.
Downie’s ‘‘latest out,” and particularly worthy of ‘‘ honour-
able mention.’’ I have a few other new flowers in my pocket
book, but they must remain there for the present.—Nomap.

VEITCH’S NEW SELF-PROTECTING AUTUMN
BROCCOLI.

Tre Autumn Giant Cauliflower is now nearly over, but it
will not be much missed, as we haye several patches of the
new Broccoli just beginning to turn in. When growing the
leaves of the Broccoli are more twisted over the flower than
those of the Cauliflower, consequently it is better protected.
The seed from which the plants were raised that are now pro-
ducing heads was sown on the 16th of March, and the plants
were transferred from the seed bed to their present quarters
on June 6th. Igend you a specimen, which I think you will
say surpasses Messrs. Veitch’s catalogue illustration of it. I
did not expect it became so handsome.—J. Murr, Margam Park.

[The Broccoli sent is extremely fine and well protected with
foliage, and, as you say, ‘‘ surpasses the illustration” of it.—
Eps. ]

THE ROSE ELHCTION.—No. 5.
NURSERYMEN’S VOTES.

Tur Roses in the following returns are placed in the order
of merit—namely, the first best twelve, the second best twelve,
and the third best twenty-four varieties, except where otherwise
expressed.

Mr. Curtis, Devon Rosery, Torquay.

Best forty-eight exhibition Roses, approximating to their order of merit ag
grown in Devonshire.

1, Maréchal Niel 7. Charles Lefebvre
-2. Baronne de Rothschild 8. Francois Michelon
8, Alfred Colomb 9. Louis Van Houtte
4. Devoniensis 10. Catherine Mermet
5. Maric Baumann 11, Ferdinand de Lesseps
6. La France 12. Marquise de Castellane
18. Etienne Levet 19. Mary Bady
14. Niphetos 20. Souvenir d’Elise
15. Camille Bernoerdin 21. Duke of Edinburgh
16. Marie Finger 22. Marguerite de St. Amand
17. Madame Victor Verdier 23. Comtesse @’Oxford
18. Souvenir d’un Ami 24, Monsieur E. Y. Teas
25. Marie Van Houtte 87. Dupuy-Jamain
26. Dr. Andry 88. Beauty of Waltham
27. Malle. Eugénie Verdior 89. Princess Beatrice
28. John Hopper 40. Comtesse de Serenye
29. Victor Verdier 41. Antoine Ducher
80. Pierre Notting 42. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
81. Sénateur Vaisse 43. Madame C. Joigneaux
82. Lelia 44, Annie Wood
83. Madame C. Wood 45. Duke of Wellington
34. Horace Vernet 45. Sir Garnet Wolseley
85. Reynolds Hole 47. Miss Hassard
86. Star of Waltham 48. Prince Camille de Rohan

Noyembor 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

359

Mr. Grorese Cooxrne, Bath.

1, Charles Lefebvre
2. Alfred Colomb

3. Maréchal Niel

4, Marie Baumann
5. La France

6. Francois Michelon

13, Etienne Levet

14, Marquise de Castellane
15. Général Jacqueminot

16, Souvenir d’un Ami

17. Camille Bernardin

18. Duchesse de Vallombrosa

25. Mdlle. Marie Rady
26, Niphetos

27. Annie Wood

28. Capitaine Lamure
29. Baron de Bonstetten
30. Sir Garnet Wolseley
81. Catherine Mermet
32. Mrs. Baker

83. Ferdinand de Lesseps
34, Monsieur E. Y, Teas
35. Jean Liabaud

86. Dr. Andry

7. Duke of Edinburgh
8. Madame Victor Verdier
9. Louis Van Houtte
10. Comtesse d’Oxford
11. Sénateur Vaisse
12. Baronne de Rothschild
19. Jobn Hopper
20. Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier
21. Devoniensis
22, Horace Vernet
23. Xavier Olibo
24, Dupuy-Jamain
87. Gloire de Dijon
88, Reynolds Hole
39. Madame Lacharme
40. Marguerite Brassac
41, Capitaine Christy
42. Princess Mary of Cambridge
43. Louise Peyronny
44, Star of Waltham
45. La Rosiére
46. Belle Lyonnaise
47. Fisher Hv lmes
48, Edward Morren

Mr. Corp, Oxford.

1. Maréchal Niel

2. Marie Baumann
8. Alfred Colomb
4, Charles Lefebvre
5. Devienne Lamy
6. La France

18. Marguerite Brassac
14. Marie Rady

15. Star of Waltham
16. Cacherine Mermet
17. Fiangois Michelon
18. Horace Vernet

25. Annie Wood

26. Hippolyte Jamain
27. Marguerite de St. Amand
28. Marie Van Houtte
29, Xavier Olibo

80. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
81. Dr. Andry

52. Camille Bernardin
83. Duke of Edinburgh
84. Emilie Hausburg
85. Malle. Thérése Levet
36. Madame H. Jamain

7. Baronne de Rothschild
8. Comtesse de Serenye
9. Etienne Levet

10. Madame Victor Verdier

11. Louise Van Houtte

12. Sénateur Vaisse

19. Madame C. Wood

20. Devoniensis

21. Pierre Notting

22. Marquice de Castellane

23. Edward Morren

24, Marie Cointet

87. Jean Ducher

88. Reynolds Hole

89. Comtesse d’Oxford

4). Ferdinand de Lesseps
41. Jean Liabaud

42. Miss Hassard

43, Royal Standard

44. Rey. J. B. M. Camm
45, Sir G. Wolseley

46. Princess Beatrice

47. Le Havre

48. Duc de Montpensier

Mr. G. Prince, Oxford.

1. Maréchal Niel

2. Marie Baumann

3. Alfred Colomb

4, Charles Lefebvre

5. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
_ 6. Frangois Michelon

13. La France

14. Madame V. Verdier

15. Camille Bernardin

16. Marie Rady

17. Marquise de Castellane
18. Marguerite de St. Amand

25. Madame Lacharme
26. Horace Vernet

27. Catherine Mermet
28. John Hopper

29. Reynolds Hole

30. Monsieur Noman
81. Malle M. Finger

82. Capitaine Christy
83. Ferdinand de Lesseps
34. Rey. J. B. M. Camm
35. Xavier Olibo

86. Hippolyte Jamain

Mr. B. R. Cant,

1. Maréchal Niel

2. Marie Baumann

3. Charles Lefebvre

4, Baronne de Rothschild
5. Alfred Colomb

6. La France

7. Baronne de Rothschild
8. Louis Van Houtte
9. Emilie Hausburg
10. Comtesse de Serenye
11, Etienne Levet
12. Jean Liabaud

19, Duke of Edinburgh

20. Souvenir a’Elise Vardon
21, Senateur Vaisse

22. Monsieur E. Y. Teas
23. Edward Morren

24, Comtesse d’Oxford

37. Duchesse de Morny
38. Auguste Rigotard
89. Dupuy-Jamain

40. Pierre Notting

41. Dr. Andry

42. Jean Ducher

43, Duchesse de Caylug
44, Malle. M. Cointet
45. Deyoniensis

46. Prince Camille de Rohan
47. Devienne Lamy

48. Fisher Holmes

Colchester.

7. Francois Michelon

8. Etienne Levet

9. Souvenir d’Elise
10. Devoniensis
11. Ferdinand de Lesseps
12. Marguerite de St. Amand

T making out this list regard has been taken to have a good variety of
colour: no stand in my opinion is satisfactory unless this is studied. I was
yery near putting out La France on this account, because it resembles
Baronne de Rothschild too much for a twelve; had I done so Comtesse
d@’Oxford would have taken its place.

13. Comtesse d'Oxford 19. Maarice Bernardin

14. Louis Van Houtte 20. Marquise de Castellane
15. Emilie Hausburg 21, Monsieur Noman

16. Horace Vernet 22. Duke of Edinburgh

17. Madame Marie Finger 23. Marie Rady

18. Due de Wellington 24. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
25. Niphetos 31. Dr. Andry

26. Xavier Olibo 32, Elie Morel

27. Madame Victor Verdier 33. Marie Van Houtto

28. Madame Charles Wood 34. Rubens

29. Hisher Holmes 35. Souvenir d’un Ami

80. Francois Louvat 86. Gloire de Vitry

37, Madame Prosper Langier
38. Catherine Mermet

39. John Hopper

40, Dapuy-Jamain

41. Madame Hippolyte Jamain
42. Pierre Notting

43.

Prince Camilie de Rohan

. Ville de Lyon

. Antoine Ducher

. Comtesse de Sererye
. Madame Lecharme

» Mdlle. Marie Cointet

Mr. H. MERRYWEATHER, Southwell, Notts.

1. Maréchal Niel

2. Alfred Colomb

8. Charles Lefebvre

4, Marie Baumann

5. Etienne Levet

6. La France

13. Souvenir Elise
14. Senateur Vaisse
15. Madame Victor Verdier
16. Catherine Mermet
17. Mdlle. Marie Rady
18. Madame H. Jamain
25. Dupuy-Jamain
26. Princess Mary of Cambridge
27. Thomas Mills

28. Devoniensis

29. Horace Vernet

30. Emilie Hausburg
31, Anna Olivier

82. Sir G. Wolseley
33. Edward Morren
84. Marguerite Brassac
85. Souvenir d’un Ami
86, Monsieur Boncenne

Baronne de Rothschild
Francois Michelon
Duchesse de Vallombrosa

. Dr. Andry

. Malle. Marie Finger

. Louis Van Houtle

. Star of Waltham

. Marguerite de St, Amand
- Comtesse @’Oxford

. Marquise de Castellane
. Capitaine Christy

. Camiile Bernardin

. Miss Hassard

. Fisher Holmes

. Cheshunt Hybrit

. Comtesse de Paris:

. Gloire de Dijon

. Auguste Rigotard

. Madame Willermoz

. Reynolds Hole

. Felix Genero

. La Rosiere

. Marie. Van Houtte

. Madame C. Joigneaux

Mr. Prrsr, Uciifield.

1. Charles Lefebvre
2. Alfred Colomb
8. Etienne Levet
4, Emilie Hausbarg
5. Marquise de Castellane
6. Maréchal Niel
13. Victor Verdier
14. Dr. Andry
15. Hippolyte Jamain
16. Elie Morel
17. Marie Cointet
18. Marie Baumann

25. Paul Neyron

26. Edward Morren

27. Aunie Laxton

28. Sénateur Vaiese

29. Comtesse d’Oxford

30. Mdlle, Marie Rady

31. Paul Verdier

32. Souvenir @’an Ami
3. Niphetos

34, Devoniensis

85. Madame Hippolyte Jamain

36. Duke of Edinburgh

. Malle. Marie Finger

. Frangois Michelon

. La France

. Monsieur Noman

. Baronne de Rothschild

2. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
. Souvenir d’Elise

. Star of Waltham

. Annie Wood

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Beauty of Waltham

4, Royal Standard

- Madame Prosper Langier
. Princess Mary of Cambridge
. Catherine Mermet

. Louis Van Houtte

. Duke of Connaught

2. Madame Victor Verdier

. Monsieur E. Y. Teas

. Sir Garnet Wolseley

. Thomas Mills

. Pierre Notting

- Abel Carriére

. Le Hayre

MircHenL & Sons, Pilédown, Uckfield.

Not in order of merit.

1. Alfred Colomb

2. Baronne de Rothschild
3. Charles Lefebvre

4. Duke of Edinburgh

5. Frangois Michelon

6. La France

13. Comtesse d’Oxford

14. Ferdinand de Lesseps
15. Louis Van Houtte

16. Madame Victor Verdier
17. Malle. Marie Cointet
18. Marquise de Castellane

25. Abel Grand

26. Capitaine Christy
27. Dr. Andry

28. Duc de Wellington
29. Fisher Holmes

30. Horace Vernet

31. Baron Hausmann

82. Lord Macaulay

33. Madame Charles Wood
34. Madame Fillion

35. Mdlle. Marie Rady
36. Mdlle, Thérése Levet

7

9.
10.
il.
12,
19.
20.
aL
22,

Malle. Eugénie Verdier

8. Marie Baumann

Catherine Mermet
Joséphine Malton
Maréchal Niel

Souyeuir d@’Elise Vardon

Sir Garnet Wolseley
Victor Verdier
Deyoniensis

Jean Pernet

. Madame Margottin
. Souvenir d’un Ami

. Marguerite de St. Amand

. Napoleon ITI. z .

. Pierre Notting

. Princess Mary of Cambridge
. Prince Camille de Rohan

Sénateur Vaisse

. Ville de Lyon

. Xavier Olibo

. Due de Magenta

. Madame Willermoz

. Marie Van Houtte

. Souvenir de Paul Neyron

Mr. T. Bunyard, Ashford.

1. Marie Baumann

2. Alfred Colomb

3. Francois Michelon

4, John Hopper

5, Maréchal Niel

6. Duke of Edinburgh
18. Charles Lefebvre
14. Baronne de Rothschild
15. Sénateur Vaisse
16. Dr. Andry
17. Louise Van Houtte

_ 18. Pierre Notting

25. Victor Verdier
26. Gloire de Dijon
27. Comtesse de Chabr'llant

7.
R

29.
30.

La France
Madame Victor Verdier

. Mdlle. Hugénie Verdier

. Marquise de Castellane

. Comtesse d’Oxford

. Xavier Olibo

. Marie Rady

. Prince Camille de Rohan
. Reynolds Hole

. Dupuy-Jamain

. Emilie Hausburg

. Marguerite de St. Amand

. Comtesse de Serenye

Abel Carriére
Etienne Levet

. Fisher Holmes

Madame C. Crapelet

- Lord Macaulay

- Madame Lacharme

. Marguerite Dombrain
. Maurice Bernardin

. Vicomte Vigier

. La Ville de st. Denis
. Madame Marius Coté

Mr. H. May,

. Maréchal Niel

. Marchioness of Exeter

» Duchesse de Vallombrosa
. Comtesse de Serenye

Char!e3 Lefebvre

. La France

. Madame Victor Verdier
. Camille Bernardin

- Louis Van Houtte

. Marie Baumann

. Princess Beatrice

Comtesse @’Oxford

. Madame Hunnebelle
. Hippolyte Jamain

. Emilie Hausburg

. Dupuy-Jamain

Edward Morren

. Marie Finger

. Madame Lacharme

2. Monsieur Noman

. Princess Msry of Cambridge
. Prince Camille de Rohan

. Alfred Colomb

. Madame Willermoz

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

40.
41.
42.
43.
44,
45.
46.

47.

48.

Bedale,

te
8.
9.
. Etienne Levet

. Duke of Edinburgh

» Royal Standard

. Capitaine Christy

. Antoine Ducher

. Gloire de Dijon

. Monsieur E. Y. Teas

. Ferdinand de Lesseps
. Centifolia rosea

- Deyoniensis

. Sombreuil

. Baronne Louise Uxkull
. Duchesse d’Aoste

. Exposition de Brie

. Hugénie Verdier

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Marie Rady

. Marquise de Mortemart
. Mrs. Baker

. Sir Garnet Wolseley

. Xavier Olibo

Olivier Delhomme
Capitaine Christy
Abel Grand

Anna de Diesbach
Edward Morren
Lyonnais

Annie Wood
Claude Levet
Monsieur Noman

Yorkshire.

Star of Waltham
Emily Laxton
Francois Michelon

Mr. C. Turner, Slough.

. Marie Baumann

1
2..Maréchal Niel

%. Devienne Lamy
4. Frangois Michelon
5. Devoniensis

6. Alfred Colomb

1,
2.
3.
4.
5.

13.
14
15.
16.
17.

18.

25.
26.

27.

28,
29.
80.
381.

Ferdinand de Lesseps

. Souvenir d’Elise
. Miss Hassard

Catherine Mermet

. Star of Waltham
. Horace Vernet

. Duke of Edinburgh

. Avocat Duvivier

. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
. Madame Willermoz

. Sir Garnet Wolseley

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Camille Bernardin

2. Abel Grand

. Baron de Bonstetten

. Marquise ‘e Castellane

. Princess Beatrice

Rey. J. B. M. Camm

. Charles Lefebvre

. Niphetos

. La France

. Monsieur E, Y, Teas

. Etienne Levet

. Baronne de Rothschild
. Emily Laxton

. La Rosiére

. Sénateur Vaisse

. Xavier Olibo

. Madame Lacharme

. Monsieur Noman

. Souvenir de Ja Malmaison
. Madame Victor Verdier
. Louis Van Houtte

. Marie Van Houtte

. Royal Standard

. Annie Laxton

. Sultan of Zanzibar

. Oxonian

. Madame Hippolyte Jamain
. Comtesse d’Oxford

. Mdie. Kugénie Verdier
. Edward Morren

Mr, Davison, Hereford.

Maréchal Niel
Alfred Colomb
Marie Baumann
Francois Mishelon
Horace Vernet

6. Mdlle. Marie Rady

Annie Laxton

Baronne de Rothschild
Charles Lefebvre
Comtesse de Serenye
Duke of Edinburgh
Dake of Wellington

Niphetos

Senateur Vaisse
Princess Beatrice

Miss Hassard
Marquise de Castellane
Louis Van Houtte
Comtesse @’Oxford

32. Duchesse de Caylus

33.
34.
35.
36.

Emilie Hausburg
Dr. Andry

Capitaine Christy
John Stuart Mill

. Mdlle. Marie Cointet
. Reynolds Hole
. Marie Van Houtte

Madame Charles Wood

. La France

. Etienne Levet

. Fisher Holmes

. Madame Victor Verdier

. Malle. Eugénie Verdier

. Monsieur Noman

. Xavier Olibo

. Catherine Mermet

. Auguste Rigotard

. Lord Macaulay

. Marguerite de St. Amand
. Monsieur Claude Levet

. Sir Garnet Wolseley

. Star of Waltbam

. Deyoniensis

. Souvenir dan Ami

. Dupuy-Jamain

. La Duchesse de Morny

. Marguerite Brassac

. Madame Charles Crapelet

Mr, Watters, Exeter.

1. Alfred Colomb

2.
3.
4,
5.
6.
18.
14.
15.

Marechal Niel

Charles Lefebvre
Marie Baumann
Madame de Rothschild
Marquise de Castellane
John Hopper
Devoniensis

Xavier Olibo

16. Comtesse @’Oxford
17. Etienne Levet
18. Madame Victor Verdier

6

8.

9.
10.
11.
12.
19.
20.
21,
22,
23,
24,

Louis Van Houtte

La France

Francois Michelon

Dr. Andry

Duke of Edinburgh
Ferdinand de Lesseps
Pouvenir d’un Ami
Marguerite de St. Amand
Sénateur Vaisse
Niphetos

Camille Bernardin
Malle. Eugénie Verdier

[ November 8, 1877.

25.

Mdlle. Marie Rady

. Pierre Notting

26. Souvenir d’Elise 88. Beauty of Waltham
27. Mdlle. Marie Cointet 39. Emilie Heusburg
28. Prince Camille de Rohan 40. Duke of Wellington
29. Madame Charles Wood 41, Victor Verdier
80, Catherine Mermet 42. Marie Van Houtte
31. Monsieur Noman 48. Mdlle. Annie Wood
32. Lord Macaulay 44. Madame Lacharme
33. Horace Vernet 45. Fisher Holmes
34. Abel Grand 46. Capitaine Christy
85. Marquise de Mortemart 47. Edward Morren
36. Monsieur E. Y. Teas 48, Dupuy-Jamain
Lucompz, Pince & Co., Exeter.
1. Devyoniensis 7. Duke of Edinburgh
2. Niphetos 8 Charles Lefebvre
3. Marécbal Niel 9. Comtesse @’Oxford
4. La France 10. Frangois Michelon
5. Baronne de Rothschild 11, Fisher Holmes
6. Alfred Colomb 12, Marie Baumann
13. Edward Morren 19. Madame Lscharme
14, Marie Van Houtte 20. Comtesse de Serenye
15. Ferdinand de Lesseps 21. Dupuy-Jamain
16. Dr. Andry 22. Annie Laxton
17. Horace Vernet 28. Hippolyte Jamain
18. Etienne Levet 24, Cheshunt Hybrid
25. Annie Wood 87. Mdile. Eugénie Verdier _
26. John Hopper 88. Mdlle. Marguerite Dombrain
27. Camille Bernardin 39. Pierre Notting
28. Séenateur Vaisse 40. Prince Camille de Rohan
29. Victor Verdier 41. Reynolds Hole
30. Souvenir de Ja Malmaison 42. Gloire de Dijon
81. Jules Margottin 43. Emilie Hausburg
32. Capitaine Christy 44, Xavier Olibo
33. Charles Rouillara 45. Bessie Johnson
84, Comtesse Cécile de Chabrillant 46. Princess Mary of Cambridge
35. Exposition de Brie 47. Mdlle, Bonnaire
36, Felix Genero 48. Duke of Wellington

I had thought that the ultimate result of the poll, I mean
the best forty-eight, might be compared with some degree of
interest with the best forty-eight selected by a rosarian across
the Atlantic. Accordingly I wrote to Mr. Ellwanger of Mount

Hope Nurseries, Rochestur, New York, to whom those who
have been desirous of seeing the age of Roses and the raisers’
names are, as well as myself, very deeply indebted; and I now
place side by side his forty-eight in order of merit and the

collective election forty-eight :—

The Election List. Mr. Ellwanger’s List.
1. Marie Baumann 1. La France
2. Alfred Colomb 2. Maréchal Niel
3. Charles Lefebyre 83. Marie Baumann
4, La France 4. Louis Van Houtte
5. { Mavéchal Niel 5. Alfred Colomb
6. | Baronne de Rothschild 6. { Charles Lefebvre
7. Francois Michelon * | Ferdinand de Lesseps
8. Louis Van Houtte 7. Catherine Mermet
9. Etienne Levet 8. Marie Van Houtte
10. Marquise de Castellane 9. Madame Victor Verdier
11. Madame Victor Verdier 10. Marie Rady
12. Duke of Edinburgh 11. Francois Michelon
18. Marie Rady 12. Marquise de Castellane
14. Comtesse d’Oxford. 13. Baronne de Rothschild
15. Dr. Andry 14. Etienne Levet
16. Sénateur Vaisse 15. Eugénie Verdier
17. Xavier Olibo 16. John Hopper
18. Madlle. Eugénie Verdier 17. Abel Grand
19. Edward Morren 18. Comtesse d’Oxford
20. Catherine Mermet 19. Sénateur Vaisse
21. Horace Vernet 20. Victor Verdier
22. Marguerite de St. Amand 21. Gloire de Dijon
23, Emilie Hausborg 22. Comte de Sambas, T,
24, Ferdinand de Lesseps 23, Capitaine Christy
25. Dupuy-Jamain 24. Niphetos
26. Camille Bernardin 25. Cheshunt Hybrid
27. John Hopper 26. Prince Camille de Rohan

. Reynolds Hole

. Comtesse de Serenye

29. Victor Verdier 28. Marie Cointet

30. Prince Camille de Rohan 29. Rubens

81. Marie Van Houtte 80. Belle Lyonnaise

82. Capitaine Christy 81. Cécile de Chabrillant

83. Madame Lacharme 32. Marguerite de St. Amand
84. Devoniensis 83. Madame de Ridder

85. Mons. E. Y. Teas 84. Thérése T.evet

86. Duke of Wellington 85. Horace Vernet

87. Souvenir d’un Ami 85. Exposition de Brie

88. Pierre Notting 37. Souvenir de Ja Malmaison
89. Souvenir d’Elise 38. Marie Ducher

40, Marie Finger 39. Fisher Holmes

41. Marie Cointet . Pierre Notting
42. Fisher Holmes 41. General Washington
483, Mons. Noman 42. Madame Noman
44, Comtesse de Serenye 43. Mdlle. Bonnaire
45, Sir G. Wolseley 44. Madame Berard
46. Madame C. Wood 45. Madame Trifle
47. Star of Waltham 46. Maurice Bernardin
48, Annie Wood 47, Reynolds Hole
48. Marie Fioger

Mr. Ellwanger’s list is placed in order of merit, and it will
be seon that in his selected forty-eight he has named twenty-

November 8, 1877. ]

nine of those selected by the various electors. His list, as
compared with ours, is chiefly remarkable for the Tea element,
for counting Maréchal Neil there are eleven as against six in
our list. Mr. Ellwanger further adds that he has bracketed
Charles Lefebvre and Ferdinand de Lesseps, because, ‘‘ though
not the same,” they ‘‘at many times strongly resemble each
other, and I couple them as being of equal value.’ He also
further adds—and the remark is of interest, touching the effect
of climate on different yet similar Roses—‘ In relation to
Malle. Eugénie Verdier and Marie Finger I would say they
are with us quite distinct sorts; the former I consider decidedly
the more refined and beautiful.”

Here let me close the first exhibition Rose election. It will
be a fair guide to the general public. In closing it I again
desire to express my sincere thanks to thoge who have assisted
me by voting papers; to several, unknown to me save through
the pages of “our Journal,’’ I desire to acknowledge very grate-
fully their private letters of thanks tome. I apologise to them
for my seeming neglect in not doing co on receipt of the same;
but time, not the will, fails me. Again sincerely thanking all,
T close the election of 1877.—Josrru Hinton, Warminster.

LODDINGTON SEEDLING APPLE.

Synonyme, STONE’s APPLE.

An Apple was lately exhibited before the Fruit Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society by Mr. Killick of Langley
mear Maidstone, under the name of Stone’s Apple, and which
was awarded a first-class certificate. The original tree was
discovered on the farm of Mr. Stone at Loddington, about five
miles from Maidstone, and its great merit as an orchard fruit
caused it to be propagated in the immediate neighbourhood ;
but till within the last few years it has not been known out of

Or ==

WR ve 7
SS
vis

Fig. 68.—Loddington Seedling.

its own neighbourhood. Now, however, it is to be found in
some of the orchards of the adjoining parishes, and its culti-
vation is becoming more and more extended. Its great merit
is the early bearing quality of the tree, the great sizo and
earliness of the fruit, and its excellence as a culinary market
variety. The habit of the tree is medium-sized and compact.
It does not produce long rampant shoots; but, on the con-
trary, when it has come into full bearing it produces little
wood, but keeps on forming an abundance of spurs.

Fruit large, varying from 3 to 3 inches in diameter; round-
ish, slightly flattened and narrowing abruptly towards the
eye; it has obtuse ribs on the sides, which become more dis-
tinct towards the eye, where they form ridges round the crown.
Skin smooth and shining, grass-green at first, with a brownish
cheek ; but after being gathered it becomes a fine lemon yellow,
with a pale crimson cheek, marked with broken streaks of
dark crimson; the surface is strewed with minute russet points.
Hye closed, with convergent leaf-like segments, set in a deep

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND CUTTAGE GARDANER.

| since.

BCL

and prominently plaited or ribbed basin. Stalk half an inch
to three-quarters long, slender for the size of the fruit, and
inserted in a deep, wide, funnel-shaped cavity, which is lined
with pale ashy russet extending over the base of the fruit.
Flesh very tender, and with a pleasant subacid flavour.

This is an early culinary Apple of great excellence, coming
into use in September.

The following communication was received from Mr. Killick :
—‘T have carefully examined the tree from which this sort
originated. It is in the parish of Maidstone, but five miles
off, at Loddington, a hamlet in connection with that parish.
My authority for its history is ® man who has had charge of
the farm for twenty-two years. He tells me that at that time
it was as large as it is at present, and has borne every year
His old master did not remember it being planted, and
that would carry it thirty years more. The tree is not a large
one, and many sorts at twenty years would occupy as much
space. The diameter of the head would be about 15 feet,
and the circumference of the stem about 3 feet 6 inches. Every
original graft in this district was taken from that tree, and its
growth is entirely confined to this district. The tree when
first planted makes a good start for the firat few years, and
then goes into bearing, and very rarely increases much in size.
It is, therefore, very suitable for small gardens. I have some
trees of this kind that for eight years have not increased in
size but have cropped every year. I should recommend it

| planted thickly for growing for profit, and to put in an odd

corner for every grower of the Apple.’’

PRUNING AND RENOVATING CONIFERS.

“A Country Vicar” asks for advice about pruning Conifers
and the treatment of an unhealthy Picea Pinsapo. The sab-
ject is one of importance, for serious mis-
chief has frequently arisen through igno-
rance in both these matters.

Of the Picea it is stated that it was an ex-
ceedingly symmetrical specimen with very
dense branches. Some years ago its leader
was killed by frost, and it has since then
deteriorated, losing many of its interior
branchlets, and it has now three leaders.
How shall we treat this tree in order to
reclaim it from its sickly condition, and
impart vigour and symmetry to it once
more? Fasten a stout pole to the stem,
pulling the best leading shoot as near to it
as is possible, securing it firmly in that
central position, cutting off the other two
shoots, and cutting nothing else, for depend
upon it no pruning ever brought back health
toa sickly Conifer. It is the roots that are
at fault, and this is the point to which I
wish to draw especial attention. Conifers
have been planted anywhere and every-
where. Ifthe soil was thought unsuitable,
stations of prepared soil have been made,
the trees planted, and all has gone well till
the roots have exhausted the nutriment of
the good soil; then, if matters are left to
chance, deterioration follows, the growth
becoming stunted, the interior branchlets
dying and falling off till the tree becomes
so thin that, as ‘‘ Country Vicar” says of
his Picea, we can see the light through it. The remedy is as
simple as it is sure. Give the roots more good soil, see that
there is no risk of any accumulation of stagnant water about
them, and a couple of seasons’ growth will restore the lost
clothing of branchlets and free strong leading shoots. The
best way to apply fresh soil is by surface-dressing and exca-
va‘ing a wide trench for its reception in a circle around the
station, and there cannot be a better time than the present
for doing it. I must confess to a feeling of surprise at Picoa
Pinsapo losing its leader from frost. P. Cephalonica, which
it much recembles, often does this, but Pinsapo is so hardy as
never in my experience to be £0 affected.

Pruning Conifers is altogether a mistake. If the side
branches ever show a tendency to spread at the expense of
the leader, simply nipping off the tips tends to check them
sufficiently. The growth of almost all of them is naturally
so symmetrical that no improvement can be effected by prun-
ing—rather the reverse. I have for the last seven years

362

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 8, 1877.

watched the rapid progress of two magnificent specimens of |
Cupressus macrocarpa growing in a small roadside garden at
Maresfield, which I occasionally pass, and great was my
astonishment and regret last spring to find that some ‘‘im-
prover’ had pruned one of them from bottom to top, shorten-
ing allthe branches by about one-third, and for the time quite
spoiling its appearance. It has, however, made a vigorous
growth this season, but it will require two or three years to
recover its full beauty, and no permanent harm ig likely to
follow this rude treatment. Such is not always the case, and
the experiment is a very dangerous one, for the wounds, espe-
cially of large branches, usually bleed so long that the health
of the tree is seriously affected, and it does little, if any, good
afterwards.—Hpwarp Luckuurst.

NEW ROSES.

At this geason of the year, when amateurs are looking round
their gardens and planting new Rose beds and filling-up gaps
in old beds, the following remarks on a few of the more recent
additions to the Rose world may be useful. I think all growers
will agree with the remark that the latest novelties are nothing
very startling; however, let me commence.

Auguste Rigotard, somewhat in the way of Alfred Colomb but
duller in colour, yet a better grower, is decidedly worth buying.

Capitaine Christy has been very fine this season, has not
quite shape enough, but is a very showy Rose; it is just what
one would imagine a cross of La France and Barouno de
Rothschild would produce, having at times a wonderful re-
semblance to each.

Comtesse de Serenye has established itself as a first-class
flesh-coloured Rose, large compact form, of splendid ehape,
good grower, and is a real improvement.

Hippolyte Jamain is a round-shaped Victor Verdier, a strong
grower (as are all this class), free bloomer, and altogether good.

Monsieur H. Y. Teas is perfect as to shape, but a wretched
gower; very good if taken great care of.

Abel Carriére is truly grand, being a fine-shaped dark Rose
in the way of Baronne de Bonstetten, more of a claret colour
and much larger, and should be in every collection. Jean
Liabaud and Jean Soupert are the same class, the latter is too
small. Abel Carriére is decidedly the best of the three.

The muck-vaunted Duchesse de Vallombrogsa seems to me a
rank impostor; it is a dull gort of flesh-colour, having none of
that beautiful gloss seen in such Roses as Baronne de Rothschild.
Icannot see the good of having this Rose when one can grow
the Baroness and La France.

Duke of Connaught is a red Lord Clyde, but of much finer
shape, very vivid, first-rate grower, and a real improvement.

John Stuart Mill is good; more fit for garden purposes than
exhibition.

Sir Garnet Wolseley, one of the Maurice Bernardin class, is
of great merit.

Malle. Prosper Langier is too flat, but fine in colour.

The foliage of Star of Waltham is tremendous, the bloom
feems ashamed of itself for having such leaves. The second
flowers, however, opened better. It requires to be seen another
season before expressing a decided opinion.

Sultan of Zanzibar has been this season small and ragged.
TI should say it will not make a mark. ‘The reverse side of the
petal is 2 dull red, and the slightest change in temperature
causes it to fold inwards, which is anything but pleasing.

Cheshunt Hybrid holds its own right well; if is capital
grower, very free bloomer, and should be had by everyone.

Perle des Jardins is a grand deep yellow Tea, holding its
blooms well up (a great consideration in Tea Roses) ; it gives
one an idea of Maréchal Niel and Madame Faleot mixed. It
is one of the finest Roses lately introduced.

Perle de Lyon, in the same way but much smaller, is also of
great merit.

Jean Dacher, another first-class Tea, has the same vigorous
erect growth as the two last named.- In colour it resembles
Adrienne Christophle, but is a much better grower.

Marie Guillot is a splendid pure white, like Niphetos only
rounder and better held together; this is certificate enough
for any Rose.

Emily Laxton is very like Marquise de Castellane, but bolder
in petal. Although first-rate in the half-open state I cannot
see that it is much of an advance.

Marchioness of Exeter is somewhat similar, rounder, and
much smaller. I should say if grown by average amateurs
that it would be a failure. :

John Bright, very bright, but nothing else, as it is very thin.

It seems to me from personal observation this season that of
late only three first-rate Roses have been added to the list—
viz., Dake of Connaught, Perle des Jarding, and Abel Carriére.

If amateurs would only compare notes a little more, and
form opinions of their own instead of taking everything from
catalogues, we should never see gardens filled with Roses that
are good only in price, and doomed to disappear altogether
after a season or two. If Roses are worth growing they are
surely worth growing well; and I ask, How is it that amateurs
will go taking down names at exhibitions instead of trying to
see the plants growing? Speaking personally, I know that an
afternoon spent at a Rose nursery has often saved me 2 season’s
unhappinesg.—An OxLp Rosz-GRoweER.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

NovEMBER 6TH,

A putt day but by no means dull meeting has to be recorded.
The rain poured steadily down, but did not deter horticulturists
from attending, for the company was good and the Council
room was filled with excellent collections, including plants, cut
flowers, fruit, and vegetables. é a

Frurr Commirrre.—H. Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair. Siz
Pine Apples, the united weight of which was 27} lbs., were sent
by Mr. J. Hudson, The Gardens, Gunnersbury House, Acton.
They were excellent examples considering the time of the year,
and a silver Banksian medal was voted for them by the Com-
mittee. A large Charlotte Rothschild Pine was sent by Mr.
J. Dinsmore, gardener to J. F. Blackwell, Esa., The Cedars,
Harrow Weald, but it was not in good condition.

Three very good bunches of Golden Hamburgh Grape were
sent by Mr. J. Hudson; they were in good condition, and re-
ceived a cultural commendation. Two bunches of Muscat of
Alexandria were sent by Mr. J. Atkins, gardener to Ool. Loyd
Lindsay, Lockinge Gardens, Wantage. The berries were
large and beautifully finished, and the Committee voted that a
bronze medal be awarded for them. Mr. W. Wildsmith, gar-
dener to Lord Eversley, Heckfield, sent three bunches of Gros
Colman; the berries were very large, but not quite so welk
finished as Mr. Wildsmith has shown them, yet they well de-
served the cultural commendation awarded to them, Harrison
Weir, Esq., Brenchley, Kent, sent very good examples of Muscat
Champion from a ground virery, and a cultural commendation
was awarded to them. Mr. Weir also sent a good dish of Mrs.
Pince’s Black Muscat.

A dish of Salwey Peaches was sent by Mr. W. Tillery, The
Gardens, Welbeck. They were good-looking examples, but
rather over-ripe. A green-fleshed Melon named Exquisite was
exhibited by Mr. C. Tyler, gardener to R. Gosling, Esq., Hasso-
bury, Bishop Stortford. It was, considering the lateness of the
season, of remarkably fine flavour. It received a first-class cer-
tificate. Mr. E. Bennett, The Nurseries, Rabley, sent a dish of
Strawberry Garibaldi, for which a letter of thanks was directed
to be sent. Mr. David Ward, florist, Wisbech, sent a seedling
Pear of the Bergamot type, but it was not in good condition. As
a rule Pears are not good this year. Mr. C. Penny, The Gardens,
Sandringham, sent two dishes of seedling Apples, but they were
not considered of special value. Mr. Douglas, Loxford Hall
Gardens, exhibited Waldron’s Seedling Apple, but it was not
thought equal to existing sorts. Mr. Dancer, Chiswick, sent a
good dish of Cox’s Orange Pippin, for which the Committee
awarded a vote of thanks. Barnack Beauty Apple from Mr. R.
Gilbert of Burleigh, Stamford, was a fine-looking fruit but not
of good flavour.

Mr. Gilbert also sent selected Brussels Sprouts on the stalk;
the sprouts were certainly very fine and afforded evidence of
superior culture. A letter of thanks was voted. Veitch’s Autumn
Cauliflower in fine condition came from Mr. T. B. Wilson, Clay-
don House Gardens, for which a vote of thanks wasgiven. Mr.
R. Dean of Haling sent a specimen of the long ribbed Marrow,
which was passed.

Messre. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, on behalf of Messrs.
B. K. Bliss & Sons, New York, sent a collection of Potatoes, and
from Mr. R. Dean came a small collection of new sorts, the skins
well washed and polished. We think it is far better to show
them more rough in the skins, as the character of the Potato
cannot be determined when the skins are made s0 glossy.
Messrs. James Carter & Co. exhibited an extensive and excel-
lent collection of Potatoes, numbering about 150 varieties, every
dish of which was in the best exhibition character. It was a
highly meritorious display.

Frorat Commitrer.—G. F. Wilson, Esq , F.R.S., in the chair.
A beautiful group, including choice Orchids, Ferns, Sarracenias,
Droseras, Zonal Pelargoniums, &c., was arranged by Messrs.
Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea. Amongst the Orchids
we noticed Cattleya labiata, Oncidium incurvum, very chaste ;
O. crispum, and O. varicosum, very fine; Cattleya marginata,

November 8, 1877. ]

- JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. .

363

Lelia Perrini, Odontoglossum cirrhosum, Colax jugosus, Onci-
dium Weltoni, and the charming Indian Crocuses (Pleiones)
Wallichiana maculata and lagenaria, Stenia fimbriata was
singular by its beard-like lip, and Stelia Bruckmulleri by its
small triangular-shaped flowers. Cypripediums Sedeni, Schlimii,
Arthurianum, insigne Maulei, selligerum, marmorophyllum, tes-
sellatum, euryandrum, Crossianum, and a new variety, C. cenan-
thum, the result of a cross between C. insigne Maulei and
C. Harrisianum, a rich maroon, sepals margined with white,
proved their great decorative usefulness. Calanthes Veitchii,
Sedeni, and vestita rubra were represented in the group.
Amongst the Ferns were an elegant specimen of Adiantum
speciosum, Lomaria discolor bipinnatifida, Osmunda palustris,
and A. Luddemanniana. The Geraniums Heather Bell, At-
lanta, Amazon, and Hgeria, raised by Dr. Denny, were all ex-
cellent. A medal was recommended to be given for the collection.

Mr. Ollerhead, gardener to Sir Henry W. Peek, Bart, M.P,
Wimbledon House, staged a bright, varied, and beautiful assort-
ment of Orchids. The Pieiones were excellently grown. Calan-
thes, Cypripediums, Vanda cewralea, Cattleya Dowiana, Dendro-
bium formosum giganteum, Odontoglossum Roezli, and Miltonia
Morelliana were noticeable in this creditable collection, for
which a vote of thanks was worthily awarded.

From the collection of Sir Trevor Laurence, Bart., M.P.,
Burford Lodge, Dorking, came a splendid example of Oncidium
¢erispum, with six robust spikes and probably three hundred
flowers, for which Mr. Spyers, the grower, was deservedly
awarded a cultural certificate.

A remarkably fine example of Vanda cxrulea with six spikes
and eighty-nine flowers was exhibited by Mr. Smith, gardener
to C. Lane, Esq., Badgemore, Henley-on-Thames. It afforded
evidence of superior cultivation, and the Committee recom-
mended that a medal be awarded by the Council to Mr. Smith.

Mr. R. Parker, Exotic Nursery, Tooting, exhibited an exten-
tive and attractive collection of hardy cut flowers. ‘The varieties
of Chrysanthemum indicum proved their value as border flowers
—notably nanum, silvery white; Frederick Pete, crimson ; Hen-
dersonii, yellow; and Scarlet Gem, reddish crimson. Amongst
the Asters (Michaelmas Daisies) A. Nove-Angliz, A. spectabilis,
A. Novi-Belgii, A. Amellus, and A. Jaxus were fine; and the
smaller A. ericoides, A. Reevesii, A. discolor, A. pendulus, and
A. multiflorus were also very elegant. Rudbeckia hirta, Chry-
santhemum lacustre, Tritoma grandis, Schizostylis coccinea,
Troliius asiaticus, and Gynerium argenteum album were very
striking; Helleborus niger maxima was extremely fine; Col-
chicum autumnale flore plenum, rosy lilac; and C. a. album
plenum; Pansy Queen, creamy white with purple blotch;
Viola Sir Walter Scott, purplish violet; Aponozeton distachyon,
very fine; Physalis Alkekengi (Winter Cherry), and Violet The
Czar contributed to this fine November display. A vote of
thanks was deservedly recorded by the Committee.

Mr. Smith, Ealing Dean Norsery, Ealing, sent a collection of
Cyclamen persicum. Some of the flowers were very large and
all good. The foliage was well marbled, and an agreeable per-
fume pervaded the group. The colours were varied and the
collection attractive. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Cannell, The Nurseries, Swanley, Kent, sent cut trusses
of twenty-four varieties of zonal Pelargoniums quite as fine and
as richly coloured as if exhibited in July. Jean d’Arc, pure
white; Fairest of the Fair, white, salmon eye; Mrs. Leavers,
rich rosy pink; Louisa, lilac pink; David Thomson, crimson;
and The Shah, deep scarlet, were extremely fine. New Life,
the remarkable striped variety, was also exhibited. A vote of
thanks was awarded.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Sons, Pine Apple Nursery, Maida
Vale, were awarded a vote of thanks for a stand of Japanese
Chrysanthemums. Gloire de Toulouse, purplish crimson with
white spots, is distinct and good; Harlequin, silvery pink; Ful-
gare, rosy pink; R. T. Biggs, crimson scarlet, were the more
noteworthy varieties. A vote of thanks was awarded. Mr.
Davis, Park Nursery, Plumstead Common, exhibited a stand of
incurved Chrysanthemums. Mr. R. Dean was awarded a vote
of thanks for Godetia Lady Albemazle grown in a pot; the
plant was very dwarf and attractive.

Primula capitata from the Society’s gardens was exhibited.
Tt is a charming species, the leaves growing close to the sur-
face of the pots, the flower trusses being borne on farinose
stems, The trusses are as globular almost as large heads of
clover, colour like mauve; a very charming alpine plant. A
first-class certificate was awarded. First-class certificates were
also awarded to Messrs. Veitch fora fine Tree Fern, Dickscnia
Berteroana, from Juan Fernandez. Itis a stately plant with
robust spreading fronds of great substance and elegance; and
to Sarracenia Chelsoni, the result of a cross between S. rubra
and S. purpurea with purplish crimson pitchers.

BOCCONIA JAPONICA.

Tuts is one of our most stately and majestic-looking hardy
herbaceous plants, and it is very surprising that in these days

of subtropical effects Bocconia japonica has not found a more
prominent position. In fact, one may visit a hundred gardens
and not see a plant of it; and recent works on hardy plants
have omitted to notice it at all. Thore is scarcely another
hardy herbaceous plant that is so far removed from what ig
termed a weedy appearance, nor one that has larger or more
elegantly pennilobed foliage. In good soil it grows to the
height of 6 to 7 feet, producing spikes of elegant creamy-white
flowers from 11 to 2 feet long. It lasts a long time in flower,
and for centres to large clumps}or back lines there are few
more effective plants. It masses by itself, it has much more
of a subtropical appearance than many tender plants used for
that purpose. No garden should be without this plant.—T. M.
(in The Gardener).

GRAPES CRACKING.

ProMINENCE has been given to the mysterious subject of
Grapes cracking, and I for one consider that both the subject
itself and the letter of ‘‘ J. S. W.” are worthy of their position
on page 7. I shall await with a little anxiety Mr. W.Taylor’s
reply, for I think he has found a ‘‘ foeman worthy of his steel,”
which is not a small compliment, and the reply I am antici-
pating cannot fail being instructive.

“J. S. W.” has broached a somewhat new theory of the
cracking of Grapes, and his remarks on the juice not issuing
out of the split berries are certainly significant. Iam inclined
to agree with your correspondent that cracking does not neces-
sarily result from the ‘‘ force of sap from within.” My reason
for this is that the finest crop of Madresfield Court Grape that
I ever saw was produced by Vines in great luxuriance, and
which received more water at the roots than falls to the lot of
Vines generally. There was a great force of sap in the case
of these Vines, but much of it was doubtless dealt with by
the foliage, which was ample, for the laterals were not all
stopped at one joint beyond the bunch, but two or three joints
were left according as there was room for the leaves to expand.
That, however, was not the sole cause of the immunity of the
Grapes from cracking, because I have seen other crops which
have been similarly treated in respect of summer-pinching
ruined by the splitting of the berries, and on the other hand
I have seen sound crops under a close system of pinching. It
is this—the presence of cracking under various aspects of
summer-pinching—that has shaken my confidence in the
‘inner propulsion’ theory.

When the owner of the Vines in question was advised by the
writer to water his borders thoroughly just when the Madres-
field Courts were showing colour, he expressed his fear of
doing so on account of accelerating the splitting of the
berries. The borders, however, were thoroughly watered, and
not one berry cracked. The force of sap was, I know, con-
siderable, for the berries swelled to a great size, and they
coloured admirably. Their colouring may not afford evidence
of the great propulsion of sap, but the matter is worthy of
mention simply because they did colour under the treatment
given, and that was not a dry, but a comparatively moist atmo-
sphere. I may be wrong, butI have an idea that it is owing to
a reasonable degree of atmospheric moisture that prevented
the Grapes from splitting.

I think it is admitted that there is great difference in the
skins of different varieties of Grapes. Some are thick,
leathery, and opaque; others thinandtransparent. The effect
of the atmosphere, too, is different on these different cuticles.
Under a very dry air the thick skins appear to turn soft, the
thin skins brittle. The subject may, perhaps, be made more
clear by a very familiar example afforded by very common
material—paper. Thick brown paper when it is very much
dried is not necessarily rendered brittle, but thin glossy paper
is so brittle that it tears almost by a touch. Are not the skins
of Grapes affected much in the same manner? I think s0,
and acted on that thought when I advised’ the atmosphere of
the house of Madresfield Courts referred to to be kept mode-
rately moist throughout the whole colouring and ripening
period.

Usually the air of vineries is kept moist, in some cases very
much so, when the berries are green, but cn the first signs of
colour moisture is withheld lest the fruit should not ‘‘ finish”
well. A diminution of moisture at that period may be advis-
able, but the sudden withholding of it entirely is another
matter, and especially when coupled with what is not at all
an uncommon circumstance—increased ventilation. I cannot
conceive it sound practice to keep the air of a vinery almost

364

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 8, 1877.

a8 aqueous for six weeks as that of a swamp, and then to sud-
denly transform it into the atmosphere of a desert—exhaustive
and dry. Some Grapes will endure a change so violent, but
all will not do so; the skins of the berries become suddenly
dry and lose their elasticity—their expansive power, turn
brittle and crack; just the counterpart, as ‘‘J.S. W.” has go
well put it, of ‘‘chapped hands.” The simile may, perhaps,
provoke a smile, but I believe your correspondent is not ‘‘a
maile off the mark,’ but, on the contrary, has made clearer
than before at least one important element in the philosophy
of Grapes cracking. I have more than once thought that
gardeners were ‘‘ on the wrong track’? when providing an ex-

tremely dry atmosphere to prevent the Grapes from splitting— |
they were, I fear, rather opening the door to the enemy; at |
least if it is not eo I shall be glad to see evidence to the con- |
This phase of a mysterious problem is an important |

trary.
one, and is worthy of consideration and discussion—A
NorRTHERN GARDENER.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

‘Ax Otp Sopscpiper’’ says that he was told by a very
successful market gardener, that the tubers of JERUSALEM
ARTICHOKES are much improved after taking up by being laid
for a time on unslacked lime.

Various causes were attributed regarding the great
scarcity of Hotty BERRIES last year; this year reasons will
be sought accounting for their great abundance. We have
rarely if ever seen such a brilliant crop as is now seen on
shrubs of nearly all the berry-bearing varieties. Green-leaved
and variegated kinds are alike laden with rich clusters.
have observed this in many nurseries and private gardens in
widely separated districts, and doubt not that the profusion is
general. We have even observed closely clipped Holly hedges,
on which berries are seldom geen, studded with scarlet and
yellow fruit. In fact we believe that few varieties capable of
bearing fruit are this year fruitless. Last year the frosts of
spring were generally considered as having rendered fruit trees
and Hollies alike barren; but this year different results are
forthcoming, for the crops of fruit are sparse, of Holly berries
prodigious. How is it?

—— We have received the annual Report of the MELBoURNE
Boranic GarDEN, and it is unmistakeable evidence of the capa-
bility of its Curator, Mr. Guilfoyle. He says—‘‘ A number of
plants, generally supposed to be unsuited to outdoor culture
in this climate were successfully placed out in the grounds.
Amongst them were Quisqualis indica, Beaumontia grandiflora,
Euphorbia splendens, Strelitzia augusta, S. regina, Allamanda
nerlifolia, &c. These and many other tropical plants have
proved hardy, growing vigorously outside. The Alsophila ex-
celsa of Norfolk Island, a Tree Fern which attains the height
of 80 feet, has also grown with remarkable rapidity in the open
air. As a counterbalance, however, I regret to say that my
anticipations respecting the Cinchona (Peruvian Bark), have
proved correct—it is an unmitigated failure.”

—— Ovr correspondent ‘‘ A KitcHEN GARDENER,’ writes
to us as follows on MEDICATED Topacco papER:—L had some of
this paper sent me a short time ago by Messrs. James Dickson
and Sons, ‘“ Newton’? Nurseries, Chester, to try, and after
doing so I must say it is the best fumigating material I ever
used. It appears to be made of strong brown paper saturated
in tobacco liquor, then rolled firmly up and cut into slices. It
is only necessary to place a quantity of it on red hot embers
and every particle of it isconsumed. There isno half-burning
or waste whatever about it, while the smoke from it is efficient
in killing the ingects and quite harmless to the plants.

—— Iris estimated that nearly 3,000,000 bushels of Pora-
TOES are frequently consumed per year in the States of Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York in the production of
Potato starch. There are about 225 factories engaged in the
manufacture of this starch, and the average price paid for
Potatoes by starch manufacturers during the past season has
been 25 cents per bushel. The aggregate annual production of
all the factories is usually from 6000 to 11,000 tons. The
value of the total production of Potato starch in the country
is from $800,000 to $1,200,000 per annum.—(New York Com-
mercial Bulletin )

Mr. W. Pavn, Nurseries, Waltham Cross, has published
his ‘‘Rosz— Annus For 1877-78.” It contains coloured
portraits of Red Dragon, Rosy Morn, Perle des Jardins, and
Magna Charta; descriptions and relative notes accompany

We |

them. At the end Mr. Paul dwells upon decorative and ex-
hibition Roses, upon Rose shows, and appends letters from
correspondents. We add the following as Mr. Paul’s selection
of worthy Roses :—‘‘ Of the novelties introduced in 1875-6, the
following have commended themselves most to our judgment
—Hypbrid Perpetuals : Abel Carriére, Avocat Duvivier, Duc de
Montpensier, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Gustave Revilliod, Jean
Liabaud, Madame Ferdinand Jamin, Madame Prosper Langier,
Marguerite Brassac, Monseigneur Fournier, Oscar Lamarche,
Sultan of Zanzibar, and Triomphe de France. Tea-scented =
Mdlle. Marie Berton, Maréchal Robert, and Souvenir de
Madame Pernet. Of the Roses of the present year (1876-7).
the following seem to us the best—Hybrid Perpetuals : Mdlle.
Emma All, Marie Louise Pernet, and Marquise Adéle de
Murinais. Tea-scented: Comtesse Riza du Parc, Mdlle. Laza-
rine Poizeau, Souvenir de Georges Sand, and Triomphe de
Milan. We do not describe these varieties, because their full
descriptions may be seen in one or other of the leading Roze
catalogues, which all lovers of Roses will be sure to possess.
Of Roses not yet in commerce, but which will probably be sold
in the spring of 1878, May Quennell (Postans), Penelope Mayo
(Eurner), and Mrs. Laxton (Laxton), haye been shown good
during the present year.”

— A New Propuct From THE Prxe.—Vanillin exists in the

| Sap of the Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and of the Larch. For the

purpose of procuring it the trees are felled during the period
when vegetation is most active, and are stripped of their bark.
They are then immediately scraped, and the product collected
in vessels of tinned iron is immediately heated on the spot to
prevent fermentation, filtered, concentrated, and allowed to
cool and settle. A substance is thus obtained which resembles.
powdered sugar, and which is known as coniferin. This is a
stable compound, and is sent in barrels to Paris, where the
vanillin is extracted. The process of extracting the vanillin
is an expensive one, but the product is procured at a less cost
than the natural vanilla of commerce can be purchased at.—
(Scientific American.)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN LONDON.

Reau city flowers are Chrysanthemums. They grow and
flower on housetops and in cellar-like areas, in small cramped
courts and in smoky misty squares, imparting brightness
where it is especially required and at a time when it is
particularly welcome.

The head-quarters of these city flowers have for years been
the gardens of the Middle and Inner Temples, where Mr.
Broome laboured go long and so well, where Mr. Dale won
renown, and where Mr. Newton practises so worthily. In
previous years Chrysanthemum shows have been provided in
both the Temple gardens, but for some few seasons Mr. Dale
has been fighting hard against encroaching buildings, and
at last the buildings have conquered. The veteran retires
honoured and respected, and leaves the field open to his younger
neighbour. There is, therefore, only ons show this year, but
that show is a good one, even (considering that all the plants
now blooming have been grown almost within a stone’s throw
from Fleet Street) excellent. There are about four hundred
plants arranged on the south border of the enclosure, tem-
porarily covered with glass and screened from the wind by
canvas. The flowers are just in beauty and will continue
attractive for several days; they will commence fading, how-
ever, after the Lord Mayor’s day, the 9th inst., and the sooner
they are inspected the better.

The exhibition is not remarkable for a few sensational
blooms and a greater number of inferior flowers, but it is
meritorious by its average quality—its level excellence. That
sure index of good culture—rich dark foliage, shows the blooms
to great advantage, and renders the display alike creditable to
the grower and enjoyable by the visitors. There are no new
varieties of striking quality. Gloire de Toulouse, dark rosy
purple, and The Cossack, cinnamon scarlet, both Japanese, are
the most noticeable. The former will make a good companion
plant to the pure and beautiful Elaine, and the latter will be
grown for its bright colour. For general decorative purposes
the trio—Mrs. George Rundle, white ; George Glenny, sulphur ;
and Mr. Dixon, golden yellow, are still unsurpassed ; perhaps,
taking all their qualities into consideration, unequalled. Mrs.
Parnell may be a trifle larger than Mrs. Rundle, but it is
no easy matter to distinguish them. About the same difli-
culty arises in the case of Plenipo and Katherine Talfourd@.
The blooms under both these names are good, rosy purple in

November 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER,

365

colour, and globular in form. The largest bloom of all is
Prince Alfred, rosy crimson; but only a shade smaller is White
Globe. Refulgence, crimson maroon, is extremely rich, but
its yellow eye is objectionable, and it is a question if it can be
*‘ orown out,” as was at one time supposed. King of Don-
mark, rosy lilac and golden tips, is distinct and attractive ;
and Mr. Gladstone and Comte de Ranzeau are very rich.
Phidias—the old Phidias—pale rose, is still a favourite; und
constant as ever is Aurea Maltiflora. Tae Beverleys, Lord
Derby, and Golden Eagle sustain their position as ‘ good old
standards.” Having smaller reflexed flowere—free, bright, and
useful—are Sparkler, Mount Etna, and Bernard Pallisy; they
are of the Jalie Lagravére typs, and are worthy of culture for
conservatory decoration and for yielding cut flowers for vases.
Amongst the large Anemone-flowered varieties the finest are
Lady Margaret (white), which is fine indeed, and Prince of
Anemones, lilac blush.

The Pompons in the exposed border are not yet in beauty,
but there is plenty to admire without them; it is encouraging
to Mr. Newton to have such a large number of appreciative
visitors, and the liberality of the honourable Society of the
Inner Temple in providing such an enjoyable display cannot be
400 warmly commended.

THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN A
GREENHOUSE.—No. 3.

Havine settled down to my work in earnest, I began to con-
sider not only how many distinct varieties of plants I could
grow in the one house (I do not mean simply with regard to
space), but in what plants I could most excel, the conditions of
temperature and ventilation being equal to all, except that I
should keep some plants near the stove and others as far from
it as possible; indeed, it is astonishing to note the results
attendant on the arrangement of a house, whether you place
a plant at the back of the door or at the point where the door
opens to meet perhaps a temperature of 10° below freezing.
For instance, say the door opens on the left, 2 Stephanotis is
close at hand to meet the cutting draught; a Rose is opposite
at the back of the door. The Rose will not suffer from the
extra warmth, but the Stephanotis will assuredly from the cold.
Reverse the positions and both will do well. To obtain success-
ful results these apparently minor points must be studied.

There are many who love flowers superficially, yet amongst
the lovers are some whose interest would grow deeper were
they only to study a few simple conditions necessary for suc-
cessful cultivation. It is to the latter section, hoping to in-
erease their number, that my remarks are principally addressed,
though I trust to meet with still more congenial spirits—those
who love earnestly, not alone the contemplation or possession
of a gorgeous flower, but derive pleasure from the germination
of a seed, transplant, watch its growth day by day as leaf after
leaf appears, and at length the flowers—aye! and what flowers
they will be if only tended even with a moderate amount of
are and discrimination!

Returning, however, to the practical, I will begin with the
arrangement of the house. Say the door facing west opens
inwards, on the left are Roses in pots, Acacias, a Plumbago,
Azaleas, French Gsraniums, Cinerarias, and EHricas; then close
to the stove a Gardenia. I had the latter quite a small plant
two and a half years ago, and only last month cut from it fifty
large flower buds; it having flowered almost incessantly I
thought I would give the poor thing arest. On the right-hand
side I place a selection of the sams plants aforementioned to
bring them on more quickly, also Pleroma elegans, Aloe fru-
tescens, aud the stove plants introduced in the third year of
my experience. The two shelves near the glass are valuable
for seedlings or cuttings which have been thoroughly started
in the bottom heat mentioned in the Journal of Horticulture,
September 27th. At the east end and back of the stove I arrange
a row of Cactuses on a shelf right across, resting on the side
lights, and they thrive admirably; but, being placed in such a
warm corner I giva them a little water in their saucers once a-week
or perhaps a fortnight. Were they kept in a cool greenhouse
this would mean killing them; though after all, depending so
entirely as it does on conditions, it is impossible to tell anyone
when to water a plant or where to place it, though the latter
question is an all-important one, especially in a small house
like mine; also whether its requirements are heat, moisture,
dryness, sun, shade, &c.; but all these difficulties are soon
overcome, and think of the pleasure and satisfaction in gur-
mounting them.

To digress. When leading a bush life in Australia I put my
hand to many things, but always found the greatest pleasure
was overcoming a difficulty in some occupation of which I had
least knowledge. Let no one be discouraged because he has
not gained a prize or done well even up to the present; look
to the future, and if;you only have the subject at heart you
must do well.

Now to work. About the 10th of February is the commence-
ment of my year; the birds are beginning to mate, and the
hedges are showing their tiny green-tipped buds, and many
are the proofs of Natnre’s returning activity. It is too cold
outside to do much, but inside our little house great pre-
parations may be made. Roses, by-the-by, were taken-in in
January to flower at the end of March and April. Camellias
finished flowering are now repotted in partly peat, but as poate
differ so greatly I use decayed grass turves with a small hand-
ful of charcoal broken roughly about the size of peas, and
larger pieces for drainage. Indeed I use charcoal for nearly
everything and find it invaluable. See page 139, ‘ Science
and Practice of Gardening” (Johnson). This book I have
found a treasure. Speaking of drainage, it is an item that
must be especially insisted on in pot plants. A plant clogged
in the drainage, having extracted its natural food from liquid
supplied, the residue of the supply constitutes a poison. This
is one point that must never be forgotten.

At the end of February and on into March we begin to
strike Verbenas, Lobelia compacta, Cupheas, Lantanas, &c.,
sow seeds in pans or boxes of Golden Feather, Coreopsis, and
Intermediate Stocks, the latter to bloom in autumn, and many
other things required for summer planting and greenhouse
decoration. All will grow rapidly on the tray of hot sawdust.
Then in April, if you wish to propagate Dahlias, pack your
tubers close together in a box with cocoa-nut fibre, place them
near the stove, quickly will the shoots spring forth, cut them off
close to the tuber, plant in large 60’s, they will need nothing
more than plenty of water till planting-out time—end of May.

Ag all things are now growing so quickly, it is of the utmost
importance to utilise and economise space. A shelf running
full length under a north stage I find answers capitally for
all cuttings and seedlings. Place also a couple of rows of
these small fry on the ground under this shelf. Everything
is now arranged pro tem., and that is all, for allowing plants
to remain in one position month after month, or even week
after week, is a great error. I arrange my house once a-week
—it’s like taking your children out for a constitutional—for
singular as it may appear to those who have not studied the
subject, a plant, like a child, requires exercise. Just consider
for a moment: the natural atmospheric conditions of all plant
life are either heat, cold, moisture, comparative drought, and
always more or less wind, or in other words exercise and
movement.

Now in a house like mine, where it is necessary to retain
heat for Gardenia, Stephanotis, &c., it is impossible to give the
same ventilation you would to an ordinary greenhouse (except-
ing, of course, in the hottest monthsin the year). It must not
be forgotten that my remarks refer to a mixed house wherein
many things are grown, from an Acacia dealbata, which will
almost stand frost, to a Gardenia requiring both top and
bottom heat. In this my second year I introduced six Ericas,
small plants in 60’s. I always buy small plants, the pleasure
ii so much enhanced by growing them on into specimens; you
lose all the pride and satisfaction if you obtain them full
grown. ThenI bought a few Achimenes; Gloxinia tubiflora,
little known, but valuable for cut blooms and general effect ;
and a Gardenia—too much cannot be said of this lovely flower
if only generous treatment be given. I introduced also a few
Ferns. In selecting Ferns one should choose those widely
differing in appearance though still amenable to the same con-
ditions of temperature, &c. In my next paper I will give the
names of those [have grown most successfully.—RespPice FINEM.

KEEPING GRAPES IN BOTTLES OF WATHR.

Brine compelled to fill the vineries under my charge with
plants, I am cutting the Grapes and placing them in bottles of
water. The plan I adopt is that of Mr. Nisbet of Aswarby.
It answers admirably, and I wish to recommend it to other
gardeners who are situated as I am.—A. N. G.

(Mr. Nisbet’s plan and his remarks thereon are appended.
—Eps |

Tue Grape-room at Aswarby Park is on the second floor
from the ground, with an aspect to the north unvisited by the

366

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ November 8, 1877.

sun’s rays, and possessing great dryness on account of its |
elevated position. I find that there are three great evils to be

guarded against, and these are damp, frost, and artificial heat.

My room is 21 feet long, 16 wide, and 7 feet 6 inches high,

with the two outer walls looking respectively towards the |
north and the east. The walls are thoroughly plastered, as is
also the ceiling, the latter three coats deep, and the floor con-
sists of composition. Clean dry sawdust is strewn on the floor,
and likewise on the top of the ceiling between the rafters,
being intended in the latter case to keep out the frost. Two
opening windows Jook towards the north, and are each fitted |
on the inside with shutters, which should be closed in severe

weather, and the space between them and the window padded

with any clean dry material. The door is single, and on the |
south side, but it can be converted into a double door when

required, and the space between closely padded, as in the case

of the windows. Thus the room is almost air-tight in frosty

weather. All ventilation is effected by means of the door and
the windows; and as fresh air, with a good amount of light, is |
required at all timer, I open them whenever the weather per-
mits. Should the day be damp and cloudy, or the wind in the
nortb, I do not open the room, but otherwise I never lose a
chance of admitting light and air, if only for half an hour.
On the 8th of December, when we had 20° of frost, the tem-
perature in the room did not fall below 38°, and this was with- |
out the aid of artificial heat. As arule, the temperature is
nearly 48°, and this can with careful attention be maintained |
for weeks without artificial means.

At each end of the room are arranged fruit-shelves for the
best varieties of dessert Pears and Apples, whilst the centre of
the room is devoted to the keeping of Grapes. We have here
eight standards, 64 feet high and 2 inches square, into two
sides of which are let, alternately, brackets
1d inch thick, and which, after being thus
fixed, measure 44 by 34. Four of these
standards are placed on each side of the
room, leaving a passage-way all round them.
The bottle-receptacles are then laid on the A
brackets, so as to rest perfectly flat, and
are made fast with one screw-nail driven
through the under side of the bracket into
the under side of the bottle-receptacle. A
light facing of wood fitted on the front of
the standard rests upon the receptacle and
fits under each bracket, thus preventing
the receptacle from rising up behind, and
giving the whole a neat and finished ap-
pearance. Hach psir of standards has
seven 10-feet lengths of bottle-receptacles, | |
four on one side and three on the other,
each length holding eleven bottles, so that
each pair of standards carries seventy- —
seven bottles ; it has also an iron spike in
the top. There are two laths of wood
along the top of the standards, with holes
in them at the same distance as that at
which the standards are placed, and bound
together by means of an iron spike, which
passes through the holes. Fig. 69 shows
the standard. Fig. 70 shows the top of ‘
the bottle-receptacle. Fig. 71 gives a full- Fig. 69.
sized sectional view of the receptacle containing the bottle.

CRA
I

with, as the shoot becomes perfectlyjhardzand dry, and will
neither take in nor give off moisture.
T have the bottles prepared beforehand, and after cutting the

-shoots off at the second eye beneath the bunch, if possible, I

carry the bunches, with all the green foliage untouched, to the
storing room, and place them in their respective positions.
This foliage should be allowed to die-off of its own accord,
after which it must be carefully removed.

Fig. 71.

When I have put the first lot past I go to the vinery and
make another selection, to come in at the proper time. Al-
though this may seem a slow process to some, I am, neverthe-
less, perfectly satisfied in my own mind that it answers better
in the end. The foliage was nearly all gone from the Lady
Downe’s when I cut them, but this autumn I intend to select

| them in the same way ag I did the Muscats.

I think the time is not far distant when Grape-rooms will
be as common as our fruit-rooms, and answer the end in view

| just as well, provided they are carefully attended to, for with-

out this Grapes will not keep four or five months.—RicHARD
Nisset, Aswarby Park Gardens, Falkingham.
P.S.—The bottles are all stoppered with wadding, as in

| fig. 71.

BEDDING PLANT HOUSE.

WE have received so many inquiries on this subject—that
is, a house ¢flicient and economical—that we submit a sectional
drawing of a house erected by Mr. Peach, and on which he has
written as follows :-—

The plant house which I have put up here is economical in
point of expense and economical as regards space, all the plants
being fully exposed to light. There are two shelves carried all
the way round, one of which, the centre shelf, is wide enough

NeOGGEO) CLO GeOse

Fig.

I have tried many different mixtures for filling the bottles,
but I find there is none equal to charcoal] and pure rain water,
close to which the stalk of the bunch of Grapes is placed, as
shown in fig. 71. The Grapes should be cut as they ripen, and
not teken off all at once irrespective of their exact condition.
Ten or twelve days before I cut any bunches I went over all the
Vines in the Muscat house, trained on the extension system,
the foliage of which was at that time perfectly green and
healthy. From these I selected from forty to fifty ripe
bunches, the shoots of which I shortened to two eyes above
the bunch, at the same time letting remain what small laterals
there were attached to these eyes. By thus cutting back the
shoots ten or twelve days before taking the bunches to the |
room, the use of sealing-wax or any other material is dispensed |

70.

for four rows of 4-inch pots placed crossing each other; the
outer one is for three rows of pots. The plants on the shelves
are easily watered by a small step ladder from the central path.
I use no putty and have no laps; the glass in the sides (marked
c in the section), merely slips into grooyes, the upper groove
being made seyen-eighths of an inch deep, the lower one three-
eighths. The glass is slipped up into the upper groove first
and allowed to fall into the lower one. The glass for the
rafters and sides is all of one size—20 inches by 16, and is
21-oz. fourths. The upright side pieces, 3 inches by 2, which
support the upper piece of wood, 3 inches by 3, on which the
rafters rest, are set back 1 inch on the wall-plate, so as to
allow the glars to slide freely past them in the groove. The
glass is continuous on the sides from one end to the other, the

November 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEP,

367

squares merely butting one against the other. This prevents

all necessity for sasl bars.

Top Venti'ator.
Scale 1 inch to the foot.

SSOP Goa ==

Wooo STACING

C

7A

Fig, 72.—Section of House. Scale one-quarter inch to the foot.

in the centre of each pane, to allow rain to drain out of the
groove. The panes of glass in the
rafters are pushed up from the bottom,
and butt one against the other. They (277777 ] |
are fastened at the bottom by a bent p54 77)
galvanised iron wire pin, which is (ZZ
screwed on the inside of the upper pan
3 by 3, so that at any time in case of
fracture the pin can be unscrewed and
all the glass taken out. The spouts are fixed in the same way
by strong iron crooks bent over to the top pane and screwed
on to the inside.

The water from the roof is carried into a tank made the
whole length of one side of the house, by cementing the outer
wall, and building an inner wall to carry the staging. The
' staging over the tank is of slate, with two rows of hot-water
pipes confined in the chamber underneath. Sliding venti-
lators, as A A, are put into the inner and outer walls. If both
ventilators are closed, the space over the water tank acts as a
hot-air chamber, and keeps the slates at a temperature of from
90° to 100°. The heat is, however, entirely under control by
means of the double ventilators.

On the opposite side the staging is open woodwork, laths
3 inches by 1 inch, half an inch apart, and nailed together in
4-feet lengths. Two rows of 4-inch pipes, one flow-and ore
return, are supported by the wooden staging, by wood pieces
from the uprights into the wall. These wood pieces are 4 feet
apart, and gradually rising 1 inch at every upright from one
end of the houee till the pipes reach to the highest point of
the flow, under the slate tank, on the other side.

The house ia 25 feet long, and contains a little over 90 feet

Fig. 73.—Sponut.

The boiler-house is at the opposite side of a path 5 feet wide,

Icut a nick in the bottom groove | at the end and as a continuation of a five-light frame, the flue

from the boiler heating the frame; the boiler, a common small
saddle-back, properly set, the fire playing through and all
round the boiler.

The shelves are made of laths 3 inches by 1 inch, screwed
on to light flat iron bars, so as to be moveable in sections, and
to be taken out when required; they are supported on wood
brackets tenoned into wooden uprights. The water-tank is
made with a slight fall to the end farthest from the door; and
under the staging, which returns at the end, a small cistern is
made, about 2 feet square and 2 feet deep, to dip a can into,
the cistern being supplied from the tank by a tap. As there
are two rows of hot-water pipes over the water-tank, it helps
to keep the rain water during the winter at the temperature of
the house.

Fig. 74.—Side c, 1 inch to the fcot.
Outer Jine glass.

Fig. 75.—Section of rafter, 3 by 2 inches.
AA, Glass,

Ventilation (a) under the wood staging is through openings
in the brick walls, with moveable shutters hung on hinges ard
regulated by a string. The upper ventilator is a fixed pent with
moveable shutters hung on pivots, and also regulated by meang
of strings. The ventilation is in all respects very efficient, and
there is always a slight current of air passing under the glass,
as the glass in the rafters does not touch the wall-pan by
three-eighths of an inch. This prevents water accumulating
on the wall-pan, and any rain which finds its way through the
butt joints runs down the inside into the spout, and though
there are no laps the house does not leak in the wette:t
weather. In summer weather the front row of glass can be
taken entirely out and Nottingham netting put in its place, or
one or two panes can be taken out and the others separated.
I frequently do this to harden plants previous to bedding-
out.

The house runs east and west, but I should prefer to put it
up north and south. I never use any shading, but after the
first or second week in April put a slight wash of milk and
whiting with a very little paste outside on the south side; this
when once dry will resist almost any amount of rain, and
breaks the scorching rays of the sun without interfering in any
way with the light. Ido not claim any particular novelty, but
T have never seen any house exactly like it, and I built it for
the sake of accommodating as many plants as I could, when
potted-off, in a small space.

The house is only, as I stated, 25 feet long and 10 feet wide
outside measure, but I can put 2500 Geraniums in 4-inch pots
intoit. I built it before I had seen any other house without
laps to the glass or putty, and I still like the form of raiter
better than any other I have seen, as by ploughing the groove
at an angle and then taking a slight shoulder off with the
chisel, a groove is left under the glass, down which any water
which is drawn to the rafter runs, instead of dripping into the
house. I have never seen any drip whatever from the rafter.

of pipe; but the flow is so peifect that there is hardly any | I can recommend the house to any amateur who wishes to

perceptible difference between the heat of the flow and return
pipes where they enter the house.

have a generally useful plant-house, and especially fo those
gentlemen who expect their gardeners to turn out large quan-

368

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 8, 1877.

tities of bedding plants, and who have hitherto provided no
additional means.

NOVELTIES IN THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW.

Tur Fern collection has of late been largely enriched from
several English and foreign sources, and of the new kinds
there is nothing likely to be of greater horticultural value than
Adiantum cuneatum var. Lawsoni. It was raised from spores
by the Rey. W. L. Lawson of Lynton, who sent the plant to
Kew, whence it has been distributed to most of the leading
firms, whose representatives have considered it an extremely
fine plant, and even by some as superior to A. gracillimum.
The fronds are lighter, and for some purposes more elegant
than those of A. cuneatum; the segments are more sharply
wedge-shaped and more deeply divided into lobes. It grows
with great rapidity, though probably not faster than A. cune-
atum, the good-keeping properties of which it is found to
possess.

Immediately within the door of the Succulent house are two
new Stapelias. The first is S. Sarpedon, a robust-growing
kind with fine purple-brown flowers more than 4 inches across
and ornamented round the margin by a fringe of hairs; the
other is scarcely more than » quarter of an inch across and is
elevated on stalks 24 inches long, by which it is rendered
strikingly distinct. Directly the corolla expands the segments
are rolled up beneath, so that the flower assumes the form of
a little cushion with a depression above and below. The sur-
face appears hoary with a felé of white hairs, though beneath
these the colour is brown. It is now flowering for the first
time, and a name has not yet been applied. Paya grandiflora
is flowering in this house and precents a striking appearance.
The plant itself is about 7 feet high, and from a single stem
below it branches above in several Pine-apple-like crowns of
foliage, forming together a magnificent head. Below these are
the dried leaves of many past years, clothing the stem as with
the shred robe of some savage chief. Two immense panicles
are bearing flowers of unusual size in the order Bromeliaces.
They are 5 inches in length and of peculiar livid hue. The
gtems are densely covered with red-brown stellate hairs. A
plant of Crassula rubicunda is considerably ornamental. It
has several stems bearing large corymbs of red flowers, and
reaches to scarcely more than a foot high, while having the
same width. It flowers with much greater certainty than
Roches falcata, and being equal in beauty is desirable in any
collection of greenhouse plants.

In the Begonia house are suspended near the glass some pots
of the new Torenia Fournieri, bearing in one case between
thirty and forty flowers, thus presenting a very charming
appearance. The rare Impatiens Jerdoniw in the same posi-
tion has been flowering continuously during the summer,
attracting much attention from its peculiar scarlet-and-yellow
flowers. Coffea travancorensis is flowering profusely in the
stove. It is a small-growing species, and this plant, though
several years old, is less than 3 feet high; the white flowers
are small but very numerous, and the perfume is delicious. —

The Orchid co'lection is enlivened with several fine varieties
of Lelia Perrini. One dark form in particular is noticeable
from its size, substance, and pure colouring. Cattleyaclegans,
in addition to its beauty, emits a sweet perfume perceptible
at some distance. Of C. maxima there are two forms beauti-
fully veined, the one dark and the other light. A fine speci-
men of C. Leopoldi will shortly be in bloom. C. Lindleyana
is not as a rule very attractive, though worth mention as one
ofasplendid genus. Liparis spathulata, though without colonr,
is pleasing to the eye from its gracefully curving flower-spikes
in a way similar to Dendrochilum filiforme. Burlingtonia
decora has long been in bloom, and is always welcome with
ite deep lilac-and-white flowers. Saccolabium calceolare is an
interesting little plant, the cluster of yellow. sweetly-scented
flowers nestling low down at the base, and meriting in the form
of the lip a well-applied name. Eria odoratissima,.though not
showy, may have mention for its pleasingly scented flowers,
produced a few together on a single spike. Pleione lagenaria
and P. maculata are both pretty representatives of the Indian
Crocuses. A splendid specimen of Odontoglossum Bictonense
is throwing up eleven strong spikes. O. Uro-Skinneri and
O. cristatum are other species in flower. Oncidium veruco-
sum has a fine mass of clear yellow flowers, and one plant
appears equal to the true O. Rogersi. Masdevallia Veitchi and
M. gibberosa flowering together are in strong contrast ; the
firet, as well known, bearing a magnificent flower, while the

other is of the dullest colour and most eccentrie structure.
Restrepia antennifera, to which we have often called attention,
and Gongora odoratissima, are two very curious plants growing
near together. Other ornamental Orchids we find in Miltonia
Clowesi, Mesospinidium vulcanicum, and the Cypripediums
now represented by C. purpuratum and C. Sedeni as the
prettiest in colour. A large plant of C. Harrisoni is imposing
with several fine glossy flowers. These are accompanied by
C. Roezli and C. longifolium.

STRAY NOTES.

Tue roof of our stove is now (October) resplendent with the
bright rose flowers of Passiflora princeps; the sprays 2 feet and
more in length have a telling effect. The individual flowers are
of short duration, but the unexpanded buds are very attractive.
The flowers are produced most freely from the old wood, the
wood requiring to be two or three years old before the flowers
are freely produced. It flowera continuously all the year
round, being most gay in late summer and spring. Alter-
nating with it we have Clerodendron Balfourianum, which never
fails to flower in early summer and again in autumn, its
branched cymes of creamy white bracts with the peeping star-
like corolla have a beautiful effect; indeed, I know not which
(the Passiflora princeps or this) isthe more beautiful. Associated
with those on the same roof is Ipomca Horsfallie, with its
great clusters of buds and flowers, successionally produced, of
the loveliest satiny crimson. It commences flowering in Sep-
tember, and continues through the winter. It flowers from the
stem of the old wood liks Passifiora princeps. Bougainvillea
glabra gives its mauve-coloured bracts, and these have a very
graceful effect when the plant is trained on the roof. The
flowering sprays are in higher luxuriance than from plants
grown in pots. The four plants named flower early and late,
and are remarkable for cleanliness, not having given us the
trouble of applying an insecticide for many years. I strongly
recommend them for clothing the rafters of a stove. Another
plant well worthy of note is Jasminum Sambae flore-pleno,
which does equally well planted out or grown in pots, and is of
the easiest culture. It is very lovely and highly perfumed.

Stove wall-plants are not difficult to find. When the wall
is not shaded, or only slightly, none are finer than the fiery
scarlet Euphorbia jacquinieflora. Plantsin pots afford no idea
of the great beauty and usefulness of this plant when planted
out in good turfy loam and encouraged during growth with
liquid manure. Beautiful as this is it cannot bear comparison
with the scarlet-bracted heads of Poinsettia pulcherrima. A
wall covered with it and the white variety P. pulcherrima alba,
trained so as to have the floral heads interspersed, has a charm-
ing effect. Still more graceful covering for a wall are the Be-
gonias nitida and fuchsioides, waxy white and the richest of
waxy scarlets, the plants growing and flowering all the year
round, giving more sprays than any other plants I know. The
spray of the scarlet (fuchsioides), depending over the edges of
an epergne, are inimitable. For a shaded back wall in a stove
Cissus discolor is admirable, clothing the space as no other
plant can with the richest and most lovely of leaf beauty. I
may mention that this plant trained to a fiat trellis forms one
of the richest of live screens for house decoration on ‘‘ great
occasions,’ having a peculiar richness and lustre, especially its
young growths, in artificial light.

Primula intermedia is now throwing-up fine trusses of
flowers, two and three from a crown; one truss only just clear
of the crown is flowering, bright rosy purple in colour, deeper
than when the plants flower at their usual time in spring. It
was kept in a cold frame in summer, shaded from bright sun,
and well supplied with water. It appears to like strong loam
and plenty of moisture, but not over the foliage. The truss
now flowering showed itself last spring and remained dormant
through the summer; this I attribute to the plant being kept
too dry and warm during the winter previously. The other
trusses will no doubt remain stationary over the winter and
bloom strongly, as is not infrequent with Auriculas, in spring.

My seedling Cyclamen persicums, the seed of which was sown
in March and the plants grown in a frame, have done remark-
ably well, quite as well as I have usually had them from autumn
and early spring sowing and growing in heat until midsummer.
I have several plants in flower of a very serviceable size for
decorative purposes. The old plants have been kept in cold
frames and shaded from bright sun. They were kept moist and
were not repotted when recommencing growth, but a little of
the surface soil was removed and replaced with fresh turfy loam

November 8, 1877. ]

" JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

369

and cow dung (old), and the result is a great profusion of
flower buds and healthy foliage. Some of the corms are 4 to
5 inches in diameter, and promise to flower better than they
have done in previous seasons. They will be kept in a tempe-
rature of 40° to 45° fire heat and be placed near the glass on a
cool moist bottom, for I am convinced that the flower and leaf
stems damp at their base from the frequency of the watering
necessitated by keeping the plants in a dry place.

The double lilac Primrose (P. altaica) is flowering very freely
in a border among or rather facing some shrubs, the flowers
being larger and much deeper in colour than I have observed
them in early spring.

Of all the plants used for clothing a wall I have seen none
that are at this season more beautiful than the small-leaved
Cotoneaster microphylla, its deep shining green mantle being
80 densely and regularly decked with orange-red bead-like
berries. C. buxifolia is also fine in foliage and berry. Some,
however, prefer the bolder foliage of Escallonia macrantha,
which is very glossy, and the bright rosy flowers are both
beautiful and fragrant. The Escallonia requires a wall with
a south, south-east, or south-west aspect in northerly and
elevated situations, but on warm sunny slopes is one of the
finest of spreading shrubs. The bright crimson leaves of the
Virginian Creepers upon a north wall in contrast with Ivy
are very striking. These, with the Traveller’s Joy (Clematis
vitalba) are intermingled. All that is wanted is to cut away
the shoots of the Clematis close to the Ivy when its leaves
commence falling, to expose the green surface during the
winter months.

I have been often struck with the great beauty of some
plants as we see them in nature. One example will suffice—
a Holly standing on a knoll. It may at some time have
formed part of a fence. At its base is the common Whin, a
mass of gold in spring. Through the head of the Holly peer
here and there depending branches of wild Rose, covered in the
dog days with blushing buds and pink salvers. The Holly
itself, when loaded with its bright scarlet berries (as it is this
year), is the finest of all winter ornaments, and always beauti-
ful from its evergreen character—A YorKsHIRE GARDENER.

MR. RICHARD SMITH’S NURSERY AT
ST. JOHN’S, WORCESTER.
Part INTRODUCTION AND ROSE DEPARTMENT.

I map long wished to see this great nursery. ‘‘ It is a mar-
vellous place,’ said a good judge to me. ‘ You should see it,”
he added, ‘‘ you really should ; now this September go.’’ Some-
how or other I fancied I should never manage to get there ; for
three autumns I had been invited, but not once had I been
able to leave home at the wished-for time. A man with a
profession and who sticks to it is not only tied by the leg, but
whenever he especially wants to run away it seems to me hig
leg is sure to be tied the tighter. Then I never wish to be
‘a peripatetic parson.” St. John’s Nursery, said I to myself;
well, I don’t think I shall ever see it. I read the labels on
my own trees, ‘‘ Richard Smith, Worcester.” I went to see
other people’s pyramid Apples and Pears, they had the same
labels on. I went to take a baptism for a friend, I saw some
new trees being planted in a garden adjoixing, trees of orna-
mental foliage. I sawsome little flag-like labels on them, and,
while waiting for the little innocent, thought I would see
where they came from. There on them the same label,
“Richard Smith, St. John’s Nurseries, Worcester.” I took
down by sheer accident ([ am not romancing), a copy of the
“PBlorist and Pomologist,” it was that for July, 1876, from a
friend’s shelves, and I opened it at a picture, a coloured one,
of the Worcester Pearmain, brought out by Richard Smith,
Worcester. Next time I saw a certain Doctor (we all know
who that Doctor is) I said, ‘‘ That picture of the Worcester
Pearmain in the ‘Florist and Pomologist’ of July is an
exaggeration as to colour surely?” ‘‘ Not a bit of it,’”’ was the
answer, ‘“‘go to Worcester and see them on the trees.”
“There,” said the Doctor, ‘there is another picture of the
Apple,’ opening his desk in that old office not far from old
Temple Bar, and thrusting a highly-coloured picture in my
hand ; ‘‘there, there it is, correct as possible.” Well, seeing
is believing, thought I; I will go and see. I will go and see
the countless fruit trees, the vast spread of foliage trees, and
all the wonders of St. John’s. Good reader, I have been to gee,
and I will take you into my confidence and tell you all I saw.
I went one fine day in September, the best time of all the year

pany to stroll through a nursery. May is too chilly, July is
too hot.

Onward from Wilts to Worcester, on by Great Western,
sharp turn up Gloucester way, through the picturesque valley
where busy Stroud lies, on further in sight of the Malvern
Hills, past innumerable orchards, and Worcester station at
last, and there was Mr. Smith, and so we met. ’Tis after-
noon and too late to go to work, so my host drives me about
the clean bright city, certainly one of the cleanest places I
ever saw, and this was a second visit as to Worcester itself.
Worcester looks as if it could not have any dirtier merchandise
in it than Hops, and china and gloves. The people look clean ;
the children, those sure tell-tales as to the nature of their
parents’ employment, look clean. The houses are as a rule
red brick with stone facings, and while in some streets half
timber houses of the earlier Stuart times are yet to be seen,
notably in a street called by contrast or perversity New Street.
There is the ancient commandery of the knights, near there
the house through which King Charles is supposed to have
escaped. Old, very old, this place and others in New Street,
but the city has yet on the whole a queen-amidst look, save
near the fine Cathedral, when one’s imagination goes back for
hundreds of years. I am shown the Cathedral, and most beauti-
ful it is; yet it is strange to see, as it were, a new cathedral all
bright and new-like inside and out, for the old worn stone is
gone and replaced by new. New the reredos, new the gorgeous
pulpit, new the fine brass communion rails, new-looking even
King John recumbent on his monument, for he is gilt.
Beautiful instance and evidence of the generosity of English-
men of the present era in restoring one of their churches is
this Cathedral restored at a vast cost. Very beautiful also for
situation is the Worcester Cathedral, standing high and clear,
overlooking the broad bright Severn. But the windows are
growing dim, and dimmer the light within, for daylight is-
dying fast, and sight-seeing must be given up perforce.

The next morning to my especial business. Crossing the
Severn I am in that transpontine part of Worcester called
St. John’s, a district chiefly of houses inhabited by those who
live by hand labour, not a close quarter happily, but roomy
and rural. A mile beyond the river or about, I come to ths
nureery. This hasa history. In the year 1804 Mr. Smith’s
father began with only a four-acre patch, presently ten more
acres were added, and now 167 acres are under cultivation.
The great broad drive which we enter is a mile in length,
there before you it stretches and runs out like a very high
road. The cross drive is seven-eighths of a mile, and al-
together there are thirty-two miles of walks. We reach the
office, in former days Mr. Smith’s residence, but now needed
for business—a pretty place, and most unlike the generality
of offices where clerks do scribble and accountants tot-up the
figures, for it is a creeper-clad villa with fine specimens of
ornamental shrubs around.

Mr. Smith, myself, and Cox, the very capable manager of
the fruit and Rose departments, proceed on our way. ‘The
first things that strike me are the good situation and good
climate, the next on inspection the excellent soil so well suited
to fruit trees.

As such prominence is given to Roses in our Journal, and
out of love for the queen of flowers, I will speak of the Rose
quarter first. It consists of 12 acres thickly planted with
healthy trees, soon, for the selling time is near, to be scattered
all over England. I will dwell upon a few which looked speci-
ally well as I stood among them latein September. First there
is Dupuy-Jamain, light cherry-red, globular and vigorous, good
to bloom, and late. It is a Rose I would greatly recommend
for foliage, growth, and flower. This caught my eye very
readily. Then second there was Capitaine Christy—a delicate,
a very delicate hued Rose, light and fair with deeper centre ;
a Rose blooming well in autumn. Third there was La France,
grand and durable, a friend in need, and it was a Rose a patch
of which was always to be seen; not like some Roses, where a
patch dies off in the distance from want of size and number of
flowers. Fourth the Countess of Oxford, a bright carmine of
fine form. Fifth Edward Morren, an English Rose, a crimson
bedder. Sixth Comtesse de Serenye, a delicate shaded Rose,
which opens well in spite of damp. Seventh Boule de Neige,
white and pure, and so truly Camellia-like. Eighth Bessie
Johnson, a Rose to which is now attached a tender memory,
for the invalid after whom it was named is no longer with us.
This Rose was in full glory. It is a very good Rose, anda
good late bloomer. As a ninth that caught my eye i would
name Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier, a beautiful light-coloured Rose,

370

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 8, 1877.

very beautiful in bud, extremely charming. Tenth I would
mention Soupert et Notting, a Perpetual Moss; there are so
few good Mosseg, and this is very sweet, very double, and one
thoroughly to be recommended. Hleventh must come Monsieur
Etienne Levet, a fine crimson Rose, as good as possible of its
class, and blooming this September grandly. Twelfth, for Sir
Garnet Wolseley must be included in the dozen St. John’s
Nursery Roses that particularly struck my eye; he, the
military-named Rose, showed up well. Thirteenth—but hold!
I spoke of a dozen picked Roses ; but there is such a thing as
a ‘*baker’s dozen.’’ Go into the first country parsonage you
come to, and I warrant you will find “‘ a baker’s dozen of curly
heads;’’ so still I say thirteenth Souvenir de Spa, the colour
of Eugéne Appert, but, unlike that velvety Rose, very full and
globular. Such I would give as a short but very charming
selection. Of course there were hundreds of others. Reynolds
Hole I noticed, perhaps still the best of dark Roses; and Presi-
dent Thiers, a Rose which will help toa recent great states-
man’s name in our memories.

The Rose quarter at St. John’s fairly surprised me, for I did
not know that Mr. Smith gave so much attention to that
flower, or so much room—12 acres to one flower. One seemed
fairly surrounded by an array of Roses of all classes. Some
for the Scotch marketz, where very high standards are bz2st
liked, down to the lowest, the most being worked on the
Manetti stock.—WittsuirE Rector.

THE VEITCH MHMORIAL FUND.

Tue Trustees of the Veitch Memorial Fuad have not durivg
the past year offered any prizes at horticultural exhibitions,
and the consequence is that they find themselves with a con-
siderable balance in their fayour, which enables them to make
their trugt more widely useful, and consequently to keep up
greater interest in the memory of Mr. Veitch. They have
decided this year to offer ten prizes, consisting of a Veitch
commemoration medal and £5 each, to be given at ten pro-
vincial exhibitions as follows :—=

BELFAsT.—For twelve new Roses, cut blooms, sent out since 1873, inclusive.

BrRIGHTON.—One bridal and one ball bouquet.

Cray Cross.—One dish of Peaches, one ditto Nectarines.

DvUBLIN.—Three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes.

ExETER —Collection of twelve vegetables, distinct.

HEREFORD.—Twelve new Roses, cut blooms, sent out since 1873, inclusive.

MANCHESTER.— Specimen Orchid.

REsDING.—Tbree stove or greenhouse plants.

WoopBRIDGE.—Three stove or greenhouse plants.

Yorx.—Three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes.

We highly commend this way of diffusing horticultural
interest by means of this excellent fund.

IN THE NORTH.—No. 4.
GLASGOW.

Tur Botanic Gardens I only hurriedly passed through,
but I saw sufficient to make me ask my friend who went
through them with me, Cannot the wealthy citizens of Glasgow
afford something better in the way of glass? Woe all know
what an excellent Curator they have in Mr. Bullen, but all the
curators in the world cannot fight against badly constructed
and dilapidated houses. The new nursery grounds of Messrs.
J. & W. Thynne in the samesuburb (Hillside) show that great
care and ekill are exercised in the management of the concern.
Mr. McCallum, so well known to the frequenters of the Man-
chester shows, is doing much for it; and as the extension of
building is going on conside-ably in that direction, each year
will add to its importance. The houses were full of good
planta in excellent health, but it would be needless to parti-
cularise where all is well managed.

On my way to Mr. A. B. Stewart at Raweliffe Lodge I had
to pass through Quesn’s Park, which comprises an elevated
position from whence a good view of the city is obtained, and
is carefully and tastefully laid out. It is in such places that
ribbon bordering, carpet and embossed bedding, and gub-tro-
pical gardening arein place. They give a blaze of colour and
make a grand effect. They are in perfection when the people
are most likely to frequent them, and the emptiness of the
beds in winter and spring is not of so much consequence. One
long ribbon border stretching the whole length of the terrace
particularly struck me. It wascomposed of 1, yellow Pansies ;
2, dwarf ecarlet Tropeolum; 3, white Pansy and variegated
Grass; and the centre blue Pansy. Such a ribbon in the
south would be a dangerous experiment, but in this cool and

moist climate Pansies and Violas succeed to a degree that
would astonish most southerners.

Mr. Stewart is well known as one of the most.successful
plant exhibitors in Scotland and the north of England, second
only to Mr. Shuttleworth of Preston; and therefore one was
quite prepared to find under the experienced care of his intel-
ligent gardener Mr. Todd a grand collection of plants, and in
this and its varied character I was not disappointed, while
every arrangement was made for the well-being of the men
employed. There is a capital working shed and an excellent
reading room, with a good library of books both for instruction
and amusement. There was a very nice collection of the
Filmy Ferns, including some rare species of Trichomanes and
Hymenopbyllum, and some fine specimens of Todea; amongst
them were fine specimens of T. Bauerianum, T. Luschnah-
anum, T. nitidum, T. trichoideum, T. reniforme, T. superba
and pellucida. Adjoining this was a small house contain-
ing some fine healthy specimens of Nepenthes and Ixoras.
In the large Orchid house was a fine collection of Orchids and
some choice stove Palms; amongst them Brahea filamentosa
with its curious white filaments, Phenix, and Stewartii.
Oncidium Rogersii was very fine, as was also Odontoglossum
vexillarium with six fine growths upon it, giving promise of
great beauty. Bertolonia Van Houttei was also very fine. The
Azalea house contained some grand specimens, and Heaths
were cultivated with great care. Amongst them were some
fine plants of Hricas Mutabilis, Shannoni Ventricosa grandi-
flora and Eppsii, Massoni, &c., making one hope for a time
when they might once more be in favour. Countess of Had-
dington Rhododendron was also very fine, and so were soma
of the Tree Ferns. I have seldom seen Ouvirandra fenestralis
better done; the leaves were broad, and the latticing so very
clear and well defined. The Camellias were a marvel of good
cultivation. The plants were all planted out, and when in
full bloom and about four thousand flowers out it must have
been a graud sight. In this house was a plant of Eucalyptus
globulus which had very soon outgrown the place allotted to
it. The conservatory was exceedingly well arranged, and one
part of it made into an artificial rockery with Ferns planted
amougst it was very taking, and a long corridor with a fountain
at the end and reflecting glasses was very beautiful. There
were no fruit houses, as Mr. Stewart has a lovely place, Ossory
Hall in the Isle of Bute, where this is grown, Rawcliffe Lodge
being entirely devoted to flowers; and under the able super-
intendence of Mr. Todd there is no doubt that the good report
which it has already obtained as the homes of many valuable
plants will be fully maintained.—D., Deal.

NEW BOOK.

The Fern World. By Francis Grorcr Hearn. London:
Sampson Low & Co., 188, Fleet Street.

Encouracep by the success of smaller works on Ierns, ‘‘ The
Fern Paradise,’ and ‘‘ A Plea for the Culture of Ferns,” the
author has produced the present volume. He has chosen a
comprehensive title, and has written an agreeable book. His
subject is popularly treated, the object, as stated, having been
to ‘‘inculcate a love for the study of Nature.” The volume
contains chapters on Fern-hunting, descriptions of ‘' Fern
Land,” with notes on the distribution and culture of British
Ferns. It is illustrated with views of Fern.scenes in Devon-
shire, and the more familiar species of hardy Ferns are repre-
sented by coloured figures, which are sufficiently well executed
to be recognisable. Here we observe a serious mistake: The
letterprees facing plate 3 would convey the impression that the
Royal Fern and Hay-scented Buckler Fern are there repre-
sented ; No. 1, however, on the plate is Athyrium Filix-femina,
and No. 2 Lastrea Filix-mas. An extract from the chapter on
Fern-collecting will sufficiently show the nature of the work.

“Ferns may be freely taken up at any time. Where a Fern-
collecting tour is decided on the collector should be provided
with a small garden fork, a stout chisel, a hammer, a strong
clasped knife, a trowel, and a covered basket made either of
rush or wicker, or other receptacle for carrying the Ferns.
Nothing so much promotes the rapid recovery of a plant after
removal as the exercise of great care in getting up the entire
mass of roots and rootlets. It must be remembered that it has
often taken the rootstock a long time to develope its network of
rootlets, which as they grew have penetrated into all the sur-
rounding interstices of the soil or rock from which the plant
derives its sustenance. If, therefore, the work of months is
ruthlessly undone in a moment by the thoughtless tearing-up of
the plant without its mass of root-feeders, it cannot be expected

Noyember 8, 1877. ]

that the same vigour will be immediately shown under cultiva-
tion as was before exhibited.

‘Tt is especially in the removal of the rock-loving Ferns that
the greatest violence is usually done to the plants. Most of the
rock-growing species have very abundant, wiry, fibrous rootlets,
which penetrate in a very remarkable way the stony interstices
in the neighbourhood of the rootstock. It is often made a sub-
ject of complaint by Fern-collectors that the rock-growing
Species are more difficult than any others to establish under
cultivation. But the difficulty arises chiefly from the circum-
Stance which has already been alluded to. -No doubt it is often
amatter of difficulty to uproot the rock-loving Ferns, and it is
for this work that # hammer and chisel are necessary, so that
by the careful undermining and removal! of the adjacent por-
tions of rock the crown, rootstock, and rootlets of the specimen
desired may be got out unharmed.

‘ Where by the careful process recommended Ferns are got
out from their places of growth, damp moss or other moist
material should be wrapped securely round their rootstocks and
rootlets. In this way they can be conveniently carried to a con-
Biderable distance without any covering to the fronds, although
if the air be very hof, dry, and sultry the fronds, if intended to
remain on the plant, must, especially those of the most fragile
or herbaceous kinds, be kept under shelter, as they would be if
put into a covered basket or other convenient covered receptacle.
In removing the larger kinds of Ferns, however, during the
Summer it may often be found convenient, especially where
room for putting the specimens has to be economised, to cut off
all, or at least the largest of the fronds, and to wrap in moss, or
keep covered merely, the rootstocks and rootlets. When planted
in the garden or other place of cultivation new fronds, as we
have already said, will, if under favourable conditions, speedily
be thrown up to supply the place of those removed. Where a
tour is made in search of small specimens of Ferns it is best,
after wrapping moss (which is generally to be found in the
neighbourhood of Ferns) around each little root, to pack together,
root side by side with root, the whole of the specimens. If a
moist wrapper be then placed round them they will keep fresh
for days, and even for weeks if occasionally looked at and
sprinkled with water. Ifa quantity of reed straw be taken
with the collector on a Fern-hunting excursion it will be pos-
sible to preserve the fronds of the larger species by putting the
reeds on the ground in a line with the direction of the fronds,
and rolling them round the mass of roots and tying them in
that position. In this way the tops of the reeds standing out
around the fronds will protect them from injury until they
are safely disposed of in the garden at home. In collecting the
rock-loving species of Ferns it is desirable when possible to
detach a little portion of the rock, so as to avoid tearing off the
rootlets of the plant.

“One important object in Fern collecting should always be
kept in mind. Before removing a plant from its home, the soil
in which it is growing, its positions as to shade or shelter, and
the manner in which it has fastened itself to sloping bank, to
tree fork, or to rifted rock, should be carefully noted; and the
cultivator should then endeavour as nearly as possible to pro-
vide similar conditions of growth under cultivation. In this
Way many curious and beautiful lessons will be learned from
the teachings of Nature.”

FORCING SEAKALE.

Various modes of forcing Seakale ara adopted, but the
method I wish briefly to point out is the simplest, cheapest,
and best I have found.

In the first place the ground is measured out in 5-feet beds
with 2-feet spaces between the beds to form alleys, the soil is
taken from these spaces 18 inches or 2 feet in depth and thrown
on each side to form the beds, which are made firm at the sides
with the spade to keep them from crumbling down. The beds
are made level, and are then ready for the insertion of the
roots.
bed ; the plants are placed in the trench about 2 inches apart
and 6 inches from row to row, leaving 6 inches on each side
of the bed. After enough has been planted for a batch fill the
trenches with well-heated mannre (which should be prepared
beforehand) and treading it rather firmlyinto them. The beds
will then be ready for covering over, which is done by bending
bean or hurdle rods over the beds, placing the thick end on
the outside of the bed, or rather into the trench, and tying
the thin ends together to form an arch about 3 feet high. A
covering of mats is then tied over the hoops; sometimes two
or three coverings are used according to the weather. In very
severe weather, or when the Kale is wanted quickly, a lot of
long manure is used between the mats, the outside mats being
secured to pegs driven into the sides of the beds to prevent

A trench or drill is chopped out at one end of the

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 371

By this treatment Seakale can be obtained in a month or
five weeks. If too much is likely to be produced at once, or
if it is required to keep some back, take off some of the cover-
ing, which will also improve the flavour of the Kale. It
never tastes so earthy when grown in this way as when
large quantities of manure and leaves are carted together to
grow a few dozen heads quickly and too often poor and
spindly.—J. P.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—CROWFOOTS.

Amonest the most beautiful of our border and spring garden
plants are the Hepaticas. In years gone by they were classed
with the Anemones, but now form a family of themselves that
may be said to be always bright in sunshine or in shade—
indeed, all the more beautiful in partial shade.

We are indebted to North America for these charming spring
beauties. They are well adapted for all purposes that flowers
and plants are required, for they are a very accommodating
race. They are everybody’s flower. Place them where you
may—in pot, basket, rock or border, indoors or out—they
afford us a pleasure that no other flowers can in the sunny
days of spring. Then they are among the old, old border
flowers, and planted in masses or in lines, alternating their
colours, the effect is charming. Being evergreen they may
remain as permanent plants, or be removed to make room for
the summer occupants of the garden.

Of Hepatica the single kinds are increased by seed and
division. The seed is best sown as soon as ripe in well-drained
pots in a mixture of sandy loam and peat in a cool moist pit
or frame. Patience will require to be exercised, for the young
plants may not make their appearance until the following
spring. They will require care in watering. When large
enough they can be pricked out in pans or boxes as most
conyenient, affording a little shade in bright weather until
established. The double varieties are increased by division
in the autumn, that they may be ready for their work in the
spring. They are rather impatient of removal, and are better
when left where raised. They like a free soil, moderately rich;
all the better if gritty. They should have efficient drainage.
To see these plants where they are grown by the thousand for
sale is a sight never to be forgotten.

The kinds most common in cultivation are the single blue
and white, double blue and red. MHepatica angulosa, the
largest of the race, is a most telling plant for all purposes, and
is worthy of very extensive cultivation. It is to be regretted
that we have not more variety in colours of these old favourite
plants.— VERITAS,

FORK AND HOE. -

THE benefits accruing from the liberal use of these tools
are generally underrated. The primary use of the hoe is
to uproot and destroy weeds. Its secondary use is to keep
in moisture and admit the heat of the sun and air. A hard
close soil dries much quicker, and is not so easily moistened
either by irrigation or by rain. Plants grown in soil which is
in aclose and hard state always suffer from drought sooner than
plants which are grown with a surface kept loose by hoeing.
The reason of this is, that a compact surface evaporates mois-
ture drawn from beneath by the force of capillary attraction
less readily if there is some loose material on the surface.
Everyone knows that litter or short grass strewn over a piece
of ground will be the means of keeping that ground in a moist
state, while an uncoyered piece will be parched and dry during
a long drought. A surface of loose soil acts in the same way,
only less effectually. A well-hoed piece of ground admits the
sun’s rays more readily than an unhoed piece. This may be
proved by the use of a thermometer. After heavy rain has
battered the soil until it is quite smooth, and cracks on the
surface after the rain is gone and the sun comes out, hoe a
piece of ground which is exposed to the sun, insert a thermo-
meter in it to the depth of 8 or 10 inches, insert one in an
unhoed piece, and after the lapse of twenty-four hours examine
the two thermometers, and you will have convincing proof that
a loose surface favours the absorption of heat. The advantage
of warmth in the soil we may pass over without remark, as
almost anyone can tell whether plants thrive betterin a warm
or cold soil. I may remark, however, that a fresh surface in
pots acts in the same way, and that a clean pot absorbs heat
more readily than one covered with slimy matter, and at the

the wind blowing the mats off; they are also tied to each | same time retains it better. ;

other on the top.

Forking the soil has the effect of drying it in wet seasons

372

and of kesping it moister in dry ones. A soil deeply dug and
well broken with the fork allows the free passage of water;
and everybody knows, or should know, that a wet soil is a
cold soil, and oftentimes sour to the bargain; and plants do
not thrive in a cold sour soil. And though it may seem a
paradox, a deeply-dug well-forked soil is always moister in a
dry summer. When deep and loose, soil has the property of
drawing water from the subsoil to a greater extent than when
in a hard unpulverised state, and, as pointed out, retains it
to a great extent if there is a loose upper layer.

A well-forked soil prepares the manurial matter in the soil
much more rapidly than a hard golid one. It admits water
more readily to dissolve the saline matters in the soil, and so
enables the plants to absorb them. Pulverised soil admits air
more readily, and it is only by the decay of manure that it is
fit for food; and it is only when brought into contact with the
air that it decays. Decay, in the case of ordinary manure,
means that the substance is being converted into ammonia,
carbonic acid, and the various salts, which may be called the
foundation of the plant. These gases—ammonia and carbonic
acid—are soluble in water, and pass into the system of the
plant through the roots in this state. The roots also possess
the property of taking in the gases without the medium of
water; but if the air be not admitted freely the supply of these
gases will be limited, as their formation at all depends on the
presence of atmospheric air. While these gases are being
formed the saline matter of the manure is set free, and so
forking the soil tends to produce a free growth by indirectly
furnishing the plant with food. Thus by causing a greater
growth in the case of vegetables grown for their leaves an im-
provement of the quality is the result, to say nothing of the
quantity. This greater growth causes greater succulency in
such things as Spinach, Lettuce, &c. Forking the soil im-
proves Potatoes very much. It does so in being the cause in
wet seasons of drying the soil, rendering it warmer, &c., and
sve know that these conditions favour the production of Potatoes
superior in quality to those grown on cold wet soils. I have
seen Potatoes of fine quality dug from heavy soil, but which
had been well pulverised, and wet waxy ones when the soil was
left close and firm. Unless clay soil is well worked with prong
and hoe good Potatoes are seldom produced.

The production of mealy Potatoes is greatly favoured by the
use of the fork for another reason: a loose soil which admits
the air freely encourages the production of carbonic acid gas.
Now we know that the roots of plants take up this, and that
it is decomposed in the leaves and rebuilt into a new compound
or compounds. One of these compounds is starch. It is well
known that the difference between mealy Potatoes and wet
ones consists in the amount of starch contained in the cells
of the Potato tuber. In the case of a mealy Potato, when
viewed through a microscope, the cells are packed full of starch
granules, while in the case of a waxy one these cells are full
of water, and the starch granules are not nearly so abundant.
When a Potato of this description is boiled the granules dis-
solve in the water and the Potatoes are waxy. In the other
ease the cells do not contain water enough to dissolve the
starch granules, and so when cooked they assume the character
of flourballs. Such are a few of the advantages of the free
use of prong and hoe. It may be said that a full knowledge
of their use, and that knowledge applied, constitutes good
gardening, for the principles involved are applicable where the
fork and hoe would be out of place.—ONE WHO HAS WHISTLED
AT THE SpPavE (in The Gardener).

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Dountine the last week our time has been taken up with digging
and trenching, also clearing away the fallen leaves from the
walks and borders. The rains have made the walks sufiiciently
moist to enable us to clear off any weeds which have grown
through the gravel. This ought always to be done before
sweeping the paths, as it is generally necessary to draw the
broom over the gravel even if a few weeds only have been pulled
out. = wunen the gravelis nearly dry the roller may be passed
over it.

It isa good plan to have all the quarters and borders trenched
or dug as early as possible, so that the ground may lie open to
all the frosts of winter, and at any time that the surface is dry
it may be lightly forked over. Besides pulverising the soil this
exposes the larve of insects, &c., to the influence of frost and
to the sharp eyes of birds. One remark is necessary here in

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 8, 1877.

passing, and that is not to dig or trench when the ground is
Saturated with wet or when it is raining. We know a place
where men are sent to trenching when it is too wet to do other
work, and we have known men cutting the frozen ground with
pickaxes and turning it over into the trench with a crowbar.
A little forethought might alter this state of matters. In most
large places work may be found for the men under glass or in
the potting sheds. :

We have previously written of earthing-up Celery and the
manner of doing it. Those who have not yet earthed-up their
main crops ought to do so at the earliest opportunity. The
leaves and earthing-up material ought to be quite dry. We
have known peat soil used to earth-up Celery, and it has answered
well: this hint may be useful to those who have plenty of
siftings of dry peat from the potting shed. Whatever is used
in earthing-up ought to be prevented from falling into the heart
of the plants.

When cold frames can be spared a quantity of Lettuce plants
ready for use may be planted very thickly in them, so that they
may be protected both from wet and frost. The lights should
be removed during fine days and be tilted at the back on fine
nights. We have advised covering Endive with boards, but as
the season advances the plants suffer from frost and wet. Those
who possess a dark cellar can blanch Endive very well. Lift
the plants carefully with balls of earth and plant them closely
together. This plan has also the advantage of the Endive being
easily obtained when it is wanted. Should Lettuce and Endive
be scarce Chicory roots will be plentiful if a few rows were
sown about theend of May. The roots may be potted closely to-
gether in 10 and 11-inch pots. They will grow in any dark place
in a temperature of 50° or 55°. The leaves should be a yellowish
white when cut, and ought not to exceed 6 inches in length.
The soil in the pots must not be allowed to become dry, else
the produce will be tough. We have cut down the Asparagus,
and carried away the stems where they will not again be brought
back to the garden. They are densely covered with red berries
containing seeds, which only require to come in contact with
the earth to vegetate freely. The weeds have been removed
from the beds, and decayed leaves have also been picked from
Brussels Sprouts.

VINERIES.

We have not been doing much in this department except pre-
paring the early houses for forcing and seeing that no decayed
berries are allowed to remain on the bunches. We are con-
stantly being asked about lifting Vines, either to transplant them
to a new position or for the purpose of renewing the border
entirely. Instructions for renewing the border were yiven two
weeks ago. Lifting the Vines entirely is another thing, and we
do not advocate this practice. It is seldom necessary to lift
young Vines, and it will not answer to remove very old ones.
If young one-year-old Vines are well managed they will in nine
oases out of ten give the greatest satisfaction. We have planted
Vines from small pots in March and trained up from the base of
the cane from two to six shoots, and each of them has run up to
the top of a rafter about 20 feet long the same season. A dozen
moderate-sized bunches of Grapes could be taken from such a
Vine the following season, and it would improve annually,
whereas an old Vine, if the roots are entirely lifted out of the
ground, would not show such rapid improvement. Those who
are intending to purchase young Vines for planting will have
their minds exercised as to the best varieties to plant. Were
we confined to three varieties—and many persons do not care
for more than this—they would be Black Hamburgh, Muscat
of Alexandria, and Lady Downe’s Seedling. Ofcourse there are
many other varieties, each having valuable distinctive qualities
of their own, that ought to be in all large collections, and the
Muscat of Alexandria requires a higher temperature than many
persons cangiveit. Ifa high temperature could not be obtained
some other white sorts would have to beincluded. Our choice
is f.r Buckland Sweetwater, but itis right to say that many of
our best gardeners prefer Foster’s White Seedling. Dr. Hogg,
raised by the late Mr. Pearson of Chilwell, is by far the best round
white-berried sort with Frontignan flavour. In flavour itis not
surpassed by any, and it is superior to all others of its class in
bunch and berry. The vexed question as to whether Venn’s
Black Muscat or Black Muscat of Alexandria (Snow’s Black
Muscat) are distinct sorts has not yet been decided. We saw
the two growing together at Chiswick the other day, and for all
practical purposes they were alike. If there was any difference
between them it was tbat the new sort was more badly shanked
than the other. Alicante is a good late sort, and Clive House
Seedling will probably be equal if not superior to it when it is
better known. Those intending to plant should now select
moderately strong well-ripened canes struck from eyes this year.

CUCUMBER HOUSE,

Strong plants were planted out two or three weeks ago in
place of the old ones, which were destroyed. We would have
planted earlier if another house had been available, as it is not
easy to keep up a continuous supply if the old plants have to
be removed from a house to make room for those that are to

November 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

373

follow. The only plan is to grow the young plants to a good
size, shifting them on so that they may not be root-bound. We
like the soil to be in the bed long enough to be well warmed,
and the plants are put out without disturbing the roots. It is
also an advantage to have the surface of the bed mulched with
decayed stable manure; the spent dung from a Mushroom bed
is as good as anything. Before planting them out we had the
woodwork and glass thoroughly well washed. It is not possible
to have too much light for Cucumbers. Insect pests must be
Kept from the leaves.
PLANT STOVE AND ORCHID HOUSES.

In this department plants are now pretty well at a standstill,
at least hardwooded subjects, such as Ixoras, Dipladenias, Alla-
mandas, that are intended for summer flowering. It is not to
be supposed that such plants flower only in the summer, as by
a little management they may be had all the year round. With
a dozen plants of Ixora of different sizes and species we have
had trusses of bloom in every month of the year. It is merely
a matter of heat and watering. At present we have three or
four species of Ixora in flower, including I. javanica, Coleii,
and Williamsii; also Dipladenia amabilis and Allamanda Schottii.
Should such plants be required to flower in June and July
the temperature of the house should be now kept about 60° at
night as a minimum with a rather dry atmosphere, and the
plants to have water at the roots if they are likely to suffer.
From the beginning to the end of January the plants should be
pruned and be started in a temperature of 65° or 70°, and this
should be increased as the season advances to 70° or even 75° at
night. All plants that are showing flower or growing should
be as near the glass as possible. Flowers are not only higher
coloured but they last longer if they are allowed to open in
juxtaposition to the glass, and the young growths formed close
to it are the most satisfactory.

Orchids in all the houses are enjoying a season of rest. At
this time of the year there is much danger of unduly exciting
them into growth. Those requiring an Hast India temperature,
Buch as the different species of Aérides, Saccolabiums, Vandas,
and Phalenopses, do best when the sphagnum is kept in a
growing condition on the surface of the pots; and as the time
has now come when water must be withheld to a certain extent,
the moss is apt to die. Our plan is just to give sufficient water
on the surface to keep the sphagnum alive, taking care that the
wafer does not go deep into the compost. Cattleyas, Lzelias,
&c., at this season may go for two or three weeks at a time
without water if they are in pots; when on blocks they require
water almost daily. Dendrobium nobile for summer flowering
has been placed in a greenhouse temperature. Other species
from warmer climates are also at rest, the Hast Indian species
in a temperature of about 55°. The cool house has also been
reduced in temperature; it is now about 45° to 50° at night.
Here Masdevallias, Odontoglossums of an alpine character, and
the Mexican Oncidiums, such as O. macranthum, flourish in
the moist cool atmosphere, and they seem about right when the
leaves are fringed with dewdrops glancing in the morning light.
Now is the time to eradicate all insect pests. It is dangerous
to fumigate for the destruction of green fly and thrips; but if
the houses are lightly fumigated for three nights in succession,
Supplementary to washing the leaves with soapy water, these
pests will be disposed of. Wash all plants infested with scale
and mealy bug.—J. Dovauas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

E. G. Henderson & Son, Pine-Apple Nursery, Maida Vale,
Edgware Road, London, W.—Catalogue of Fruits and Roses,
Shrubs and Hardy Climbers.

Richard Bradley, Halam, Southwell, Notts.—Catalogue of
English-grown Camellias, Rhododendrons, Forest and Fruit
Trees, &c.

J. J. Van Loghem, Haarlem, Holland.— Wholesale Price List
of Dutch Flower Roots.

André Leroy, 4 Angers (Maine et Loire), France.—Catalogues
of Fruit Trees, Seeds, Bulbs, and Plants.

Hogg & Robertson, 22, Mary Street, Dublin.—Catalogue of
Fruit and Forest Trees, Conifers, Evergreens, Roses, dc.

Eugéne Verdier fils ainé, 37, Rue Clisson, Gare d’Ivry, Paris,
—Descriptive List of New Roses.

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 unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense. 4

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions 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.

Poor PropnE’s GARDENING (4. L. B.).—If you will prepare a little
pamphlet and have it printed we will publish it.

Buuss (R. W. N. F.).—Our “‘ Greenhouse for the Many,” price 9d., contains
full directions for their culture.

OrcHARD Hovsz (J. C. G.).—You can have Mr. Pearson’s book on “The
Orchard House” if you enclose twenty postage stamps with your address.
The sized house you mention would be small. Dwarf-trained trees require
much attention, and, of course, bear less fruit than larger trees.

TREATMENT OF STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS (Amateur).—The treat-
ment of most of the plants you name have been given in previous numbers
of the Journal. Fuchsias would not be safe in a cold frame during the
winter, but the tuberous-rooted Bezonias would if the pots were plunged.
Lilium auratum would do well plunged in a sheltered place out of doors.
But you want so much information that it would be best to obtain the
manuals published at this office on the subjects.

TREATMENT OF Roses IN Ports (4. W. H.).—They ought to be pruned
according to the time they are wanted to flower. If you want them to flower
early you must prune early. If they are to flower late, say in the early part
of June, prune about the endcf February. It is not wise to prune them im-
mediately they are potted, better to wait a week or two until fresh roots are
formed. You may dig Roses up from the open ground now and pot them.
Water the pots in winter just suflicient to prevent the soil becoming dusty
dry, and when the plants commence growing in the spring gradually increase
the quantity. Roses out of doora may also be moved any time this month.

Borrom Heat ror CucumBens (R.).—We fancy the water does not cir-
culate very freely in the pipes, else the flags would be sufficiently warmed to
beat the compost. Ovr beds, in whish the plants bear freely all the year
round, have a foundation of brickbats over two 8-inch pipes. They give us
a bottom heat of about 85°.

HYAcINTHS IN GLAssES—RoseEs Faruine (R. N.).—Two or three lumps of
charcoal keep the water pure in the glasses. A fourth part of decayed cow
manure should be-added to the soil for Hyacinths in pots. Roses on their
own roots. or budded on the seedling Briar would do better than standards in
your soil. You should get the most robust varieties of Hybrid Perpetuals.
Tho best time to prune Rhododendrons is in March, but they will not do well
if you cut them back to the old wood.

PLANTING VINES (Civil Servant)—We have sometimes found that old
Vines do not transplant well, and io many cases it is better to plant young
ones. Your Vine may not be very old, and you may be able to lift it with a
large portion of fibrous roots attached; in that case you might try it again.
Transplant it at once. For a house like yours plant only Black Hamburgh ;
but if you want a white, Foster’s White Seedling is the best. We have not
tried the heating apparatus of which you enclose a drawing, but rather like
its appearance. It is dangerous practice to have the fire inside the house.
The cheupest way for you would be to build a flue through the house, carry-
ing it along the front and round the back.

HARtLeEy’s PATENT GLASS FOR GREENHOUSE (Subscriber).—We would
prefer the clear glass for some districts; but as you have proof that plants
can be grown well under the patent glass, and as shading may be dispeneed
with, why not try it ?

TREATMENT OF THE SEEDLING BRIAR (Scybor).—Sow the heps either in
autumn or spring in light friable soil; it need not be very rich. Some of
the seeds will vegetate the following summer, and some the next season.
The plants will be small the first year—you may grasp two hundred of them
in one hand. If these are planted out in November they may be budded the
following autumn close to the ground. As you have been unfortunate you
might purchase a few hundreds; they are sold at 1s. 6d. per hundred.

SoLtanum CapsicastRuM BERRIES Porsonous (Subscriber).—Although
perhaps not positively deleterious, we should yet be inclined to regard them
with suspicion. Dr. Hogg in his ‘‘ Vegetable Kingdom,” page 551, states—
“The fruit of S. pseado-capsicum has been supposed to be deleterious, but
M. Dunal says they are not so, for a dog which swallowed thirty of them, cut
in pieces, sustained no injury.” ‘This is a near ally of the S. Capsicastrum,
and whether the berries are poisonous or not, their taste is such as not to
recommend their use. Be cautious.

PRUNING SaRvss (M. S. Bowen).—Now is the time to cut down old Laurels
and shrubs of a kindred nature. You may cut Laurels and Holly down to
the ground, and they will throw-up young growth next season as plentifully
and vigorously as an Ash or Chestnut. Laurustinus if healthy bears pruning
well, and is improved by it. Your old Roses may be pruned now or upon
any suitable weather dvring winter. Yocr Cyclamen is C. hederefolium, a
native of Europe, growing abundantly near the shores of the Mediterranean.
It is perfectly hardy, and the tuber under favourable circumstances is some-
times a foot in diameter, the leayes being then much larger than those you
sent us.

Courting oFF LARGE Lmes FRom OLD TREES (South Devon).—It is
never advisable to cut off large branches unless they become broken and are
likely to decay. The best treatment for your Elm, which has suffered (0)
severely in the late storm, is to cut all the stumps clean off close in to the
stem, and to give the wound an immediate dressing of hot grafting mastic,
taking due precaution to have it thoroughly covered so as to exclude air, and
thus afford the best possible chance for the wound to heal. No harm is likely
to arise from branches broken asunder at some distance from the bole, all
such being likely to put forth new growth next season, and you may safely
consult your own taste as to retaining them. The best mastic for the purpose
consists of 1 Ib. of Burgundy pitch, 4 ozs. of black pitch, 2 ozs. of yellow wax,
2ozs. of rosin, 2 drachms of mutton suet, all thrown together in an iron pot
melted over a fire and applied hot with an ordinary paint brush.

Mawenuair FERN (W. H.).—The old fronds should be cut off as they fade,
but we prefer leaving them on for a time to shelter the young growth when
the plants are exposed to the strong light of a plant house. In a shaded
fernery such shelter is, of course, unnecessary. The Fern you send is Pteris
serrulata.

Yew HepceE (Tyro).—As you trenched the ground and enriched it when
jou planted the hedge two years ago, it can hardly require a surface-dressing
yet. A mulching of manure would, however, serve to attract the roots into
the best soil near the surface, and check excessive evaporation of moisture in
summer, and so prevent injury from drought. Plant nothing within a couple

374

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGH GARDENER,

[ November 8, 1877.

of yards cf the hedge, and sze that the roots of neighbouring trees or shrubs | a chance of their receiving their prizes, for we learn that a

do not steal into the enriched soil and impoverish it.

TAXONIA VAN-VOLXEMI SHEDDING ITS FuowseR Buns (L. P.).—Look to
the roots; they have either been kept too dry or too wet, most probably the
latter, as the foliage and growth is healthy. When growth eeases aud the
plant is at rest trace out ss meny roots as you cun, lift them, remove all the
old soil and replant in a mixture of loam that is naturally very fertile or made
80 with old hotbed manure. Powdered charcoal, mortar rubbish, broken
bricks, and road scrapings—anything in fact that will make a free, rich, sweet,
open soil. Beneath this place 6 inches of broken stone or brick with a 2-inch
drain-pipe continued to the nearest outlet, so as to render any subsequent
accumulation of stagnant water impossible. Thin-out and shorten the
branches, and ‘next season you will have pienty of blossom.

Coat AsHES FOR HEAvy Sor (Idem).—The gardener who told you tbat
coal ashes would “poison the soil” is mistaken. Put on all you can
obtain, and use no sand. Drainage, plenty of manure, and heavy dressings
of coal ashes with frequent stirring is the very best treatment for all soil of
a close heavy texture. It is by such simple means that we have converted
@ comparatively barren soil into a high degree of fertility and productiveness.
If you have not already made drains now is the best time for the work; make
them of 2-inch pipes 4 feet deep and 30 feet apart, with 4-inch main drain.

Groxtnras UNHEALTHY (4 Young Beginner).—A soil formed of peat and
fand with a little loam is wrong, and is probably the cause of your failure.
Use two parts of rich old manure and one part each of turfy loam, peat,
and sand. Mix this thoroughly but do not sift it, rather leave it ina rough
condition with plenty of pieces of an inch in diameter. Use broken tiles
freely for drainage, press the soil firmly about the tubers, attend well to
watering, always having the water of the same temperature as that of the
house in which the plants are growing, and when the flower buds sppear give
weak cowdung water regularly. Gloxivias never answer better than when
grown under the shade of Vines, and your brown foliage may in some measure

be attributable to exposure to the full glare of the sun, or to the attacks of
thrips or red spider.

Som FoR GARDENIAS (Idem).—These plants answer well in soil consisting
of a mixture of sandy peat and leaf soil, or old hotbed manure. After the
flowers fade the plants are taken from the conservatory into pits, where they
remain till the repotting takes place, which is usually about a fortnight
before placing them in heat; then plunge them ina mild bottom heat, gradu-
ally increasing it asthe plants make growth. As the earlie=t batches come
into flower they are taken to the stove, and when their flowers fado the plants
must, of course, be gradually hardene1 before being taken back to the pit.

CLERODENDRON Batrourt (Idem).—To flower in July, the plant now in
bloom should be kept somewhat dry after the flowers fade. Early in February
prune away as much of the spent growth as you can, shortening and
thinning the rema‘nder. Syzringe regularly, give more water to the roots,
keeping the plants jn a steady temperature of 65° to 70°. Just a3 the young
growth appears shake out and repot in soil of two parts old hotbed manure,
two parts turfy loam, aud a fair admixture of sand and powdered charcoal.
Take especial care about dra‘nege, 2 inches of broken crocks is not too much.
After repotting do not overwater, but when the shoots are a few inches long
the roots will be pushing freely into the fresh soil; then water copious'y and
encourage a free strong growth till May, when Jess water must be given to
give a check to the growth and induce the formation of flower buds, which
should make their appearance abundantly by the begianing of June,

Paint PERIsHING (J. F. K ).—We can quite sympathise with you, it almost
seems like labour in vain to paint a plant stove, exposed as the roof is to the
eold of winter and heat of summer, We know nothing to prevent the paint
from perishing. If something could be invented it ought to be a fortune to
the discoverer.

PRESERVING LATE GRAPES AFIER BRING Cur (H. Borland).—We cut all
our Lady Downe’s Grapes about Christmas. The bunches are cut with as long
a stem as possible. The stem is then inserted in a bottle of clear water kept
sweet by a few lumps of charcoal. The bottles are suspended in a sloping
position so that the bunch hangs clear of the bottle. They must be kept in
a dry room from which frost is excluded. We have kept them good in this
way until the end of May, a period of five months.

HEATING A SMALL GREENHOUSE (W.).—The plants you name would not
be injured if the thermometer fell occasionally to the freezing point. Any of
the small stoves adyertised in this Jouraal would answer to heat it.

List oF PEACHES AND NECTARINES (J. H.).—The best selection would be
three trees of Hale’s Harly, two of Royal George, two of Noblesse, two of
Walburton Admirable, cne of Princess of -Wales, one of Alexandra Noblesse,
two of Dr. Hogg, and two of Early Louise. The best Nettarines in your list
are Stanwick, Elruge, Pine Apple, Large Klrage, and Victoria.

WHITE Funeus In Manure (Manx Cat).—We cannot tell whence the
spores come which produce the fangas. Quicklime or common salt mixed
With the manore might prevent its ap, carauce.

Names oF Fruits (2. S. G.).—1, Norfolk Beefing; 2, Dumelow’s Seedling -
8, Wyken Pippin; 4, Cobham; 5, Braddick’s Nonpareil; 6, Not known
(H. P. S.).—Tower of Glamis. Es

Names or Prants (Lady Ring).—Specimen insufficient. (J. P.).—1, Ve-
ronica salicifolia ; 2, Arctium Lappa; 3, Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. The
insect is a thrips. (M. Fisher)—I, Sedum Sieboldii. The specimens of Ferns
are very incomplete. 2 May be Athyrium Filix-femina; and 3, Polypodium
cambricum.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE,

PORTSMOUTH ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

Ir will be remembered by many of our readers that the
Managers of the last Portsmouth Poultry Show did not pay
some of the winners their prize money, and this in the face of
unusual attractions concerning their payment which the schedule
offered. To obtain their dues several exhibitors placed the
Oommittee in the County Court and obtained their money
with costs. There are, however, others who did not like to
take such steps, and to them a great part of their money has
never been paid. Such will be glad to hear that there is yet

short time ago a meeting was held at the Sussex Hotel to take
into consideration the financial position of the Portsmouth
Ornithological Society, and to discuss such measures “‘ for
the credit of the town” as might be deemed necessary for
the discharge of the liabilities incurred and outstanding in
respect of the last Show. The Mayor (W. Pink, Esq.) presided
at the meeting, and among the number present were Messrs.
Good, Cunningham, Cudlipp, Charpentier, Groom, Boots, Wise,
Nicholson, Sparks, Simmonds, Westcott, &c. We learn that
the Secretary of the Society affirmed that the liabilities
amounted to £184 15s. 103d., and the Treasurer said that the
assets only came to £5 17s. 2d. The Mayor remarked that the
Working Committee, when they saw the position of the Society,
should not have paid some claims in full and some not at all.
The Secretary and Messrs. Wise and Westcott also gave their
ideas as to the non-success of their Exhibition. The Mayor
then addressed the meeting at some length, and said that he
“had taken the liberty of asking their attendance that evening
to consider the best means to defend and preserve the credit’ of
the borough in this present crisis of the Ornithological Society.
There hed been small losses on the first and second years, end
the Society naturally thought they might make one more effort
to clear off the debt and have a small balance to go on with.
From what he had seen of the Working Committee everything
appeared very hopeful, and he would give the members all credit
for doing everything in their power to make the affair a success.
In fact, no one could blame them for making the effort to regain
their position after the losses of the previous years. Unfor‘unately
the result was a very heavy loss indeed, making a total for the
three years of £184 15s. 103d. Although personally he would
be very sorry to admit any liability, nor did the Managing Com-
mittee wish it, he did not like to see the Committee being con-
stantly subjected to actions in the County Court. He, therefore,
thought the best plan would be to call a meeting and see whether
they could not devise some means to meet the creditors, and
ask them, under the painful-circumstances, to be as lenient as
possible in their accounts, or in some way assist the Society to
liquidate the debt. If the Committee were to be left open to
County Court actions the £184 would soon amount to £260, be-
sides lowering the dignity of the borough and preventing public
spirit being shown on future occasions. For his own part he
scarcely knew what scheme to suggest, except paying the hard
cash out of their own pockets, and if that were done he would
gladly bear his share.”

Mc. Cunningham then moved that the Mayor should apply: to
Sir Frederick Fitzwygram for the purpose of obtaining Leigh
Park, in which to hold a féte in aid of the Society. This pro-
position was seconded by Mr. Wise and agreed to by all. A sub-
scription list was then opened, when the Mayor promised £5 ;
Mr. Cudlipp, £2 2s.; Mr. Good, £2 2s.; Mr. Collinson, £2 2s. 5
Mr. Charpentier, £2 2s.; Mr. Cunningham, £1 1s.; Mr. Cante,
£1 1s.; and Mr. Reading, 10s. 6d., which would at once increase
the assets from £5 17s. 2d. to £21 17s. 8d, or nearly one-eighth
of the total of their liabilities. Afterwards a Committee was
formed for the purpose of collecting subscriptions, and the
Mayor announced that he would receive donations on behalf of
the Society. a

We are delighted to hear the Committee have had this meet-
ing, and hope they may have a successful féte, and so be enabled
to get some money in hand wherewith the Ornithological Society
may once more be brought into life, for we cannot but think
that with judicious management such a Society should flourish
in Portsmouth.—W.

BLACK HAMBURGHS.

Or all the well-known breeds of fowls, this, perhaps one of
the most useful, beautiful, and profitable, is less known, and has
been, with few exceptions, less described than any other. It
has been in this country so difficult to obtain in its full purity,
that many of its most ardent fanciers have despaired of ever
getting satisfactory birds, and abandoned the pursuit. So-called
Black Hamburghs, believed, too, to be such by their owners,
can be bought; but the connoisseur can see that they are from
a made strain, fashioned generally by crossing the Black Spanish
and the Golden-spangled Hamburghs, or else by keeping and
interbreeding the darkest Golden or Silver-spangled Hamburghs,
and from pure black birds thus bred again interbreeding until
the black is perfected. The Spanish cross can be detected by
the birds throwing single combs in about a third of the hatch of
the season, and also by the combs becoming inordinately large,
the ear-lobes long instead of round, and the cocks being rather
squirrel-tailed ; the birds are, however, finely formed, and the
lustre of the feathers equal to that of the Spanish, but rather
bluish in tint. The birds bred from dark Hamburghs are very
‘coarse about the combs and heads, thus showing degeneracy,
and upon examination in the bright sunlight an iridescent
spangle can be discerned in the wing-shafts. No less an autho-
rity than Mr. Tegetmeier has cited this last peculiarity as a

oe

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Novembor 8, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

375

characteristic of the pure breed, but it should never be present
in a well-bred bird, and when it appears the bird will almost
certainly be found to have originated in the Golden or Silver-
spangled Hamburgh. ‘The true Black Hamburgh is a bird
whose pedigree, in its purity, long antedated the poultry fancy,
and originated in the home of all the Hamburgh varieties—Lan-
eashire and Yorkshire. It isthe largest of the Hamburghs, and
although perhaps not so great a layer as the pencilled bird, lays
eggs 80 much larger that the difference in quantity is made up.
The pure bird should be black throughout the feathers, and
when in condition the lustre on all the feathers is indescribable,
the metallic hue having almost a peacock brilliancy in the sun-
light. This hue should never be anything but greenish, although
old cock birds sometimes get a coppery tinge, and a bluish tinge
is suggestive of across. The comb should be of moderate size,
with a very long spike turning upward, the wattles and ear-lobes
of cock and hen being round, not elongated, and the ear-lobes
intensely white and very smooth. The surest indications of
purity of blood are the greenish lustre of the plumage, smallness
and neatness of the comb, compactness of feather, redness of
face, and more than ail, narrowness of the back of the head.
The last is an almost unfailing indication. The combs are very
difficult to obtain of proper shape, the points being often twisted
or absent, and the comb itself being very apt to sag over on one
side ; yet, with all this difficulty in rearing to a proper standard,
the bird, from its great beauty, prolificacy, and general useful
qualities, has never 1:oked admirers, and the proof of this is the
great price a cup bird will bring in England. A very fine cock
is so scarce that it is no‘ uncommon for one to be sold for a sum
equal to $100, and the Crystal Palace cup cock of 1875 brought
$400. The most cslebrated strain in England is that of the
Rev. W. Serjeantzon, and such has been the danger of contami-
nation that it is said the strain has never been crossed, the
owner preferring to breed togetuer birds of his own strain dis-
tantly related rather than injure the strain by avy base alloy.
Mr. Beldon, the celebrated Hamburgh breeder, has sent to this
country some very fine birds of his own strain, but as he has
not obtained the cup for the best birds of this variety at any of
the later great English shows, some of the other well-known
strains in England are probably superior. It is greatly t> be
regretted that the very large prices asked for genuine Black
Hamburghs has prevented the importation of very high-class
birds, but the difficulty of rearing the variety in its perfection
will probably keep up the price and the demand. The variety
is of very great merit, and as it possesses, in addition to the
beauty of the other Hamburghs, the extra qualifications of size
and hardiness, is justly regarded as a great addition to the
poultry yard, and should be better known. Except perhaps the
Silky and Sultan varieties, it is the rarest bird in its purity in this
country, and it is to be hoped that the same enterprise which
brought from the English breeders to this country so many of
our valued strains of other varieties of poultry will be devoted
to the importation of this, which is certainly fully the equal of
any known, either as a useful or beautiful variety for farmer or
fancier.—(American Pet Stock Bulletin.)

GIVING OIL TO A BIRD.

In last week’s Journal of Horticultwre ‘‘M.H.” is recom-
mended to give his Canary a drop of cod-liver oil by opening its
beak and dropping the oil into its throat from a large needle or
bodkin. I tried to administer castor oil to a Virginian Nightin-
gale and another bird in this way, but in each case the bird died
within a few seconds. No doubt they were unable to swallow
with the beak open, but the suddenness of death was remark-
able. Another plan of administering castor oil I have seen
somewhere and found to be safe and effectual. It was this :—
Keep the bird without water for a time (two hours ?), then put
a drop into the water fountain. The bird in drinking takes the
floating oil first, and apparently without much noticing anything
unusual.—H. T., Humshaugh.

SOUTHWELL SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tuts Show is making excellent progress, the number of entries
increasing year by year, this time coming almost up to four
hundred. Game headed the list, and there were some good
birds, a great improvement in fact upon those of la:t year. The
winners in the Black and Brown Redg, and the Piles first in the
variety class, were very good in all respects. Cochins.—Buaft
very good old birds; the hens slightly pencilled on the necks,
but of a good shape and well feathered. In the next class Par-
tridge were first and third, and Whites second. Brahmas a
mixed lot and very good. The winners Dark in the first,
second, and third. The first a grand pairin colourand marking.
Dorkings were large but somewhat uneven, some bad on feet and
others scarcely moulted. Créve-Cewrs were a class such as is
rarely seen in size, correctness of comb, and crest. A pen of
Minorcas were very highly commended in this class, though not
Strictly a French variety. Houwdans had two classeg. Cocks

were a capitai lot, old birds carrying off the prizes, and being a
strong class. those correct in comb were solected as the winners.
Hens a fine lot and well shown. Hamburghs were unfortu-
nately Gold and Silvers in each class, a system we cannot suffi-
ciently condemn. Game Bantams were very good classes. The
winning Black Reds were a superior pair; the second stylish,
but the cock somewhat out of colour; the third rather large,
but otherwise very good. In Brown Reds were some very good
ones, especially the pullets. Any other Game, first and second
Duckwing, the first a most stylish bird; second cockerel excel-
lent in style and colour, but pullet not equal; third smart Piles,
not one clean. Variety Bantams very poor. Ducks were very
good in Rouens and Variety, but Aylesbury were poor. Tho
Selling classes were large and good.

Pigeons —Carriers poor with the exception of those noticed ;
but the winners were very good—first Dun and second Black.
In Pouters first was a capital Blue, second and third White. In
Dragoons the Mansfield loft carried off the prizes, and these were
very good—Blue, Yellow, and Blue-chequered. Tumblers.—First
a good Almond cock, second Blue Bald, and third a grand-headed
whole-feather. Jacobins about the best class of the Show. The
winners were Reds. Some exceeding neat Fantails were shown ;
Magpie, Nun, and Swallow were very good and the competition
keen. English Owls a fair class, and Antwerps a moderate lot.
The Variety class was a good one. An African Owl was placed
first, second a grand Fairy Swallow, third a Satinette, fourth a
Blondinette, and fifth also.

POULTRY.—Game.—Black Reds.—1, G. Doubleday. 2,Miss A.Spence. 3, A.
Cameron. Brown Reds.—1, R. Swift. 2,W.Rudd. 8,Lord Loudon. Any other
variety.l, W. & R. Smith, 2, J. Cox. 8, Barnesby & Heath. CocHins.—
Cinnamon or Buf.—1 and 2, W. A. Burnell. 8, C. M Stickens. Any other
variety —1,2, and vhe, W. A. Burnell. 3,G,W.Henshall. Branmas.—Light or
Dark —}, H. Livgwood. 2,L.C.C. R Norris. 8, W. Thorn, Dorxincs.—l and
8, B. Smith. 2, 8S. W. Hallam. vhc, B. Smith, H. Woods. CREVE-CQ@URS, OR
ANY OTHER Frencu Variety FxcepT Houpans—! and 2. I. Ward. 3, R. B.
Wood vhc, W. Thorne. Houpans —Cock or Cockerel.—l and 8, R. B. Wood.

2, S. W. Thomas. vhe, W. Haalyn, H. Meredith, R. A. Boissier. Hen or

Pullet —land 2, R. B. Wood. 8, A. Ogden. vic, W. Hamlyn, R A. Boissier,

W. O. Quibell, J. E. Pilgrim. HampurGus.—Gold or Silver-pencilled —1, C. W.
Gibbs. 2,G. Morris. 8,H. Kyme. vhc,J.Smith. Gold or Silver-spangled,—
1, J. Jackson. 2, H. Pickles. 8, S. May. Banrams.—Game, Black Reds.—1,
Miss K. E. Swift 2, W. F. Entwisle. 8, E. Barker. Game, Brown Reds.—1
and 8, W. F. Entwisle. 2,S. Beighton. vic,S. Beighton, R. Swift. Game, any
other variety.—l, W. F. Entwisle. 2, S. Beighton. 8, W. N. Hudson. whe, T.
Collins. Any other variety.—l, J. Calladine. 2. R. H. Ashton. 3, T, Birch.
Doucks.—Rouen —1, E. V. Snell. 2,3, and vhc, W. Bygott, jun. Aylesbury.—l
and 2, E. V. Snell. 8, Mrs. Hole Any other variety.—1 and 2, A. & W. H.
Silverton. 8, Rev. A. S. Webb. whc, Mrs. Savill (2). GEESE.—1, EB. V. ‘Snell.
2,B. Smith. 8, C. Atkinson. SmLLina Coass.—l, W.A. Burnell. 2, R. Hill. 3,
J. H. Watkins. 4, G, W. Henshall. vhce, T. S. Clarke. CorracErs’ Cass.
—1, R. Spick. 2, Mrs. Biogham. 8, R. Morley. 4, I. Gascoigne. vhe, H.

Coddington.
PIGEONS.—Carnters.—1 and 2. J. Chandler. 8, H. Parker. vhc, C. Cook.
DraGcoons.—l, 2,

Pourers.—l, J. E. Crofts. 2, J, Hawkins. 8, W. F. Foottit

and 8, R. Woods. vhe,C. A.H. Pearson. TupceRr3.—l, H. Yardley. 2, J.C.
Taylor. 8,M. Weston. vhe,J.0. Taylor, H. Yardley. Jacoptns.—l and vhe, J.
Darby. 2,L. Allen. 8,H. Yardley. Fanrams.—l and 2, J. F. Loversidge. 8,
T. Hives. Turprrs.—l and 3, R. Woods. 2,J.G.Tomkinson. vhe, J. Chandler.
Maaries, Swantow, or Nun.—l, 2, and 8, R. Wood vie, H. Yardley, J. E.
Crofts. Owxs.—English.—1, L. Allen. 2% and 8, H. Parker. vhe, BE. Lee,
ANTWERPS.—1, H, Yardley. 8, W. H. Butler, ANY OTHER

2, J. Chandler. 5
Varrery.—l, J. Hawkins. 2,J. B. Crofts. $and4,A.&W.H. Silverton. 5,H.

Yardley. vhce, H. Yardley, R. Hill, J. E. Crofts. SeLnine Cuass.—l and 5, R.
Woods. 2,J.Chandler. 8,W.H Butler. 4,J.F. Loversidge. vhe,H, Yardley,
A. P. Byford, R. Hill, J. C. Tomkinson.

Jupen.—Mr. EH, Hutton, Pudsey.

STEWARTON-HIVE SYSTEM.

Tur results of my experience with the Stewarton hive in the
splendid season of 1876 were duly chronicled in the Journal of
Horticulture last autumn. I then obtained from a single colony
144 lbs. of super and 6 lbs. of slung honey, a harvest not ex-
ceeded, as far as I was able to ascertain, on any exhibition in the
kingdom. The past summer has been an unfavourable one
here as elsewhere. The crop of white clover was abundant, but
owing, I presume, to the presence of a dry easterly wind during
the greater part of the time whilst it was in blossom, it never
gsaemed to yield any supply of honey, so that though the fields
were white with clover, the bees appeared to be comparatively
inactive, and, this was characteristic of the summer during the
entire season. A little more briskness was observable when the
lime trees were in blossom. s

The colony above alluded to has, however, yielded a harvest
of 63 lbs. of fine super honey. As I only keep bees for amuse-
ment, and never sell either wax or honey, I am content with a
small number of stocks, and never now retain more than four
or five hives for the winter. Having thus only a very limited
number of hives from which to make a selection, I think that
the success which has been attained is sufficient to demonstrate
the excellence of the Stewarton system. The supers have been
uniformly free from all trace of brood or pollen, and the use of
perforated zinc sheet to exclude the queen from the supers
appears to be quite unnecessary. I do not wish to lead bee-
keepers to suppose that these results are solely attributable to
the Stewarton hive, as although I do not believe that a better
system of management has hitherto been devised, I am quite
aware that a hive of this description would be comparatively
valueless in the hands of an ordinary cottager, or of any bee-
keeper who was unwilling to take the trouble of carefully looking

376

after the bees, anticipating their requirements, and judiciously
carrying out the instructions so fully given by ‘“‘A RENFREWSHIRE
BEE-KEEPER.’—J. H. Briscoxz, Albrighton, Wolverhampton.

COMB FOUNDATIONS.

Ir is pleasing to find at page 335 ‘ the captain on the paddle-
box,” Mr. A. Pettigrew, like a second Rip Van Winkle, arous-
ing himself after a fifteen-years slumber, with a piece of comb
foundation in his hand, beginning to take stock of the march of
apiarian progress during that period; and on the same page
Mr. P. H. Phillips confirmed the opinion I expressed last spring
as to the Ligurian bee “ being first to scent the new flower and
first to alight on the treasure trove.” I remember perfectly the
beautiful orange colouring of the Italians which they on the first
day of their arrival displayed busily at work on the scarlet
monarda, a flower I never saw vic:ited by our old black
aborigines.

As to the wax sheet, for the sake cf historical accuracy it be-
comes necessary to explain to Mr. Pettigrew as well as the
recent subscriber that the above invaluable production was not,
as he supposes, of American but German invention. I first saw
it in 1862, when the late Mr. Woodbury enclosed a small portion
in a letter for my inspection; and to the enterprise of Messrs.
Neighbour & Sons, London, entire imported sheets found tbeir
way into Scotland the same year, and the idea at once spread like
wildfire. Were a mould once devised the advanced bee-keeper
for a consideration could not alone save the condemned bees of
the skepists, but utilise their bruised-up irregular combs, passing
such through the machine to re-appear as straight regular guide-
comb foundations f r frame hives and bar supers. Numberless
were the schemes and endless the materials called into requisi-
tion to effect the purpose, such as paper, wood, stucco, gutta
percha, lead and other metals; but ‘‘ honour to whom honour.”
To that most ingenious apiarian ‘‘ A LANARKSHIRE BEE-KEEPER”
is due the credit of being the first in the United Kingdom to
invent a pair of plates which could cast embossed wax sheets to
vie with the imported, and to his energy in their manufacture is
to be ascribed the rapidity with which they became an indis-
pensable requisite in every well-managed Scottish apiary. It
was not till the Crystal Palace Show of 1874 that our southern
brethren discovered how far we northerners had outdistanced
them for straight work, and that the wax sheet and its manu-
facture became diligently inquired after—A RENFREWSHIRE
BEE-KEEPER,

BEE-KEEPING EXPERIENCE.

I nAvE completed my first year’s experiment in bee-keeping
on Mr. Pettigrew’s system with tolerable success. Last year I
formed seven stocks from swarms obtained from my villagers in
September, all of which came safely through the winter, and
this season reached weights from 44 to 64 lbs., the heaviest being
in an 18-inch hive, the others in 16-inch hives.

This autumn I have formed three new stocks of two swarms
each. It is about these I ask your advice. They took syrap
well enough at starting, but gave up before they reached a good
weight. On weighing them yesterday I found that two of them
are 121bs. each and one 14lbs. They do not consume more than
half a pound of sugar each in a fortnight, but the bees are full of
strength and spirit, and rather saucy, as the people here say.
What should be done to these new stocks, and what am I to
expect from them? Will you kindly favour me with any
instruction ?

I find by my notes that the consumption of stored honey last
winter varied considerably. From the middle of September last
year to the middle of March this year No. 1 hive consumed
14 Ibs. ; No. 2, 20 1bs.; No. 4, 6 lbs.; No. 5, 8 lbs.; No. 6, 9 lbs. ;
No. 7, 11 lbs.; No. 8, 9lbs. My first year’s success has made
an impression on my rustic parishioners, and for their sakes as
well as my own I should not like the favourable prestige to be
impaired.—H. G. W. AUBREY.

[As this gentleman has made a good beginning in a very un-
favourable season he need not fear that the favourable im-
pression made on his bee-keeping parishioners will be diminished
by non-successin future. Heis much more likely to deepen the
impression already made, and teach them a valuable lesson by a
success in bee-keeping which he does not at present seem to
anticipate. From the apiary he has established he may expect
a large harvest of honey next season if it be a favourable one.

His three new stocks will require alittle more feeding, as they
are rather light at the beginning of winter. In mild weather,
even at this late season, bees will take up good warm syrup
readily. In cold weather hives without food can be fed in a
Warm room or hothouse at night and carried into the garden
before sunrise. Probably these three new stocks have not made
much comb, and the bees are at some distance from their
boards. If warm syrup be poured into a flower-pot saucer or
dish of any sort, and placed so as to touch the combs, the bees in
moderately mild weather will readily take the syrap. We have

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ November 8, 1877.

no difficulty in getting our hives to take syrup in quantity.
Many of them would take 3 lbs. of syrup in three hours if
presented to them now in the manner indicated above. The
figures which Mr. Aubrey has favoured us with, touching the con-
sumption of food in winter, will help him and others to determine
how much swarms should have in autumn.—A. PETTIGREW. |

OUR LETTER BOX.

PoLANDS CROOKED-BREASTED (W. A. W.).—A crooked breast is alwsy8 a
grave fault, if nct a disqualification, in a cock. Polands are not always
handled, and if they are not the defect would not be discovered. The crooked
toe nail is not so important, ard there is no objection to your trimming it.
It is not at all material, as it is likely it is an accident. At small local shows
the birds are often shown in the baskets in which they are sent, but at most
shows they hire proper pens. You will do well to ascertain the fact, as g
basket that would do well for travellirg would make a very bad exhibition pen,

SILVER-SPANGLED HamMBurRGHs (J. B.).—We advise you to avoid the ex-
tremes, and to choose your stock neither dark nor light. See that the
spangles or moons are sharp-cut and well defined at the end of each feather;
that the breast be accurately spangled, ard that the tail feathers be quite
white with the exception of the spot or moon at the end of each. Be very
mindful of the hackles. A clear hackle is as great a fault ina Spangled Ham-
burgh as a clouded one is ina Pencilled. But it must not be black, it must
be made up of the two colours blended together. The better the lacing and
barring of the wings the better the bird. Be careful that the comb is well
piked and turning upwards, and above all that it be not loose or incline to

either side. If you must choose between light and dark, chcose dark. They
will get lighter, but the light will not get darker.
PIGEONS aT Toorrne*(An Old Fancier).—' WILTSHIRE REcTOR’S” visit

to Mr. Vander Meersch, in which he describes his Pigeons at Tooting, is in
our number for April Ist, 1575. You can have copies at 4d. each.

Dormice (K. A. T.).—We know of no work cn their management. They
only need to have their cage kept clean, and a few nuts and a pan of water iz
it in case they rouse up.

Books (X. Y. Z.)—" Domestic Pigs,’ by H. D. Richardson.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CaMDEN Square, LONDON.
Lat. 51° 82740” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

DatTE 9AM. Is THE Day.
1877. |Sa4 .| Hygrome-| 245 |S+#_:/Shade Tem-|_ Radiation A
Oct. Beas hee | a8 |aa8 perature. | Temperature. 3
and |8.28 2= |BSn In | On
Noy. |248| pry.) Wet | as iS Max.| Min.| sun. /grass-
Inches.| deg. | deg. | | deg.| deg. | deg. | deg. | deg.| In.
We.81 | 80.137 | 50.0 | 46.3 Ww. 59.1 | 59.2 | 46.4 97.3 | 40.3 —
Th. 1/| 30.996 | 454 | 44.0 WwW. 43.8 | 557 | 41.1 85.9 | 364 |-—
Fri. 2 | 80.225 | 44.9 | 44.0 N. | 47.0 | 546 | 383 73.0 32.2 | 0.037
Sat, 8 | 90.048 | 46S | 441 Ww. | 47.7 | 54.8 | 43.6 95.7 | 88.2 =
Sun. 4 | 29.929 | 39.0 | 38.2 S.W. | 45.5 | 54.4 | 31.9 704 27.1 | 0.015
Mo. 5 | 29783 | 520 | 49.4 Ww. | 46.6 | 58.2 | 45.8 94.7 | 40.8 | 0.094
Ta. 6 | 29.695 | 54.5 | 53.7 W. | 48.0 | 58.4 | 49.1 61.0 | 43.1 | 0.163
ee SS) | S| | SS
Means} 30.029 | 47.5 | 45.7 47.7 | 56.5 | 42.8 82.7 36.9 | 0.303
| |
REMARKS.

31st —Fine, very bright clear morning, dull afternoon; fine starlight night.
1st.—Very bright fine day; misty in after part of afternoop, and fogey at
night.
2nd.—Very foggy morning; fire day, short shower in evening,
8rd.—Fine bright day, foggy at night; stars shining at 11 p.m.
4th.—Thick white frost in esrly morning; fine pleasant day throughout.
5th.—Very fine warm day, hot sun; misty towards evening, and rain in the
6th.—Wet and dull throughout ; windy in evening. fnight.
A mild and rather damp week, with hot sun on two or three days.—G. J.
Symons, .

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—NovEMBER 7.

Our market is very quiet now, the supply of good Apples having materially
fallen off this last week. Pears are still reaching us in good quantities from
France, and consist of Duchesse d’Angouléme, Glou Morceau, and Beurré

Diel. Pines meet with a ready sale. Kent Cobs are quiet.
FRUIT.
8. d. 8. d. s.d. s.d
Apples 2 6to5 0} Oranges...........-- #10010 Otol6 G
igs 1 0 8 0} Peaches .... --.doz. 0 0 24 0
Filberts . 0 6 O 8] Pears, kitchen.. dozen 10 38 0
Cobs ... ib. 0 6 O 8 dessert ...... dozen 20 60
Grapes, hothouss.. Tb. 1 6 6 O| Pine Apples.......... Ib. 5 0 8 0
Melons....... each 16 4 0} Plums.... « sieve 00 00
Nectarines .... -doz. 0 0 O O| Walnuts.......... bushel 5 0 8 0
VEGETABLES,
s. d. s.d. sda s.@
Artichokes.. dozen 2 OQto4 0} Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6t02 O
Beans, Kidn: bushel 0 0 O O/} Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2 O 4
Beet, Red .... dozen 1 6 ‘ W Cains coeCOOC O priatier 4 z a wu
Broccoli .. 09 pickling ...... qua:
4 0 O 0} Parsley.... doz.bunches 2 0 00
1 0 2 0} Parsnips........ dozen 00 00
0 4 O 8} Peas...... -» quart 06 10
Capsicums...... #100 1 6 2 0} Potatoes.. .. bushel 8 6 5 0
Cauliflowers.... dozen 20 4 0 Kidney ....... bushel 5 0 7 0
Celery ........... bundle 1 6 2 0| Radishes.. doz.bunches 10 1 6
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 O| Ehubarb....... . bundle 0 6 10
Cucumbers .... each 0 8 O 9} Salsafy . OS eadne
Endive .. dozen 1 0 2 0] Scorzonera 10 00
Fennel.. buvch 0 3 O 0} Seakale .... 0000
Garlic .. Ib. 0 6 O O}| Shallots . 08 0 F
Herbs .. bunch 0 2 00 26 40
Lettuce dozen 10 2 0 038s 06
Leeks .... bunch 0 4 0 0 02 04

November 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

377

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day| Day ce _ = Average Sun sun | moon | Moon | Moon’s| Clock | Day
pote mtorr NOVEMBER 15—21, 1877. pemperatire near Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. | petore oe
| Day. |Night./Mean:| h. m.| h. m.] b. m.| b. m.
| TH | Sale of Orchids at Stevens’s Rooms. 49.0 | 348 | 41.9 | 7 21; 4 9/ 1 56) 1 0
|F Southampton Show. 489 | 88.2] 410] 7 22) 4 7| 2 7/ 2 10
| 8 Ealing Chrysanthemum Show. 48.1 | 83.9 | 410 | 7 24/ 4 6/ 2 18} 8 21
| SUN | 25 Sunpay aFTER TRINITY. 47.9 | 32.9 | 404 | 7 26/ 4 5] 2 82] 4 84
| 48:9 | 88:5 | 41.9") 7 98\| 4 4 2 50°) 5. 51
| Tu | Northampton Show. 48.7 | 846 | 41.7 | 7 29} 4 2/ 8 14] 7 11
W ~ | Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms. 49.6 | 86.2 | 42.9 | 7 3l | 4 1) 8 48/ 8 81
ae observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43.7°; and its night temperature

Y many writers the pruning of fruit trees is
made to appear as one of the most scientific
matters connected with gardening. To such
an extent is this carried in numerous in-
stances that many amateurs and owners of
small gardens who do their own gardening
are frequently deterred from pruning their
fruit trees altogether. They are so much
afraid of ‘doing them wrong”

and quality of the fruit. Pruning is a simple operation,
easily imitated from practice or learned from reading.
The following notes are written without any pretensions
to science or mystery, and those who put them into
practice may rely on keeping their fruit trees and bushes
in shape and in good bearing order. The winter pruning
of all fruit trees may be done from the middle of Novem-
ber until the end of March. It is of no use saying, Only
prune when the weather is dry and free from frost.
very seldom we are so favoured in the winter season, and,
excepting in extreme frost or snow, we practise pruning.

Appies.—I may assume without being far wrong that

|

that they |
prefer not doing them at all, which results |
in much injury to the tree, and deficiency in both quantity |

It is |

all fruit trees are well pruned and trained so long as they |

are in a young state in the nurseryman’s hands. On

receiving fruit trees from the nursery it will be seen that |

the branches are not crowded or growing across each
other, and oneis a good distance from another. No better
example could be shown or taken than this for all future
guidance in pruning. Jn pruning both young and old
Apple trees always cut out all cross-growing shoots:
where this will cause a. large vacancy leave a bud or two
at the bottom from which a straight shoot may spring
up. Where it is desired to have the trees low, cut the
straight young shoots well down that they may send
shoots out underneath. In young trees it is always best
to lay a good foundation by cutting them close-in for a
year or two at the first, because when they are allowed to
become straggling at first it is very difficult to get them
into form again. Where many shoots are growing to-
gether cut all the weakest clean out, and shorten about
halfway back those that are left. When it is desired to
make a tree into any particular shape pruning must be
done accordingly. In old trees cut out all long budless
branches, and let the nearest young shoots take their
place. Never cut away a branch with a lot of blunt-
pointed fruit buds on it. Cankered half-dead wood should
never be allowed to remain. Where the branches are
not wished to be extended any further cut all the shoots
made at their points this season close in to the old wood.
Always let the shoots extend outwards ; never allow them
to become jammed in the centre and thin and straggling
at the outside. Young trees will want the centre shoots
thinned and shortened, old trees must have the dead
branches cut out and all this year’s wood not needed
cut-in to one eye, or two, from last year’s wood.
Prars.—These are pruned somewhat after the style for
No. 868.—Yon. XXXIII., NEw SERIES,

the Apples. They always bear on the spurs, and as many
of these must be secured as possible. Standard or bush
trees must have all the young shoots cut-back where they
are not wanted, but they should not be cut quite so close
asthe Apples. It is very seldom that any of the round-
pointed fruit buds require to be thinned, but where they
are crowded cut out the weakest. With trees on walls, if
the branches are being extended, only take a small point
from the leading shoot which bas been formed in summer,
and all the young shoots which are growing straight out
from the wall on last and former year’s wood must be
cut-back to the third or fourth eye.

Prums.—Most Piums resemble Pears very much in
their habit of growth and mode of fruiting. We prune
our wall Plums just the same as the Pears. Bushes
have their shoots well shortened, as the branches are
so liable to grow small and bear down on one another.
Any old trees which have not been pruned for years
should have all the small trash of branches cut clean out
of the centre, and all shoots some yards long with only a
few buds at the point must be cut away also.

Apricots.—These are just pruned like the preceding,
but sometimes they do not grow so luxuriant while young,
and therefore are not cut so much until they have be-
come established ; but at the same time they are never
allowed to grow out of shape. Old trees produce many
fruitless shoots amongst the fruit buds on the spurs,
these should all be cut-in to the first or second eye.

PracHES AND NeEcTARINES.~These require about as
much care in praning as any kind of fruit tree. They do
not like being cut too much, but at the same time they
will not do without being pruned. It may be thought
that the directions for pruning such important fruit trees
must make a long article, but such is not the case, as the
whole operation may be stated in very few words. Peach
tree shoots which start from the main stem soon grow a
considerable distance, and they have a great tendency to
become budless as they proceed. The results of this
may often be seen in trees with nearly leafless and fruit-
less centres. When pruning is annually done this may
always be avoided. In spring time when disbudding the
tree leave one young shoot to form a branch at the very
base of the previous year’s wood. In pruning now cut
all the wood in front of this shoot away and let this shoot
be nailed or tied-in to fruit next year. By doing this no
tree will become bare of young wood on one part and
crowded on another. The Peach and Nectarine always
fruit on the young wood, therefore save as much of this
as possible. Unless the shoots are extremely long do
not cut much from their points, but a little should always
be taken off each shoot, because very often the extreme
bud is a fruit one, and it is always desirable to have leaves
at the point, which may be secured by cutting in front of
where a small bud is seen in the centre with a large one
on each side.

CueErries.—All young shoots on bush trees not wanted
to extend the tree should be cut-in to 2 inches from taza
old wood. Wall trees must have the best of the shoots
nailed-in, and cut away all small unripe twigs.

No.152..—Von. LYVIII., OLD SERIES.

378

oo

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 15, 1877.

GoOsEBERRIES.—Some of the above fruits are not grown in
every garden, but now we come to a class of fruits grown every-
where. In pruning Gooseberry bushes keep the centre well
open; do not let the branches cross one another; cut all
shoots formed this season into half an inch from where they
join the old wood. When the bushes are large enough cut the
leading shoot in the same way. In extending them do not
leave more than 6 inches of young wood onin one season. A
well-formed and pruned Gooseberry bush should have each
branch surrounded with clusters of short spurs with no long
projecting pieces sticking out from various parts.

Currants.—In the case of young Red and White Currant
bushes have the shoots thinned where too close, and shortened
to not more than a foot. Where no young branches are wanted
on old-established bushes every young shoot must be cut off,
leaving only about half an inch attached as a fruit spur to the
old wood. Black Currant wood is never shortened. The oldest
wood is cut away every winter to give place tothe new. As
Boon as both Currants and Gooseberries are pruned the prun-
ings are cleared off the ground, a good quantity of dung placed
round and between the bushes and forked-in about 3 inches
from the surface. This is a good plan to keep the bushes
fruitful and vigorous.

Raspperries —All the old canes of these are cut off at the
surface of the ground and thrown away. The strongest canes
made during the season are put in their places, and all the
smaller not required are either cast away or lifted with roots
to make fresh plantations. Good manure is spread on the
Surfaces of the roots, but not forked-in; the centre of the rows
ouly, where thers is not many roots to disturb, is turned over.
—A KitcHen GARDENER.

SPECULATIONS AS TO THE NATURE AND
ORIGIN OF THE POTATO DISHASE.—No. 1.

Tut Potato is believed to have been introduced into the
United Kingdom from Virginia by Sir Walter Raleigh in the
beginning of the seventeenth century, and was cultivated on
his estate in Ireland and in other parts of that country in a
small way for many years, and about 1694 was introduced into
Laneashire, where its cultivation soon became general and
gradually spread cver the other counties of England; and if
we allow several more years from 1694 for this to have taken
place, say until 1745, the Potato must have been in general
cultivation at least a hundred years previously to 1845. For
many generations the Potato was cultivated year after year, as
before mentioned, and as far as we know no sign of disease
exhibited ; indeed I consider it impossible a disease so virulent
in its nature and so rapid in its extension could possibly have
existed without being known, when all on a sudden it ap-
peared and spread rapidly over a wide range of country. That
is difficult to understand. How did it arise, and where did it
come from? An able botanist not long ago came out with
the astounding statement that everybody was convinced that
the fungus was the disease. This was going a little too far:
the general public were by no means convinced, and are not
now. Iam willing to confess, however, that L’am inclined to
agree with the botanist.

Some persons think that the plant must first be in an un-
healthy state, aad that it must be in that condition before it
is liable to the attack of the fungus. That is so, undoubtedly
60, With regard to many other plants, as almost everyone must
haye observed who has had much to do with plant cultivation ;
but if we take that view with regard to the Potato we are not
much nearer the mark than before. What were the particular
conditions that prevailed at that time and have continued
more or less ever since? That is as difficult a question to
answer as to find out the origin of some of the diseases which
affect the human subject. Did Adam suffer from the measles,
&e., and if not, why not? would be a very good question for
the medical student.

It would simplify matters very much if we could only believe
in spontaneous generation, but we should want some stronger
evidence than we seem likely to get for a long time yet. Pro-
fessor Tyndall must try a great many more experiments with
his boiled infusions of hay before he will be able to bring for-
ward any very satisfactory evidence on that question. I may
as well at once admit that I do not believe in spontaneous
generation, and therefore abandon it.

The cause of the disease is again supposed by some writers
to have been from the degeneracy of the tuber, or some peculiar
state of the atmosphere. If the disease arose from the firs

cause, those raised from seed and those which are carefully
cultivated ought to be free from the disease, but they are not;
and if it arose from some peculiar atmospheric influence, what
aremarkable thing it was that a change should have taken
place about 1845 and should have continued down to the pre-
sent day, and not only that this change took place here but
over the whole inhabitable globe.

The British Consul in Poland wrote to Lord Palmerston on
the 16th of October, 1846, stating that the only known ease of
Potato disease in that country occurred in some plants of the
Ashleaved Kidney, the tubers of which had been obtained
from Britain and treated in exactly the same way as the com-
mon Polish crops; and it adds, ‘‘ This circumstance would
seem to prove that the disease is not attributable to atmospheric
influence, as I hear is the generally received opinion of other
countries. Here in Poland all persons to whom I have spoken
on the subject think that the Potatoes in the rest of Europe
are tainted in the germ by over-cultivation; and it is certainly
remarkable that here where the soil is generally light, and
where less manure is used than in any other country except
Russia, and never immediately preceding the crops of Potatoes,
those plants should have completely escaped the infection
which threatens their extinction in all parts where greater
pains have been taken with their culture.” I think the writer,
although he wrote thirty years ago, was right in his conclu-
sions that the disease was not attributable to atmospheric
influence, and he might have gone a little further and said
it was plain the disease was taken there with the English
Potatoes. And then with regard to the degeneracy of the tuber
from over-cultivation and the use of a large quantity of stimu-
lating manures—bad things, no doubt—the disease ought to
have originated in the north of England and Scotland, where
these malpractices were carried on; but no, it began in other
places before it reached there; therefore we must seek some
other caugse.—AmateuR, Cirencester.

WHAT ROSES SHALL I BUY?

Now that the result of the exhibition-Rose election is in our
hands, and aspirants for distinction at the shows are seeking
its guidance to add to the ranks that are to do battle for them,
I think a little advice from some experienced and skilful
general as to the proportionate numbers of each Rose that it
is best to enlist would be useful.

Imagine one who was a bad fourth for six varieties at a
show during the past summer, eager for higher honours, order-
ing a dozen each of the twelve Roses standing first on the list.
It needs but a glance at the names to see that he would be
disappointed when he sallied forth to cut his blooms for the
show to which he had go eagerly looked forward. He would
be embarrassed to decide upon the best of three or four blooms
of one variety, while for a passable specimen of another he
would search in vain.

I will take the first twenty-four, not as pretending to guide,
but to explain what I mean. Would not the quantity of each
kind required to ensure an even box of twelve be something
like the following, taking the numbers to represent dozens ?—

1. Baronne de Rothschild 5. Ferdinand de Lesseps
2. Marie Baumann 6. Catherine Mermet

8. Madame Victor Verdier 6. Malle. Eugénie Verdier
3. La Frauce 6. Comtesse d’Oxford

3. Francois Michelon 6. Marie Rady

3, Etienne Levet 7. Sénateur Vaisse

4, Charles Lefebvre 8. Duke of Edinburgh
4. Alfred Colomb 12, Lonis Van Houtte

4, Marguerite de St. Amand 18. Xavier Olibo

4. Dr. Andry 18. Emilie Hausburg

4, Marquise de Castellane 25. Horace Vernet

The last three Roses should hardly find place in so limited
a collection perhaps. Maréchal Niel and Edward Morren I
have not mentioned, as the former is estimated rather by the
square yard (or square mile if one can), than by the number
of plants, and the latter is so uncertain, being dependant on
the season, that it is difficult to say what number of plants
one should have. It should go perhaps in the same category
with the last three on my list—viz., Roses which it is much
desired but little expected to be able to show. Will some one
be so good as to correct me and extend the list ?—Hubrrr
Brnstep, Maidstone.

DION A MUSCIPULA (Venus’s FLy-TRAP).
E. Payne, late gardener to Mr. Foreshaw, writes to the
Editors that I have done him an injustice in reference to the
notes I sent on this plant. He says that itis “untrue that

November 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

379

Mr. Black has potted most of Mr. Foreshaw’s exhibition plants | at the same time, and then it looks well for another year.

for the last three years.’’ He says the plant in question was
purchased by him from Messrs. Veitch in October, 1871 (two
small plants in 60-sized pots), and was grown-on from thet
date in the same house and place in which I saw it. He
further says that he has known Mr. Black for ‘‘ many years
and the situations he has held as gardener, but never knew
him to have a single plant of Dionwa under his care, and that
the treatment Mr. Black gave to me is entirely without practi-
cal experience.”

My answer is that in the summer of 1876 I visited my friend
Mr. L. Black of Fulwood, near Preston, and amongst other small
places he took me, through the kindness of Mr. Payne, to look
at Mr. Foreshaw’s plants. The pan of Venus’s Fly-trap struck
me at once as an example of skilful management. Thinking it
would interest the readers of the Journal I wrote to Mr. Black
asking him to obtaiz me some notes on its culture from the
gardener, with whom Ihad no personal acquaintance. Mr. Black
wrote me to gay that the gardener who exhibited it at Preston
this summer was not the same whom I saw last year, but he
stated that the plants were considerably stronger than when
I saw them. He also gave me the information that has been
already published in this Journal. Mv. Black’s own words are
these, alluding to the Dionma muscipula, ‘‘ I have had to do
with the plant; in fact, I have potted nearly all Mr. Fore-
shaw’s exhibition plants (the owner of the Fly-trap) for the
last three years, consequently Ican give you all the pros and
cons.’ I have known Mr. Black for nearly twenty years, and
do not think he would have made this statement unless it
was true, especially as he knew I wanted the information in
order to publish it for the benefit of others; if he has
done so the responsibility is his, not mine.—J. Doveuas,
Loxford Hall Gardens.

GRAPES CRACKING.

In “J. S. W.’s”” otherwise interesting paper on this subject
I think he is a little inconsistent when he blames me and my
theory for not preventing his Grapes cracking, and yet takes
particular pains to tell us he has made no attempt to carry
the said theory into practice. Ido not suppose for a moment
that I could manage ‘J. 8. W.’s”? Grapes better than he can
himself, taking all points into account; but Ido think I could
stop the cracking, although the cure in the first attempt might
be nearly as bad as the disease, as I have distinctly shown it
was with me in one case of overdoing it.

I think the last paragraph but one in “J. S. W.’s” paper
rather strengthens my recommendation to take off a few leaves
to diminish the flow of sap. It runs thus—‘‘ It is a curious
fact that in the case of the Vine at the end of the house the
fun shines directly on the bunches for a long while every
afternoon, whereas on the other Vine where there is £0 little
cracking the bunches are much shaded, as the Vines are trained
only 2 feet asunder.”

Has it never struck ‘J. S. W.” that half a dozen leaves on
the Vine at the end of the house where they get s0 much direct
sunlight, will probably elaborate more nutriment than double
the number of leaves would do in the middle of the house
where they are crowded and partly shaded by other leaves?
Mere area of foliage, however luxuriant, is not worth reckoning
unless it is exposed to the light. Ido not place any value at
all on the sunlight reaching the berries of black Grapes, but
Ido place great value on it reaching the foliage, as among
other things it makes the pumping apparatus work much
faster ; it puts on more steam power, as it were—sometimes,
indeed, too much, as in the case of ‘J. 8. W.’s” Vine at the
end of the house.

As this subject is an interesting one and is not yet by any
means exhausted, I will jot down a few other thoughts con-
cerning it which occur to me at the moment.

Saturation of soil does not cause cracking unless it has beon
preceded by comparative dryness, and even then cracking
would not occur were there little or no foliage on the Vines.
When the border has been allowed to approach dryness so
that the berries have ceased swelling and the skin has com-
menced hardening, and water has afterwards been applied
while the foliage was still vigorous and able to take it up, the
berry would be very likely to start swelling afresh, and if the
skin had become so much hardened as to have lost its elasticity
of course it would crack, I consider it a very great mistake
to cease watering when colouring commences. I like to see
black Grapes, perfectly green leaves, and hard brown wood all

These are often not attainable if there is any stint of water.

Saturation of atmosphere will cause cracking, especially if
it is accompanied with a sudden rise of temperature so ag to
produce condensation on the fruit. We know that the berries
can be made to swell tremendously in such an atmosphere,
but if if does not cause them to crack they swell at the expense
of colour and quality.

Tn my experience cracking and shanking are not contem-
porary to any extent. An odd berry of course may be found
to support the opposite theory, and the one evil may follow
the other speedily from altered circumstances, though the
alteration may not be visible to many people. Toolittle foliage
as compared with the weight of fruit will cause shanking or
imperfect colouring, and a superabundance of foliage on such
Vines as are predisposed to have ‘cracked berries will very
likely make them crack.—W. Tayton.

Ir ig said, I know not on what good grounds, that Grapes
out of doors do not crack. I never grew them, but I think it
improbable. Plums and Pears certainly do crack, and I think
that most people must have noticed that this occurs when a
dry atmosphere is succeeded by a very moist one. I think the
analogy holds good with Grapes under glass. This year we
had, when somes Trentham Black Grapes were half coloured,
bright and dry weather. Of course atmospheric moisture had
been discontinued in the house as far ag it was under our
contro). This was followed by several days’ rain and cloud,
with excessive-atmospheric moisture. One morning on looking
up I saw dozens of berries cracked, with the juice quite fresh;
they had all cracked in the night. It occurred to me that if
I could keep the air drier it would probably prove a remedy.
I immediately had the fires lit, although in the end of July,
and put the top ventilators open night and day. The next
morning there were only two or three more berries cracked,
and after that it ceased. Some three weeks afterwards we had
another spell of dry weather, and then again rain and damp.
Some other Grapes on other Vines cracked, and were again
stopped in the same manner.

I am much inclined to think, therefore, that a sudden change
from a dry toa moist atmosphere is the true cause of Grapes
cracking, and that they could be brought under control by fire
heat with top ventilation. I hope some of our more expe-
rienced growers may be induced to experiment in thig direction
and state the benefit of their experience.—J. R. B.

THE CARNATION AND PICOTEE.

Two or three months ago a list was given of the best varie-
ties of these plants, and also some descriptions of the best
houses in which to flower them. The season we have just
passed through may be said to be very exceptional. Letters
are before us from growers in districts wide apart from each
other, and all agree in saying that the season has been the
worst they have ever known. This applies principally to the
midland and northern districts. The growers were not able
to layer the grass until the very last week in August and
later, and even at that time it was not in good condition.
The result of this is that much of the stock is not yet rooted,
and some good varieties that we expected to be sent out this
season will have to stand over until next year. AsI expected,
the choice collection of Mr. Ben Simonite at Sheffield has
suffered very much, and he is also late with his plants. The
growers about Manchester are quite as late, and as we go
further north the difficulties of the situation are more nume-
rous. Down south the elements have been more propitious.
I was able to layer the largest portion of our plants by the
first week in August, and wnen tho layers were taken off they
were all rooted except about tweaty or thirty pairs. These
have also been taken off and potted, but they are treated
differently from those that have roots attached to them.

The best place for layers which have been potted (one in a
small 60 or two in a large 60) is a common garden frame. I
plunge the pots to the rim in cocoa-nut fibre refuse, and give
abundance of ventilation whenever the weather is suitable.
The plants require just sufficient water to keep the soil moist,
and it ought not to be applied to thefoliage. This year, owing
to the layers not rooting well, we found it necessary to place
a number of those that bad no roots in a gentle bottom heat,
keeping the glass lights close for a week until the layers had
emitted roots; after this time more air is admitted, aud during
calm nights when the dew is falling the lights are removed,

380

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 15, 1877.

SS LS KS LMS ee RSS eS aR a

replacing them again in the morning when the sun touches
the frame. Carnations are subject to the attacks of green fly,
and if this is not kept in check good results cannot be obtained.
We have destroyed the insects in two ways—by fumigating
with tobacco smoke, or dusting the foliage with dry snuff or
powdered tobacco. When the lights fit tightly two or three
nights’ smoking will destroy the pests. If this is not the
case it is necessary to dust the foliage. Dipping the foliage in
soapy water to which has been added a little tobacco liquor,
has also proved destructive to the insects.

In order to be successful yellow loam containing a good
per-centage of clay must be procured for potting the plants;
to this must be added leaf soil and decayed manure in the
proportion of 1 to 5, and an 8 or 9-inch potful of sand to each
barrowload of the compost.

Some varieties sra much more delicate than others. They
make very slender growth, and the leaves die off near the
base; but as many of there have the finest flowers and are
almost indispensable to the exhibitor, they must be kept in
good health if possible. It requires some experience to be
able to give each variety the treatment best adapted to it, but
as a rule weakly growers require a lighter compost made
porous by a larger proportion of sand. Others, again, grow
with too much freedom; these will be better with a smaller
proportion of manure, leaf soil, and sand. They may also be
turned out of doors earlier in the spring than the others.

Most of the varieties of Carnations and Picotees are grown
in pots at Loxford, and if it is intended to plant any out in
beds the more robust growers are selected for this purpose.
Varieties wanting in colour do best in beds; high-coloured
sorts, on the other hand, are not improved by being planted
out. A friend ia the north of England has kindly promised
to send me a few notes on the method pursued there with
them.

varieties in the open ground. They seem to grow the plants

two years on the same ground; the second year they term it |

“ rowing them on the bush.” The method we used to pursue

in Scotland was this: About this time of the year the ground |

was trenched 2 feet deep, working-in at the same time plenty
ofdecayed manure. On thesurface of the bed some fine maiden
Joam was placed, and in this we put out the plants early in
March about 18 inches apart. The plants do not require so
much attention in beds as they do in pots; but we much

prefer pot culture when they are in flower, especially if they |

are wanted on a given day for exhibition, as the pots can either
be shifted to a cool place to retard the flowers, or to a warmer
position to bring them earlier into bloom. Mr. Rudd of Brad-
ford, an ardent cultivator and exhibitor of this flower, has
noticed a singular circumstance in regard to plants obtained

from the north, where they grow only in the open ground: he |

has found that such plants never do well when grown in pots the
first year, it generally requires a season to bring them into good
condition. Another circumstance which cannot readily be
accounted for is, that certain sorts die off without any apparent
cause, although they may be as healthy as the others at the
time of potting. I had three pairs of one of the new varieties
this year, which died off, and had to obtain another supply.

Those intending to purchase plants should do go at once,
as the demand for certain choice varieties may be greater
than the supply. I prefer the plants taken direct from the
stools and sent carefully packed in moss and wrapped round
with paper. When they come home packed like this they
ought to be potted without delay and be placed at once in a
eold frame, shading from the sun for a few days. It is not
necessary to give names of the varieties, as this has been
done so recently, but the above notes may be useful to those
who are forming collections and whose experience is limited.
—J. Dovctuas.

NEW VARIETIES OF POTATOES.

Some of the new sorts I grew this season are very promising.
Schoolmaster is a very good variety; it bears well and is very
little diseased. I planted 1 lb., and the crop weighed 30 lbs.
when I lifted them, and had it been a good season for swelling
the tubers I believe there would have been 50 lbs. There weie
exactly 29 feet of a running yard for 30 lbs. Yorkshire Hero
is a free grower and bears profusely and good quality: there
were a fifth of them blighted. Alpha is a good early sort, but
more subject to blight than the Schoolmaster. Covent Garden
Perfection is also a good sort, and Porter’s Excelsior is a good
eazly—the true sort of it. Climax, Dalmahcy, Rintoul’s

| good collections of dessert Pears.

Siriped, White Dons, Myati’s Kidney, and White Regent were
very bad with disease. The Blue Regent stood very well, but
the Champion is a dreadnought sort and bids defiance to the
tainted atmosphere which some think is the cause of blight,
and everyone has a right to think. This sort originated in
Forfarshire three or four years ago, and is deservedly getting
into favour. I grew some of it, and it bears well and is of very
good quality and resists the blight, and if it is treated in a
proper way it may be the sort grown for years. A farmer near
Dundee has fifty acres of it, and he sold thirty of them and
received £50 an acre, and half of the cash paid down when
bought. There will be a rush for it for next year. A good
many of the farmers here have grown a few and are much
pleased with them. They bear seed freely.

As a rule the disease is associated with rain, thunder, &c.,
but I saw it one year in Ireland in a very dry season. I was
then gardener to the late Harl of Shannon, Castlemartyr, and
in Jane the Earl sent me to London to see some of the sights
there; and when I returned the grass was burned up, and
there was no rain for long after that, and the early Potatoes
were much blighted, and I really wondered at it, but it is a
fact. This and the Champion resisting this awful blighty
season will be a hard nut for one of your correspondents to
crack, and who believes it is entirely-an atmospheric affair.
The new and hardy varieties must be grown, and if properly
treated there will be less dread of a wet season destroying
them.—J. Appison, Ormiston, Edinburgh.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROOT, FRUIT, AND
GRAIN SHOW. ;
One of those exhibitions of farm produce which usually take

\ | place in the rural districts at this season of the year was held
I hear that they grow none in pots, but plant all the | y:

in the Corn Exchange at Gloucester on Friday last under the
auspices of the Gloucestershire Root, Fruit, and Grain Society.
The Society has been in existence for fifteen years, and they
have held a show annually on the 9th of November, their object
being to encourage the production of superior samples of roots,
grain, fruits, cider and perry, which are the staple productions
of the district. We shall confine our observations to the fruit,
the other objects being outside of our department.

Tn an unfavourable season like the present we did not expect
to see such a large quantity of fruit as was exhibited. One wide
centre table running the whole length ef the Corn Exchange
was occupied with Apples, and a cross table was furnished with
The Apples were divided into
classes, a8 Dessert, Calinary, and Cider fruits, and there were
also classes for special subjects of each of these. Upon the
whole, considering the unfavourable season, the quality of the
fruit was good. In the competition for a collection of dessert
Apples the first prize was awarded to Messrs. J. C. Wheeler and
Son, the eminent seedsmen of Gloucester, and the second to
Earl Ducie of Tortworth Park. Both collections contained
superior specimens, and they were all correctly named, which
is an unusual occurrence at exhibitions of a similar nature.

We never saw such an exhibition of Ashmead’s Kernel as was
shown on this occasion. It being a Gloucester Apple, raised
within the city precincts, it had a special class to itself. The
response was good, for there were no less than seventeen entries,
all of which were very meritorious with one or two exceptions
only. The successful competitors were Mr. Daniel Phelps of
Tibberton first, and Mr. Thomas Cadle of Longeroft second.
The soil of Gloucestershire seems to be specially adapted for
this excellent Apple, for nowhere do we find it produced in
better condition than it is here. The class for Bibstons was
also good, but there were only nine entries; the first prize falling
to Mr. Barnes of Hucclecote Gardens, the second te Mr. Organ
of Breadstone, while those of Harl Ducie were highly com-
mended. These three were all very excellent dishes. Of the
class for Nonpareils we could not speak very highly, but of the
Brandy Apple or Golden Harvey we never saw them surpassed
if even equalled. Mr. C. E. Wells of Minsterworth showed a dish
which were larger than any we have ever seen and most beauti-
fal in colour: they deservedly received the first prize; while
those of Mr. T. Cadle of Longcroft, which were second, though
not so large as Mr. Wells’s they were equally fine in colour,
In the class for twelve dessert Apples of any other variety Mr.
Chadborn of Barton House and Mr. Deane of Boyce Court were
respectively first and second with Adams’ Pearmain and King
of the Pippins. The prizes for collections of dessert Pears were
taken by Mr. B. Littlewood, The Greenway, first, and Earl
Ducie, Tortworth Court, second; both collections being very
meritorious. The prizes for twelve dessert Pears any other
variety were both taken by Marie Louise; Mr. Phelps of Ber-
lingham, Pershore, being first, and Mr. Littlewood, The Green-
way, being second.

The Grapes were not superior; but the culinary Apples were

November 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF H)IRTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

381

excellent. In this class Earl Ducie was first, and Messrs. J. C.
Wheeler & Son second. It is worth remarking, again, that in
these as in the dessert Apples, where these two competitors
were also successful, there was not a variety that was wrongly
named. There was a special class for Blenheim Orange, and
the first-prize fruit of Mr. Mayo of Base Court were of a very
brilliant colour, and of fine size and form. For culinary Apples
{not Blenheim) Mr. Phelps of Tibberton was first with Alfriston,
and Earl Ducie second with Warner’s King.

A soil and climate that can produce such fruit as the Ash-
mead’s Kernels, the Golden Harveys, the Ribstons, and the
Blenheims that took first prizes in their classes ought, we think,
to be used to better purpose than they are, if we may judge
from the state of the orchards which one finds, not only in this
but in the adjoining counties of Worcester and Hereford. Per-
haps we ought to except Worcester, for during the past twenty
or twenty-five years great progress has been made, particularly
in the Vale of Evesham, by the introduction of the modera
system of fruit-growing; but still with that exception all three
of these fruit-producing counties do not yield anything like the
return they ought to do if a better system of orcharding were
practised. With the facilities of railway communication with
which they all are served they ought to produc3 a great supply
of far superior fruit to the leading centres of consumption than
they do.

We were pleased to see among the collections of cider Apples
80 many of the famed old varieties stillin existence—the Red
-and Yellow Styres, Hagloe Crab, Redstreak, Cowarne Red, and
Skyrme’s Kernel. Thess of themselves if widely planted and
properly cultivated would bring wealth in the quality of the
cider they produce. How is it, then, that in the collections of
cider Apples that were exhibited we found so many that were
no better than trash, without names and without character?
And how is it that orchardists will grow such trash when they
know them to beso? It must be indifference to or ignorance
ef their own interests that is the cause of it. A valuable Apple
occupies no more space and requires no more care than a wild-
ing does ; and when farmers are so careful to improve the breeds
of their cattle, knowing that a high-bred animal eats no more
and perhaps not so much as one of a baser breed, it surprises
us that orchardists have still to learn that there is as much
method, skill, and science in good orcharding as there is in
cattle-breeding. The cider which the district round Gloucester
produces, when produced as the prize sample exhibited by Mr.
Organ, is 80 superior to the wretched stuff that is somefimes
met with undey the names of hock and claret, that if it were to
be introduced pure upon the market it would displace all of
these, and the public would possess a wholesome palatable
beverage while the producers would become enriched for their
pains. We do hope that this Gloucestershire Society—working
in its own district, while the Woolhope Club is working in the
same direction in the neighbouring county of Hereford—will be
Successful in opening the eyes of the orchardists to the pursuit
of their own interests, and that the landowners of these counties
will also see that by encouraging the development of this in-
dustry they are adding vastly to the value of the fee simple of
their estates, at the same time that the public are benefited by
@ large addition of wholesome food and wholesome beverags:

JOTTINGS ABOUT VEGETABLES.

To account for the many diversified opinions—say for

instance in the cultivation of Grapes—lI have concluded that a |
generally industrious person may indulge in any particular |

hobby of his own; if it be the most whimsical or even detri-
mental his other good properties outweigh this one mischief,
and he succeeds. In the growing of vegetables the man who
manures well may indulge in whole group of whims. ‘‘ Muck’s
the man which makes this mare to go.’’ But this assertion
even requires qualifying. When an old garden has been
manured and cropped, and cropped and manured, for perhaps
@ time further back than of which anyone has any remem-
}rance, then this garden has probably become ‘‘ muck-sick ’’—
its continuous repetition of the same kind. Vegetables refuse
to feed longer on one diet in infinitum, they require change.
New life is need3d. Everything burnable, even to the very
soil, wants burning. Lime is much needed, and roadside
scrapings or soil from wherever obtainable, and soft burnt clay
from a brickyard is desirable.

Regarding manuring land in “ good heart” and with a good
elay bottom you may place the manure where you like, your
vegetables will find it. A gravelly bottom is simply an in-
satiable devourer; it takes unreasonably, and still craves for
amore. To bury manure deep in a gravelly bottom is simply
giving the gravel all the chances of first swallowing the lion’s
share. By surface manuring or mulching all the while it is
gradually penetrating, say through the first 18 inches, every

hungry root is gobbling it up ag fast as every root can. The
thinking gardener never manures regardlessly ; he puts every
shovelful where he judges his crop will be most benefited. I
will speak of Cabbages first. Having seven thousand to plant
last autumn, in good time I secured all the novelties I could
lay hands oa, also common market varieties, and haying
regard for an old favourite of one whose gardening days are
long since ended I planted a few Early Yorke. Of the latter a
buyer remarked, ‘‘The women folk never lay them long-
hearted Cabbage down again.” The fact is the Early York,
in proportion to bulk, is the heaviest Cabbage we have. I
was sadly annoyed at the seed generally being so mixed.
Daniel’s Defianca was the exception. It is a noble market
marrow Cabbage, and, what I like, requires no earthing-up.
I had a fine square of summer Cauliflowers from seed of
my own sowing, though hereabouts the rain of this very wet
season for Canliflowers was some ten days too long in coming,
and I spoiled the lot, or at least all the best of them. For
exhibition I have tied-up Cauliflowers for years, but perhaps
never previously till the hearts were two-thirds grown. In
this instance I tied them up when they were little larger than
buttons, and before I noticed the evil the iuside leaves had
turned yellow and the hearts were bursting through between.
Of Autumn Giant I had twelve hundred from an eighteen-
penny packet of seed, and not adozen wentblind. But nearly
the first two hundred ‘‘ went’’ for all that—they went to the
pigs. They came green and seeded. The remainder, however,
were beautiful, and I have one in the vinery now seeding that
was 1l inches across. I have a fancy that unripe seed is the
cause of so many of this noble Cauliflower having no heart,
and perhaps these green ones are attributable to carelessness
in selecting the stock. Mr. Stickley; who took such pains
in selecting his Red Cabbage and who grew them so well, was
for many years a near neighbour, hence in this neighbourhood
we boast of our Red Cabbage; sow them all in the spring with
the Canliflowers under glass or nearly so, and by the middle
of August they average in weight some 8 or 9 lbr., and I have
seen our cottagers exhibit some this autumn really a remark-
able size.

The Onion maggotisa pest. I rather fancied our Editors

“were incredulous when a while ago I recommended ‘ bodling”’

the crop: Now the fact $s Onions will stand having water
poured over them when little off the boil, and maggot life
can stand nothing of the kind. If taken ia time hot water
poured over the bed will prevent the maggot going further by
simply killing them, but if the maggot has got so far as to
haye eaten itself overhead, then do what you like the crop is
done for. 4

It may or may not be news, but the fact is our colliers down
here are possessed of quite acrazeafter Lecks. I know of even
2d. a-pieca being offered for some when in the seed pan, and
every village has, independent of other shows, its Leek show.
When criticised by our London dailies the poor pitman igs
always accompanied by his fighting dog. It isalibel. Asa
specimen of these shows I should be so glad would you copy
the following report from our local paper; I think it will prove
that the Durham pitman’s taste lies in quite a commendable
direction. Just to finish, pray allow me to state that consider-
ing my remarks on manuring at the commencement of my
jottings I have avoided particularising about the separate cul-
tivation of the vegetables spoken of. In the report I wish it
to be particularly noticed that all the prizes are comprised of
useful household articles, which I like; every time you see
them they create pleasure. Somehow you lose sight of money ;
it has wings, and ere you are aware it is flowa.—J. WITHER-
spoon, Red Rose Vineries, Chester-le-Street.

P.S.—Petton Fern Lerx SHow.—A Leek Show was held at
the house of Mr. Thomas Mason’s, Hot Hills, Pelton Fell, when
a number of prizes were offered for competition. There was a
good number of entries, and the Leeks shown received high
commendation from all the visitors, as well as the professional
gentlemen who judged them. The following were the success-
ful competitors, and the prizes awarded to each :—For best
threes Leekz, Thomas Batey, a cruet stand; 2nd, John Fergu-
80D, a coffee pot; 3rd, John Studham, a teapot; 4th, Robert
Appleton, a teapot; 5th, William Wishart, a cruet stand;
6th, John Johnson, half dozen knives and forks; 7th, John
Barker, half-dozen table spoons; 8th, George Armin, pair of
salts; 9th, Thomas Mason, jun., pair of candlesticks; 10th,
Luke Mason, pair of butter knives; 11th, Joseph Wrangham,
bread board and knife; 12th, James Dixon, pair of candle-
sticks; 13-h, John English, a pocket knife; 14, Matthew Wass,

382

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 15, 1877.

a set of brushes; 15th, John Hollison, a cruet stand; 16th,
Thomas Cook, pair of candlesticks; 17, Edward Barker, a
water pot; 18th, Robert Purvis, a spittoon; 19th, Edward
Pearson, a butter pot.

OUR BORDER FLOWHRS—AMARYLLIDS.

Tue Snowflakes are a small family, but that does not detract
from their beauty or their service to ug in many ways and
under a variety of circumstances. In a late Journal a well-
deserved word of commendation was spoken for our old
favourites, the border flowers, by one who was visiting a place
where those had been cast aside for the red, white, and blue,
but the old favourites were being again reinstated. Snow-
flakes are spring, summer, and autumn-flowering plants, but
the family we notices is the Summer Snowflake, Leucojum
eestivum, said to be derived from lukos, white, and ion, 2 Violet,
having reference to the colour and fragrance of the flower—a
sharming name for a charming subject. It is said by some to
be a native plant, but I doubt the authority. It is perfectly
nardy in our climate and way be well naturalised,.but I have
not had the pleasure of meeting with it away from the habi-
tation of man. It thrives well in most soils and situations,
and is increased by division after growth has been matured.
They are capital plants for most shady borders and sides of
walks in wood or wilderness.

Less known is Leucojum pulchellum; it has much the same
appearance, but flowers earlier in the spring, and is a very
useful border plant. Closely allied we have Acis autumnalis,
or the Autumn Snowflake, named after Acis, a Sicilian shep-
herd. Being from Sicily it is a delicate subject in our climate.
It is of dwarf slender habit, and requires care to succeed with it.
It should have a moderately warm dry situation; sandy loam,
peat, grit, or charcoal, with thorough drainage will mest its
requirements. There are others of this charming group.
A. grandiflorus, A. trichophyllus, and A. roseus are seldom seen,
but are worthy of extensive cultivation: when once established
they will take care of themselves.

Then we have the Erinosma, from e7, the spring, and osme,
to smell, one of if not the most charming of all our spring
flowers. This, the Spring Snowflake, is right wherever you
like to put it. Six or eight bulbs in a 6-inch pot repeated as
often as you please for indoor work in early spring are among
the most beautiful of early flowers, and for beds and borders
they are all that can be desired. Instead of being planted by
the dozen they are worthy of being planted by the thousand.
This is not a plant of yesterday, having been among us since
1596. It should have a place in all gardens. At present, com-
paratively speaking, it is a rarity. KE. multiplex and H. car-
pathica need looking up now that we are in want of early
bloomers in the spring; they are early-flowering spring plants.
To succeed with them they require attention.

The rarer kinds are increased by parting the bulbs when
they have matured their growth; when established they are
best left alone. They last many years, repaying any amount
of care bestowed on them. There is some confusion in the
families above named. Why they are separated I am not able
to say ; no doubt there is a cause, or they would have been left
quietly under the name of Leucojum, or further back still
with the old authors under Galanthus.— VERITAS.

ROSE CUTTINGS.

Ozseryine in the Journal of October 25th a method of pro-
pagating Tea Roses on their own roots, and that July and
August are the best time for inserting the cuttings, I beg to
suggest a simple method which will answer well this present
month of November—a method which I have found to exceed
any other way; a method which I think will suit all, as glass
is not brought into use.

I have come to the conclusion after many experiments, that
the best system of propagating Roses on their own roots,
whether they be Teas or Hybrid Perpetuals is, about the
middle of this month to have a west-aspect border ; dig or rake
it down fine ; then prepare the cuttings, choosing the most
ripened shoots. Make the cuttings, say 5 or 7 inches long,
have a sharp knife for the purpose. In cutting the end to be
inserted make the cut through the base of the joint, trim the
rest of the buds off, leaving the cuttings with two or three
buds above ground. Havea spade and short line; nick or make
asmall trench; place about an eighth of an inch of sand at the
bottom, then ingert your cuttings, taking care to make the soil

; have a pleasing effect.

firm to them. Thesgand will induce the cuttings to callus soon.
Then they will remain in this dormant state until spring,
when they will take root, and will make good plants during
the summer.—H. T,

RAVENSWORTH CASTLE.

RAvENSWoRTH CastTLe, the seat of the Earl of Ravensworth,
is about three miles and a half from Newcastle-on-Tyne. The
name Ravensworth, according to Hutchinson, is derived from
the Saxon word rajfen, meaning the standard of Denmark;
but Surtees shows the name Raven enters into numerous
Saxon words, and in some instances it may be derived from
the haunts of the bird itself. Ravensworth Castle, observes
Hutchinson, ‘‘ was 2 castle long before any records now extant,.
as there is no license to embattle and kernellate this house
found in the archives of the bishop, though of every other
house in the county there is that evidence.” The Castle
stands on the side of a hill sloping gradually towards the river
Team. In the time of the Boyntons and Gascoignes it seems
to have consisted of four oblong square towers connected by a
regular curtain, and probably included a keep or central tower.
In 1808 the whole of the old house was taken down, with the:
exception of two corresponding towers. The erection of the
present noble edifice was commenced when the old building
was partly removed on a plan of the light Gothic, designed by
Nash, and consists of a selection of castle architecture of va-
rious periods skilfully brought together. The Castle has three
principal fronts; the south one is very handsome, consisting of
turrets and facades, some of which are covered with Ivy and
Ahandsome conzervatory, built from
a plan of one of the family, terminates the west front. Oppo-
site to this on a raised terrace is a handsome fountain; the
water falls into a basin from eight leopards’ heads, while a
powerfal jet plays from the centre. The stones used in the
building are freestone, and were procured from an adjoining
quarry. The north side constitutes the entrance to the Castle,
and is very pretty and effective.

The Castle is sheltered on the north by a fine forest of Oaks
and evergreens. The south aspect consists of at least three
hundred acres of rich meadow land, with here and there trees
planted for effect, and it stretches for a mile and a half to-
wards the pretty village of Lamesly, which is beautifully
wooded. At the south entrance to the park stands a beautiful
lodge in a style corresponding with the Castle. There are-
several other lodges, all neat and handsome structures, com-
fortable for the inmates as weil as ornamental.

On the private road to Newcastle stands a cross, the com-

mon tradition of which is that when Newcastle was visited
with a plague in the reign of Queen Elizabeth the people from
the country here sold and bartered for their provisions. The
cross is a plain shaft on an octagonal pedestal. The manor of
Ravensworth contains a valuable and extensive field of coal.
The first waggon-ways and the second steam engine used in
the north belonged to the Liddells, the family name of the
Ravensworth family.

The gardens lie north of the Castle; at the entrance is
the Superintendent’s house, which is a neat and tasteful
structure, and partly overlooks the gardens. The principal
range of glass, which is nearly semicircular, is about 430 feet
long and 18 feet broad, and is divided into nine houses or com-
partments, which are all lean-to’s. The first, a greenhouse,
contains some very fine specimen plants, foremost of which
may be mentioned two Erica Bothwellianas 5 feet through
and 3 feet high; also a fine plant of Pheenocoma prolifera
Barnesi. Aphelexis macrantha is fine and healthy. Here is
also a Genetyllis tulipifera, which is set with flower buds at
each joint, and a fine Chorozema spinosa, also two Lisiandra.
macranthas, which Mr. Moult is decidedly partial to for the
autumn; he starts this plant in heat, and gradually inures it
to greenhouse treatment. Here was also Cassia corymbosa, &
mass of golden yellow, which Mr. Moult manages io flower six
months of the year in the following simple manner :—In
February the plant is pruned back to about two eyes of the
young wood ; itis then potted in a compost of about two parts
loam and one part peat, to which is added sufficient sand to
make it sharp. He then starts it in heat, say a vinery or in-
termediate stove, from whence it is removed to a greenhouse to
prepare it for being placed outside in the first or second week
of June where it does not get the sun too strong; this makes
it firm and short-jointed. Here are also some fine Camellias,
such as the Marchioness of Exeter, rose colour, between

ee

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November 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

383

5 and 6 feet high, and also two plants of Hendersoni equally
as good; these plants were perfect in symmetry, and well laden
with buds. Mr. Moult makes it his practice to leave but one
bud to each shoot; by this means he secures an annual supply
of Camellias. At the east end of this house is planted a
noteworthy plant of Lapageria rosea, covering about 108 square
feet of glass, and its charming flowers were gracefully hanging
down in clusters. The second house is a late Peach house,
with a Moorpark Apricot on the back wall. The Peaches
are Violette Hative and Royal George; while the Nectarines
are Violette Hative and Pitmaston Orange. Both trees were
ripening their wood well, and were free from red spider. In
this house were two fine Camellias of Mre. Abbey Wilder, a
white, and also one of Lowi and Chandleri elegans, equally as
good as those mentioned. The third is a late vinery of about
28 feet long, and consists of Lady Downe’s, Black Alicante,
and Trebbiano. This was an even house of Grapes well
coloured, and bunches weighing about 2 lbs. each. Mr. Moult
considers Lady Downe’s and West’s St. Peter’s better varie-
ties than Black Alicante for late work, for he thinks the best
attribute Alicante possesses is its charming colour when placed
on the table. In this house were two fine specimen Azaleas
and three large Ixoras coccinea superba, which are to be
here for a time for want of better accommodation.

The fourth house is a vinery, which principally contains
Black Alicante and Black Hamburgh Grapes, of which re-
mained some fine examples of both varieties. In this house
were some fine specimen Azaleas, for Mr, Moult does not place
Camellias and Azaleas outside after they have done blooming ;
“they are removed into the vineries and peacheries, and allowed
éo remain there to make their growth. A liberal and frequent
use of the syringe is applied at all times, and thus the houses
are kept free from insects. These houses so far are simply
heated with flues.

The fifth house is a plant stove with a plunging bed in one
end heated by pipes. Here we saw a fine young plant of
Maranta Veitchii with thirteen large leaves, also some fine
Musas and large Stephanotises, with two or three Bougain-
ville glabras good, and an Ixora Williamsi about 3 feet
through and 21 feet high. Noticeable also were some fine
plants of Eucharis amazonica in about 10 or 12-inch pots.
One of them had nine spikes of flowers with six flowers on
each spike, This was the third time of flowering this year.
The mode of treatment adopted consists in giving a rest after
flowering, then plunging it in bottom heat for a time, after
which it invariably throws up flower. Those plants have
remained in their pots for some years now. On the side
stages here were a quantity of Poinsettias, Justicias, Euphorbia
jacquiniwflora, Eranthemum pulchellum, and other winter-
flowering plants.

The sixth division is a fruiting Pine stove with a plunging
bed and hot-water pipes in it. The varieties were principally
Montserrats and Providence. One or two fruits of the latter
were swelling off, and would, perhaps, average 5 or 6 lbs. each.
-At the end of this house were Cucumbers in pots, and, plunged
in the hotbed and trained up to the glass for the winter, they
looked very healthy and strong. On a water tank here,
which is covered with a stone slab, was a splendid plant of
Lelia anceps, throwing up seven flower spikes. This plant
remains here all the year round, and the cool bottom seems to
suitit admirably. Here were also two fine plants of Anthurium
Schertzerianum. i

The seventh house is an early vinery. The varieties are
principally Black Hamburgh and Museat of Alexandria. Here
Were some plants of Salvia patens and a fine specimen of
Azalea Roi Leopold 5 feet through, also other good plants.
‘The eighth house is a second Peach house, and consists of the
Same varieties as the former. Here were some fine Bouvardias,
‘which are grown in a cool frame during the summer, also some
large Camellias, a good Eriostemon or two, and a sturdy speci-
men of Hrica Aitoniana superba, The ninth and last house
is alate vinery. The varieties are principally Lady Downe’s,
Mrs. Pines, and Black Hamburgh. The Grapes were not quite
ripe at the time of my visit, October 4th, although strong fire
heat had been applied for some time. Here cuttings are struck
of Begonia Sedeni in the spring, and planted out against
the stonework in front of the houses or against any bare wall,
and they flower profusely during the summer. On the Vine
borders were seven hundred Strawberry pots; the varieties are
President and Garibaldi, which were strong and healthy.

At the end of this range is another entrance to the kitchen
garden, to the right of which is a Peach house or lean-to for

early work about 52 feet long, with a division in the centre; it
is heated with flues. The lights had been off during the sum-
mer, and were just put on at the time of my visit to prepare
for early forcing. Near the Peach house is a span-roof stove
about 21 feet by 14, with a plunging bed in the centre. In
this house were specimen plants of Allamanda nobilis and
Dipladenia amabilis, with the young shoots trained near to the
glass, so as to procure all the sun possible; also good Crotons,
a Cissus discolor or two, and a plant of Dendrobium nobile
about 4 feet through. On the side stage above the pipes were
some fine plants of Calanthe vestita, with leaves as large as
Phaius grandiflora. Close to this house are two ranges of pits
for forcing Potatoes, Cucumbers, &c., in, and also one for suc-
cessional Pines. Near to this is a span-roof warm greenhouse
of about 24 feet by 12 feet. In it were some fine plants of
Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana. Mr. Moult places this charming
plant outside during the summer. On the opposite side of the
walk is the Erica house, a half-spanned low house, heated with
a flow and return pipe. It is a very homely structure about
20 feet long and 12 feet broad, yet in it were the following
specimens, all remarkably healthy and possessing good sym-
metry—plants which any cultivator may feel justly proud of :—
Ericas Austiniana, Irbyana, Marnockiana ampliata, ollula,
tricolor Holfordii, obbata umbellata, and Jacksoni. These
were an eyen lot of about 3} feet through and 2} feet high;
but the crowning plant of all was a retorta major, 4 feet by 4.
This was a real gem. Leaving here you come to the fruiting
Pine pit, about 26 feet long and 18 feet wide. The plants were
principally Queens, strong and healthy, and are expected to
throw up next spring for summer use.

The kitchen garden consists of about four acres. The soil
is a heavy cold clay; there is therefore great difficulty in the
procuring a choice supply of vegetables all the year round.
Mr. Moult experienced great difficulty in growing Asparagus,
but by adopting the following plan has insured success. When
planting he raises the beds about 1 foot higher than the alleys.
By this means the plants when young do not go off; and when
they get older and are in a state for more nourishment, these
alleys are filled up gradually with leaf soil. He also prefers
sowing to planting. A quantity of Asparagus is anuually
forced; this is generally done in a late vinery or Peach house,
Mr. Moult believing in strong bottom heat and plenty of air
for flavour.

Peas were growing after Celery ; the varieties McLean’s Gem,
No Plus Ultra and Champion of England, G. F. Wilson and
Hair’s Dwarf Mammoth. These are sown in the order men-
tioned. Onions were not a heavy crop, an unusual thing at
Ravensworth, and many have thick necks, which is the case
generally in the north this year. The favourite Cauliflower is
Walcheren, which is grown late and early. There are also
quantities of Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, Cabbages, Coleworts
and Broccoli; the varieties of this last vegetable are Snow’s
Early Purple Cape, Danvers Pink, Carter’s Champion, Wilcove’s
White, Alexandra and Late Mammoth, which generally come
in the order mentioned. The soil is too cold for Potatoes; they
are grown in raised drills. By this means they come earlier
and finer.

The walls are covered with Peaches, Nectarines, and Apri-
cots. The former fruits are the same as those mentioned in
the houses with the addition of the Barrington Peach, which
is deservedly a great favourite here. Fires are applied to these
walls when the blossom buds begin to expand, and are con-
tinued to the end of May; the trees are also well covered with
frigi domo netting. The Pears that do best are Marie Louise,
Glou Moreeau, and Winter Nelis; the Plums are Victoria,
Princess of Wales, Kirke’s, and Green Gages. On the borders
are dwarf pyramid Apples and Pears on the Paradise and
Quince stocks respectively. The varieties are of Apples Lord
Suffield, Wellington, New Hawthornden, Cellini, Cox’s Orange
Pippin, and Kerry Pippin; while the Pears are Louise Bonne
of Jersey, Beurré d’Amanlis, Beurré Diel, and Williams’ Bon
Chrétien. Parsley is grown on the borders for winter, neatly
hooped over and matted on the approach of snow. A quantity
of Seakale is grown and forced much in the same manner ag
the market gardeners force it near London. It is taken up
every autumn; all cuttings are taken off and thrown into a
heap till the spring ; all eyes are rubbed off but one, and the
cuttings are planted in rich ground previously well prepared,
and splendid plants are produced for forcing by the autumn.

Near the kitchen garden is a small rosery, which was quite
refreshing to the eye after being so long lingering and admiring
the culinary part of these gardens. Many Roses were in full

384

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 15, 1877.

bloom; conspicuous amongst them was Souvenir de Ja Mal-
maison, which is an admirable autumn Rose. We next entered
a small walled enclosure oblong in form, which was formerly
used as a plunge bath, and now answers the purpose of holding
the supply of water for these gardens. This is a charming
sequestered spot. Corners and nooks are artistically filled
with Ferns, with juet sufficient flowering plants to brighten
this cheerful yet solitary spot. Here are aleo large plants of
Osmunda regalis cloge down to the watex’s edge.

Leaving here “ fresh scenes of beauty burst upon the view.”
A little westward is perhaps the prettiest of all the scenery of
Ravensworth, for here is a charming lake, small, irregular in
figure and outline, and literally clothed to the water’s edge
with large Rhododendrons, rome of them 20 feet or more in
diameter. These have a huge background of large forest trees.
Truly this place must be gorgeous in the month of May.

| Near to this lake are two or three common Yews, about 20 feet
high, sugar-loaf in shape, and not more than 3 or 4 feet wide
at the base—they are most imposing. Cryptomeria japonica
is 30 feet high, well furnished to the base. Retracing our
steps eastward toward the Castle we come to another lake
which is not so imposing as the former, and from here the
view (fig. 76), of the Castle is obtained. Adjoining the massive
pile is the conservatory ; it is, like most structures of its kind,
not adapted to the successful culture of plants. Camellias are
planted-out. Against the walls were Tacsonia insignis, Lapa-
geria rosea, and Acacia Riceana, algo Orange trees, Fuchsias,
and the usual summer-flowering plants, this place being
especially reserved for the Azaleas and Camellias during the
winter. There is a division in the north end, which is con-
nected with the picture gallery by glass doors. The gallery is
101 feet long, and this part of the conservatory is occupied by

Fig. 76.—RaVENSWORTH CASTLE.

Ferns, with a large Dicksonia antarctica for a background,
having a head 21 feet through and a trunk of 12 feet high.
This Fern has made about twenty fronds this year. It came
here in a emall pot about sixteen years ago, and at present its
fronds measure about 24 feet across. Here is Alsophila excelsa,
Woodwardia radicans, Todea superba, Asplenium flaccidum,
and Scolopendrium crispum. These Ferns seem to revel here
in their golitude, and are fit appendages to a picture gallery.
They have a gradual slope towards the glass doors of the gallery,
and from which they must have a fine appearance by gaslight.

The gouth terrace front is about 100 yards long and 23 yards
broad, with an abutment jutting-out in the centre. In the
abutment a little bedding-out is done, and at the end of the
terrace, in a small border close to the Castle, a few flowering
plants are employed. On the wall is Clematis Jackmani, Ivy,
and Roses, and at the east end is a splendid Magnolia. Leaving
the Castle here on the road to the Superintendent’s house is a
little more bedding-out, just sufficient to relieve the surround-
ing subjects of turf and shrubs. The pleasure grounds con-
sist of about fifty acres. The following Pinuses are scattered
over them :—Pinus monticola, 30 feet high, grafted ; Taxodium
sempervirens, 30 feet; Abies Albertiana, as thriving as a Larch,
60 feet high; and Cedrus atlantica, 25 feet high.

In concluding these remarks it becomes a duty to congratu-

ate Mr. Moult on the efficient manner in which every depart-

ment is conducted. The local circumstances of soil and climate.
he successfully grapples with, although not possessing many
of the modern improvements in the glass structures. He has
lived here for thirty years, and speaks in the highest terms
possible of the kindness he has at all times received from the
Earl of Ravensworth. For twenty years Mr. Moult has ex-
hibited at the principal north country shows with great success,
and for a long time was the principal support of the Newcastle
Horticultural and Botanical Society ; and even now that this
Society is on a firmer basis so as to entice some of the best
exhibitors from the south, Mr. Moult still honourably holds
his own, for in the autumn show he took first and second
prizes for the three best Ericas, and first for the three best
flowering plants, and first for table decoration.—J. C. A.

TOMATO OR LOVE APPLE.

Tus, Solanum lycopersicum of botanists, is thus noticed by
the historian of cultivated fruits -—‘It is a native of South
America, and in all probability of Mexico, from whence it
appears to have been brought by the Spaniards, who, as Bar-
ham observes, use it in their sauces and gravies, because the
juice, as they say, is as good as any gravy, and so by its rich-
ness warms the blood. Dodoens, in his Pemptades, published

at Antwerp in 1583, described it as growing at that time in the

November 15, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 385-

Fig. 77.—VICK’S CRITERION TOMATO,

mentions it in his work, which was published in 1597, as grow-
ing in his garden. Parkinson, whose works were published in
1656, mentions it as being cultivated in England for ornament
and curiosity only. For a long time, however, it has been grown

continental gardens, and says that its fruit was eaten dressed
with pepper, salt, and oil.”

It appears according to the ‘‘ Hortus Kewensis” to have
been cultivated in England as early as 1596, and Gerarde

386

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 15, 1877.

for use as well as for ornament, and is increasing in esteem | often under comment. Sometimes the plants are found doing

yearly. In America it is extensively cultivated, and much at-
tention has been given there to the raising of improved
varieties. Some of these have already become popular in
England, such as Hathaway’s Excelsior, The Trophy, and
some others, which are remarkable for their smoothness and
general good quality.

The engraving which accompanies these notes represents the
most recent of the American varieties—namely, Vick’s Cri-
terion Tomato, which has been awarded a first-class certificate
by the Royal Horticultural Society. This beautiful variety
was raised by Mr. James Vick, the well-known seed grower of
New York. It is a very prolific well-shaped variety with
smooth skin, very distinct in colour, the fruit being of a cor-
nelian red. The seed has been placed in the hands of Messrs.
James Carter & Co. for distribution.

PRACTICAL NOTES ON CAMELLIA CULTURE.

BEGINNING with the house. The Camellia being « com-
paratively hardy evergreen it will succsed, as far as growth
and appearance are concerned, in almost any description of
house. They do well especially as permanent plants in con-
servatories, for when not in flower the foliage is ornamental,
and other flowering plants can well be arranged about them
all through the year. Houses of Camellias may be seen, too,
in good condition where there is much more of architectural
building about them than would suit many other kinds of
plants. Still, to make the best of Camellias there can be no
doubt of the ordinary span-roofed house being as well suited
to their culture as any kind of structure that can be devised,
because such a house can be mads to suit all seasons; for in
dull seasons the plants will set their buds best in such a house,
and if it be a bright summer when the plants are making their
growth suflicient shade can easily be applied to keep the
foliage from being injured. ¢

The shading, or influence of shade, has a great deal to do
with the successful cultivation and blooming of the Camellia.
It cannot be said that the Camellia will not thrive as a plant
in a shady place in a cool house, but will it flower well? or
will the flowers be other than mostly of an inferior character
under such circumstances? Numerous instances can be seen
where good healthy Camellia plants will not form flower buds
in too shady a place; and, besides, the character of many
flowers under such circumstances is so different they are
Scarcely recognisable. The influence of sufficient light is most
necessary after the wood is made and the flower buds are form-
ing. It is difficult, no doubt, to regulate shading to a nicety
when many other plants require to be attended to; neverthe-
less, it can be done near enough for practical purposes. Shad-
ing, as I have noted, is most required in the early part of sum-
mer to keep the foliage, which is then tender, from being
scorched ; very little of shading is required afterwards, espe-
cially during such a summer as the last; but in hot dry sum-
mers a little more shading would be-beneficial just to keep
the foliage from being in any degree ‘‘ browned.”

It is a common plan and effectual in shading to paint the |

glass roof outside with a liquid made up of churned milk and
whiting, the same requiring to be attended to and renewed
after thunder showers, which will often wash it off. The only
objection, perhaps, that can be advanced against this kind of
shade is that when it is on it has to stay on, whereas a canvas
rolling shade can be made to cuit circumstances; in dull
weather it can be rolled up, and in hot putdown. In a sunless
Season the latter shading would be best, and in a bright one
the whitewash will answer very well, it having the advantage
of economy with it. It might be mentioned that this last
Season, which was not over-bright, a very thin whitewash was
put on a span-roofed house, and now the appearances of the
plants for flowering is a3 good as need be desired. The wash
was only put on once when the-young wood was being made,
allowing the weather to take it off for ripening the wood.

It may be singular to say, though evidently it is quite true,
that in some places Camellias do much better than they do in
others, the attention given being practically similar. This
may be through the bad water or unsuitable goil also of the
neighbourhood. If it were in the former case, no doubt the
evil could be remedied by securing a sufficient quantity of rain
water conserved in large tanks to keep up the supply all
through the year; if in the latter, a change of soil is the only
remedy.

The soils used in Camellia culture afford a subject that is

well wholly in turfy peat, and again they are seen flourishing
in yellow loam. As regards the latter case, however, it is not
every yellow loam that would be advisable to use for the Ca-
mellia. A good soil that will suit the Camellia generally is
one composed of two parts of turfy loam and one part of
turfy peat, with a slight mixture of sand.

Although the soil used is a very important matter in Camellia
culture, perhaps it is not more so than proper and steady
attention as regards watering. When the plants are making
their growth they should be watered liberally, syringing them
also regularly. Still the soil in the pots or in the beds should
not be allowed to be sour, and after syringing care must be
taken to observe that wetting from the syringe is not a true
index of the under-surface soil. After the growth is made
syringing should be withdrawn and less watering given, keep-
ing the plants just in a moist condition at the root. The ex-
treme on the one hand of over-watering to injure the roots,
and under-watering to dry them up, are the two great evils in
the unsuccessful flowering of Camellias.

Whether planted out or grown in pots, Camellias in their
flowering season are very ornamental. When planted out it
may be said they involve less labour in attention as regards
watering than when grown in pots, but then it is necessary to
know the condition of the border so as to know how to water
provided the soil be of a proper kind. When the plants are
in pots they are much more under control, and, excepting the
very large plants, perhaps they are better in pots. When
Camellias are planted out they are what might be called fix-
tures, whereas when in pots they can be advanced for early
flowering or moved about in the conservatory to suit arrange-
ments of colour, &¢., and when well bloomed in pots they give
ample satisfaction. There can be no doubt, where planted out,
a greater amount of vigour of plant is secured, aud perhaps
larger blossoms; but for abundance of flowers plants in pots
will often be quite equal to those planted ont. By having
plants in pots, too, the Camellia period can be so much pro-
longed, which is a great advantage.

A good time for planted-out Camellias to come into flower
is about Christmas. By having a few early plants the period
of flowering may commence in September. Good plants in
pots of fimbriata alba are fine conservatory ornaments, and

| they will flower sooner than could be expected from planted-

out specimens; also it may be especially noticed that a few
early Camellia specimens coming into flower, say in October or
November, last a long time. These as soon as done flowering
may be put into heat to bring on in the same way for the
succeeding year.

The temperature required for successful cultivation is one
easily to be attained, for though Camellias require steady
treatment within certain limits, they are not susceptible of
injury by a few degrees’ difference in temperature usually ;
sudden changes, however, must be guarded against. A few
degrees of frost might bring down the buds, and the same re-
sult would probably occur were well-forwarded plants placed
suddenly into heat. A temperature of from 40° to 45° in
winter, with a little additional heat to the natural summer’s
warmth, will suit the Camellia well. As regards ventilation, it
is surprising how little of this is required for Camellias ex-
cepting in very hot weather; but the fact of their growing
well in dark and shady places will easily account for this. In
winter, for example, they succeed well in houses with scarcely
any ventilation, excepting, perhaps, the door open on mild days.

If the Camellias are in robust condition many of the sorts
towards the end of the year may require disbudding. If large
fine flowers are wanted, one bud on a shoot will be sufficient.
Some kinds usually only form one bud at their points, and
when in flower they make a very good show; still for ordinary
purposes it will be well to reduce on healthy plants the buds
to two or three in different stages on each shoot. Disbudding
of leaf buds, too, may be adopted to keep the plants in shape
instead of using the knife further. It is not good practice to
cut-in Camellias too severely if flowering condition of plant
is aimed at; when too much cut-in they make wood instead of
flower for a year or two.

The best time of the year for potting Camellias is either
after they have ceased flowering, before they make their young
wood, or after the wood of the season is made and the buds
formed. If the plants areshort of pot room and well advanced
in bud a top-dressing of Standen’s manure spread over the sur-
face of the soil will greatly assist the opening of the flowers,
and may be better than potting if that operation could not be

November 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

387

done at the right time. Camellia plants in good compost
flower well without any artificial manure; Standen’s, however,
can be supplied safely in most cases. This mode of manuring,
or liquid from the farmyard, is the best for supplying manurial
nutriment to the Camellia. In potting, one of the principal
and first item to attend to is proper drainage (which is equally
important with plants planted out); and when putting the
earth round the roots the compost should be made firm; if in
pots leave sufficient room on the surface to hold water.

As regards keeping the plants free from vermin, an occasional
Smoking from tobacco paper will keep down thrips and green
fly. If the latter only infest the plants they can be removed by
frequent syringing, as they usually only make their appear-
ance in the growing season when syringing is in operation.
As refers to other vermin, if the plants are clean to start with
there is not much trouble with them; but of late an objection-
able insect seems to be making headway in the country, which
should, if possible, be kept under and eradicated. In the
winter time it causes a great deal of filth about the stems of
the plants and leaves; in spring, when the sun shines, it may
be best observed moving about the bark like a small brown
scale; when the plants are put in heat it grows toa larger size,
and ultimately throws off white down resembling the mealy
bug. This is the scale in a breeding state, and perhaps the
best way to get rid of it is to go over the plants regularly and
remove every one in this stage. If this insect makes its
appearance in a collection of plants it will soon go over the
whole. Painting the hard wood the same as Vines’ stems and
washing the foliage is not sufficient.

Before Camellias come into flower they look all the better

for having their leaves sponged with soap and water; with
clean foliage the flowers show to so much better advantage.
x It may be remarked that Camellias in pots for winter flower-
ing are not so frequently seen as they deserve to be, and
Collections of Camellias of various sizes in flower make a
splendid show of themselves. Camellia flowers can be had of
every desirable hue, and the bud variation in the Camellia is
also very interesting —R. M. A.

ROSE DEVONIENSIS.

In the list of Roses named in the Journal of October 4th,
page 265, the name of Curtis is given as the raiser of the
Devoniensis, but the time is not stated when the Rose was sent
out to the public.

The Rose above named was raised by George Foster, Esq.,
of Cutland House, about a mile distant from the towns of
Devonport and Plymouth. I was engaged in the service of
Mr. Foster in 1837, and the Rose in question flowered for the
first time the following year, and I think I am now the only
person living that saw the first or maiden bloom of it.

‘From Mr. Foster it passed to the firm of Messrs. Lucombe,
Pince, & Oo., of the Exeter Nurseries, Exeter, and was by
them exhibited in London and awarded a Banksian medal by
the Royal Horticultural Society. From that fact becoming
known the orders for it became so great that a great delay
took place before they were executed. I think it was sent out
about 1842 or 1843.—Joun Connine, Redhill, Surrey.

LAMBETH CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.
NovemBer 121ru, 13TH, anp 14th.

_To organise and support a floral society within a one-mile
circle of Horsemonger Gaol might appear to many almost ludi-
crous, yet such a society exists, and a show was held on Monday
last and two following days at the Borough Road Lecture Hall,
which was worthy of extensive patronage. In little “toy” houses
and dingy back courts the productions for this Show were grown,
and amongst the exhibitors were to be found shoemakers, engi-
neers, and policemen, and the result of their endeavours was
& most praiseworthy exhibition.

The schedule consisted of thirty-nine classes, all for the en-
couragement of the Chrysanthemum. A more varied schedule
we have scarcely met with, and right well were the classes
represented, in fact in some cases the competition was very
Keen ; but the date fixed was a little too early, especially for
specimen plants, but the cut blooms taken collectively were
above the average, and good stands of incurved, reflexed,
Japanese, large-flowering Anemones, Anemone Pompons, and
Pompons were staged.

Mr. Wileher was awarded the first prize for twenty-four cut
blooms, distinct, with Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales,
Guernsey Nugget, Nil Desperandum, Mrs. Dixon, Bella Donna,
Beethoven, George Glenny, Lady Talfourd, General Bainbrigge,

Lady Hardinge, Antonelli, White Globe, Fingal, Novelty, Miss
Mary Morgan, Prince Alfred, Eve, Gloria Mundi, Mrs. Hali-
burton, Orange Perfection, Lady Slade, and Catherine Talfourd.
In the class for six incurved blooms of one variety there were
eleven competitors, and the first prize was awarded to a variety
named Mr. Bunn, a very fine golden flower. Mr. Summers
was awarded the first prize for twelve Japanese varieties in
not less than eight sorts, and had very fine blooms of James
Salter, Erecta Superba, The Mikado, Garnet, Elaine, The Cossack,
Hero of Magdala, and Peter the Great; and Mr. Fill was
awarded the first prize for twelve Anemone blooms in not less
than eight varieties, with grand examples of Prince of Anemones,
Acquisition, Gluck, Louis Bonamy, George Hock, George Sand,
Margaret d’Anjou, and Lady Margaret. The same exhibitor
was worthily awarded a first prize for three trained standard
Pompons, which deserve more than a passing word of praise for
their excellence. The varieties were Antonius, Marie Stuart,
and Calliope. Other successful exhibitors were Messrs. Hal-
stead, Clark, Truelove, Tracey, Pryer, Addison, and Ball.

Oar space will not allow us to give further details, but we
must compliment Mr. Summers, the Secretary, for the neatnese
and general arrangement of the Exhibition. Such uniformity
we have never seen before; the stands were all made and
painted alike. The names of every variety were plainly written
on neatly bordered tickets, and the prize cards were secured
at the back of each box, A better arranged show we have never
seen.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Ar a general meeting of the Fellows of the Royan Hor-
TICULTURAL Sociery, held on the 6th inst., W. Haughton,
Esq., in the chair, the following candidates were duly elected
Fellows of the Society—viz., Mrs. Charles Carus-Wilson, T. H.
Ford, John Gordon, Sir Stuart Hogg, Mrs. Morgan, G. Neilson
Tucker, Col. Ravenhil], R.E., W. Hussey Walsh, and Charles
Wolloton. James Lewis and Henry Hepburn were also elected
guinea members.

Tue record of wintER CucUMBER CULTURE at Hastnor
on page 339 is a type of the sound gardening practice carried
on there, but there is much more to be seen at Hastnor than
superior fruit culture. The pleasure grounds are extensive,
upwards of 100 acres in extent; also beautiful, for they con-
tain hundreds, rather thousands, of handsome Conifers. The
Castle is a splendid pile, 2 pure example of Norman architec-
ture, and the lake in front picturesque. A fine new terrace is
being formed near the Castle, conceived with excellent taste
and executed in superior style. There are only a few, very
few, flower beds in the grounds, and fortunately none on the
terrace, for modern bedding would be incongruous associated
with the severe grandeur of such a building andits appendages.
A place might probably be found at Hastnor for Geraniums,
Golden Feather, &c., but beds of such plants on the terrace
would impair its dignity and mar, not enhance, its beauty.
Eastnor is beautiful without flowers, and is a garden worth a
long journey to ses at any time, but especially in summer,
when the grand old Vine—the glory of the fruit department—
is bearing its youthful crop.

We have received from Rey. F. D. Horner, Kirkby
Malzeard, Ripon, a ripe head of seed of the white Arum Canna
zrutopica, This specimen ripened under the care of Mr.
Hebblethwaite, gardener to G. Serjeantson, Hsq., Camphill,
Bedale, and when in a fresh state was of a pure lemon colour.
It is the first specimen we have seen from Yorkehire.

— Messrs. Harrison & Sons announce that their eighth

annual EXHIBITION oF FARM RooTS, &., will take place on the
21st and 22nd inst. in the Market Place, Leicester, when silver
cups and other prizes will be awarded for the largest and
handsomest roots grown from seed supplied by them. The
prize roots will be exhibited in the Seed Warehouse on Satur-
day, November 24th.
Mr. Tess informs us that he has received a letter of
thanks from the Royal Horticultural Society for the PATENT
FuMIGATORS which he exhibited at South Kensington on
November 6th.

—— In our report of the last meeting of the Fruit Com-
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society we mentioned that
a cultural commendation was awarded to Mr. Wildsmith for
excellent but not quite perfectly coloured bunches of Gros
Conman Grape. We have since seen a still finer example of
this Grape grown by Mr. Wildemith. Many of the berries
are quite 4 inches in circumference, and are nearly jet black ;
the quality is also very good, better than we have hitherto

338 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

tasted Gros Colman. Mr. Wildsmith would do good service
by stating how he grows this Grape so fine and colours it so
well. The bunch to which we refer is a masterpiece of supe-
tior cultivation.

WE recently noticed in Mr. Wills’s Nursery at Anerley
@ very distinct NEw Fern which has been raised by Mr. Bause,
who states it as being the result of a cross between Adiantum
trapeziforme and A. decorum, to both of which it bears resem-
blance, yet it is totally unlike either. Its novelty consists in
the pinne being quite reflexed, as if the plant were asleep;
indeed, it might popularly be termed the Sleeping Adiantum.
It is at the same time free in growth and very elegant. Such
kinds as Adiantums cuneatum, decorum, scutum, and gracilli-
mum are raised from spores by thousands, and still the demand
ean scarcely be met. Dracenas too command notice, both by
their great numbers and excellent condition. The newer
varieties are in fine colour, and the older, such as terminalis,
are represented by thousands of handsome plants. They are
worthy of note and inspection.

Messrs. Carter & Co.’s Mrtroponiran Root SHow in
the Agricultural Hall, Islington, is the largest that has ever
ween held there. The gallery, which is a quarter of a mile in
length, surrounding the Hall is occupied with farm and garden
produce of exceptionally good quality. Mangold Wurtzels
owing to the cold season are perhaps not quite so numerous
nor fine as last year; but the Swedes and Turnips exceed both
in numbers and quality any previous display that has been
arranged in the building; Kohl-rabi is very good, Cabbages
immense, and Potatoes, Onions, and Carrots excellent. The
collections of vegetables contain admirable examples of nearly
everything in season: especially superior are the Turnips—
Smart’s Monsetail, Early Snowball, and White Stone; Autumn
Giant Cauliflowers, Carter’s Perfection Brussels Sprouts, and

Leeks. There are also capital dishes of Hathaway’s Excelsior
Tomatoes. The prizes were not awarded when we left the
building.

No decorative plants in Covent Garden Market are now
more attractive than Roman Hyacintus. Five bulbs are grown
in a 48-sized pot, and the effect of the pure white masses of
elegant bells is very pleasing. Theze miniature Hyacinths are
increasing in popularity yearly on account of their earliness
and usefulness. They are as valuable for cutting for bouquets,
&e., as they are acceptable for decorative purposes in pots.

—— AutHovucH the present autumn has not been particu-
larly favourable for the opening of CuRrysaNTHEMUMS, yet an
excellent display is provided at the Orystal Palace. Mr. Thom-
son has, amidst his multifarious duties, contrived to grow two
thousand plants, and has grown them well. They are in ex-
uberant health—admirable in foliage and blooms. The new
variety, Golden Empress of India, is likely to prove a real
acquisition. Many blooms of it are extremely fine, and the
colour—soft canary yellow—is very pleasing. Jardin des
Plantes and its bronze variety are splendid; as aleo are White
Globe, Lord Derby, Alfred Salter, Prince Alfred, Pink Perfec-
tion, and White Venus. The Beverlys have passed their best.
‘They have been excellent. Cassandra—white, also fading—is
noteworthy as one of the best of its class; and the popular trio
—Mrs. G. Rundle, Mrs. Dixon, and George Glenny—are re-
markably fine. Amongst the refiexed varieties, many of which
are so valuable for decorative purposes, Hermoine and its
golden variety, Dr. Sharp, Julie Lagraviére, Barbara, Progne,
Beethoven, Sam Slick, and Maréchal Daroe are in admirable
eondition. The Japanese varieties are represented by James
Salter, Elaine, very fine; Cry Kung, rosy purple, excellent ;
and the still deeper and newer variety Gloire de Toulouse.
The plants are arranged at the front of the great orchestra, and
are an important feature of the attractions of the Palaca.

— Mr. Rozents, gardener, Charleville Forest, Ireland, has
won, according to the Irish Farmer’s Gazette, the honour of
having grown the HEAVIEST BUNCH OF BLACK GRAPES yet pro-
duced. The bunch alluded to was cut the other day on occa-
sion of the rejoicings which took place at Charleville Forest on
Lady Emily Bury attaining her majority. It was fine in shape,
berry, and finish, and weighed 23 lbs. 2 ozs. The breadth
across the shoulders measured 22 inches, the length from the
footstalk to the point of the bunch alittle over 2 feet. We
thought it a pity that this noble bunch was not sent to South
Kensington by Mr. Roberts, but the difficulty of getting it there
without the bloom being spoiled in transit no doubt deterred
him from forwarding it. It would no doubt have caused a
sensation there, and been justly regarded as the most gigantic

{ November 15, 1877

and best proportioned bunch of black Grapes yet produced
in British gardens. The Vine which produced this monster
bunch and the more moderate monsters of last year has been
about four years planted. It is growing in a lean-to house.
The soil of the border is sound and simple. Mr. Roberts
eschews complicated composts, having faith in the wholesome
and satisfying nourishment afforded by the loam obtained from
the surface of the Charleville deer park. Mr. Roberts regards
his famous Vine as a particular and superior variety of Gros
Guillaume.

— Mr. J. Mure writes to “‘ The Gardener’ that ParsLey
which has been thinned has proved a failure, while the plants
in rows which have not been thinned have grown luxuriantly.
Mr. Muir further observes that Carrots very often go off similar
to Parsley, and next year he will sow a few rows thinly and
not thin the plants ; and also try a bed or two of Onions in
the same way, as Mr. Pettigrew of Cardiff Castle always sows
his Onion seed thinly, never thins the plants, and always
secures splendid heavy crops.

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Now that the leaves have mostly fallen from deciduous trees
no time should be lost in collecting them. The trouble that
leaves give while falling, and the untidiness gardens generally
present at that time, are more than balanced by the usefulness
of the leaves for mixing with manure for hotbeds. They are
valuable also for covering over Rhubarb and Seakale. Their
heating power is not so violent as stable manure and they are more
lasting ; if collected when dry and laid in a large heap they will
keep along time. Those collected in moist weather should be
used first. Lawns should have a thorough sweeping and rolling
to render them fresh, smooth, and neat. In places where the
grass has grown more than is usual at this season of the year
owing to the mild weather, the mowing machine may be used
onadry day. It will be well to set the machine a trifle higher
than usual, and when the mowing is finished: give the machine
a good cleaning and oiling before laying it by for the winter.
Pull oat or otherwise destroy weeds in walks, and frequently
roll the gravel with a heavy roller, which will not only make
the walks pleasant at the present time, but will prevent the
wet from penetrating, and the frost from raising them up.

In the kitchen garden the usual winter operations, such as
digging and trenching, may be proceeded with, and if early
Peas and Beans are much in request a sowing of each may be
made on a south border. If the winter is mild there will bea
gain of 2 week or two in gathering, but unless gardens possess
the advantage of a warm and dry soil it is almost useless to
attempt sowing at present. Sow the seed thicker than recom-
mended for spring sowing, and in shallowrows. Chopped furze
placed over the seed will prevent the ravages of mice, or red-
leading the seed is said to answer the same purpose. Some
cultivators lightly steep the seed in paraffin. A layer of coal
ashes placed over the rows on the top of the soil is also a great
protector during sharp frost. William I. Pea and Carter’s First
Crop are the sorts suitable for present sowing, and of Beans the
Early Longpod. Caulifiowers under hand-lights and frames
must be constantly looked over. With us the slugs have been
very busy; we have caught numbers, and have given the plants
a good dusting of lime and soot. Make good all vacancies and
expose the plants night and day unless severe frost should set
in, when they should be covered-up every evening. Globe
Artichokes should be protected around the stems with litter
or common bracken, and Jerusalem Artichokes should have the
stems cut down and a layer of a similar nature scattered over
them to prevent frost from penetrating the soil. Parsnips are
always better flavoured when left in the ground until wanted,
and a layer of bracken or litter placed over the bed will permit
the roots being dug-up during severe frost.

Fruit Trees.—lt is often a matter of grave consideration for
owners of small gardens to select the best and most prolific-
bearing sorts from the vast number of varieties in cultivation.
The present is the best time for planting, and the following
varieties are recommended for their hardiness, free-bearing,
and excellent table or culinary qualities:—Culinary Apples—
Keswick Codlin, one of the earliest and a sure bearer; the fruit
may be used for tarts in a very young state. Lord Suffield,
a large-sized early sort and an immense bearer. Young trees
may be seen loaded with fruit when not more than two or three
years old. Cellini, an excellent cooking Apple. The treeisa
very free bearer and hardy, its late blossoming generally secures
a crop; it is useful also as a dessert fruit, and is in season during
October. Beuuty of Kent, a large Apple of excellent quality
and avery free bearer. We have gathered fruit from this variety
weighing 18 ozs. In season from October till January. Haw-
thornden, an early and abundant bearer. Weliington, or Dume-
low’s Seedling, a very heavy bearer and the fruit handsome, and
keeps well all through the winter; a very valuable variety.

November 15, 1877. ]

Bessert Apples—Irish Peach is one of the best early kinds
grown; itis a beautiful Apple of rich flavour; the tree is a free
bearer, rips the first week in August. Korry Pippin, a free bear-
ing early kind of fine aromatic flavour; in use during September
and October. Oox’s Orange Pippin is, taking into consideration
all its good qualities, undoubtedly the finest of all dessert fruits.
The tree is a great bearer, and the fruit is of good size and for
fiavour is unsurpassed. Where there is only room for one tree
to be grown it should be Cox’s Orange Pippin. King of the
Pippins is a constant bearer; the fruit is of good quality, and is
in season during the early part of winter. Court-Pendu-P lat is
a valuable late dessert Apple, and the tree is an abundant bearer ;
it is in use during December and the spring months.

Of Pears Jargonelle is a good early variety, but will not keep
long after being rips. Williams’ Bon Chrétien is a very rich-
flavoured Pear, a constant bearer, and suitable either for dwarfs
or standards. If the fruit of this excellent Pear is gathered at
two or three different times the season can be prolonged; ripe
in September. Louise Bonne of Jersey is an immense cropper,
of splendid quality, ripe during October. Marie Louise, a weil-
Known excellent variety, ripe during October and November.
Beurré Diel, a large-sized free-bearing variety, ripe in Novem-
ber. Beurré Bachelier, a hardy, large, handsome, and excellent
Pear, ripe towards the close of the year; and if late Pears are
required, Joséphine de Malines and Winter Nelis may be added.

Of Plums Green Gage, Transparent Gage, and Coe’s Golden
Drop for dessert; and for cooking, Prince of Wales, Victoria,
and Pond’s Seedling. Whits Magnum Bonum and Orleans are
also useful varieties.

May Dake, Napoleon Bigarreau, and Governor Wood are ex-
cellent Cherries, and the Morello is usefal for preserving and
for tarts. Three good Peaches for a wall are Royal George,
Grosse Mignonne, and Noblesse—these are all free bearers and
of superior quality ; and three good Nectarines are Lord Napier,
Violetts Hitive, and Pitmaston Orange.

In planting make the stations of sufficient size to allow the
roots to be spread out in their natural position, placing the trees
about the same depth as they were in the nursery, which will be
easily seen by the appearance of the bark. Carefully place the
finest and best soil around the fibres, and if the soil is light
slightly treading it will make it firm. It is necessary to place
stakes to all newly planted fruit trees, and care must be taken
to prevent the stakes from rubbing the bark and causing
wounds. A piece of matting or cloth can be placed between the
tree and stake, which if made secure with tarred string will pre-
vent the trees from being blown about, and will enable them to
become established the sooner.—J. W. Moorman,

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
Aut out-of-doors operations may be performed amongst fruit
frees with some degree of pleasure when the weather is so mild
as it has been during the last week or two. Pruning and nail-
ing wall trees has been proceeded with, not that much of either
is required, but it is always necessary to look over the trees.
When the shreds ara very much decayed all over the tree, it is
best to remove all of them and to re-arrange the entire tree.
This sometimes requires to be done when the branches become
weak and are thinly placed at the base of the tree. When this
has been the case we have been able to cut-out some of the
weak branches at the base altogether, and then bring the
others down to take their place. The centres of the trees are
usually very easily filled-up with young wood. The skilfal cul-
tivator will manage it so that nearly the whole of the wall is
covered with bearing wood. Everyone knows the tendency
that fruit trees have to extend the radius of bearing wood from
their base, leaving stems destitute alike of either wood or leaf
buds. No amount of skilful management can alter the nature
of the trees or altogether counteract the effects of this tendency,
kut whenever it is possible (as it often is), young bearing wood
should be trained over the main stems, not only to hide them
but also to increase the area of bearing wood. Trees trained on
What gardeners call the fan system are most liable to show a
number of naked stems; but this method of training we fancy
is the best for Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Plum and Cherry
trees. Apple and Pear trees are usually trained on what may
be termed horizontal cordons—that is, an upright main stem
with horizontal branches 9 inches apart. By constant summer
pinching or pruning the spurs are apt to become crowded with
useless wood. This must be thinned-out now, leaving the most
prominent buds nearest the main stem. For the largest branches
itis best to use tarred twine to fasten them to the wall, shreds
are not strong enough. A stout nail should be driven firmly
into the wall, then tie the twine to the head of the nail, fasten
it round the branch and draw it in tightly, allowing, however,
@ little room for expansion.
Vines may now be pruned and nailed to the wall, and we
would still insist on the importance of frequently renewing the

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

ew
oe)
o

old wood by training-up young rods. If previous directions
have been followed this will have been done, and all that is
required now will be to cut-out the old and exhausted wood
and to shorten the young growths. It is not implied by saying
this that all old wood that has borne fruit should be cut ont,
the young wood of this year will be the old wood at next prun-
ing time. What we would do is this: no wood would be allowed
on a 6-foot wall older than two years, on a 9-foot wall than three
years, and on a 12-foot wall than four years. This treatment is
especially applicable to the Royal Muscadine or similar Vines
best adapted for cultivation out of doors. The lateral growths
shoud not be too closely cut-back to the main stem. We usually
allow three eyes, and one of the growths is almost sure to have
a bunch of fruit ; the other two may be removed.

PINE HOUSES.

We have been cutting fruit of Charlotte Rothschild and
Smooth-leaved Cayenne, but were not able to keep the tempe-
rature high enough, consequently the fruit, though juicy, was
not of superior quality. It will not do at this time of ths year
to ripen the fruit in a lower temperature than 65°, if it ranges
between that and 70° all the better. The utmost caution is re-
quired in watering. In careful hands manure water benefits
Pines very much, but if injudiciously applied much damage
results to the fruit. If the plants are freely supplied with ma-
nure water up to the time of the fruit colouring, in all proba-
bility it will be black at the core. It is absolutely necessary to
leave off using manure water about the time the fruit takes its
second swelling. If the soil is moderately moist water must be
withheld from the time the fruit shows signs of colouring. In
our beds, where the pots are not far from the pipes, there is
more danger of the roots becoming dry than there is when they
are plunged in deep beds of moist leaves where the heat is kept
up by fermentation.

Suckers that are just established in the small pots in which
they were potted early in autumn or late in summer are kept in
a temperature of 55°; they do not receive much water. They
might be grown on a little faster if necessary, but usually we
have not room to pot them until May.

We have heard a little of new Pines within the last two or
three years, but it will be some time before anything will beat
the sorts we have grown for many years. The most recent of
ours is the Charlotte Rothschild, but all points considered,
although a most noble fruit, it is not equal to Smooth-leaved
Cayenne. It is generally understood that there is a good and
bad strain of the Cayenne. We have. had the fruits decay before
they were ripe, but this has generally happened in spring when
fierce sun has scalded the fruit, coming suddenly upon it after
the dull dark days of winter; we usually just lay a sheet of
newspaper over the crown to protect the fruits frominjury. Is
it not possible that this weakness in the Smooth-leaved Cayenne
has led people to believe that there are two varieties? The
Queen holds the same position amongst Pines that Black Har=-
burgh holds amongst Grapes, and it is even now more valuable
owing to the fact that nearly all the St. Michael’s Pines are
Cayennes, and these being imported in quantity at certain
seasons very much depreciate the value of home-grown fruit.
Good Queens are not only valuable for home consumption, but
they always command a high price in the market independent
of any glut from abroad. If it is intended to pot any plants in
February the soil for this purpose ought to be put in a dry
place, as it will not be in good condition for potting if exposed
to the wet during winter. Good, sound, moderately clayey loam
from an old common where Brackens grow freely answers well
for Pines.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

If a graenhouse or conservatory is to be furnished in first-
class style it must contain specimens well grown of the finest
Cape and New Holland plants, but these will not make an
efficient display alone. At the present time the different varie-
ties of Zonal Pelargoniums make a most efiective display, and
small plants are more useful than large specimens, as by grow-
ing a number of plants in 6-inch pots greater variety is obtained,
and the variety is now almost endless. There are pure white
flowers, and others blush with pink centres, salmon colours of
various shades, rose and pink, red, scarlet, and deep crimson.
Then how easy it is to grow them! The cuttings are inserted
about the end of March, one in the centre of a small 60-sized
pot. The pots are placed on a shelf near the glass in the green-
house, where they receive plenty of air, but not much water
until they commence growing, when they are more freely
watered. In April they are placed in a cold frame. In May
the plants are shifted into small 48’s, and in July into 6-inch
pots. From the end of May until the end of September the
plants are placed out of doors, and after taking them into the
house they are supplied with manure water at every alternate
watering. In order to have a strong healthy bloom in Novem-
ber the plants must not be allowed to exhaust themselves by
bearing flower trusses in summer; these must be removed be-
fore the flowers open. The best potting material is turfy loam
four parts, decayed manure one part, and one part of leaf soil,

390

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUSH AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

[ November 15, 1877.

sand to be added if necessary. The withered flowers must be
removed 2s often as possible, and the stages and paths be kept
clean,

Stage or show Pelargoniums, including the fancy class, have
now filled their pots with roots end require to be repoited. We
have usually potted them early in February, and from rmall
plants in 6 and 7-inch pots we obtain a long and continuous
bloom, more £0 than is the case with those potted now. Autumn
potting produces a mass of bloom all at once rather than a long
succession of trusses. Mr. Ward of Leyton, who exhibited this
class of plants most successfully, used to pot in October those
intended for. the first shows, and in November for the latest
bloom. Those who follow his example and obtain the same
results will have no reason to complain.

Cinerarias and Calceolarias are now growing freely, and the
growths must be tied-out as they requireit. The thick leathery
leaves should be hanging over the sides of the pots or hiding
the surface of the ground. Fumigate with tobacco smoke unti!
not a single green fly can be found on any of the plants.

Chrysanthemums are, as a rule, late this year, but we have
fine blooms of many of the sorts now fully expanded. The
flowers on specimen plants are, as a rule, the latest. Mrs. Geo.
Rundle and its golden sports, ulso Aurea Multiflora, Prince cf
Wales, &c., will scon be in flower. The single blecms and also
the Japanese varieties promise to be very fine with us. The
object now is to keep the blooms in perfection as long as pos-
sible, and to this end no more water should be spilled in the
hheuse than what runs through the drainage of the pots in
watering.—J, Doveras.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECHIVED.

Kelway & Son, Royai Nurseries, Langport, Somerset.—Cata-
logue of Gladioli. 1

Jonathan Booth, Florist, Pole Lane, Failsworth, near Man-
chester.—Catologue of Carnations and Picotees, Pinks and
Auriculas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ The
Editors,”’ or to ‘‘The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johason or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Back Numpers (R. P.).—You can have all the numbers you refer to.

CoRONILLA INFESTED WITH ScatE (4 Lady’.—Make a strong solution of
Fowler's insecticide and dip the plant in it or syringe, repeating the operation
three or four times if necessary. Afterwards syringe well with clean water.

REpotTiInG CytTiIsus RacEMosts (Zdem’.—It will do no harm to take
your large plants out of pots and replant themin tubs now if you particularly

wish to do so, otherwise it is preferable to do this after the flowers have
faded.

TEA Roses (Z. T. H.).—All Tea Roses flower freely on their own roots
when the plants are well cultivated.

PopLaRs FOR A SCREEN (A. B.).—The Black Italien Poplar is the most
rapid-growing of all the Poplars, and answers wellin a towr. Plant them
12 feet apart with a view to the ultimate removal of every alternate tree.
The answer to another correspondent last week about Tacsonia Van-Volxemi
is exactly what you require.

AMARYLLIS AFTER FLowERING (Sambo).—Gradually reduce the quantity
of water, giving very little during winter, but do not suffer the soil to be-
come dust dry, and repot in March.

CULTURE OF HERBACEOUS CaLCcEOLARIAS (A Lover of the Calsey).—No
artificial heat is required except to exciude frost. Keep your plants upon a
light airy shelf near the glass. Repot from time to time as soon as the roots
touch the sides cf the pots in soil consisting of equal parts of loam and old
rich manure, with about a fourth part each of sand and pounded charcoal,
taking especial care to use plenty of drainage. Attend well to watering,
and fumigate with tobacco paper to keep down aphides. For large specimens
it is necessary to nip out the centre of tho plant to induce it to form a strong
lateral growth. Cease repotting as soon as the flower stem begins growing,
and then substitute cowdung water or sewage for the cleer water. By close
attention to this simple formula you may grow plants for exhibition with
success and derive much pleasure from the work, for no plant with which
We are acquainted rewards one better for care and attention than does this.

PROPAGATION OF Harpy HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS (J. B.).—It is much
too late in the season for propagation by cuttings now; you may. however,
increase your stock of many kinds by division. We may remind you that
plents of this class are not generally used for spring bedding. To have your
beds green throughout winter and gay with flowers in spring you should
plant them immediately with such hardy annuals as Silene pendala, Sapo-
maria calabrica, Myosotis, Limnanthes, Iberis, and Nemophila, and with
them such perennials as Pansies, Cowslips, Primroses, and Hepaticas.

Trmomimne A Hotty HepGe (Inquirer).—Prone your Holly forthwith
The present time is a suitable one for making a rockery.

Pampas Grass Not Frowerine (4. E. A.).—A cold and wet situation is
unsuitable for Pampas Grass. During the last four or five years we have
planted it experimentally upon elevated exposed situations, in nooks and
corners of shrubberies, upon the upper slopes of a valley with perfect suc-
cess, the plants growing strongly and bearing a profusion of spikes annually,
some of them at the present time being fully 10 feet high; but upon the
lower slopes and in the bottom of the valley, as well as by the margin of a
pond, the plants, like yours, grow well but have few spikes. It is therefore

obvious that an elevated well drained position is necessary for it. We intend
trying the effect of putting some of those in the valley upon mounds raised
some 2 or 3 feet above the common level], and would advise you to give the
plan a trial, but by no mears destroy any of the leafage as you propose.

Bisck Hamuscrea Grape (T. F. H.).—We thiok the specimen good and
full flavoured. YVentilste freely and have little moisture in the air.

STRAWBERRY Puantine (A. Dumbell!.—The best way to plant them is in
rows, allowing @ distance of 2 feet between each plant. Adiantum palmatum
was sent out in the spring of the present year. It cana now be obtained from
any nurseryman at @ reasonable price.

MaANsGEMENT OF A GRAPE VINE (W. E. B.).—Tt has grown strong enough
to bear fruit next year, and the best time to prune it is when the Jeaves fall
off. Cut the young wood back to within 3 feet of the base of the rafters.
Dress the border efter you have pruved the Vines. Sow the Mustard and
Cress thickly, and you will have no difficnity in packing it in a neat
manner. Wash it before using, but it is not washed before itis placed into
baskets for sale. What you see in Covent Garden is not raised from Mustard
seed but from Rape.

WINTER TREATMENT OF VINES (¥. A. M.).—Prune the Vines when the
leaves fall, wash and dress the rods immediately after, then tie {hem neatly
in a korizontal position along the front of the house. It is not necessary to
do this, but the canes are more out of the way when thus tied down.

CLIMBERS FoR SouTH Front or 4 DweLtine House (H. I.).—You have
already namei a good selection. Try Tea Rose Maréchal Niel, and Rosa
bracteata (Single White Macartney). Magnolia grandiflora (Exmouth variety)
has @ noble efiect in such a positioa. An Apple orchard may succeed in the
position you name.

PLuMs FoR Market (C. S.).—Rivers’ Earty Prolific, Victoria, and Gis-
borne’s. You might give Mitchelson’s and Prince of Wales a trial. The
hest two Strawberries are British Queen and Sir Charles Napier. The
largest-fruited Strawberry is Cockscomb. ~

Larvz oF Insect (G. H. B.).—We do-not recognise it, but the best way
to get rid of such pests is by hand-picking.

WrrInc GARDEN WALLS For Fauit Trees (B. K. L.).—The wires shoulé
be 9inches apart, the eyes should bo about 4 feet apart, or if the wire js very
stout 6feet. The distence apart for the trees should be from 16 to 24 feat.
The higher the wall the further the trees shoald be apart. Do not use any
manure round the roots at plant‘ng. The ground should be moderately rich,
and some maiden loam should be placed in immediate contact with the roots.

CoMPosT FOR AND WipTH OF VINE BorDER (G. S.).—The depth of soit
should be 3feet. The width for the first planting may be 6 feet outside and
@3 mueh inside. The border should be made the whole length of the house.

TREATMENT OF VINES IN Pots (4. Duncan) —The most prominent and
largest eyes are always those nearest the top. About 6 feet of cane is a good
length to allow for fruiting. Cut the planting canes back to about 2 fee’, and
when they start into growth rnb off all the eyes except those nearest the
ground, and train up the number of young rods you require. If you only
want one rod select the best, and take care of that; but itis as well to train.
two, as an accident may happen to the first.

Roman Hyacrntus not DoInc WELL (W. Z.).—The treatment you gave
them is quite right. Weadvise you to place them now in gentle heat; they
may do better than you suppose. Probably by this time the rest of the bulbs
have formed roots. It is no use trying to force them until roots are formed.
A gummy substance does exude from the crown of these bulbs.

Harpy Cyprireepiums (Idem).—It is a mistake to keep them quite dry in
winter. This would account for the crown becoming soft. They dowell with
us, and we give enough water to cause moss to remain green on the surface of
the pots. They are placed in a shady part of the greenhouse.

Carnations (England).—We cannot recommend any florist.
advertising columns.

HEATING GREENHOUSE (Dilemma).—We do not approve of the plan. The
best way is to have a supply cistern aud have a small air pipe at the highest
point of the pipes, which is usually that furthest removed from the boiler.
We object to fixing the pipe in the side of a saddle boiler as on your plan.
The pipe ought to be close to the boiler, bat it should be fixed in the return

ipe.

: DEFINITION OF A NEw Rose (Midland Counties).—A new Rose is one of
recent introdnction; but if a class is made forthem at Rose shows it is
usual to say ‘‘ New sorts introdaced in 1875-6,” or three years may be given
to select from iostcad of two, but always naming the year before that in
which the schedule was printed. If you want to purchase the best Roses of
recent introduction we advise you to apply to some of the principal Rose-
growers. Say how many you want and leave the selection to them.

Supports FoR Rose Tress (WM. EZ. D.).—Iron stakes, whether painted or
galvanised, are not injurious. Those galvanised are to be preferred.

New Roses.—At page 362, column 1, Capitaine Christy should be stated
to be a cross between La France and Baronne de Rothschild. In the notice of
Duchesse de Vallombrosa the Rose referred to should alzo be Baronne de
Rothschild.

Gorse (S. B.).—There is no separate work on its uses, but there is a
lengthy detail ia the ‘‘ Farmers’ Encyclopedia.” Apply to Messrs. Sutton
or to Messrs. Carter for grass seeds suitable to your sandy soil.

“FERN Wortp.”—Mr. Heath informs us that the misplacement of the
plates we noticed does not occur in other copies,

ADIANTUM FARLEYENSE.—Mr3. G. Hodder, Spring Well, Clapham Com-
mon, has sent us a frond having spores. -We have frequently seen spores on
this Fern, but have not known any plants come true when raised from them.

NaME oF SHRvB (C. B. E.).—It seems to be a species of Prunus, but we
cannot name it from a single spray with leaves only. -

SEA4-WEED AS A Manure (J. L.).—Spread it over the ground and dig it
in whilst fresh before planting the intended crop.

Names or Fruits (W. Jacob).—Figue de Naples. (E. T.).—The Apples
are all good varieties. The green one is Gloria Mundi. It was raised in
America. Though not high-flayonred it is a very good culinary Apple. The
full bearing will depend upon the trees rooting freely aud being properly
cultivated. (F. H., Enjfield)—2, Hawthornden; 3, Stirling Castle; 4, Court
Pendu Plat; 5, Court of Wick. (H. G.).—1, Tower of Glamis; 2, Winter
Hawthornden; 3, Red Doyenaé. (H. EH. Monk).—1, Ross Nonpareil; 2,
Cornish Gilliflower; 3, Surrey Flat Cap; 4, Adams’ Pearmain; 5, Autumn
Bergamot; 6, Winter Greening.

Refer to our

November 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

391

Names oF Puants (S. L.).—Physalis edulis, Cape Gooseberry. It requires
to ke preserved from frost, but should be in the open border during the
summer. (G. W. W.).—It seems to be Chrysanthemum lencanthemum, but
the small bit was crushed. You may cut off the Orange and Lemon trees
nom: (0. V. J.).—We think it is Lycopcdium cesium, but the specimen is

ad.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

CRYSTAL PALACE POULTRY SHOW.

Once more the great poultry contest has come round. Other
shows have their ups and downs, but the old-established ones,
and especially the Palace, continue to be annual successes.
Even the conflict of shows which bas this year taken place in
and near the metropolis, to the detriment alike of birds and of
the fancy, has not affected the entries at the Palace. They are
upwards of four thousand, and their quality seems yearly to
increase with the number.
in the arrangement of pens, and the numbers begin on the
reverse side of the building to that on which they have of later
years, but as a whole all looks the same as in former years.
Most of the same well-known faces are to be seen, and one could
fancy one had been asleep since some former November, and on
waking had found all in its old position.

Dorkings, as always, head thelist. Old dark cocks only number
eight. First is a moderately dark bird, square and good in

shape, but indifferent in comb; second a large bird but not re- |

markable ; third we thought long on the legs and white in lobes.
The hens are a large and better class. First-and-cup is a mag-
nificent bird, one of the finest we have ever seen, rich and good
in colour; second a long and large bird too, of the old-fashioned

lighter colour; third nice in colour and fair in size, but nas a |

swollen foot. Mr. Parlett’s very highly commended hen looks
like the winner of last year. The cockerels are a large and good
class.
in colour and immense in frame. We do not care to see so
much white in tail and ea, and one of his centre toes is curved;
second is a bird of the same type, and rather shorter in legs

third apparently a young bird. We liked his good white feet, |

though not his white lobes. Fourth asprightly well-shaped bird
with a good comb; fifth a lumpy short-legged bird. Among the
very highly commendeds Mr. Burnell has a fine bird, Mr. Peel
one of thorough Dorking shape, and Mr. Cresswell one with
good dark colour and really white feet. The pullets are not at
all equal to the cockerels in merit.
large Dark bird, but her fifth claws are not well put on ; second
a very fair Dark bird; third large but sooty in feet. This
sootiness seems a disfigurement much on the increase, and is
worse in pullets than cockerels. Fourth large in frame, but
not good in feet; fifth a bird promising to grow much. Silver-
Greys are above the average, but’ we must confess that the
judging sorely puzzled us, and in some cases the very worst
birds seemed to win. Thecup cock is a grand bird and deserved
his position. He is evidently the cockerel shown by Mr. Cress-
well last year and claimed at Birmingham. Second has much
white in his breast and one centre toe cut short; third very
small and yellow, and abont the worst in the class. We cannot
say much for the first hen; she contrasts very unfavourably
with Mr. Burnell’s very highly commended bird next to her, a
magnificent hen, worthy of a cup; second a fair bird with a bad
comb; third a nice hen. In cockerels the cup goes to a now
well known bird which we need not describe; second is a good
bird all round, but not striking; third a small, neat, silvery
bird. In pullets the first winner is as well known as her brother ;
second a square bird; third a very young pullet, promising to
be immense. Cuckoos are still shown in pairs. They do not
progress in number or quality. The first pair are well marked
and well shaped; second are larze but longer on leg, and the
eock is bad in comb; third are a pretty pair, very dark. Whites
are progressing much. First-and-cup is a grand cockerel, good
in comb and shape; second the Oxford cup-winner, as white as
ever but minus his sickles, or he must have been first again;
third a promising but slightly coarse bird. In hens the winner
is enormous, though we do not admire her so much as her
owner’s third-prize bird, the cup hen of various former years ;
second a fine-framed hen barely through the moult.

[The remainder of our report was not received when going to

press. |
POULTRY.

Dorxrnes.—Coloured.—Cock.—1, Rey. E. Bartrum. 2, R. Gladstone. 3, T.
Briden Hen.—Cup and vhe, F. Parlett. 2and4,T.C. Burnell. 3, Dr. £. Snell.
Cockerel.—Cup and 2, R. W. Beachey. 8,H.Brown. 4and 5, Henry Lingwood.
whe, Rev. H. R. Peel, Mra. T. W. L. Hind, T. C. Burnell, L. Pilkington (2), T.
Briden, O. E. Cresswell, P. Ogilvie. Pullet —Cup, ©. Barker. 2, T C. Burnell.
8and5,T. Briden. 4, Henry Lingwood. vie, J. A. & M. F. Smyth, T. C. Bur-
nell, Mrs. J. Mills. Silver-Grey.—Cock.—Cup, T. C. Burnell. 2,J.Boulding. 3,
C. Atkinson, viic,O E. Cresswell. H2n.—l, Miss Pasley. 2, W. W. Ruttlidge.
8, T.C. Burnell. vic, Miss Pasley. CockerelCup, R. A. Boissier. 2, Miss
Pasley. 3, W. Roe, jun wvhe,T. C Burnell. Pullet —1, R. A. Boissier, 2 and
whe, T. C. Burnell. 3,0.E. Cresswell. Blue or Cuckoo.—l, Countess of Ayles-
ford. 2,W. Virgo & Son. 8, H.H. Young. White —Cock.—Cup and 3, Mrs. M.
A, Hayne. 2,0. E. Cresswell. Hen.—l and 3, O. E. Cresswell. 2, Mrs. M. A.

Some slight alterations there are |

The cup pullet is a very |

|

| While.

Mr. Beachey’s champion is a wonderful young bird, dark | Ce

| Cock.—1, T. A. Mather.

Hayne. vhe, J. E. Pilgrim, Countess of Dartmouth. Any variety.—1, P-
Ogilvie. 2, F. Parlett. 8,Lord Turnour. 4, Mrs. J. L. Logan.
Cocuins.—Cinnamon or Buff.—Cock.— Cup, J. O. Rigg. 2,G.H. Procter. 38,
H. Tomlinson. vhe, Mrs. A. Tindal. Hen.—1l,W.A.Burnell. 2, G. H. Procter,
8.H. Tomlinson. 4.R.P. Percival. vhe, Mrs. A. Christy, Mrs. W. Steven, Capt.
T.S. Robin, A. E. W. Darby (2). Cockerel—Cup and 8, Mrs-T. Pye. 2, Mrs. A.

Tindal. 4,C. Sidgwick. Pullet—l, G.H. Proctor. 2, Mrs. A. Christy. 8, W.
A. Burnell. 4, R. P. Percival. vhe,Mrs. A.Tindal. Partridge —Cock.—l, R. P.
Percival. 2, Lady Gwydyr. 8, W.A. Burnell. vhe, R. J. Wood. Hen.—Cup,

R. J. Wood. 2,J.N.C. Pope. 3, R.P. Percival. vhe, Mrs.A. Tindal. Cockerel.
—land 8, R. J. Wood. 2, J. Wood. vhc, Mrs. A. Tindal. Pullet.—l, Mrs. A.
Tindal. 2,J.K.&R.R. Fowler 8,R.J. Wood. vhe, Mrs. Gordon, T. Siretch,
A. Beaumont. White—Cock—1l, Rev. G. Watson. 2, R.P. Percival. 8, A. E.
W. Darby. vhc, Rev. G. Watson, Mrs. A. Tindal. Hen.—Cup, A. E. W. Darby.
2, Master A. D. Nightingale. 3,R.P. Percival. vhc, P. H. Chase, R. A. Boissier
Cockerel—1, Mrs. A. Tindal. 2, J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 8, G. B. C. Breeze.
Pullet.—l, J. Buckmaster. 2, G. B.C. Breeze. 8, Mrs. A. Tindal. Black.—l
and 3. Lady Gwydyr. 2,T.Aspden. Cockerel.l, J. Turner. 2, H. J. Storer.
8, Lady Gwydyr. vie, G. Fortey. Pullet—l, A.E.W. Darby. 2 and 3, E. Ken-
drick, jun. Any variety.—l, A. E. W. Darby. 2, Mrs. Lang. 8,G.Dowker. 4.
Mrs. J. T. Holmes. vhc, Rev. G. Watson, Mrs. A, Tindal.

LanesHans —Cup, W. Howard. 2,E. Skelton. 3, F.J. R. Nunn.

BranMas.—Dark.—Cock —Uup, Horace Lingwood. 2,Rev.J.Richardson. 8,
R. Hargreaves. 4, Rev. G. W. Joyce. vic, F. Bennett. Hen.—1, E. Pritchard.
2, Miss E. Shuter. 4, H. Wilkinson. 4, Capt. Rice. vhe, R. P. Percival, R.
Shield. Cockerel —Cap and 5, Horace Lingwood 2, Dr. Earle. 8,L.C.C.R.
Norris. 4, Mrs. A. Tindal. 6, Miss E. Shuter. Pullet.—Cup, 56, and 6, R. P.
Percival. 2, G.S. Pearson. 3, F. Bennett. 4, L. C. C_R. Norris. Cock and
Hen —1, F. Bennett. 2, R. P. Percival. 8,J. Swan. 4,L. C, C, R. Norris. 5,
Rev. H. Buckston. Dark Mottled-breasted.—Cockerel.—l, W. R. Garner. 2, J.
Gilbert. $,Horace Lingweod. 4,J. Holmes, Braumas.—Light.—Cock.—l, H,
C. While. 2, R. P. Percival. 8, C. Morris. 4, T.A. Dean. Hen.—Cup, H.C.
2and4,M. Hall. 8,Dr.G. A. Angier. Cockerel.—Cup and 5, G. B.C.

Breeze. 2 and 8, P. Haines. 4. Horace Lingwood. 6, J. Virgo. 7, G. W.
Petter. Pullet—Cup and 4, G. W. Petter. 2and 5, C. M. Stickings. 8, Mrs.
J.T. Holmes. 6, W. Wells. 7, Dr. G. A. Angier. Cock and Hen.—. and 2, G.
W. Petter. 3,T.A.Dean. 4, R.P. Percival. 5,J.K.& R.R. Fowler.

SpantsH.—Cock.—Cup, E. Jones. 2, W. R. Bull. 3,D.M. Mills. Hen.—l, A.
Critchett. 2, G. Thomas. 8, J. T. Parker. Cockerel.—l, J. Powell. 2, J.
Woods. 8, J. Hunt. vhe, J. Yates, E. Jones. Pullet.—l, J. Thresh. 2, J.
Woods. 8, Mrs. Allsopp.

Hovpans.—Cock.—l. J. E. Clayton. 2, Pearce & Lake. 8, W. H. Copplestone.
vhe, Mrs. Vallance. Hen.—l,S. W. Thomas. 2,J.Graham. 3,A. Ogden. vhe,
Mrs. Vallance. Cockerel.—l, Mrs. Vallance. 2, C. Naylor. 3, P. Hanson. 4,
Dr. Macrae. Pullet—Cup,S. W. Thomas. 2,J, Till. 8, Dr. W.C. Daniel. 4,
W. O. Quibell.

Creye-Ca@urs.—Cock.—Cup,J.Ward. 2,E, Burnell 8,W.R.Park. vhe,M.
Hall. Hen—liand3. Ward. 2, W.R. Park. vlc, G. W. Hibbert. Cockerel.—

2. Duchess of Hamilton. 8, E. Burrell. Pullet--l, A. W.
Darley. 2, W. R: Park. 8, E. Burrell.

Hampurous.—Golden-spangled.—Cock.—l, J. Jackson. 2, C. May. 8, H.
Beldon. Hen—1, T. Blakeman. 2,J. Jackson, 8, H. Feast. Silver-spangled.
—Cock.—l, W. R. Park. 2,H.Beldon. 8, Ashton & Booth. Hen—Cup, Robin-
son & Jagger. 2,3. Fielding. 8, Ashton & Booth Golden-pencilled —Cock.—
Cup, Miss D. Mackenzie. 2, T. P. Carver. 3, W.K.Tickner. vhc, J. Long (2).
Hen —l, H. Feast. 2, W. Clayton. 3,J. Stuttard. Silver-pencilled.—Cock.—l,
J. Webster. 2, Robinson & Jagger. 3, W.L. Bell. Hen.—1, J. Webster. 2, F.
C. Davis. 3, H. Beldon. Black.—Cock.—l, N. Marlor. 2, C. Sidgwick. 3, J.
Long. vhc, Robinson & Jagger. Hen.—l, N. Marlor. 2,R.L, Garnett, 8, H.
Pickles

Game.—Black Red —Cock.—1,S. Matthew. 2,T.P.Lyon. 3, Hon. and Rev. F.
Du'ton. Cockerel—Cup, S. Matthew. 2, S. Matthew. 8, Hon. and Rev. F.
Dutton. Hen or Pullet—), T.P. Lyon. 2 3,and4,W.J.Pope. Brown Red.—
Cock.—Cup, W. A. F. Fenwick. 2, T. Mason. 3, N. Wright. vhc, F. Warde.
Cockerel —1 and vhe, H. E. Martin. 2,S Matthew. 8, R. L. Garnett. Hen or
Pullet —1, T. Mason. 2, W. A. F. Fenwick. 3, R. L. Garnett, whe, J.&T.
Chesters, N. Wright, T. Cock, H. E. Martin, W. A. F. Fenwick. Duckwing.—
2, S. Matthew. 8, W. C. Phillips. Cockerel.—l, S.
Matthew. 2, H.E. Marlin. 8, Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton. Hen or Pullet.—l, F.
Sales. 2,T.P. Lyon. 3,J.A.&H H Staveley. Any other variety.—Cock or
Cockerel_—Cup, J. Cock. 2,R. Walker. 8, T. P. Lyon. Hen or Pullet—1 and
Cup, W. Adams. 2,J. Colgrove 8, R. Walker. Cock and Hen.—\, J. Colgrove.
2, J. A.& H. H. Staveley. 8, W- Perrin, W. A. F. Fenwick.

Matays.—Cock.—Cup, J- Downing 2,J.Hinton. 3,T.B.Lowe. Hen.—1,T.
Joint. 2,J.Copp. 3, E. B. Grimmer.

PorisH.—Golden spangled.—Cock.—1, H. Beldon. 2, H. E. Broad. 8, J.
Studdard. Hen.—1l, P. Unsworth 2, H. E. Broad. 8, Rev. C. W. Shepherd.
vhe, A. & W. H. Silvester, J. J. Scott, G. W. Boothby, H. A. Clark, Silver-
spangled.—Cock.—1, G. C. Atkins. 2 and 3, C. Bloodworth. Hen.—Cup, H.
Beldon. 2.G. C. Atkins. 8, Miss P. Gallwey. Black or any other varietyx—
Cock.—1, Dlingworth & SNS PIS WO iad 3,J. Fearnley. Hen.—l, T.
Norwood. 2,A.E.W. Daroy. 8, P. Unsworth.
~ LeGHorns.—Brown.—Cock.—1 and Cup, J. K. & R_R. Fowler. 2, Bradbury
Brothers. 3, H. S. Hill. Hen—l, A. Kitchin. 2, W. Philcox. 8, T. H. May.
White —Cock.—1 and Cup, Mrs. Troughton. 2, A. Kitchin. 3, J. Fielding. vhe,
J.K.&R. RB. Fowler. Hen—l,E. Midgley. 2,J. Fielding. 8,G. Mumford.

ANDALUSIANS.—Cock.—Cup, Mrs. F. Cheshire. 2, J. Wiggings. 8,A.Stevens.
Hen.—1 and 8, W. Wildey-_ 2, J.-H Fry. s

ANY OTHER DisTINcT VARIETY.—1, H. Stevens. 2, C. Atkinson, 3, T. B.
Lowe.

SELLING CxLass.—Dorkings, Brahmas, Cochins—Cock or Cockerel.—1, P.
Ogilvie 2, J. Buckmaster. 3, H. Brown. 4, J. Everett. 5,G. W. Henshall.
Hens or Pillets.—1, Rev. T. C. Peake. 2,C.Thompson. 8,E, Pritchard. 4, M.
Leno. 5,8. Lucas. Cock and Hen or Cockerel and Pullet —1, W. R. Garner.
2, C. Sidgwick. 8,A.E.W.Darby. 4, S.Lucas. 5, Mrs. A. Tindall.

SELLING CLass.—Houdans, Créves, or La Fiéche.—Cock or Cockerel,—l, J. K.
and R.R. Fowler. 2, C. Morris. 3, H. Stephens. 4,J. E. Pilgrim. vhe, Mrs.
E.Cross. Hens or TRAIN 3, Moceuaee jun. 2, C. Morris. 4, J. E.
Pilgrim. vhc, H. Stephens, Robinson yers.

SELLING Crass.—Auy other variety except Bantams.—Cock or Cockerel.—1, R.
Newbitt. 2, R. W. Warmer. 3, A. & W. H. Silvester. 4, M. W. L. Brooke.
5, J. Woods. vhe, T. P. Lyon, R. L. Garnett, Mrs. E. Cross, J. & T. Chesters,
CG. Bloodworth. Hens or Pullets—1l, W. Perrin. 2, C. Bloodworth. 3, A.G.
Avenell. 4, B. A. Hogg. 6, L. Peek. vhc, R. L. Garnett, A. E. W. Darby.
Cock and Hen or Cockerel and Pullet.—1, Rey. N. J. Ridley. 2, R.L. Garnett.
3, A. & W. H. Silvester. 4, Mrs. Hubbard. 5, H. H. Thompson. whe, Ge
Bywa'er-

Greta Bantams:—Black Red.—Cock.—Cup, W. Adams. 2, G Garrod. 4,A.S.
Sugden. 5, W.F. Addie. Hen —1, W.F. Addie. 2, W. Adams. 3, E. Morgan.
4, Capt Wetherall. Brown Red.—Cock.—l and 2, W. F. tntwisle. 3, T. H.
Stretch Hen—Cup, S. Beighton. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 3, W.S.Marsh. Duck-
wing.—Cock —1 and 2. S. Beighton. 3, W. F. Entwisle. vhc, R. Newbitt. Hen.
—l, J. A. Nelson. 2,W. Adams. 3, A. S. Sugden. Pile.—Cock —Cup and 2, R.
Brownlie. 3,T.W.Aans. Any other variety.—Hen.—1, Maitland & Evans. 2,
R. Brownlie. 8, W. F. Entwisle.

Banvams.—Black.—Cup, W: H. Shackleton. 2,R.H. Ashton. 3, F. Beanland,
vhe, T. FE. Phelps. White-booted.—1, W. Adams. 2, J. Long. 3, C. Naylor.
Sebright.—1. F. W. Hardwick. 2, Rev. F. Tearle. 3, M. Leno, Any other
distinct variety.—1, Mrs. Brassey. 2, T. F. Phelps. 3,S.C.Dayis. vhe, J. W.
Crowther.

SELLING Crass.—Bantams.—l, N. Wright.
3,J. Harrison. 4, G. Vigers.

2, Hon, Mrs. A. Baillie Hamilton.

392

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 15, 1877.

GaME orn Game Bantam.—Undubbed Cock.—Cup, H.E.Martin. 2, J. Cock.
8, T. & J. C. Parker.

ANY OTHER VaRiETY.—Not Trimmed.— Cock or Hen.—Cup, T. Stretch. 2,J.
Long. 3, J. Hunt.

Ducxs.—Aylesbury.—1 and 4, Dr. E. Snell. 2, J. Hedges. 3,3. K&R. R.
Fowler. Rouen —Drake.—1 and 4, W. Evans. 2,T. Mills. 38, F. Parlett.
J. Brookwell. Duck—Cup, W. Evans. 2, W. Hulme. 3, R. Gladstone. 4, F.
Parilett. Black.—Cup, 2, 3, and 4, J. W. Kellaway. Any other variety or
Ornamental Wateryowl.—1, J. Tricket. 2, J. K.& R. R. Fowler. 3,4.& W.H.

Silvester.
2, Dr. E. Snell. 3, J. K.& R.R. Fowler.

GEEsE.—Cup, J. Everett.
2, Rev. N. J. Ridley. 8, H. J. Gunnell.

J. W. Crowther.
ToupkEys.—Cup, Mrs. A. Mayhew.

8, Rev. N. J. Ridley. Young Hen.—

3, H. J. Gunnell.

Cockerel.1, H. J. Gunnell. 2, F. Warde.
1, W. Wykes. 2, F. E. Richardson.
PIGEONS.

Pouters.—Blue-pied.— Cock.—l, R. Fulton.
whe, J. Dye. Hen.—land8, J. Paker. 2andvhe, R. Fulton. Black-pied —
Cock.—Cup, R. Fulton. 2,N. Hill. 8,J. Bairsine. vhc, H. Pratt. Hen.—Cup,
R. Fulton. 2,J.Hairsine. 3,J. Baker. vhe,H. Pratt. Red or Yellow-pied.—
Cock.—1, 2, and3, R Fulton. vhe, F. Gresham. Hen.—l and 3, R. Fulton.
2,H. Pratt. vhe,J.Dye. White—Cock.—Cup and8.R.Fulton. 2, H. Pratt.
vhe, J. H. Hutchinson Hen.—l,F.Gresham. 2 andvhe,J.Dye. 8,J.D.Lang.
Any colour —Young Cock—Cup, F. Gresham. 2 and 8, R.Fulton. vhe,J.
Baker. Young Hen—1,F Gresham. 2,N. Hill. 3, D. Combe. vhc,J. Dye.
Pigmy or Austrian.- Cock or Hen.—Cup,H.W. Webb. 2,N. Hill. 3, C. B.
Child. vhc, W. B. Tegetmeier.

CaRRIERS.—Black.— Cock.—( up. J. Ecroyd. 2, H.M. Maynard. 38, H. Heri-
tage. Hen.—Cup and 2, R. Fulton, 38, J. Firth. Dun.—Cock.—1 and 2, J.
Ecroyd. 3,R. Fulton. Hen.—1, R Fulton. 2,J. Dye. 8,J.Ecroyd. <Any
other colour.—Cock —). T. H. Stretch. 29, H.M Maynard. 3,R.Fu'ton. Hen.
—l and 2, T. H. snetch. 8,W.G. Hammock Black.—Young Cock.—1, R.
Fulton. v, E. Beckwith. 3,J.Ecroyd. 4 H.M. Maynard. Young Hen.—Cup,
E. Burton. 2and8,H.M.Maynard. Dun—Young Cock.— Cup, H. Heritage.
2, C. H. Clarke. 3, J. Ecroyd. 4,R.Fuiion. Young Hen.—1,J.Ecroyd. 2, A.
Billyeald. 8,U.M.Maynard. Blue Young Cock.—Cup ard 8, W. Hooker.
2,J.C. Ord. Young Hen —1, W.G. Hammock. 2,G. B.Gillham. 8, W. Hooker.
Any other colour.—Cock or Hen—1,—Folard. 2,R. Fulton. 8, W. W. Pyne.
Single Bird—1, H.M. Maynard 2,H. Ste; hers. 3,R. A Pratt.

DraGoons.— Blue — Cock —( up, T. C. Funell. %and3,W. Osmond. 4, R.

vhe, V. Shaw. Hen.—l,R Woods. %.W. Osmond. 8, W. B. Teget-
Silver —Cock —1 and 2, R Woods. 8,T.C.Burnell. Hen.—l and 3,
R. Wocds. 2,A.McKenzie. vhkc,Hon. W. Sugden. Silver (Brown Bars) —
Cock or Hen—Cup and 2, W. Bishop. 3, C. Howard. Yellow.—Cock.—1 and
8, A, McKenzie. 2, W. Sargent. Hen.—Cup, V. Shaw. 2, W. Sargent. 8, C.
Howard. vhe, R. Woods. Red—tock or Hen.—i, R. Woods. 2and3, W. Sar
gent. White.— Cock or Hen.—1,J Baker. 2,J.D.Lopvg. 8,R. Woods. vhe,
C. E. Chavasse; G. Packham. Any other colour.—Cock or Hen.—1, V. Shaw.
2 and 8, KR. Wocds. vhe, T.C. Kurnell; R. Woods; A. McKenzie. Blue or
Silver.— Young Cock.—1, R. Woods. 2and3, W. Osmond. vhe, T. C. Burnell;
R. Woods ; W. Smith; W.B. Tegetmeier. Young Hen.—l, W. Osmond. 2, R.
Woods. 8, Dr. H. J. Dwelly. Yellow or Red.—Young Cock.—I, T. Patterson.
2, W. Sarjent. 8, A. Leith. vhc,G.H. Thomas; W.Sarjent. Young Hen.—
Cup, C. Howard. 2,A. Leith. 8,F.P.Fllis. Any other colour—Young Cock.

vhe,

2, J. Baker. 8, E. Beckwith.

—1 and 2, R. Woods. _8, Dr. H. J. Dwelly. Young Hen.—1,R. Woods. 2, J.
Andrews. 8, V. Ratcliffe. Any Age or Colour}, A. Leith. 2, C. Howard.
8,J.G. Ward. vhc, W.G, Flanagan.

TUMBLERS.—Almond.— Cock.—Cup, J.Ecroyd. 2,R.Falton. 3,J.B.Jayne.

Hen.—1 and 2,J. Baker. 8, J. B. Jayne. Single Young Bird—Cnup, T. Rule.
2,H.C. Henning. 8, T. Hallam. Black Mottled.— Cock or Hen.—Cup and2,
J. Baker. 8,R.Fulten. Bald or Beard.—Cock or Hen—l, W. Woodhouse. 2
H. Yardley. 8,G. G. Taylor. Any other variety—Cock.—Cup, J. Baker. 2,
G.G. Taylor. 8,J.M. Braid. Hen.—landQ, H.C. Henning. 3, J. Baker.
Barss,—Any colour.—Cock.—Cup, J. Firth. 2 and 3, J. Ecroyd. vihe,R.
Fulton. Hen.—1,R. Fulton. 2, W. Harri-on. 8,J. Booth. Blackor Dun—
eR Ge Be e cone Band Ga Ley J. sre Young Hen.—

* . i» th. eritage. . . x “ NY cP

Hen—1, 2, and8,J. Firth, Loe Se hey mee

JacoBins.—Red.—Cock.—1 and vhc, H. Heritage. 2, S. Salter. $8, W.H.
Roberts. Hen —1, T. Holt. 2, W.Harrison. 3,J. Young. Yellow.—Cock.—
Cup, 2, and 8, H. Heritage. Hen.—l,J. Baker. 2,H. Heritage. 3, R. Fulton.
White.—Single Bird—1, J. Young. ‘2, H. Beckwith. 3,S. Salter. Any other
variety.— Single Bird.—i, 2, and 8, H. Heritage. vhc, S. Salter; G. Hardy.

FantTatts.— White.— Cock.—l, J. Waters. 2%, R-M. Maynard. 3, h. Simpson.
Hen.—Cup, 0. E. Cresswell. 2, W. Serjeantson. 8, J. Waters. vhc, O. E.
Cresswell, T. Swift. Any other colour—, W. F. Foottit. 2, W. T. Warhurst.
38, J. Baker.

Nouws.—l, A. Allan. 2, Rey. A.G. Brooke. 3, W. P. Stevenson.
TRUMPFTERS—Cup, 2, and 8, J. Lederer. vhc, J. H. Hutchinson; J. Baker.
Ow1s.—English.—Cock.—Cup, S. Salter. 2, A. Duthie. 3, R. Fulton. Hen.

1,8. Salter. 2 and 8, J.Ecroyd. Young Bird.—i,S. Salter. 2, J. Ecroyd. 8, H.
Vernon. Foreign.—Single Bird.—1, J. J. Sparrow. 2, S. Salter. 8, Dr. J.
Bowes. vhc, R. Fulton.
< DUEDITS.—Blue and Silver.—Cock.—Cup, J. Ecroyd. 2, G. Webster. 3, &.
Salter. Hen—l, S. Salter. 2,T. C. Burnell. 8,R. Fulton. Red or Yellow.—
Cock.—1,T. C. Burnell. 2, T.S. Stephenson. 8, W.P. Stevenson. Any other
colour.— Cock.—1, J. Ecroyd. 2, S. Salter. 8,G. Hardy. Hen.—1, J. Ecroyd.
2, C. A. Crafer. 8,8. Salter. Young.—Cup and 2, S. Salter. 3, G. Roper.
MacpiEs.—1, F. P. Bulley. 2and3,H. Williams.
AERCHANGELS.—i, H. W. Webb. 2, W. R. Roots. 3, R. Wilkinson.
Ronts.— Cock.—Cur, H. Stephens. 2 and 3, J. S. Price. Hen.—l, H. Yardley.
rh He Stephens: 8, J. 8. Price.
LYING TUMBLERS.—Not Short faced.— 9 ‘chison. * *
Mise F brit, Se 1, A. Hutchison. 2, H. Yardley. 8,
ANTWEFPs.—Short-faced.—1 and 2,J.Ecroyd. 8, J. Wright. Homing.—Cock.
—1, W. H. Duke. 2,G. Caryil. 8,G. Cotton & J. W. Barker. 4, W. B. Teget-
meier. Hen—2, G. Cotton & J. W. Barker. 8, W. G. Flanagan. 4, F. Adams.
5, Go J. Lenny. =
XY OTHER VARIETY.—], J. Winsloe. 2, T. Rule. 8, G. b . B.
Tegotnaee 5 b tale. 8, G. Roper. 4, W. B
SELLING CrLAssEs.—Single Bird.—1, B. M. Maynard. 2, J. Dye. 3, G. Webster.
4, Dr. J. Bowes. vhe, W. W. Pyne, W. Bulmer, W. J. Nichols, Mrs. A. Dresing.
Pair—i, A. & W. Hz. Silvester. 2,R.A. Pratt. 8,J.8. Price. 4, J. Fletcher,
vhe, A. Ward.
CoLLFcTIoN oF Four Pairs oF PicEons.—Ecclusive of Carriers, Pouters, and

Tumblers.—Cup, 8. Salter. 2,R. Fulton. 8,J. Baker. 4, H.M. Maynard.

Pak (5 ANY VARIETY.—Erclusive of Carriers, Pouters, Barbs, or Tumblers.—
Young.—Cup, G. H. Thomas. 2, T. H. Stretch. 8, J. Schweitzer.
SpEctaL FryinG Crass or HominG AntTWEEPs.—Cock.—Cup, J.J. Sparrow.
2, W. E. Wills. 8,E. Wormald. 4,Capt. Edwards. 5, W. S. Marsh. Hen.—

1, G. Coppard, jun. 2, J. J. Sparrow. 3, W. E. Wills. 4, W. B. Tegetmeier.
5, G. J. Lenny.

DERBY SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

THE annual Show was held at Derby, in the Drill Hall, on
the 9th and 10th inst. This is one of the best halls in the king-
dom for this purpore, the light from the roof being equal and
good, and the Hall so large that a very extensive show can be

arranged single tier. In the present case the arrangements
were very good, and the attendance on the birds all that could
be desired. Although the judging did notcommence till eleven,
yet mapy pens that should have been in the Hall the previous
night were too late for competiti: n.

Cochins headed the list, the prizes going to Buffe. Brahmas,
Dark, were a rather irregular lot, many of the old birds being a
little late: the prizetakers were very good both in size and
quality. Light Brahmas only moderatein quality. Game were
a heavy section. In Black Reds the first were chickens, and a
real gamey pair; second and third also good and in nice feather.
Brown Reds were numerous, but not good. The Variety class
was by far the best, and was made-up of Piles and Duckwings.
The first a capital pen of the former variety to which the medal
for this section was given; second Duckwings; and third Piles,
grand in colour but the cock a Jittle weak on the hind claws.
Hamburghs had but one class, and the quality in consequence was
very poor. Game Bantams, first Duckwings, the cock a grand
one; second and third Black Reds. Any other variety, first and
medal Blacks; second Japanese; and third Silver Sebrights.
The Selling classes were numerous but not gocd in quality.
Any other variety, first Spanish, eecond Dorkings, and third
Minorcas.

Pigeons were a heavy entry in almost every class. In Carriers,
first was a capital wattled Dun cock; second and third Black,
and very stout and good. Dragoons, firstand second Blue ; third
White. The latter a little too fine in beak, but a Dragoon all
over. This class was uncommonly good and many were noticed.
Antwerps were a medley of all sorts and sizes, and some were
not good, but the winners were excellent Short-faces. Fantrils
were a fine class, almost every bird deserving notice. The
first a particularly small, neat-carriaged bird with tail almort a
complete circle. Turbits good; first and third Blue cocks,
and recond a Red hen. Almonds not numerous, but an ex-
quisite lot. Any other Short-feces, every bird noticed, the class
being made-up of Agates, Kites, and whole-featbers. Long-
faces were also very good. First and second Yellow Moitles ; and
third Black Balds. Owls a moderate lot, first a grand Blue
English; second Silver English; and third White foreign. Any
other variety, first a fine Black Barb; second a Blue Pouter;
and third a Turbiteen. The Selling class was a Jarge one.

The show of Canaries was good, but perhaps not as large as
some held here, A new and pleasing feature was the provision
of classes for birds not cayenne fed.

POULTRY.—Cocuirs.—l, A. E. W. Darby. 2, W. Holmes. 8, Rev. R™
Feilden. Branmas.—Dark.—l, H. Rodger. 2and3, Dr. Holmes. whe, Rev. H-
Buckstone. Light—l, T. N. Wolstencroft. 2, W. Thorn. 3, A. E. W. Darby
GamE.—Black Red.—l. C. Spencer. 2, E. Bell. 8, W. Morley. whe. G
Richardson. Brown Red.—l, BE. Bell. 2, Dr. Snell. 8, R. Ashley. Any other
variety.—1 and Medal, Barnesby & Heath. 2, J. Calladine. 3, W. & R_ Smith.
vhe, T. Henry. Hampurcus.—l, H. K. Hobson. 2. J. W. Beale. 3, J. Widdow-
son. Bantams—Game.—l, S. Beighton. 2, T. H. Stretch. 8, J. Calladine.
whe, R J. Goodwin. Any other variety except Game—l-and Medal, J. W.
Crowther. 2,R.H.Ashton. 8, W. Morley. vhc, W. Draycott, R. & W. Clarke,
E. T. Calladine. ANY OTHER V4RIETY.—1,J. Powell. 2%,R.Smith. 3, W. Thorn.
SELLING CxLass.—Dorking, Cochin, and Brahma.—, W. H. Crewe. 2, W. Thorn.
8, B. Smith. vhc, Mrs. Redford, S. S. Vernon (2). Any other variety—i, E.
Merrin 2, W.H. Crewe. 8, W. K. Saunders. vhc, Redfern & Watkinson (2),
W. Daykir, C. H. Legge, C. Pickering.

PIGEONS.—Canrriers.—l and 8, H. Yardley. 2.T. H. Stretch. vhe, W. H.
Miller, H. Parker, J. Brewer. DraGoons.—l, R. Woods. 2, N. Smallpage. 3,
E.H. Cox. vhc, J. E. Crosley, R. Woods, A. McKenzie (3), W. Smith. ANT-
WERFPS.—1 and 2, H. Yardley. 8, T. S. Kemp. vic, H. Parker. Fanrarts —1
aud 2, T. Hives. 3, H. Yardley. vhc, J. F. Loversidge, Miss G. Hendley.
TuRBITS.—l, 2, and 8, R. Woods. whe, R. & W. Clarke, J. H. D. Jenkinson.
TumsBLt rs.—Almond.—]), 2. and 8, H. Yardley. vhe.H. Yardley, M. &A. Weston.
Any other variety Short-faced.—) and 8,M & A. Weston. 2, H. Yardley, vhe,
H. Yardley (3) M. & A. Weston (2). Long-faced —1 and 2, H. Yardley. 3,J.G.
Spendlovye. vhc,J.H.D. Jenkinson, J. G. Spendlove. Owts—l,T.H. Stretch.
2, H. Parker. 3, H. Yardley. vhc, R. Woods. ANY CTHER VARIETY.—1 and 8,
H. Yardley. 2, A. & R. Hutchinson. vhc, J. Evans, H. Yardley. SELLING
Cxrass.—l and 2, H. Yardley. 8, R. Hill. vhe, J. E. Butler, R. Purdy, Point
Prize (Cup), H. Yardley.

CAGE BIRDS (pen Sectoin)—Parrots OR OTHER FoREIGN Breps—l, FP.
Schweiss. vhe, S. Bunting. G. Turner, R. V. Taylor. SE1LINne CxLass.—
Single.—1, Watson & Pearl 2 and 8, Orme & Ashley. vhc, Orme & Ashley (2),
J. Bexson. Pairs.—1,2,and 8,J. Bexson. vhc, R. Whitaker. GoLpFixcH.—],
R.& E. Ward. 2, F. Woodward. 8,J.Bexson. vhc, Watson & Pearl. JINNET.
—Brown.—] and 2, J. Simnett. 3 and vhc, R. &E. Ward. ANY OTHER VARIETY
oF BritisH Brrps.—l and 2, A. Curtis. 8, R. Adams. NorwicH.—Clear
Yellow.—l, Watson & Pearl. Ticked or Unevenly-marked Buff.—1, Watson and
Pearl. ZEvenly-marked or Variegated Buff—i, Orme & Ashley. Crested
Yellow.—1, Watson & Pearl. Crested Buyf.—), Watson & Pearl.

CAGE BIRDS (Local Section).—BE! Gran.—Clear or Ticked Yellow.—l, S.

Bunting. 2, A. Curtis. Clear or Ticked Buf.—l, A. Curtis. 2, S. Bunting.
Norwion.— Clear Yellow —1, KF. Orme. 2, W. Ashley. 8, G. H. Frith. 4, H.
Watson. 5,J. Bexson. vhc,C. Dakin. Clear Buff—l, E. Orme. 2, J. Lowe.
8, J. Clarke. 4,J. Bexson. 5, A. Curtis. Evenly-marked Yellow.—1l, C. Dakin.
2, E. Orme. Bexson. Evenly marked Bufi—1, G. H. Frith. 2, J.Bexson,
8,E. Orme. Ticked, Unevenly-marked, and Variegated Yellow.—l, E. Orme.

2, John Bexson. 8, J. Lowe. 5, Joseph Bexson. Ticked, Unevenly-markea,
and Variegated Buf.—i, C. Dakin. 2, E. Oime. 38, J. Lowe. 4, G. H. Frith.
whe, R. Whitaker. Clear or Ticked Yellow.—l, Joseph Bexson. 2,J.Lowe. 3,
R. Whitaker. Clear or Ticked Buff.—l, E. Ward. 2, Joseph Bexson. 8, C.H.
Legge. Green Jonque—l, E. Orme. 2. J. Lowe. 8, H. Ingman. Green
Mealy—l, E. Orme. 2, W. Ashley. Evenly-marked Crested Yellow.—l, E.
Orme. 2.H. Watson. 8, Joseph Bexson. vhc, F. Woodward. Evenlu-marked
Crested Buff—1, F. Woodward. 2,J.G. Edge. 8,C.Dakin. 4,Joseph Bexson.
vhe, H. Watson. Unevenly-marked and Variegated Crested Yeliow.—i, H.
Watson. 2, Joseph Bexson. 8, R. Whitaker. Unevenly-marked and Varie-
gated Crested Bujf —1,J.G. Edge, 2, F. Woodward. 8,Joseph Bexson. whe,
H. Watson. Clear Body with Clear Grey or Dark Crest, irrespective of colour.
—1, H. Watson. 2, R. Whitaker. 38, F. Woodward. 4, S. Bunting. vie, J.
Lowe. LaxcasHrrE Coppy.—Yellow.—1, S. Bunting, Crynamons.—Jonque,
Self—1, W. Ashley. 2, E. Orme. 8, W. Woodward. vhc, Joseph Bexson.
Jonque, Marked or Variegated.—1,E. Orme. 2, W. Ashley. 3, Joseph Bexson,

Nevember 15, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

393

elf.—l, W. Ashley. 2, E. Orme. 8, A. Curtis. vhc, Joseph Bexson:
Meaty Riviea’on Variegated.—1,E.Orme. 2, A.Curtis. 8,R.Whitaker. vhe,
Joseph Bexson. Lizarp.—Golden-spangled, Clear Cap.—l, S. Bunting. 2, E.
Orme. 3, W. Ashley. vic, R. Whitaker. Silver-spangled, Clear Cap.—l, S.
Buntiog. 2, W. Ashley. 3, E. Orme. Golden-spangled, Broken Cap.—l, R.
Whitaker. 2,S. Bunting. 8, W. Ashley. Silver-spangled, Broken Cap —1, S.
Bunting, 2, R. Whitaker. 8, W. Ashley. GoLDFincH Moxie —Jonque, Marked
or Variegated.—l, S. Bunting. Mealy, Marked or Variegated.—1, A. Curtis. 2,
J.Bryan. 8, F.Woodward, Jonque, Dark.—l, W. Woodward. 2, A. Curtis. 38,
§. Bunting. vhe,G.H. Frith. Mealy, Dark.—l, Joseph Bexson. 2, A. Curtis.
8.S. Bunting. vhc. W. Woodward. MuLE.—Any other variety, Crested Gold-
finch Mule included.—l, E, Ward. 2, Joseph Bexson. 3, S. Bunting. vhe, A.
Curtis.
Juvexs.—Poultry and Pigeons: Mr. G. A. Crewe, Etwall, and

Mr. E. Hutton, Padsey. Canaries : Mr. J. Athersuch, Coventry.

CIRENCESTER POULTRY SHOW.

Turs Exhibition was held in the Corn Hall, under very dis-
tinguished patronage. The entries in the poultry and Pigeon
classes amounted to 678. Most of the classes were well filled.
The Judges were Messrs. Hewitt and Nicholls for the poultry,
and Mr. Jones for the Pigeons. The £5 5s. cup for the best pen
in the Show fell to Mr. E. Burrell’s pen of Créves, and the same
exhibitor won with his Buff Cochins the cup for third best pen
of poultry in the Show, while the £3 3s. cup was awarded to
Mr. C. Bloodworth’s pen of Silver Polands. The silver medal
for the best pen of Waterfowl was won by Mr. Hedge’s Aylesbury
Ducks, and the cup for best Pigeon in the Show, exclusive of
Magpies, went to Mr. Herrieff’s Pouter, a Black Magpie of Mr.
S. Salter winning the Magpies’ £3 3s. piece of plate.

Dorkings were fifteen pens in number, aud a moderate pen of
Darks won first prize. Light Brahmas had seventeen entries,
and the quality was on the whole fairly good. The Darks did
not muster nearly so well. We believe last year they were as
weak in numbers. Tho winning pens were, however, good, and
did not give the Judge much trouble to choose them. In Cochins
Bnffs made thirteen pens, and the first winners were a pretty
pair of Buff chickens; the second and third were also chickens
of the year. In the next class very good adult Whites came in
first among eleven pens. Whites, again, were third, and Par-
tridges and Whites of Messrs. Clatworthy and Buckmaster were
highly commended. In Spanish a pretty pair of chickens were
first, and the class of nine pens was fairly good. The Leghorns
made two fairly good classes, the winning White chickens being
well shown and very smart in carriage. Game had three classes,
and the quality was good. The first Black Reds very smart in
carriage, and in fine feather. Mr. Warde’s birds, too, were well
shown, and in good condition. Hamburghs also had three classes,
and all were filled well. Tho Pencilled made the largest display.
The first in Spangles went to good Gold, and the winning Blacks
were fresh-looking and bright. The Malays were excellent, and
the first-prize pen were in good condition and large. All the
French met in one large class, where Créves of wonderfully good
quality were first. Créves, too, were again second, and good
Hondans third. Polands were an extraordinsrily gocd class, and
every pen was noticed. Superb Silvers were first. They were
in good feather, and should do well at shows to come. The
second were cheap at £4 4s.; and third again were very good
Silvers. Messrs. Norwood’s, Unsworth’s, and Burrell’s were
all good pens. The Variety class had eight entries, of which a
pair of Langshans were commended. We fancy that a Judge in
noticing this breed in a variety class makes himself a believer
in the breed, for did he only consider them inferior Black
Cochins, they should have been passed over for being in the
wrong class. We commend this to the notice of the Judges. The
winning Black Red Bantams were good, as was the pen of Piles
which won in the next class. In the variety Bantam class
Laced were first and second, and Blacks third. The Waterfowl
were good classes, though the Aylesburys, as has been the case
of late, were a very small class, while the variety Duck class was
extremely meritorious, and each pen won a card at the hands
of the Judge.

— nas.—l, Miss M. Boote. 2,J. Paxton. 8, F. P. Bulley.
Ne ae T, A. Dean. 2, J. Turner. 8, T. Smith. Dark.—l, E,
Pritchard. 2, H. Lingwood. 8, J.S.Tainton. Cocuins.—Cinnamon and Buf.
—l and Cup, E. Burrell. 2, W. Paxton. 3, Rev. H. J. Borrow. Any other
variety.—1, J. Turner. 2, R. P, Percival, 8, Miss H, Williams. SpanisH.—l, H.
Blower. 2,J.Newick. 8, J. Aldridge. LreGuorns.—Brown.—1, T. Reeves. 2)
H. S. Hill. 8, Messrs. Bradbury. White —1, R. Waugh. 2, A. Kitchin. 8,
Messrs. Bradbury. GAue.—Black-breasted.—1, Hon. and Rev. F. G. Dutton.
2,W. T. Garne. 8, T. D. B. Rawlins. Brown-breasted—1, F. Warde. 2, J.
Cock. 3,1. Mason. Any other variety.—l,F. Warde. 2, BE. Winwood. 8, Miss
M. Boote. vic, F. Edwards. HamBorGHs —Spangled.—l, T. Blakeman. 2, J.
Carr. 3, F. Edwards. vhce, J. Jackson, G. Randall. Pencilled —1, H. Pickles.
2,T. Hoyle. 8, J. T. K. Castell. vhc, C. W. Gibbs. Black.—1, G. P. Pointer.
9, H. Pickles. 3, C. A. Jessup. vie, C. Sedgwick. Matays.—l, J. Hinton, 2,
T.B. Lowe. 8, E.G. Greenhill, Frenon—Cup,E. Burrell, 2, W. Wilkins. 8,
W.H. Copplestone. Potanps.—Cup, C. Bloodworth. 2, J. Bloodworth 3 J.
Hinton. vhe, T. Norwood, P. Unsworth (2). ANy orHER VaRrety.—l, H. Feast.
2,0. E. Cresswell. 8, E. Snell. Banrams.—Black Red Game —1, W. Jones. 2,
W. Shenton. 8, F.C. Davis. <Any other variety Game.—i, W. M. Rumbelow.
9,T. W. Anns. 3, F. C. Davis. uke, D. W. J. Thomas. Any other variety.—1
and 2,M.Leno_ 8, H. Pickles. vhe, J. W. Lloyd (2), T. F. Phelps.. SELLING
Cuass.—l, M. H. Sturt. 2, J. Bloodworth. 3, C. Bloodworth. Waterfowl.—1,
J. Hedges. 2, Messrs. Printer. 3,G. Hanks. 4, W. H. Copplestone. Ducks.
—Rouens.—Young.—1, E. Snell. 2, P. Ogilvie. 3, Mrs. Kettlewell. vhe, F, P.
Bulley, P. Unsworth. Aylesbury.—Young —1, J. Hedges. 2,1. P. Stevens. 3,
B. Snell. vic, J.C. Fraser. Any other variety.—l, H. Yardley, 2, W. J. &C.
H. Printer. 8, M. Leno. vic, Miss Sterling, M,Leno, GaEsE.—l,E. Snell. 2,

W.J.&C.E. Printer. 8,H.C. Organ. Turkeys.—Young.—1, F. Warde. 2, J.
N. Ridley. 8, W.Slatter. Locan Cuasses.—Dorkings, Cochins, and Brahmas.
—1,F.P. Bulley. 2,3. Lumb. 8, Lady Goldsmid. Any other variety.—l, C. E.
Clark. 2, D. Smith. 8, H. Chapman. 4, E. F. Woodman, Ducks.—l, R.
Daubeny. 2, Rey. G. F.E. Shaw. 8, Miss C. Fawcett. 4, D. Blackford.
PIGEONS.—Carrigrs.—l, P. R. Spencer. 2,J. Chandler. 8, W. D. Richard-
son. PourERs.—Cup, J. Herieff. 2,P.R. Spencer. 8,G. Packham. Dragoons,
—Blue or Siwer.—l, W. B. Tegetmeier. 2, R. Woods. 8, A. Mackenzie. vhe,
W. B. Tegetmeier, R. Woods. Any other colour.—1,A. Simms. 2,— McKenzie,
8, C. Skinner, Blue.—Young.—1 and 8, R. Woods. 2,J. Lush. TumBiers.—l,
H, Yardley. 2,J.Chandler. 8, F.C. Davis. Barss —1 and 8, E. Beckwith. 2,
W. D. Richardson. Anrwerps.—Short-faced.—1, H. Yardley. 2, T. S. Kemp,
8,C B. Harvey. Homing.—l, W. B. Tegetmeier. 2,A.Munday. 8, F. Winser,
Fantaits —1, P. R. Spencer. 2, J. F. Loversidge. 8, H. Yardley. Macpies.—
Black.—Cup, S. Salter. 2,A.P. Maurice. 8, F. P.Bulley. Any other colour.—
1,S. Salter. 8, F. P. Bulley. vhe, F. P. Bulley, S. Salter. Jacosins.—Red or
Yellow.—1 and 8, S. Salter. 2, W. Dawson. Any other variety.—1 and 2, S,
Salter. 8,J.James. Owuxs.—l and 2, S. Salter. 8,G.H.Gregory. Tursirs.—
1,G. Webster. 2, C. Skinner. 8, S. Salter. vhc, J. Chandler. Runts.—l and
2, H. Yardley. ANY OTHER VAnreTy.—l, P, R. Spencer. 2, H. Yardley. 8. F.
P. Bulley. SELLING Cuass.—l, A, Beadon. 2. W. Tomlins. 8, F. P. Bulley.
Locan Cxuass—l, E. F. Woodman. 2 and 8, W. P. Mathews. Equal 8, F. P.

Bulley.
RABBITS.—Lops.—Self-colour.—Cup, J. Cranch. 2,C. E. Thompson. 8, C
King. Broken.—l and 2,.C. King. 8, H. Ball. vhe, C. E. Thompson. Hiwa

LaYAn.—l and 2, G. W. Greenhill. 8, C. Pink. SmveER-GREyY.—l, E. Pepper. 2,
F.J.Munn. 8,J. Smith. Duron.—l, J. Foster. 2, T. Pope. 8, W. EH, Clark.
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, R. A. Boissier. 2,C. Howard. 8, P. Ogilvie. Locan
Cuass.—1 and 8, A.M. Murphy. 2, T. Alexander.

WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM BIRD SHOW.

Tuts was held on November 6th, 7th, and 8th, when the follow-
jng awards were made by the Judges :—

CANARIES —Norwicu.—Clear Yellow.—1 and8, C. J: Salt. 2, Mackley Bros.
vhe, Mackley Bros., E. Arnold. Clear Buff.— , and 8,0: J. Salt. whe,
Mackley Bros. (2). Marked or Variegated Yello land 8, Mackley Bros. 2,
C.J. Salt. vhe, Mackley Bros., C.J. Salt.. Marked or Variegated Buff.—1, 2,
Mackley Bros. vhc,C. J. Salt. Ticked or Unevenly-marked Yellow.—1
8, Mackley Bros. vhc, Mackley Bros., C. J. Salt. Ticked or
Unevenly-marked Buff—1, 2.8, and Extra, C. J. Salt. vhe, J. Yallop, J. Baylis.
Evenly-marked Crested Yellow.—1 and vhe, C. J. Salt. 2, Mackley Bros. 8,
Cleminson & Hampton. Lvenly-marked Crested Buff—1, Cleminson & Hamp-
ton. 2and8,C.J.Salt. vhe, J. Yallop. Ticked or Unevenly-marked Crested
Yellow.—l, 8, and vhc, Mackley Bros. 2, C. J. Salt. Ticked or Unevenly-
marked Crested Buj{—1 and vhe, C. J. Salt. 2,8. Stratford. 8, Mackley Bros.
Clear, Grey, or Dark Crest, irrespective of colowr.—l, 2. and Extra, O. J. Salt.
8, J. Yallop. whe, C.J. Salt, Miss S. H. Northcote. Lizarp.—Golden-spangled.
—lanvd 2,R. Ritchie. 8, Stevens & Tenniswood, vhc, T. W. W. Fairbrass, R.
Ritchie. Silver-spangled.—1 and 8, Cleminson & Hampton. 2, R. Ritchie,
vhe, R. Ritchie, T. W. W. Fairbrass, Gold-spangled with Broken Caps.—l, R.
Ritchie. 2 and 8, T. W. W. Fairbrass. vhc,S. Ward & Co., R, Ritchie. Silver-
spangled with Broken Caps.—l,2, and Cup, R. Ritchie. 8, Stevens & Tennis-
wood. Brxoran.—Clear and Ticked Yellow.—l, Rev. H. F. Hamilton. 2 and 8,
Mrs. M. E. Shelley. vhc, T. E. Jeffes, Messrs. Mackley (2). Clear and Ticked
Buf.—l, Rey. H. F, Hamilton. 2, T. E. Jeffes. 8, Stevens & Tenniswood.
Lonpon Fanoy,—Jonque.—l, J. Waller. 2,J.Price. 8,J.M. Wilson. Mealy.—
1, J. Price. 2, J. Waller. 8,J. M. Wilson. Yorksuire.—Clear, irrespective of
colour.—l, 2, and 8, Mackley Bros. vhc, L. Belk, J. Wilkinson, Stevens and
Tenniswood, J. Spence, Mackley Bros. Marked or Variegated, irrespective of
colour —l1, Stevens & Tenniswood. 2,1. Belk, 8,J. Wilkinson. vhe,J. Wilkin-
son, Mackley Bros, (2). CiNNAmMon.—Jonque.—l, 2,and 8, C.J. Salt. ve, C.J.
Salt, Mackley Bros., R.J. Pope. Buff.—1,2, and 8, C.J, Salt. vhe, C. J. Salt,
W. Barnell. Marked or Variegated, irrespective of colour.—1 and 8, L. Belk.
2, Mackley Bros. vhce, C. J. Salt, Mackley Bros. ANY OTHER VARIETY OF
Canary.—l, 2, and Extra, Mackley Bros. 8. R. W. Wilson. vhec, C.J. Salt.

MULES.—Gouprinon.—Lvenly-marked Yellow.—1, 2, and 8, C. J. Salt. vhe,
Cc. J. Salt (2), J.H. Thackrey, J. A. Sleep. Evenly-marked Buff—1, 2, anda 8, C.
J. Salt. vhe, C.J. Salt (3), Stevens & Tenniswood. Any other class of Yellow.
—1, Stevens & Tenniswood. 2 and 8, C. J. Salt. vhe, C. J. Salt, J. A. Sleep.
Any other class of Buff.—l, J. Robson. 2.and8, C.J. Salt. vhe, C.J. Salt (2),
J.H. Thackrey. Dark Jonque.—l, 2, and 8, C.J. Salt. Dark Mealy.—l, 2, and
8, C. J. Salt. vie, J. A. Sleep. Six in one cage.—l, C. J. Salt. 2,J. A. Sleep.
LinnEtT.—1 and 2, Stevens & Tenniswood. 8,J. Spence. ANY OTHER DEsoRIP
tron.—l. J. Drake. 2, Stevens & Tenniswood. 8, Mrs. Tallent. Extra Prize,
C.J. Salt. vhe,J. Robson. Norwicu.—Six in one cage, irrespective of colour.
—land vhe, C.J. Salt. 2,Mackley Bros. Lizarps.—Best six in one cage, irre-
spective of colour.—l, Cleminson & Hampton.

BRITISH BIRDS.—Bouttrinou.—l, J. Yallop. 2, R. Pearson. Gonprinon.
—1l, R. Robinson. 2, C. Danbridge. vhe, J. Read. CHarrincH.—l and 2, C.
Varetti. vie, F.E. Dunn. Linnet.—l, F. Robinson. 2, W. Carrick. vhe, J.
Lofthouse, R. Pearson, REDPOLE oR Siskin.—l, F. H. Townend. 2, J. Good.
SkyLarK.—l and 2,—Judd. Ropin.—l, W. Swaysland. 2, Mackley Bros.
Buackpirvd.—1, Mrs. Sleep. Sone THrusH.—l, — Judd, 2,Mrs. J. Fogg. vie,
J.A. Highton. Srarzina.—l, J. Drake. 2, Miss Campbell. Macpre, Jay, or
Jackpaw.—l, Mrs. Fogg. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1, Mackley Bros. 2,J. Hill,
Extra 2, H. E. Martin. vhce, J. Lee, jun., J. F. Hills.

BIRDS OF PASSAGE AND MIGRATORY BIRDS.—BuaoxoaP or Nicut-
INGALE.—1, J. F. Hills. 2, C. Varetti. vhe, C. Varetti, J. F. Hills. ANY OTHER
VARIETY.—1 and Extra, J. F. Hills. 2, C. Varetti. vlc, H. Lee.

FOREIGN BIRDS.—WrpaH Brirps.—l, Mrs. Arabin. Carpinau. — Red-
headed.—1l, J. Groome. 2,—Judd. wvhc, W. Burniston. WaxBitts—l, E.
Hawkins. 2, J. Drake. 8, W. Burniston. FincHes.—Foreign.—l, A. Wiener.
2, J. Drake. Sparrows.—Java.—l, J. Drake. 2, J. Judd. vhe, J. Drake, W.
Burniston. Diamond.—l, Mrs. Arabin. Love Brrp:.—l, Mrs. M. E. Newmarch.
2, E. Hawkins. Paroguets.—Australian Grass.—1, J. Drake. 2, Mrs. M. E.
Newmarch. Ring-necked or Indian.—1, Miss A. Brooke. 2, Mrs. Cook. Extra
Prize, Mra. Arabin. 8,J.A. Barrs. CockETEALs.—l, J. Groom. 2, Mrs. M. E.
Newmarch. SMALL Parrots oR Paroquers.—l, J. Abrahams, 2, F. Hallet.
vhe, J. Abrahams, J. Groome. Parrovrs.—Grev/.—1, Mrs. Keays. 2, J. Abra-
hams. 8,J.Groome. Green,or any other variety of large except Grey.—1, Mrs.
B.A. Nankivell. 2,J. Abrahams. 3, F. Schweiss. vic, Mrs. C. E. Welsh, J.
Abrahams (2). Cockatoo.—l and 8, J. Groom. 2,E. Mayell. uhc, J. Abrahams,
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1 and Extra, F. Schweiss. 2,J.Drake., 8, E. Hawkins.
Extra 8,J. Abrahams. vhc, Mrs. Arabin (8). SELLING Crass.—l, J. Robson.
2, W. Radmore. 8,E. Martin. 4, E. H. Sweeting. 5, E. Hawkins.

Jupees.—Mr. W. A. Blakston, Sunderland; Mr. H. Bemrose,
Derby; Mr. F. W. Wilson.

INDOOR RABBIT HUTCHES.

Tue outdoor Rabbit hutch is a comparatively simple structure,
but there are many contrivances for inside hutches which tend
to make them somewhat intricate. For the more hardy Rabbits
outside hutches are advisable, but some of the delicate breeds,
such as Lops, require more warmth and regularity of tempera-
ture than can be guaranteed in an outdoor hutch in this country.

394

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

{ November 15, 1877.

In size the indoor hutch should not be less than 2 feet 6 inches
long, 15inches deep, and 10 inches high, and for Rabbits that
are of unusual size it is of course necessary to have the hutches
made considerably larger. The bottom of the hutch should be
covered with metal or a slab, for the wet will sink into wood,
and especially where there is any artificial heat a very un-
pleasant smell is emitted, which is far from being healthy.
This kind of floor would not do for the Rabbits to stand on, as it
would cause colds and sore feet. Hence it is necessary to raise
the actual floor an inch above it. The best way is to makea
wooden slab-frame-floor which will, if properly managed, keep
the hutch sufficiently dry and clean. A wire frame floor
will also keep the hutch very clean and sweet, but the wire
is too hard for the feet, and sore hocks will be sure to be the
result. The spars should be about three-quarters of an inch
across, and rather less than that distance apart, perhaps half an
inch. The wood should be of a hard nature, and pine should
not be used as it has too great a tendency toabsorption. As,
however, it is not the cheapest kind of wood there is, this
caution is probably hardly necessary. Oak would be the best,
butitis of course too expensive. These slabs should be planed
very smooth, and the edges should be shaved off a little so as to
enable the waste to pass through easily. The great danger is that
the Rabbits’ legs will get between the slabs and be broken, but
if the width of space does not exceed half an inch there can be
but little danger of that. The false floor should be placed about
an inch above the slate or metal floor so that the wet will not
rise. This floor should be made the size only of the open com-
partment, the dormitory, which should always be closed until
the doe is far advanced in pregnancy, being provided: only
with a wooden floor, which is the warmest. The dormitory
should be about a foot long, and extend the full depth of the
hutch. In case the Rabbits are of a smell kind 10 inches will
be sufficient, but it is important that while making the room
large enough for the Rabbit to turn round in, it should not be
too large, or it will not be warm. The whole of the front of it
should be covered with a dark wooden door, which should open
sideways and away from the centre of the hutch. The partition
should not be fixed in, butshould be fitted between two grooves.
A circular hole about 18 inches in circumference should be cut
in if near the back portion of the hutch, for the Rabbits to pass
through. A few tacks driven into the edges well knocked home
so as to keep them from catching the Rabbits’ skins will prevent
or at any rate check gnawing. A small door will be necessary
to cover this to keep the doe ont until nesting time has begun.
If the circular piece that has been taken out has been kept it
may be used. A small hinge may be fixed on the top, anda
button on the bottom, or it may be fixed entirely by buttons. In
this latter case the door can be taken away altogether, and is
perhaps the best plan, as when fastened by a hinge the door may
get shut up accidentally, in which case the young may be neg-
lected owing to their mother being unable to get tothem. For
the large room a door that wiil admit light and air will be
neceseary. For Lop breeding a door of the following description
will be found to answer well. The groundwork should be
three-quarter-inch wood. Along the top a strip of wire about
2 inches wide should be fixed co as to afford ventilation. Then
to give light a piece of glass—circular is the prettiest, but square
will do—should be fixed as a kind of window in the centre. The
frame should be made to fit tight at the sides and bottom, but a
little loose at the top, leaving a space of about a quarter of an
inch. This will give ventilation, and at the same time avoid
draughts. The frame should be fixed with two hinges and
fastened by a small bolt or lock.

Another very good front, if the hutch is not intended solely
for Lops, may be made ina much more simple manner. Make
a frame the size of the opening of good inch wood, about
2 inches wide, the corners being well dovetailed together.
Cover this with a strong framework of iron netting, such as can
be bought for about 6d. a yard at any ironmonger’s, or strong
iron bars may be fixed downwards about 1} inch apart into the
two frames. This latter operation is a very tedious one, and
but little is gained by it, especially as the hutch being intended
for inside use only will not be subjected to such rough treatment
as the outdoor ones. For all practical purposes the common
aviary wire will answer every purpose, and is cheaper and more
easily applied than the bars. It should be carefully fixed to the
frame by means of rivets, which can be purchased with the
wire. If only nails are used the wire will be constantly coming
off and giving trouble, besides giving the inmates a mode of
very dangerous egress, which would very likely end in a broken
head or two.

A few holes should be drilled in the bottom of the hutch near
the back, through which the wet will be able to run, besides
which they will enable a good swilling to be given to the floor
sometimes, and let the water run off easily. A slip is sometimes
taken out along the back end, but this is hardly to be recom-
mended, as it is sometimes the cause of a draught. A small
hayrack will be found useful in a hutch, and one of a suitable
size can easily be made by any fancier.—GeTa.

CHLOROFORMING BEES.

Last autumn I saw one of my neighbours (a farmer busy ~
in his bee garden, and found that aie was ee aria
number of stocks with sulphur. This autumn he agreed to let
me take the honey for him. On the 28th of September I waited
upon him with one of Pettitt’s ten-bar hives and some chloro-
form and commenced operations about 7 P.M., upon three
straw skeps, giving each hive 1 drachm of chloroform. Last yeat
he destroyed six. After waiting a few minutes I shook out
all the stupefied bees on to newspaper. The bees from the
three stocks I put into the bar hive, filling it a third full as well
as I could see, and carried it home a quarter of a mile, placing it
on a stand having a south-west aspect. I then filled one of
Pettitt’s feeding troughs holding a pint of syrup, and placed it
on the crown board.

The bees commenced feeding next morning, and a week’s
beautifal weather supervening they were very busy each day,
and have continued so to the present time. T have given them
36 lbs. of syrup made from 24 lbs. of loaf sugar, costing 44d. per
pound. The hive is now nearly full of beautiful comb and very
weighty; I have therefore discontinued feeding and secured
them for the winter from wet and cold. By this means I have
not only saved the lives of thousands of our industrious little
friends, but have added to my apiary another large colony atthe
very small cost of 9s. Isuppose the bees destroyed two out of
the three queens placed in the hive.

Hoping these lines may induce other apiarians to try chloro-
form with a similar success when driving is not convenient
must be my apology for writing.—H. C.

OUR LETTER BOX.
PovLtTRy For Prorit (A Struggling Clerk).—Keep a Coloured Dorking

| cock and six Dark Brahma hens.

CocKEREL’S Tam (4. Z.).—We know of no mode of curing a tail that is
carried on one side. There isa spinal defect probably. For Ducks there is
no food more nourishing than barley meal and Indian meal.

BEE-EEEPING (Ligurian).—“ Bee-keeping for the Many.” “You can have if
from our office if you enclose five postage stamps with your address.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

CauDEN Square, Lonpon.
Lat.51°32’40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

DatTE 9 At Is THE Day.
aaa | Fe ] a. |= =]
cea 3% 3_,| Hygrome-| 83 |¢3.: |Shade Tem-|_ Radiation 2
4 sane ter. 38 a= 8 | perature. |Temperature. i=]
J asd =I 7
Nov. |Es=3 2 |san| | In | On
Aes | Dry.| Wet.) AS | Max.| Min.| sun. |grass
Inches.| deg. | deg. | | deg.| deg. | deg. | deg..| deg.| In.
We. 7| 29.598 | 573 | 549 | S.w. | 50.1 | 580 | 513 | 62a | 527. outs
Th. 8 | 29.939 | 445 | 44.5] W. | 497 | 57.0 | 43.8 $42 | 39.1 | 0.053
Fri. 9 | 29.624 | 52.8 | 51.4 Ss. 49.0 | 56.2 | 43.7 60.4 | 894 | 0.171
Sat, 10 | 29382 | 51.0 | 47.1] S.W. | 49.7 | 55.5 | 465 7983 | 42.2 | 0.102
Sun.1l 29.351 | 5).0 | 47.8 S.W. | 48.6 | 52.8 | 45.2 546 | 40.5 | 0.875
Mo. 12 | 28958 | 43.7 | 40.3 S. | 48.5 | 53.0 | 39.8 $2.6 | 38.3 | 0.010
Tu. 13 | 29.326 | 43.8 | 428 W. | 47.0} 53.7 | 39.1 74.0 326) |=
artes —= == —|
Means| 29.440 | 45.9 | 47.0 | 489 | 55,2 | 44.7 14 | 41.0 | 1.315
| | |
$$ $$
REMARES,

jth.—Warm wet morning, warm all day; fine afternoon and evening.
Sth.—Slight fog in morning, very dark 9 to 9.30 a.1.; fine and pleasang
aiterwards.
9th.—Wet all day, heavy rain at times; hich wind in afternoon.
10th.—Early part of morning fine; hail anc heavy shower at 11.15 4.21, and
showers afterwards, with occasional sunshine.
11th.—_Thunder and lightning about 4.30 s.a1.; fine till 9 4.0, then wet and
very violent wind, especially after 3 P.a. =
12th.—Barometer reached its minimum (28.693 in.) at midnight; at 0.15 4.1,
there was very heavy rain and the gale suddenly ceased; morning
bright, bat afternoon dull with shower,
13th.—Foggy and misty except in afternoon.

The weather continues mild, and the daily maximum temperature re-
markably uniform; during the past thirteen days it has not been less than
52.8° (on 11th) or more than 68.4° (on 6th). Very heavy gale on Sunday
eyening.—G. J, Syarons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Noyewser 14,

TrRapDE keeps very quiet, scarcely anything doing. First-class samples of
Apples arein demand. Pine Apples from the Azores are now making their
appearance, home-grown fruit being very much depressed in consequence.
Cobs are quiet.

8. d. s.d 8. e

Apples.... #sieve 2 6to5 a | 1 oe *
Apricots ozen 0 0 O 0} 0000
Chestnuts bushel S$ 0 12 0 00160
Currants... grieve 00 00 0 0 24 0
Black .. ¢sieve 00 00 10 8 0
Figs .... dozen 10 80 dessert ...... dozen 20 6 0
Filberts Ib. 0 6 O- 8) Pine Apples Ib. 8 0 6 0
Cobs.. . Ib. 0 6 O 8/ Ph 5 i 00 00
Gooseberries ..} bushel 0 0 O 0 Ib. 00 00
Grapes, hothouse Ib. 1 6 6 0 50 8a
Lemons veeeeree 100 6 0 10 0 0000

ee ee

November 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average s =a lock
ER 92—9 an Sun Moon | Moon |} Moon's | ,C/0¢
or Week. NOMEMB EBs 222,187 jCompera tine near | Rises. | Sets. | Rises, | Sets. Age. | before
Day. |Night.|Mean | h. m./] bh. m bh. m]/ kh, m. | Days m. 34.
PRY |) WMee J. Sherard died, 1788. 49.2 | 34) 41.9 7 33/ 4 #0 4 38) 9 44 17 13 39
98 | FEF Otp Martinmas Day. 47.6 | 31.2 | 409 | 7 34] 8 59 5 45 | 10 43 18 18 22
24/38 Leeds Show. 47-4 | 84.7 |. 395 | 7 86) 8 58| 7 5 | 1L 27 19 134
25 | Sun | 26 Sunpay AFTER TeINITY. 46.4 | 83.7 | 400 | 7 87] 8 57] 8 82] 11 58 20 12 46
26 | M 47.2 | 82.9 | 40.0 7 39) 8 56/10 0} Ca20 21 12 27
o7 | Tu Manchester Show. 7.0 | 33.6 | 40.3 7 40 8 55/11 25] 0 37 C 1287,
28 | W Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms. 48.1 | 339 | 41.0 7 42) 8 55 | morn. Q 51 23 ll 47
!
ee eos observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 47.9°; and its night temperature

CHERRIES AS ESPALIERS.

F all the fruits of the garden Cherries are

ao é

may grow freely, blossom freely, and fruit

I am not now writing of Cherry districts
where trees are grown by the acre, and where
there is much more fruit than the birds can
eat, butof ordinary gardens where there is
perhaps a dozen blackbirds and thrushes
to one Cherry tree. In that case it is not difficult to
decide where the Cherries will go, for unless effectual
steps are taken preventing them the birds will haye
nearly every one. That has been my experience. From
the dozen fine trees in the orchard under my charge I
have reaped little beyond vexation and annoyance, for
Cherries I could secure but few, owing to what some call
“pets,” but which I (during the fruit season) regard as
pests—the birds. The loss of the crop was the more
annoying, since I was frequently reminded that Cherries
- were the “favourite fruit of the family”—the reverse of
“good news” to the family’s gardener. To cover the few
large trees with nets was impracticable, and there was no
Toom on the walls for Cherry trees. It then became a
question, since Cherries must be had, whether to plant
trees and train them in the bush or pyramid form, or
whether to plant and train them as espuliers. I had an
inclination for the latter, my employer rather preferring
the former mode of culture. The result was a compro-
mise, and both systems were adopted. That is many
years ago, and many excellent crops have been gathered
from both sets of trees; but those trees which have
given the most fruit with the least trouble have been the
espaliers.

So admirably are Cherries adapted for this mode of
culture, so well do the trees bear, so attractive do they
look both when blossoming and fruiting, and, especially,
80 easily can the fruit be protected from birds, that it
is a little surprising that espalier Cherry trees are not as
frequently seen as espalier Apple trees—not so numerous,
of course, but yet represented in every garden which is
considered well furnished for meeting the requirements of
an opulent family. Yet we seldom find a row or rows of
espalier Cherries.

I know only one other mode of growing Cherries that
is at all comparable (leaving walls out of the question) to
growing them as espaliers and training their branches
horizontally, and that is training them to strained wire
fences on the diagonal-cordon system. I have not had
much experience with this mode of culture, yet I have
had sufficient to prove its worth, and were I now called
upon to furnish a garden with trees I should certainly
have a long stretch of diagonal-cordon Cherry trees. It
is the quickest of all modes of producing a “ hedge,”
affords the greatest variety of sorts in a given space, and
enables crops of fruit being perfected which cannot be
surpassed by any other means. Yet while I should make

No. 869.—You. XXXII, New SERzEs.

perhaps the most unsatisfactory. ‘The trees |

freely, yet the harvest of fruit is often a
barren one owing to the depredations of birds. |

due provision for carrying out this system of Cherry
culture I should not ignore the value of the old-fashioned
horizontally-trained espaliers, for the trees on this plan
when established will, I believe, last for generations, and
would, I think, although I am not certain on that point,
continue in health longer than the much more restricted
diagonal cordons.

A point of importance in essaying the espalier mode of
culture with Cherry trees is not to have the wires of the
fence too close together. The firsé espalier fence that I
had made for Cherries had the wires strained 8 inches
apart, but that, in the case of many varieties, proved
much too close, and after a time every alternate branch
had to be removed, to the great benefit of the trees and
crops. The simplest and the best rule of guidance for
determining the proper distances for training the branches
of fruit trees is to take note of the length of the leaves
during summer, and then adopt the principle carried out
with rows of Peas—namely, that the same distance should
be allowed between the rows as the Peas grow in height ;
so with fruit trees, the same (or a little greater) distance
should be allowed between the branches as the leaves
grow in length. The spurs then receive light and air,
which are essential to fruitfulness; whereas if the leaves
of one branch cre allowed to overlap and shade the next,
bold fruitful spurs cannot be produced. That applies to
all fruit trees, but to none with greater force than the
Cherries, and barrenness of these trees is more conitri-
buted to by overcrowding than by any other mistake in
culture.

Many varieties of Cherries have foliage a foot in length,
therefore when the branches are trained horizontally they
should be fully that distance apart. Thatis 4 good dis-
tance for such sorts as the Duke section, while for the
Black Hearts and Bigarreaus 15 inches apart is not too
much for straining the wires.

I am not a believer in the orthodox height of 4 feet for
fruit-tree fences. I cannot see any gcod reason for limit-
ing a row of espaliers to that height when 2 feet more
can be added without occupying an inch more ground—
2 feet of clear gain I call it, and that in 100 yards length
means a great increase of fruit. I do not, however—at
least in the case of Cherries—advocate a greater height
than 6 feet, because they could not then be so conveniently
protected from birds, but for Apples, and Pears I have
had good evidence that wire fences 9 feet in height are
relatively more profitable than lower espaliers.

Protection of the Cherries from birds is an important
point in the management of the trees. All the labour of
growing the trees and the cost of supporting them is spent
in vain if the pets or pests, as the case may be, are not
kept from the fruit: and it is in this matter that I have
found the yalue of espaliers. A bush can be netted, but
at the best I have always felt the operation as bungling as
itis bundling; fastening and unfastening every time adish
of fruit has to be gathered is no joke when other and urgent
work on all sides is waiting to be done. But withespaliers
the work of protecting is comparatively easy. Here is the
plan: Erect a rough framework over a hedge of Cherries by

No. 1521.—Vor. LVIII., OLD SERIES.

396 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 22, 1877.

inserting some stout poles or battens at intervals of the length,
or nearly so, of roofing laths—* rock lats,” my old handy man
cal'g them. Lect the uprights be 24 feet from the base of the
trees slanting to a foot from the hedge at the top, or rather a
little above the top, to secure head room. Secure the tops of
the uprights together by cross pieces; now from upright to
upright fasten the long light roofing lafhs, and the skeleton is
complete and ready for the net. I have always employed old
fish nets, wlizh are both cheap and strong, and I have had no
difficulty in obtaining them 18 feet wide. These placed over
the framework before the fruit shows colour remain there until
it is gathered. The birds are thus baffled, no loss of time
oceurs in netting and unnetting daily, and Cherry-picking
becomes a pleasure.

Now that the time of fruit-tree planting has arrived, and
since Cherries are scarce in so many gardens and birds nu-
merous, it may be opportune, perhaps, to mention what I con-
ceive to be the best method of growing this much-esteemed
fruit; at any rate if any cultivator can propound a better
plan—one more easy, certain, and enjoyable, I shall be glad to
hear of it. Morellos do excellently as espaliers, and require
little or no protection from birds; at least our birds do not
appear to like them.—A NortHERN GARDENER.

ROSH SHOWS.
WHY DO NOT ROSE SHOWS PAY? CAN ROSE SHOWS BE MADE
TO PAY?

THESE questions are often in people’s mouths, and engage
interest and amuse many besides rosarians, and as I believe
them to be questions for the purse-string-holding public to
have a voice in, though, as I intend to show, by no means to
answer, kindly open the columns of the Rose Journal to a fair
discussion and better understanding than now appears to exist.

As one of the public I have always had a fancy for Rose
shows, and rejoice to know that I am by no means singular
in this respect. Ladies young and ladies not quite young
vow Rose shows to be their pet exhibitions. Most men of
refined tastes and the least capacity for quiet enjoyment affect
them, and yet Rose shows are not sufficiently popular, with
hardly an exception, to keep a balance on the right side. Our
modern Jupiter is aware of this feeling, and published to the
world last July how consistently it went with the times, by re-
porting in three lines and a half the event of the Great
National Rose Show in St. James’ Hall, at the foot of a
paragraph detailing at length the proceeding of two general
London exhibitions. It is easy to say, ‘‘ Donot beina hurry;
give the public good permanent Rose shows and they are certain
to pay. Does not a good article always create and keep-up a
market ?”? Has this been the case as yet with Rose shows ?
Ugly facts say not. Rose shows of undoubted excellence have
existed at Birmingham, Manchester, Wisbech, &e. Some for
years made a struggle for existence—notably Birmingham.
Where are they now? Consigned to that limbo, alas! where
many others in a moribund condition (he would be a bold
man indeed to particularise), must descend, who are now pub-
lishing, as I once read in the Journal ‘‘ Wrnp Savace” in
grim humour stated, only ‘4d. balance” sheets. Asa humble
unit of ths public, and I confess at once I do not belong to
that favoured coterie who write grandiloquently about ‘ the
fair denizens of Flora’s court,” or ‘‘ the roseate majesty of the
queen of flowers” (it is ihe clerical element which comes out
So remarkably strong in this line I cannot help noticing with
a smile), but as one who has formed a tolerably strong opinion
on the present state of Rose shows in a financial aspect.

I hold that Rose shows with the present large prize lists
cannot pay. This is my solution to the first question, and
until such exhibitions become popular with the masses, edu-
cated as conservative working men to the Dizzy heights of
floricultural as well as political refinement, and inhabiting Dr.
Richardson’s new City of Health, I respectfully submit they
ought thus organised never to be expected to pay. It was
Wisbech, if my memory be true, which took the sad initiative
some six or seven years ago in offering a big prize of £20 to
big nurserymen, and which Rose show has since succumbed,
like the venal and too confiding maid in clastic lore, under the
fatal weight of her own golden bribe. Other provincial Rose
shows have keen compelled ever since to bid in equally high
terms to insure competition, courting eventually sooner or
later the same inevitable doom. Analogous examples are not
wanting out of the pale of floral enterprise. The provinces
also afford a cage in point in the West Midland Festival of the

Three Choirs, where from a similar cause—unavoidably large
expenses in the management, an annual undertaking, though
hallowed by the sacred object of charity, would be in a pecu-
niary point of view an annual failure, unless by unwritten law
a large guarantee fund were handed over to the credit of a
debtor exchequer, simply because the leading artistes know
their value and ask such exorbitant sums that pecuniary success
is well-nigh impossible,

Disagreeable subjects, as a rule, cannot be forgotten too
soon, but it is not very long ago that this great clamour
for big prizes crippled the career of the Royal Horticultural
and Botanical Societies’ exhibitions, which, now revised and
encouraged with fair reasonable prize lists, far outstrip the
former palmiest efforts, and are year after year a source of
credit to the management, of pleasure to our home and foreign
visitors, as well as of well-deserved pride and satisfaction to
our leading exhibitors, who can now read in each group of
plants they stage the least expensive, widest distributed, and
most remunerative advertisement. Why, then, cannot Rose
exhibitions be made to pay by adopting this successful prece-
dent ?—(1), By Rose nurgserymen agreeing to exhibit—because

no Rose show is worthy of the name as a school of art both -

attractive and improving without their exhibits; (2), and ex-
hibit for considerably reduced prizes—because no Rose show
in town or country can pay its way unless they consent to do
so. I grant that great differences, obstacles, and inequali-
ties exist, and some private sacrifices must be made in the
cause ; but granting that in the season for Rose shows being so
short, distances often so long, and railway trains and service to
and from the provinces so tortuous and unaccommodating (to
metropolitan Rose shows there never was or will be lack of
exhibitors), we find a reason; still I fail to allow these as
an excuse for so few nurserymen exhibiting at provincial Rose
shows. If Rose nurserymen hold the key of the position, and
I as one of the public effirm they do, then they have the game
in their own hands—e.g., the whole future of Rose shows, and
with them it lies to unlock this well-worn difficulty which has
hitherto baffled the efforts, however persevering or judicious,
of every energetic honorary secretary, and under the present
system of prizes must continue todo so. It is not often that
public patriotism and private interests go hand in hand; in
this case they do.

The present enormous and yearly increasing sale of Roses”

mainly owes its origin and continuance to Rose exhibitions.
Shall the parent unnaturally be done to death by its own
offspring, and that in the Rose nurseries of England? Rather
let their fosterfathers take the question in their own hands
and answer in the affirmative courteously and successfully, as
they know so well how to do, the long-vexed question, Can
Rose shows pay? asked by—OnE oF THE PUBLIC.

NOTES ON VEGETABLES.

THE summer just closed (if it deserves the name), has been
most remarkable for the dearth of fruit. The kitchen garden
crops also have been considerably affected by its peculiarities,
and while my memory is fresh I will notice a few of its effects
upon the different crops. To begin alphabetically: Artichokes
have been abundant and good, the older plantations lasting in
bearing to the present time; and this is fortunate, for the
spring-planted roots on which we depend for the late-autumn
supply have this season done nothing. Asparagus, which
promised in February to be very early, was, after all, very late,
and the season consequently short; many of the heads also
were injured by frost, and altogether it was not up to the usual
standard. There was a danger of the crowns not getting ripe

this autumn, but the fine September did an immense amount-

of good for this crop as well as for many others. Some roots
placed in the forcing house are starting very freely. French
Beans and Scarlet Runners were late, but were good and
abundant when they did come. In this respect we were more
fortunate than many of our northern friends, some of whom
indeed have not been able to gather a dish outside at all.
Sprivg Broccoli was good, and the autumn crop (Snow’s
and Veitch’s Autumn Protecting), which at one time lagged
behind, as did, indeed, all the Brassicas, has commenced turn-
ing-in and is very fine. The first-named has been a good old
friend, but I think it must give place to Veitch’s Autumn Pro-
tecting, which turne-™ at the same time, or it may be a few
days earlier, is largér ‘and of equally good quality. Probably,
too, it will prove hardier. Brussels Sprouts, sown in February
in a Potato frame, were fit for gathering in September, and

November 22, 1877. ]

will last till February. We, however, generally make a second
Sowing in April. Tho sort with the incuryed leaves, generally
called the ‘‘ imported” stock in catalogues, is still the best that
I know. Cardoons are late and will not be large; they were
badly mildewed at one time but have now recovered. Carrots,
for which there is always a great demand in the young state,
are sown in succession from February till the middle of
July. The first lot is sown on a hotbed, and the last, which
stands out all winter, on a south border. ‘‘ French Forcing”’ is
Sown for the earliest crop, ‘‘ Short Horn’’ for the latest, and
it, with ‘‘ James’ Intermediate,’’ for mid-season.

The season has suited Cauliflowers, and they are still good.
The last batch of ‘‘ Autumn Giant” will, however, hardly turn-
in unless we have a continuance of mild weather, which for the
Sake of the already fast-swelling fsuit buds is not to be wished
for. Celery has done well, there has been no fly and no disease.
Major Ciarke’s is still the best, but as it will not stand the
Winter well we grow ‘‘Sulham Prize” for the latest. A row
of ‘Incomparable’? or Sandringham White is grown for the
earliest crop. The new ‘“ Fern-leaved Parsley’? is extremely
good both for use and ornament; if it proves as hardy as
the older sorts, which I do not doubt, it is destined to drive all
others out of cultivation. Parsnips were not sown till the
middle of April, and all the better for it. We have given up
early sowing on our cold soil.

Peas were three weeks late in being ready for gathering
(middle of June), but they make up for it now, as we are still
gathering (November Sth), almost every day from ‘‘ Omega,”
sown the first weekin July. This isa most valuable Pea, growing
only 24 feet high, is very healthy, very prolific, and of good
quality. Gardeners are much indebted to Mr. Laxton for this
and also for his ‘‘ William I.,’”’ which is the best early Pea.
These two, with Veitch’s Perfection and G. F. Wilson for mid-
season, are all the sorts I grow in quantity. Alpha is an early
Pea of good quality, but it is not so-hardy as William I.

Of Potatoes, the old ‘‘ Ashleaf’’ and Myatt’s Prolific were
good, and were used before the disease had spread much. All
the rest were a miserable failure and were not worth digging-
up. On the light soils in the neighbourhood they are not £0
badly diseased as mine were, but they are very small and of
indifferent quality. Tomatoes have not done well outdoors as
they wanted more warmih, they have also had the disease badly.
Turnips with me are excellent ; the only sort grown excepting
a few early white is Veitch’s Red Globe.—Witn1am Tarnor.

CHRISTMAS ROSES.

Iy a mild season the flowers of the Christmas Rose come
by or before the festival of Christmas. It certainly is the
latest and earliest flower of the year, expanding, as Shakes-
peare expresses it, when

‘The rain and wind beat dark December,”
for this, like a majority of herbaceous and alpine plants,
delights in nothing so much as moisture and air. The rain is
never too heavy nor the wind too strong for them ; but during
soft mild winters, though winter flowers appear to advantage,
it is better in every way when Nature clothes Flora in snow,
provides snug winter quarters for the humblest and gayest of
plants. Though hid for a time, Nature gives back in richer
fullness the ‘‘ gold” of the Aconite and ‘‘ pearl’’ of the Snow-
drop. Winter is only really winter—seasonable and good,
when, as Scott has said,
“No mark of vegetable life is seen,

No bird to bird repeats his tuneful call,

Save the dark leaves of some rude evergreen,

Save the lone redbreast on the moss-grown wall.”

- The fickleness and uncertainty of our climate must be the
prompter of our cultivating some hardy plants in pots under
glass in order to have them in season with certainty. Plants
grown in pots may be more generally useful because portable,
but I can picture to myself no sight so fair as a garden under
glass of winter and spring-flowering plants. Winter gardens
as we usually see them bear out none of the characteristics of
@ winter garden of northern climes. There are no mossy banks
aglow with the Violets, Primroses, and Gentians; Crocuses,
Cyclamens, Adonis, sheets of Aconites and Snowdrops, glorious
Narcissuses and Hyacinths, Hepaticas, Anemones, Wallflowers,
and Stocks are wanting; Arabis and Aubrietias clothe no rock
orslope ; there is no mountain of winter and spring Heaths, no
ravine with its Laurustinuses and Rhododendrong, with other
shrubs berried and flowered. Forget-me-nots and Omphalodes
are not there; Saxifrages, Triteleias, Squills, and knolls of

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 397

alpine Auricula, with its many congeners, become conspicuous
only as absentees; Star of Bethlehem and Christmas Rose are
not there, nor are they foreshadowed by autumn Crocuses,
Colchicums, the Japan Anemone, and Kafirarian Iris. These
and others come nearer to my ideas of a winter garden than 2
display of tropical Palms—a desert of grandeur—unvarying
similarity, instead of the ever-chavging beauty marking the
close and advent of the flower season of temperate climes. A
winter garden from my point of view would be best represented
in winter and early spring by flowering shrubs and plants—an
alpinery, in fact, under glass, cold, or only sufficient hot-water
piping near the glass to exclude frost. Thero is a host of
plants for furnishing such a house, so that the wonder is thsy
are not more generally employed.

Christmas Roses are fine outdoors, should the weather be
open, from December to March. To have this and other gems
with certainty in their natural season the plants must be grown
under glass. The Christmas Rose is well known, and is
deservedly popular, yielding as it does blooms at a time when
flowers are scarce; yet it is not so frequently seen as a pot
plant as its merits warrant. Large blooms 2 to 3 inches in
diameter are freely produced in a light airy house from which
frost is excluded; though a little frost does no harm, its ex-
clusion secures the greatest abundance of bloom. . Hyen gentle
forcing may be practiced successfully, the essentials being light,
free ventilation, and liberal treatment.

The plants should be potted at the end of Ssptember.
Plants with moderate-sized crowns will do well in 10-inch
pots; 12 or 13-inch pots will not be too large for large crowns
for making a grand new-year display in a conservatory.
The size will, of course, need to accord with the size of the
crowns. The plants should be lifted carefully; the loose soil
coming freely from among the roots should be removed, and
it will then be seen the size of pot each requires, allowing
about 2 inches space all around the ball for fresh soil. We
have only to drain well and work the soil among the roots, in
potting pressing rather firm, keeping the crowas slightly
raised in the centre of the pot, leaving sufficient space for
watering, and plunging the pots to the rims in ashes in a
sheltered situation outdoors, watering if dry weather ensue,
the weather being usually moist enough in autumn without
having to resort to artificial watering. Light turfy loam, with
a third of leaf soil or a fourth of well-decayed manure, will
grow them perfectly.

Early in December, or in November if the weather be severe,
the plants should be taken under glass. The essentials to suc-
cess are plenty of light, a well-ventilated atmosphere, copious sup-
plies of water and liquid manure (not too strong) once a-week.
They do admirably in a greenhouse from which frost is just
excluded, yet they will bear gentle forcing, 50° being a max-
imum from fire heat. Though the plants ara best lifted in
September, especially when it is proposed to accelerate the
flowering by gentle heat, nevertheless they may be lifted from
the open ground any time up to December, potted and placed
at once in a cool house, with a certainty of a rich reward of
blooms in due time.

The plants should be well hardened off in spring and
planted out in an open yet sheltered situation in rich light
soil, making sure that the ball is thoroughly moist, and water-
ing so as to solidify the soil about it. They will require no
further attention, only to remove any weeds that may appear,
and in September they may again be taken up, being equally
as good as before, or better, inasmuch as they flower earlier
the second than the first season, increasing year by year in
sizo and value. Masses or lines of Christmas Roses outdoors
are superb. The plants do well in any well-drained soil, but
prefer a vegetable one, with shelter and slight shade in sum-
mer. Ihave employed them for winter bedding, lifting them
in May and planting in shady borders, removing them to the
beds and lines again in November, in which position they like
a mulch of leaf soil or cocoa refuse.

Helleborus fcetidus is the finest in foliage, which is its only
recommendation, making a good centre to a group, having
H. niger around it, then the purple H. purpurascens, banded
by Winter Aconite and rings in order of Hepatica angulosa,
double red, and single white Hepaticas; or H. niger major
(maximus) for centre, with bands around of H. atrorubens,
H. niger, Winter Aconite, double blue Hepatica, double red
Hepatica, white Hepatica. Cyclamen hederefolium for foliage,
margined with C. coum, alternating with C. coum vernum, is
a pretty combination.

For pots H. niger, H. niger maximus (major, giganteum),

398 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 22, 1877.

H. orientalis, bltsh ; H. atro-rubens, purplered; and H. olym-
picus, white and red, tre all suitable.—A.

GROS COLMAN GRAPE.

Wiru reference to your note at page 387 of last week’s
issue,\I beg to say that Gros Colman is a somewhat stubborn
Grape‘to deal with, and more especially to colour well, but for
the last four years we have had no difficulty in this respect,
and to accomplish which we have simply allowed the lateral
shoots to extend themselves as much as possible a week or two
previous to colouring, and when colouring had commenced
never removing a lateral from the Vine. This coupled with a
reasonable amount of fire heat I believe to have conduced to
perfect finish. Gros Colman is essentially the market grower’s
Grape, being extraordinarily prolific, of grand appearance, and
when fully ripened a long way above second-rate in flavour.
We have had it in fine condition up to the end of January, and
hope to keep it much longer this season.—\V. WiILDsmMITH,
Heckjield.

AURICULA NOTES.

I wAvE now been a grower of Auriculas on and off for upwards
of forty years, for I began their culture very early, but I have
never gone through such an experience as this year. I have
grown them on a windy bank overlooking the sea, in the back
garden of a town house, and in other places quite favourable
to success. My collection at times has only amounted to a few
dozen, at others it has filled several frames; but all through
those long years, as I look back on them and remember grate-
fully the pleasure I have derived from them (like all pleasures,
bringing their troubles with them), never have the trouble,
worry, and loss been so great as this year. I have already
recounted my woes, but as the experience I have gained may
be of use to others I may be excused if I refer to them again
while stating their present condition, for I am not one of those
favoured individuals that never have anything go wrong with
them. One thing I do happen to know, and that is that others
have sufiered in some degree like myself, and that therefore
there may be more to whom my experience may be a warning.

I began my winter season this time last year with about the
best collection of Auriculas I ever possessed both as to quantity
and quality ; but as the weeks went on I noticed with a great
many that set appearance which Mr. Horner speaks of, and of
which I did not then know the cause. They made no signs
of growth, and yet I could see no mark of drip or over-wetness
which one might have naturally expected in such a season as
last winter, and it was not until my attention was directed to
the remarks about the woolly aphis in the Journal that I sus-
pected what was really the matter. I hurried down to my
frames and turned a pot out, and there sure enough was the
enemy, or rather the signs of his presence, for I had not yet
detected the aphis itself. I hardly knew what to do. The
time of year was most dangerous for turning them out and
repotting, and as I found by examination that all were not
affected I hoped that the pest might not spread; nor do I
think it did. Those already affected were apparently past
hope: I therefore left them until early in May, when I repotted.
This I did very carefully as l imagined, shaking the roots well
out and washing them in Gishurst and water as I had been
recommended ; they were then placed in their summer quarters
and I hoped were safe. My horror was great, on examining
one or two of the pots in Jaly, to find that the aphis was
present in the most abundant and flourishing manner. My
determination was soon made, and every one of the plants was
turned out and potted again. This time I resorted to no
half measures which I had proved to be go ineffective, and
separately washed all the roots and the collars of the plants
in the creases of which the aphides might find a home, and
again placed them in their summer quarters. This was a ven-
turesome proceeding, the question naturally occurring, Would
the plants have the power of throwing out a sufficient quantity
of roots to nourish the plants after the effort they had made
to establish themselves after the first potting? I am now
(November 10th) tolerably well satisfied with the result. Ido
not mean to say either that my collection looks as well as it
ought to do or as well as I have seen it in other years, but still,
after all it has undergone I am contented.

One thing this misfortune has led me to do, and the only
wonder to me now is that I have never done it before, and that
is to build a low house for my plants, so that I can get into it

in all weathers and give air without any danger of rain beating
in. For afew pounds I managed to convert my old pit into
this new one, and look forward, if I am spared, to enjoying my
Auriculas as I have never done before. Moreover, those who
come to see them will have the opportunity of doing so with
greater ease and comfort than when they were on the ordinary
stage on which I have heretofore bloomed them.

Another result of this twofold potting is, that I have had
no autumn blooming; with the exception of a couple of General
Neill and the same of Unique, which are always prone to do
this, there have been none. But then the question is, What
spring blooming shall I have? and it is of no use to say any-
thing of the effect of this double potting until the bloom next
year is over.—D., Deal.

THE POTATO CROP.

Tuts garden was filled with diseased Potatoes in 1876, and
I trenched it and applied ashes mixed with paraffin, and dusted
the ground with lime, and used sometimes refuse from the
fowl houses and a little stable manure. I planted a peck of
Snowflake from Carter’s (cut) on March 22nd, and took up
180 lbs. of large Potatoes, 120 lbs. of seed, and 30 lbs. of small
on August 6th. There were ten diseased Potatoes among them.
They are keeping splendidly, and when cooked they are as
balls of flour. I planted Ashleaf Kidney March 12th, and
took up a good crop on August 2nd; planted York Regents
March 22nd, and took up a fair crop August 8th. Altogether
we had 60 lbs. of dissased tubers and about a ton of eating
Potatoes and seed.

The disease began in the tops on August Ist, and though
the Potatoes were not then ripe we set to work and lifted at
once, spreading them out thinly with a sprinkling of coal ashes.
They are all keeping excellently, and the quality is first-rate.
One of my neighbours who also trenched his garden had
hardly any disease. Everyone else suffered terribly in the
neighbourhood of Bath.—H. H.

MR. RICHARD SMITH’S NURSERY AT
ST. JOHN’S, WORCESTER.
Part I.—THE FRUIT QUARTER AND THE WORCESTER PEARMAIN,

Ler the truth be told. I had come to Worcester especially
to see the fruit trees, for being an ardent pomologist both as
regards the literature and practice of that science I wanted to
see the best example of the latter that it was possible for me
to set eyes on. When, therefore, Cox said to his master,
*« Shall we go, sir, to the fruit quarter now?” and the master
said, ‘‘ Yes, by all means,’’ I own I pricked up my ears and
hastened my steps.

There are at .St. John’s 50 acres of fruit trees. ‘‘ Think of
that, Hal! think of that!’ Then the climate is very suitable,
and as to the soil it seems to be made for growing fruit trees.
The wood of the trees is throughout the nursery clean and
bright as to bark, the wood of the year of extraordinary length,
sometimes 8 feet and more, also thick and hard to the feel,
being well ripened. The trees are like healthy well-fed
children, who, of course, make the healthiest and strongest
men and women. I never saw such an enormous growth for
one year, and as was the growth of the Apples so of the Apri-
cots, Peaches, and the rest. I walked round several patches
of trees to see if there was any admixture, because if mixed
they do not, of course, come ‘‘ true to name,”’ and then buyers
are disappointed ; but I could not find a ‘‘rogue”’ or a Judas
among them. I can only liken each patch to a regiment of
foot soldiers placed in a square. You walk round such a regi-

ment, you see that all the uniforms are the same and the .

“facings”? the same. If a soldier of another regiment were
present you would detect his presence at aglance. So of each
fruit-tree patch. Say, for example, if they be Lord Suffields,
I notice wood, growth, habit, leaf; I should see one of another
variety if it were there, but it was not. Three times a-year
the trees are carefully inspected, so as to find out any possible
mistake, and it is this care, added to the healthiness of the
trees from St. John’s (and, as said above, if a child is healthy
as a child it will be healthy as a man), that is one great reason
of Mr. Smith’s success and of the vast sale of his trees. As
I have given a dozen of the best Roses as seen at St. John’s,
so I would name a few of the best Apples.

Early Dessert—White Transparent ; Early Margaret, pretty
on the dish and pleasing to the palate; Irish Peach, Al among
August Apples. Early Kitchen—Worcester Pearmain, kitchen

Pe ee re

November 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

300

and dessert, but of this a separate notice presently; Lord
Suffield for August and September ; then Ecklinville Seedling
September and October, and Red Hawthornden somewhat
earlier. Medium Dessert Apples—Cox’s Orange Pippin and
Golden Winter Pearmain. Medium Kitchen—Cellini, October
to November; Stirling Castle, on to February; then later for
the kitchen the Apple impossible to be too highly praised—viz.,
Dumelow’s Seedling, better, at the fruit shops, known as
Wellington; Tower of Glamis, Striped Beefin, and Alfriston
complete the number. As to late dessert, Court Pendu Plat,
Ribston Pippin, and Sturmer Pippin.

Let me add also a short Pear list for those whose gardens

are small:—Summer Doyenné, Williams’ Bon Chrétien, Jar-
gonelle, and Beurré Giffard, followed by Beurré Hardy and
Louise Bonne; while Bergamotte Esperen and Joséphine de
Malines are the best late-ripening Pears. If you want or only
have room for one Apricot, there is Large Early for you. As
to Plums, Harly Prolific and that most profitable of Plums,
Victoria. I may notice in passing that at St. John’s the
trained trees if put in a line would reach eight miles; and as
@ specimen of the healthiness of the trees in Peaches, Nec-
tarines, and Apricots, as well as Apples and Pears, I have
noticed the extraordinary length of the wood made in one
year.
Besides the larger frnits, I looked at the stock of Goose-
berries and Currants. As a few of the best flavoured of the
former I would name Pitmaston Green Gage, Catherine,
Rough Red, and Whitesmith. Of Currants there are among
the Reds Raby Castle and Red Grape; and let me call especial
attention to Lee’s Prolific Black, on which all the berries ripen
to the tip, a Currant, too, in which there is no acidity, and it
wants little sugar in preserving. There are at St. John’s plenty
-of cordon fruit trees, a form of growing perhaps not yet sufli-
ciently taken up, but on which comes the finest fruit, and
which the wind cannot blow off. I looked at the stock of
Peaches, Apricots, Plums, Damsons, &c , and saw in all not
only a vast supply but also there was not to be seen the least
trace of disease.

Among the fruits, though specially noticeable as ornamental
trees, 1 came upon a number of Purple-leaved Filberts, being
good bearers of good nuts, and also the leaf as pleasing from
its colour as a Copper Beech—eye and palate both pleased.

But next, aye! what next? Well, weary in this work, but
not weary of the work, we bend our steps towards the office
where luncheon awaits us, for man must eat, although the
Franch wit said to the beggar who pleaded ‘‘a man must live,’’
**T don’t see the necessity of that in you.” Yet each of us
does see the full necessity at least in ourselves. Into the office,
on to an inner room, the master’s own, and what do I see?
Some dozens of Worcester Pearmains laid out for me to look
at. At once I exclaim, The Doctor was right, the pictures are
not exaggerations. Although this has been a terribly sunless
summer, and no fruits are quite as well coloured as usual, yet
what.a display of handsome Apples!

To my mind an Apple deserving of the highest place must
be up to the mark as regards both beauty and utility. Let me
try the Worcester Pearmain by these two tests. First as to
beauty, there must be beauty of form as well as colour.
‘Worcester Pearmain has this to perfection ; its form is pleasing
to the eye, not squatty, dumpy, or one-sided, or angular and
ribbed, but large and broad at the base, and gradually narrow-
ing to the crown—a true Pearmain shape. Avy view of it as
to shape is agresable, for it meets the eye pleasantly. Then
as to colour, its smooth skin is completely covered with a
brilliant red, a glowing glorious colour, a treat to look at in
Gingland where we have too little brightness and deepness of
colour. Certainly the Worcester Pearmain is among the very
hhandsomest of Apples, and if a table covered with them looked
brilliant, what must a tree look like in the glow of an autumn’s
golden sunlight? As to utility, its size is large, a requisite in
a first-class Apple; alsoit grows well, forming a handsome tree,
and crops very freely. I handle Apple after Apple and they
seem almost too pretty to eat, but in goes my silver knife and
{ find the flesh to be tender and juicy and very pleasant. It
is a fruit not only to adorn a dining-table, but to be weleome
on the plate of the guests as well as to the dish of the host.
{ brought several specimens home with me; some I roasted,
others I baked, and some I boiled, and it was a success how-
ever cooked. I pronounce, therefore, upon full examination
that the Worcester Pearmain stands the test of beauty and
utility, and it must be for ever one of England’s first-class
Apples, and when further distributed it will be sure to com-

The |

mand_a good price in the market, for its appearance is so
attractive that it will at once find ready purchasers, who upon
buying it will again become its purchasers. What I saw after
lunch will supply materials for another and concluding paper.

While sitting and resting out of doors for awhile, Mr. Smith
directed my attention to a mansion across the road, over the
high walls of which rose to view some fine timber trees. ‘‘ That,’
said Mr. Smith, ‘‘ is Pitmaston House, where in old days lived
Williams, a friend of Thomas Andrew Knight, and it gave
name to many fruits, such as the Pitmaston Nonpareil Apple,
the Pitmaston Orange Nectarine, and several others.” Quite
a classical residence and very fit to be a near neighbour to St.
John’s Nursery; and if the ghost of worthy Andrew Kuight
should ever walk and take a look at the gardens of Pitmaston,
Tam sure he will walk across the rcad and much gratify his
ghostly, and of course fruit-loving nature, by a look at and a
walk through its fifty acres of fruit trees. I walked there in
the body, and was charmed when there, and treasure-up the
sight as one delightful for ever to my pomological instincts
and memory.—WILtTsuIRE Rector.

Erratum.—In part IL, p. $69, column second, line twenty-one, there ig
a clerical error, I mean a printer's error, for I don’t own to it. For “a
queen-amidst look,’ read a ‘‘Queen-Annish look,” s0 many of the houses
belong oo to the Queen Anne era, or show symptoms of the style of her
eign.— W. R.

SPECULATIONS AS TO THE NATURE AND
ORIGIN OF THE POTATO DISEASE,—No. 2.

I winu now refer to the theory of electricity. The disease
has been supposed to have been caused by some peculiar
electrical state of the atmosphere. The great objection to
this theory is the same as the others—that it will not account
for the disease appearing only in 1845, unless it could beshown
that some peculiar condition prevailed not before known, which
is very improbable. I think that there is no doubt the disease
epreads rapidly in damp thundery weather, but that is a diffe-
rent thing from the electrical state of the atmosphere being the
origin of it. Some years ago there was a discussion in a con-
temporary with regard to the connection between the Potato
disease and electricity, and a writer calling himself a ‘‘ Lover
or Nature” made the following remarks, which I cannot
do better than produce here: —‘ The theory advanced that the
Potato disease is caused by the action of electricity on wet
tubers appears to me wholly untenable. That the disease
should appear three days after a thunderstorm is no proof that
lightning produced it, for it might be a mere coincidence, or it
might arise from other attendant circumstances. Your corre-
spondent makes no attempt to support his theory by known
facts in the science of electricity; nay, its supporters (for it
has many) seem to look upon electricity as another Ariel play-
ing all sorts of odd pranks and setting all laws at defiance.
Now this is not the case. All electrical phenomena, including
thunderstorms, are subject to certain fixed laws which never vary.
For the benefit of your non-scientific readers I will trespass a
little on your space to explain the phenomena which take place
duriog such storms. All thunderstorms are produced by one
of the following causes:—Hither first, by the passage of the
electrical fluid from one cloud to another; or second, from the
earth to the clouds; or third, from the clouds to the earth.
This takes place, however, only under the following cireum-
stances :—The cloud or part of the earth from which it passes
must be in a positive state of electricity, and the cloud or part
of the earth to which it does pass in a negative state of elec-
tricity ; the exchange goes on until both are reduced to the
same condition. Another important law of electricity is that it
moves by conduction—i.e., as some substance, such as metals,
water, &c., are conductors it will pats along them; but glass,
fur, atmospheric air, &c., being non-conductors almost totally
obstruct its passage. As the two first causes of thunderstorms
enumerated above cannot infiuence vegetation we will pass over
them and come to the third—the passage of the electric fluid
from the clouds to the earth, which takes place in the follow-
ing manner :—A cloud highly charged with positive electricity
being eurrounded by air, which is a bad conductor, cannot dis-
charge its excess of electricity till it is in the vicinity of some
good conductor, such as a church, a house, a tree, or any other
high object, to which it immediately passes (generally in a zig-
zag direction, owing to the resistance of the air) and is con-
ducted to the earth, where it is distributed in a thousand
different directions. Now, with these few simple though well-
established laws before us, what are we to make of the
electric theory? The only data advanced in support of it are

.

400 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 22, 1877.

—firat, it has frequently been-observed that the Potato disease
made its appearanca three days after a thunderstorm if the
weather continued wet or damp, but if the weather was fine
very little disease appeared. If tbisis a fact that can be borne
out by general observation, it would lead me to suppose that
excessive wet after dry hot weather had produced disease and
not electricity. Second, the illustration which is quoted
in support of the theory is worthy of notice. That the
disease attacked a plot of Potatoes in a diagonsl direction is
to me xo illustration whatever, for it appears to be at variance
with all the known laws of electrical phenomene. The elec-
trical current could not have been confined within the space
described unless there was a more highly conducting medium
running in that direction, which isimprobable ; and if so, under
Buch circumstances it could not have injured the Potatoes.”
With these remarks I am inclined to agree, and think that
electricity has little or nothing to do with the origin of the
disease; however that may be, it is certain that the disease is
worse in Gloucestershire than it has been for many years, and
that there has been a remarkable absence of thunderstorms.

I will then for the present abandon the ides of elesiricity as
having anything to do with the origin of the disease, and will
endeavour to start another theory, which if proved would
satisfy all the conditions required, and explain where the
disease originated, how it came here, and why it did not show
itself before the year 1845. But in order properly to support
my theory it is necessary for me to give what some of your
readers may think rather a too lengthy description of several
of the new plants, insects, and diseases which have lately
appeared in this country, the origin of some of which is
known; for it is only by practically investigating all the
known facts relating to the new insects and other diseases
that have of late years bcen introduced into this country, most
oi which seem to point to a common origin, that we can hope
to advance our knowledge of the subject. .

Some years ago a strange weed appeared in our brooks and
rivers—the Anacharis canadensis. It flourished and spread
amazingly and became a regular nuisance, almost filling up
the watercourses. and hag continued £0 down to the present
time. I have seen various ways mentioned to account for its
introduction to this country. One report said that a savant
grew it in a pond in his garden for experimental purposes, and
it spread from thence to the neighbouring streams. But how-
ever it got here, there is no doubt whatever as to its origin.
The plant is well known. Now, if this had only been a fungus
or other small plant-growth not well known or observed, how
very difficult it would have been for us to account for its
presence and sudden appearance with us.

Again: About the year 1845 a disease very mysteriously
appeared which attacked the Vines. It was a species of
fungus called the Oidium Tuckeri. It was very prevalent in
this country, and spread over a great part of the Continent.
Mr. Don, a Portuguese merchant, wrote a pamphlet on the
Vine fungus, with suggestions as to the remedy. After
speaking of the devastating nature of the disease he goes on
to say, ‘‘ There are several circumetances which lead to the
proximate cause of this so-called disease, is to be found ia
- some abnormal condition of the atmosphere, in conjunction
with a diminished power of resistance from other causes in
the Vine itself.” He then proceeds to show that the disease
was derived from the atmosphere, because he managed to
preserve his own Grapes by brushing the fungus off with a
camel’s-hair pencil; but this, of course, only showed that it
passed through the atmosphere, not that it was caused by it.
He then attributes the commencement of the disease in Poriugal
to the fact that the soil was not properly cultivated in the
three or four years ending in 1852, and that there was not
sufficient rain to cause the young stems to decay, which, by
the way, were the only manurial dressing the Vines had. He
then further says, ‘‘In 1851 the rain came down in October
and lasted with little intermission until May, 1852, of which
year the spring was cold, wet, and late. In May vegetation
became rank and luxuriant; the Vines produced branches of
twice or thrice their usual length, and formed leaves of enor-
mous size, and these Vines were not sufficiently pruned, and
so the Vine was well prepared in the following year to become
an easy prey to the Oidium Tuckeri, which, unlike other fungi
except mildew, which it resembleg, is not so ceremonious as to
wait until its victim is dead and decaying before making its
attack, but appears on the contrary to fasten on its living
juices with a pertinacity so great that the weakened resistance
of the Vines generally has not been able to shake it off. In

cold and damp localities, where vegetation was most rank, it
appears to have revelled in excess.”

Oa reading the above one would almost think he was writing
on the subject of the Potato disease, and the Peronospora in-
festans particularly, as he refers to the electrical state of the
atmosphere; but it is not of thunderstorms and the highly
electrical state of the atmogphere that he complaing, but of
the entire absence of them. This pemphlet was, no doubt,
highly interesting and instructive at the time, but the writer
fell into several errors. The disease did not originate in
Portugal as he thought. It was known in France several years
before it appeared there. According to Mr. Berkeley, a good
authority, this Vine disease first appeared in Hast Kent in
1845, and was in 1847 recognised as a parasitic fungus te
which the name of Oidium Tuckeri was given, after the cul-
tivator who first studied its growth. The origin of this disease
as far as I know has never been satisfactorily made out, but E
suspect its American origin, for although the disease was.
carried to the United States with exported Vines, all the va-
rieties of the Vitis Labrusca, from which all the better quality
of the American Vines have sprung, whether in their own or
foreign countries, were remarkably exempt. However that may
be, it is 2 consolation to us to know that a remedy was found,
and that if the leaves of the Vine were well damped and then
powdered over with sulphur the Oidium Tuckeri was subdued
or kept within reasonable bounds.— Amateur, Cirencester.

FORCING ASPARAGUS—ARTIFICIAL MANURES.

AuTHouGH artificial manures may be applied with great
advantage to Asparagus when growing naturally in the beds I
do not think they are much benefit to it in forcing. We cut 2
good dish of Asparagus on the 17th inst. from a dungbed
under glass. After the roots were put in and covered with
soil a quantity of nitrate of soda was spread over one end of
the bed. The same quantity of salts of potash was sprinkled
over the other end, and the centre part was left without any
artificial dressing. The produce of this part is just as plenti-
ful and strong as either of theends. If itis not an unchemical
way of expressing it, I think the Asparagus grows in too short.
a time when forced for the manure to be utilised to any great
extent, and therefore it is unnecessary to apply it.—J. Murr,
Margam.

THE DARLEY DALE NURSERIES.

Tuts year the Fates sent me to Derbyshire, and my wander-
ings took me to Darley Dale, famous for its magnificent church-
yard Yewe—probably the finest in Hngland—and so it came
about that I found myself a visitor to the Darley Dale Nurse-
ries. I went to Darley Dale expecting to find a small country
nursery ; for was I not far away from the centres of trade? I
had for some days previous been 2 sojourner among the plea-
sant dales of Derbyshire, and had often spent hours without
seeing a single fellow creature ; so somehow I fancied as I neared
my destination I should find a emall place where possibly E
might see some few things more or less cultivated, and also,
perhaps, nothivg worth recording. I gained admission to the
nursery, not through the main entrance, but through one of
those.quaint narrow openings between two upright stones oddly
enough called ‘stiles’? in Stonyshire, and soon found myself
among evidences that there was more to be seen at Darley Dale
than Thad counted on. There were allabout me signs of great
activity. I saw the squat propapating frames, so familiar in our
nursery grounds, in large numbers and in every direction. EF
braced up my expectations to a higher pitch as I gradually neared
the house and offices. It was not long before I made my way to
Mr. Smith’s house, a well-fashioned old stone edifice, the walls
of which are plentifully adorned with suitable vegetation. The
preliminaries over, I was introduced to Mr. Herbert Smith,
who courteously undertook to be my guide, and without loss
of time we set off on an expedition of sight-seeing. My com-
panion informed me that he would first take me to one of their
nurseries called ‘‘ Siberia’ some two miles away, and situated
on some table land 1000 feet above sea level, to reach which
we had to walk along, or rather climb up, the road leading
from Newhaven through Darley to Chesterfield. But though
the road was steep the surroundings were most charming, and
were rendered doubly co by the rich autumnal tints which
prevailed everywhere.

I learnt that the Darley Dale Nurseries consist of some
140 acres, lying about in various portions of the dale and

November 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

401

neighbouring heights, and that some 26 additional acres are | and also referred in general terms to Mr. Darwin’s views on the

about to be added.
there I found on a most exposed spot 30 acres of excellent
peat land, and covered with Rhododendrons, Heaths, Men-
aiesias, Andromedas, Ledums, Azaleaz, Kalmias, and Conifers
—all in robust health, for puny plants would never stand
wintering in such an exposed and elevated situation. From
this nursery we went to another and another—in all nine or
ten, each being the home of plants happy and thriving in the
appropriate variety of soil, climate, and local circumstances.

What struck me most at Siberia after the immense breadths
of Rhododendrons was the enormous quantity of hardy
Heaths. I do not exaggerate when I say there are many acres
of them. Nor let it be supposed that there are only some
half-dozen sorts; there are at least fifty, many being most
distinct and ornamental. Thus, of Erica tetralix there are
ten kinds—the crogs-leaved white, the woolly-leayed, Mackay’s
¢rimson, the Cornish, the ordinary white form, the large-
flowered, and the red. But Erica vulgaris cutnumbers this
kind considerably, there being twenty sorts grown, of which
Hammond’s white, the rigid, Allport’s (crimson), the golden-
leaved, and Foxii, a very pigmy among Heaths, most interested
me. There, too,in vast quantities is Erisa carnea, and a white
form shortly to be distributed, and which seems to be as useful
and ornamental ag the well-known flesh-coloured variety.
from what I saw I am convinced that hardy Heaths are not
known half as much as they deserve to be.

The Rhododendrong, from tiny seedlings scarcely visible up
to grand well-grown specimens, including a magnificent assort-
ment of the best named varieties, were something to remember,
and I was informed the stock of these plants numbered over
dive millions! also that of hardy Azaleas there were 200,000,
and of Heaths 150,000. These numbers are not guesses, but
are actual figures from the stock books of the business. A
‘very curious and interesting piece of information is afforded
by the same books as to the popularity or demand for certain
plants. Thus, I found there was a stock of 10,000 Picea
nobilis, while of the handsome, varied, cheap, and usefal
Cupressus Lawsoniana the numbers run up to 50,000. Of
Laurels there are 100,000, of Box trees 20,000, of Limes 10,000,
and of Mountain Ashes 200,000. These statistics might be
indefinitely added to, but enough has been given to illustrate
the varying demand and the vigcrous efforts made to meet it
in what to me is the sweetest of the Derbyshire dales.

I saw some very pretty forms of Cotoneastere. Simmondsii
is, of course, in abundance, but C. rupestris is to my thinking
vastly superior; while one variety, the name of which I forget,
Seems an admirable substitute forthe richly-berried Pyracantha.

OF berried plants, of which most of us are fond, why are
not Pernettyas more generally grown? At Darley Dale I saw
plants rosy pink in hue from the masses of fruit borne by
them. They are dwarf, evergreen, profusely covered with
berries, and handsome in the extreme when in flower. A
plant which I always thought to be P. mucronata Mr. Smith
told me was P. speciosa. Then, again, for those who desire
a most useful berried plant for cover, what is there better than
Gaultheria Shallon? It is most fruitful, very cheap, and hand-
some withal.

I find I have exhausted my space and left no room to
dilate on many other subjects of interest. I should like to
tell of the glorious collection of hardy Ferns, which is a pet
speciality of Mr. Smith, and could fill a column with brief
references to noteworthy Conifere which I saw in prime
¢ondition. I could also explain a phenomenon of the cottage
gardens of the district, in which I saw superior vegetables,
handsome shrubs, and pretty flowers. I may, perhaps, on a
future occasion, if the Editors will allow me, have something
more to say about what I saw in end about Darley Dale.—
PHILANTHES.

[By all means say more.—Eps.]

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

Tue ordinary monthly meeting of this Association was held
in 5, St. Andrew Square, on Tuesday evening, the 6th of Novem-
ber. There were about ninety members present. The Presi-
dent occupied the chair. After the reading of the minutes
fifteen new members were duly elected, which makes the mem-
bership now over two hundred.

Mr. Robertson Munro, Abercorn Nursery, Edinburgh, read
an able and interesting paper on ‘‘ Hybridisation,” being a con-
tinuation of a former paper on the same subject. He gave de-
tails of his own experience in hybridising and cross-breeding,

‘‘ Siberia’ was at length reached, and-

subject. An animated discussion followed on the opinions
advanced by the essayist. In illustration of his paper Mr. Munro
exhibited specimens of various hybrids, especially Passifloras,
the result of his own manipulation. The thanks of the meeting
were awarded to him for his paper.

The Chairman announced that Mr. John Downie, of Messrs.
Downie & Laird, had placed at the disposal of the Association
the sum of £5 to be divided into four prizes for competition by
journeymen gardeners, members of the Association, for the best
original plan of a flower garden. The meeting awarded a hearty
vote of thanks to Mr. Downie for his handsome donation, and
remitted the matter to the Council, who have arranged that all
plans be sent to the Secretary, under motto, by the 1st of Feb-
ruary, 1876, each accompanied by a sealed envelope containing
the competitor’s name and address.

PORTRAITS or PLANTS, FLOWERS, anp FRUITS.

Drac#NA REFLEXA. Nat. ord., Liliacew. Linn., Hexandria
Monogynia.—‘‘ This is the typical form of the Bois de Chan-
delle of Mauritius. The plant is spread widely through
tropical Africa and runs into numerous varieties. It has long
been known in cultivation. It may be known from the other
cultivated Dracenas with lanceolate sessile leaves by the looser
disposition of its leaves upon the stem and by its solitary
flowers, with a very short perianth tube. D.cernua of Jacquin
is a variety of the same plant, with a drooping panicle, longer
pedicels, and leaves edged with red. Our specimen flowered
some time ago in the Palm house at Kew. Itis anerect shrub,
with slender branches, reaching a height of from 6 to 20 feet.”
—(Bot. Mag., t. 6327.)

VANDA CZERULESCENS var. Boxauuit. Nat. ord., Orchidacee.
Linn., Gynandria Monandria,—‘' This lovely form of Vanda
ceralescens was figured from a specimen flowered by Messrs.
Low of Clapton last June. It is merely a horticultural form
of the type species, presenting no tangible botanical difference
entitling it to rank as a variety. Those specimens in which
the outer psrianth becomes pure white must be especially
charming. In the flowers figured they are a very pale violet.”
—(Ibid., t. 6328.) ‘

icumEs (CunvaLuimra) Veron. Nat. ord., Bromeliaces.
Linn., Hexandria Monogynia.—‘ This is a very fine new Bro-
meliad, discovered by Gustave Wallis in New Grenada in 1874,
aud introduced this present year into cultivation by Messrs.
Veitch. It is closely allied to the Costa-rican Aichmea Marie
regine of Wendland, and belongs to the section Chevalliera,
which was proposed as a genus by Gaudichaud (Atlas, Voy. de
la Bonite, tab. 61-62), and has been meintained as such by
Grisebach and Morren.’’—(Ibid., t. 6329.)

CatcronaRia noBaTa. Nat. ord., Scrophulariacee. Linn.,
Diandria Monogynie.—‘* We are indebted to Messrs. Veitch
for this very interesting addition to our cultivated species of
Caleeolaria. It is a dense-growing herb from 7 or 8 inches to
a foot or more in height, flowering profusely in the autumn.
The corolla is pale yellow with deep brown-purple spots towards
the bage of the lower lip, which is remarkably long and folded
back upon itself about the middle.”—(Ibid., t. 6330.)

BouuEa Lauinper. Nat. ord., Orchidacee. Linn., Gynan-
dria Monandria.—‘‘ For the discovery of this beautiful species
we are indebted to Mr. Lalinde of Medellin. A fresh flower
wag furnished to Dr. Reichenbach by Messrs. Veitch in 1874.
Our figure is from a specimen flowered by Messrs. Williams of
Holloway last August, which differs materially in colour from
the plant described by Reichenbach. In the latter the flower
is of a beautiful bright violet with the tip of the upper sepal
green, the lower half of the lower sepals brownish purple ;
the lip deep orange and the column deep purplish. Notwith-
standing these great differences in colouration, there is no doubt
as to the agreement of the specimen here figured with Reichen-
bach’s specific description in the diagnostic characters taken
from the peculiar form of the lip, and the great breadth of
the column which completely arches over the plaited palate.”
— (Zbid., t. 6331.)

ROSES IN NOVEMBER.

Iv ig many years since we have had such a fine autumn ag
we have had this year. Roses were beautiful here until No-
vember 7th, when I cut a bouquet of flowers which were equal
to summer blooms, the following being the finest :—Dupuy-
Jamain, Victor Verdier, Dake of Edinburgh, Baronne de
Rothschild, Charles Lefebyre, Niphetos, and last—that best of

-

402

all—old Gloire de Dijon, which seems just now to be all in its |
glory, being covered with both buds and flowers. But, ere
this is posted, the wind and rain have brought the reign of |
the Roses to an end.—T. J. Harrison, Roselee Gardens, Chester. |

SCHMIDT’S BIGARREAU CHERRY.

e Five years ego I obtained from Sawbridgsworth a collection |
of Cherries, and one of the finest of them is the variety above |
named. The tree has proved a free bearer, and the fruit is |
extremely fine. I can recommend this Cherry to those who |
have it not and who are contemplating adding to their col- |
lections, and I apprehend that I cannot do so at a better time

than on the eve of the planting season. It makes a noble dish |
for the dessert table, and is valuable for exhibition purposes. |
The fruit is of a large size, round, and somewhat oblate. The

ekin is of a deep black colour, and there is a large style mark |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 22, 1877.

the Escallonias, especially for walls or covering steep banks.
The best of these is E. macrantha with its glossy shining,
leaves and pink flowers. E. rubra is also very pretty, but not
equal to the foregoing. Garrya elliptica is also suitable for

| planting in similar situations, and when covered with its grace-
| ful drooping catkins is very pretty.

Hollies, both green and variegated, succeed very well. Lau-
rustinus, an old favourite, is also suitable. Myrtles I have
seen growing and flowering well only 200 yards from the sea;
and is it not a treat to see these beautiful shrubs growing and
flowering in the open ground? Sweet Bay also succeeds well,
and go does the Oval-leaved Privet. Another shrub that grows
very fast is the Tamarisk; planted on the outside of some
shrubberies next the sea its growth was remarkable. Aucuba
japonica and the new male varieties succeed, also the Arbutus.

Among deciduous shrubs foremost stands the Hydrangea.
which along the coast produces large umbels of beautiful blue

Fig. 78.—ScHMIDT’s BIGARREAU CHERRY.

on the apex. The stalk is stout, 2 inches long, and rather
deeply inserted ; flesh dark, tender, and very juicy, with a fine
paves. The stone is very small for the size of the fruit.—

We are able to submit an illustration of this fine Cherry,
which was received from the Société Van Mons by Mr. Rivers.
It is the largest of all the Bigarreau Cherries.

SEASIDE SHRUBS.

Amone the few shrubs that will stand the seaside winds
with impunity and flourish luxuriantly along the west coast
of Wales the Euonymus takes high rank. Not only do they
grow rapidly in the full face of the furious westerly gales, but
become large bushes in very exposed situations, which they
refuse to do more inland except in very sheltered places. ‘The
best sorts that I have found succeed along this coast are Huo-
nymus japonicus argenteus, EH. japonicus aureus, and EK. japo-
nicus radicans ; the latter, being of dwarf growth, is suitable
for planting near the margin of shrubberies.

Other things that do capitally well along this west coast are

flowers ; also Buddlea globosa, Elders of sorts, Deutzia scabra,.
Guelder Rose, Fuchsias of sorts—such Fuchsias! 7 to 10 feed
high and as much through—and Leycesteria formosa. —————.
T will next send an account of the forest trees that succeed
best on this coast. My excuse for sending you these notes is
the bareness in beautiful shrubs of many gardens along the
seacoast, which I think is more owing to not knowing what to
plant than from want of will on the part of owners of gardens.
—GrorGE Cooke, Nannan Park Gardens, North Wales.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
MOUNT EDGCUMBE,
THE SEAT OF THE EARL OF MOUNT EDGCUMBE.

“Tur most striking feature in a general view of Plymouth
Sound is the park of Mount Edgcumbe, the seat of the noble
family of that name, which, comprising the lofty hills on the
western slope, presents a varied expanse of foliage broken by
tall red-stemmed Pine trees descending to the water’s edge.’
Thus saith Murray: and as I had my first sight of those lofty
hills of such commanding aspect, and withal so picturesque, it

Novenber 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1 403

seemed quite in the ordinary course of things to go to them
from Pentillie, as I was about to do.

Pleasant was the drive ‘“o’er hill and dale’’ to the steam-
boat pier at Saltash through a well-wooded country, and yet
so broken that choice bits of scenery kept coming into view;
and near Saltash the estuary of the Tamar, the Hamoaze and
the distant Sound, all brightness and life, opened out before
us. No time was there, however, to linger; on past the quaint
old houses of Saltash, all jumbled together in the oddest man-
ner imaginable, down to the pier in the very nick of time.
*©On board with you, cast off, go on ahead!” all in a breath,
and away steamed the boat past the mighty viaduct rising
170 feet above the water, and nearly half a mile in length,

down the Hamoaze, among grim war ships—ancient “ liners” |

and modern ironclads; a training ship with its swarming
population of nine hundred boys, the huge ‘‘ Enchantress ”
at torpedo practice, the equally huge guardships apparently

equally teeming with life. Yonder is a cupola ship sneaking
away up Millbrook Creek as if ashamed to show its ugly form.
That red-painted vessel moored close in shore away from all
other ships is a powder tender; no lights allowed on board.
What a dismal existence for those in charge of her at this
season of the year with thirteen or fourteen hours of dark-
ness! Sweet be their sleep! On past the arsenal, with its
huge piles of shot and shell, to the pier at Devonport. On
land once more, but not to stay. ‘Boat ahoy for Mount
Edgeumbe!” and we are off again amongst dozens of other
boats shooting through the water in every direction past more
ships, and in a few minutes are at our destination.

Close by the pier are the park gates. We enter, and ag we
proceed to the garden entrance the house is visible at the
end of a wide avenue (fig. 79), which from the proximity of
numerous other trees has a good deal of the effect of a glade.
Wherever trees stand out singly here they are frequently ex-

‘ig. 7i.—Mounr EDGCUOMBE.

posed to the fury of severe gales, to which some of the trees in
this avenue have succumbed, and have been replaced by young
ones that were evidently not thriving. No process in garden-
ing can be more unsatisfactory than this patching an old
avenue; it never answers, the young trees after the first season
being usually in a state of semi-starvation, for the greedy roots
of the old trees rush into the newly-stirred soil and rob it of
all nutriment.
the old trees ag a stern and undeniable fact, doing all that is
possible to protect them from the baneful effects of storms by
planting sheltering belts and clumps on the windward side.
The pleasure grounds run down to the water’s edge, and the
entrance leads straight into an Italian garden in exquisite keep-
ing with numerous walks, all converging to a central fountain,
each walk having an avenue of magnificent Orange trees in
tubs. The average height of these wonderful trees must be
quite 15 feet, and their heads are of a proportionate diameter.
The bright green hus of the glistening foliage betokened per-
fect health, as did also the hundreds of fruit with which every
tree was heavily laden. The orangery in which the trees are
wintered is a fine building overlooking the garden and forming
one of its boundaries—a semicircular belt of shrubs sweeping
around the other sides. The appearance of this garden is novel,
striking, and very pleasant, the extraordinary size and healthy
condition of the Orange trees altogether robbing it of that air

It is better, therefore, to accept the decay of

of formality which is usually so offensive in less successful
attempts at imitations of the Italian style of gardening.

From the Italian garden a walk takes us to two other en-
closures, termed the French and English gardens. While
avoiding tedious details I may note certain objects of interest
which they contain. Several excellent examples of Chamerops
Fortunei are planted out in permanent positions, and are evi-
dently thriving. A Catalpa in full bloom was very attractive,
not only for its blossom but also for its large size, the stem,
measuring about 8 feet in circumference, bearing a very large
spreading head. Here too was a grand old Cedar of Lebanon; a
Holly upwards of 50 feet high laden with berries, and quite
worthy of its position ; a healthy Salisburia adiantifolia about
20 feet high; Osmanthus ilicifolium argenteum variegatum,
7 feet high, quite the finest silvery Osmanthus I have seen;
several magnificent old Cork trees; fine examples of Rhodo-
dendron arboreum, the scarlet tree species from Nepaul and
others; & huge Bamboo, which had flowered and died like
80 many others which I saw in different parts of Cornwall.
All of them were dead, but I hope the deplorable fact will not
hinder others from being planted, for we have no substitute—
nothing like it in form, size, or beauty. This is the Himale-
layan species Bambusa falcata, exceeding in size all the
Chinese and Japanese species that have been tried in this
country. The situation was evidently a favourable one, for tke

404 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE. GARDENER.

slender tapering stems of the Bamboo were 20 feet in height—
some standing almost erect, others bending gracefully outwards,
all haying numerous branchlets pendant with heavy panicles of
seed. Other fine trees and shrubs might be enumerated, for
the gardens are rich in them, and they impart tone and
character nothing else can do, and I may be pardoned for
not dwelling upon such trivial matters as flower beds and
bedding plants—all very good in their way. Rather would I
geek to point a lesson hereby chowing that while there can be
oniy one Mount Edgeumbe, yet in every garden more may be
done to establish permanently such objects of perennial-grow-
ing beauty as abound here—nota crowd, but few well chosen,
well placed, and in keeping with the position and extent of the
garden.

I hope next to take the reader through the more picturesque
parts of the gardens and woods, and to explain certain other use-
ful lessons worthy of general application. Epwarp LuckHURST.

(To be continued.)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT SLOUGH.

Dorine the last few years some examples of this beautiful
flower have found their way from the Royal Nurseries to the
exhibitions at South Kensingtor. This year no good oppor-
tunity has been afforded to exhibit Chrysanthemums, and Mr.
Turner wisely decided to make an exhibition at his own nur-
sery. As a general rule the flowers are late this season, and
some of the exhibitions have had tobe postponed. Now, how-
ever, the flowers at Slough are at their best, yet the exhibition
will be continued for some considerable time, as the plan
adopted here is different from that we used to see either at
Mr. Salter’s nursery, Hammersmith, or at Stoke Newington
by Mr. Forsyth. At both those places the whole, or nearly
the whole, collection was in flower at one time, except in so
far as some sorts were naturally earlier than others, and, as a
rule, but very few varieties were in flower at Christmas, and
those not of the sorts most valuable for cutting.

The accommodation at Slough for such plants is very much
greater than that of the celebrated growers mentioned above,
and not the least valuable is along house facing north, where
the plants are yet in bud and promise to make a grand display
after those in flower have:been removed from the show house.
Thisis a span-roofed structure 100 feet long and 14 feet wide,
entirely filled with plants:in flower. The arrangement isex-
ceedingly effective. The:plants are in such a position that the
flowers:are just under the:eyes of the visitors, eo that they can
be examined without: any inconvenience—a great advantage
this, as: we: have- seen the stems grown so tall that it was
necessary to mount a short ladder to minutely examine the
flowers.

Mr. Turner grows his plants in 6,7, and 8-inch pots, and
they are not grown too strongly, but strong enough to produce
abundance of useful flowers either for decorative purposes, to
eut for bouquets, or to place in glasses to decorate rooms. His
object has evidently been to make an effective exhibition, and
he has succeeded. The largest proportion of the plants have
been grown on the natural system without any attempt at
artificial training. And after ell the most natural way is the
best; it is more pleasing and better appreciated bythe general
public than is: formal training. Batter half a dozen good
flowers than half a hundred flowered out of character either
from bad training or unskilful culture.

All the new varieties are here, but—and we are sorry there
should be a “but’’ in the case—evidently the mantle of Mr.
John Salter has fallen on noone. What a treat it was to go
to Hammersmith and see the new varieties intended to be sent
out the following season, especially after the Japanese came in,
when there used to be about a dozen distinct varieties annually.
Anything new amongst the-large-flowered Chinese sorts now
seem merely to be sports of a different colour from well-known
sorts. Mrs. George Rundle, for instance, is grown here by the
hundred, and because it is grown everywhere so extensively
we are the more likely to obtain sports from it. The first
sport, a pale yellow or sulphur flower, was named George
Glenny, and from this was obtained a variety of a deep yellow
colour, which was named Mrs. Dixon. These three sorts are
well grown here. There is a primrose-coloured sport from
Hmpress of India, which will be very popular, as it is a good
sport from the largest and purest white in existence. The best
white flowers beside the above are White Globe, Isabella Bott,
Hye, White Venus, and a very late-Alowering variety named
Mrs. Wood. The best amongst yellow sorts are Jardin des

[ November 22, 1877.

Plantes, a superb flower, raised probably thirty years ago, but
not yet equalled; we would place Golden Beverley next to it.
Golden Dr. Breck is also a fine golden yellow, and when well
grown Iona may be placed in the highest position. Aurea
multiflora, though not large, is the neatest flower in cultiva-
tion. Annie Salter is what is termed a reflexed flower, but it
is clear yellow and makes a handsome specimen plant.
are some grand flowers of the various shades of pink and rose
colours. One of the best is Princess of Teck, a noble flower,
blush tinged with rose, the petals broad and beautifully in-
eurved. Itis one of the more recent of Mr. Salter’s flowers,
but was sent out a year or two ago under anothername. Pink
Perfection, syn. Miss Mary Morgan, ought to be in every col-
lection. Lady Hardinge, Her Majesty, Hero of Stoke New-
ington, Princess Beatrice, Princess of Wales, Lady Slade, and
Venus are the cream of these colours.

More good flowers than we already possess are wanted in the
purple and roge-crimson shades of colour. The best at present
in cultivation are Prince Alfred, a ucble flower, but the outer
petals soon decay; Prince of Wales, and Dr. Sharpe. The
last has beautifully reflexed flowers-and makes a handsome
specimen. Amongst Indian reds or chestnut reds there are
John Salter (this sort ought to be placed near the glass, else
the flowers come loose, when well done it is:ithe best in this
colour); Mr. Gladstone, dark red, the reverse of the petals
looking as if they were polished; Golden Eagle, General Bain-
bridge, General Slade, Sam Weller, St. Patrick, and Antonelli
(the last named, though a perfectly formed flower, is not large
enough unless:very well grown); Comte de Morny is a useful
decorative flower we had not seen before’; Caractacus is white
tinged with pink; Triomphe de Nord a dull crimson-coloured
flower.

In the Japanese class there ara a few good new flowers,
notably a golden yellow, earlier to bloom than Grandiflorum
and equal to it, named Fulton. To Kio is « brilliant crimson
scarlet flower, the reverse of the petals orange. The best of
the older Japanese sorts are Bronze Dragon, Duchess of Hdin-
burgh, a peculiar rosy lilac-coloured flower, a hybrid irom the
Anemone section; Hlaine, Fair Maid of Guernsey, James
Salter, very early; Purpureum album, Red Dragon, The Cos-
sack, and The Sultan.

The small Chusan Daisy or Pompons are very pretty and
uceful for cut flowers. Amongst the best and most distinct
are Bob, Cedo Nulli, and the golden and lilac varieties: of it;
Dick Turpin, General Canrobert, Mazabout, Mdlle: Marthé,
a very fine pure white-flowered variety ; Mr. Astie, Mustapha,
St. Michael, St. Thais, and Salamon. All the above, besides
having the best flowers, are best adapted for forming specimens.

An interesting feature in Mr. Turner’s collection is about
150 standards of the large-flowered and Pompon varieties.
The stems: sre-about: a yard high; each head, which is semi-
globular in form, is: composed of three or four varieties, distinct
in colour. They were grafted on after the stem had attained
the desired height. The operation is easily performed; hardly
one of the grafts missed taking, and they were merely tied on
with a strip of matting, the plants at the time being in a green-
house kept rather close. Exhibitors might take a note of this,
and-try to graft a difficult sort on a free-growing standard.

In looking through the other houses there is something to
interest every class of gardener. The immense stock of Car-
nations and Picotees is rapidly being dispersed over the
country, and the plants seem to be thoroughly well rooted.
Auriculas are in great demand; indeed, the supply is quite
inadequate to meet it—a sure sign of the increasing taste for
this old favourite. Pinks a year or two ago were getting into
a weak state, and growers could scarcely obtain plants; now
the supply seems equal to the demand for them.

Looking through the greenhouses we noted a few plants
that would be useful for supplying cut flowers. There were
several hundred 5 and 6-inch pots of a very pretty Scrophu-
lariaceous plant with pale blue flowers named Browallia elata.
It is a Peruvian species, but succeeds well in a greenhouse
temperature. In juxtaposition to it were many small pots
containing nicely-grown plants of Salvia splendens. Its beauti-
ful bright scarlet flowers were very effective. Amongst Bouvar-
dias the most useful seems to be B. Hogarth and the white or
blush sport from it, B. Vreelandii.

Tree Carrations are in thousands, and although they are
looked upon with disdain by the genuine florist they are justly
esteemed by the general public. We noted Osman Pasha as
the best in its class. Jt fairly beats Proserpine and La
Grenade. Its rich crimson scarlet flowers are superbly finished.

There ~

November 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

405

There is also a very free-flowering scarlet variety which will
speedily make a mark for market purposes when it can be
obtained in quantity. Dwarf plants in 6-inch pots were pro-
ducing about two dozen of flowers. It seems to be of French
extraction, and is named A. Alegatiere. Sir Garnet Wolseley
is a distinct flower, and very pretty indeed.

There was just time to look at the specimen Roses in pots.
There is the gigantic specimen of Paul Perras, the conqueror
in many well-contested fields. Next to it a marvellous
example of Céline Forestier and all tho other specimens that
brought their owner so much renown last summer. To pre-
vent injury from furious tempests they are moored with strong
twine from every point of the compass to a framework of wood.
Good order prevuils in every department of these celebrated
nurseries.— VISITOR.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

NowHeEre are Chrysanthemums grown better than in the
metropolitan district, and the exhibitions of them bear testi-
mony to the skill of the cultivators and to the superlative
value of this flower for autumn decoration. Chrysanthemum
shows not only stimulate to superior cultivation in their
several districts, but encourage the higher culture of the flower
generally; for a record, however brief, of success affords an in-
centive for other growers, and British gardeners, as a rnle, do
not like being behind their neighbours. The shows also afford
opportunities for comparing the merits of different varieties,
and it may bo taken as a tolerably sure guide those varieties
which are mentioned the most frequently are the best not for
exhibition only, but for home decorative purposes. Tho dates
of several shows were fully too early for this late Chrysan-
themum season, for we have noticed many plants with un-
expanded flowers, aud others which give evidence of having
been ‘ forced,” and on this account some exhibitions have
not been so good as in previous years.

BRIXTON, STREATHAM, AND CLAPHAM.

The autumn Exhibition of this Society was held on the 14th
and 15th inst. Although not quite up to the average some very
good specimen plants and cut blooms were exhibited. In the
class for six large-flowering plants Mr. W. Hall, gardener to
S. Stevens, Esq., Upper Tulse Hill, well deserved the first prize
awarded to him for exceedingly neat and well-bloomed plants
of Mrs. G. Rundle, Mr. Brunlees, Lady Hardinge, Faust, Guern-
sey Nugget, and Mra. Dixon: this last-named plant was a per-
fect gem, having over sixty fully expanded good blooms. Mr,
John Herrington, Grove Road, Clapham Park, was placed second,
and Mr. Green, gardener to F. Whitlock, Esq., third. In the
class for three specimen plants Mr. Hall was again to the front,
closely followed by Mr. Herrington and Mr. Livermore, who
were placed second aud third respectively; and for a single
Specimen plant Mr. Livermore gained the first prize with Mrs.
Dixon, Mr. Herrington the second with Lady Talfourd, and Mr.
Wells the third with Mr. G. Glenny.

Pompons were tolerably well represented both as pyramids
and dwarf-trained plants. Mr. W. Hall was placed first for six
dwarf-trained plants, which were a beautiful evenly grown col-
lection, but required about another ten days to bring them to
perfection. Mr. Hall also won the first prize for three standards
with Calliope, Antonius, and Bob. In this class Mr. Wells was
placed second and Mr. Livermore third. In the classes for six
and three pyramid; Mr. Livermore was awarded the two first
prizes; ani for three plants of Pompons not pyramids Mr. Lee,
gardener to T. King, Esq., Tulse Hill, and Mr. Herrington were
first and second respectively.

For twenty-four cut biooms, incurved, distinct, Mr. J. Holmes,
gardener to J. Storey, Hsq., Nightingale Lane, and Mr, W. Hall
were awarded equal first prizes. Tho best blooms were Prince
of Wales, Venus, Guernsey Nugget, Qaeen of England, Prince
Alfred, John Salter, Jardin des Plantes, White Globe, General
Slade, Isabella Bott, Plenipo, Cherub, Mr. Brunlees, Princess
Beatrice, Empress of India, Antonelli, Golden Beverley, Barbara,
Golden Hagle, Beverley, Rev. J. Dix, Mre. Haliburton, and Mrs.
Dixon. Mr. G. Ottaway, gardener to T. Hepburn, Esq., was
placed second with a very even stand, and Mr. Livermore third;
and in the class for twelve cut blooms Mr. Lee, gardener to
T. King, Hsq., was awarded the first prize for a very fine col-
lection, consisting of Princess Alexandra, Prince Alfred, Princess
of Wales, Nil Desperandum, Hero of Stoke Newington, Mr,
Brunlees, Mrs. G. Rundle, Lady Talfourd, Mrs. Haliburton,
Rev. J. Dix, Mrs. Dixon, and Baron Benst. Equal second prizes
went to Mr. W. Hall and Mr. Ottaway, and Mr. J. Holmes was
third. In the class for six blooms Mr. Ottaway was first with
very fine blooms of Queen of England, Prince Alfred, John
Salter, Princess of Wales, Jardin des Plantes, and Lady Har-
dinge. For twelve large Anemone blooms, eight varieties, Mr.

Ottaway was again placed first with Lady Margaret, Empress,
George Sand, Gluck, Fleur de Marie, Mrs. Pethers, Prince of
Anemones, and Louis Bonamy. Mr. W. Staplehurst, gardener
to Mrs. H. Walmisly, Clapham Park, was awarded the second
prize, the third prize going to Mr. Livermore; and for Anemone
Pompons Mr. Livermore was a good first with Antonius,
Marie Stuart, Calliope, Mr. Astie, Madame Montels, Firefly,
Perle, Regulus, Marguerite de Wildemar, Rouge Laire, and
Aglaia; Mr. Ottaway and Mr. Wells following in the order
named. Only two collections of twelve distinct blooms of
Japanese were shown, Mr. W. Fisk, gardener to R. Balme, Esq.,
and Mr. Lee sharing the honours between them. Mr. Fisk had
good blooms of James Salter, Gloire de Toulouse, Fair Maid of
Guernsey, Magnum Bonum, Garnet, The Daimio, Elaine, Red
Dragon, Apollo, Cry Kung, Asteroid, and Nagasaki Violet.
For the encouragement of young beginners this Society has a
“maiden” class for twelve cut blooms, incurved varieties,
which brought three very fair collections, Messrs. Young, Gates,
and Horsham sharing tha honours in the order here named.

Orchids were well represented considering the lateness of the
season. In the class for three plants Mr. Wright, gardener to H,
Voss, Rsq., Streatham, was placed first with Phaius maculatus,
Dendrobium formosum giganteum, and Oncidium trigynum.
Mr. Young and Mr. West were awarded equal second prizes,
and Mr, Cherry third.

Stove and greenhouse plants together with fine-foliage and
Ferns were included in the competition, the principal prize-
takers being Messrs. Wright, Kenlar, Hall, Dorset, Fisk, and
Davey. Primulas weré also shown by Messrs. Fullbrook, Hall,
and Rockell, and the prizes were awarded in the order named.

Both Apples and Pears were plentifully shown by Messrs.
Rooney, Plumbrige, Gates, Clarke, and Cherry. Some good
Grapes were also exhibited, Mr. Ottaway gaining’ first honours
for three bunches of black Grapes with Black Alicante, and
Mr. Wells was first for Muscat of Alexandria. Mr. Peed,
Roupell Park Nurseries, sent some very fine and well-finished
bunches of Alicante, Barbarossa, and Trebbiano Grapes, not for
competition, to which a special! certificate was awarded; and
Mr. Stevenson, Sydenham Hill, had two bunches of Black
Alicante weighing 93 lbs, also some very excellent Black
Hamburghs. i

Vegetables were extensively shown, and the collection from
Mr. Livermore was deserving of special notice, comprising as
it did nearly every production to be raised in a garden. Mr.
Wright was here placed second, and Messrs. Horsham and
Cocks equal thirds. In the class for eight varieties Mr.
Young, Mr. Davey, and Mr. Clark were first, second, and third
respectively.

SOUTHAMPTON.

The autumn Exhibition was held on the 16th inst., and was
very good and crowded with visitors. Fruit and vegetables
were extensively shown and in excellent condition, the compe-
tition being very keen. Messrs. Jackson & Sons of Kingston-on-
Thames, were awarded the first prize fora collection of eighteen
plants of Chrysanthemums, and also a first prize for twenty-four
cut blooms; and Mr. Hinnell, gardener to F. Davis, Esq.,
Anglesea House, Surbiton, was worthily awarded the first prize
in the open class for twenty-four cut blooms. Mr. Hinnell’s.
collection were 2 grand lot. Lhe Show was a great success.

EALING.

The Chrysanthemum Show was held in the school-room on
the 17th inst., but was not equal to that of last year. Mr. Hart,
gardener to — Nye, Esa., took the lion’s share of the prizes in the
gardeners’ class, and Mr. Lang (an amateur) in the open classes.
Messrs. C. Lee & Sons, of Hammersmith and Haling, senta very
fine collection; also Mr. Smith of Haling. There was a very
good attendance of visitors during the afternoon and evening,
which afforded sufficient evidence of the attractiveness of this
popular autumn flower.

WALTON-ON-THAMES.

The Show was held on the 15th inst. in the school-room and
an adjoining marquee, under the auspices of the Walton,
Weybridge, Oatlands, and Hersham Horticultural Society, of
which H. Cobbett, Hsq., is the President, and Mr. G. Masters
the Secretary. The district is pleasant and salubrious, and
contains a large number of mansions and villas, with attrac-
tive gardens and good gardeners, and it is pleasing to note
the support that is given to the local society, and the efforts,
united and harmonious, to render it and themselves as useful
as possible. A considerable number of plants were exhibited,
but only a few of them were of superior quality. The first
prize, a silver cup, for six large-flowering plants was won by
Mr. Reynolds, gardener to Mrs. Allen, Weybridge, with well-
furnished plants about 3 feet in diameter. Tho foliage was ex-
cellent, but the bloums were not large. Myr. Millican, gardener
to H. Cobbett, Esq., was placed second; and Mr. Cornhill, gar-
dener to J. S. Virtue, Esq , Oatlands, third. And in the class for
four plants Mr. Boxall, gardener to J. A. Hickley, Esq., and Mr.
Ploughman, were awarded the chief prizes The plants were

406 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

{ November 22, 1877.

generally thin and over-trained. For standards Mr. Polly,
gardener to H. Rogers, Esq., Oatlands; Mr. Masters, gardener
to F. Day, Esq., Oatlands, and Mr. Millican, were placed in the
order named for creditable specimens, with stems about 3 feet
high, and close well-bloomed heads 2 feet in diameter. Pyra-
mids were not good—indeed, the best plants, those of Mr.
Morgan, gardener to S.J. Du-Croz, Esq., were not pyramids at
all, but columns. Mr. Reynolds had the best single specimen—
a fine example of Hereward 5 feet in diameter. Pompons,
except the half globes of Mr. Masters and the standards of Mr.
Polly, were not superior; many of them were late, and others
ever-trained.

The cnt blooms were better than the plants. In the class for
twenty-four incurved varieties Messrs. Cornhill], Polly, and
Reynolds were placed in the order of their names; and for
twelve blooms Messrs. Boxall, Ploughmav, and Morgan. The
best blooms were White Globe, Blush Queen, White Venus,
Mrs. Halliburton, Princess of Wales, Alfred Salter, Lady Har-
dinge, Jardin des Plantes and its bronze varieties, Golden
Beverley, Barbara, St. Patrick, Pink Perfection, Prince Alfred,
and Prince of Wales. The best reflexed varieties were Chevalier
Domage, Dr. Sharpe, Felicité, Julie Lagraviére, Alma, Cloth of
Gold, Mount Etna, and Progne, and the successful exhibitors of
them were Messrs. Cornhill, Millican, and Masters. Japanese
were very good. For twenty-four blooms the prizes were won
by Messrs. Millican, Cornhill, and Masters with capital col-
jections, The best sorts, and gay they were, were Elaine, Gloire
€e Toulouse, Yellow Dragon, Bismarck, La Nymphe, Hero of
Magdala, Nuit d’Hiver, Rob Roy, Falton, and Fulgore. The
best Pompons were Malle. Marthé, James Forsyth, Florence,
Bob, President, Miss Talfourd, White Trevenna, and the Cedo
Nullis. Messrs. Masters, Cornhill, and Polly secured the
prizes with excellent stands.

Messrs. Jackson & Sons, Kingston, exhibited superior stands,
including some of the newer varieties of Japanese; of these
fulton, rich yellow, and Falgore, rosy purple, are well deserv-
ing of extensive cultivation. The Show was well managed and
patronised.

STOKE NEWINGTON.

At the Assembly Rooms, Church Street, Stoke Newington,
was held on the 16th inst. a very creditable Exhibition of Chrys-
anthemums, fine-foliaged plants, &c. For the best collection
of ten Chrysanthemums in pots Mr. J. Monk, gardener to
Henry Head, EHsq., Stamford Hill, obtained the first honours.
In this collection were two remarkable pyramids of Rifleman
and Prince of Wales. They were 5 feet high and well bloomed
and furnished. For six plants in 11}-inch pots Mr. Monk was
the only exhibitor, staging capital examples of Golden G.
‘Glenny, Miss Hope, Mrs. G. Rundle, Venus, Prince of Wales,
and Lord Derby. The same exhibitor was first for six and four
in the classes for Pompons; and Mr. F. Wells, gardener to F. A.
Smee, Esq., Woodbury Down, second, but many of the flowers
Were not open.

For six foliage plants in pots not to exceed 12 inches in diame
ter Mr. Beale, gardener, Page Green, Tottenham, was first; and
Mr. Monk second. For eight table plants the table was turned,
Mr. Monk being first, Mr. Beale second. Both exhibited well.

Cur Brooms.—In the open class for twenty-four blooms Mr.
Langdon, gardener to Dr. Monro, Brook House, was the only
exhibitor and staged an excellent collection. Inthe class for
twelve blooms Mr. Butcher was first. His best blooms were
John Salter, Prince Alfred, and Rev. J. Dix. Mr. Monk was
second in this collection. Mr. Brunlees, St. Patrick, axd Princess
of Wales were very fine. In the class for six blooms Mr.
Butcher was first, Mr. Langdon second, and Mr. Monk third.

In the class open for amateurs residing in Hackney and Fins-
bury, of six blooms, T. G. Godwin, Esq., secured first honours
with afine lot. In the open class for twelve Mr. Hammond, York
Lodge, Stamford Hill, was first with very good blooms, includ-
ing Prince Alfred, Mr. Heales, and Princess Beatrice, remark-
ably good. In the clays for six blooms there were five boards,
first honours going to Mr. Butcher, second Mr. Hammond, third
Mr. Goderer, Mr. Beale and Mr. South being equal fourth.

In the maiden class for six blooms Mr. Hammond was first
with very fine blooms of Prince Alfred, Mrs. Heales, White
Venus, Nil Desperandum, Princess Beatrice, and Mrs. George
Rundle. Mr. Oubridge, 6, Church Road, Stoke Newington,
second, Noticeable on this board was White Globe and Princess
Teck. Standards were very well shown by Mr. Langdon and
Mr. Wells, the former exhibiting large-flowering kinds, and the
other exhibitor Pompons, each receiving a first prize, which
was well merited.

In the miscellaneous collections were good collections of
Cyclamens from Mr. Monk, and Mr. Butcher was a very good
second. A very good group of Solanums came from Mr. Rochford,
Page Green, Tottenham. Mr. Stroud also exhibited a group of
useful decorative plants. Mr. Shirley Hibberd exhibited some
fine pans of Watercresses which he cultivates so successfully ;
Mr. Oubridge of the Church Road Nurseries staged very good
decorative plants, also six fine plants of Elaine Chrysanthemum

and bouquets. He also had the arrangement of the Exhibition,
which was very weil carried out.

WESTMINSTER AQUARIUM.

The Borough of Hackney (late Stoke Newington) Chrysanthe-
mum Society held their Show in the above building on the 20th
and 21st inst. At most exhibitions of the year the cut blooms
have been superior to the plants, but at the Aquarium the plants
were bettor than the blooms. Many fine examples of culture
were exhibited.

The classes for large-flowered varieties in 114-inch pots were
well filled; that accomplished grower Mr. Hall, gardener to
W. Stevens, Esq., Lower Tulse Hill, having the first place in
the premier class for six plants. The specimens were not more
remarkable for their symmetry—the pots being nearly hidden—
than for the fine foliage and excellent blooms, of which Mrs.
Dixon had more than a hundred, and Faust—a grand plant—
about fifty, all of exhibition quality. The second-prize plants of
Mr. Rainbow were also extremely fine, but the blooms were
smaller. Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. G. Rundle have each about two
hundred flowers. Amongst the standards were some excellent
specimens. The stems are about 34 feet high, and the umbrella-
shaped heads about 3 fest in diameter; the blooms are very
regular and the foliage good. These plants reflect much credit
on the succesful cultivators. The Pompons were not equal to
the large-flowering varieties, being generally later and more
unequally furnished. The best of the reds was Bob, of yellows
St. Michael, and of whites Mdlle. Marthé. Messrs. E. G.
Henderson & Sons, St. John’s Wood, had & first-class certificate
for a new variety with pale carmine red flowers, glossy and
well formed ; also for a small plant of a large-flowered variety
named YVariegata, the colour being deep rose slightly tipped with
white, a variety that will be looked for when the plant becomes
stronger and the flowers larger. This firm exhibited a collection
of well-grown plants; and Mr. Turner, Slough, brought his
grafted standards. Some of the heads were formed of half a
dozen varieties, and produced a novel effect. There appears to
be no more difficulty in having a number of varieties on one
stem than in budding half a dozen Roses on one Briar.

Cut blooms were not very numerous nor large, yet very fresh,
and many of them of excellent quality. The leading varieties
will be found mentioned in our reports of other shows, and it is
not necessary to repeat them. We cotld not wait to obtain the
names of the prizewinners, the system of exhibiting under
numbers and affixing the cards afterwards (now nearly obsolete),
being acircumlocutory process worthy of the ‘‘ dark ages,” when
judges were not to be trasted, and time appeared to be of less
value than it is in the latest days of the nineteenth century. The
old system was, however, made the best of, and the Show, a
good one, was well managed by Mr. Holmes.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Peruaps the largest and most imposing display of Curys-
ANTHEMUMS in England is now on view in the Victoria Park,
Londov. The individual blooms are not finer, if so fine, as
the best examples at the Crystal Palace; but the number of
plants—with blooms of high average quality—exceed any col-
lection that has this year come under our notice. Altogether
five thousand admirably-grown plants are arranged under a
canvas-covered framework, three thousand of the large-flower-
ing varieties and two thousand Pompons. The canvas shed
is 100 yards in length, and faces the south. It is by the side
of the broad walk near the principal group of flower beds, and
the plants have been inspected and admired by thousands of
visitors. About a hundred sorts are in flower, and there are
many splendid blooms of all the leading varieties. Gluck is
especially fine and is highly effective. It is noteworthy that
the plants have not had the advantage of glass to assist the
opening of the blooms. It is a most successful display, and
Mr. McIntyre and his assistants deserve a hearty vote of thanks
for providing it. The collection will continue attractive for a
week or ten days. '

-— WE hear that Mr. George Deal, an active partner in
the firm of Messrs. Weeks & Co., Chelsea, has been elected to
the vacant seat in the directorate of the West London Com-
mercial Bank, Sloane Square, Chelsea.

Tue followizg prizes were awarded at Messrs. James
Carter & Co.’s MrrropotitaN Root SHow, which was held in
the Agricultural Hall, Islington, last week:—Mr. Pragnell,
the Gardens, Sherborne Castle, was placed first for twelve
dishes of vegetables, followed by J. Neighbour, Esq.; Mr.
Iggulden, gardener to R. B. Wingfield-Baker, Esq., and W. 8.
Baldwin, Esq., in the order named. In the Potato classes—
namely, for twenty tubers of Snowflake, Red-skin Flourball,
Improved Magnum Bonum, and American Breadfruit, the
successful exhibitors were Mr. Pink, gardener to Lord Sondes ;

ee re

November 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

407

Mr. Edwards, gardener to Rey. Canon Tarver; Mr. Creed,
gardener to Mrs. Walton, Fernsdale; W. S. Balwin, Esq., and
Mr. Hart, gardener to 8. Cooper, Esq. The prizes for Onions
were won by EH. Thorne, Esq., and Mr. Penny, gardener to
H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.

— In the absence of White Camellias, or rather the in-
adequacy of the supply of bold pure white flowers in Covent
Garden Market, there has recently been somewhat of a ‘‘run”’
on WHITE CuRysANtHEMuMS. Mrs. G. Rundle, White Venus,
and other incurved varieties have been in request, but espe-
cially, perhaps, Elaine, the large pearly white Japanese variety.
Good blooms have sold readily at 2s. each—not an extravagant
price when it is remembered that to obtain flowers of the
desired quality only three or four can be grown on each plant,
which plant must have careful cultural attention for fully
nine months.

—— Tweuve of the Natural History and allied Societies in
the midland counties have formed a union for the furtherance
of the srupy or Naturau Hisrory, &c. The union has de-
cided to issue a monthly magazine to be called ‘ The Mid-
land Naturalist,” the first number of which will be issued in
January next, under the joint editorship of Mr. Edward W.
Badger, F.R.H.S,, Birminguam, and Mr. W.J. Harrison, F.G.S.,
of Leicester. The magazine will contain original articles on
matural history, &c,, meteorological, botanical, geological, and
other notes, brief reports of the proceedings and excursions of
the societies in the union, and a diary of coming meetings and
excursions, &c. It is hoped that Floras of the several midland
counties will in time be published in the magazine.

Tue two thousand blooms of ware Camenutas ad-
vertised for by Mr. Wills in the Journal of last week were
employed in the decorations at the Oratory, Brompton, on the
occasion of the marriage of His Grace the Duke of Norfolk on
the 21st inst. The floral decorations were very elaborate and
extensive; besides nearly three thousand cut blooms of white
Camellias, several large plants of Camellias were arranged, also
‘Orchids, Roman Hyacinths, Nepenthes, and Ferns. Oae plant
of Nepeuthes Rafflesiana had sixty pitchers.

— Messrs. James Canter & Co. have been awarded a Bank-
sian medal for the excellent collection of Potatoes exhibited at
the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on the 6th inst.

—— Wnritine to us on LAvRustINUsES IN PoTs a well-known
floral decorator seasonably observes—White flowers are always
in demand at Christmas. It is not every season that Laurus-
tinus flowers can be depended on outdoors in December and
January, but plants in pots removed to a cool houso before
Severe weather will be sure to give a succession of bloom for a
Jengthened period. The plants are best established in pots,
but we have frequently lifted neat little bushes in October well
set with bloom and potted them in loamy moderately rich soil,
and placed them under a wall or fence protected from the sun
for a few days, removing them to a cool house in November,
watering well, and sprinkling overhead occasionally, the reward
being heads of bloom very usefal for decoration and cutting from
during the dull winter months. The best form is the pyramid
as taking up less room than bushes, but standards are fine for
breaking the monotony of flat even surfaces. All the plants
require is to be hardened off after flowering, to be planted out
in good soil in an open situation but sheltered from winds,
and to cut the heads into shape before growth takes place,
watering well if dry weather prevail when planting out; and
they may be lifted again in autumn, for the lifting appears to
increase their floriferous character. The flowers are much
ane and more delicate when produced under glass than out-

ors.

—— Mr, Atrrep R. Wattace writes in ‘‘ Nature” as follows
on BEES KILLED By Tritoma. In a friend’s garden here (Dork-
ing) where there are quantities of Tritomas or ‘ Red-hot
®Pokers,” hundreds of bees have been this year destroyed by
them. The honey produced by the flower is very abundant,
and the bees enter the tube of the corolla to get atit; but the
tube, which is only just large enough at the mouth, tapers
Greaney and go the bee gets wedged in and cannot extricate
itself.

— WE recently noticed a good plant in flower of the
PANCRATIUM sPEcIosuM at the Royal Nurseries, Slough. Its
large sweet-scented pure white flowers are invaluable as a
centre to bridal bouquets. Introduced from the West Indies
120 years ago, it is still the best of the species, and should be
in every collection of stove plants.

WE regret to have to announce the death of Mr.
Srrtimus Houmes Gopson, of Rutland Gate and Tenbury,
which took place on the evening of the 16th inst., at the age
of 78. Mr. Godson was for many years a member of the
Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, and during the
whole of the period devoted himself with an energy and
constanvy rarely met with to the promotion of the Society’s
work in the direction of pure horticulture, at a time when
other influences were endeavouring to make use of the Society
for other purposes.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THER PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

In nearly every garden there are annually some alterations to
be made, and the best time to do this is when the pressure of
work is not severe. In most gardens when the months of
November and December are mild there is spare time that may
be devoted to various improvements. In the first place it is of
considerable importance that all the vacant ground should be
dug and trenched. Not only does the garden look better in that
condition, but the soil is rendered more fertile by exposure to
the winter’s frost; then all beds, borders, or newly-planted
trees should have a mulching of manure placed round the roots
before severe frost sets in. We generally wait for the first frosty
night, and as the manure is all ready to wheel on to the ground
it can be done when the surface is hard and clean. We have
been waiting for this to place a mulching of manure on the
Asparagus beds; they require a good dressing of rich cow and
stable manure annually.

Besides having the quarters and borders neatly dug or
trenched, the walks ought to be kept in the best order; they
ought to be dry for the feet in all sorts of weather. If they are
not in condition now is a good time to attend to them. We
have seen the Box edging a foot high in some gardens because
it had not been trimmed when it required it; and the gravel had
disappeared under a coating of soil carrjed from the alleys by
the feet of the workmen. This atleast ought to be prevented
by having a scraper fixed at the end of each alley where it is
connected with the paths. When walks are in this state set
about renovating them at once. The Box edging should be
lifted and the ground prepared for replanting it. This ought to
be done by taking out some of the old soil and renewing it with
fresh. It is not necessary to wheel any of the soil away to do
this; it can be done by digging up the ground about 18 inches
wide, and during the process the soil under the Box line should
be thrown on the border and the fresh soil from the border be
thrown into its place. After the ground is dug tread it in
firmly with the feet, then rake it level, and in the process re-
move any large stones that would interfere with cutting off the
soil. After this has been done strain a line tightly along it;
this will show any inequality in the ground, when it must be
made level. When this has been done beat the ground down
firmly with a spade. The soil may be cut off deep enough to
allow of the Box plants being buried sufliciently to leave about
2inches above the ground. If the old Box was bushy 1 yard
will plant about 3, and if the remainder could be sold it would
fetch a sufficient sum to pay for the alterations. After the plant-
ing is finished let the walks be regravelled, finishing off the
work so that the middle of the path is the highest, but the
middle ought not to be so much higher as to make it uncom-
fortable for the feet. It is necessary when the kitchen garden
lies flat to drain the rain water from the path by having a row
of drain tiles laid down its centre and some rough stones or
brickbats over it. The walk itself ought to be composed of
rough stones with a coating of finer gravel on the surface. The
most comfortable gravel for the feet is that which binds readily
after it has been rolled or walked on for a week or so; but this
will sometimes retain water on the surface, and it is not dry to
the feet after rain. The best for wet weather is that from which
the finer particles have been sifted, retaining only the rougher
portion. It is sometimes necessary to sift it a second time to
remove stones above a certain size, as large stones are very un-
pleasant on paths.

VINERIES.

There has been a week or more of wet weather, and this has
had an unfavourable effect upon the fruit hanging in late houses.
Royal Vineyard has suffered most. This variety has usually
kept well with us up to Christmas and later; but it has a fail-
ing, and that is the tendency of the berries to crack near the
stalk. They are worse in this respect than we ever had them,
and wherever there is a crack the berry decays. All the other
sorts are keeping well, including Snow’s Muscat Hamburgh,
Waltham Cross, Lady Downe’s, Muscat of Alexandria, Mrs.
Pince, and Gros Guillaume; the last-named sort is very well
flavoured this season. The moisture given off from decaying
leaves either lying on the grourd or hanging on the Vines is &
fertile source of decay, and they should be frequently removed

403 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

[ November 22, 1877.

Much may be done to prevent decay by heating the hot-water
pipes and opening the ventilators at the right time. The pipes
ought not to be heated when the house is closed, except it be to
keep out frost. The heat ought to be applied after the venti-
lators are opened in the morning and be turned off about mid-
day, which will allow of their cooling before the house is shut
up in the afternoon. Vines in pots which have been started to
produce Grapes in April and May should not be pushed on too
rapidly until we have passed the shortest day. When the leaves
are fully developed and the roots have started to grow the
temperature at night may be maintained at 65°.

ORCHARD HOUSE.

The trees in pots are now piunged out of doors, where they
will remain until early in January. The pots at present are
merely plunged to the rim, but should frosty weather set in we
shall either cover the surface of them with dry litter, or, which
is equally good, some fresh cocoa-nut fibre refuse. Before
this appears in print we shall probably have potted tie usual
number of “maiden” trees—that is, trees one year from the
bud or graft, to grow on into specimens to replace any thatshow
sigos of exhaustion or which have grown unsightly. To grow
fruit trees well in pots it is necessary to compress the potiing
material into very small compass, and if must on that account
if on no other be of good quality. Good turfy maiden loam, four
parts to one part of decayed manure, is as good as anything. A
young tree a3 above may be potted into a 10 or 11-inch pot,
according to the extent of the roots. It is sometimes difficult
to get the roots of the largest trees into 1l-inch pots. Drain the
pots well and use precautions to prevent the soil from mixing
with the drainaze.

PLANT STOVE.

Som: of the most useful decorative plants for the stove at this
season of the year are those with high-coloured foliage. If we
are wanting in white, yellow, and crimson-coloured flowers, there
is no lack of those tints in the foliage. One of the finest, if not
the very finest, of stove plants with white variegation is Pan-
danus Veitchii; it is a most free-growing plant, and can now be
obtained at a very cheap rate. It should be in every collection.
Then we have Draczna terminalis alba, a plant destined to be-
come very popular; D. regine has broader foliage, and the
leaves are very striking on well-grown plants. The finest
yellows are to be obtained in Croions, and when well grown
nothing surpasses C. angustifolium; ita gracefully arching foli-
age waves like golden streamers in the twilight, but to do it well
the plant must be daily syringed with tepid water and stand
close to the glass fully exposed to the noonday sun. C. Weis-
manii has the best golden foliage of any of them, and it has no
tendency to change green, even when shaded. C. undulatum in
its way is very striking, the foliage being dashed with crimson
and dull purple. If crimson and purple in foliage is desired
we grow Draczenas, and still the best are D. terminalis and
D. Cooperi ; the foliage is similar in colour, but that of D. Cooperi
is recurved while the other variety is erect. There are many
other foliage plants extremely useful for striking effect, and the
plan's show off best over a groundwork of graceful Ferns, And
what pleasing reminiscences of summer weather and sunny
climes such an arrangement does produce in the dull days of
November and December! Ferns that are most useful for
cutting should be used, such as Adiantum cuneatum and A. for-
mosum. This last-named species is one of the best for cutting.
The fronds when mature last longer than any other Maidenhair.
We have used more loam in potting Adiantums than formerly ;
indeed, we were not successful with A. Farleyense until it was
potted in turfy yellow loam with a litile decayed manure. The
pretty A. gracillimum succeeds well with the same treatment.
There are many Adiantums adapted for mixing with high-
coloured foliage plants as well as other species of Ferns, but the
four species named will be found as striking in character as any
other four that could be named, and none are more usefal. All
such plants require a season of rest, and it is well not to excite
them any more than may be necessary to keep those requiring
the most heat in good health. Some of the more hardy Adian-
tums will live in a greenhouse temperature even in winter, but
they will not thrive, the fronds of A. cuneatum becoming of a
sickly yellowish green colour. The fronds last longest when cut
if the plants are placed near the glass and in a temperature of
about 55° in winter. Those fronds only should be cut on which
the spores are nearly ripe, or as long as they remain green after
that stags. 3

: FLORIST FLOWERS.

Auriculas do not seem to take kindly to rest as yet, the high
temperature at night and higher by day excites to unseasonable
growth. The plants now require very little water—just enough
to keep them from shrivelling. To insure neatness the decayed
leaves are removed as s00n as they are perceived, and no green
mould or weeds should be allowed on the surface of the soil.
Green fly may be brushed off with a fine camel-hair brush.

Our stock of Carnations and Picotees have now been potted
and placed in frames. We admit plenty of air, and remove the
lights altogether when the weather is fine. Pinks and Pansies

in beds require to have the soil stirred about them occasionally,
and if the plants are thrown out by the frost to be again made
firm by pressing the plants in gently by the hand.

Tulips were planted out last week. We prepare the ground
by trenching and placing some good manure at the bottom of
the trench, and another layer about 6 inches below the bulbs.
Oa the surface there is a sufficient depth of turfy loam in which
to plant the roots; these are placed about 3 inches below the
surface of the ground. The operation ought to be performed
when the ground is dry.—J. Dovenas.

; TRADH CATALOGUES RECEIVED.
T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Narseries, Tottenham.—Tllustratedé
Catalogue of Hardy Perennials, and A.B.C. Bulb Guide.
R. Dean, Ranelagh Road, Haling.—Catalogue of Hardy Her-
baceous and Alpine Plants, and Potatoes.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*.* All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expanse.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and thoge on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions atonce. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

Tree Brown Down (F. J.).—Unless your neighbour acted so as to cause

the tree to fall upon your outhouse and fruit trees you have no remedy, any
more than a man has who is wounded by a tile falling upon him from a roof.

Argor Vit (E. E. M.).—It is not injurious to‘health when growing near
to a dwelling.

AppLE (H. R.).—The Trish Peach and Trumpington ara totally different in
appearance, quality, and season of ripening.

MarecHaL Nien Rose not FLrowerine (Amateur).—As your plant grows
freely we cannot account for it not flowering; but we were in the same case

once, and were told that there were two varieties. That was when it was first

sent out. We immediately discarded the variety that did not succeed, and
hada fresh lot budded on the Briar. The new plants have flowered freely
every year since. This Rose flowers well under glass, whether it grows freely
or not.

CULTURE OF VALLOTA PURPUREA IN WINTER (A. Boyle).—This species
is evergreeo, and the roots must not be quite dry, even in winter; water
occasionally to prevent the soil becoming dusty dry.

VINE To RePpLaAcE GoLDEN CHAmprion (4. B. C.).— The best for your
purpose is Foster’s White Seedling. Duke of Buccleuch spots in the same
way as Golden Champion. Unless they have special treatment they are both
very uncertain. e

SEEDLING BrIARS AND Rose CuLTURE (——).—Probably seedling Briars
are dearer this year, but we bought them from the gentieman you name a.
year or two ago at 1s. 6d. per hundred; indeed, they were at that time adver-
tised in this Journal at that price. We never “tongued” the stems of old
Roses just under ground, but cutting notches would probably cause roots to
form near the surface. It might be done now. Cocoa-nut fibre refuse would
be a poor mulching for Roses. It has very few manurial properties.

TRANSPLANTING Roses BUDDED LAST Juty (Idem).—It may bs done, but
it is not usual to do so, es they flower much better and grow stronger if they
are allowed to remain on the ground where they were budded. If it is neces-
sary to remove them if should bs done at once.

Growinc TomatToEs IN LEAN-TO Houses (J. E.).—There is no reason
why they should not grow and bear well in such a house, but your sketch
shows the pots standing on the flue. This would subject the roots to too
much dry heat. It would be necessary to place a stage or inverted pot to
raise the bottom of the pots about 6inches above the flue.

PruninG Roses (R. G. M.).—Prune the Roses in the vinery as soon as
growth has ceased. We should train them thinly, and should only shorten
them to the extent of removing the immature tips of the shoots, as your
object is to cover the wall qnickly. Noisettes and Teas usually flower the
more freely when not closely pruned. The Roses outdoors should not be
pruned until they commence growing in the spring, cutting them then much
more severely than those under glass. The Ayrshire Roses, such as Bennett's
Seedling (Thoresbyana) and Dundee Rambler; the evergreen Roses such
as Felicité Perpétué and Flora, also the Boursault Rose Amadis would
cover your north wall quickly. Gloire de Dijon and the vigorous-growing
Hybrid Perpetuals would also flourish admirably provided the soil is good.
We cannot auswer your last question.

Roses For Lieut Sor (Z. 7. H.).—Dwarf Roses on the Manetti stock
are more likely to succeed in your garden than standard Roses on Briars.
Roses on their own roots would also, we think, thrive in your soil. We cannot
answer your other question.

REDIGGING OLD PasturRE (4. G. S.).—Chop-up the buried turf and mix
it with the upper surface soil.

Name or Fruit (A Reader).—Catshead.

Names or Prants (M. Fisher).—They cannot be identified from such
flowerless specimens. (W. M.).—We cannot name florists’ varieties. No. 3 is
Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana. (4. T., Esher)—The specimens were not
numbered. We do not know Canova’s Laurel by that name. (Inquirer).—It
is a Salvia, we think S. Heerii, but the specimen was much withered. (4
Reader).—You are right as to the genera of plants. No. 2 is a Geum,
8 a Pulmonaria, and 4 a Saxifrage, but we cannot name the species with-
out better specimens.

November 22; 1877. ]

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

POULTRY AND BIRD NEWS.

We regret very much to hear that Mr. W. A. Burnell of Wink-
burn Hall, near Southwell, is breaking up his Cochin yard and
about to retire from the poultry fancy. We learn that all his
birds are entered at the coming Birmingham Show at saleable
prices, and that his poultryman is on the look-out for a fresh
situation.

At the late Oxford Show Mr. S. Matthews claimed Mr. Pope’s
cup Black Red Game cockerel in pen 193 for £50. The pur-
chaser exhibited this bird iast week at the Crystal Palace Show
and won with him the £5 5s. cup presented by Messrs. Spratt.
The bird was here claimed for the enormous price of £100 10s.,
and has returned to his previous owner’s yards at Biggleswade.
Mr. Matthews consequently makes £40 and wins a cup by the
transaction, the Oxford Committee made £5, and the Palace
Managers £10, while the breeder loses £55 and regains his bird.
May he do well with him.

We have seen specimens of the prize cards which the Oxford
Committee are sending round with the prize money, and prettier
ones we have but rarely seen. They are of neat size with a
band of gilt and colour at the edge, and the winner’s names and
the prizes they have won are beautifully printed on the inside.
We never remember to have seen much prettier cards save
those which the Messrs. Jennison sent out from the Bellevue
Show of 1873.

Of the many schedules which have come to hand that of
Newtown deserves some mention, for init we find three distinct
divisions with nearly the same number of classes in each, and
those, too, for the same breeds, only Division I. is for all comers,
Division II. for farmers and others residing in Montgomery-
shire only, and Division III. is confined to cottagers rated at
£7 and under, or paying an annual rent or rents of £8 and under.
We do not know how the plan will answer, but it must neces-
sitate a large outlay in prize money and an immense amount of
labour to the Judges and Committee.

At the Crystal Palace the other day a meeting was held in the
Marble Hall to discuss the advisability of forming a new poultry
club. A good number of fanciers were present, and the chair
was taken by the Hon. and Rev. I’. Dutton. After some con-
siderable discussion the meeting was adjourned until Decem-
ber 8rdat Birmingham. The following are the names, in alpha-
betical order, of those who were appointed to draw up rales and
submit them at the next meeting of the Club:—T. C. Burnell,
Hon. A. Baillie-Hamilton, R. A. Boissier, O. E. Cresswell, Hon.
and Rev. F. G. Dutton, A. H. W. Darby, J. Hinton, Rev. Hans
#. Hamilton, R. H. Horsfall, S. Matthews, J. EH. Manby, E. Prit-
chard, Rev. W. Serjeantson, C. Sidgwick, and R. B. Wood.
Among these gentlemen are breeders of Dorkings, Brahmas,
Cochins, Game, Malays, Hamburghs, Polish, French, Silkies,
Bantams, and Waterfowl, so the fanciers of no particular
breeds can consider themselves to be unrepresented.

On Tuesday last Mr. Albert Field dispersed the whole of the
celebrated flock of Game fowls which belonged to the late Mr.
Chaloner. The sale took place at the Corn Exchange, Worksop,
and about 125 birds were put up to auction. On the same day
at Stoke Park, near Ipswich, Messrs. Sexton & Nimcoade offered
about 200 head of birds from Lady Gwydyr’s renowned yards.
Black, Buff, and White Cochins, and Dark and Light Brahmas,
were the breeds offered for sale. We do not wonder that a sale
was necessary to get rid of some of the surplus birds, for when
we were there in September last the park and enclosed runs
seemed positively alive with healthy and good specimens.

At the coming Pigeon show to be held at Glasgow on Decem-
ber 19th and 20th next, under the management of the North
British Columbarian Society, Capt. Norman Hill again offers
for competition the £15 15s. champion Pouter cup. We hope
the entries for it will be large.—W.

CRYSTAL PALACE POULTRY SHOW.

Novemser 137H-16TH.

Brahmas.—The Darks were certainly far behind the shows of
1873 or 1874 both in numbers and quality. It would be interest-
ing to know the cause of this, whether the breed has been found
disappointing as to useful qualities, or whether the great un-
certainty of the produce of any but carefully selected pens has
made it less popular. The Lights keep up in numbers, and
have never, in our opinion, been uniformly hetter in quality.
The cup Dark cock is a grand specimen of his owner’s type of
pird, well through the moult. He is like last year’s cup cockerel ;
second too long on the leg, but in good condition; third out
of condition, but nicely feathered and with a rich black breast ;
fourth has no cushion. The first hen is a beautifully-marked

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

409

bird of the dark colour; second very clear in breast-pencilling ;
third a grand-shaped bird and short on legs; fourth a bargain,
entered at three guineas, well shaped, but might be clearer in
marking. It was a pity that the Brahmas were placed s0 high
up; birds of their size show to much disadvantage in sucha
position. The first cockerel is a beautiful bird and much such a
one as Mr. Lingwood’s yard has before produced for the winner ;
we think we have seen them with more silvery hackles. Second
not so neat in head as the cup bird, well shaped, with little
hackle-marking ; third very dark, with rich tints, hocked ; fourth
coarse in head, a Cochin-like bird, but having a good cushion ;
we much liked the fifth; sixth a little narrow, but promising to
grow. The mottled-breasted birds were very poor and scarcely
worth remark; we liked the third-prize one best. Pullets did
not strike us as at all equal to former years. First a silver-grey
bird of fair size and well feathered; second a fine-grown pullet,
promising to be a grand hen, with good even pencilling, but she

_is too much hocked; third too brown and not crisp enough in

pencilling ; fourth a small bird, good in breast, but with two
styles of marking on wing; fifth short-legged and well-shaped ;
sixth clearly and well marked on the back, but small, and with
little leg-feathering.

Light.—Virst in cocks was an immense bird and very white,
but hollow in chest. We did not admire the second. Third
would be by far the best in the class but forhis uglycomb. His
shape is magnificent. He is, wo believe, Mr. Horsfall’s cup
cockerel of 1875. The first hen very good in shape and hackle;
second deep and well shaped, but with a good deal of sap in her
feathers; third very large but a little narrow. Among the
cockerels were many poor birds, and the greater part of them
were too yellow. The cup bird good all round but not large, and
yellow in neck hackle; second very mach hocked and yellow ;
we liked the fourth as well as any, though he is deficient in neck
hackle ; fifth intensely dark in hackle; sixth good in shape with
well-marked hackle, but comb too high; seventh one of the
whitest birds. Pullets made a large class of seventy. Cup a
beautifully white bird with well-defined hackle; second clear in
colour with a good cushion; third acompact bird, short in back;
fourth hocked, and very large; fifth a good bird all round;
sixth short-legged, good in hackle, hocked; seventh large but
spotted. The five-guinea Selling class for Light birds was far
superior to that for Dark. The first and second-prize pair were
real bargains, and many other pens were by no means despicable.

Houdans were only moderate classes, save the hens, which we
thought good. We must say that the awards in these classes
puzzled us much. Houdan cocks apparently eat their prize
cards, for we could find none towards the close of the Show.
First was an indifferent bird in size with coarsecomb. Second
a dark and very large bird; we observed a “sold” card on his
pen, his price being £10. Third awell-shaped bird. In pen 881
we observed a White Houdan cock. We thought the hens by
far the best of the four classes. Four very fine birds were close
together, and there was not much to choose between them.
First a grand hen in shape, and evenly marked; second a little
dark, but good. Mrs. Vallance’s very highly commended bird
had bad feet, otherwise we admired her as much as any in the
class. The first cockerel is a very dark one, large and strong ;
second has a splendid crest and even marking, but a wry comb;
third spoilt by a most irregular lumpy comb. In pullets the
cup bird has a wonderfully round crest and even marking, but
is alittle knock-kneed ; second has a very light buff with dark
plumage and an ill-formed toe; third a fair evenly-marked bird ;
fourth very dark.

Créves.—The cup cock is all round a magnificent bird, short
on the legs, which we think a great point; he hadthe advantage
ofa corner pen. Second not equal to the cup bd, but short-
legged with a good comb. Third larger and a sprightly bird.
In hens Mr. Ward was again easily first. The three winners
were all well worthy of their honours. We much adméred Mr.
Hibbert’s very highly commended hen too. Incockerels first was
fine and good; second a stylish bird, and a bargain ; third short-
legged, with a fine crest. In pullets No. 1 was easily ahead;
second a good bird with compact crest ; third not very large.

Hamburghs were a grand collection. Their popularity seems
advancing, and several south-couutry breeders have been added
to their admirers. Golden-spangled cocks numbered seventeen.
First was a bird in which one could hardly find a fault; second
generally good and lustrous, a little dark; third a good bird
with an honest comb. The first hen was a lovely specimen with
round even lustrous moons not too thickly set; second had also
good moons, but running a little together; third more like the
first, with small moons not so evenly distributed as those of the
first. The first Silver-spangled cock had perfect sickle; second re-
markably good for five large moons; third not avery good comb,
but honestly shown. The Silver-spangled hens were a capital
class of twenty-five. The cup hen was just what we admire, so
even in her spangling; second almost her equal, if not quite.
Tre Hamburgh cup very justly went to. Miss Mackenzie’s
Golden-pencilled cockerel, a bird excellent in comb and tail aud
even in colour, though a shade lighter than we like; we could

410

not understand the second award, the cockerel had such an
indifferent tail; third a very rich-coloured bird. Much excep-
tion was taken to the first award in hens, but we could not see
80 much error in it, save that she has a badly-marked tail;
second with very even and medium pencilling ; third well pen-
cilled up to the tail. The first Silver-pencil cockerel was good
all round, but a little white in some of the tail feathers ; second
we thought a lovely little bird; third was not in good condition.
The first hen was very heavily marked with real barring;
second again good in pencilling, not s0 in comb; third small in
pencilling. In Blacks the first cock was splendid in colour, but
bad in comb and long in leg; seconda very good bird all round ;
third a good o}d bird, his lobes wonderfully white for his age ;
we admired the very highly commended one. First in hens an
old bird, very good in head and colour; second a very lustrous
pullet; third fair in style, but knock-kneed.

Leghorns.—The judging of Leghorns must be a difficult
matter, for the desired points still seem little defined. An
exaggerated comb seemed bere to be the first requirement for
success. In Brown cocks the cup went to a bird with sucha
comb, generally the best in the class; tbe second seemed very
close upon him; the third was by far the best-coloured bird,
but he had the advantage of an end pen. The prize hens were
all pretty-looking birds and very equal. The cup White cock
was a pretty bird, but not clear. We preferred the second and
third, though the Jatter had ugly yellow lobes.

Andalusians had two classes, one for cocks and one for hens.
By some inexplicable mistake pairs were sent in lieu of single
cocks in the majority of pens of the cock class, and all three
prizes were awarded to them. The cockerel in the cup pen was
a splendid bird; we have never seen a better. Second a very
fair pair, but we did not admire the hen, Third a very good
pair, but the hen too light in neck hackle. The first hen was a
magnificent bird; we saw that she had been claimed, though
the catalogue price was six guineas. Second we did not like
nesrly so well. Third fine and large, but not so even in colour
as the first.—C.

Cochins.—Adult Buff cocks only brought seven pens. The win-
ner was good in all points but colour, which was of three shades.
We do not, however, see what elee could have won if the Judge
objected to the tendency to hock-feathering in the second.
Hens were not very good. When we saw them no cards were
up, and our own choice was for pen 117 (Proctor), which was
Subsequently sécond. The first hen was pretty in shape but
not very good in colour; we believe she only fetched £8 5s. at
the auction, which is a small price for the best Buff hen in
the Crystal Palace Show. The cup cockerel was the bird which
was very highly commended at Oxford, we think; we then
noticed his grand style and shape, and also his want of sound
and even colour. The second was of grand colour, and his only
defect was his tremendous feathering. Enuff pullets were pretty
and the winner of a nice colour and shape, as were second and
third, the latter of much the same colour as the first. The
Partridges were very good. Inold cocks the winner was perhaps
now in the best feather, but in a short time we should think the
second would run him closely, but both are good birds. All
the three prize hens were very fine, the third excelling by the
fashionable pencillings.
well. The winning cockerel was fully well feathered, and the
pullet which won first had good size, shape, and pencillings.
‘White cocks were very good—as superior as the cockerels were
poor.
but not of the pure white we like to see.
third before the cards were out; he is broad andsquare. Third
was a great lumpy bird, heavily hocked, otherwise, in our

opinion one of the best Cochins in the Show. The cup hen was |

very white, large, and square, and an easy winner. Second was
also good. The very highly commended pen of Mr. Boissier’s
and the third were very even in quality, and we thought the
position of the latter three birds quite a toss-up. The first
White cockerel was showy but very small, and the secoud we
think the pretty bird we saw very highly commended at Ox-
ford. The White pullets were moderate, the first. easily the
Winner. Blacks were very good, the first adults of Lady
Gwydyr’s being of beautiful colour. The winners in both cock-
erels and pullets may consider themselves fortunate for their
honours ; though both birds have good points, and although the
classes were large and good, nothing stood out as easily ahead.
Langshans only had nine pens, and they and their champions
surprise us.

Spanish were very fairly represented in numbers and quality.
From the half-score ul old cocks we thought the winner well
chosen; his head points were all good and his colour fair. A
great many hens want more time. This Show is full early for
hens of this breed, which appear to be late getting over the
moult. The first cockerel, too, was good, as were the very
highly commended pens of Messrs. Jones and Yates. The
pullets were fourteen pens in number, and the best birds ap-
peared to have their right positions.

Malays.—There were twenty-nine pens in the two classes,

Young Partridge Cochins mustered |

The winner was in good looks with fine style and carriage, |
The second we put |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 22, 1877.

and they consequently brought in entry fees £11 12s., and they
had in prize money £8 3s., s0 we shall hope to see next year
classes for chickens also, especially as it is hardly fair in this
breed for the youngsters to compete against the parents. First
and second went to good old cocks, fine in shape and possessing
much bone. The third was a promising young fellow of gcod
colour. The hens were mostly dark. The awards we did not
obtain, but we fancied a bird in pen 1473 (Grimmer), 1476 (Joint),
and 1481 (Hinton). We thought it on the whole as good a class
as we have this year seen.

Polands.— These were extremely good classes all round.
Thirteen Gold cocks opened the department, where the winner
was in superb condition and seemed used to a show pen. The
second was a very fair cockerel. Many birds here want four or
five weeks more. Hens wera fourteen pens strong, and though
many birds were very good, and some especially so, we heard
some difference of opinion concerring the winners. The winning
Silver cock was hardly silvery enough, or else his crest is large,
as is the crest of the cup hen, in fact as good as any we have
seen for many shows past. Lady Dartmouth showed a good

-hen, and Mr. Adkins also hada beauty. The Blacks were good.

We believe Mr. Dixon judged them; if so, are we wrong in
saying that he this year selected birds with a different type of
crest? We are not alone in our opinion ; and though we quite
approve of his choice, we did not think, knowing that he was to
judge, that the cocks would have been placed as they were. In
pen 1535 was the first-prize bird of last year. His tail is not quite
perfect, but we fancy he was in as good feather this year as be
was last. The first ig an old bird good and well moulted ; second
a pretty cockerel the best part of which is his crest. In hens
the second won first last year as a pullet. She has improved
and appears to have more stamina, for it may be remembered
we always looked on her as delicate. The first here wae
second last year, and eecond in 1875; she was grand in colour
and a fine crest, the latter a shade parted. Variety Class.—
Here was even a greater medley than usual, for two dozen pens
of all breeds met to do battle for three prizes. We hope if the
National next year does not increase its classification it will
copy less important societies and have two firsts, two seconds,
and two thirds. Weare sure the present system is unfair to
the Judge, who must use his own fancy however much ke
may try to choose the best birds. This year the first prize in
the lottery fell to La Fiéche, second to Sultans, and the third
prize was obtained by Indian Game. The latter breed we
hope, however, to see soon well established; and we say now, to
give all breeders and fanciers the earliest knowledge, that classes
will be provided for the variety at the Oxford and Palace Shows
of 1878 if enough entries are guaranteed, particulars of which
may be obtained from the Hon. and Rev. F. Dutton, or of “‘ W.,’”
office of this Journal. Among the tenants of this class wero
Minorcas, Cuckoo Cochins, Frizzles, Plymouth Rocks, Domi-
niques, Yokohamas, Surrey Fowls, Silkies, &c. To them wo

| offer our sympathy, and to the latter breed especially, which

decerved (as far as the entries of the last Show are concerned),
their class as much as ever did Silver-pencilled Hamburgh
cocks, ditto hens, White Leghorn cocks, and Andalusian cocks,
but Silkies are not to be crushed.

Bantams.—Blacks were first in our peculiar Bantam depart-
ment this time, and we hope exhibitors are satisfied. We saw
one fancier and said to him, ‘‘ Will the awards do for you to-day ?””
He replied, ‘‘ What the Judges do is well.” He himself was not
noticed. What more can we say? If the disappointed speak
thus, surely the awards were correct, and the most lustrous, the
smartest, the best won. In the White-booted class were seven
entries. We hope next year to see a class for ‘‘ Booteds of any
colour :” Black, White,and Speckled. The winners were chosen
for their petiteness we suppose, and they were a pretty little pair.
In the mixed class a good pair of Dark Japanese were deservedly
first. They are a charming pair, and are, we imagine, the same
pair which we thought at the Alexandra hardly had their deserts ;
second went to Cuckoos, and third to Gold Frizzles. The Laced
were very good, and we are delighted to see them more exten-
sively exhibited. Of the awards we can form no opinion, for
when we went by the cards were not on, but we should suppose
the pens of Mr. Leno, Rev. W. Serjeantson, and Rey. F’. Tearle
would all come in for cards. The Untrimmed Classes.—‘‘ The
least said the soonest mended,” said a poultry fancier of a score
of years’ standing, and so we will suffice to say that among the
“Game” there were a quarter of a hundred of undubbed Game
cocks, while in the next class a score of others sent representa-
tives from their yards to show that they are able at times to
show untrimmed birds. Dr. Holmes, Messrs. Newnham and
Manby, Messrs. Haines, Stretch, Petter, Lingwood, Bloodworth,
Borrow, Feast, Long, &c., we are amazed! The cup went to
a Cochin, the second to a Black Hamburgh, and the third to
a Spanish. We are disappointed, and once more emphatically
beg ene class may next year be for “ hocked Asiatics” of any
breed. °

Waterfowl.—Aylesbury Ducks only six pens in number—three
from Aylesbury, two from Stamford, one from Wales. Kindly

November 22, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

411

understand, Aylesburienses, you are one short of the Silkies of
1876, and, on the same principle as they were, are doomed for
1878, good, however, as you all were in 1877. Rouens, on the
other hand, balanced them, for they made thirty pens, and very
good they were. Black Duck breeders appeared to have made
one parting struggle to wrest one prize from Mr. Kelleway, and
twenty-one pens were ertered for the fray, but it was not to be.
Then come Ornamental Waterfowl, Mandarins and Pekins,
Carolinas and Muscovies—all mixed up in woeful confusion.
So unkind of the Committee.

Geese were very nice. Mr. Everett seems making his mark
since Mr. Cresswell was first bold enough to throw out old
stagers for a new pen; second also were Grey, and third White.

Turkeys—We had seen Mr. Howard’s letter to an exhibitor
to say they intended to have two Judges to award the prizes
to try and avoid the repetition of last year’s awards. The
winners were well chosen, the first old hen being in lovely
order, the first cockerel very fine, and the first young hen ex-
tremely good, large, and apparently heavy. We are requested
to state that Mr, Walker did not exhibit—W.

PIGEONS.

Barbs had six classes, only averaging seven birds a class.
The cup for old birds went to an astounding Black; second in
cocks was a very good Red, healthy in eye; third a Black with
a capital beak, but not equal to the first in eye wattle. In hens
a Yellow was easily first, a Black second, and a Red third.
Young Oocks (Black or Dun).—Firat was a beautiful Black,
apparently very young; second and third also Blacks. The
winning young hens were all Blacks. But one poor Yellow put
in an appearance in the class for young cocks, any other colour,
and the prizes were withheld. The first hen was a Red, uneven
in colour ; second another Red; and third a Yellow.

Jacobins.—Red cocks numbered thirty, and were a fine class.
First was a rich Red with beautiful face and an immense mane;
second was small with exquisite head properties, not very good
in colour; third rather large, but grand in chain and hood. We
thought the first Red hen a perfect. model, the prettiest in face
and head we haveever seen. Second too long in beak, otherwise
good. Yellow cocks were another excellent class. The cup
went to the first bird in this class, rich in colour and good in
every point. The first and second hens were good, but none
came near the cup cock. The class for Whites brought fourteen
entries. The first we thought rather large and open in hood;
second very fair, but after the Yellows the hoods of the Whites
do not show to advantage. The winners in the class for Any
other variety were all Blacks.

Fantails.—The class of twenty-four for White cocks was
marked by the Judge as ‘‘an excellent one,” and most de-
servedly so. The first cock had an admirable tail and apparently
good motion, but was too timid in his pen to show this ; second
and third, though hardly his equal in tail, were capital in
carriage. Twenty-five White hens were shown, and the cup
went to Mr. Cresswell’s little bird, first in this class; she is a
gem, combining motion with a perfect tail; second a large bird,
but with a flat tail and good carriage; third good in tail too.
The Coloured Fantails made a fair class, but with many empty
pens; the winners all Blue, the first being by far the best; the
second had a break in its tail; and third carried its tail too
much overit. A young Black was highly commended.

Nuns made a large class, but do not appear to us equal to
former days, scarcely any having the due number of coloured
flights. The first, a Black, was about the only bird correct in
this respect; second was a good-coloured Yellow; third a Red.
Trumpeters have become a most uninteresting class. A few
done-up dumpy birds win everywhere. First was slightly
mottled, second Mottled, and third Black, all in points splendid
specimens of the Russian type. Ow/s.—In English cocks the
prizes all went to Blues. First is a well-known bird, second very
good in frill, third very dark in colour; all these birds are excel-
lent in head. In hens first was a pale Silver, second a lovely
little Silver, and third a Blue. In the class for young birds all
the prizes went to Silvers. First wonderfully good ; third rather
large and coarse, but good in head. The three prize birds in
class for Foreign Owls were all Whites, a sweet little Black
being very highly commended.

Turbits had six classes. First in Blue or Silver cocks is
Mr. Ecroyd’s Blue; second an old Silver, formerly known in
the hands of Mr. Dear; third a Silver, which looks young. Blue
or Silver hens were a small class. First was a lovely Silver;
second Mr. Burnell’s little Blue, with tiny beak; third a Blue,
a little inclined to be dingy. Red or Yellow cocks.—First Mr.
Burnell’s pale Yellow, with good head; second a Rad, beautiful
in head and face, but not very good in colour; third a rich
bright Yellow. Any other colour.—The now well-known Black
Shell, which is really no Shell at all, was first; second a down-
faced Black Peak; third a good White. Mr. Hcroyd’s and Mr.
Cresswell’s Black Peaks (the latter first last year at the Palace)
were strangely passed by. Hens, any other colour, were a good
class, but require subdivision like the cocks. First a beautiful
xich-coloured little Yellow, second a small bright Yellow with

a bad peak, third a fair Black. The little Oxford cup Yellow
with a wonderful frill was not highly commended. ‘ Hatched
in 1877” were a fine class, and the judging must have been
to somes extent a matter of choice between colours. First was
a Blue, beautiful in head and colour ; second a Silver; and third
a Red, with a good down face.

Magpies numbered twenty-one. First a Black, splendid in
colour; the other winners also Blacks. Archangels were a very
good class. All the prizes went to birds with the darker colour
of head and breast. We rather regret to see very brilliant birds
of a somewhat lighter hue, such as No. 36138 (Packham), un-
noticed. Runts looked more unwieldy than usual; perhaps
this was owing to their being judged by weight, and as a conse-
quence in all probability fattened beforehand. Any other variety.
—This class was for pairs. First were Red Frillbacks, second
Ice, third Black Plain-headed Turbiteens, and fourth Eastern-
frilled birds, Brunettes we think.

THE HONEY HARVEST IN WEST NORFOLK.

To all appearance we have been more fortunate than most of
our countrymen in having had two chances, one in June anda
second towards the end of July. Here, as elsewhere, the un-
favourable spring left even those hives which promised well at
the end of February ill provided at the beginning of the year;
hence there were so many empty cells to fill up that those
Swarms which did issue were late. The many, with whom swarm-
ing is the only success, and who do not practise artificial
swarming, lost much valuable time; but they fared better than
they deserved, for some swarms which came off late in July
attained considerable weight in a very short time. This was
the case with my two swarms of the 20th and 21st July, the
latter of which filled a 15-inch straw hive in less than a fort-
night, and, calling out for more room, was accommodated with
a super containing 6 or 7 lbs., which was filled and sealed up in
another fortnight.

I feel sure that I was right, so far as this yearis concerned, in
the course I pursued of taking every advantage that offered of
getting supers filled instead of taking artificial swarms in June,
since between the two harvests there was a barren intsrval
which would certainly have starved the swarms unless they had
been largely fed. By supering and nadiring I have obtained
more, than 170 lbs. of honey (most of it fine honeycomb) from
four hives, two wooden and two straw, besides gaining from one
of the former, which swarmed, an additional stock. More than
60 lbs. is due to one stock occupying a wooden hive only a foot
square, an old Nutt’s “Pavilion.” Of my three other hives I
may say that they have done only a little less than might have
been expected of them in an average year.

A neighbour, whose apiary is near the sea, has also met with
fair success. He has harvested 120 lbs. of honey from six hives
and inoreased his stock by two. The sea lavender, like the
heather, has yielded little honey this year, or no doubt he would
have done atill better.—E. H. R.

SIZE AND SHAPE OF HIVES—BEE
MANAGEMENT.

“A Kitkenny BEE KEEPER” asks the following questions :—
1, “ What is the best size for a strong stock in winter, and what
height for a frame hive? 2, What advantage is there in having
hives shallow in preference to having them say a foot high?
3, What is Mr. Pettigrew’s system of bee-keeping ?”

The first question of your correspondent is important and
difficult to answer. In considering the question of sizes we
arrive at “‘good” and ‘‘ better,” but who dares say which is the
“best?” Many strong and valuable stocks are wintered in hives
containing from 2000 to 3000 cubic inches of space. A well-
made straw hive 18 inches wide and 14 inches deep is, in my
opinion, ‘‘a model” of siza and beauty, but I dare not venture
to say that it is the best size. We have hives 20 inches wide
and 12 deep, two 18 inches wide and 16 inches deep, and many
only 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep, and invariably find that
18-inch hives proportionately filled with bees in autumn are as
soon ready to swarm as 16-inch hives, and contain more honey ;
and if large hives are as soon ready to swarm as smaller ones,
they are as soon ready to fill supers as are the smaller, and more
able to do this when they are ready. There have often appeared
statements to this effect that large hives are best for good neigh-
bourhoods and rich pasture, and small hives are best for un-
favourable localities for honey. I think such statements are
without foundation and are illogical. Wherever large hives are
introduced and fairly tried they carry the day, and small hives
disappear.

Frame hives are generally about 9 inches deep, but some are
less and some more. The bar-frame school has not yet arrived
at a standard of sizes, and probably will not come to a settle-
ment of this point for years to come. Probably hives of this
kind 16 or 17 inches wide and 10 inches deep are good models.

In answer to your correspondent’s second question I have to

412

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 22, 1877.

say that there is no advantage in having hives less than a foot
high. I think there is an advantage gained in having straw
hives a little more than 12 inches deep. In bar-frame hives
there are no cross sticks to steady and support the combs, and
very few, if any, of them exceed 10 inches deep. The moveable-
comb system or frame hive is now in the hands of many able
bee-keepers, and doubtless will be well tested and perhaps im-
proved in the course of a few years.

The third question comes to what is termed ‘‘ Mr. Pettigrew’s
system of bee-keeping’’—a system which I follow and recom-
mend, which my father before me followed and improved, but
the system is notoursin any sense byinvention. It lived before
us and should not bear our name; it belongs to the country.
As this Kilkenny gentleman wants to know what our system of
bee-keeping is I will try to put it before him in a tangible form
and in few words.

Our aim is to get all the honey and profit possible from our
bees. We use nothing but straw hives for stocks and swarms,
as we have found them better for bees and combs than wooden
hives, and far more easily handled and managed. Wooden
hives do very well for summer weather and crowded hives, but
during the autumn and winter months their inner surfaces be-
come wet with the condensed moisture of the bees, and this
condensed moisture rots much of the comb. The portions of
comb thus destroyed have to be taken down and cast out and
new comb built in their places. The lata Mr. Woodbury, who
was an honest and enlightened bee-keeper, saw for himself the
evil effects of wooden hives, and afterwards had hi: frame hives
made of straw. Some of the bar-frame school have their hives
made of straw,and by-and-by many others will doubtless copy
their example. Combs perish in the presence of moisture, and
even straw hives if wet by rain in the winter months wi!l cause
their combs to become mouldy and rotten. Al! hivas should be
well covered and stand on boards not much wider than tken-
selves, and the boards should be slightly bevelled so as to let
the rain that may fall on them ran off and outwards.

In coming to deal with general management we shall have to
touch on swarming, supering, eking, nadiring, feeding, &c., for
our system admits and embraces all these.

By swarming we multiply stocks and obtain hives full of fresh
sweet combs and youthful queens in them, and have plenty of
bees from the honey hives to strangthen the stocks end make
them doubly strong to face and bear the storms of winter and
do the work of spring. On the non-swarming principle queens
become old and die, combs become black, tough, and pollen-
bound, and the system does not provide a surplus stock of bees.
On the swarming principle more bees are produced, more work
done, more honey gathered in good seasons, but in unfavourable
seasons the non-swarming system has theadvantage. Our hives
are of simple construction and free from complications, and
therefore answer for all kinds of enlargement—viz.,eking, super-
ing, and nadiring. Swarming is an instinct-of bees—a law of
their existence and well-being. Eking is the only safe mode of
enlarging hives to prevent swarming. In hot seasons neither
supering nor nadiring does this with certainty.

We covet and take all the early swarms we can, for early
Swarms with us often attain to great weights and fill large supers
in autumn. If the mother hives have had a good turn on the
fruit trees they are generally pretty heavy at swarming time,
and yield us a good harvest of honey three weeks after swarm-
ing. The bees are then driven into empty hives. Thus a hive
yields two swarms and a harvest of honey by June. We are
well satisfied with 20 and 25 lbs. of good honey from each of
our early swarmers. This honey sells readily here at 1s. 3d.
per lb. Very well, the bees driven from their home and honey
commence at once to furnish the new house and make it
as comfortable as the old one. These “ turnouts,’ for that
is their name, become in good seasons healthy strong stocks
for another season. The bees of the first swarm, which yields
the largest harvest of honey and honeycomb, are united in
autumn to the turnout, and thus it is made very strong indeed.
If the weather be unfavourable for the turnouts to commence
housekeeping we feed them, and we can well afford to feed
them from the proceeds of their own produce. Four pounds of
Sugar costing 1s. made into syrup enables a swarm to make a
great deal of comb, and thus make a good beginning in house-
furnishing. If the weather be unfavourable for honey-gather-
ing before swarming, the parent hives are too light to yield
much honey. In such cases we do not turn their bees out,
generally speaking, but occasionally take second swarms from
them, for in good seasons they, like first swarms, become too
heavy for stocks. Hives well filled with honey in July and
August are not very eligible for keeping. ~

In honey seasons almost all the first swarms require more
room about a month after they have been hived. If honey-
comb be our aim we super; if we merely want a great quantity
of run honey we enlarge the hives by ekes; if we wish to obtain
both honey and an increase of stocks we use nadirs—the nadirs
or bottom hives become stocks, and the top ones yield honey.

If all our hives become too heavy for keeping we take the honey Tank £0

’

rom them all, putting two of the swarms into an empty hive
and feeding them with syrup into a stock. In such seasons the
profits of bee-keeping are great. Sometimes we cut large portions
of honeycomb from a hive in July, and let the bees fill-up the
spaces. We have no hard-and-fast line, often dodge or start
aside to modify our practice. We frequently turn our hives up
to see what the bees are doing inside and what is wanted. In
bee-keeping the secret of success is to have good hives. They
need little attention and command the interest and attention
of their owners. Success produces pleasure, creutes enthusiasm,
and guides bee-keepers in the right direction.—A. PETTIGREW.

OUR LETTER BOX.

SHowine Brack Bantams (D. D,).—The bird has no chance of success if
the white is visible.

PouLTRY-FEEDING (J. W.).—Discontinue the potatoes, and feed the birds
as long as they will run after their food; mix but a Jittle at a time, and by
observing the consumption closely, you will answer the question better than

we can, You should keep them at 24d. per head per week if they haye a grass
run,

Macpir PicEon (Young Fancier).—The head, neck, crop, the scapular
feathers, and the tail are coloured—as black, blue, red, yellow, &c.; the rest—
as the wings, the lower part of the breast and thighs—are white, and in the
accuracy of their marking their value consists. The scapular feathers being
dark overlay the upper part of the wings, which cause them to appear some-
waat narrow. They are called, according to colour, Black Magpies or Red

agpies.

SrnEworms (B., Sussew.)—We are not aware that silkworms have anywhere
in England been rearei and managed so as t9 be of commercial importance.
It is not usual to raise the Mulberry from seed. If you do so, the seed should
be washed ont of the ripe berries, preserved in dry sand, and sown in the
following February.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SQuaRE, LONDON.
Lat.51° 32’40" N.; Long. 0°8’ 0" W.; Altitads, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. IN THE Day.
Pr aay |
one .| Hygrome- EI °4,;|Shade Tem-|}_ Radiation Gel
1877. g an 3 ter. 25 ao 8 perature. |Temperature. S
Nov. |3533 ge Ban| In | On
Aes | Dry.| Wet.| Qo |B Max.| Min.| sun. |grass+|
Inches,| deg. | deg. | deg. | deg. | deg, deg.-| deg.| In.
We. 14 | 30087 | 862 | 86.2 |W.N.W| 45.1 | 49.0 | 34.7 68:2 | 30.5 | 0.050
Th. 15 | 30,296 | 51.0 | 50.1 | S.W. | 45.2 | 544] 861 | 683 | 859 | 0.084
Fri. 16 | 30.250 | 56.1 | 55.2 | S.W. | 48.1 | 591 | 50.8 86.6 | 493 =
Sat, 17 | 30.424 | 39.3 | 39.2 | N.W. | 46.3 | 48.0 | 32.9 614 | 29.3 =
Sun.18 | 30.134 | 43.2 | 42.2 S.W. | 44.5 | 611 | 85.8 67.0 | 30.2 =
Mo. 19 | 29928 | 41.8 | 41.0 | S.W. | 43.9 | 486 | $2.8 53.2 | 27.3 | 0.200
Tu. 20 | 29556 | 38,2 | 87.0 S.W. | 43.4 | 48.4 | 34.9 76.8 | 80.6 =
Means} 30.095 | 43.7 | 43.0 45.2 | 61.2 | 36.8 67.3 33.3 | 0.284
|
REMARKS.

14th.—Very foggy early, fine afterwards, and bright evening.

15th—Much warmer; wet and dulJ all day.

16th.—Overcast in morning, very hot sun a! midday; fine night.

17th.—White frost in morning, fine day; very foggy evening.

18th.—Fine all day, but not very sunny.

19th.—Early morning fine, then dull with steady rain after 10 A.u.

20th.—White frost, fine, cold, bright day ; brilliant evening.
Rather cooler, with frequent ground frosts.—G. J.“Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—Novemser 21.

WE have nothing of note to report since last week, trade being very quiet ;
and though the supply of outdoor goods is shorter, prices remain the same,

FRUIT.
. 8. d. s.d. s.d. s. a
Apples.... «. sieve 2 6to5 0} Melons.......... each 1 6to4 0
Apricots. dozen 0 0 0O 0|Nectarines .... dozen 00 00
Chestnuts bushel 10 0 20 0/| Oranges..... #10010 0 16 0
Currants. } sieve 0 0 0} Peaches ........ dozen 0 0 0 0
Black . $sieve 0 0 O 0} Pears,kitchen.. dozen 10 8 0
Iga seeecee dozen 00 00 dessert ...... dozen 2 0 6 0
Filberts CO lb. 0 6 O 8/| Pine Apples . Ib. 8 0 6 O
GCobs... Ib. 0 6 O 8| PI els 00 00
Gooseberr -- bushel 0 0 00 0000
Grapes, hothouse lb. 1 6 6 0 560 80
Lemons wseveore 100 6 0 10 0 00 00

VEGE

8. d. gs. d. 8d. sid
Artichokes...... dozen 2 0to4 0/Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6to2 0
Beans, Kidney.. 0 0 O O/} Mustard &Cress punnet 0 2 O 4
Beet, Red 1 6 8 0|} Onions ........ bushel 0.0 0 0
Broccoli........ bundle 0 9 1 6 pickling ...... quart 0 4 00
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 2 6 0 0/| Parsley.... doz.bunches 2 0 0 0
Cabbage........ dozen 1 0 2 0O/| Parsnips ... dozen 00 00
Carrots bunch 0 4 O 8] Peas... quart 0 6 10
Capsicums. 4100 1 6 2 0} Potatoes. bushel 8 6 6 0
Cauliflowers.. dozen 2 0 4 0 Kidney ....... bushel 5 0 7 0
Celery ........... bundle 1 6 2 0} Radishes.. doz.bunches 1 0 1 6
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0} Rhubarb. -. bundle 0 6 10
Cucumbers .... each 0 9 1 8} Salsafy . bundle 09 10
Endive .. dozen 1 0 2 0| Scorzonera bundle 1 0 0 6
Fennel. bunch 0 8 O 0} Seakale ...... basket 20 2 6
Garlic... Ib. 0 6 O 0} Shallots. Ib. 08 08
Herbs .. bunch 0 2 O 0} Spinach. bushel 2 6 4 0
ettuce dozen 1 0 2 0} Turnips........ bunch 0 8 0 6
bunch 0 4 O 0| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 2 0 4

November 29, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 413

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day = Gi Average Sun Sun Moon Moon | Moon’s | Clock | Day
RP yak NOV. 29—DEO. 5, 1877. pom peat ira aoa Rises. | Sets. | Rives. | Sets. | Age. petore yon.
| Day. |Night.{Mean-| h. m.} h. m.} bh. m!/ kh. m. | Days. | m. 2 |

99 TH John Ray born, 1628. 61.8 | 33.8 | 42.5 7 48) 8 54 0 49 LRA 24 11 26 | 888

80 | F St. ANDREW, APOSTLE AND MARTYR. 48.0 | 84.5 | 41.3 7 45 3 53 2 2 1 18 25 11 4 | 834

1/8 PRINCESS OF WALES BORN, 1844, 48.5 | 349 | 41.7 | 7 46] 3 53] 3 87] 1 33 26 10 41 | 835

2 | Sun} 1 Sunpay IN ADYENT. 47.4 | 83.7 | 405 Te 48) 8S 61e| Sie Silt pl 752 27 10 18 | 836

8 M 47.0 | 35.8 | 41.4 7 49 8 51 6 29 2 17 28 9 54 | 337

4 Tu 48.1 | 86.4 | 42.2 7 50 8 51 7 50 2 52 (e) 9 380 | 888

5 | W Sale of Bulbs at Stevens’s Rooms, 49.0 | 85.2 | 42.1 Fe 15208050) 9. pS 489 1 9 5 | 339

|

30.6

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 48.6°; and its night temperature

SEASONABLE NOTES ON VINES.
DID

INES when properly cared for require just |
about as much attention when they are at |
rest as they do in the growing season. Of |
course their requirements when leafless are |
very different to what they are during growth; |
but pruning, cleaning, and surfacing the
borders, are of as great importance as any
summer necessity.

Excepting in late vineries, all Vines will
have ripened their wood and cast their leaves
by this time. After this the Vines may be pruned at any
time. Cut the side shoots in to the second bud from the
old wood. Young leading shoots should be cut from

2 to 4 feet from where they started this season. It is not

the best plan to hurry them up rapidly, as this leaves the

rods smaller than desirable. We never use styptic or
any other dressing to stop the Vines from bleeding. This

I believe is unnecessary, at least I have never noticed

any harm follow the little sap which may be lost at

pruning time. Wash the canes thoroughly with soft
soap and water; but unless they are overrun with in-
sects they need not be painted with any mixture. We

did not paint one of our Vines last year, and we never

had fewer insects on the Vines than during the past

summer. Wash the woodwork at the same time, and
when all has been cleaned thoroughly down to the border
remove all the surface soil from this, and in doing so do
not think that by removing the loose soil alone and re-
placing it with fresh will materially benefit the Vines.

In many instances the Vine roots are 3 to 6 inches from

the surface. If top-dressing is to benefit them it must

be placed in contact with the roots, therefore it is neces-
sary to remove the surface soil down to them, no matter
how far down they may be, and then add the new compost.

Top-dressings that are only to last for one year may
consist of about three-quarters of good decayed manure
and one-quarter of loam; but when the top-dressing has
to last for several years this compost should just be
reversed, and if a bushel of ground bones can be added
to every ten barrowloads of soil so much the better.
When we have had no boues we have used the same
quantity, or a little more, of wood ashes, which we prefer
to most other ingredients. After top-dressing, if liquid
manure can be had, give the border a thorough watering
with it. Itis a capital plan to feed Vine roots during the
winter.

We stated a few weeks ago that Vine-border making
was included amongst our work for this winter. We
are going on with this now, as November is a good time
to do such work. The way we are doing one vinery is
this: The Vines are planted inside, but they have arches
to come through outside. Last winter and ever since
we have been encouraging them to root inside, and this
they have done very fairly, so well indeed that they are
independent of any outside roots. This is just what was

inside will support the old Vines for two years; young
Vines will be planted outside in the new border in the
spring. The canes will be taken through and trained up
amongst the old Vines for two seasons, by that time they
will be in good bearing condition. Then the old Vines
will be removed to give place to the young rods without
having the house a season without a crop.

The outside border is taken out 3 feet deep and 7 feet
wide; 1 foot of rough stones is placed at the bottom ;
above this is spread all over a layer of turves about
3 inches thick, then the principal compost is put in.
This consists of moderately heavy loam, with one-third of
decayed cow dung added, the same of wood ashes, and
about one bushel of smashed bones to every cartload of
the whole. This is not trampled in, but placed about
4 inches above the right level, and it will settle down
by the ‘time the Vines are planted in spring. J said the
Vine border was taken out 7 feet wide, but I must not
omit saying taat it is not filled up this width. Ina line
5 feet from the vinery a wall of fibrous turves is built
perpendicularly and firmly to the height of the border,
and the chopped mixture is filled-in between this and the
vinery. There will be sufficient soil here for the Vines
to grow in for avout three years, and then another strip
of soil will be taken out along the front of this turved
wall, and a fresh addition added in the same way as the
first one was made.

In autumn notes on Vines there must be something
said on covering outside Vine borders in winter. My
remarks on this subject must necessarily be brief, for,
right or wrong, I never cover a Vine border in winter.
I have seen far more of inferior Grapes grown when the
roows were coddled-up during the winter with dry straw
and wood shutters than where they were left exposed to
the weather. We have top-dressed our Vine borders as
directed above, and nothing more will be done to them.

With regard to starting early Vines I neod say little,
as with Mr. Douglas’s valuable notes constantly appear-
ing, no one need ever go wrong. Early Vines succeed
best wien not forced hard in bad weather, but pushed
sharply on during favourable occasions. —A KitcHEeN

GARDENER.

CAMELLIA CULTURE.

“R. M. A.” has written ably on this subject on page
386, and his remarks contain evidence of having been
dictated by experience. If the practice there detailed ig
carried out unhealthy examples of this handsome green-
house shrub will be less prevalent. To adopt a familiar
phrase, ‘I go about a good deal:” my wanderings have
extended over many counties, and more than once have
reached ‘‘ over the water”—namely, to Belgium, where
they grow Camellias as freely and nearly as quickly as
we in Hagland grow Laurels. It was by noting the
practice adopted in the Belgian nurseries that I was able
to grow Camellias at home better than before; and yet
the lesson I learned was and is extremely simple. It is

wanted, because the outside border is cut away straight | a lesson that applies to all plants, and may be expressed

with the front upright sashes of the house.
No. 870.—Vou. XXXIII., New Series.

The roots | in a few words—Feed them well and keep them clean.

No. 1522.—Vou. LVIII., OLD SERIES,

414 JOURNAL OF HCRTIOULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

™ All who have Camellias under their charge not only should
but2must recognise the principle there laid down, or they can-
not-excel; and they must not only admit the importance of
it, but must act on it. It is not the mere acquisition of know-
ledge, but the application of it that makes a man famous in
his calling.

In travelling and coming in contact with various minds it
is surprising to find how much latent knowledge there is in the
gardening world. The unused skill—or perhaps “ wisdom”’
would be the better word, for I imagine there cannot be skill
without action, but there may be quiescent knowledge—is
enormous. It is not so much a deficiency of technical know-
ledge as a disposition to procrastination—a hesitancy to prompt
actual work, that is the chief cause of shortcomings in gar-
dening practice. Sound knowledge and clear thought are
indispensable as the stock-in-trade of every gardener, but they
are not sufficient; a man must have an aptitude for work—
prompt thorough work, or his attainments are rendered inert.
What is the use of knowing a ‘“‘ bookful’’ if the knowledge is
fruitless? A man may have a headful of technicalities, but
if his hands are empty he will be left behind in this matter-
of-fact world. ‘But what has all this to do with Camellia
culture?’? some may ask. My reply is that it has a very
direct and important bearing on the subject, and I will state
the reason why.

Noi long ago I visited two gardens in which were some large
Camellias. They were both in the same district, so that the
fundamental nature of the soil and water is the same. In
one garden the plants were in excellent health—green, clean,
glossy, and the- flower buds numerous and firm; in the
other they were unhealthy, the foliage dingy in colour and
dirty, with some scale on the shoots and the buds soft and
spongy to the touch. Yet the man in charge of these unsgatis-
factory plants was well versed in Camellia lore. He could tell
me the genus was named after Camellus, that C. japonica was
introduced from China nearly 150 years ago, that the variety
Saccoiana had nearly twenty synonymes, and that the plants

liked plenty of shade and syringing; yet what availed all this |

knowledge since it was not applied to a practical end? The
plants were shaded no doubt, ad were syringed regularly ;

but the syringing as conducted did more harm than good, |

because it was made to compensate for a thorough sponging
of the plants, and ié disguised the real state of the border,
which was moist on the surface but dry beneath. In a word,
the plants were not clean and they were not well fed. In the
case of the healthy collection of plants the man possessed
little, or at any rate expressed little, historical knowledge of
the Camellia, but he possessed common sense and applied it.
He treated his plants, he remarked, ‘‘in the same way that
the coachman did the horses’’—he ‘‘ groomed them well and
fed them well, and had no difficulty in keeping them in good
health.” The system of management adopted in the case of
these excellent plants appears to be identical with that de-
scribed by “ R. M. A.”

It is not enough to know what must be done, but the neces-
sary work must be accomplished promptly and thoroughly.
Camellias reqnire more water and support than many growers
of the plants appear to be aware of. Hundreds of plants in
the country are in asemi-starved state. Provided the drainage
of the pots and borders is efficient it is not an easy matter to
give Camellias too much water during their season of growth,
and something more than pure water is very frequently
necessary. On the Continent weak and clear liquid manure
made from cow dung is occasionally given to the plants,
and their glossy foliage tells how greatly they enjoy it.
“R. M. A.” has recommended, and I doubt not with good
reason, Standen’s manure as an excellent application for
Camellias. This fertiliser is not alweys at hand, and I will
recommend another about which there can be little difficulty
in obtaining at any time—namely scoot. I have found soot
particularly valuable in inyigorating Camellias, and imparting
to the foliage that rich dark hue which so greatly enhances
the beauty of the plants. Spread on the surface of pots and
borders, and watered-in thoroughly, soot can be employed not
only with safety but with great benefit when the plants—as
so many of them do—need a stimulant. When the collection
of plants in pots is limited it is advisable to mix tho soot in
water and to use the liquid in a clear state as being less objec-
tionable in its application; but-when the plants are in large
tubs or planted in borders top-dressings of soot and copious
waterings will be found an effectual mode of preserving Ca-
mzellias in health, especially if accompanied by the all-import-

[ November 29, 1877.

ant condition of perfect cleanliness of the foliage; for if the
leaves are encrusted with dirt, or the stems infested by insects,
no applications at the roots can act beneficially.—Nomap.

ROMAN HYACINTHS.

As early winter-flowering bulbous plants there are none
more useful than these; they are such a pure white, so sweet-
scentad, lasting also fairly well, and they can be had in suc-
cession from the end of October till the other Hyacinths and
Tulips can be obtained. But much depends upon how the
Roman Hyacinths are grown to give them their fair share of
favour. For example, when planted too thinly in pots they
do uot give satisfaction at their flowering season. One way
that they certainly show well is by having about two dozen
bulbs in a pan, so that when in flower the whole is just a masa
of white. That mode of growing them is not applicable to
every place, but it undoubtedly shows these “‘ lovely miniatures”’
to great advantage. When grown in pans they can be staked
so that the whole is in good form, the spikes rising from the
edge to the centre of the pan. For cutting late in the year
Romen Hyacinths are very good, as at that time flowers are
not numerous. Thess Hyacinths have doubtless lost favour
by not having been grown in the way that shows them to
advantage. By having only two or three bulbs in small pots,
and theses when in flower set round a conservatory stage, though
they be fairly flowered per bulb they make little show, and eniti-
vators from such experience may be impressed to give up their
cultivation ; but when planted thicker or massed together the
effect is very different, and equalto that produced by any other
decorative plant of the season. When they come in flower in
such a dull time they last long in beauty. They require little
of either ekill or care for their cultivation.

If a few handreds of bulbs are procured late in summer one-
fourth of the number might then be safely placed in pans.
Ordinary soil, such as is used for bedding stuff, will answer
well. A succession of bulbs may be put in at the interval of a
fortnight or three weeks from the time the first batch was put
in, and so on till the whole importation is potted. When
potted they will do well under a covering of 6 inches of sand
till they have grown a couple of inches, then they may be
placed in a frame or light pit. If they are wanted early they
will, if put on a shelf in a stove near the glass, very soon
come on and do well. Each succession can be grown in this
way till all are over. Provided good bulbs are obtained there
can scareely be any failure in growing Roman Hyacinths.
Ordinary soil and a fairly good supply of water, other points
being attended to, will bring about success. For conservatory
decoration no flowers of their kind can be produced on shorter
notice.—R. M. A.

JOTTINGS ABOUT ROSES.

In scribbling about Roses itis not the easiest task imaginable
to avoid the track that has already been a hundred times
traversed, and yet a pile of repetitions is what all scribblers
ought to avoid.

It may reasonably be considered that we have had Rose
selections and elections sufficient, yet I think there is just an
opening for a few lines more, and I shall endeavour to supply
them. Besides growing for exhibition there are thousands
who grow Roses both in large and small quantities, and per-
heps there are a3 many more who would like to grow them,
and who, to commences with, would like to have a dozen that
would supply to them the greatest possible amount of pleasure,
and in, perhaps, their very contracted space. Forsuch a pur-
pose elections for exhibition are misleading. We may have
sensational blooms, but, like angels’ visits, few and far between.
Marie Baumann does supply us with blooms superbly charm-
ing, but then, provokingly, here in the north, without occupy-
ing some highly favoured position, she stubbornly refuses to
grow. Alfred Colomb, a real king where his realm is to his
liking, but in cold smoky districts his smiles are obscured ;
you have him careworn-like, stunted. Amongst a dozen these
are not of the Roses that give most pleasure.

Some years ago, when much more enthusiastic about Roses
than I am at present, I took a seventy-miles trip to Leeds
exhibition to see the blooms of some new varieties, and there
for the first time I saw Baronne de Rothschild, and which,
adopting the alphabetical order, I shall place firstin my dozen.
Charles Lefebvre is aleo a good hardy Rose, and either of these
two, if in a thriving cordition, will supply blooms calculated

a“. See ee

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

415

considerably to add to our floral queen’s admirers. The Duke
of Edinburgh is a most pleasing brilliant flower, and (an ad-
ditional quality) is admirable for a button-hole. Général Jac-
queminot, if not so full in early summer as is desirable, he
will make ample amends in autumn; then he sports his real
fox-hunting cloth and in more plenteous folds. Regarding
Gloire de Dijon, whose name accompanies all orders, or at
least all orders for the first dozen, perhaps this very popular
Rose has made more Rose converts than any other Rose, and
I do think that there is nothing substantial to fall back upon
save downright prejudice when we see cur old almost evergreen
friend’s name excluded from the ‘‘ best’’ forty-eight; in bud
it is unsurpassed. John Hopper you must be sure to have,
He is a good-natured accommodating old boy; he comes up
again and again as blithe as a bee, and year after year. Louis
Van Houtte is a very fine dark Rose. For Malle. Hugénie
Verdier I have a great liking. She is robust and keeps her
box of points very much to herzelf. Her colour was, I think,
quite new when she first made her appearance. Marqnise de
Castellane is a noble Rose—a real gem. Prince Camille de
Rohan must be had if only for a button-hole; I vote it the
most satisfactory dark Rose we have. Hither Princess Beatrice
or Princess Louise will please, but perhaps the former is the
more robust. Next comes Senateur Vaisse. This has been
the best Rose I have had this season. I believe this ends my
dozen, but I find that I have not named a white; well, I like
Baronne de Maynard best of all the whites, a free and charm-
ing Rose. Then we must add two Moss Roses, they are very
old favourites. Procure if possible the old common Moss for
one, and the white Bath Moss grows very well. I have finished
my lot save one, and with reasonable fair play I believe they
will supply as much delight.and as few disappointments as
any other dozen that can be selected, and from either the
newest or thelengthiest of catalogues. Of the one alluded to,
this last summer its fine blooms supplied me with much
pleasure; they were the renewed pleasures of old. I tended
to and nursed the old York-and-Lancaster wheu a child forty
years ago. How distinct its stripes are still! How strange
that with such a foundation we have sent our old friend into
obscurity, and to this day we have not been supplied with one
distinct striped Rose as a substitute-—JosrpH WITHERSPOON,
Red Rose Vineries, Chester-le-Strect.

SPECULATIONS AS TO THE NATURE AND
ORIGIN OF THE POTATO DISEASE.—No. 3.

As bearing on the subject of the Potato murrain the next
disease to be referred to is the Phylloxera which attacked
the Vine, and I cannot do better than refer to the Report
of the French Commissioners appointed to inquire into
this subject, and make an extract from it. ‘‘ For some time
several large vineyards in the south of France have been
visited by a formidable and entirely new disease, and to which
the Vines on which it has seized succumb as a rule at the
end of the second year. This disease, the origin of which
is unknown, appeared for the first time in the valley of the
Rhone during 1864 or 1865, but it was not until 1867 that
it had attained such a prevatence as to excite alarm. in 1868
and 1869, however, it had become a regular scourge. Then it
was that those wholesale desolations of wide tracts of country
were seen, and which appeared to be so much the more de-
structive because the first appearance of the evil had perhaps
been overlooked. From this time the disease did not cease to
spread, and it now rages from the department of La Drome to
the confines of La Cran, more particularly on poor, dry, stony,
and damp soils. The visible feature most characteristic of the
new disease is the existence of a centre of attack in those parts
which have been but a short time affected and which extenda
itself without intermission. The portions of the Vine which
are contiguous to the tainted part let their leaves fall and grow
yellower and yellower until they are quite dried up. When
the seat of contagion has grown to a suflicient extent and when
the disease is severe enough, instead of one there spring up
several centres of attack. From the facts it has been generally
remarked that the disease is propagated in two ways, pro-
gressively and intermittently. The gradual extension of various
centres of attack of which we have just spoken shows us the
first; their existence simultaneously at several far isolated
points is proof of the second. The concurrence of many in-
stances has taught us that the new disease of the Vine makes
its way by irregular bounds, often abruptly appearing at great
distances from the already ascertained centres of contagion.

When-the roots of the afflicted Vines are examined it is easy
to see that they have considerably altered in their nature, for
they are always soft and rotten, and the tissues surcharged and
without any firmness, yielding to the pressure of the fingers.
These severe affections are due to a kind of insect which has
been named the Phylloxera vastatrix. This insect, which is
almost invisible to the naked eye, takes up its abode in the
roots of the Vine aud pricks them with its proboscis in order
to extract the juices they contain. These repeated perform-
ances most likely irritate the tissues and produce hypertrophy.
Until now there is not a single kind of French Vine which has
not been attacked by this disease, but it is reported that there
are some American varieties in the outskirts of Bordeaux
which, although they have been surrounded by infected plants
for three years, show no signs of suffering from the new com-
plaint. According to the recently-made investigations the
Phylloxera exists under two different forms—wingless and
Winged; it is not viviparous, but during the whole season and
under both forms it only deposits eggs. They hybernate on
the root of the Vine as wingless insects, and never in the egg
condition. So long as the weather is severe they remain in a
state of perfect torpor, but as soon as tho warmth begins to
make itself felt all those individuals which the cold and damp
of the winter has spared begin to wake to renewed life. They
feed with great avidity, and begin to lay eggs. The increase
of them soon becomes terrific and never stops till October, and
it is during this time that the Phylloxera works terrible
havoc.”

It will be observed that here is the introduction of a new
disease not observed before 1864, and that the American Vines
escape the attack, and that the insect appears to exist in two
forms on the leavesand underground. The disease is supposed
to have been of American origin; and if it only attacked the
American Vines on the leaves and for some reason or other
did not attack their roots, which appears to be the case, the
insect might have existed there ever since the world began
without doing any serious injury to the plants, but directly the
insect came into contact with European Vines and attacked
their roots the Phylioxera became a new disease.

Before we have been able to find a remedy for the old Potato
disease we are threatened with another—the Colorado beetle,
or American Potato bug as they call it. They call everything
a bug: the woolly aphis, another American production which
we could have very well dispensed with, they call the mealy
bug. This insect is called the Doryphora decemlineata. The
meaning of the first word is Sword-bearer, and of the last Ten-
lined, from the number of stripes on the body; but I believe
these stripes have to be carefully examined to be able to count
the number. The eggs are deposited by the female to the
number of about seyen to twelve hundred at intervals during
forty days on the leaves of the Potato in somewhat irregularly
arranged clusters. In about six days they hatch into larvae
or grubs, and feed upon the foliage of the plants from seven-
teen to twenty days; then they descend into the ground, and
after remaining in the pupa or mummy-like state to which the
larve change for ten or twelve days, they again make their
appearance as perfect beetles. In about a week the sexes pair,
and in another week the females begin to lay their eggs; hence
ii is calculated that they can produce three broods per annum.
Mr. Townsend Glover, the United States entomologist, says
that if the progeny of a single pair were to be allowed to
increase without molestation for one season the result would
amount to over sixty millions. There are many other inter-
esting facts known about this beetle which have appeared in
various publications, but they need not be mentioned here.

The Doryphora decemlineata does not owe its origin to
spontaneous generation, neither did it suddenly arise in con-
sequence of any peculiar electrical state of the atmosphere.
It has fortunately long been known to naturalists, and was
discovered more than fifty years ago feeding on a plant called
Solanum rostratum, a poor relation of the edible Potato, grow-
ing on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, and there
it would have rested until this day but for the gradual spread
of the emigrant and the cultivation of the Potato, which
afforded it the means to transfer itself from the uncultivated
to the cultivated flower, and from the wilds of the Rocky
Mountains to the cultivated plains, and from theeastern States
of America to the western Stxrtes, and from the western States
to Canada, and from thence to Europe.

We have now seen how a plant and various insects have
lately appeared in this country and on the Continent, and how
rapidly they have spread over it and the injury they have

416 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 29, 1877.

done; and if we can only conclude that the Potato disease is
caused by the fungus, and that the condition of the Potato has
little or nothing to do with the origin of it, we have only to
transplant ourselves in imagination to the backwoods of
America, not far from the Rocky Mountains, and believe in

the existence of the fungus on several allied plants of the |

Solanum family, and see the emigrant for the first time plant
the ground with Potatoes and watch the spread of the fungus
from the uncultivated plants to the cultivated, and we should
then have a way of accounting for the origin of the Potato
disease which is more in accordance with known facts than
several of the other theories which have been advanced.—
AMATEUR, Cirencester.

P.S.—Since writing the above I have been able to procure a
copy of ‘* The Colorado Beetle,” by Dr. C. C. Riley, State En-
tomologist of Missouri. He refers to the Canadian Boatweed
as having extended to this country, and acknowledges the
American origin of the Phylloxera vastatrix, and to my very
great astonishment also admits the American origin of the
Oidium Tuckeri. His book is about the Colorado beetle, and he
does not refer to the Potato disease, but incidentally mentions
the existence of about a dozen members of the Solanum family.
The only missing links in the chain now are to prove the
existence of the Potato fungus on the wild plants, and show
that the disease existed not far from the Rocky Mountains at
an earlier period than it existed elsewhere, and the case would
be complete. This I hope to be able to do on a future occasion.

STOVE versus FLUE.

Ix answer to Mr. L. Hakeman I must remark, it seems at
least retrogressive to advocate the merits of heating by fiue.
However, let us compare notes, and we may then probably
arrive at facts. In the first place I doubt the equality of our
eonditions. For instance, what is the position of Mr. Hake-
man’s greenhouse? what does he grow (a most important
question), and when do his plants bloom? My conditions
are—greenhouse in the centre of a paddock exposed to the full
blast of north and easterly winds. Plants grown—Gardenia,
flowering in December; Stephanotis, early spring; Roses in
March; Azaleas in January; Gloxinias according to time
started (I am starting some now); Clerodendron Balfourii;
Oranges in full bloom in early spring. The foregoing I have
grown with the greatest success both as regards size of flowers
and health of plants, also Allamanda, Panicum variegatum,
&e. Now, unless Mr. Hakeman cultivates the same varieties
or others requiring similar treatment with respect to heat, I
do not see how his argument in favour of a flue (especially
as it is only carried once through the house) can hold good;
though I do not doubt the efficacy of his method if simply
the preservation of Geraniums and ordinary bedding plants
is desired.

My idea in giving my Three Years’ Experience was to
advocate the culture of a class of plants seldom seen or even
Known by the majority of those who possess a greenhouse.
My thought was to open up a new field of pleasure and in-
terest, as it has been to me.

As to economy, of course the most economical mode is
that which arrives at the same end with the least expen-
diture of time, labour, and money. Now, the time occupied
in attending my stove is about fifteen minutes in twenty-four
hours; the labour is very little, fuel being close at hand;
expense £2 15s. for nearly a constant fire eight months in the
year. As to temperature, I must confess I do not understand
the meaning of 50° average; it might mean 20° at one time
and 80° at another. The only way to arrive at conclusions is
to state the minimum allowed. I seldom register below 53°.
One more remark and I have done. I cannot help seeing that
my advocacy of this stove seems like an indirect advertise-
ment, which practice seems to me both mean and contempt-
ible; I will therefore add that I have since had a stove con-
structed on my own plan, costing less, and with twice the
heating power.—Rerspice FINem.

KEEPING GRAPES.

I HAVE sent you a pair of zinc tubes such as I have in use
for preserving Grapes in water. A hundred of them were em-
ployed last winter and proved satisfactory ; double that number
will be used here this season. As the plan adopted here differs
considerably in detail from that described and figured at p. 336
I will endeavour to tell your readers something about it.

A shed facing north with a fiue running through it, and
| with ventilators at both ends, co that a draught can be had
right through if necessary, is the place we have for keeping
| them in; and I can scarcely imagine a better place for the
| purpose, unless it were a dry cellar where the outer atmosphere
could not much affect the temperature.
We aim to have a steady fixed temperature as near as
possible with constant ventilation ; indeed just what suits
ripe Grapes in a vinery suits
the Grape room—an even
temperature and buoyant at-
mosphere. But the Grape
room has advantages over
the vinery, for in the latter
the temperature rises rapidly
with the least sunshine even
when the air is frosty; but
the Grape room is not affected
by a little sun, and its tem-
perature only rises a little
when the general temperature
of the outside air becomes
warmer. The safety valve is
a little heat and a little air
constantly ; for if the place
is allowed to get cold and
then to rise rapidly either by
sun or fire heat condensation
is sure to take place on the
fruit, even if the air is as dry
as it is possible to make it,
and decay will speedily follow.
On the other hand the place
may be quite damp—it may,
in fact, have almost a satu-
rated atmosphere, yet if the
temperature is kept even and
the air buoyant the fruit will
take no harm. It is not the
amount of moisture in the atmosphere which causes damping
off with fruit, flowers, and tender plants: it is the sudden ries
of temperature while the fruit, flower, tender plant, or soil
around it is sufficiently cold to condense the vapour which
comes in contact with it. By-the-by, plants in bottom heat
do not damp off at the collar.

The tubes when filled are hung up near the roof on nails
driven into suspended strips of wood. They are merely filled
with clear water, just so full that they will not overflow when
the stems are inserted. We do not cork the neck, as we find
it unnecessary to do so, neither do we place charcoal in the
water, as the water will keep perfectly sweet so long as the
stem of the bunch is init; but it gets bad very quickly if the
stem does not reach the water, and we find it necessary to
fill up the tubes every week, for the berries absorb a good deal
of the water. I have not tested with the scales the difference
in weight, but I have observed that berries often become con-
siderably plumper after bottling.

I have had Grapes bottled and hung in a vinery—i.e., I have
cleared one division and hung the cut fruit in another division

| containing ripe uncut fruit, and it did not keep so well as if
does in a shed: the stems shrivelled asif shanked. I imagine
that the light caused too much evaporation. They will keep
perfectly well in the dark provided all else is right; the direct
rays of the sun are decidedly objectionable.

The stems must not be allowed to shrivel; they should be
placed in water immediately after cutting.—Wu. Tayior.

(The twin tube referred to is very similar to one (fig. 80)
which was exhibited before the Fruit Committee of the Royal
Horticultural Society in 1872. Mr. Taylor’s tube differs in
tapering from the orifice (where it is a little more than an
inch in diameter and slightly flanged outwards) to the base,
where it is more than 2 inches, thus increasing its water-
holding capacity. It is 6 inches in length inside the fork, and
is a simple and effectual appliance for suspending Grapes
in water.—EDs. ]

JOHN ROSE.

You inserted an article on John Rose in the Journal for
August 5th, 1875, No. 749, which contains nearly all we can
ascertain about him, except that Switzer says also Lord Essex
sent him to Versailles to study the gardens there, and on his

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

417

‘return he was appointed Royal gardener. Yesterday (Novem-
ber 19th) we observed the bi-centenary of the establishment of
his school on November 19th, 1677.

Iam anxious to erect a brass to his memory in the parish
chureh where he first established his school, and there may be
some of your readers who would like to help in a memorial to
-one ‘“‘of the best of gardeners’”’ and ‘‘a religious kindly man.”
—AnrrHur W. Puetps, Vicar of Amesbury, Wilts.

{If any of our readers would like to contribute a trifle to a
brass in the church to Rose’s memory they may send to the
Rey. Arthur W. Phelps, Vicarage, Amesbury, Wilts. ]

MR. RICHARD SMITH’S NURSERY AT

ST. JOHN’S, WORCESTER.
Part III. AND LAST.

Ristne from luncheon I said, ‘‘ And now what more have
you to show me?” ‘Show you!” replied my host, ‘‘ you
Jhave only seen one-sixteenth yet.’ I thought and said in-
wardly, ‘‘ I can only take a very general view of those remain-
ing fifteen parts, then.’’ Turning to the left from the oflice I
proceeded along that broad, straight, central path to the trees
-of ornamental growth and foliage. My attention was specially
attracted to certain trees, the habit of which or colour is un-
~usual. Thus there is the Crested Laburnum, very peculiar—
like Broom grafted on Laburnum. A tree resembles the head
of an Australian savege, but when in bloom a golden ball, on
which the eye rests permanently with pleasure. Then there is
the Weeping Purple-leaved Beech, very noteworthy. T. A.
Kuight saw in a bed of seedling Beech the original weeping
Beech found, I believe, in this nursery, and hence this variety
—a case of a man having eyes and using them. A word to
young men readers—first inform your minds by reading up a
‘subject, and then with knowledge gained by book in your heads
keep your eyes open and learn more. An ignorant man’s eye
learns little. Read and know, look and examine, and know
more. For instance, Andrew Kuight knew the general habit
of the Beech, and so his eye noticed a peculiar growth of that
tree. The next tree I noticed was the Silver-leaved Poplar,
the under part of the leaf a direct contrast to its upper side.
This is a most elegant and perfectly hardy variety. Looking
upwards when under such a tree one seems to be looking up
into a canopy of glittering silver. The Scarlet American Oaks
also struck me much. I measured a leaf, it was a foot long,
and the colour of Virginian Creeper. Icame next upon an
acre of ornamental-flowering Thorns, destined to make gay
many a garden ground and light up many a shrubbery with
warmth and beauty. I passed by Limes ready for avenue
planting, each to be in future years ‘‘ a murmurous haunt of
summer bees.’ I marked, too, the Fern-leaved Weeping
Birch with deeply incised leaf. This a very graceful and orna-
mental tree, a beautiful variety of ‘‘ The Ludy of the Woods.”
The Fcrn-leaved Lime followed, and the Aucuba-foliaged Ash,
all variegated, but their colours a little rusty from the late-
ness of the seasor. Not so the Ulmus elegantissima with its
foliage, and fine in colour—a tree thoroughly worthy of its
name, with its large silver-edged leaves. I passed variegated
wtrees of every kind. There was the Ulmus Kaki from Japan,
Aingularly graceful in habit, also the Ulmus plumosa, plume-
like, with shoots resembling a Prince’s Feather; this when
grown near a walk would be very telling, Among Willows
there was the Babylonian, ring leaved. Coming to the end of
the walk I was reminded that I was near the metropolis of
Hops, for there were 70 acres of them just beyond the nursery.
‘Having taken this view of the trees of variegated foliage and
ornamental growth, I can safely say that for number, variety,
and healthiness of growth I never saw their equal.

Next I am shown the houses, and in passing through them
{ noticed that method and cleanliness reigned supreme; all in
*‘apple-pie’”’ order; workmen quietly and diligently labouring
inside them. Concerning the houses Mr. Smith related this
anecdote :—He proposed to his father to build a propagating
house 20 feet long, and this proposal was thought extravagant.
‘Now among the many houses above 20 there is one 365 feet
long. What a difference, and what a proof of success! To
show which are the popular favourites of the four thousand
‘Vines, one-half of all here are Black Hamburghs. Of the
early cooking Apples one-half are Lord Suffields, and of the
Plums one-half are Victorias.

The pit ground is four acres in extent, and it has in it two
acres and a half of glass, and the pits are “cram full.” Ina
‘crn house I found twenty thousand plantsin pots. I noticed

in a span-roofed house, in which were fruit trees in pots,
there was a Vine 200 feet and more in length, carried round
just where the perpendicular sides meet the slope of the roof—
a hint for those who have a greenhouse but are afraid of the
flowers being injured by the Grapes. Some of the houses
contained Heaths in great numbers. Then there came the
Camellia houses, then those for Chrysanthemums. The
cleanliness of the houses was great. Three hundred thousand
grafts are put under glass during the year. In spite of this
great space yet the room has to be economised. Of course
the ornamental-foliaged plants in pots are very numerous in a
nursery famed for trees and shrubs of ornament. There were
Golden Arbor-Vitw, variegated Ivies, Aucubas. There were
seventy varieties of Ivy, some of the variegated plants singular-
looking, others pretty ; others, like theIvier, beautiful. There
were twenty-four varieties of Virginian Creeper; there were
many pots of that singular-looking, leafless, thorny thing, the
Australian Bramble. In the Rose houses all appeared healthy
and good-looking. Two hundred thousand Roses are sold
annually.

Among the Ferns I found a new and very unique variety of
Adiantum farleyense, having a deeply incised leaf. This is
a sport, and is not yet in trade, but will be out some three
years hence and cause a sensation. There were Japanese
Maples in pots, rich in colour, and suitable for dinner-table
decoration; and the new weeping Wellingtonia, very choice.
My attention was next directed to the herbaceous department,
which I am happy to say consists of as much as two acres. I
am happy to say this because at one time it appeared, in the
rage for rich bedding Geraniums, herbaceous plants would
cease to be cultivated. There I noticed the autumn Anemone,
a very good and yaluable plant, whose flowers would look
charming in ladies’ hair. There, too, was Ribbon Grass fit to
run-up banks, while the Phlox patch was dazzling with its rich
flowers.

Iam next taken into the packing-shed. Oh! the heaps of
crates. Oh! the size of the place for straw. Asa slight in-
dication and evidence of the amount of packing and sending
off trees and shrubs at the fall of the year, I am told that
1} ton weight of packing string is used annually. I see the
cart-stables and carpenters’ shops, for all things are made for
ine nursery at the nursery; thus carts and trucks are built

ere.

I go on to the flowering-shrub patch. I see the new ever-
green Privet, good in growth and colour. Conifers at St.
John’s are, of course, very numerous, and among them shone
out conspicuous in numbers and superb beauty the Picea
nobilis glauca. This beautifal glaucous variety is a very model
of beauty whether in small specimens or large, with its sea-
green and yet silvery colour, a hue hard to describe, but most
pleasing to the eye. In other parts of this vast nursery I come
again upon trees of ornamental foliage. Thus there is the
Purple-leaved Peach with its leaves in spring of a deep red
colour ; then the Wolseyana Willow beautifully pendulous, the
Golden Qaeen Holly, most suitable for church decoration, and
a new weeping variety (strange this in a stubborn upright-
growing tree like a Holly—this is beautifully weeping and
variegated) ; and then came the Purple-leaved Weeping Birch,
a contrast to the Fern-leaved: in the former, colour; in the
latter, grace.

But I must draw to a conclusion. My readers will easily
understand that I might have spent a week instead of a day
and a half in this vast and most interesting nursery—interest-
ing in itself and its surroundings. The fine cathedral near,
the rapid Severn still nearer, beyond the Malvern Hills. All
about me historic ground; close by, twice over, were battles
fought. High-born cavalier and sturdy parliamentarian met
and showed on either side the stuff of which Englishmen are
made. Houses were once near

“ Wherein the younger Charles abode
Till all the paths were dim,

And just below the Roundhead roda
And hummed a surly bymn.”

Mr. Smith’s nursery is an indirect proof of the prosperity
and refinement of the English people of this day. In war and
in rude times men had no leisure, or care, or even thought for
ornuamenting their parks, and shrubberies, and gardens. There
might be an exception here and there, asin John Evelyn; but
there are hundreds of John Hvelyns now—men, aye! and
women in abundance who delight in the beautiful in tree and
shrub, and who lovingly regard the form and colour of leaf and
flower. Gardening best prospers in quiet rich times, as now

418 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 29, 1877.

in England. Long may they last. I can only say that my
informant was right—that St. John’s Nursery ‘‘ isa marvellous
place,” and as seeing is believing, now I believe, and must add
that far from being overpraised it was the opposite. Mr.
Richard Smith has brought hononr upon horticulture, and
lives surrounded by the respect of his fellow citizens, and has
himself been honoured by the Lord Lieutenant of his county.
—WILTsHIRE Rector.

ROSE SHOWS.

I wave been much interested by the letter of ‘‘ ONE OF THE
Poustic’? concerning the above; but as another of the Rose-
loving public I should like to know for certain whether the
statement that Rose shows do not pay is correct. I remember
“ Wrip Savace”’ speaking (in joke, I believe) of ‘‘ 4d. balance
sheet,” but I also recollect that someone else wrote directly
afterwards saying that at Hereford the balance for the last
two years was £3 odd and £14 odd. If this is a specimen of
the general result (financial) of Rose shows I should think they
do pay. I should like to hear what the Treasurers of the
National, Crystal and Alexandra Palaces, and the Aquarium
have to say on this point concerning this year’s shows.

As to the nurserymen, they now have two cerious charges
laid at their doors. Mr. Hinton says they refused to help in
the elections by sending lists, and thus advertise their ability
to supply the chosen Roses; and now ‘ONE oF THE PUBLIC”
says they will not exhibit at the shows except for excessive
prizes ; though it remains tobe seen whether the present prizes
are excessive.

There is one great hindrance to metropolitan and suburban
nurserymen competing at the great shows which I should like
to see removed, and that is that there are no classes provided
expressly for them, and they have no chance in competing
with growers with pure air and superior soil. The same re-
mark, of course, applies to amateurs. At Birmingham there
used always to be classes for residents within a few miles of
the town, and also one for amateurs who had never won a
prize; and at Hereford there is still a class or classes for
residents in that shire only. I did not see at the shows this
year a single exhibit, nor do I gee one of the election lists,
from a less distance than ten or twelve miles from London.
Now, why cannot we have a class of twelve or eighteen trusees
for amateurs, some of twenty-fcur or thirty-six for nursery-
men residing within five miles or so of the City? I believe
there would be a good competition in such classes, and asI
suppose all exhibitors send their friends to the shows it would
increase the interest and patronage of the public. I believe
the National Rose Society holds its annual meeting early next
month, let them cet the example in their next year’s show.

Igee that what I have written looks like the grumble of
someone who thought he was going to win a big prize and
didn’t, so I may just say that I never had enough of these
beautiful flowers to be an exhibitor, but am only—A Lover oF
Rose SHows.

P.S.—Can any of your correspondents tell me where in the
vicinity of London I can obtain the Bracken that is recom-
mended for the protection of Tea Roses out of doors ?

SEASIDE TREES IN NORTH WALES.

Foremost for robust and strong growth must be placed Pinus
austriaca (Austrian Pine). This is a true seaside tree, and
should be extensively planted in exposed situations near the
sea. Next comes the old Scotch Fir (Pinus sylvestris) ; this
also stands the cea blast well. Pinus Pinaster grows crooked
in the stem, which is a glaring defect, otherwise it grows freely
enough. Pinus insignis is a true seaside Pine, more inland it is
rathertender. It is very beautiful; the colour is unique. These
are the best of the Pines that have come under my observa-
tion along this coast. Evergreen Oak (Quercus Ilex) is a
valuable tree for seaside planting in the most exposed places.
An enormous specimen of this Oak may be seen in the gardens
of Ynysmaengwyn, Towyn, Merioneth; the hnge branches at
the time of my visit were supported by large props of wood.
This is more than a mile from the sea.

Among deciduous trees the family of Acer is a valuable one,
Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) being good; also the com-
mon Sycamore (A. Pseudo-Platanus) and its variegated varie-
ties. The different varieties of Alder (Alnus) also are suitable.
The Poplars (Populus alba, P. macrophylla, and P. fastigata)
algo succeed. The Turkey O2zk (Quercus Cerris) and its varie-

-in May, and when lifted were entirely free from disease.

gated! variety may be planted on the seacoast. In my last
notes I omitted to mention Hippophsé rhamncides (Sea Buack-
thorn) as doing well near the sea. In the foregoing list I
have only named those trees and shrubs as doing well of
which I have cognisance. Doubtless there are numbers of
other shrubs and trees growing well near the sea in other
districts which would be a boon to the dwellers by the sea if
they were noticed in the Journal. No doubt some of your
seaside readers could kindly supply this boon.—GrorGE Coors,
Nannan Park Gardens, North Wales.

ROYAL BERKSHIRE ROOT SHOW.

AuTHoucH Mangolds, Swedes, Turnip3, Kohl Rabi, &e., do
not come within the cognisance of many of the readers of the
Journal, yet there are departments of the Show connected with
the garden which cannot fail to be of interest, while all may like
to know that this year’s Show hes exceeded both in quantity and
quality all previous exhibitions at Reading. Her Majesty the
Queen, peers, baronets, and commoners, competed for the very
handsome prizes offered. Although the season has not beer
favourable for the production of Mangold Wurtzel, yet twelve
specimens were exhibited weighing 310 lbs., the heaviest weigh-
ing 40 lbs. Marvellous specimens of Swedes, such as Sutton’s-
Champion Swede (for the prizes in which three thousand roots
were entered), Imperial Green Globe, and Purple-top Mammoth
were also shown.

There is one department of the Show which has steadily been
increasing in interest year after year—that devoted to vegetables ;
aud certainly the exhibits (comprising between twenty an@
thirty ccllections) this year were such as I have not seen any-
where this season. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Wildsmith,
gardener to Lord Eversley, for a collection of great merit, and
the second to Mrs. Crawshay of Caversham. The vegetables
that most impressed me were the “‘ Matchless Brussels Sprouts,”
which indeed deserved their name; and the Golden Savoy,
beantiful in appearance and excellent for the table. The Mush-
rooms in Mejor Thoyte’s collection were the most eyen and
perfect lot that can be imagined: they almost seemed as if they
hed been formed in one mould, so regular were they. The
Reading Onions and Sutton’s Snowball Turnip were also very
fines indeed it is difficult to particulurise where all were se
good.

Potatoes, too, were quite an exhibition in themselves, and
certainly foremost amongst them comes out Sutton’s Magnum.
Bonum, which for symmetry, productiveness, and quality seems:
likely to take a permanent plsce. Seventy sacks have been
grown on half an acre of land, the tubers having been pus’

ast:
experience should make us very chary as to speaking of disease-
proof Potatoes, but unquestionably this variety has been singu-
larly free from it. Mr. Fenn also exhibited a collection of
varieties of his own raising; and I was happy to find that he is
pursuing his intelligent and scientific crossing with eyen more
ardour, and that we may shortly expect to see something in
commerce worthy of his name, as one variety has passed into
the hands of the Messrs. Sutton for distribution.

A curiosity was exhibited by Professor Buckman of the Royal
Agricultural College—a small root of Mangold Wurtzel display—
ing the tep root, which had run down to the extraordinary
length of 4 feet 6 inches.

The Exhibition was honoured on Friday at the private view
by His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador and suite, who were-
much interested in if, and partook of luncheon with the Messrs.
Sutton after they had inspected the Show.—L« Ror CarorTe.

DIONAIA MUSCIPULA.

I po not in the least degree blame Mr. Douglas for the
statement in the Journal of Horticulture for November 1st.
respecting the Dionwa muscipula and the potting of Mr. Fore-
shaw’s plants, although I still feel the statement does me &
great injustice, and if Mr. Donglas will imagine himself in my
position I am sure he would feel as I do—indignant. I can-
not at all understand how Mr. Black could make such a state-
ment to a friend of twenty years’ standing. I cannot speak
as to what Mr. Black says about the plants being much
stronger this year than they were when Mr. Douglas saw them
last year. I can only say that others think differently, and I
know that when I exhibited the plant at Preston in 1873 Mr.
Barnes, one of the Judges, pronounced it ‘the finest plant
ever seen.” I will close by saying that as I bought the
Dionga muscipula and grew it from 60-sized pots into a
15-inch pan I feel I have a just right in claiming all the credit
due, and expecially as Mr. Black, nor anyone else, never had
anything whatever to do with Mr. Foreshaw’s eshibition plants

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

419

during the five and a half years I was in his service.—EpwarD
Payne, Florist, Fulwood, Preston.

Mr. E. Payne, late gardener to Mr. Foreshaw, has made
several mis-statements in reference to Mr. Douglas’s notes on
the treatment of the above plant as supplied by me. Mr.
Payne had no acquaintance with me while I held a gardener’s
situation; he never to my knowledge saw either the place nor
the collection of plants I had under my care, consequently he
did not know whether I ever grew the Venus’s Flytrap or not.
The ‘‘many’’ years he has known me is exactly four years
this month.

The notes published by Mr. Douglas are the results of prac-
‘tical experience. Anyone who may wish to grow the Venus’s
Flytrap may have good results if the few directions given
in Mr. Douglas’s notes are followed out. Mr. Payne has ex-
hibited a pan of Dionwa at the Preston Horticultural Exhibi-
tion on several occasions in good condition, being on each
occasion much admired. Mr. Payne has left Mr. Foreshaw’s
service fourteen months back. Mr. Leazel, Mr. Payne’s suc-
-cessor, has shown the same pan at this autumn show much
finer than ever it has been seen before. I question if a-pan
of Dionwa muscipula was ever exhibited in finer condition.—
4U. Buacn, Fulwood, near Preston.

[This subject need be discussed no further.—Eps. ]

CARNATION AND PICOTEE CULTURE IN BEDS.

Tue following notes on the method of growing these choice
varieties of florist flowers in beds have been kindly sent to me
through Mr. George Rudd of Bradford from Mr. E. Adams of
‘Awalwell, near Gateshead :— When the ground has been well
prepared by trenching I plant in November or December when
‘she weather is favourable. Each plant must be supported by
a neat stick to prevent injury from high winds, which are apt
to suap off the plant close to the ground. The plants will
stand any amount of frost without injury. It isa good plan
to dress the surface of the beds with decayed manure from
an old hotbed, which serves to steady the plauts; this also
serves ‘to prevent frosts from lifting them out of the ground.
Much better blooms are produced from ‘plants put out now
than in the spring. The plants do not require any more
attention except tying the spindles toa stick. When the pods
are nearly full I put them up on a board fixed to a post in the
ground, and cover with a bell-glazs. This causes the flower
to open well, but it must be shaded with thin paper or muslin.
‘When the ordinary garden soil is not suitable for the planty
the beds should be made up with decayed turf from an old
pasture, mixed with some sweet manure from an old hotbed or
the sweepings of a cattle market, laid-up for a year before
using it. Avoid pig manure, as it causes the plants to canker.
Wrequently stirring the surface soil in the bedsis good practice,
and if the plants require water give a good soaking, and do
not water again until it is actually required. When the grass
ds layered in autumn draw some of the old soil from around
the plants and replace it with turfy loam in which to peg
down the layers; this gives them new vigour. Sprinkle
‘daily to prevent flagging, and when the plants are well rooted
remove them from the parent and place them in their
‘blooming beds as before.” We do not find the Carnation do
‘well in beds in the south, but there does not seem to be any
xeason why they should not if they are well cultivated and as
much care taken of them as our Newcastle friends seem to
take of their flowers. The following are the best sorts to
cultivate in beds:—Scarlet Bizarres: Admiral Curzon, Lord
‘Napier, Lord Rancliffe, John Burnett, Mercury. Crimson
Bizarres: Black Diamond, Rifleman, Isaac Wilkinson, William
Murray, John Harland, Albion’s Pride. Pink Flakes: Dr.
‘Poster, Karlof Stamford, James Douglas, Lord Derby. Scarlet
Flakes : Mr. Battersby, Sportsman, James Cheetham, Superb,
‘William Harland. Pink and Purple Bizarres: Sarah Payne,
‘Satisfaction; also all the rose flakes and all the Picotees.—
J. Doveuas.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
MOUNT EDGCUMBE.—Parr 2.

‘TruE English lawne, thickly set with grass kept low and
compact by frequent mowings, stretch onwards from the Italian
garden along the edge of Plymouth Sound, with a boundary
of shrubs well back inland, winding along in graceful curves,
with an occasional fine tree or shrud group standing out in

worthy prominence upon the turf; onwards most pleasantly
to wooded walks and drives, to which I must take the reader
by another route. Left to myself I should probably have
wandered on along the path by the sea, but the same sure
guide and friend who had accompanied me in all my Cornish
wanderings was there, and he pronounced it time to make
for the house. Promptly following his decision came a
summons to the hospitable board of its noble owner, and so
my demurrer was quashed and I had to acquiesce, willingly
and yet unwillingly.

On our way across the park I saw some of the turkeys, which
ramble at will in the woods here, and which were, I believe,
part of the only flock of what may bo termed wild turkeys in
this country. The flesh of these wild birds is considered
superior both in delicacy and flavour to that of an ordinary
farmyard turkey. Fine trees abound here—zrand old Limes
upwards of 100 feet in height; Bsaeches, Chestnuts, Oaks,
Cedars, anc red-stemmed Pines equally fine in their way; and
a huge old Poplar must have been quite 8 feet in diameter at
4 or 5 feet from the ground. Consummate taste had evidently
been brought to bear upon their arrangement, for the result
now that they were old and hoary was satisfactory in a high
degree. At some points dense umbrageous masses of foliage
gave depth of colour and shade ; at others specimens of extra-
ordinary size stood out singly either alone, or in avenues, or
in widely dispersed clumps in all the dignity and fair propor-
tions which are found in timber trees that have sustained no
check and have attained their fullest development of form as
well as of stem and branch. It is such fine trees, too, that
embellish a glade-down which one looks from the east front of
the house over the water to Mount Wise, Devorport, the
rolling country beyond, and the far-off Dartmoor Tors—a
singular yet not unpicturesque combination of town and
country.

Other charmingly diversified views over the Sound and
Plymonth open out as we proceed to the south front, where we
found a flower garden worthy of espscial notice for its simple
yet chaste design and the happy way in which the planting
was done, the centres of the beds being filled with perennials
such as Heaths and Phioxes mingled with dwarf flowering
shrubs, with flower belts of the ordinary bedding type around
them, the effect being novel, light, and so pleasing as to be
worthy of imitation. This garden ix overlooked from the
house and also from a stone summer house standing above it
on a higher slope, for the grounds ascend somewhat abruptly
here, walks winding amovg shrubs enclosing various lawns,
out on which stand fins trees, imparting a peculiar character
to each enclosure. Tuks for example the Cedar lawn with its
eight magnificent old Cedars of Lebanon, possessing an air of
dignity, repose, and striking individuality which is never found

; in a mixed pinetum of the ordinary type—the huge massive

boles, the salver-like branches rising above each other tier
above tier, the wondrous depth of green relieved go strikingly
by the sunlit edges, were prominent features in every tree.
Wonderful trees! worthy of the situation as it was worthy cf
them. My inspection of them was a brief one—a glance, a
walk past beneath their dense shade, and away; but in those
brief moments I reccived impressions deep and lasting, and
learnt lessons of such value that it was only subsequently after
quiet thought and cloze analysis that I was able to grasp their
full significance. Such trees rivet the attention so thoroughly
that one takes little heed of their surroundings; yet I noticed
that enclosing belts of trees and shrubs lent shelter by their
compact and dense arrangement, and imparted grace by the
flowing curves their margin described. Without noticing
the other lawas in detail I may state that all contained
peculiar features—objects of uncommon gize or form. One
had a gigantic Lucombe Oak, another an equally fine Lime
with an immenge bole hayisg curious indentures and rugged
rib-like projections; another a fine Catalpa, a Talip Tree, and
a Maple side by side on a elope, all fine trees, and which for
a brief period in autumn must afford a picturesque contrast,
the foliage of somes becoming a bright yellow and the others
dying red; another an extraordinary Himalayan Bamboo
(Toamnocalmus Falconeri), which it may be well to note is often
catalogued as Arundinaria falcata, also a Desfontania spinosa
about 6 feet high in bloom, but I regret to say showing incipient
traces of decay. A series of such enclosures connected in an
informal manner impart variety, exclude cold winds, and thus
afford shelter for many a choice exotic. Itis a plan worthy
of adoption wherever it is desirable to lay out gardens upon
high, exposed, or bleak situations.

420 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

From the house past these Jawns and shrubberies a road
termed the Terrace Drive winds along the face of the steep
slopes of the mount, which tower high above it and sweep
downwards to the sea, at some places precipitously and at
others in a series of irregular undulations, along under the
shade of lofty trees—very lofty trees shutting in the drive like
an avenue at some places aud at others opening out into glades
down which are charming views of the sea; past Fern-clad
banks and grasey openings fringed with an undergrowth of
Bhododendrons, the pleasant greenery of which is seen on all
sides among the trees. Fresh features come into view in quick
Succession as we drive past all too quickly: here above us
towers a steep precipice with Ferns and trees clothing its face
right up to the top, yonder down by the water is a fort
nestling picturesquely among the trees, and not at all grim-
looking ; and now we enter an avenue of Ilex lofty and dense, |
with more Ilex clustering above them on the upper slopes, not |

[ November 23, 1877.

a formal avenue, but with occasional breeks and openings
through which the sea comes fully into view far down below,
and the thought involuntarily arises, Are we in England or
in Italy? for surely in no other part of the world has this
bright scene its counterpart, except it be on the shores of the
Mediterranean. The precipitous mountain side, the Ilex avenue,
the soft balmy air, the blue flashing waves alive with white
sails of ships and pleasure yachts, and above all the clear
bright sunny sky, all were in keeping with such an idea, which
was strengthened as we drove onwards through a Pine grove
consisting entirely of Pinastere—grand old trees with clean
straight boles branchless from the base upwards almost to the
top, presenting the aspect of just so many stately massive rugged
columns, most of them probably fully 80 feet high, and many
of them 4 or 5 feet in diameter. Very few of them are quite
erect, almost every one leaning more or less; but then none
are prostrate, and they will yet weather many of those fierce

Fig. 81—MuILtTon’s TEMPLE—MOUNT EDGCUMBE,

storms and sweeping gales that they have hitherto withstood
50 stoutly.

In the Pine grove, which extends along the slopes for a con-
Siderable distance, the road branches downwards to a pretty
cottage in a snug nook by the rocky shore, and upwards through
the trees to the open park, where upon the very summit of the
mount and on the verge of its cliffs stands the picturesque
kiosk. We enter and find an appropriate climax to our drive
in the glorious view which bursts upon us as the shutters are
opened. Right down below is the famous breakwater with ita
lighthouse and fort. Yonder lies Drake’s Island, and acroes the
Sound is Plymouth, with an irregular rugged shore and high
cliffs at many points. Outside the breakwater is the open sea,
and in the distance is a dark object standing up, dimly and
indistinct, in a bank of mist that is stealing over the water, but
even that faint glimpse is sufficient to rivet the attention, for
we know that it is Hddystone. Many other objects were there,
all contributing to the life and beauty of the general effect ; but
on these I must not dwell, nor had we much time tolinger over
the enchanting scene, for in the most absorbing moments that
six-something train which we had to catch over the water at
Plymouth would keep coming to mind, and £0 away down the
famous zigzag walks—not driving now, right down the face of
the oliffs among the trees, pausing for a few minutes to look
at a curious little garden made in a snug nook apparently

exeavated out of the face of the hill, rich in choice exotics—
Mimosas, Camellias, Fuchsias, Olives, Aralias, and an Huca-
lyptus full 30 feet high, all flourishing in a state of semi-
wildness, and certainly forming not the least striking feature
of this wonderful place. Down, down among the trees till we
are close by the sea, and along a pleasant walk which leads to
the amphitheatre, a vast semicircle of lofty trees with a temple
dedicated to Milton (fig. 81), containing a bust of the poet and
an appropriate inscription from the fourth book of ‘‘ Paradise
Lost ”—
“ Overbead up grew

Insuperable heights of loftiest shade,

Cedar, and Pine, and Fir, and branching Palm—

A sylvan scene; and as the ranks ascend,

Shade above shade, a woody theatre

Of stateliest view.”

The inscription is truthful in its application to the spot, and
is as appropriate as is the temple itself, for although so near
the sea and in sight of the terraces of Plymouth, yet there is
an air of quiet seclusion—of stateliness that grows upon one
as we pause to contemplate the singular scene, for the trees are
all of extraordinary size, and impress us as being perfectly
gigantic as they range upwards ‘‘ shade above shade’’ on the
steep hillside.

These notes of Mount Edgecumbe must not be regarded as
at all exhaustive or complete. My inspection was necessarily

_—S-

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

421

a hurried one, and I have touched upon the most salient
points only—sufliciently so, however, to show that the gardens,
park, and woods are all very beautiful, that the situation is
romantic and uncommon, singularly favourable to the growth
of many exotics as well as of most native plants and trees ;
and it is matter for congratulation that these advantages are
turned to such good account, not in a speculative manner, but
with an aim and purpose worthy of the noble owner and
creditable to those who so ably carry out his wishes.—
Epwarp Luckuurst.

ARALIA FILICIFOLIA.

Tue plant now figured is familiar to those who have visited
the chief horticultural exhibitions of the year. It is a very

LEZ

Ze i) il \ \

Sy)

state it hag the appearance of a sheath, and from the centre
of the leaf rises a white star-like flower, fickle in duration but
beautiful in passing away. Where there is a large rockery
this plant ought to have a prominent position. In the spring
garden there should be one bed at least, and in the borders
large patches. It is perfectly hardy in our climate, but often
suffers from the cutting winds in the spring, and is all the
better for having a little shelter afforded by a few branches of
evergreens stuck round them. It is an acquisition in early
spring in the greenhouse. Sanguinaria canadensis has an
offspring in Sanguinaria grandiflora, but the only difference is
in the habit of the latter being more robust and larger than
the former.

They are increased by seed sown in spring in well-drained
pots of rich light soil. They require care in a young state,

Fig. €2.—ARALIA FILICIFOLIA.

elegant plant, and the stems are of a deep olive colour blotched
with pale green. The leaves are dark green, glabrous, twice
pinnately divided, with a single Jobe at the end. The pinne
are about eight in number on each side of the midrib, each
one being divided nearly to the base into linear, minutely saw-
toothed and spine-pointed segments. The younger leaves are
more finely cut than those first formed. It forms a pretty
subject for dinner-table decoration on account of its extreme
elegance. This plant was introduced by Mr. B. S. Williams
ou the South Sea Ielands, and is of free growth and easy
culture.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—POPPYWORTS.

Tue Poppyworts are a numerous family. One of them isthe
Bloodwort (Sanguinaria canadensis, or puccoon), named from
the blood-like juice which the plant yields on being bruised.
The plant has tuberous roots having red fibres, throwing up
from each bend a beautiful glaucous fig-like leaf. In a young

and must be kept free from damp. A cold dry pit isa suitable
place for them. They are propagated also by division in the
autumn. To grow them successfully they require a free open
soil; good sandy loam, and well-decomposed vegetable matter
with a little peat and charcoal, suits them admirably. A
moist but not wet situation will meet their requirements.
They enjoy the sunshine, but will bear partial shade.— VuRITAS,

CONCERNING ROSES.

‘‘Wauat Roses shall I buy 2’ (page 378). Buy good Roses:
that will grow, bloom well and freely, and live on. Bay out.
of the list on the page quoted Baronne de Rothschild, Madame
Victor Verdier, Charles Lefebvre, Alfred Colomb, Marguerite de
St. Amand, Dr. Andry, Marquise de Castellane, Comtesse
d’Oxford, Sénateur Vaisse, and Duke of Edinburgh. Add
these, or some of them: Star of Waltham, Madame C. Joig-
neaux, Gloire de Dijon, Céline Forestier, Triomphe de Rennes
—three of the best in the Rose kingdom—Edward Morren,

422

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ November 29, 1877.

Jules Margottin, Vicomtesse de Vezins, Pierre Notting, Maxime
de la Rocheterie, La Ville de St. Denis, Mdlle. Marie Rady,
Princess Mary of Cambridge, Baronne Prévost, Dr. Jamain,
William Griffithe, Pierre Letetzky, Paul Neyron, Lord Clyde,
Baronne Adolphe de Rothschild, Abel Grand, Dachesse de
Caylus, Maurice Bernardin, Fisher Holmes, Madame C. Wood,
Malle. Annis Wood, Princes de Portia, Ms:échal Vaillant,
Souvenir de la Reine d’Angleterre, Felix Genero, Comtesse
Cecile de Chabrillant, John Hopper, Duchesse d’Orleans, and
Princes Camille de Rohan. The above are Hybrid Perpetuals,
and are all good.

Bourbons.—Acidalie, Souvenir ds la Malmaison, Sir Joseph
Paxton, Baron Gonella, and Baronne de Maynard—a lovely
Rose, always in bloom.

China.—Mrs. Bosanquet.

Two of the finest Roses are Louis Van Houtte and Maréchal
Niel, but they are not generally recommsndable for the public.

Do not buy these; they are generally bad growers, but
beautiful: Marie Baumann, Frar¢ >is Michelon, Emilie Haus-
burg, Marquise de Mortemart, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Horace
Vernet, and Mdlle. Bonnaire. If you cannot get straw you
cannot have corr.

Do not go to shows to choose, but go to the nurseries or the
gardens of large growers. The election would deceive the
elect! Look at the positions of some in the election—Gloire
de Dijon, 59; Pierre Notting, 38; Meurica Bernardin, 59;
Madame C. Joigneaux, 70. They are four of our best Roses!
W. F. Ravotyrre, Okeford Fitzpaine.

AUTUMN SHOWS.

Amone exhibitions which have recently been held we are able
to furnish reports cf the following :—

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES AND SURBITON CHRYSANTHEMUM
SOCIETY.

This newly organised Society held its first Exhibition at the
Drill Hall, Kingston, on the 21st and 22nd inst., and was a
decided success. The Drill Hall is a very large building, admir-
ably adapted for a show, but requiring extensive collections to
occupy the spece orramentally, whicb, owing to the Society
having no limited radius, was easily effected, and the competi-
tion was in most of the classes very spiiited.

Priz-s were cffered for groups of an unlimited number of
Chrysanthemum plants to fill a space of 50 square feet, which
bronght together four collections ; and to Mr. W. Bates, gardener
to W. H. Punchard, Esq-., Twickenham, the post of honour was
awarded for a collection very tall but of first-rate quality. Mr.
J. W. Moorman, gardener to the Misses Christy, Coombe, was a
remarkably close second with plants dwarfer in habit and
effective. Mr. Cornish, gardener to J. S. Virtue, Esq. Wey-
bridge, was placed third. In the class for eix trained specimens
Mr. Beckett, gardener to J. McConnell, E2q., Esher, exhibited
an admirable collection, and was deservedly awsrded the first
prize for well-grown examples of White Venus, Guernsey
Nugget, Mrs. G. Rundle, Bronze Jardin des Plants, Venus, and
Mrs. Sharp. Mr. Cornhill, and Mr. Ploughman, gardener to
J. Wilkes, Esq., Weybridge, were second and third respectively ;
and in the class for four specimens Mesers. Masters and Boxall
of Walton shared the honours between them. Trained standards
were not plentifully represented, and Messrs. Masters, Cornhill,
and Boxall were the only contributors.

Cat blooms were vecy numerously shown in the different
gactions, and were above the average of the present season.
Six competitors entered the class for txeuty-four incurved
varieties distinct, and the first prize fell to F. Wildman, Esq.,
Camberwell, for a well-finished and neat collection comprised of
Prince Alfred, White Globe, Nil Desperandum, Guernsey Nugget,
Prince of Wales, Jardin des Plants, Queen of England, Venus,
Miss Mary Morgan, Beverley, John Salter, Princess of Teck,
Hero of Stoke Newington, Golden Beverley, Lady Slade, Mrs.
G. Rundle, Mrs. Dizon, General Bainbrigge, Mrs. Halliburton,
King of Denmark, Eve, Princess of Wales, Empress of India,
and Mr.G. Glenvy. Mr. Cornhill was here placed second; Mr.
McPherson, gardener to S. Page, Esq, Surbiton, third; and an
extra prize was awarded to Mr. Moorman. Inthe class for twelve
<ut blooms eleven collections were staged, and to Mr. Hinnell,
gardener to F. A. Davis, Esq., Surbiton, the Judges awarded the
first prize; Mr. Bentley, gardener to Sir T. Gabriel, Wimbledon,
the second; and so exceedingly gocd were others, that prizes
Were awarded to Mr. Masters, Mr. Boxall, and Mr. Ploughman
in this class.

Japanese varieties were extensively shown and very good.
Messrs. Hinnell, Moorman, and Cornhill were placed in the
order here named for twenty-four varieties, and Mr. Beckett,
Mr. McPherson, Mr. Bentley, and Mr. Boxall for twelve, while
Mr. Attrill and P. Sutton, Haq, shared the honours for six
varieties. We have not seen the Japanese varieties shown in

greater numbers or in better order anywhere this season than
at Kingston. They make a very attractive display, and deserve
further encouragement. ‘The best of the varieties shown were
Fair Maid of Guernsey, Elaine, Bronze Dragon, James Salter,
Red Dragon, Rob Roy, Chang, Gloire de Toulouse, Sultan, Meg
Merrilees, Ne Plus Ultra, Oracle, Fulgore, Fulton, Striatum,
and Grandiflorum.

Mr. Moorman was awarded the first prize for twelve reflexed
Chrysanthemums with good blooms of Triomphe du Nord, Dr.
Sharp, Cloth of Gold, Christine, Monsieur Lucien Barthére, &.,
and Mr. Beard and Mr. Cornhill were placed second and third;
and in the class fur twelve Anemones Messrs. Cornhill, Masters,
and Moorman were placed in the order named. Several collec-
tions of Primulas, dinner-table plants, Cyclamens, and berry-
bearing plants were staged, for which numerous prizes were
offered. These plants, associated with the cut flowers, con-
tributed materially to the general effect.

Messrs. Jackson & Sons contributed an extensive bank of
stove and greenhoure plants, which formed one of the most
attractive features of the Show. It was comprised of Tree
Ferns, Palms, Dracenas, Crotons, &c., having Chrysanthemums,
Orchids, and Heaths interspersed; they also exhibited several
superior stands of cut blooms, including some very choice sorts 5
and Mr. Beckett an interesting collection of Geranium blooms.
The show of fruit was limited. Mr. Hinnell also contributed a
Similar though somewhat smaller collection. Mr. Jackson, jun.,
who is the Honorary Secretary, is to be congratulated on the
success of the Show, but another season it would be well to have
a regulation standard for size of boards on which to show the
cut blooms, and the effect of the Exhibition would thereby be
much enhanced.

MAIDSTONE.

The Mid-Kent Chrysanthemum and Fruit Show was held in
the Corn Exchange on the 21st inst. Good as were the Chrys-
anthemums, the remarkably fine collection of Apples, Pears,
Grapes, &c., was, perhaps, even more commendable, and the
numerous special prizes awarded testified pretty plainly to the
Judges’ appreciation of this department of the Show. The large
central stand in the Concert Hall was entirely occupied by
Apples. Mr. L. A. Killick of Langley took the chief honours
here, and was awarded a special prize for a separate box, which
was in every way deserving of the distinction. Roger Leigh,
Esq. (Mr. Haycock, gardener), was a successfal exhibitor both
of Apples and Pears. The Grapes formed a small but good class,
Mr. C. Neve standing first with Bleck Hambarghs, and Messrs.
T. & J. Hollingworth dividing the rest of the honours with
Lady Downe’s, and Madresfield Court. Some Grapes grown in
the open air by W. Moore, Esq., of Wierton, were also deserving
of especial notice. The floral contributions of Mr. S. Hubbard
of Marden, and of Mr. Cannell and Mr. Frost, nurserymep,
agreeably relieved the appearance of the tables in different parts
of the Hall. j

The prizes for ten large-flowering Chrysanthemums in pots
were awarded to Mr. J. W. Braddick, Rev. C. Shepherd, and
Rey. J. Stuart Robson, in the order named. For six plants of the

| same nature, first Mr. C. Neve, second Mr. J. Clabon ; the Rev.

J. Stuart Rotson and Major Best equal thirds. The prizes for
ten large-flowering standards were awarded to Rev. J. Stuart
Robson and Rev. C. Shepherd. Cut blooms.—Twenty-four,
large-fl wering, distinct verieties, first prize (silver cup), Mr.
J. W. Braddick, second Rev. J. Stuart Robson, third Mr. Davis,
Maidstone Cemetery. Twelve cut blooms, first Mr. J. W.
Braddick, second Mr. Davis, third Mr. C. Neve.

For nine plates of distinct varieties of dessert Apples, first
Mr. Roger Leigh with Ribston Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin,
Melon Apple, King of the Pippins, Braddick’s Nonpareil, Man-
nington’s Pearmain, Blenheim Orange, Royal Russet, and
Cornish Aromatic; second Mr. William Skinner with Cox’s
Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, King of the Pippins, Scarlet
Peermain, Court Pendu Plat, Summer Golden Pippin, War-
wickshire Pippin, and Golden Knob; third Mr. A. Warde. For
three plates of dessert Apples, first Mr. F. Smith with Man-
nington’s Pearmain, Mabbott’s Pearmain, and Cox’s Orange
Pippin; second Mr. A. T. Killick with Golden Knob, War-
wickshire Pippin, and Ribston Pippin; third Major Best. For
nine plates of distinct varieties of kitchen Apples, first Mr.
W. Skinner with Belle Dubois, Blenheim Orange, Wellington,
Cullen, Stone Apple (Loddington Seedling), Bedfordshire
Foundling, Castle Major, Beauty of Kent, and Hanwell Souring;
second, Mr. R. Leigh with Belle Dubois, Belle Josephine, Wel-
lington, Blenheim Orange, Linnzus Pippin, Reinette du Canada,
Calville Rouge, Calvilie Blanche, and Calville St. Sauveur;
third, Mr. A. Warde. Fcr three plates of kitchen Apples, first
Mr. L. A. Killick with Loddington Seedling, Wellington, and
Blenheim Orange, who had also the second prize with Welling-
ton, and Winter Quoining; third Mr. J. Weld. For three

| plates of dessert Pears, distinct varieties, first Mr. R. Leigh

with Duchesse d'Ang uléme, Beurré Die}, and Triomphe de
Jodoigoe, second Mr. J. W. Braddick. For three plates of
kitchen Pears, distinct varieties, first Mr. J. W. Braddick.

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

423

CROYDON.

It is only a few weeks since the first mooting of an autumn
show was hinted at in this locality, and considering the short
notice a very good display was arranged at the Public Hall on
the 22nd and 23rd inst. Specimen plants were not equal to
others we have seen this season, but the cut blooms, also fruit
and vegetables, were very good indeed; in fact the vegetables
were the finest we have seen this season with the exception of
Some collections at the Crystal Palace in September.

The principal contributors of specimen plants were Mr. King,
gardener to Stephenson Clarke, Esq., the President of the
Society; Mr. Brett, gardener to Mrs. Charlton, Mitcham; and
Mr. Jupp. For twenty-four cut blooms incurved, distinct, Mr.
Orchard, gardener to I’. W. Harris, Esq., Coombe House, Croy-
don, was awarded the first prize for a very neat and superior
collection of White Globe, Princess of Wales, Jardin des Plantes,
Queen of England, Princess of Teck, Prince of Wales, Mr. Bunn,
White Venus, Eve, Capitata, Miss Mary Morgan, Lord Derby,
Golden Beverley, Mr. Gladstone, Venus, Empress of India,
Prince Alfred, Mrs. Halliburton, General Bainbrigge, George
Glenny, Abbé Passaglia, Mrs. G. Rundle, Le Grand, and Mrs,
Dixon. Mr. King was a very good second, and Mr. Neal,
gardener to H. Wormall, Esq., third with a very good collection.
In the class for twelve Mr. Orchard was again to the front with
good blooms of some of the varieties above named, and Mr.
Neal and Mr. Brett second and third respectively. Mr. Chaff,
gardener to C. H. Goschen, Esq., Shirley, staged a board of six
admirable blooms of Jardin des Plantes, Princess of Teck,
Queen of England, Bronze Jardin des Plantes, White Venns,
and General Bainbrigge, to which the first prizo was awarded.
Japanese blooms were contributed by Messrs. Neal, Orchard,
and Brett, and the prizes awarded in the order named. Anemone
blooms came from Messrs. Brett and Neale, and Anemone Pom-
pons from Mr. Brett and Mr. King.

Mr. King was awarded the first prize for four Orchids with
very fair examples of Vanda tricolor, Cypripedium insigne,
Calanthes vestita oculata, and Veitchii. Several collections of
Primulas were staged ; the prizes were awarded to Messrs. Price,
Brett, and King in the order named. Prizes were also offered
for Poinsettias, the best coming from Mr. Neal, Mr. King, and
Mr. Chaff, who were first, second, and third respectively.

Mr. Charman, gardener to C. W. Bond, Esa., received the
first prize for a collection of fruit, and Mr. Chuff the first prizes
for Muscat of Alexandria and Black Prince Grapes, Mr. Neal
being awarded the second prize in both cases. An extra prize
was awarded to Mr. Stephenson, gardener to F. Peek, Hsq., for
very fine Black Alicante Grapes. Apples were sent by Messrs.
Chaff, Walker, and King, who were the prizetakers in the order
named,

Nine collections of vegetables were staged, all of extraordinary
merit. The first prize was awarded to Mr. Chaff for excellent
examples of Ne Plus Ultra Peas, Walcheren Cauliflower, Scrym-
ger’s Brussels Sprouts, three sorts of Catbages, Parsnips,
Spinach, fine Veitch’s Red Globe Tarnip, Beet, Onions, Early
Horn Carrot, Tomatoes, Paterson’s Victoria Potatoes, &c. Mr.
Orchard was placed second with a very good collection contain-
ing some very fine Cardoons, and Mr. Brett third. Several
other exhibitors wera highly commended, all showing well.

Messrs. Rotlisson & Sons of Tooting sent a group of Chrys-
anthemums, which had a very pleasing effect; and Mr. King,
gardener to Stephenson Clarke, Esq., contributed a very fine
bank of fine-foliaged plants, completely filling the spacious plat-
form of the Hall with Palms, Draczenas, very large Adiantums

farleyense and scutum, the whole edged with Erica gracilis |

and Panicum variegatum mixed. To Mr. W. P. Robinson, the
Secretary, is due in no small measure the puccess of the Show.

DARTFORD.

The seventh annual Show of the Dartford Chrysanthemum
Association was held at the Victoria Assembly Rooms on the
21st and 22nd inst., and was quite equal if not superior to its
predecessors. Specimen plants were very good, and were
shown principally without that bad training the Chrysanthe-
mum isso much subjected to. The display of cut blooms was
also exceedingly good, an amateur (Mr. Hards) outstripping all
the gardeners both for size and quality. His collection of twelve
blooms were the best we have seen this season, and comprised
very fine examples of Lady Hardinge, Empress of India, Golden
Queen, White Globe, Queen of England, Prince Alfred, Bar-
bara, Mrs. G. Rundle, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. G. Glenny, Nil Despe-
yandum, and Prince of Wales. Mr. Hards practises the once-
potting system, and removes his plants from a small state to a
large one without any intermediate change ; to this he attributes
his success. Many other creditable collections deserve notice,
but our space will not allow us to particularise them; suffice it
to say it was altogether a good Show, and well managed by
Mr. Skelton.

DIDSBURY.

This, the third annual Show of the Society, was held on the
24th inst. One of the prettiest plants to be seen at this season
was exhibited—namely, a specimen of Cattleya Trianie with

seven spikes of beautiful rosy flowers. This was sent from the
collection of G. Gottschalke, Hsq., Fallowfield. Amongst the
Chrysanthemums in pots it might be observed that the varieties
of Cedo Nulli are yet unsurpassed for free flowering and general
usefulness. For the best six Primulas, three red and threo
white, T. Ashton, Esq., showed a very fine set, doing credit to
his gardener, Mr. Johnson. Epiphyllums were a good feature
in this Show, the best being contributed by C. Blackburn, Esq.
These plants are most showy in their season, either as small
plants for table decoration or as large plants in the conservatory,
and they are capable of being grown in 80 many ways, such as
high or dwarf standards on the Cereus stock. There was a good
competition for six pots of Roman Hyacinths in pots not exceed-
ing 7 inches, about fourteen bulbs being grown in these sized pots.
The first-prize Grapes—white, which were Muscat of Alexandcia,
and black, which were Alicante—were shown by D. Adamson,
Esq., doing credit to his gardener, Mr. Brierley, who is also
Secretary for the Society.

Amongst table plants, which were shown in half-dozens, the
most chaste one in flower was an Ixora Coleii, about a foot high
with seven heads of pure white flowers. This was in the first-
prize stand, which was contributed by — Morris, Esq. Amongst
foliage plants in this class Cocos Weddelliana and Aralia Veitchbii
were the most elegant. For the best four exotic Ferns J. Bol-
land, Esq. (J. Fletcher, gardener), was first with four choice
kinds and good specimens.

For the best eighteen cut blooms of large-flowered Chrysan-
themums, which was the main feature of the Show, and in which
there was a very good competition, Miss Ashton was first (H.
Royle, gardener). The varieties were Prince Alfred, Golden
Beverley, Novelty, Fingal, Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales,
White Beverley, Mr. Howe, Lady Slade, Nil Desperandum,
Jardin des Plantes, Miss Mary Morgan, Baron Beust, Golden
Nugget, Queen of Beauties, Mrs. Halliburton, Lady Salford,
Mrs. G. Rundle. This last-named kind next to the white Cedo
Nulli might be said to be Al for pot culture for conservatory
work. In the classes of twelve and six cut blooms D. Adamson,
Esq., was the successful exkibitor.

For a collection of six distinct dishes of vegetables C. P.
Henderson, Esq. (W. Oakes, gardener), was first with a good
tray, in which were fine heads of Cauliflower, Mushrooms,
Brussels Sprouts, &c. An honorary exhibit of eighteen cut
blooms (Chrysanthemums) were by Mr. Faulkner, Woolton Hall,
Liverpool, to which an extra prize was awarded.

FLOWER SHOWS, GENERAL AND SPECIAL.

As surely as ventilation, water supply, charity organisation,
or some other subject crops up in the dead season in the
Times, 80 when gardens are comparatively empty, plants at
rest, and the days dull, does the subject of flower shows occupy
the columns of the horticultural press. Faults are found,
‘high falutin” indulged in, suggestions made, and after all
we fall back into the same grooves'as before.

As ‘Onn or THE Pusuic” has given us his views anent Rose
shows, may I be allowed to take a little wider range, and from the
experience of many years in many places to express my views ?
I desire ‘‘ nothing to extenuate or set down aught in malice ;’””
there are only two flowers which I ever exhibit, and the Rose
is not one of them, and I hope therefore to give an impartial
view. Before entering on it may I be permitted to say, in
references to your correspondent’s remarks at the close of his
letter, that I have had the pleasure of the acquaintance of
most of the leading nurserymen of the United Kingdom, and
that Ido not know a body of men less moved by mercenary
(I use not the word in an offensive sense) considerations.
Witness the manner in which the metropolitan nurserymen
have supported through evil report and good report the Royal
Horticultural Society, and only this year I had the real pleasure
of meeting in the far south-west of Scotland two of our leading
rosarians, and although they took the chief prizes the money
could not half have paid them for their expenses and loss of
time.

The ground thet I take will be seen at once when I gay that
I do not believe there is a flower show in the kingdom, generak
or special, that pays—that is, that the ‘‘ gate money”? as it is
called—the contributions of the general public, not only do
not pay the prize money and expenses, but in most cases would
hardly even pay the latter. Let me, then, divide flower shows
thus—I. Metropolitan; (a) those held by societies, (b) those
by joint-stock companies, (c) special shows. II. Provincial.

I. (a) With regard to the great shows of the Royal Horti-
cultural and Royal Botanie Societies we have had painful ex-
perience for some years. When successful—i e., when there is
alarge attendance of visitors, it is evident that horticulture
is not the magnet. Music of the first quality, the attendance

424

of some member of the Royal Family, or some distinguished
foreigner, will do more to attract the multitude than the finest
exhibition that could be got together. The Tuesday meetings
of the Royal Horticultural Society are really to the real lovers
of flowers as interesting as anything can be, yet how very few
avail themselves of them, only those who take a real loving
interest in flowers caring to go there; and what I hope may
prove to be its revived fortune is more owing to the counte-
nance given to it during the past season by Her Gracious Majesty
than to the fact that there is now a genuine horticultural
Council. (b) The shows held at the Crystal Palace, Alexandra,
and Aquarium are not in themselves paying concerns. The
attractions of these favourite places of resort are numerous,
and on flower-show days care is always taken to provide a good
play in the theatre, fireworks in the evening, German gymnasts,
or something else that may allure visitors. Then they must
‘be always held in the season, and generally on a Saturday, in
order to catch those fashionable people who care but little for
flowers except in the case of a nosegay, but who dearly like to
see and be seen. (c) The influence that horticulture has on
the general public in alluring them to flower shows may be
seen, I think, best by regarding special shows, not that these
ever pay or can be expected to pay. A subscription list is first
made, #® schedule is formed in accordance with them, some-
thing is perhaps supplemented by the joint-stock company,
but I very much question whether the increased attendance
in any case is equal to the amount of prize money, without
taking into consideration the expenses incurred. Let me just
state one fact to support this. The Metropolitan Floral So-
ciety held its exhibition for three years at the Crystal Palace.
It ceased to be held there because it did not pay. I went then
to try and arrange, and the late Secretary showed me their
book of attendances. We compared the attendance of the
same days of the week in the week before and the week after,
and found that it did not make a difference of a thousand!—
that is of £50. At this show many flowers were represented,
and I should be very much surprised to find that where only
one flower is shown that a larger result is obtained. It may
‘be asked, ‘“‘ Why are the shows held?” The statement to me
of the manager of one of these places this year will be the
best answer. He had offered to have the National Rose Society
there, and said to me, ‘‘ You know I shall lose money by it.”
*« Why, then, do you have it?’ ‘‘ We must cater for the
‘public, and unless we have variety we cannot do so. Some
things pay and others don’t, but we must have them.” The
National Rose Society never expected their show to pay—that
is, as I have explained, they did not expect the gate money to
cover expenses, prizes, &c. They trusted entirely to the in-
terest taken in the Rose by the public at large. Their con-
fidence was misplaced; only about a thousand tickets were
taken, and probably many of these by the friends of sub-
scribers. They had hoped to have taken at least three times
as much as was taken at the first National Rose Show eighteen
years ago; in fact, not more was taken than on that occasion.
As to nurgerymen foregoing the prize money, I think that is
rather too much of a good thing to expect. They subscribe
liberally, they go to great expense in coming up to town, and
the least that they can expect is, I think, liberal prizes to com-
pete for to recoup them in some way for the outlay.

Il. Previncial Shows.—I call to mind many of these excel-
Jently managed and giving great impetus to floriculture, but
Ido not think one of them is ever expected to pay. First of
all a subscription list is made up, to which all the gentry in
the neighbourhood subscribe, and then generally something is
added to it, always a band, sometimes fireworks, a poultry
how, dogs or cats, or, as at York, acrobats and all kinds of
fair amusements; and even then when a wet day comes the
that has to go round, a certain amount is expected on the
show day, and if that fails it must be supplemented some
way. Reference has been made to the big prize offered at
‘Wisbech, as if that entailed destruction on the society that set
the ball a-going. I believe that prize was suggested by a very
distinguished rosarian. It was, I think, a mistake; but the
failure of the Show (which was not exclusively a Rose show)
arose not from this, but from purely local causes. Ican speak
‘with authority here, as I have judged there several times.

Your correspondent complains that nurserymen do not ex-
hibit more at thege provincial shows ; my wonder is that they
exhibit 0 much. The Rose show season lasts but little more
than three weeks. During that time three great London ex-
hibitions, others at Exeter, Nottingham, Oxford, Hereford,
Maidstone, Helensburgh, N.B., Newton Stewart, N.B., Reigate,

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ November 29, 1877.

Chipping Norton, &c., are held, and sometimes two or three
on the same day in different parts of the kingdom. What,
then, can nurserymen do? A Rose show is not like a poultry
show, where you can send your birds and get them back again.
Hither the nurseryman himself or his most trusted men, who
are at that time wanted at home, must accompany them;
and unless he has any reasonable prospect of getting some
money back he can hardly be expected on the hope of a
few stray orders to go to all places at great inconvenience and
expense,

I am, therefore, forced to the conclusion that flower shows
do not and cannot pay; but at the same time I am conyinced
that the love for flowers is so great amongst us that they will
still be held. We must, I think, abandon all notion about the
scientific side of horticulture being a paying concern; we have
no occasion to indulge in high talk, but seriously and lovingly
a our best to promote the interests of the pursuit we love.—

-» Deal.

CHOICE HARDY PERENNIALS.

‘©A Constant SvupscRiper,’’ who has plenty of common
plants, asks for a list of some two dczen choice, distinct, herb-
aceous plants that would be in flower from May to September.
By a lucky chance i am able to help him, and this is how it
came about. Last August I went to see the garden of “ Puin-

| aNTHOS,” and besides the wonderful collection of Cowslips and

Primroses about which he has told us so much that is new
and instructive, I found many hardy flowers grouped in beds
and dispersed about the gardens, enlivening many a quiet
nook and corner, for they were mostly in full bloom, and as I
soon saw were as choice and uncommon as they were beautiful,
and so I am able to furnish a list upon which your correspon-
dent may place implicit reliance as containing precisely what
he wants. It is, moreover, worthy of general attention, few
gardens possessing many of the plants I will now proceed to
enumerate.

Aquilegia chrysantha.—This is the most charming Colum-
bine I have seen. Its flowers are a delicate shade of yellow,
are borne in clustering heads about 2 feet high, not at all
dense or crowded, but in a somewhat loose yet elegant manner.
It was seeding freely.

Potentilla purpurea lutea plena.—This had numerous flowers,
double, and of a deep, rich, glowing crimson. It is one of many
varieties of a neglected genus that are worthy of a prominent
position in every garden. I have a list sent me from a reliable
source, in which upwards of fifty varieties are enumerated,
ranging in colour through various shades of crimson, yellow,
and scarlet. They form dense bushy tufts, yielding a succession
of brilliant flowers throughout summer. P. Menziesii was
also very gay with single flowers of a rich crimson shade;
and P. William Rollinson had brilliant clusters of double
orange-coloured flowers, which told well among the crimson
varieties.

Armeria cephalotes, better known perhaps as Great Thrift,
had a gay and sprightly effect with its abundant large compact
heads of rosy pink flowers borne on stems about 18 inches
high, which spring out of dense cushions of leaves some 4 or
5 inches in length. This comes readily from seed, but some
of the seedlings have flowers of a more delicate shade of pink
than the original type.

Sedum spurium.—A fine species of this widespread genus
with bold corymbs of bright crimson flowers and large green
foliage. It was in full beauty, and appeared likely to continue
so for sometime. §. kamtschaticum formed an appropriate
companion for spurium, being similar in growth but haying a
profusion of deep rich yellow flowers.

Dictamnus Fraxinella had handsome spikes of pale pink
flowers with dark green foliage, closely resembling that of a
Dahlia or of some of the broad-lobed Ash trees. I find the
following useful note of it in the ‘Cottage Gardeners’ Dic-
tionary :”.—‘‘ This is one of the oldest and best border plants
of our cottage gardens. Instances are known where the Fraxi-
nella has outlived father, son, and grandson in the same spot
without increase, all attempts at multiplying it to give away a
rooted slip to a newly married member of the family having
failed; yet the Fraxinella may be increased from seeds. Sow
as soon as they are ripe in the common soil of the border, and
cover 1 inch deep ; they will not sprout till the following April.
If they are kept over the winter and sown in the following
spring they will remain twelve months before they sprout, and
not one in a hundred sprouts at all. When the seedlings are

November 29, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

425

two years old transplant them where they are to remain, and
they will flower the third season. They prefer a deep rich
border on a dry bottom, and all flower in June.”

Carex riparia fol. aur. variegata is both elegant and
sprightly in its long, slender, Sedge-like growth, and its varie-
gated foliage was pleasantly conspicuous among the flowers
around it.

Hemerocallis fulva fol. argenteo-variegata is another plant
which impressed me favourably from the beauty of its varie-
gated foliage, which was long, elegant, and flag-like, beauti-
fully striped with white.

Geranium pratense flore-pleno had a profusion of charming
purple flowers of fine form—just so many miniature rosettes,
and the foliage, too, was much serrated and of elegant form.
This is quite a gem, and once established it requires little sub-
sequent care. It is a native of Scotland.

Anemone japonica Honorine Jobert.— This was in great
beauty with its bold spikes of lovely white flowers. It is a
general favourite so well known that I need not dilate upon its
many merits here.

Anemone japonica is the original pink-flowered species from
Japan, whence it was brought some thirty years ago. it is
well known, but is not so generally grown as it deserves. It is
true its flowers lack the elegance and precision of form so
remarkable in the white variety, but they have a sprightly
cheerful air pleasant to behold, and, moreover, continue in
beauty late in autumn. It is readily increased by division.
From a tuft or two which I procured from an old cottage
garden two years ago I have now a stock of several dozens.

Bocconia jeddoénsis.—A remarkably bold and striking plant,
which was full 7 feet high, with long loose spikes of white
feathery flowers, having orange-coloured stems with a soft
pearly-grey bloom overlaying the orange colour. The foliage
was much lobed, serrated, and was broad and handsome.

Rumex vesicarius.—A curious and very pretty plant about a
foot in height, with dense clusters of seed-pods covered with a
beautifnl pink veining like regular network.

Liatris spicata is another desirable plant which had lovely
mauve-coloured flower spikes about a foot in height. It comes
well from seed, and has been known in this country upwards
of a century.

Spirca palmata was in great beauty, is deservedly a general
favourite, and I cannot do better than append Dr. Hooker’s
description of it:—‘‘By far the handsomest species of the
genus hitherto imported, and certainly one of the most beauti-
ful hardy plants in cultivation. The deep purple red of the
stems and branches, passing into the crimson purple of the
glorious broad corymbs of flowers, contrasts most exquisitely
with the foliage, which in autumn assumes beautiful tints of
brown and golden yellow.”

Aconitum bicolor variegatum was prettily variegated ; it has
compact spikes of curious hooded flowers, white with a deep
blue margin.

Allium scorodoprassum was conspicuous among several others
of this genus on account of its very dark crimson flower
ineads.

Iris fetidissima.—Although this was not growing among the
plants of which I took notes, it is worthy of a place, for its
elegant, flax-like, deep green foliage is always ornamental, and
its pendant pods of bright scarlet berries just now in full
beauty brighten a border wonderfully in winter, besides being
useful for a variety of decorative purposes. ;

Acanthus latifolius was flourishing and elegant. It is a
fine plant, which comes well from seed and is well worthy of
a place.

Phlox decussata M. de la Deansaye had large bold heads of
finely-formed deep crimson flowers. Triomphe du Pare du
Neuilly was another fine variety with slender heads of hand-
some flowers of a deep rosy-salmon hue. M. Rafarin was a
much brighter shade of salmon with bolder flower clusters.
P. Gratry with flowers of elegant form, white in colour with
pink centres in large bold clusters, must conclude my selection.

There are two other classes of plants worthy of places in
such a choice selection, and these are the herbaceous Pxonies
and the Pyrethrums, both having numerous and beautiful
varieties.—Epwarp LuckHurst.

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.
‘We have received the schedule of the tenth quinquennial
INTERNATIONAL ExHiBitTion, which opens at Ghent on March
31st and closes April 7th, 1878. The programme is very com-

prehensive. It is divided into three sections—namely, plants,
for which 274 classes are provided; arboriculture and the
culture of market plants and fruit; also arts and industries,
making a total of 321 classes. The prizes consist of objects
of art, gold, silver-gilt, and silver medals. The gold medals
alone number 117. We can only notice a few of the chief
prizes. A gold medal is provided by the King for fifty Azalea
indicas, the Queen being the donor of a similar prize for twelve
Tree Ferns. A gold medal value five hundred francs is pro-
vided by the federation of the Belgian horticultural societies
for forty Palms, and an object of art of the same value is
offered by the President of the Society, the Comte de Kerchove,
for seventy-five plants in and out of flower, the contribution
of the Comtesse de Kerchove being an object of art value three
hundred francs for 150 Hyacinths. Gold medals of the value
of 250 francs are offered by the members of the Council of Ad-
ministration to nurserymen and amateurs for twenty Orchids,
also for thirty Dracenas and fifty Rhododendrons. We note
also that the English Van Houtte Memorial Committee pro-
vide two prizes for Belgian exhibitors of six stove and green-
house plants of distinct genera, in the form of objects of art of
the respective value of 250 and 125 frances. Mr. William Bull
also offers three silver cups value fifteen guineas, ten guineas,
and six guineas to Belgian exhibitors of twelve- distinct species
or varieties of plants introduced into commerce by Mr. Bull
since 1873. We trust the promoters of this great Exhibition
will be well supported at home and abroad, and that the
response of horticulturists will be commensurate with the
efforts made to ensure their countenance and co-operation.

Our readers will have noticed in our advertising
columns an announcement of a new Pra Criterion, which is
being introduced by Messrs. Veitch & Sons of Chelsea. It is
always interesting to know the origin of names. A corre-
spondent informs us how the name was given to this new Pea,
which, when known as well as it undoubtedly will be in a year
or two’s time, will be deservedly familiar to every gardener.
The late Mr. John Standish devoted much attention during
several of the closing years of his life to the raising of improved
varieties of Peas. His principal object was to produce hardy
early Marrowfats of fine quality. It was his custom annually
to gather his horticultural friends around his hospitable table
at Ascot, when Peas were at the best, to taste the new seedlings.
On the occasion of the last of these gatherings a gentleman
connected with Messrs. Spiers & Pond’s ‘‘ Criterion,’ in
Piccadilly was present. The Peas submitted for critical
opinion having been tasted at dinner and warmly approved of,
Mr. Standish invited his guests to go into the grounds and see
the Peas growing. Pointing out some rows of the kind which
was considered the very best of all, he was asked if he had
named it. ‘No,’ said he, ‘but I want a very good name
for it, as I consider it the best Pea in cultivation ;’’ whereupon
one of the company (our correspondent) suggested the name
“ Criterion,’ which, being thought very appropriate, was at
once adopted. It is described as an early Ne Plus Ultra, a
description it deserves, and which says volumes in its favour.
Having seen the Pea growing side by side with many other
kinds, we can say it is very hardy and of excellent quality.

THE GERANIUM HoUSE in Mr. Cannell’s nursery at
Swanley is in great beauty, and affords evidence of the value
of the newer varieties of zonal Geraniums for winter decora-
tion. Some of the varieties are finer in winter than in sum-
mer; David Thomson, for instance, which is now very striking.
Others which are highly effective are Seraph, Alonzo, Lizzie
Brooks, Miss Gladstone, G. Morlet, Fairest of the Fair, Cir-
culator, Dr. J. Denny, Mrs. Lancaster, Livingstone, Jean
d’Arc, Mrs. Leavers, Mrs. Wright, Corsair, Jealousy, Louisa,
Gertrude, Mr. Chandler, Imogene, The Shah, and Ivanhoe.

—— Tux first prosecution under the Adulteration of Seeds
Act, 1869, came before the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House
on the 26th inst., when Mr. Thomas Strangeways, a seed
merchant in Mile End, was fined £5 for the offence of killing
seed, and £5 for that of selling the killed seed, and £5 5s.
costs, or £15 5s. in all. Mr. Alexander Francis stated that he
purchased sufficient of killed seed which if mixed in the pro-
portion of half-and-half would sow about 1700 acres. Mr.
Charles Sharp of Sleaford deposed that he, with Mr. Burnell,
promoted the ‘‘ Adulteration of Seeds Act,’’ and he employed
the last witness to make the purchases in question.

—— We have letters bearing testimony to the excellence of
Vertcu’s AutumMN Giant CavLirtowER. Mr. Wilson, Claydon
House, Winslow, states that he had 150 plants, and the heads

426

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

[ November 29, 1877.

averaged 2 feet 6 inches in circumference. He dereribes it as
@ splendid variety; and Mr. Iddenden, market gardener, Ash-
ford, states that he has cut a head 44 inches in cireumierence,
yet very close and compact. Some of the finest heads we
have seen were grown this year by Mr. Jones at Bentley Priory.
They are remarkable examples of what must jastly be de-
scribed as one of the most valuable of autumn vegetables.

Since Mr. Baring’s garden at Coombe Cottage was
described on page 34 some important alterations have been
made, which have added considerably to the completeness and
usefulness of the glass structures. Some commodious, excel-
lently arranged, and well-constructed vineries and pineries
have been erected, also a Fig house, which are already occupied
and doing good work. The houses have been erected and
heated by Henry Ormson, Stanley Bridge, Chelsea. The heat-
ing is efficiently and economically done by flued saddle boilers,
and all the pipes arg on the same level; little or no difference
is found in the heat of the flow and return pipes by this arrange-
ment. The several houses are also well occupied. Young
Vines are extremely promising; Orchids are numerous and in
thriving condition, as also are ornamental-folieged table plants
and flowering plants. We never saw Pleione maculata in such
fine ecndition, one pot containing about sixty charming flowers.
Odontoglossum cirrhosum is showing strongly; the brilliant

Sophronitis grandiflora is just expanding, and will continue in |

beauty for three months; and Cattleya Dayana and Odonto-
glossum Roezlii are very fine.
demand, are chiefly afforded by Gardenias, Roman Hyacinths,
Ixoras, Euphorbias, Eranthemums, Azaleas, Camellias, Scutel-
larias, Centropogons, Heliotropes, and Mignonette. Amaryllis
aulica, Mr. Baker’s fine variety, is also extremely effective.

At the Taunton Roor SHow held on the 24th inst.
Messrs. Kelway & Son’s five-guinea silver cup offered for

twenty roots of their Magnum Bonum Mangold was awarded |
to Mr. Carter of Huntspill, near Bridgewater, and their five- |

guinea silver cup for twenty roots of Kelway’s Mammoth
Swede was awarded to Mr. James Mead of Yarlington, near
Wincanton.

—— Arew remarkable Orcuims are now flowering in Messrs.
Veitch’s fine collection at Chelsea. Foremost to notice is
Cattleya exoniensis, Mr. Dominy’s greatest triumph and bril-
liant memorial. The plant has thirteen expanded flowers and
nine buds; and such flowers! one scarcely knows which to
admire most, the soft delicacy or the intense richness of
colouring which are combined in thia fine varicty. The sepals
and petals are silvery blue, the lip bluish violet deepening to
purple and margined with white, and the throat is rich orange,
the margins of every part of the flower being beautifully
fringed. Too much cannot be said in praise of this magnificent
Orchid, which is worth a-long journey to eee. Its parentage
is Lelia purpurata and the Sion House variety of Cattleya
Moseie. Near it is Cattleya fausts, the first seadling Orchid

‘taised by Mr. Seden; the prevailing colour is reddish mauve,
which has a rich effect by gaslight. It is the result of a cross
between C, exoniensis and C. Loddigesii. A new Cypripedium
of great promise is flowering. It is the result of a cross be-
tween C. Dominii and C. Schlimii. In colour if resembles
C. Sedeni, but the flower is much finer, the throat more
spotted, and has, what Sedeni has not, long twisted tails.
It has bright green arching foliage, and is of stately habit.
Yet another new plant merits notice— namely, Calanthe Sedeni.
All who know C. Veitchii know how valuable itis. The new
variety is between that and C. vestita. It is larger than
Veitchii, and is very similar in colour, but in addition has the
white sepals and bold chocolate throat blotch of vestita. This
fine new Calanthe is sure to become popular. Chrysanthe-
mums are still gay; they have been grown in a more natural
manner than during previous years, and the ordinary character
of the varieties is the better appreciated.

—— A NorruampronsHireE correspondent in writing to us
on the effects of the late GREAT GALE, saye—‘‘ My whole estate
was strewed with fallen trees. They came down like nine-
pias. A small sprinkling, too, of barns and cottages were con-
siderably dispersed.”

—— WE have, writes ‘‘OnsERvER,” some very fine speci-
mens of different kinds of Hours, and the contrast between
last season and this is most apparent. The difference between
no berries and the trees being red over is very striking. Spe-
cimens of Hollies variegated and self-coloured, 30 and 40 feet
in height and more in circumference, clothed with their shining
foliage and their coral-like berries, are very attractive objects

| Falhem,” frequently recurs in the prize Jist.
Cat flowers, which are in great |

during the dark days of winter, and will no doubt afford food
for fieldfares, missel thrushes, and other of the feathered
tribe.

Tue annual Root Suow of Messrs. Edward Webb and
Sons was held at Wordsley, near Stourbridge, on the 20:h
inst., and was in every way successful. There were 1308
entries against 1272 last vear, and £300 was offered by Messrs.
Webb in cups and other prizes. The whole of these prizes are
given for roots grown from their seed. Among the more pro-
minent exhibitors were Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of
Sutherland, the Duke of Portland, the Earl of Craven, the
Karl of Denbigh, the Earl of Dartmouth, the Har] of Stamford
and Warrington, the Earl of Warwick, Lord Lovatt, Lord
Hampton, Lord Northwick, Lord Moreton, Lord Leigh, Lady
Ward, Viscount Hill, Sir George Chetwode, Bart., Sir H. 8-
Stanhope, Bart., Col. Dyott; Messrs. C. Combe, W. D. Foster,
T. H. Farrer, W. L. Beale, Joseph Beach, Samuel Robinson,
W. T. Carrington, Joseph Palley, and T. Jowitt. The princi-
pal feature of the Exhibition was the specimens of Webb’s
Imperial Swede, in which class there were 496 entries. The
heaviest single roots shown were—Imperial Swede, 234 lbs.;
Yellow Globe, 364 lbs.; Long Red Mangold, 441bs. ‘here
was a large attendance-of visitore.

Iy the reports of the chief London flower shows ‘ Mr.
Roberts, gardener to W. Terry, Eeq., Peterborough House,
We recently had
a‘ bull’s eye’? view of Mr. Trrry’s GARDEN, and were much
pleased with the appearance of the houses. The collection of
medicinal and officinal plants is extremely interesting, and
Orchids are very numerous, and are steadily improving in health
under Mr. Roberts’s care. Stove and greenhouse plants are
also well managed, and forcing is ably conducted, Cacumbers
and French Beans being provided ‘all the year round.” It
is pleasing to notice, too, that old border flowers are cherished;
but to appreciate these a daylight visit is necessary. This we
hope to have on a future occasion, when more particular note

| can be taken of many things that are noteworthy in this well-

appointed and excellently managed garden. Amongst the
plants that cannot be grown are Violets, the London fogs
being fatal, or nearly so, to these esteemed flowers; neither
in pots nor borders can they be made to flourish during the
winter at Peterborough House.

Tue most highly- flavoured MapResFIELD CourT GRAPES
that we have tasted were grown by Mr. Burnett at Deepdene.
They are grown on the Black Hamburgh stock, on which
Mr. Burnett states they never crack with him. They are of
splendid quality. We should beglad to hear of the experience
of others who have grown Madresfield on Black Hamburgkh
roote. Mr. Burnett finds, also, that Royal Muscadine is an
excellent stock for Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat. He has forty
bunches on two rods, which sre very fing and are bstter
coloured than we often see this Grape.

—— Durine the October of 1876 rather more than

237,000 ewts. of Potatoes were imported, but in the same
month of the present year nearly 1,100,000 cwts. have been
imported.
THE inild autumn weather, writes a Yorkshire gardener,
appears to put things out of season. We have here a fine old
plant of Scorpion Senna (Coronilla Emerus) nearly a mass of
bloom. Its beautiful yellow-tinged-with-red flowers in the
sunshine give it a charming effect. It began flowering in early
summer and continued in beauty for a length of time, and now
with renewed vigour it is making an effort to cheer us on the
eve of winter. He urges the more extensive cultivation of this
plant for indoor decoration. The plants succeed in any ordi-
nary soilin well-drained pots supplied with water as they re-
quire it. When not wanted they can be plunged in the reserve
ground till wanted.

— Onanazs are being imported from the Brazils. This
is the first year, says the Mercantile Gazette, in which any
important quantity has been brought to this country, great.
difficulty having been previously experienced in getting the
fruit in sound condition. This has, however, to some extent
been overcome by care in gathering, packing, &c. The quality
of this Orange is said to be extremely fine, being ripe and
sweet, which no European Oranges are at the present period of
the year.

—— Ovwne to frequent showers and a prolonged period of
mild weather, WINTER GREEN crops have recently grown with
great rapidity. Broccolis are luxuriant and succulent, and
consequently in considerable danger should frost come sud-

——— ee

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

427

denly and severely. Spinach, autumn-cown Caulifiowers, and
Lettuces are also growing fully too quickly. A check with the
spade—partially lifting the roots of such crops, is often useful
in arresting their luxuriance, and thus rendering them some-
what better able to resist the first onslaught of winter. Weeds
grow as fast as vegetable crops, and it is a moot point whether
they or slugs are just now the more troublesome. Lime, soot,
and guano are real gardeners’ friends—the molluscs detest
the mixture, and the crops enjoy it.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WHEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

To the ordinary obrerver there is much sameness in the ap-
pearance of the fruit garden during winter; to the uneducated
eye the buds, branches, and outlines of the trees present the
same monotonous effect; not so to the ardent fruit cultivator.
As he walks round his trees he can note the changing buds
swelling during mild weather, those that are plump and roundish
showing the quantity of blossoms that may be expected on the
trees. Then there are certain small details of the work that
require to be seen to. A stout sharp knife is useful to cut ont
superfluous wood. The eggs of Bombyx neustria (lackey moth)
may be found glued to the small branches in clusters. The
caterpillars of the goat moth may also be traced by their borings,
like wet sawdust dropping out of a puncture in the trees. A
good plan to destroy them is tocrush them by the insertion of
a pliable wire. We have seen both Elm and Apple trees de-
stroyed by this pest to the fruit cultivator. They will bore
into the hardest wood, and if not destroyed in time they work
in a zigzag direction to the centre of the tree, and a wire will
not follow them into such distant retreats.

During the present mild weather we are busy looking over all

the fruit trees and pruning them. After thisis done the ground |
Gooseberry and |

urderneath will be mulched with manure.
Currant trees will also be pruned as soon as possible. Many
readers of the Journal who have such trees and bushes are
probably ignorant of the methods to be employed in pruning, or
the way it should be performed. It is very difficult to describe
this, but the main idea of the cultivator is to thin out the wood
freely in the centre of the Gooseberry and Currant bushes, so

that the sun may be able to act beneficially on the leaves and |

fruit. Red and White Currant bushes do well when the young
wood is cut closely back to the main stem, except the leading
shoot, which may be left about 6 inches long, more or less as it
is intended to increase the size of the bushes. A large propor-
tion of the young wood may also be cut from the Gooseberry
bushes. Those growths that may be allowed to remain have
merely the points taken off them, but they must be well thinned
out, else the produce will be inferior. It cannot be too widely
known that good fruit cannot be obtained from trees where the
svood is thickly placed.

Many persons cannot get out of the custom of inserting Straw-
berry runners thickly in beds and planting them out after they
hhave formed a considerable quantity of roots. Those who have
done so may now plant out while the weather continues mild.
The plants will continue to grow except during frosty weather.

Plantations of Raspberries may also be made now. A damp
shady part of the garden answers well for them, but to have
plenty of good fruit the ground must be deeply trenched, work-
ing in plenty of rich manure. After the plants have been put
out mulch round the roots with dryish frame manure. All
newly-planted trees should be mulched. Instructions have been
previously given as to the best methods of training the wood.
‘Old plantations should be heavily manured. The manure is
best wheeled on to the ground in frosty weather. It will not do
&) dig the ground until it is thawed.

PEACH HOUSES.

It is now time to start the earliest house, and if previous in-
structions have been followed out all the woodwork and glass
will have been washed clean, and the walls limewashed. The
branches also should be washed with soapy water, especially if
thrips, red spider, or scale should be in the house. The young
wood should be carefully washed so that the fruit buds may
not be injured doring the operation; the old wood that is not
furnished with buds should be dressed with the mixture recom-
roer ded for Vines. Allthe wood must also be in its proper place
before forcing commences, and it must be tied to the trellises
in such a manner that the bearing wood is distributed evenly all
over the rpace devoted toit. The borders should be well watered
to start witb, but the temperature must not be too high at first ;
if the weather is cold with frosts at night, 40° to 45° ought not to
be exceeded. Should the weather be mild a minimum of 55°
may be maintained without any artificial heat. The trees may
be gently dewed overhead on the mornings of fine days, but it
is madeeireble to have the atmosphere of the house lorzded with
moisture. i

|

CUCUMBERS.

The critical period for these is now approaching, but if the
appliances at command are adequate for the occasion, and if the
plants have been managed as previously directed, there will be
no difficulty in satisfying any reasonable demands. Oar own
plants are in excellent health, and are now beginning to bear
fruit; the growths are not too close to each other, so that the
leaves are exposed to all the light possible. The night tem-
perature ranges about 65°, less or more according to weather,
but we do not like the temperature to fali below 60°. Every
day, except during keen frost winds, the lights at the top of the
house have been moved down an inch or two to cause a cir-
culation of air. This may be done about 10 a.m., and the house
be closed at 2 p.m. It is not desirable to have a very moist at-
mosphere, but this must be regulated to some extent by the
heat that it is necessary to maintain in the hot-water pipes.
Thrips have appeared on the leaves, but successive fumigations
with tobacco smoke destroy them.

FIGS IN POTS.

We have not done well with theee during the past season,
the reason being that the plants were under Vines and standing
at a considerable distance from the glass. We have always
succeeded best with Figs when the pots could have a gentle
bottom heat and be grown in span or hip-roofed structures; the
plants close to the glass, and nothing to shade them from the
sun. We have just turned the plants out of their pots, and re-
potted them in rich heavy loam with a fifth part of decayed
Manure; as was to be expected from plants that had made
weak growth thera was little root-action. We will try and get

| the plants into a house where they can grow and fruit freely

next season. It is evidently not worth the trouble to try to
grow them under Vines, better throw the plants away than
have them languish out a miserable existence.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

One of the most usefal plants for late autumn or winter flower-
ing is the Statice profasa. We have plants of it now covered
with flower spikes, some with them fully expanded and others
in various etages of development. A large plant in flower now
will improve until midsummer. The white corolla in the centre
of the flower will drop off, but the blue portion of the flower will
remain in the state that Everlasting Flowers are when gathered.
It is subject to mildew, but dusting the leaves with sulphur
destroys this parasite. The flowers mentioned by “ Visrror” in
the notes of Mr. C. Turner’s nureeries, Slough, should be in every
collection—viz., Browallia elata and Salvia splendens. They are
quite as easily grown as zonal Pelargoniums. The plants may
be placed out of doors during summer and autumn, removing
them into the greenhouse in September or as soon as there is
danger of injury from frost. Indian Azaleas are now at rest,
and the old leaves are dropping off. These should be removed
out of the way; perhaps it is best to burn them, as this besuti-
fal flower is too often infested with thrips, a lively little intect
that cannot easily be destroyed when it has been allowed to
increaso rapidly. There is no better plan than to continue to
fumigate with tobacco smoke until they are destroyed. We
have taken in the earliest pots of Tulips, Hyacinths, and Poly-
anthus Narcissus. The pots are well filled with roots, and they
have been placed on a shelf near the glass, where they have
just a little artificial heat, but plenty of fresh air is admitted
when the weather is fine.

Cyclamens which have been until now in a cold pit have been
removed to a warmer place near the glass. The flowers, which
are showing in hundreds, will thereby be hastened, and we shall
be glad of them in afew weeks. Thisis now a generally culti-
vated and most useful plant, and the great variety in colour and
quality of the flowers have been much increased during the last
few years. Itis necessary to be careful in watering the plants at
this season. The water should be poured in very gently near
the rim of the pot. Ifit is dashed into the centre of the plant
probably many of the flower stalks will decay.

Tree or Perpetual-flowering Carnations are now very useful
for arranging amongst Azaleas or other hardwooded plants.
When arranged in such a way that the Carnation flowers slightly
overtop the plants named they have a charming effect. These
are everybody’s flowers, they are so easily grown. Out-of-doors
culture suits them best until it is too cold, when they are brought
indoors, and by that time the flower buds are formed, and the
dry air of the greenhouse causes the blooms to open freely. A
variety nearly white named Empress of Germany is a beautiful
flower. The choicest Orchids cannot be placed before it.
What a contrast to it, too, is Scarlet Defiance; the brilliance
of this flower is quite dazzling. Then there is the freest-flower-
ing variety we have with flesh-coloured flowers—Miss Jolliffe.
La Belle is a very good pure white flower, and we have in King
of the Belgians an excellent pink-coloured sort; the edges are
beautifully fringed, which in the estimation of rome adds to its
beanty. he flowers will open with additional freedom if the
plonts are pleced ina house with a dryish atmosphere and a
temperature of 50° or 55°.—J. Dovexas.

428

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 23, 1877.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Dick Radclyffe & Co., 129, High Holborn, London.—Catalogues
of Vegetable, Flower, and Garden Seeds, Dutch Flower Roots,
Trees, &c.

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 unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

AprvGE-TREE Bark CANKERED (4. B. G.).—The roots have descended into
an upgenial subsoil ; if so, they should be cut through and manure spread on
the surface to induce rooting in that.

Rector’s Wipow ‘Old Subscriber).—She can take away all the potted
plants if first introduced by her husband, and the incoming rector ought not
to object to her taking cuttings of the herbaceous plants.

CELERY WORM-EATEN (4. 4. M.).—Apply successive waterings of fresh
lime water.

TRANSPLANTING Roses (Idem).—You may transplant your Briars budded
last August with perfect safety now.

Rose Moss DE Meavux (Idem).— We much fear this charming old
favourite is lost, as none of the ‘‘ Rose” nurserymen name it in their cata-
logues now.

CETERACH OFFICINARUM (Idem).— This Fern is somewhat difficult to
establish in new quarters. Fill a pot half full of drainage and the remainder
with a mixture of one-third loam and two-thirds of broken bricks, make a
little mound in the centre, upon which place your plant, water sparingly and
carefully for a time, keeping it in a cool frame or under a bell-glass in the
coolest part of your conservatory.

VINES FOR A CooL VINERY (Rass).—Three of Frankenthal and one Black
Alicante; and as you require four white jou cannot do betiter than plant two
Buckland Sweetwater, one Early White Malvasia, and one Royal Muscadine.

InsEctTs ON Rosks (F. W. T.).—Immerse the infested ]toses in pots in a
strong decoction of Fowler's insecticide, afterwards washing them with pure
water. If they are too large for immersion lay them on their sides and
syringe them thoroughly with the solution.

WINTERING Gtoxtnias (Hortus).—Place the pots on a shelf in a vinery at
rest or in any place where frost is excluded, and do not let the soil become
dust-dry, but give a little water twice or thrice during winter, shake them
out, and repot in spring. Notes on Clematises will ehortly be published.

InLUsTRATED CaTALOGuE (Mrs. H. B.).—The leaf you sentis from Messrs.
Dick Radclyffe & Co.’s Catalogue. There are many other illustrations in it
besides those you have sent.

PoRTABLE ARNOTT’s STOVvES.—We have many inqniries for these, and
about their cost, fuel consumed, &. Makers would benefit by advertising
these particulars.

Rose Currines (A. C.).—November is a good month in which to insert the
cuttings out of doors of those hardy varieties that are usually propagated in
that way. We presume you intend the Briar cuttings to be inse:ted on which
to bud Roses for bedding. We do uot think that a good plan. It is best to
plant Roses on their own roots for bedding.

VeItcH Memortrat Paizes (Belfast)—When arrangements are made as
to who will be eligible to compete they will be duly advertised.

RosE DEVONIENSIS NOT GRowineG (Idem).—It is very liable to be attacked
by milde*, and this will account for the reddish-brown spots on the wood and
leaves. This parasite should be destroyed on its first appearance. If you cut
Maréchal Niel in as closely as you propose it will not produce nearly 80 many
flowers. If you desire a large quantity of flowers you must not cut the young
wood back severely, but then the plant will shade the greenhouse too much.
You can only get rid of the maggot boring the leaves of your Ciageraria by
bruising them between the finger and thumb.

Heatine Smatu Pir (A Subseriber).—One brick flue run along the pit
Within a foot of the front wall will give sufficient heat.

HALF-HARDY AMARYLLIS IN Pots (4. J.).— When growa in pots these
plants do die down during their period of Test. They should be kept rather
dry at the roots during that time.

SHORT-STALKED CeLEry (F. I. Radclyjfe).—The length of stalk is deter-
mined by the kind and the culture. We should manure more liberally and
water abundantly daring dry weather, and give liquid manure twice a-week.
We have seen the plants drawn up a good length by 4-inch drain tiles enclos-
ing them, and is not a bad plan in wet soil, the space inside the tiles being
filled with sawdust around the Celery, the tiles being raised as occasion may
require when earthing. The Celery being good though short indicates that
more liberal treatment only is required.

CaMELLIAS INFESTED WITH TuRIps (Cold).—The leaves of the Camellia
and the narrow-pointed leayes—certainly not those of Stephanotis, being
more like Gardenia intermedia—are infested with thrips, which may be
destroyed by fumigation with tobacco, the atmosphere being very much too
dry to cause so serious an infection. The smaller leaves have on the under
side next the midrib some brown scale, which should be cleaned with a sponge
and a solution of soft soap, 4 ozs. to the gallon of water. Both the plauts
would be the better of a thorough cleaning by eponging the soap solution
on both surfaces of the leaves. There is no mealy bug or traces thereof.
After sponging syringe the plants with clear water.

PackinG Fruit, FLOWERS, AND VEGETABLES (Young Gardener). — For
Sending by rail fruit is best packed in boxes made of half to three-quarter-
inch deal, and so deep as to hold one layer of each kind of fruit only, with
sufficient space for a little stuffing below and over the fruit. Grapes,
Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Pears, and choice Apples are first wrapped
in tissue paper, and are then placed in the boxes with a little bran beneath
them. The box is filled closely one tier deep and more stuffing added so
as to fill up the interstices and the box. the chief thing being to have
the whole compact sc as to prevent the fruit moving. The lids are secured
With screws. Great care is necessary in handling Peaches, which we wrap in

|
|

cotton wool or wadding in addition to the tissue paper. Strawberries are
packed one layer deep in their own leaves, each fruitin a leaf. Preserving or
culinary fruits are best pacsed in small wicker baskets. Flowers are best
packed in tin boxes, which may be 3 or 4 inches deep, or have trays so a3 to
accommodate three or more tiers of flowers. A little damp moss is placed at
the bottom; the stem of the flower is wrapped around with a little wadding
immersed in water and the water squeezed out as from a sponge, and the
flower covered with tissue paper, and in the case of Camellias with wadding;
they are then placei rather tightly in the box in layers, the chief point being
to have them tight withont crushing; some cotton wool is placed over them,
and a tray or the lid is put inor on. Note, the wool must not touch the
flowers, but ba kept from them by tissue paper, as it sticks to some flowers
and absorbs moisture from those with smooth petals. The flowers should be
cut in the morning, and ought to be dry when packed. Vegetables travel well
in hampers, it not being desirable to have them too large. Oars vary in size
from one to two bushels; one midway of those we find most serviceable-
Cooking Apples and stewing Pears travel well in hampers with hay or straw
around the sidez, packed in layers with straw or hay between each.

MaLFroRMeD PEAR (Dalton).—We have ssen similar deformities. The
small Pear issuing from the eye of the larger Pear arose from an extension
of the growing axis called a proliferous growth.

Rose CULTURE IN CaaAte Sort (4. S. M.).—Drain the soil thoroughly,
dress it heavily with rich farmyard manure, which take especial care to blend
thoroughly with the soil, and you will succeed. We infer that you allude to
@ soil resting on chalk, such as is found upon the chalk hills of Kent. Yow
need have no hesitation in planting Roses upon Briars in soil where, as you
say, Hops and fruit trees appear to thrive splendidly. The common Briar
abounds in hedgerows upon tha chalk hills, and some years ago we remem-
ber budding many hundreds of such, which were very robust, and formed
large bushy heads quickly.

REMOVING SHRUBS AND TREES (T. S. 2.).—Ii your Capreisus Lawsoni-
ana was ‘‘ well prepared last spring” for removal yon may safely transplant
it now. Decayed leaf soil is very suitable for placing round the roots. See
that the roots do not become dried during the process of removal, and secure
the specimen from injury by high winds. The Mulberry may be moved now,
placing leaf soil round ths roots as you propose, but it would be much safer
to prepare it now and remove it next autumn.

Brixton SHow (Inquirer). — Special certificates were awarded to Mr.
Stephenson, gardener to F. Peek, Esq., Roby House, Sydenham Hill, for
Black Hamburgh and Black Alicante Grapes.

GRAFTING VINES (J. W. Lever).—The Sheffield correspondent has left his
residence, and we cannot obtain his address.

Courting Hotty Hepees.—' An Observer” writes that he finds the
spring the best season for the operation, and we consider that that season is
to be preferred.

DraIninc Peat Sorns (T. V. M.).—The best directions we know are in the
second yolume of the Royal Agricultural Society’s Transactions.

GLAZING witHouT Purry.—*‘ E. W. R.” and others wish to know if any
of our readers have adopted this mode of glazing and have found it successfuk

MEtons For Earty Fruiting (Novice).—The best green-flesh for your
purpose is Gilbert’s Improved Victory of Bath, and the best scarlet-flesh
Turner's Scarlet Gem. You must sow the seeds early in January and main-
tain a temperature of 65°; the frait will if othercircumstances are favourable
ripen in the endof May. What are usually called “inch bones” are better
for a Vine border than dissolved bones, being much more lasting.

SELECT LARGE-FLOWERED AND ANEMONE CHRYSANTHEMUMS (G. C.).—
Large-flowered.—Aurea Multiflora, Barbarea, Empress of India, Eve, Genera}
Bainbrig ge, Golden Beverley, Hero of Stoke Newington, Jardin des Plantes,
Lady Hardinge, Her Majesty, Mrs. Geo. Rundle, George Glenny, Prince Alfred,
Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, Venus, Mrs. Dixon, Princess of Teck, and
White Venus. Anemone-flowered.—Acquisition, Georges Sands, Empress,
Prince of Anemones, Gluck, Queen Margaret, Mrs. Pethers, Lady Margaret,
Princess Louise, Sunflower, King of Anemones, Fleur de Marie, and Louis
Bonamy.

PHYLLOXERA ON VINE (C.).—The root has all the appearance of having
been attacked by this insect. There are traces of the insect, but that is all.
Did you not observe peculiar excrescences upon the under sides of the leaves-
as well ?

Pruninc Ving (4 New Subscriber)—You do not say what sort of wood
the Vine has made; but you would do well to leave the young wood in places
where there is’space for lateral development, and when lateral growths are
formed cut back to a good eye. Read “‘Seasonable Notes on Vines” on
psge 412. Look out also for directions in “‘ Doings of the Last Week.”

Names oF Fruits (ZL. R. Lucas).—1, Aston Town; 2, Swan’s Egg. (J. Mh
—Martin See. (R. P. J.)—Name not known. (Col. R. T. C.).—Tram-
pington. (S. W.).—Eldon Pippin. (Keymer).—1, Northera Spy; 2, Beauty of
Kent; 8, not known; 4, Claygate Pearmain; 5, Hollandbury; 6, Kingston
Black. (J. Woodliffz).—1, Pinner Seedling; 2, Pomme de Neige. The Pear
is Ne Plus Meuris. (W. Taylor).—1, Ashmead’s Kernel; 2, Sturmer Pippin;
8, Golden Russet; 4, not known. (W. P. B.).—1, Beurré Diel; 2, Nouveau
Poiteau. The Apple is Court of Wick.

Names oF Prants (M. Ambleside).—The specimen imperfect. It seems
to be Linum trigynum, Three-styled Flax. (Stirling)—We have not seen the
specimen to which you refer. Send again when the plant is in flower.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

RABBIT TROUGHS.

Tue question of Rabbit troughs occupies a far more importan&
place in the economy of Rabbit-keeping than is generally
assigned to it. During the last few years important improve-
ments haye been made in the construction of hutches and other
matters of detail, but in a few noteworthy exceptions the ordi-
nary Rabbit trough has scarcely undergone the slightest alter-
ation. It is strange that so little interest should be taken in
such a subject, seeing that as a rule Rabbits waste rather more
food than they eat; but this loss could easily be avoided by the

November 29, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

429

adoption of a suitable trough, Then, again, a Rabbit frequently
refuses its food, and loses its flesh simply because the food,
which may be of the best quality, is improperly served. The
time has passed when it was considered that anything would do
for a Rabbit, and fanciers have learned or are beginning to learn
that economy in small things is a necessary adjunct to success.
Below we give several specimens of Rabbit troughs, some ori-
ginal, and some improvements of the kinds now extant.

The commonest troughs are square or oblong boxes without
any protection, and saucers or flower-dishes. The former are
soon destroyed and made obnoxious by the Rabbit squatting in
them. The latter are much worse. All the inhabitants of the
hutch, young or old, seem to consider them lawful places for
xeposing in, and, moreover, to look upon them as improvements
in the sanitary line. It is not long before any food in them is
converted into filth, and if not remedied the Rabbit will soon
Jose health.

The best and simplest kind of trough is perhaps that made of
zine and wood, the former forming the trough itself, and the
latter the side pieces. The zinc should be bent into a semi-
circle, the half tunnel thus formed to be 9 inches long and
33 inches across the top. The side pieces should be made square
so as to keep the trough from falling over. There will now be a
feeding dish capable of holding enough food for half a day for a
doe and large litter of young. If left as made it would not be
economical, as the food would soon be scratched out and the
Rabbits get into the trough. To remedy this, bore four holes in
the zinc opposite one another, and lace them with copper wire of
a good thickness. If laced across one another so as to forma
kind of latticework it will be best, but care must be taken to
leave apertures large enough for the nose of a large Rabbit to go
through, but too small to allow a young Rabbit to crawl be-
tween. The wires should be laced at each passing for extra
strength. To affix the zinc to the wood it is best to cut the
former longer than necessary, and turn half an inch over at each
end, which can be nailed to the wood with tacks. A good car-
penter could make it watertight, but an amateur hardly could,
and it should hence be used for dry food only. A trough of this
description will not cost more than a common one, and it will
last a lifetime. As it is of a really lasting kind it will pay to
spend a few extra pence in purchasing a piece of really good
svood for the sides, as deal or pine is very apt to be split or
weakened in the making. To keep it from being overturned
Dore a hole in the side of the hutch and insert a piece of wire in
the form of a hook. This can be affixed to one or more of the
troughs.

Another kind of trough is a simple wooden box made the ne-
essary size and covered with wires in a similar manner to that
described above, or wires of a stronger nature may be affixed
longitudinally about 2inches apart, so that if the trough were
A inches across a wire should be fixed an inch from each side.
The cost of making a trough of this description will be but the
smallest trifle under the one first described, and it will be quite
as much trouble. It will not, however, last 50 long, as itis more
difficult to cleanse it, and be as careful as possible it will get
tainted by use. This should be fastened to the side of the hutch
in the same way as already described.

For a watertight trough a sheet of zinc should be obtained
and bent in the proper shape, the sides and joints being ham-
mered too tightly to allow any leakage.

These troughs will be found to answer every purpose for does
with litter or batches of young Rabbits, but they would be un-
necessarily large and cumbersome for a single buck Rabbit. For
him the easiest and perhaps the most serviceable trough is
made of zinc in a circular shape, the edges being all turned over
a thin iron bar for the sake of strength. The trough should be
fixed to the bottom of the hutch by a couple of strong nails. To
prevent the food being scratched out make the sides 3 inches
high, and let them slightly converge towards the bottom.
These troughs will be found cheap and effective.—GrrTa.

Tse BirrmincHamM CaTTLE AND Pouttry SHow.—A consider-
able portion of the exhibits for this, the twenty-ninth annual
Show, are now in Bingley Hall, and ready for the inspection of
the Judges on Saturday, December lst. The entries of roots
and potatoes show a large increase. The applications for space
from implement manufacturers are larger than ever before
known, and many have been declined ; others cut down to very
small proportions. The poultry number 2700 pens, and the
~Council have found it necessary to hire 500 additional pens for
their reception. Among the exhibitors are Her Majesty the
‘Queen, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, the Dukes of Buckingham,
Marlborough, Portland, Northumberland, and Sutherland; the
Countess of Chesterfield, Countess of Dartmouth, Earl of Lons-
‘dale, Harl of Crawford and Balcarres, Karl of Ellesmere, Lord
‘Falmouth, Lord Chesham, Karl of Galloway, Earl of Harrington,
Lord Leigh, Lord Lovat, Earl of Powis, Lord Tredegar, Lord
Walsingham, Sir Watkin Wynn, Mr. McCombie, the Corporation
of Birmingham, &c. As usual, the judging will take place on
‘Saturday, when the charge for admission is 10s., life members

only having free passes ; on Monday the chargeis 5s., subscribers’
tickets being available. The others are ls. days, a concession
being made on the last two evenings in favour of the working
classes, by reducing the payment on entrance to 6d.

NOTES ON CANARIES.

I nave often been asked to recommend the sort of Canary to
make the best cagesongster. One’sidea at once inclines towards
the German songster, but unfortunately such is the brief dura-
tion of life that no dependance can be placed upon any purchased
bird passing through the moulting sickness and again breaking
forth into song equal to that when first obtained. Like the
Nightingale, appearances do not favour the German bird, which
possesses only a moderate garb compared with many of its con-
geners. The disappointment, no doubt, is great to those who
invest their money in purchasing a really first-rate German
songster, to find that after a brief season the bird becomes
silent. To please the ear and the eye what can suffice better
than one of our charming-bred Norwich birds tutored in its
youth under a German schoolmaster purchased in the spring of
the year? Norwich songsters possess both power and volubility
of voice, which when cultivated is sufficiently pleasing; and
more dependance can be placed upon the prolongation of life,
such birds generally being of robust constitution. Lizard
Canaries likewise are sweet songsters, but they are not so much
at call as Norwich, which latter breed possesses that much-
sought-for colour— yellow.” Everybody, at least ten out of
a dozen, wishes for a “‘ yellow” bird, which is supposed to mean
clearly a bird without any blemishes—marks uponit. At least
that is the way it is interpreted by those outside the circle of
“the fancy.” In many cases where a marked Norwich may be
offered for sale, the reply is ‘‘I do not want a Mule.”

Now in making choice of a bird to gratify my own taste I
would choose a Mule proper—a cross betwixt a Goldfinch and
Canary, for the reason that you may obtain a greater variety
and change of notes from a young bird when brought up under
a good schoolmaster; andI have always looked upon Mule birds
of the above particular breed as being more vivacious and enter-
taining than a Canary.

In maintaining and preserving the constitution of a healthy
cage songster it should be kept in a well-ventilated atmosphere,
apart from a superabundance of artificial fire heat and from the
poisonous fumes of gas. Thereby many good birds become
spoiled. Excessive heat brings about periodical moulting, and
thus arises the often-asked question ‘‘ What is the reason of my
Canary giving over singing?”

In speaking of “German songsters” Mr. John Varley of
Nottingham, in his third edition of “Exhibition Canaries,”
says :—‘‘In autumn and the early part of winter every year a
very many trained, or partially trained little songsters, Canaries
and Bullfinches, are brought to England by German itinerant
dealers. These Canaries are a short plump race, with full wide
chests and very expansile throats while singing, which last
property gives them the power to warble in an extraordinary
degree. They are mostly bred and trained by the peasantry of
the Hartz and Tyrol mountains, who keep and employ sets of
well-trained birds as schoolmasters. These schoolmasters con-
sist not of Canaries only, but also Nightingales, Blackcaps, and
other of our migratory and home warblers, which are thus used
for training Bullfinches to whistle tunes, which they often do
very proficiently and plaintively. These Hartz Canary song-
sters are not generally blessed with very pretty plumage, but
their melodious sweetly modulated voices and free song more
than compensates for any want of beauty. Some of them have
an astonishing range of notes and deflections.”

Mr. Varley also says in reference to German birds :—“ They
are not often exhibited as show birds, but are occasionally used
in prize song contests.” In this latter remark I can bear out
Mr. Varley’s assertion so far as the showing of them is con-
cerned. A bird more unlikely for exhibition I know not where
to find, aithough I have had many come under my notice in an
“« Any other variety ” class at the Crystal Palace bird shows.

Mr. Varley in his interesting pamphlet gives the “rules for
judging and determining superiority of song.” He says :—“In
competing for superiority of song, quietude and reasonable dis-
tance from the birds to be kept; only one contesting bird should
sing at the same time, but the owner may have the privilege
of bringing another songster to stimulate his own tosing. The
time allowed in case of Canaries, Linnets, &c., should be no
longer than fifteen minutes, part of which may be in sight and
part out of sight of the stimulator. Superiorities :—Greatest
number and variety of good notes; greatest harmony of soug;
fewest harsh or incongraous notes; greatest length of rolls orruns
on the same notes measured by seconds; greatest length of time
without breaks, or least number of breaks in continuous song
within the given time. Harsh or otherwise bad notes to be
recorded by points against. Two judges, two time-keepers, an
umpire, and the owner or exhibitor of the bird or his agent,
a ie be in the room with the birds during the time of the
contest.

430

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ November 29, 1877.

In making choice of a bird for singing do not pick one with a
drooping tendency. The best sign of health is compactness of
plumage. The throats of birds when singing should be expan-
Bile, a3 Mr. Varley says ‘‘those can warble best which have this
property highly developed.”—GrorcrE J. BannesBy.

BrrMincHam CotumBartan Socrety.—The members of this
Society announce that their Show of Pigeons will be held at
the White Horse Hotel, Congreve Street, on December 3rd, and
to which they invite all fanciers visiting the Cattle and Poultry
Show.

BAR-FRAMED HIVES AND THEIR
MANAGEMENT.

No person of intelligence with an average amount of time at
his command who has tried fully and fairly the system of bee
management which encourages the use of bar-framed hives,
will ever return to the old-fashioned system of straw skeps.
The advantages of the new and more scientific principle are so
many and so obvious in comparison of the other—as they have
been again and again stated in these pages from the days of
Mr. Woodbury, its first great advocate here, down to our own
times—that it seems scarcely necessary to repeat them; and yet
as there is a constant accession to the number of readers of this
Journal from among persons who are novices in bee-kee] ing,
and inquiries are being continually made for information on
this subject, I purpose to go into the matter from the beginning.
I am the more induced to do so because our friend Mr. Petti-
grew in a recent number, at page 411, when asked for informa-
tion on a branch of this subject—namely, as to ‘‘ the best size
for a strong stock in winter, and what height for a frame hive,”
dismisses the subject with an answer which is by no means
complete, and which in fact deals somewhat slightingly with
the whole question, the truth being that Mr. Pettigrew knows
very little practically, as he has often admitted, of this now
favourite and increasingly adopted mode of bee-management.

As I have said before, so I say again, that Mr. Petticrew's
system both as to his use of straw hives and his methcd of
management is excellent in its way, and admirably adapted for
the one object he has in view—namely, the taking from his
bees the largest possible quantity of honey without particular
reference to its quality. There is nothing new or special in
Mr. Pettigrew’s system, as he himself candidly states, except
that he finds a much larger hive than is commonly used in the
country to be in every way better and more profitable in his
own locality. Some of us think that he rides his hobby of big
hives somewhat ‘‘ to the death,” as for instance when he insists
upon their being equally adapted to all places alike, whether
the honey pasturage and supply be good, bad, or indifferent. I
do not suppose he exactly knows the meaning of the word
“jjlogical” when he applies that epithet to the statement that
“large hives are best for good neighbourhoods and rich pastures,
and small hives are best for unfavourable localities for honey.”
This self-evident axiomatic truth surely needs no proof. If all
places were alike in excellence and productiveness of pasturage
then the biggest of big hives ‘‘for ever;” but where, asin my
own case, the pasturage is scanty and unproductive, such very
large hives like Mr. Pettigrew’s are worse than useless. I have
abundantly proved it to be true.

Be it remembered that the dispute is not as between straw and
wood as materials for hives. Straw is a most excellent material,
and far better than wood, in all places where the hives are
exposed to severe cold, save only where proper precautions are
taken to protect wooden hives. This can very easily be done by
a variety of contrivances, such as by covering with other boxes
and filling the interstices with chaff or sawdust, or protecting
with old carpet jackets, &c. If this care be taken I can see no
sort of difference in the intrinsic excellence of the one material
over the other; I mean simply as to which is best for the com-
fort of the bee. I once thought that hives of straw were drier
than hives of wood. I have long given up that notion, except
in the case of quite new wooden hives. It is the habit of bees
to smear over everything with a kind of varnish of propolis. It
matters not, therefore, whether a hive be of straw or wood.
After the first year’s use any moisture the bees may occasion
inside the hive will have precisely the same effect on the combs
in the one case asin the other. It will run off from the sides
downwards equally in both cases. In both cases it will affect
the combs for harm exactly in the same way. If the hives are
equally well peopled, equally well protected from external
damp, equally well situated so as to be affected alike by any dry
currents of air, they will pass through the winter precisely as
well in the one hive as the other. That is the result of my own
experience of more than forty years as a bee-keeper. Therefore
I say that on the score of dryness there is not a pin to choose
between wood or straw. I have seen straw hives with the
combs as damp and mildewy as inany wooden hives I ever saw,
and the latter hives I find practically quite as excellent domi-
ciles for bees as anything that could be wished for. The one

advantage of straw over wood is, that it is both warmer in
winter and cooler in summer. But this advantage is far more
than counterbalanced by the superior handiness and durability
of hives of wood, whether they be hexagonal, square, or oblong
in shape. The latter always retain their form, whereas after a
time the best-made hives of straw give way more or less, and ~
are then almost useless where accuracy of measurement is
wanted.—B, & W.

Dorset Pourrry, Prczon, snp CacEe Birp SHow ought to be
attractive and successful, for nearly £300 in prizes are offered,
including thirty silver cups and pieces of plate.

OUR LETTER BOX.

CrystTaL Patace Pountry SHow (E. Crosa’.—The prizs-list was certainly
not clearly worded, and was liable to be mistaken.

PurRE BREEDING (Kendalian).—The question you ask is a vexed one, as
opinions vary very much. Are the hens laying now? If they are it issafe to
doubt their eggs at any rate until the end of the laying, whereas if they were
now put to the cock you wish to breed from, no other allowed to ran with
them, and they are only at the beginning of the laying, the later eggs may
in our opinion be trusted. But seemg the time of year, the few birds that
are laying, and the time that must elapse before they can be hatched
“chickens Of 1873,’ we advise you to take some that are not laying, to put
them with their intended partner, and to set the eggs after the first four
or oye they each of them lay. We believe then you will have the strain you
wish for.

Wasps (C. 4.).—The annoyance from the nest of wasps in the wall of one
of your bedrooms must have beea great, bat as the lives of working wasps
are very short, like those of working bees, it is to be hoped that the annoy-
anceis at anend. Though working wasps live but a few months their queens
live longer, and singly nestle and hyberaate in some protected corner. A
great number of queens are bred in autumn in every nest of wasps, and
probably those bred in your wall have already gone to hybernate elsewhere.
by closing the outer entrance to the nest your house will not be invaded next
year by wasps. This season has been rather cold and unfavourable for wasps.
But few queens in the north were able to establish nests, hence wasps
haye not been numerous. Next spring boys and girls should be offered 6d.
for every queen wasp caught and killed.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CamMDEN SquaRE, Lonpon.
Lat.51° 3240" N.; Long. 0° 8 0” W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
so o : - S
gag .| Hygrome-| 85 |5+.:/Shade Tem-|_ Radiation a
1877. Beas ter. $8 ae perature, (pabediatonsy e
Noy. |2523 l £2 | oR |r asa Se On
Qea™! Dry. Wet.. QS |& Max.) Min.| sun. |grass:
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. | de de In.
We. 21 | 29805 | 39.5 | 87.5 | S.W. 12.0 52.0 Sia B18 29.8 0.240
Th. 22 | 99.241 | 48.2 | 44.7 | S.W. | 44.2 | 54.9 | 390 83.1 | 887 | 0.180
Eri. 23 | 99.564 | 440 | 89.5 | N.W. | 44.0 | 49.0 | 42.0 82.1 | 37.1 | 0:010
Sat, 24 | 29.491 | 87.9 | 87.5 N.E. | 42.1 | 48:1 | 92.4 44.2 | 282° | 0.449
Sun.25 | 29.785 | 87.1 | 845 | N.W. | 41.8 | 44.3 | 861 72.4 | 80.9 =
Mo. 26 | 29.954 | 861 | 86.0 | S.W. | 402 | 466 | 81.2 70.0 | 26.2 | 0.288
Tu. 27 | 29.324 | 49.3 48.4 | S.W. | 42.0 | 52.0 | 35.3 58.2 | 33.2 | 0°552
Means} 29.588 | 41.7 | 39.7 42:8 | 48.8 | 85.8 65.9 | 81.9 | 1.669
REMARKS.

21st.—Fine morning, cool, rain began at 10 4.m., wet and dull afterwards;
very wet evening.

Reaaean morn with hot sun, heavy showers during the day; high wind
at night.

23rd.—Fine bright day; lightning at 7 P.M.; lunar halo at 10.80 P.m., cold
starlight night; thunder at night.

24th.—Dark but fine morning, rain commenced at 114.M. and lasted nearly
all day ; very wet afternoon.

25th.—Fine cool day; starlight night.

26th.—White frost in morning, and very fine; dull afternoon, rain began at
4.30 P.M. and continued the rest of the day.

27th.—Damp but fine morning, cloudy afterwards; heayy rain from 5 to
7.30 P.M. ; very fine after 10 p.m.

A wet week, with frequent high wind.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—NoveEMBER 28.

Oor market is still very dull, and will be till a week or so before Christmas.
Prices rpmain the same.

VEGETABLES.

Ss. d. 8. d. 8.d. 8.

dozen 2 Oto4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6t02 0

bushel 0 0 O 0} Mustard& Cress punnet 0 2 0 4

+» dozen 1 6 38 0} Onions bushel 0 0 0 0

Broccoli ......-. bundle 09 16 pickling -- quart 04 00
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 2 6 0 0/| Parsley.... doz. bunches 2 0 0 0
Cabbage ..... «+ dozen 1 0 2 0| Parsnips. -- dozen 00 00
Carrots ........ bunch 0 4 O 8] Peas.... quart 0 6 10
Capsicums...... 100 1 6 2 0| Potatoes.. -» bushel 8 6 6 0
Cauliflowers.... dozen 2 0 .4 0 Kidney ....... bushel 5 0 7 0
Celery. -....... .. bundle 1 6 2 0} Radishes.. doz.bunches 1 0 “1 6
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0} Rhubarb.. -- bundle 0 6 10
Cucumbers .... each 0 9 1 8} Salsafy . bundle 09 10
Endive ......- dozen 1 0 2 JU | Scorzoner: bundle 10 O 0
Fennel.. bunch 0 8 O 0] Seakale . basket 2 0 2 6
Garlic .. Tb. 0 6 O 0} Shallots. Ib. 08 08
Herbs bunch 0 2 O 0} Spinach., bushel 2 6 40
Lettuce dozen 1 0 2 0] Turnips........ bunch 0 8 0 4
Leeks .... bunch 0 4 O O| Veg. Marrows.. each 0 270 6

December 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 431

ee

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun Sun Moon | Moon | moon’s| Clock | Day}
ssh Wee ee ce Temsndone sn | Bites. | seth | Bite, | Sein | "dees" | Me | ye
| Day. |Night.;Mean-| h. m.| h, m.| bh. m| bom Days. | m. «.
6 TH | Royal Society at 8.30 Pat. 48.2 | 36.7 | 424 | 7 53] 3 50] 9 57 | 4 41 2 8 0 |
7 |F 484 | 385 | 43.5 | 7 54] 8 49] 10 37] 5 53 8 8 ik ||
8 |S | Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.2. 469 |336 | 403 | 7 55] 3 49/11 4] 7 8 4 7 2 |
9~ | Sun’| 2 Sunpay mn ADVENT. 46.7 | 849 | 408 | 7 56 | 8 49/11 24] 8 99 5 | 7 19 | 343
10M _ | Royal Geographical Society at 8.30 P.ar. 40.7 | 32.3 | 39.9 7 58} 3°49|11 39] 9 34 6 | 6 52) 3 |
11 | To | Michelins born, 1697. 46.5 | 826 | 99.5 | 7 59| 8 49/11 53] 10 44 7 | 6 94 | 845 |
12 | W Society of Arts at 8 p.at. 48.0 | 87.0 | 42.5 8° 0} 3 49 | 0'a'2 j il 54 y | 5 36 | 336 |
| | |

35.1

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 45.6°; and its night temperature |
Cc.

ROOTS AND LEAVES.

is a close sympathetic feeling between the
two extremities of a plant. The leaves can-
not be injured materially without the roots
being checked, and vice versa.
speaking, but there are exceptions, while a
leaf has the smallest particle of green colour
in it, it has a duty to perform in the plant’s

upset the natural arrangements for assimi-

lation. Sometimes this is admissible, as the benefits

arising therefrom more than counterbalance the injury |

done; but there are times when the injury would pre-
ponderate, and I think this is especially so when the
circulation is becoming sluggish as in autumn, or when
a plant is unhealthy and short of good foliage.

There are people I know who do not like to see the
“sere and yellow leaf,” but they must endeavour to put
their dislikes on one side if they would become skilful
cultivators. Depend upon it half a leaf in the growing
season is better than no leaf at all, even as half a lung
would be better than none at all; and remember also that
when the wood is ripening the roots are, or ought to be,
doing the same thing, but they are both dependant on
the foliage, and no real ripening can take place after it
is gone. We know that people, and good gardeners
amongst them, do brush-off the loose leaves frcm their
Peach trees in autumn with the idea of admitting sun-
light to the wood to ripen-it. But is not this a fallacy ?
The wood may get a little coloured, but it never gets the
least harder after the foliage is gone. Ripening can be
assisted considerably by stopping the young growths in
July and August and by exposing the foliage as much as
possible at that time to the light; but if anyone supposes
he can assist the ripening of the wood of the current
season by mutilating the trees at either end after Septem-
ber, however fine the autumn may be, I think he is
mistaken.

There are many people, too, who trim off leaves for
the sake of tidiness when they begin to look a little dingy ;
herbaceous plants sometimes have not only their leaves
trimmed off, but their stems also, before they are any-
thing like ripe or have made proyision for forming fresh
stems. This is clearly a mistake. We must put up with
a little unsightliness at times and allow the plants to
ripen naturally as much as the season will admit, only
cutting off that which is actually dead, especiaily when
dealing with weak or tender subjects. Ferns are some-
times cut clean down when they are past their best.
“Yes,” says some successful village exhibitor, ‘‘ by those
who grow them better than you do.” Granted; but that
does not prove the plants could not be grown better by
leaving the fronds on, in the case of evergreen sorts, till
the young fronds had grown up and become fitted for
their work.

With regard to deciduous plants either for flowering or
fruiting, many people would seem to think that if they

No. S7l,—You. XXNIII., NEw SERIES.

‘2 T is not sufficiently borne in mind that there |

Generally |

economy, and to remove it by force is to |

| can by any means—let it be by starvation, freezing, or
scorching—but get rid of the foliage all must be right
and that the wood is ripe as a matter of course. But the
fall of the leaf is not an infallible sign of perfect ripeness.
The natural fall of the leaf is early this year, and I have
no doubt many are consoling themselves that the wood
of their fruit trees is, owing to the fine September and
the light crop of fruit, matured better than usual, but
such is certainly not the case. We will endeavour to be
very grateful for the fine September; it did an immense
deal of good in many ways, but it could not counteract
| all the bad effects of a cold dull summer, and it still left
much of the wood unripe, therefore it will be necessary
to prune hard. I think it will be generally found that a
period of hot weather coming just after the spring growth
is made is best calculated to ripen outdoor fruit trees, and
to bring good flavour and well-coloured fruit; and I also
think that when the wood is well ripened the autumnal!
colours of the foliage are brightest. There has been a
great lack of colour this autumn.—WmLiam TayLor.

SELECTIONS OF GRAPE VINES.

Now is the time to select Vines for planting during
winter and spring, and those who have them to buy can-
not do better, nor purchase cheaper, than by obtaining
them from a respectable nurseryman. Sometimes some
people are induced to purchase a few half-grown things
from a neighbour because they get them cheap; but
cheap inferior Vines for planting are very much more
expensive in the end than purchasing almosi at any rea-
sonable cost first-class Vines. Small badly-grown Vines
are a long time in making good fruiting canes or rods ;
whereas when good Vines are planted they bear fruit the
second year and good crops the third. First-class canes
for planting of all Vines that have been in commerce for
some years may be bought from 5s. to7s. 6d. each. Vines
at this price should be nearly as thick as one’s little finger,
from 4 to 6 feet long, every inch of wood hard and brown,
and, above all, the roots should be wiry and so plentiful
that they will hold the ball of soil together when lifted
out of the pot and swung about with the hand. As to
insects no warning need be given, as I do not suppose
anyone would be so foolish as to plant Vines covered
with any kind of injurious insect; but at the same time
when Vines are ordered without seeing them it should
always be on condition that they are perfectly free from
every pest.

Vines are generally required of three classes—for a cool
house, a temperate house, and a hothouse. A cool house
may be a proper vinery not heated, a greenhouse, or con-
servatory ; 2 temperate house is generally a vinery with
two or three rows of pipes in it; while the hothouse is
one with strong forcing power, such as that which Muscats
are grownin. To meet each of these frequent require-
ments I will arrange the Vines as follows :—

Vines for a Cool Howse.—Black Hamburgh and its
varieties, Royal Muscadine, Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat,
and Lady Downe’s—that is, two early and two late sorts.

No. 1523.—Vou. LVUI., Orp SERIES.

432 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 6, 1877.

When only one is wanted take the first. This season we had
it perfectly ripe in a house where there is no means of apply-
ing heat by the end of September, and a gentleman told us
that the berries were finer coloured than any of the Black
Hamburghs at the Carlisle Show.

Vines for a Temperate House.—The above may be included
here as well as the following: Black Alicante, West’s St.
Peter’s, Foster’s White Seedling, Gros Colman, Duke of Buc-
eleuch, Golden Queen, Syrian, Trebbiano, White Nice, Duchess
of Buecleuch, and Dr. Hogg.

Vines for a Hothouse.—Museat of Alexandria, Bowood Mus-
eat, White Frontignan, Madresfield Court, Canon Hall Muscat,
and Gros Guillaume.

A few more varisties might be added to each of these classes,
but as a role none are of equal merit to those named. The
average temperature which would ripen each of these classes
might be taken at or between 60°, 65°, and 70°.

There are other three classes into which these Grapes
may be conveniently divided to meet general wants. These
are :—Early Grapes—Black Hamburgh, Foster’s White Seed-
ling, Buckland Sweetwater, and Dake of Buccleuch; Midseason
Grapes —White Frontignan, Madresfield Court, Muscat Ham-
burgh, Dr. Hogg, Duchess of Buccleuch, and Canon Hall
Muscat; Late Grapes—Museat of Alexandria, Lady Downe’s,
Black Alicante, West’s St. Peter’s, Gros Colman, Golden Queen,
Gros Guillaume, Syrian, White Tokay, Trebbiano, and White
Nice. With the exception of Muscat of Alexandria we have
ordered all the sorta here named to plant a late vinery with
this winter, and we would have ordered the Muscat too only
we have not enough of heat in the house to grow it properly.
Golden Qusen may be said to be the only one that is on its
trial, and I believe it is understood to be a good Grape; but
at the same time, if its keeping qualities are so good as repre-
sented, the month of September is a curious time of the year
for prizes to be offered for a late-keeping Grape. Showing
it well in prime condition in February or Mareh would do
much to establish its reputation in this respect—A KircHEN
GARDENER.

WINTER EMBELLISHMENT OF FLOWER
BEDS.

Many able critics have justly described our flower gardens
in winter as cheerless and barren. We must admit that they
are so in most cases, for if is seldom that the parterre is
occupied with ornamental plants except in the height of
summer. This winter decoration of flower beds is a subject
which deserves more attention than it has hitherto had. When
the summer is over the empty beds always produce a de-
pressing effect. Little can be expected in winter in the way of
flowers, but many hardy shrubs and Coniferg are well suited
to render the beds attractive. Until the return of spring many
hardy evergreens are £0 distinct and beautiful that they would,
if employed, soften the rigour of winter and assist in making
our pleasure grounds pleasing all through the year. Conifers
alone, with their great diversity of colour and habit, are capable
of forming ornamental groups. Who could look upon a bed
ef young plants of the Cedrus Deodara with their graceful
forms without admiration? Cupressus Lawsoniana is particu-
Jarly attractive with its varieties aurea and argentea. The
round form of the Biota aurea, with its brilliant golden tinge,
is both elegant and bright; then again, as a contrast in form
we have the upright habit of growth with equally brilliant hue
of Biota orientalis elegantissima. The Irish Juniper and the
Italian Cypress are compact in habit and extremely chaste.

The Junipers ought to take the lead for bedding, for they
are most elegant when in a small state, and the best for the
purpose is Juniperus virginiana glauca, with its charming silvery
shoots, slender and delicate; J. virginiana pendula kisses the
ground, and J. virginiana erecta is as upright as an Irish Yew,
but of a lively tone of bluish green; J. phcenicea is of a free
branching habit, a mass of delicate green tracery; J. Sabina
variegata is charming to plant as a carpet for a tall specimen
of J. chinensis or J. excelsa; J. fragrans is very beautiful in a
small state; and J. drupacea, with its rigid leaflets, is sugges-
tive of a miniature Araucaria. All the Conifers named may
be purchased at a low price and in quantities. They are better
for being grown in pots for bedding, for they can then be easily
removed to and fro and replanted without being injured; thus
they may be made to do duty in the parterre through the
winter, and contribute to the beauty of some other portion of
ghe grounde during the summer; or they may be placed in the

reserve garden till wanted. With ordinary care and attention
they will improve in beauty and value yearly, and when grown
too large for the pots and beds they may go to beautify the
shrubbery.

Many of the commoner shrubs can be made objects of beauty
by the exercise of a little taste in planting themin beds. They
can be grown without pots and without risk of being injured
by transplanting provided proper care is taken in their manage-
ment. The Hollies are amongst the most useful for this
purpose. They bear cutting, and can be grown as standards,
pyramids, or any other shape that taste may dictate. The
variegated kinds cause the best effect, particularly when laden
with red or yellow berries, as we see them this season. The
Berberis, or Mahonia as it is now called, is admittedly one of
the most beautiful of evergreens. At this season its rich dark
foliage is quite distinct. The Golden Yews are also well
adapted for planting in beds when in a small state, and shine
more conspicuously in a group than a mixed shrubbery; and
we must not forget the Aucubas, for they contribute cheerful-
ness wherever they are seen. The Laurustinuses, with their
ruby buds and white flowers, are as fresh and bright as the
summer flowers. They give effect the moment they are
bedded, and continue attractive for a length of time. The
same may be said of the Arbutus or Strawberry Tree. The
next in utility among hardy shrubs are the various kinds of
Euonymus. It is astonishing how much variety may be
attained by the varieties of this plant alone. We have
E. japonicus, H. angustifolius, E. argenteo-variegatus, H. aureo-
variegatus, H. latifolia albo-variegatus, and some others; but
E. radicans variegatus is perhaps the most useful ofall. Itis a
prostrate-growing species, excellent for edging, the constancy
and beauty of its silvery white variegation, which is occasion-
ally tinged with pink, giving it a striking appeazvance not
possessed by any other plant. It is highly suitable for winter
decoration, and is a general favourite. There are many more
ornamental shrubs that might be used with a good effect, such
as the Variegated Buxus, Daphnes, Osmanthus, and others
which may be turned to valuable account, yet I do not advise
the planting of the whole of the beds with shrubs. We must
have a good share of them planted with bulbs and other spring
flowers. My object is to show that people, after gratifying
their taste with gay flowers in summer, need not have barren
gardens in winter.

In arranging the shrubs we must be guided by the number
of beds and the scenery around them; for instance, if there
are only one or two beds, and these not in the neighbourhood
of a shrubbery, the beds may be planted on the mixed system ;
but if there are many beds, and in close proximity to a mixed
shrubbery, we must not plant more than three kinds in a bed
thus—the principal groups, the edging, and the carpet. Even
if the beds are numerous they may all be made distinct with-
out giving @ shrubbery-like appearance to them. The follow-
ing examples are submitted as effective arrangements :-—

A bed of Golden Variegated Holly, a carpet of one of the
dwarf Junipers, with a margin of the Silver Eaonymus radicans.

A bed of standard Silver Hollies, a carpet of the Golden Box,
with an edging of Variegated Ivy.

A bed of Cupressus Laweoniana, 2 carpet of small Aucuba,
with an edge of Erica herbacea carnea, E. vulgaris aurea, or
E. mediterranea,

A bed of Golden Yews, a carpet of the silver-leaved Huonymus
japonicus albo-marginatus, with an edge of Vinca elegantissima.

We can exercise our taste to any extent and execute some
bright examples of shrub embellishment, which will impart a
cheerful tone to the garden in the depth of winter.—NaTHAN
Cote, Kensington Gardens.

HELLEBORUS NIGER.

AttusIon having been lately made to this interesting hardy
plant, I may remark that I recently observed a very fine
specimen in an amateur’s garden. The garden alluded to
was partly in grass, with a belt of evergreen and deciduous
shrubs at one side, and between these shrubs, or rather in
front of them, this Hellebore was growing, and it had evi-
dently not been disturbed for several years; for at the time I
met with it, it was a dense mass of foliage, about 4 feet in
diameter, with scores of flowers of the very purest white, quite
equelling the Eucharis amazonica. They were just on the
point of expanding during the last week in November, and
soma that had been gathered opened in water, while the others
were opening on the plant. I certainly never met with so fine

December 6, 1877. ]

a plant, and could not ascertain how long it had been undis-
turbed; as I believe it is only in the gardens of cottagers or in
those of amateurs that have partly been neglected of late years
that we find this plant in such good condition as the one
mentioned above.
great to be resisted by the more fashionable gardener of the
present day, so that but comparatively few large specimens are
met with.

It was growing on a deep yellow loamy soil, and almost
touching it was a Hydrangea that annually flowered @ very
good blue, but the appearance of the soil was the very reverse
to poat, although Rhododendrons seemed to thrive pretty
wellin it. The soil to my mind resembled the dried-up mud
of a pond, which it possibly might have been. The flowers
of the Hellebore, I may add, had not the least tinge of pink
about them, which many otbers that I have met with have,
and the foliage of the plant was both ample and luxuriant,
and its flowering nearly a month before Christmas in the
present year is only in accordance with that of several other

early spring flowers, as many Primroses and not a few Poly- |
' prevent snatching, broken chains, &c.), and the tree firmly

anthuses are in full flower, which no doubt is due to the
moderate rainfall we had at various times during the sum-
mer.—J. Ropson.

REMOVING TREES.

Tue following remarks will, I trust, be of service to some
young gardeners and others who may have trees or shrubs to
move, and with poor facilities for the undertaking. Few
employers will go to the expense of hiring or buying barrows
and other tree-movers, consequently some other cheaper if
less effective appliance must be adopted. November is generally
considered the best time for moving all kinds of trees, decidu-
ous or otherwise. We, however, moved trees during intervals
of favourable weather throughout last winter as successfully
as those moved in November. We were re-arranging a shrub-
bery or arboretum formed about nine years ago. Among others
we moved specimens of Piceas Nordmanniana, grandis, and
Pinsapo, Cupressus funebris and Lawsoniana, Salisburia adi-
antifolia, Thujas, Abies, Thujopsis borealis, Sophoras japonica
and pendula, Acacia tortuosa, Phillyreas, Holiies, Portugal
Leurels, &. Of course there were failures, notably with
Cedrus Deodara and Arbutus Unedo, but in neither case was a
ball obtainable, and seldom is unless prepared by digging a
trench round the previous year, the roots being inclined to
ramble and make but little fibre. Many of the trees were a
fair size, but the largest and best specimen successfully moved
without any previous preparation was a Wellingtonia gigantea,
the height of which was 20 feet, and fairly proportionate.

I will briefly detail our method of procedure in this instance,
the same plan (according to the size of tree) being adopted
with the others. The soil and-subsoil varied considerably, but
clayey loam was most prevalent. This was greatly in our
favour, as where there is any great amount of sand or gravel
the ball is apt to crumble away. The ball of the Wellingtonia
consisted principally of the clayey loam, clay predominating.
We commenced operations by carefully tying up all the lower
branches, drawing them us rauch out of the way as possible.
A circle was next marked round the tree about 6 feet from the
stem, and inside of this a trench 2 feet wide was taken ont.
The men were facing the tree, and using spades when cutting
the outer ring. After this they had the tree always on the
left or right hand as the case might be, and dispensed with
the spade as much as possible, using forks and picks where
necessary. This was done to save as many roots as possible,
those farthest from the stem being the best, and were taken
great care of. We continued this till we were well below the
principal roots and intended ball before commencing its re-
duction. This rule should always be strictly followed, as it
greatly facilitates all after proceedings. The men are generally
in too great a hurry to get the tree out, but by allowing plenty
of depth and width much labour is eventually saved and success
is more likely to ensue. We then commenced undermining
with the picks, gradually working-off small pieces from the
ball (large pieces bring away too many roots), keeping the
trench clear with the shovel. This went on until we were
within about 24 feet from the stem. The surface soil was
then pricked off till the roots were reached (thie helps to pre-
vent cracking) ; all the roots, where practicable, were pegged to
the ball, and the longer and stronger ones tied to the stem.
We undermined the ball until only a small pillar of soil re-
mained and then inserted our slides.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

The attempt to propagate is often too |

433

These were made of deal, were 7 feet long, 4 inches thick,
and 8 inches wide; they were rounded off from the centre to
enable them to run freely, and the bottoms shod with old cart
tires. This is necessary, or the roads will tear them to pieces.
Strong bolts with eyes and rings for drawing purposes were
inserted in the inner side of each end, and two strong bolts
were made for connecting and tightening the slides. These
were 3 feet long, square at the head, screw ends and the
nuts had a small handle attached for tightening purposes.
The sockets were square, with iron plates on the outer sides,
and were placed in the centre of the wood about 15 inches
from the ends. The way out, kept clear from the com-
mencement, was sloped off to an easy rize, the slides adjusted
accordingly, and so as to nicely balance the ball, were screwed
up, and the remaining soil then worked from under the ball,
allowing it to gradually settle on the slides. This was ‘‘ ticklish”
work, and was done with a crowbar and long heavy chisél.
Two wedge-shaped boards were worked in before and behind
the ball, and planks under the slides to improve the running.
Three horses were required, 2 man at the head of each (to

bound to the slides was then drawn out and away to its present
site, previously prepared, a sloping inlet made, &c.; the horses
were unhooked, taken to the opposite side, long and strong
chains attached, and it was soon in. The bolts were with-
drawn, the slides undermined and taken out, and the ‘‘ worst
was over.”

We then unpegged and cleanly cut the ends of all the roots,
taking out all those badly damaged. They were then laid on
the soil as filled in, every one in its proper place or level. The
ball being rather dry was pierced with pointed iron rods and
thoroughly soaked, not by heavy but frequent waterings. Had
the ball been in a moist condition no water would haye been
used, ag the surrounding coil was in good condition, and I
think it a great mistake to saturate newly-planted trees; they
will ‘‘ settle’ fast enough. We made the balls as flat as
possible, to enable them to more readily unite with the soil,
and they are less likely to get out of the perpendicular. <All
the holes were well prepared, not mere basins, to fit the ball,
but ample espace was giyen, the soil thrown out, the subsoil
broken-up with a pick, and good soil, principally from an old
rubbish heap, was added. The trees in most cases were planted
rather above the level, ax this gives a greater depth of good
soil, and consequently the roots are longer reaching an un-
kindly subsoil.

Slides on a smaller scale would, I think, be found very use-
ful for moving small specimens, as two or four men can lift
out and carry or draw them to iresh sites without having to
wriggle or twist them about to get planks, hand-barrows, or
whatever igs used under and away from them again. Slides
have, I believe, long been in use, but I have never seen any
but those I have had made. ‘hey certainly answered our
purpose remarkably well, but anyone with a better and.equally
simple invention will greatly oblige me and donbiless otherg
by describing it—W. IccunpEn, Orsett Hall, Essez.

RAIN-PROOF BEDDING PLANTS.

1877 has been an exceptionally wet year all over the country,
aud throughout the season its eifects have been shown on few
things to a greater extent than on summer bedding plants.
Gorgeous masses of colour, and magnificent displays from May
to September or October, have been few and far between this
year; and however much Geraniums, Calceolarias, Verbenag,
and other half-tender plants may have been petted and held-
up as infallible, I fear this season must have brought them
into general discredit. But in suying this let it be understood
that I do not despise summer bedding. Hardy herbaceous
plants are all very good in their place, but thoze who advocate
filling our flower garden designs with a mixture of such plants
must be regarded by the general community as showing worse
taste than that which they condemn. What I mean doing, and
what others will find it to their advantage to do, is to make
the flower garden as gay as it possibly can be made with bed-
ding plants in summer, and only employ such plants that will
make and retain a gorgeous display independent of either sun
or rain. Geraniums, Calceolarias, Verbenas, and such like
cannot be relied on to do this, but there are other plants
equally gay which can.

During the past summer the popular. trio named would
count five to one of all other plants put together in our flower
garden. Next year I will take care that these other plants

434

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 6, 1877.

count ten to five of the Geraniums, Calceolarias, and Ver-
benas. The latter grew well—too well, as they excesded all
proportional bounds, and after a week’s sunshine they did
make a pretty good display; but one hour’s rain completely
demolished it, and this occurring repeatedly brought the
minority of our plants into prominence and favour. These
consisted of Violas as flowering plants and some rich-foliaged
lants.

, Viola blooms are the very best flowers in existence for with-
standing rain, and the length of time they remain in bloom
and the quantity of flower they produce throughout the season
is surprising. They begin blooming early in May and con-
tinue a perfect mass until the end of October, let the weather
be either excessively cold, warm, or rainy. They always main-
tain a low compact habit of growth, and for ‘‘ruow,” Gera-
niums, Calceolarias, and Verbenas at their very best cannot
“put them in the shade.’”” These remarks do not apply to or
reflect the opinion of one season nor one district, but to a
good many years now and many localities north and far south.
Apart from all this Violas have another strong, very stroug,
recommendation—they are easily propagated, and the most
simple of all plants to cultivate. They will root and grow in
any ordinary soil, and in winter they must either have the
protection of a cold frame or the shelter of a wall, but what
they must never have is expensive artificial heat. Cuttings
may be inserted during any of the autumn months, and those
who cannot incur the trouble of doing this may leave the old
plants undisturbed in autumn and divide them and plant
afresh in April, about which time they may all be planted in
the positions they have to embellish during the summer and
autumn.

The following are the names of those which I have found of
superior merit. They are classified according to their leading
colours :—White—Climax, Snowdrop, Pearl, Purity, Pilrig Park,
Snowflake, and Stricta alba. Purple—Vanguard, The Tory,
Prines of Wales, The Favourite, King of Bedders, Dickson’s
King, Alpha, Acme, and Emperor. Yellow—Brilliant, Canary,
Dickson’s Golden Gem, Grievi, Sovereign, and Stricta aurea.
Lilac—Lilacina and Multifiora amabilis. Violei—Royal Visit,
and Ameena magnifica.

Other ‘‘rain-proof’’ bedding plants capable of making an
attractive display are the different sorts of Iresines, Mesem-
bryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, and the yellow Pyreth-
yum. Ono of the finest beds in our flower garden this season
was one in the form of ascroll and about 2 feet wide. The
centre of this was filled with Iresine Lindeni edged with
the Mesembryanthemum. Two other effective beds were
centred with Iresine Herbstii and edged with Pyrethrum. All
these plants make excellent combinations with the Violas.
These fine-foliaged plants were attractive from the day they
were put out in May, and although much rain has fallen lately
they were just about as showy on the 24th of November as
they were in August. The Pyrethrum is easily raised from
seed, which may be sown now in a little heat to furnish plants
for planting out in April. Ivresines are so easily propagated
that a plant may be raised from every joint. The Mesembry-
anthemum is a plant that may be raised true from seed, and
hundreds of cuttings may be had from a few old plants lifted
in autumn and kept in a temperate place until spring. Per-
haps there are other foliaged plants which mighi be added to
these, but those who employ the plants named will not have
cause to complain of the rain spoiling their flower garden.—
A Fuowrr GarDENER.

ROSH SHOWS.

I sincrrety hope that the National and every other metro-
politan show comwittee will carry ont the suggestion made by
“A Lover or Rosz Suows,” and provide classes for nurserymen
and amateurs living within a short distance of the City.

There is one other point in the arrangement of Rose show
schedules which has always somewhat surprised me—that is,
that, unlike almost all dog, poultry, and other shows, the
names of the judges are never printed thereon. I think if
they were it would be a guide to intending exhibitors. In this
way ‘‘ Wyip Savacze”’ wrote in the Journal a short time ago—
“« Mr. Turner has several times spoiled his stand by putting in
a treble of Paul Neyron,’”? or words to that effect. Judging
from this I should suppose that Mr. Turner likes this Rose,
and that ‘‘ Wyup Savacr”’ very much dislikes it; therefore, if
I saw from the schedule of a show at which I intended to
compete that ‘‘ Wyi~p Savacr”’ was to be the principal judge

I should not put in a Paul Neyron if I could possibly get
another Rose, while, on the other hand, if I saw Mr. Turner’s
name as leading judge, if I had at all a decent bloom of this
variety I should insert it. There are many other cases in
which the knowledge of the names of the judges would be of
assistance to competitors. —ExuIBiToR.

THE CLEMATIS.

CiematisEs are all beautiful, and are becoming so numerous
that the time has arrived to make selections instead of form-
ing exhaustive collections, at any rate for gardens of ordinary
extent.

Who is there that doss not admire our own native wilding
C. vitalba, better known in some localities by its familiar
title of Traveller’s Joy? I have seen old lodges over which it
has crept completely enveloped in a cloud of its long silvery
bearded geed clusters, and it is even more ornamental when
hanging, as it sometimes does, in wreaths and festoons among
the branches of trees. It sometimes rambles so far and forms
such a dense tangled growth, that in some parts of Kent where
it is thus found growing among the underwood the woodeutters
term it ‘Poor Man’s Hindrance.” Not only for woodland
walks should it be employed, but any suitable position, however
prominent. I saw nothing more beautiful at Pentillie Castle
in Cornwall than a huge cluster of it that had climbed over
an old tree in the midst of the dressed grounds.

Equally beautiful in its way—much more s0 in the eyes of
many, but with a beauty that is more fleeting—is the Hima-
layan species, C. montana. Its white flowers open in spring
in such dense clusters that they may be compared to a snow
wreath, and, unfortunately, in unfavourable weather the com-
parison holds good as to their duration. Such was the case in
the spring of the present year, but usually they continue in
full beauty for some weeks. It grows with singular rapidity,
and its stout pliant branches possess the important merit of
retaining the abundant foliage in its green state throughout
winter. Another familiar old species—very old, but worthy to
rank with our choicest hybrids, is C. flammula, brought over
from France ages ago. Its so-called white flowers have a
decided yellow tinge, cluster quite as thickly as the Indian
species, are in full beauty in August, and, best of all, have a
delicious and delicate perfume.

Few genera have a wider distribution, almost every country
having one national species, some mavy. North America hag
its Traveller’s Joy; Japan, among numerous other floral
treasures, gives us C. florida and C. patens, from both of which
we have numerous garden hybrids, and a still greater number
from the Chinese species C. lanuginosa.

Coming back to Europe again we have the Spanish species
C. viticella, which with its four.varieties cerulea, plena, pur-
purea, and tenuifolia has long been known in this country, and
from these, too, we have some few fine garden hybrids. Iam
not, however, writing a history of the Clematis, and need not
therefore enumerate species that are more curious than orna-
mental, or which have become insignificant beside the varie-
ties raised during the last eight or ten years, and of which I
may now usefully select a few worthy to associate with Jack-
manni. Of such I will take Miss Bateman, a spring-flowering
variety of the patens type, with white flowers having a central
stripe of pale yellow along each petal. Velutina purpurea, of
the Jackmanni type, very dark in colour, which may be described
as a rich dark crimson. Lord Londesborough, with rich
mauve-coloured maroon-striped flowers. Mrs. 8S. C. Baker, a
charming kind with pretty delicate pink flowers. The Queen,
another of the patens type, with pale lavender flowers.
Thomas Moore, a distinct and novel variety with flowers of a
peculiar and pleasing shade of violet, and with white stamens. -
Fair Rosamond, a sweet-sconted variety with pretty white
flowers tinged and striped with red. Vesta, creamy white,
with conspicuous dark stamens. Lucie Lemoine, with fine
white double rosette-like flowers; and the still finer double
lavender-blue variety Countess of Lovelace. There are some
dozens of others ranging through a wide gradation of colour
which cannot be noticed here, and I will add no more to the
few choice kinds I have named, for if I were to begin wading
among the many shades of crimson, lavender, purple, and
white it would only serve to confound those whom I wish to
assist.

A very general and ardent wish to understand and master
its propagation is a natural outcome of the popularity which
the Clematis now enjoys; and among the several methods that

December 6, 1377. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

435

have found favour I do not remember seeing mention made of
the simplest and best way of all, and that is to take cuttings
of tke tender young shoots in spring, cutting them to a joint
as you would a Geranium or Verbena, and dibbling them in
silver sand under a bell-glass. I have done this, and by way
Of trial put some in a stove, some in a hotbed, and others in a
vinery, and all of them grew readily enough. The cuttings
were taken from plants of Jackmanni and Prince of Wales
gtowing in the open air, but the weather had been very genial,
and no cold cutting winds have blasted or browned the young
growth. For greater certainty, if I wanted a quantity, I
shoald prefer some old plants in pots kept entirely under the
shelter of a glass house or pit for that especial purpose.—
Howarp Lucxuursr.

MESSRS. OSBORN & SONS’ NURSERY, FULHAM.

A FERTILE soil and a@ position well sheltered by trees are
important advantages possessed by this old-established nursery.
‘That it is an old nursery and the soil good is sufficiently testi-
fied by the age and size of a few ornamental trees, the remnants
of “stock”? which was planted in the grounds generations
ago. Some of the glass structures also savour of antiquity—
they are possibly octogenarians—while there are others of
more modern date, middle-aged structures, stout and strong,
and others, again, are comparatively new; but all are occupied,
and well occupied, by plants also old and new, for old plants
are not despised any more than new introductions are over-
looked. It is mest that it should be so, for it is an old firm
with a young head, and is not at all likely to lose its ‘“‘ matured”
character, nor to be in any other position than ‘‘ well abreast
of the times.”” Therefore if the business is old it is healthy ;
everything about the place denotes that—the trees, the shrubs,
the flowers, the absence of weeds, and the brisk business
movements of the officials—all indicate health; the familiarity
of the name, too, to readers of gardening literature, and the
position of the firm at leading exhibitions, are evidence also of
enterprise.

The Falham Nursery was established by Christopher Gray
about the beginning of the last century. Catesby, Collinson,
Miller, Dr. Garden, and other eminent botanists and travellers
eontributed many rare plants, and great part of Bishop Comp-
ton’s collection was purchased by them from the Bishop’s
successor. The first Magnolia grandiflora was planted here ;
the original tree, the parent of most of the older trees of this
kind in the country, died somo years ago. Its trunk measured
-4 feet 10 inches in circumference, its branches extended 20 feet,
and it was as many feet high. This nursery passed suc-
cessively from Gray to Burehall, and from him to Messrs.
Whitley, Brames, and Milne to the Osborne family.

The nursery is not a large one—that is, it is not a gigantic
establishment; neither is it a small one. Its area exceeds
twenty acres, chiefly devoted to the cultivation of ornamental
deciduous trees and fruit trees, an equal extent of ground at
Sunbury being mainly occupied with Conifers, evergreens,
Roses, de.

Perhaps the most striking objects in the nursery are the old
trees, the most prominent of which is the original specimen
of the Fulham Oak (Quercus Falhamensis). This tree was
“igured in Loudon’s ‘‘ Arboretum” forty years ago, and was
then ‘75 feet high; the diameter of the space covered by the
branches 54 feet, and the diameter of the trunk at 3 feet from
the ground 3 feet 10 inches. There is a great similarity
‘between the foliage of this tree and that of the Lucombe Oak.
Bat however alike the trees may be in foliage they are very
different in their habits of growth, the Fulham Oak being a
branching tree, with 2 round head and a comparatively smooth
though still somewhat corky bark; and the old Lucombe Oak
growing with a straight erect trunk, regularly furnished with
branches, and forming both in its young and old states a
‘conical spiry-topped tree, with a more rough and corky bark
tkan the other. In the Fulham Nursery there is a full-grown
tree of the old Lucombe Oak, as well as one of the Fulham
‘Oak, which strongly display the characteristic difference be-
‘tween the two trees. The age and origin of the Fulham Oak
are unknown; but Mr. Smithers, an old man who has been
employed in the Fulham Nursery from his youth, and who
remembers the tree above forty-five years, says that it always
went by the name of the Fulham Oak, and that he understood
ait to have been raised there from seed. We have examined
the tree at its collar and down to its main roots several feet
ander ground, and from the uniform texture and thick corky

character of tbe bark we feel satisfied that it is not a grafted
tree. In fine seasons this variety produces abundance of
acorns, from which many plants have been raised. These
plants, though they have the leaves more frequently broad
and dentate than narrow and sinuate or pinnatifid, yet vary
so exceedingly that they could hardly be sold as the genuine
Falbam Oak. Hence that variety can only be propagated by
grafting, and the stock ordinarily used is the common Oak, on
which the Falham Oak takes as freely as the Apple does on
the Crab.’’ According to that account the tree must be nearly
or quite a hundred years old. It isa splendid specimen, still
healthy and vigorous. Yet notwithstanding the close exami-
nation and verdict recorded, the tree is undoubtedly grafted,
for a branch of the common Oak is now growing from the
trunk close to the ground, which settles the point.

Amongst other noteworthy trees in this nursery we observed
Magnolia Thompsoniana, a real old timber tree, algo a striking
standard with rugged arms of Wistaria sinensis, which must
be a ‘‘picture’’ when in flower. There is a fine example of
Sophora pendula, and a remarkable specimen of the American
Nettle Tree (Celtis occidentalis). Gymnocladus canadensis,
K6lreuteria paniculata, Diospyrus Lotus, and Laurus Sassafras
also merit notice.

The glass structures are tolerably extensive. Near the en-
trance to the nursery is a very large span-roofed house which
at the time of our visit was occupied with a clean and healthy
collection of decorative plants in various sizes, some large,
some small—Cordylines, Phormium tenax variegatum in fine
colour, Palms, Tree Ferns, Yuccas, Araucarias, &c., with flow-
ering plants of Gloxinias, Fuchsias, and some fine specimens
of the new Musk, Mimulus moschatus Harrisoni, which is not
only powerfully scented, but is attractive by its bold bright
flowers. On the roof are trained Tacsonia Van-Volxemi, Cle-
matises, and other climbers. Under the stage of this house
is a large mags of the old Cape bulbous plant Anomatheca
cruenta. It appears to be quite established, and has grown
in the same place for many years without having received any
cultural attention. Even in that semi-dark place it grows
freely, and its rich crimson-scarlet flowers are much esteemed
for bouquets. This plant is nearly or quite hardy, and it is
a little surprising that it is so seldom seen in gardens. It was
introduced from the Cape of Good Hopein 1830. The elegant
Bladder Fern, Cystopteris fragilis, also grows wildly under the
stage of this house.

Connected with this structure is a long range of lean-to
houses filled principally with Palms and a general collection
of stove plants and Ferns. Palms are extensively grown,
medium-sized and small plants of the most useful and popular
kinds. Areca Baueri is distinct by its dark fronds and
appears to be in great demand, as also is Arecacrinita. There
is also a fine stock of Mr. Herbst’s new Palm, A. Herbatii,
very delicate in colour and elegant. Verschaffeltias in variety,
Kentias, and Cocos Weddelliana are well represented. Of the
last-named and gracefol Palm there are some hundreds of
plants in small pots, a valuable stock of one of the most at-
tractive of the slender-growing Palms, and in fine contrast
with it is the boldly majestic Stevensonia grandifolia. The
house algo contained the best of the Crotons and Caladiums
and other fine-foliaged plants, also a stock of a richly coloured
broad-spathed variety of Anthurium Scherzerianum. At the
back of the range is the fernery, where a collection of Ferns
old and new are accommodated. Lomaria gibba var. bella
that was raised here some years ago is distinct and fine, and
not less distinct is Messrs. Veitch’s new crisped Maidenhair
Fern Adiantum Luddemannianum. A. farleyense and A. gra-
cillimum are in capital condition. Other Ferns are worthy of
notice, but orly one of them can be alluded to—namely, the
Sweet-scented Fern, Asplenium fragrans. It is to be regretted
that this remarkable Fern is not more plentiful. It is of dwarf
growth, and has elegant fronds with the perfume of Violets.
It is rather a slow-growing Fern and cannot be increased
rapidly, otherwise it would be included in all collections. I¢
was brought from Jamaica towards the close of the last century.
Its odour is most distinct and agreeable—just the fragrance of
Violets but not quite so intense.

Tn another portion of the grounds are other houses, one of
which contains a healthy stock of the valuable conservatory
plant Luculia gratissima and other cool-house plants. A stove
contains Orchids, Gardenias, and ornamental-foliaged plants,
another large house being filled with Camellias and Azaleas
all in excellent condition. Of the useful A. amcena there are
many healthy plants, and on the wall of the house out-

436 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ December 6, 1877.

side a Camellia hes grown without any protection for many
years.

Some light well-ventilated structures are employed for grow-
ing Vines in pots. Of these there is a considerable number,
and finer canes and cleaner foliage it would be difficult to find.
Many of the canes are sold. They are stout, short-jointed,
and contain those bold eyes which gardeners delight to see.
They have been grown by Mr. Fancourt, the present manager
of the glass department, and they do him great credit. Figs
are also weil grown in pots, small bushy plants, Negro Largo
being one of the most popular. It is one of the best of Figs,
and the demand for it increases yearly. Besides the houses
there are several brick pits and all occupied. In the front
sonth wall of one of them the Wall Rue, Asplenium Ruta-
muraria, appears to be naturalised. In this—the frame depart-
ment—a collection of hardy perennials and alpine plants are
grown in pots plunged in ashes ready for safe transport at any
time and to any distance.

A collection, evidently a very old one, of hardy border flowers
is growing in the grounds—a favourite collection with Mr.
Osborn, both on account of its long-established character and
the attractiveness of many of the plants. Amongst them
Geranium sylvaticum flore-pleno was very gay, as were the
Veronicas maritima, dentata, amethystina, &c. Hieraciums,
Potentillas (P. William Rollisson was very fine), Solidagos,
Cinotheras, Lythraums, and other plants of this nature were also
attractive. There is also a collection of hardy bulbous plants
in beds, and the best varieties of Clematises are planted by
the sides of the walks and trained up poles.

Fruit tree culture is an important feature of this nursery,
and under Mr. Pitman’s experienced supervision it is well and
extensively carried out. Not more care is exercised in pro-
ducing healthy well-balanced irees than is given to their correct
nomenclature. Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, &c., are well
trained, and to all appearance will sustain the reputation of
the nursery. Many trees are also grown in pots for fruiting
in orchard houses, the demand for these being considerable.
These trees—what there are left of them—are clean and sturdy
with well-ripened wood.

Ornamental deciduous trees and shrubs are also reprecented
in considerable numbers and in good condition, for if this is
an old nursery and contains other notable examples of vene-
rable trees than those above noticed, it contains also fresh
young stock appropriate to the demands oi the present time.
In a word, the nursery is well furnished in the several depart-
ments, and isin admirable working order throughout.—VIsIToR*

AMESBORY FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OF
MR. JOHN ROSE.

On November 19th was observed as the Bicentenary of this
school, founded by the gardener to Charles II., and opened on
November 19th, 1677, by the Rev. John Shorthose, afterwarda
rector of Stanton St. Bernard, Wilts. Mr. Rose was gardener
at Dorney Court, Bucks, where, on the authority of an oil
painting still hanging at Kensington Palace, he is said to have
grown and presented to Charles II. the first Pine Apple ripened
in England. After this ho was gardener to Lord Essex, who
sent him to study the gardens at Versailles, and on his return
from France he was appointed to St. James’s Park Gardens.
He was buried at the church of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, Sep-
tember 17th, 1677. A special service was held af 2 p.m. in the
parish church, on the south side of which Mr. Rose placed his
school by the permission of the ordinary, and many can re-
member when the door of the transept was called still ‘‘ The
School-door.” At this about eighty of the Trustees and
scholars past and present assembled to thank God for the
liberality of the founder of the school. A vost suitable sermon
from Heb. xi. 4: ‘‘ He being dead yet speaketh,’ was preached
by one of the Trustees, the Rev. E. Duke, a lineal descendant
of one of the original ‘‘ beloved and trusty friends ” to whom
Mr. Rose entrusted the care of his new school, George Duke.
Esq., of Lake; and ason of the Rey. EH. Duke, who for more
than forty years took the greatest interest in Rose’s school
both as trustee of the property and examiner of the scholars.
The service was followed by a dinner given by the Truste:s
to the foundation echolars, past and present, of the master
Mr. Ei. W. Flower, and by Mr. Sandell to the other present
scholars; and nearly fifty of the ‘‘old Roses” joined at their
own expense. After the toasts ‘‘Church and Queen,” ‘“ The
Preacher, with many thanks for his sermon,” ‘‘ Sir H. Antro-
bus, with thanks for the use of the room,” where formerly

Rose’s school was held, the Vicar proposed ‘‘ The Memory of
Mr. John Roge,” and gave a short sketch of his life mainly
taken from the Journal of Horticulture for August 5th, 1875.
Mr. Rose was gardener at Dorney Court, and afterwards to
Lord Essex in the Strand, who sent him to Versailles to study
the gardens there. On his return he became gardener to
Charles II. at St. James’s Park. In 1672 was published ‘‘ The
English Vineyard Vindicated, by John Rose, Gardiner to His
Majesty, at his Royal Garden, St. James, formerly Gardener
to Her Grace the Duchess of Somerset,’ which, it appears,
Evelyn reduced to writing from Roge’s information. Mr. Rose
left by will £10 to the poor of Amesbury, money to pur-
chase a set of silver-gilt Communion plate for Amesbury church,
which is still in use, though remodelled in 1853, and has just
been restored; and an estate at Ditchett to support the school.
This was followed by a very interesting paper by one of the
Trustees, Mr. Edwards, on the Old Masters (one of whom in
1687 was the Rev. Thomas Naish, some time tutor to Addison),
especially Mr. Wm. Cox, who for nearly fifty years ‘‘ grounded’”
not only Rose’s scholars, but many of the sons of the most
respected families in Amesbury and the villages round, in the
rudiments of religion and useful learning. Mr. Rooke re-
sponded for the Trustees ; and the Treasurer, Mr. F’. Melsome,.
proposed ‘‘The Heath of the present Master, and Prosperity
to the School,” and after Mr. Flower’s reply, ‘‘ The Old
Scholars’? was responded to by Mr. Sandell, Mr. Hunt of
Pewsey, and Mr. Henry Gane of George Town, Canada, and
many interesting stories of old times were told. Mr. Sargent.
then, on behalf of the Trustees, requested the master to give
the boys # holiday the next fine day; and a social chat, under
the genial presidency of an ‘“‘old Rose,” with a few songs,
and a reading or two at intervals, brought a very pleasant day’s.
proceedings to a close.—(South Wilts Express.)

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

DrcEMBER 4TH.

Dunine the year that is now approaching its termination we:
have had to record a series of excellent meetings; and this, the
last of the periodical gatherings of 1877, has proved a successfal
one. The work done at these meetings is important work.
New plants, flowers, and fruits are subjected to close examina-
tion, and their characters are determined by competent censors.
Many new and valuable plants have been honoured, and ex-
amples of special and superior cultivation have been recognised
during the year. Fruit has been less plentifully exhibited, yet.
some new and worthy examples have from time to time been
eubmitted for examination. Vegetables have also been repre-
sented, notably collections which have been grown in the
Socisty’s garden, with the important object of determining
their merits and correcting their nomenclature. The meetings
have thus been essentially useful; yet beyond this many of
them have been extremely attractive—have been, in fact, exhi-
bitions of considerable extent, and of exceptional merit. The
chief horticultural establishments have poured forth their trea-
sures, supporting at the same time the Society and sustaining:
their own fame and reputation; and private cultivators have
honoured themselves and the craft to which they belong by the
excellence of their produce submitted to these meetings, which
afford the best expression of practical horticulture to be found
in this country.

Frurr Commrrree.—Henry Webb, Esq., V.P., in the chair.
Five very fine Smooth Cayenne Pines were exhibited by Mr.
Miller of Coombe Abbey, and which weighed in the aggregate
25 lbs. A cultural commendation was awarded to them. Mr.
Miller also exhibited a variety from Pernambuco, which was
recognised as that grown in this country as Prince Albert.
Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Lord Eversley at Heckfield ex-
hibited three bunches of Gros Guillaume Grapes, the flavour of
which was excellent, and a cultural commendation was awarded.
Mr. Atkins, gardener to Col. Lloyd Lindsay, Lockinge Park,
Wantage, sent a very fine collection of Grapes. The two bunches
of Muscat of Alexandria were the admiration of everyone from
the uniformity of the berries and their fine golden colour. The
Alicantes were also very large and finely finished; and the
Black Hamburghs, though not large bunches, were equally well
grown. The Committee unanimously recommended a silver
medal. Mr. Sidney Ford, gardener to W. E. Hubbard Hsq.,
Leovardslee, Horsham, exhibited two bunches of Mrs. Pince’s
Grape, one from a Vine grafted on Royal Muscadine and the
other on Royal Vineyard. Those grown on Royal Vineyard
produced berries that were quite black and partially shrivelled,
the flesh very firm and crackling when eaten, and with a con-
siderable briskness of flavour; those from the Royal Muscadine
were not thoroughly coloured, the flesh was much more tender,
and the flavour very similar to the other. A bunch of Alicante
from a Vine grafted on the Raisin de Calabre was also exhibited,

eo

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December 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

437

but the fruit in either case did not seem to have been improved
by the experiment. Mr. Bennett of Rabley sent a plant in fall
fruit of Garibaldi Strawberry. Mr. J. Muir, gardener toC. R. M.
Talbot, Hsq., M.P., Margam Park, South Wales, sent avery rich
collection of Oranges, Lemons, Wc., consisting of eight varieties.
‘The trees producing these are more than three hundred years
‘old, and they are annually grown out of doors from the middle
of May till the middle of October and wintered in houses with-
out any artificial heat. Some of them are now bearing from four
hundred to five hundred fruits.

Mr. William King of Horsham Park sent a seedling Apple of
good appearance, but it was not superior to other varieties
already in cultivation. Mr. Goodacre, gardener to Lord Har-
xington at Elvaston Castle, sent a showy little Apple which
came as a sport on a tree of a variety called Lord Lennox, but
which had no merit torecommend it. Mr. G. T. Miles, gardener
to Lord Carington, Wycombe Abbey, sent fruit of a new variety
of Tomato which is exactly similar to Little Gem of Bliss. A
cultural commendation was awarded.

Mr. R. Gilbert, The Gardens, Burghley, sent two brace of
Cucumbers of Col. Trevor Clarke’s variety of Telegraph. A
letter of thanks was awarded; and the same award was made
‘for a brace of Tender-and-True exhibited by J. McIntosh, Esq ,
Duneevan, Weybridge (Mr. Taylor, gardener); and for a brace
of Improved Telegraph sent by Mr. Roberts, gardener to Baron
Rothschild, Gannersbury. Mr. Wildsmith of Heckfield sent
‘specimens of Veitch’s Self Protecting Broccoli, and specimens
were also exhibited by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. It was awarded
a first-class certificate. Messrs. Stuart & Mein of Kelso sent
Specimens of Mein’s Triple-curled Borecole, a very finely curled
‘variety of curled Kale, to which a cultural commendation was
awarded. Mr. R. Dean, Haling, sent specimens of the American
Dwarf Purple Top and Orange Jelly Turnips, to which a letter
of thanks was awarded. Mr. Chambers, Westlake Nursery, Isle-
worth, sent a large basket of Blenheim Orange Apples of very
excellent quality, for which a similar award was voted.

A very fine collection of Apples remarkable for size and beauty
was exhibited by Mr. Sidney Ford, gardener to W. E. Hubbard
Esq., Lieonardslee, Horsham, to which a silver medal was
awarded. Mr. Skinner of Boughton Monchelsea, near Maid-
stone, sent a fine collection of Apples as grown in his orchards
for market purposes. The specimens were very fine, and a
silver medal was recommended. Mr. Robert Fenn of Sulhamp-
stead sent a good collection of Apples to be named.

Fiorat Commirrer.—G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair.
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons contributed a very choice, varied,
and attractive collection of Orchids, including the magnificent
Cattleya exoniensis, also Odontoglossum cirrhosum, O. Rossi
majus, and O. madrense; Saccolabium giganteum and S. mini-
atum, Oncidiums Forbesi and purpuratum, Cymbidium Mas-
‘tersi, Sophronitis grandiflora, Calantlies, Masdevallia tovarense,
and several Cypripediums including Schlimi, Sedeni, selli-
gerum, vexillarium, enanthum,marmorophyllum, Arthurianum,
and insigne Maulei. Messrs. Veitch also exhibited healthy and
well-flowered plants of Fachsia Dominiana, raised by Mr.
Dominy thirty years ago by crossing I’. spectabilis aud F. veratri-
folia. The foliage is a rich dark green, and the flowers bright
‘orange scarlet. It is a valuable plant for winter decoration, and
is deserving of extensive cultivation. Small plants admirably
grown and well flowered of Daphne indica rubra filled the air
with fragrance. Rhododendron Arthur Potts, coppery orange,
ewas also included in this group; also Bouvardia leiantha with
mall but brightly coloured flowers. Poinsettia pulcherrima
amosea was also exhibited. Tho heads were fine, the bracts broad
and of a rosy scarlet colour. A vote of thanks was awarded for
the collection, and the Committee recommended that a medal
te given for Cattleya exoniensis.

Mr. William Bull exhibited a very fine collection of new and
‘ornamental plants, including some fine examples of Cycada-
<eous plants, the new Anthurium Veitchii, Dracwna Goldieana,
the bright old Impatiens Jerdone; a wonderful spray about a
foot in length, and containing twenty flowers, of Lapageria rubra
superba; Draczenas, Ferns,and Crotons. First-class certificates
were awarded to Mr. Bull for Cybotium pruinatum, a fine Tree
‘Fern from the Sandwich Islands, with bold spreading fronds
and hirsute stems; also for Croton picturatus, a remarkable
plant, both grotesque and elegant. The leaves are first almost
<ordate, terminating in a slender thread, from which is sub-
tended the secondary leaf, which is about half an inch wide,
S inches long, and slightly spiral. The plant is well coloured,
and will be suitable for table decoration. Also to Geonoma
princeps, a beautiful Palm with dark and elegant fronds. ‘Til-
jandsia Lindeui was noticeable in this group, for which a vote
of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Robert Parker exhibited a collection of cut flowers and
sprays of hardy shrubs with ornamental berries. This col-
lection was extremely beautiful. Amongst the berry-bearing
sprays were Rosa rubiginosa and Cotoneaster Simmondsii, with
flowering sprays of Berberis Darwinii, Arbutus Andrachne,
Lonicera fragrantissima, and Erica codoncdes. Amorget the

flowers were Tritoma grandis, Aponogeton distachyon, Helleborus
niger maximus, very fine; Megasea (Saxifraga) rubra, Gentiana
acaulis, Tussilago fragrans, Mignonette, Violets, and Pansies.
A plant of Lapageria rosex superba had richly coloured flowers,
and plumes of Gynerium argenteum flore-albo and G. argentenm
flore-roseo were highly effective. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Mr. Cannell exhibited a box of cut blooms of Zonal Geraniums
of remarkable quality. They comprised the varieties to which
we alluded last week, and are indispensable for autumn de-
coration. Some of the flowers exceeded 2 inches in diameter.
Also a plant of White Vesuvius, a sport from the well-known
scarlet variety. The flowers are nearly white and freely pro-
duced, and the habit of the plant is compact. A first-class cer-
tificate was awarded for this promising variety.

A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Turner, Royal
Nurseries, Slough, for Perpetual Carnation Alegatiére. This is
a splendid acquisition. The plant is dwarf and sturdy in habit,
and the flowers, which are smooth and well formed, are of a
glowing crimson-scarlet colour and are produced in great pro-
fusion. It is a model market and decorative variety, distinct
and of sterling merit.

Mr. Chambers, Westlake Nurseries, Spring Grove, Isleworth,
sent plants of Asplenium viviparum. It is a very elegant Fern
when s0 well grown as it was here represented. A vote of
thanks was awarded.

Mr. Dean sent flowers of climbing Tropzolum Perfection.
The flowers are well formed and of good substance; they are
rich crimson-scarlet with dark veins. Itis a very fine variety,
and was awarded a first-class certificate.

Mr. Mill, gardener to Lord Rendlesham, Rendlesham Hall,
Woodbridge, exhibited a spike of Oncidium z2mulum with a spike
10 or 12 feet long having a dozen branchlets and eighty flowers.
A cultural commendation was awarded, also a vote of thanks to
Mr. Mill. Mr. Ollerhead exhibited healthy plants of Centropogon
Luceanus, proving its value for winter decorative purposes and
for affording cut flowers. A vote of thanks was awarded.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, Pine Apple Nursery, Maida
Vale, exhibited plants and cut blooms of Chrysanthemums ; of
the latter a first-class certificate was awarded to Golden Hmpress
of India, the flowers being of good size, incurved, and of a bright
primrose colour. Messrs. Jackson & Sons, Kingston, also exhi-
bited Chrysanthemums, to one of which—Fulton, Japanese—a
first-class certificate was voted. It is an elegant flower of the
most brilliant yellow imaginable. Faulgore, rosy purple, in the
same stand, was also very fine but faded in colour. Mr. Moor-
man, gardener to the Misses Christy, Coombe Bank, Kingston-
on-Thames, exhibited twenty-four Japanese and twelve incurved
Chrysanthemums, for which a vote of thanks was awarded, and
a first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. Moorman for Fulton.

Messrs. W. Paul & Sov, Waltham Cross, exhibited examples of
the yellow-and-orange-berried Holly, showing the richer colour
of the latter; also a very glaucous form of Picea nobilis, which is
much more handsome than the ordinary type of this Conifer.

A collection of admirably grown plants of the old double
Piimula was sent from the Society’s garden at Chiswick. It is
a question if this old favourite is surpassed for general useful-
ness by newer varieties of double Primulas.

At the close of the business the then Committees received the
thanks of the Council, and the Secretary (Dr. Hogg), was also
warmly thanked by the members of the Fruit Committee for
his services.

It only remains now to say that all who have been identified
with the meetings have discharged their duties willingly and
well. Mr. Barron and his assistants appear, one and all, to
have exerted themselves in carrying out the wishes of the
Council in contributing to the convenience of exhibitors and
visitors; and it is only just to say that by the care, activity,
and courtesy of the officials the labours of the Committees have
been expedited, and the pleasures of all identified with the
gatherings have been enhanced. We look back on the passing
year with a considerable share of satisfaction, and look forward
to the ensuing season with confidence and hope.

Tur American DoppER (Cuscuta Cephalanthi) has long
been a pretty and interesting object in the cool greenhouse at
Glasnevin, where the little alien was clothing some plant with
its pretty pearl necklaces, but it was only the present year it
occurred to Dr. Moore to try it out of doors. This he did by
attaching it to a plant of Forsythia suspensa. The flowers
are produced in marvellous profusion in clusters of ten ora
dozen at short intervals all along the brown twining stems.
Each flower is nearly the size of, and not unlike in shape, that
of the Lily of the Valley, and as pleasingly fragrant. Though
the frost has destroyed the beauty of the flowers, there is no
occasion for apprehension that the Dodder itself will not come
safely through the winter, and if permitted to extend itself,
clothe a much larger portion of the Forsythia with its clustering
flowerets next and other years, ‘ill ultimately the supporting

438 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 6, 1877.

plant succumbs to the exhausting operations of this pretty
vegetable vampire. The smallest bit of it will grow if attached |
to any exogenous plant or shrub.—(Irish Farmers’ Gazette.)

USEFUL GLASS STRUCTURES.

Waer: the soil is dry or can be made go by draining, pits
or houses partially below the ground level can be safely formed.
They are the most economical of all garden structures, for a
Maximum amount of heat can be maintained in them by the
consumption of a minimum quantity of fuel. In many gardens |
brick pits are already formed as receptacles for manure over
which frames are placed ; these are easily converted into low
houses, which are far more valuable than frames for propa-
gating and early forcing. It was in considering an existing |
instance of this kind and seeking to turn the pit to a better |
purpose that the accompanying sketch was produced.

Fig. 83 shows sections of three houses: a, a snug little
lean-tc—propagating, Melon, or Cucumber house. 3, a semi-

SURFRDE,

| cf border flowers.

Were I to ask some of those who are
interested in herbaceous plants if they were acquainted with

| Cimicifuga there would be a little astonishment at the sound
| of its name, yet we have such plants in a list published by
| Linneus.

They are but a small family and very little known.
We are indebted to the North American continent for this little
tribe of border flowers. Those who are acquainted with Actas
spicata may form an idea what Cimicifaga is like. The name
is derived from cimex, a bug, and fuga, to drive away, indicat-
ing that the plant is in possession of qualities to expel noxious
vermin. If auch be the case we ought to have these plants
extensively cultivated. Weare also told that in North America.
Cimicifuga serpentaria is an antidote against the bite of the
rattlesnake.

Our subjects are among the taller-growing plants, and are
well adapted for open spaces in the shrubbery as well as the
border. They are not particular as to soil. Well-decomposed
vegetable matter, sandy loam, and peat, incorporated with the
ordinary garden soil, will meet their requirements. They like

Fig. 83.—Combined Section of Propagating Pit, Melon House, and Vinery.

span possessing all the advantages of a with the important
additional one of a stage for stove plants and Orchids; or it
could be turned to account for a variety of useful purposes,
especially the early forcing of Roses, flowering shrubs such as
Deutzias, Weigelas, Lilacs, as well as Lily of the Valley and
bulbs. This house would also answer admirably for Vines in
pots and Kidney Beans. c shows a section of a loftier eleva-
tion—a lean-to, forming the most simple style of vinery as
well a8 the most efficient. Sweep away all internal fittings—
the stage, the inner wall, the soil and rubble; put plenty of
pipes near the floor, not on it, but just elevated a few inches
upon pipe stands, so as to turn all the heat to account and let
none of it be wasted by absorption into walls and floors, as is
too often the case; pierce the front wall and plant Vines in
the soil, and I really do not see what more o skilful Vine-
grower would require, or what advantage a more elaborate
state of things would confer upon a non-skilful one.—Epwarp
Louckuvrst.

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—BUGWORTS.

Ir seems strange that plants which have been among us for

moisture, and dv not object to partial shade, yet will bear
full exposure. They continue long in flower, sometimes until
the autumn. They are increased by division in the spring.

There are only some four or five species enumerated. Cimici-
fuga serpentaria and C. racemosa are the most commonly met
with, and that but seldom. OC. palmata is perhaps the most.
desirable of the family.—Verniras.

‘

ANTHURIUM ORNATUM.

Tue plant figured is a notable representative of a noble
family of ornamental plants. Most of the species are remark-
able for their bold coriaceous foliage, while others are attrac-
tive by their handsome flowers. The former section are re-
presented by A. magnifica, which is so imposing for stove and
hall decoration; A. crystallinum, than which few plants have
more really handsome foliage, velvety in texture, green, and
| relieved by ivory white veins; A. regale, A. coriaceum, A. cor-
difolium, and others which are suitable for indoor decoration
at any time and for subtropical effect outdoors during the
summer months. The flowering section is made familiar by

more than a lifetime are many of them not to be met with in
a day’s journey, and are not even known to many cultivators

the brilliant and valuable A. Schertzerianum and the pearly
white A. S. Williamsi. The foliage of these is neat rather

December 6, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 439

than imposing, but A. ornatum has both striking foliage and | copious supplies of water during the growing season, are the
attractive flowers. This distinct Anthurium is being distri- | chief essentials to success.

puted By Mr. B. S. Williams, who states that in well-grown prey eM L102 ey

plants the petioles are about 3 feet long; leaves light green and

cordate in shape, from 9 to 12 ieee broad, slightly veined NEW BOOK AND NEW EDITION.

with white. The flowers are thrown well above the foliage on Two new volumes are before us, one small the other large ;
stout flower stalks; the spathe, which is pure white, is from | one to a great extent speculative, the other wholly practical.

Fig. 84.—ANTHURIUM ORNATUM.

6 to S inches in length and 22 in breadth, tapering towards the | We will first refer to the smaller one. Itis entitled ‘‘ Multum-
apex; the spadix, which is about 6 inches in length, stands | in-parvo Gardening,” and is published by Crosby, Lockwood,
up very conspicuously, being nearly black, but covered witha and Co., Ludgate Hill. The object of the author (Samuel
violet hue slightly dotted with white. Wood) is to show (1) ‘‘ How to make one acre of land without

Anthuriums are of easy culture. Moderate stove heat, great | glass produce by the cultivation of fruits and vegetables £620
cleanliness of the foliage, very free drainage, and a very rough | per annum clear profit.” IJ. ‘‘ How to grow flowers in three
and open compost of turfy loam, peat, and charcoal, with | glass houses so as to realise £176 per annum clear profit,”

440

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 6, 1877.

As if conscious of the startling nature of his proposition, also
of the incredulity of the public, the author “ fancies some
readers laughing at the idea.’’ We rather fancy so too; it is
an ‘‘idea’’ of a class to provoke a smile: Yet with that
characteristic confidence which figures inspire, Mr. Wood has
no doubt of his ability to prove satisfactorily that the hand-
some sums named can be realised. We do not share the
author’s confidence in the plan projected, which in Section I.
is briefly as follows :—

A series of brick walls are to be built 4 feet high, with a
border 4 feet wide on the south side, curbed round with two
eourses of brickwork, and at the front of the border a path is
to be made 2 feet wide. This work ‘‘is to be” done by the
acre, for we are not told that it has been done. Estimates
(too low) are given of the cost of the walls, and the mode of
carrying out the ‘‘idea”’ is detailed. Ono the south side of
the walls Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots are to be planted
** about 5 feet apart,’ and two Tomato plants are to be grown
“between each of the trees.’ Don’t smile, gardeners, for
recollect this is multum in parvo gardening. The reason why
Tomatoes are to be so grown is stated to bethe ‘‘ obvious’ one
that “they cannot be grown without walls or glass.” If the
author had taken a. trip into some of the market gardens near
GDondon last sammer it would have been equally ‘* obvious’ to
him that they can be and were grown and ripened “ by the
acre” in open fields, and we could point, too, to a garden as
far north ay Lineslnshire where they are successfully grown
in asimilar manner. We predict that they will be grown on
this ‘‘impossible” plan much more generally than the new
“‘idea”’? promulgated in the book will be adopted.

The north sides of the walls are to be covered with Red
Currants, the trees to be planted in a border 9 inches wide,
which border is alzo to contain a row of Strawberries which
should produce ‘an average of two hundred fruit per plant”
—multum in parvo again; or Auricula seed is to be grown in-
stead of Strawberries, and if the sced is of a very superior
strain it may be sold for 5s. per ounce, unless ‘ some difficulty
should arise in disposing of it,’ on which account Strawberries
are given the prefer:nca as they ‘always sell.”

The south borders are to be cropped with early Potatoes and
Radishes, which are, perhaps, the most reliable of all the crops
recommended, to be followed by Dwarf Kidney Beans, and
probably (although that is not stated) by red spider for the
Peach trees. Adventitious crops, such as Lettuces, are men-
tioned, but they are not relied on, as a nett profit of £624 5s. 9d.
per acre can be obtained without them. The amount received,
aiter deducting £129 4s. 3d, is accounted for as follows :—

Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots.............. £330 0 0
Red Currants Go so AO OL W)
Tomatoes 50 0 0
Radishes... 156 0 0
Early Potato 5) 0 0
Dwarf Beans.. 58 10 0
Strawberries .......... 39 0 0

To tialUmarstere(-tateteteicl<1</0'ers =\=/e\eis\= 753 10 0

Annual expenditure.......... 129 4 3

Nett profitirsnse.....cesscces 624 5 9

«Tt is astonishing,’ adds the author, ‘“‘ what can be done
with one acre of land.” It is, and we shall be astonished to
hear that Mr. Wood has done what he has represented as being
so easy of attainment, and the more astonished if it is an
average (and it is no use without) of a series of years. The
¢rops mainly relied on, and which involve the greatest outlay
in preparations—namely, Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots,
are notoriously uncertain when glass is not afforded them.
We have inspected many gardens in different counties during
the present year, and notwithstanding that those gardens ere
under thoroughly competent men, we have deplored with the
disappointed managers the failures of the crops mentioned
from causes wholly beyond theiz control. Neither has the year
in this respect been particularly exceptional; many similar
failares have preceded the dearth of tender stone fruits of the
present year, and many more will follow where the trees are
exposed. We do not hesitate to say that there are far more
blanks than prizes in growing the fruits in question on exposed
walls. Shall we, therefore, ignore the teachings of long and
dearly bought experience, supported by evidence that in its
nature is incontrovertible, in favour of a speculative theory—
an ‘idea?’ Notwithstanding the author’s confidence in his
argumentative ability we continue to indulge in ‘“ incredulous
smiles.” We regard his premises unsound, his logic faulty,
and his figures fallacious.

The second part of the book, that relating to the profitable
eulture of greenhouse plants, consists of only half a dozen
pages, which we will dispose of in little more than half a dozen
lines. Market plants can be grown profitably by those who
have been trained to the trade, and a man, even if he is a good
general gardener, may easily invest money in a calling with
which he may feel himself familiar, and lose it. We agree
that the cultivation of greenhouse plants by competent men is
“an agreeable mode of getting a living supposing ’’ (the italics
are ours) ‘‘ he is so situated to sell all off as the things come on.”

The book also contains an appendix, with nothing noteworthy
in it, about insects. It reveals also the cause of the Potato
disease—namely, ‘atmospheric influences” in the form of
“sulphureted hydrogen,” which communicates the disease to
the plants. As evidence ofthe power ofthe ‘‘ atmosphere” on
Potatoes we cannot resist quoting the concluding lines of this
sensational book at the risk of provoking further ‘‘ smiles: ”—

“The atmosphere seems to affect this plant for good or bad
more than it does any other vegetable. I had it once stated to
me by an old man whose word I have no reason to doubt that
upon one occasion he was in Newfoundland, being one of a ship’s
crew, when ths master set them to plant some Potatoes in his
garaen, and which were of a white kind, brought out from
England. They stayed there until they were ready to dig up,
and when this was done they all turned out to be red ones.
This proves that the Potato is very easily affected by the
atmosphere.”

We should not have noticed this book so fully had we not
felt that its tone is misleadiug, and that caution is necessary
in putting the author’s ‘‘idea’’ into practice.

Our notice on the larger and better book alluded to above—
Thompson’s “ Gardener’s Assistant ’’—must be deferred. We
can only say now that it is a sound and splendid work.

NOTES AND GLHANINGS.

Dourine November, at Ticehurst in Sussex, just 9 inches
of main Fett! The highest temperature was 59° and the
lowest 30°. Rain fell on twenty-six days.

A CORRESPONDENT ‘‘Q.,” writing to Us on ZINC LABELS
For Roses states—‘‘I have many failures every year, and
numbers of dead branches have to be cut away. I am disposed
to think that possibly the zine being fastened on with copper
(causing galvanic action), may have something to do with it.
The opinions of other roearians will oblige.”

THERE is always something worthy of note in Lorp
LoxDEsBorouGH’s celebrated garden at Norbiton. At the pre-
sent time several Orchids are attractive, especially Oncidium
Londesboroughanum, which was not long ago awarded a first-
class certificate; it is remarkable on account of its fine and
tichiy-marked sepals and petals. Cattleya exoniensis is also
flowering and is extremely beautiful, a8 also are C. El Dorado
splendens, C. labiata and C. labiata Peseatorei; also C. mar-
ginata and C. marginata prestans, the last-named being espe-
cially fine. Vanda cerulea continues producing a fine display,
and several varieties of Oncidium varicosam and Odonto-
glossum triumphans are flowering freely; noticeable also are
Masdevallia tovarensis, white, and M. Davisii, bright yellow.
Less aristocratic but not less useful is a houseful of the old
white Geranium Madame Vaucher; the plants are flowering
with great freedom and the colour is very pure. Similarly
valuable is a stock of robust young plants of Miss Marshall
Fuchsia, the plants being covered with fine flowers. A house-
ful of Heliotropes, the ‘old gort,’’ tells at a glance how useful
this plant is for affording a supply of flowers, which are always
valued during the winter on account of their refreshing per-
fume. The plants are grown in 48-sized pots. On another
occasion Mr. Denning’s mode of growing Hucharis amazonica
may be noticed.

Earty Porsrors.—Earliness alone considered, the old
Ash-leaf Potato is not yet surpassed. It is also very dwarf,
and therefore easily covered. Myatt’s Prolific’ and YVeitch’s
Improved Ashleaf yield double the weight of crop, but are ten
days or a fortnight later than the first named. There is not
much gained by planting earlier than the middle or end of
February, and even then only in dry and sheltered positions.
The sets should be placed on end at once in a light cellar or
shed secure from frost, and they will make strong sturdy
shoots before planting.—Wittiam TayLor.

A very good proof of the mrxp auTumN, writes a Falham
correspondent, is shown here by the curamon Primrose, which

December 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

441

has been flowering since the commencement of November as
freely as it usually does in March, and presents quite a gay
appearance. Limnanthes Douglasii is in full flower, also Mig-
nonette is flowering as freely as in July, but it is not quite so
highly scented as during the summer.

Amone cut flowers few are more valuable than the
Care Jasmines (Gardenias), one of the most useful of which
is G. florida. The best wey of producing the finest flowers in
the greatest number is by having the plants planted out in a
well-heated pit. In this way thousands of flowers are cut by
Mr. Denuing at Norbiton, Mr. Jones at Windsor, and others
who have great demands for white flowers of the first quality.
In growing Gardenias brisk heat and copious supplies of water
are of greater importance than soil. We have seun the plants
luxuriating in turfy loam, in pure peat, and in a compost in
which leaf soil preponderated. A mixture of the three kinds
of soil named, with top-dressing of manure, will grow the
plants well provided the first essential—water—is applied
regularly and freely to roots and foliage. Given this and.a
sufficiently high temperature, luxuriant foliage and splendid
flowers will be produced, and no mealy bug, that inveterate
pest of gardeners and Gardenias, will be seen on the plants.

— WE exiract the following glowing account of Kenria
macrocarpa from the Trish Farmers’ Gazette.—This new and
very rare Palm (the specimen in the Glasneyin collection snd
one or two more being, perhaps, its only representatives in
cultivation), is one of the noblest and most striking of the
pinnate-leaved section of the family. The dark olive-green of
the stem and fronds is very peculiar, and still more so the fiery
tints of the undeveloped frond, which gives it the aspect of a
great jet of flame rushing up from the centre of the stem.
Just at the present moment the Glasnevin plant is in the con-
dition to show this remarkable feature to perfection.

— Lares consignments of rorEIGN GrarEs have been
recently received by the London‘fruiterers. Almierian Grapes
have been selling at 8d. per lb., and Black Hamburghs at 10d.
The white Almierian Grapes are as large as Black Alicantes.
and are greenish white in colour. Their flesh is crackling,
and their juice refreshing. The Black Hamburghs have been
thinned and the berries are of good size. These Grapes are
packed in corkdust, which is coarser than sawdust, light and
dry. When the bunches are removed from the boxes the cork-
dust falls from amongst the berries, scarcely a particle ad-
hering to them, and the bloom is only very slightly rubbed.
Corkdust is evidently a capital packing material for Grapes.

— We have received from the Hon. and Rev. J. T.
Boscawen a fine flower of LapacEeria RosEA which was gathered
out of doors on the morning of the 3rd inst. from a plant
25 feet high; this is the more noteworthy since Mr. Boscawen
informs us that 8° of frost were registered the same morning
in his garden at Lamorran.

—— Mk. D. F. McKewziz, forester, Murthley Castle, writing
in the ‘“ Journal of Forestry’? on the TIMBER TREES OF THE
FUTURE, predicts that Abies Douglasii will sooner or later take
the place of our Larch, and Abies Menziesii that of our other
Pines. The timber of A. Douglasii is as durable as Larch
when in contact with the soil as a fence or other post or stob,
it being in most cases equally full of resin. It is also much
prettier for decorative work and house carpentry. Roofs on
the Gothic principle, such as the famous roof over Westminster
Hall, London, if done with the wood of the Douglas Fir, could
not for beauty be excelled even by the best Oak, as it has
naturally a rich mellow colour when of large dimensions. It
also lacks the bad qualities of the Larch, as it does not twist
or warp, and is not, so far as has yet been ascertained, liable
to any disease in this country, while it produzes nearly double
the bulk of timber in a given time. Abies Menziesii is also a
rapid-growing timber tres of large dimensions, and its fibre is
more elastic and tenacious than Fir or Norway Spruce.

—— Some one inquires how far north the EnetisH WaLnour
will mature its fruit. Mr. Robert Coit has this tree in his
garden at New London, Conn., which bears and ripens nuts
every year. This year the crop ig larger than ever. The
tree is at least twenty-five years old, and has been in bearing
some eight years. It is sheltered on the north and west by
buildings; but in the garden adjoining is another English
Walnut tree exposed in all directions. It is an old tree, and
has ripened crops of nuts more or less sparsely for twenty
years. The latitude of New London is 47° 21’ north.

—— Prorsssor Exnprincr Gate of the State Agricultural
College, Manhattan, Kan., has written as follows on TREES :—

Nothing else can bind families to their homes like trees. We
watch their growth from day to day. They are linked in
memory often with the bright and sweet things of the past.
We learn to love them and to love theirhistory. The ordinary
products of the farm goon ripen and are gone, but here Nature
slowly unfolds her purposes, requiring patient waiting and
coustant care for many years: hence men learn to love these
trees. They give a peculiar charm in the eyes of the owner to
the picture of the home. The farm crops, as a rule, hold the
family only from spring to fall, and the owners of stock may
roam, like their herds, from hill to hill or from county to
county; but he who plants trees finds himself by the strongest
possible ties—both of interest and affection—bound to the soil.

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Tue leaves have fallen from the Oak and Beech trees, which
generally retain them the longest. We never remember their
being cleared so quickly before. The aspect is dreary, and re-
minds us that winter is close at hand; but the weather con-
tinues very open, which is an advantage to all who have alter-
ations in progress. Planting and groundwork generally should
be prosecuted with all possible dispatch, for at any time now
the ground may be covered with snow, or frost may set in so
severe as to prevent further operations being. conducted. Clear
the fallen leaves from lawns and lightly dig the borders between
shrubs, burying all stray leaves to prevent them being blown
about all the winter and to give a freshness and tidiness to the
garden.

Seakale and Rhubarb may now be lifted from the open ground
and placed in heat for an early supply, or the roots may remain
in the ground and be covered with pots or boxes, with a sufficient
thickness of leaves placed over them to generate a moderate
heat, and both Kale and Rhuburb will be ready for use in a few
weeks. If the method of lifting the roots is preferred a Mush-
room house is an excellent place for forcing them, but any place
is suitable for the purpose where there is a genial warmth.
Care must be taken to exclude all light from Seakale, otherwise
it will be of a purplish hue and useless for table. Endive also.
blanches well in a Mushroom house, and a few plants lifted as
required and placed in the house will in a short time become
beautifully white.

Should duli weather continue or frosty nights set in, a little
fire heat to exclude both damp and frost will be absolutely
necessary both in the greenhouse and conservatory. As there
are not many flowers to be had out of doors now it becomes all
the more necessary to cherish those which can be had within.
Chrysanthemums, with the exception of a few of the late-bloom-
ing Japanese varieties, will be soon past their best; as they go.
out of flower cut down the old stems and place the pots close
together in a cool house or frame, to cause sturdy cuttings to
Spring up from the base of the plants. The Chrysanthemums.
may be succeeded by Camellias, Acacias, autumn-flowering
Heaths, such as Hricas hyemalis and gracilis, Cytisuses, Coro-
nillas, Hupatoriums, Bouvardias, Primulas, and early Cinerarias ;.
while with the help of a small stove or forcing pit a constant
supply of Azaleas—A. amcena and the large single White are
especially adapted for forcing early—Deutzias, Dielytras, Lilacs,
Spireea (Astilbe) japonica, Richardias, Rhododendrons, bulbs,
&e., can be readily furnished. A night temperature ranging.
from 50° to 55° and 60° will be found to bring these along more
satisfactorily than a much stronger heat. Camellias coming
into flower will, if well rooted, be benefited by occasional appli-
cations of weak liquid manure. The complaints we frequently
hear of Camellias shedding their flower buds chiefly arise from
improper watering; the plants are often permitted to become
too dry and injury follows. Occasionally the dropping of the
buds occurs from the opposite extreme—stagnant soil ; but if the
drainage is good they are likely to suffer more from insufficiency
of water than from over-abundance. The leaves should be
sponged and kept clean and glossy.

Bedding plants must be examined periodically and have all
the decayed leaves removed, or they may cause the plants to
damp off. All watering of these and other greenhouse plants
should be done at this season early in the morning; by that
practice there is the better chance of the surplus moisture drying.
up before night. Calceolarias which are intended for specimens
must not be allowed to become pot-bound, but must have larger
pots before the roots become matted. Well-drained pots and
rich but light sandy soil are necessary to promote luxuriance.
These plants and Cinerarias may be kept in cold frames if
well protected ; for although they will flourish in a very low
temperature they are very susceptible to injury by frost, espe-
cially the Cinerarias.

Schizostylis coccinea is a valuable plant for indoor decoration
at this dull season of the year; its abundant supply of rich
scarlet Gladiolus-like blossoms is exceedingly attractive. Plants
may be increased by dividing the rvots in spring, planting them
in the open ground, and potting them again in the autumn

412 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 6, 1877.

when the flower spikes commenca showing. They remain gay
until ths end of the year, and well reward for any cultural atten-
tion that has beon bestowed on them.—J. W. Moorman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WHEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Our own work in this department is in a forward condition.
Digging and trenching, mulching borders, and protecting crops
and plants with rough litter when necessary, must be seen to
without delay. Where wheeling has to be done it will be neces-
sary to lay light planks on the alleys and paths, unless the
ground is hard with frost. So far there has not been sufficient
frost to render the surface crisp and clean.

At any time when the ground is saturated with wet and ina
too sloppy condition to be dug or trenched with advantage, the
corner where the various heaps of manure and vegetable soil
are kept may be made neat by turning the heaps over; the
vegetable refuse-heap is too often in a very untidy condition.
The kitchen boy carries all his trimmings of vegetables there ;
herbaceous and bedding plants from the flower garden, decayed
Pea haulm, stumps of Cabbages, Cauliflowers, &c., are tumbled
down in a disorderly manner. In turning over this heap tho
outer portion that has made little progress in decay should be
turned into the centre and the bottom of the heap be brought
to the top. Where manure is scarce and leaves plentiful a
quantity of the latter may be mixed with the refuse of the kitchen
garden. A valuable heap may be formed in this way, and could
a few hundred gallons of the drainings from a farmyard be
thrown over it occasionally its manurial properties may be
much increased, and it may also cause the organic matter to
‘decay more rapidly.

Where forced vegetables are in demand preparations must
now be made to start them in the way best adapted to the cir-
cumstances of the place. We have tried many different ways to
obtain an equable lasting heat, but that of forming a bed of
leaves and stable manure is the best, and where each can be
obtained on the place the most economical, as the bed forms
excellent manure when it has served its purpose as a hotbed.
Asparagus may be forced in pits or common garden frames.
The way we do is to throw an equal quantity of leaves and
manure together in a heap, and turn it over about twice ina
period of ten days or more to throw off the rank steam, when it
may be thrown into the pit or be built into a bed fora frame.
If the heat is rather strong it is a good plan to lay some turf
over the surface with the grasa side down, and on this plant the
Asparagas in fine soil as thickly as the roots can be placed
together. Seakale ard Rhubarb may be forced in various ways,
and those who possess a Mushroom house will be able to pro-
‘duce a regular supply from that structure. The roots may be
planted thickly in a bed on the ground. Bottom heat is not
necessary, the crowns will start regularly and strongly in a
temperature of 55°. We grow ours either in the vineries or
Some other forcing houses. The Seakale roots are placed in
12-inch pots thickly together and another empty pot of the same
size is placed over it, the drainage holes being stopped to ex-
clude light. We manage the Rhubarb well by placing the roots
atthe bottom of flour barrels, which can be readily obtained
here. We either place a lid on the top or throw a cloth over it
to exclude light.

Dwarf Kidney Beans may also be sown, and perhaps the best
way is to sow thickly in boxes, and when the seed leaves are
fully developed to pot the plants off five or seven in 7 or 8-inch
pots, using good loam four parts to one of decayed manure. A
temperature of 60° at night suits the plants well, and they ought
te be placed near the glass.

MUSHROOM HOUSE.

Some few weeks ago instructions were given as to the making-
up and spawning of the beds. Keep a moist equable tempera-
ture of 55°; in mild weather this may be increased to 60°,
but it ought always to be borne in mind thatif this temperature
is obtained by too much heat in the flue or hot-water pipes
without corresponding moisture by evaporation, any Mush-
rooms that may be produced under such conditions will be
small and leathery in texture, scarcely worth the trouble of
gathering. Under the right conditions, with moisture pro-
duced from walls and paths (aot by steaming from hot pipes),
the Mushrooms will be formed under conditions most con-
‘ducive to their perfect development. To arrest evaporation
from the surface of the bed it is a good plan to place a layer of
clean oat straw on the surface. It ought to be laid on lightly,
and the produce of the beds can be gathered by lifting it up
gently with one hand ox a stick, while the other is used in
gathering. The bed must be watered when it is dry, not other-
wise. A little experience is necessary to judge of the proper
atate the bed ought to be in when it is watered ; but itis better
to err on the side of dryness than to overwater, as the spawn
and incipient Mushiooms decay ina wet bed. The wa‘er should

be applied through a fine rose water pot, and the temperature
of the water should be about 85°. An experienced cultivator
can tell when a bed requires water without rooting with his
hand into the bed, and by merely putting his head into the
house in the morning he can also say whether the atmospheric
moisture and heat is right, and the sooner the tyro attains to
this degree of intelligence the better, Sometimes beds will
continue bearing for a long period, a‘ others a large crop is pro-
duced and exhaustion follows, and when a bed has ceased bear-
ing it is best to clear it out and make another. To keep upa
certain supply of good Mushrooms it is necessary to have three
beds in different stages, made up at intervals of three or four
weeks.
VINERIES.

The unfavourable weather alluded to a fortnight ago has not
improved, and great care has been necessary to prevent the
skin of the berries from decaying. We have not yet removed
all the leaves, nor do we care to do so as long as they hold firmly
to the stem. It has been necessary to frequently examine the
bunches and remove the injured berries.

We start one of the early houses this week. Everything has
been ready for this since October. We now water the borders
inside and out with tepid water. The outside border has been
covered with shutters to throw off the rains. After watering we
mulch the surface of the borders with decayed manure. Very
little artificial heat is applied during the first two weeks, only
enough to keep the temperature to 45°, rising to 50° about
eightean days after watering the borders.

Vines in pots started in October will now be making growth,
and the temperature of the house may range about 60° as a
minimum. We still bold under all circumstances that it is best
not to syringe the Vines after all the growths have fairly
started. Previous to this we dew the wood over once or twice
a-day to moisten the bark and cause a regular break of the
buds. It will depend upon the growth of the Vines as to whether
any pressure may be put upon them by maintaining a higher
temperature. It the growths are strong and root-action has
commenced, and the fruit is required as early as possible, then
the temperature may be 65° at night, and this ought not to be
exceeded until the bunches are in flower, when it may be 70°,
or between 65° and 70° while the berries are setting. Black
Hamburgh and Foster’s White Seedling are the best Vines to
grow to produce fruit in pots, but if a large quantity is grown
we would have six of the Hamburgh to one of Fostar’s. See
that the pots do not snffer from want of water. A large supply
is wanted when the Vines are in full growth.

ORCHID HOUSES.

The utility of Orchids ia fornishing a supply of beautiful
flowers at this season of the year becomes more apparent as
Christmastide draws near aud Chrysanthemums show signs of
fading. Orchids last long in beauty if the atmosphere of the
houses is not kept too moist. An over-moist atmosphere, either
at midsummer or midwinter, will cause the flowers to spot and
decay before they have reached their prime, but a little discre-
tion in the use of the water pot will prevent this. We have
Dendrobium nobile in flower, and other plants of it in bud.
This is one of the most useful as well as easily grown of Orchids.
We have one large plant which annually produces from two
hundred to five hundred flowers each year about Christmas, and
no plant requires less attention; it has not been repotted for
six years or more, The pot is about 18 inches in diameter, and
every part of the compost is interlaced with active roots. The
plant is kept in heat until June, when it is placed in a vinery
from which the Grapes have been cut, and in July it is turned
out of doors for a couple of months, no water being given to it
nor any rain allowed to saturate the roots; a gentle shower just
to moisten the foliage and surface of the pot does no harm.

Calanthes are as beautifalas ever. Unlike some Orchids they
do not rest for a season if they have flowered profusely the pre-
vious one; but every year the number of spikes increase in @
double ratio. C. Turneri should be in every collection, as it
comes into bloom when C. vestita and O. Veitchi are over. The
decaying leaves of these plants are unsightly and should be re-
moved if possible. Ours are hid by the thicket formed by the
arching fronds of Maidenhair Ferns. The Odontoglossum
grande and O. Insleayi leopardinum are now in full beauty,
and though not so usefulin the way of cut flowers as some
others, nevertheless they form a striking feature in the cool
house. O. crispum (Alexandre) is also as valuable for cutting
as for forming a pleasing feature in the house; in contrast to it
the distinct and noble Masdevallia Veitchi is very fine. It may
well divide the honours with M. Harryana, as being the finest
in the genus. ‘The former has the advantage over its rival
that specimens may be had in flower both at midwinter and in
the dog days; we have them flowering at both seasons from the
same importation.

Some growers are recommending a higher temperature for
cool Orchids, notably for O. crispum and allied species. We
find they succeed well with a night temperature of from 45° to
50°, The Cattleya biuse is kept at from 50° tu 55°, which is

eee

December 6, 1877. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 458

also lower by 5° than many persons grow their Cattleyas. The
Hast Indian house is best kept at 65°. We sometimes have it
fall to 60° in cold nights, and this is better than driving the
furnace to keep it up to the highest figare. We have been
washiug the wood and glasswork of the houses to let in all the
light. This is a most important matter, as if the foliage is not
fally exposed to all the light possible in winter some of the
plants will not flower freely. We have also examined all the
leaves and pseudobulbs for scale, thrips, and other insect pests.
An invasion of a small species of snail has also caused us much
trouble. It eats the young rootlets as fast as they are formed,
and very much weakens the plants from this cause. With the
aid of a bull’s-eye lantern the snails can be found feeding at
night.—J. Dovauas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

“,* All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘ Tho
Editors,” or to ‘‘The Pablisher.”’ Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unayoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee
subjects, and should never send more than two or three
questions atonce. All articles intended for insertion should
be written on one side of the paper only. We cannot
reply to questions through the post.

Bovvarpia CuLTuRE (C. J. F.).—We cannot account for the reference and
Omission.

Name or Orcuip (4. H. S.).—Cattleya Loddigesii var. Hanisoniz.

Earty Poratoss (P. S.).—See the remarks of Mr. W. Taylor in another
column.

ScaLe ON AppLE-TrEE SHoorts (Capt. P.).—It is a species of coccus or
scale insect. Brushing over the shoots with a thick mixture of soft soap,
sulphur, and water is an effectual remedy.

CLEMATISES AND THEIR PROPAGATION (Hortws).—See notes by Mr. Luck-
hurst on page 434.

Winrerinc PeacH TREES—PrRuNING TEA Roses in Pots (Puddle).—If
the district is a dry one the trees do not suffer if the pots are plunged over
the rim in some light material. They could be kept in the greenhouse if you
merely have sufficieut heat to keep the frost out, and probably that would be
the best advice to give. By no means place any of them in the cellar. Prune
the Roses now if you want them to flower early. If it is intended that they
‘should flower late, prune in February.

TREES FOR PEACH AND ORCHARD Houses (Cherry Pie).—The best for
Peach house are Hale’s Early, Early York, Royal George, Grosse Mignonne,
Walburton Admirable. Nectarines Lord Napier, Violette Hative, Pine Apple,
and Victoria. Itis best to plant the orchard-house trees out, that isif you
grow only Peaches and Nectarines. Pears and Plums do best in pots. We
Advise you to try all the trees in pots to bégin with. Cherries and Apricots
do not succeed with the others. ‘Chey require a drier atmosphere and more
air, but you might try afew vf each. The trees will be small to bezia with,
but we would not have more than about fifty of them, and our choice would
be—Peaches : One Bellegarde, t vo Crawford’s arly, one Dr. Hogg, two Early
York, three Hale’s Early, three Grossa Migaonne, three Royal George, and
one Walburton Admirable. Nectarines : Two Elruge, two Lord Napier, two
Stanwick Elruge, three Pine Apple, two Violette Hative, and three Victoria.
Pears: 1, Beurré @’Amanlis, ons Beurré Bashelier, one Beurré Hardy, one
Bearré del’Assomption, two Louise Bonne of Jersey, two Souvenir du Congés,
and two Williams’ Bon Chrétien. Plums: One Jefferson, one Transparent
Gage, one Coe’s Golden Drop, one Kirke’s, one Green Gage. Cherries: One
Black Tartarian, one Bigarreau Napoleon, one Early Rivers. Apricots:
Moorperk and Peach.

Turips (G. Y.).—Fumigate with tobacco smoke, and dust the plants with
Scotch snufi. Repeat the treatment until the insect ceases to appear.

Watercress CoLTuRE (Miss EZ. H.).—We know of no work on the subject.
Divections for its culture in a border is in this Jouraal, No. 789 and No. 654.

Best Six VIOLETS anp TWENTY-rouR LARGE-FLOWERED CHRYSANTHE-
Mums (R. A. A.).—Six Violets: Neapolitan, Russian, Giant, London Blue,
Czar, and Victoria Regina. Twenty-four Chrysanthemums: Mrs. Rundle,
White Globe, Beverley, Empress of India, George Glenny, Mrs. Dixon,
Princess Teck, Cherub, Prince Alfred, Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales,
Eye, Lord Derby, Pink Perfection, Le Grand, Nil Desperandum, John Salter,
Lady Hardioge, Her Majesty, aurea Multiflora, Jardin des Plantes, Hero of
Stoke Newington, Venus, and White Venus.

TREATMENT OF LILIUM LANCIFOLIUM (Inquirer).—Pot them now and
plunge the pots in your garden frame. They do not succeed well in ordinary
garden soil. Jf you could obtain some turfy peat or turfy loam ia which to
plant them they do well if planted-out in the open ground now; if you have
nat this convenience turn them carefully out of the pots and plant in May.

Manvzine (Sambo).—Manure applied to Rose trees is apt to cause excessive
growth and few flowers. his effect is not produced on Carnations. Manure
is needed to both Roses and Carnations if the soil is poor.

Corrincs or EvERGREENS (Glossop). — Nearly all evergreens may be
struck from cuttings, but many of them require to be inserted in sand under
hand-lights, especially Hollies and Euonymuses. Cuttings of Laurels, Yews,
Aucubas, Laurustinuses, and Mahonias will strike, but not quickly, if inserted
in sandy soilin a shaded border in the autumn. You might try them now,
Selecting well-ripened short-joiat-d shoots about 6 inches long with a little
of last year’s wood at the base of each. Tusert them firmly and rather closely
in rows a foot apart, aud there Jet them remain for two years. The price of
the book you name is, we think, 3s. 6d.

‘PorrinGc EpackisEs AND APHELEXES (A Reader).—After the flowering

sprays have been removed and fresh growth has fairly commenced in the
Spring, is the time for repotting these plants. Drain the pots well and pot
firmly.

CeLEeey (Wolverhampton).— Cole’s
varieties of it.

GRAPES NoT SWELLING (Bay Leaf)—It the Vines planted three years
have made good growth and produced a fair crop of fruit this year, we do not
see that the fact of there being a rain-water cistern benéath the border has
anything to do with the fruit not swelling. Three reasons may be given for
undersized berries—insufiicient thinning, want of water, a sudden and con-
tinuous reduction of temperature just as the fruit is commencing swelling.
As to manure water poured upon the border soaking into the cistern and
making its water foul, we can only advise you to pump out the water and
thoroughly cover the interior of the cistern with Portland cement. If the
“manure water passed through the soil nearly as strong as when poured
on the border,” it simply proves that the border was much too dry when the
liquid was applied, and that we suspect is the real cause of the Grapes not
swelling.

PLANTING A VINERY (Inquirer).—Your s2lection of sorts is a good one,
but you have too many. A house 33 feet long will contain eleven Vines
planted 3 feet apart, each Vine having a single rod trained-up under the roof,
the entire area of which would thus be taken up, so that Vines in pots
beneath them would be always in shade. If, therefore, you have such Vines,
reduce the number planted-out to six, planting them 5 feet apart 20 as to
admit light between them to the Vines in pots. Much better would it be to
have eleven permanent Vines, and to have none at all in pots except for the
first year, when you might train some fruiting canes between the permanent
rode, also on the back wall.

Names oF Fruits (B. A. H.)—No Apples have arrived. (C. R. S.).—
Passe Colmar. (Alfred Goodman).—1, Hawthornden; 2, Damelow’s Seed-
ling; 3, Golden Reiuette; 4, Blenheim Pippiu.

Names oF Piants (J. L.).—It is not a Maple, but Eucnymus europzus.
(B. C.).—Specimens all smashed. It would occupy a page to detail colour-
mixing.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

Superb, there are red and white

BIRMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW.

Morrer BrauincHam once again reminds us that Christmas
approaches, and it would indeed be ‘“‘a gap in our great feast ””
if we lost our entertainment at Bingley Hall. Last year, in con-
Sequence of the decision of the Smithfield Club not to receive
cattle from the Midland Counties Show, the Committee decided
to follow the Show at the Agricultural Hall in lieu of preceding
if; but this did not improve tho furtunes of the Show by either
an increase of visitors or exhibits, and this year the Manage-
ment have elected, and we think wisely, to return to their old
dates, and we trust the result will prove satisfactory.

Brahmas, Dark.—The old Dark cock class we thought an im-
provement on the Palace. The cup bird was a grand specimen,
beautiful in colour, with a good head, pretty comb, and legs well
feathered but a little too long, and we fancied rather weak, as
he did not stand well. Second (same owner), fiue-looking, not
so richly striped in the saddle as the first, and we thought a
little hocked ; third coarse in comb; fourth a nice specimen.
Cockerels.—First a pretty bird of good colour and markings,
and neat in head; second deserving his position; fourth, the
Aquarium and Alexandra Palace winner, very much out of
condition and looked distressed from hard work. Hens.—We
thought the position of the first and fourth should have been
transposed. The first was well shaped and prettily pencilled,
but had a rusty appearance; second better in colour; third
attractively pencilled, but for size and general points we pre-
ferred the fourth. The pullets disappointed us greatly. We
liked the second better than the first, the latter being small and
not well pencilled to the throat. The second much resembled
the Aquarium winner. The third conspicuous for the same
defect as the first. The remainder a very average lot. Light
Cocks.—Cup bird rather slight in frame but good in colour with
the exception of tail; second stouter but not so pure in colour;
third a good bird that might have been higher. Cockerels.—
First (Mr. Haines), in good condition; second a fine specimen
but deficient in markings and white in tail; fourth better in
colour than the third. Hens.—First a grand hen; second also a
good bird, but we fancied we discovered a little of the American
in the shape of her body; third and fourth in their proper
position. Pullets.—First a well-grown and prettily-marked
pullet; second a good bird; third, the Crystal Palace winner
we think, but fairly beaten at Birmingham.

Dorkings are on the whole a good lot, though hardly equal to
the Crystal Palace Show. First in old Dark cocks is Mrs. Ark-
wright with such a bird as has often before appeared here from
her yards; heis fine all round and in splendid condition, his
comb a little over. Second is not a large bird, and is very white
in tail and lobes; third darker. In cockerels the cup bird is
good all round, not very striking but with good white feet;
second a well-shaped cockerel with good comb but scurfy legs;
third a poor bird with crooked toes, in colour a curious mixture
of silver and brown; fourth moderately good, with white ear-
lobes; fifth we liked though he has a crooked toe, his comb is
tine. Several birds which we thought nearly the best in the
class only received highly commendeds, or no notice, among
them 403 (Drewry), 404 (White), and 421 (Cresswell) a very fine

444

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ December 6, 1877.

bird. The first hen is very fine, but has a bad bumble foot;
second has a fifth toe badiy swoilen, and a prick comb; third
very large, of the old-fashioned lighter colour. The class for
pullets contains many good birds; Mr. Burnell’s cup winner is
capital all round; Mrs. Arkwright’s second about the largest in
the class and highly matured; third a Palace winuer, also first
at Ipswich we think. Siilver-Greys.—Mr. Burnell’s Palece cup
cock again scores a well-earned victory; second a nice cock with
white feet. In cockerels we considered the first-prize one
deserving of Lis honours; he is good in every point
was an inexplicable award; the bird is long-legged and stiity,
with a lopping comb and several inches of white in his sickles ;
third a nice cockerel, but again tco long on the leg. The cup
hen is the bird which we zemarked on at the Crystal Palace as
our choice; second small and pale in colour. The first pullet is
decidedly fine, of a very pale shade of grey; second good in
colour and promising to be animmense hen. Whites are good
classes; size and combs seem to improve much in this breed.
The two winning cocks are both fine and very equal. In cockerels
the Palace award has been reversed, and we think rightly; the
cup cockerel is a great beauty, intensely white; second square
and fine. Mr. Cresswell carries all before him in hens; the cup

winner is immense, we hear she weighs 9 lbs.; second a fine |
Pallets are a good class and even; first large, a |

square hen.
little heavy in comb; second white and good; among the highly
commendeds is the Oxford cup bird.

Cochins.—Buft Cocks.—First a fine bird, even in colour, with

Second |

the exception of the wing, which appeared to us a shade too |
light ; second in some points we liked better than the first, but |

he was spoilt by the white feathers on his legs; third we con-
sidered an ugly-shaped bird, and preferred pen very highly com-
mended (564), the Palace winner, which was claimed for £50,
the largest bird in the class, but he was not in such good con-
dition es at Sydenham, and the variations of his colour we
fancied were more conspicuous. Cockerels.—First very hocked,

class to cause special admiration. Hens.—First a grand-shaped
emon colour in beautiful condition; second also a very good

| Game section.

bird; third very even in colour; fourth we thought a little |
tinged in hackle, but the light was decidedly anything but good. |

Pullets.—First all that could be desired, perfect in shape, beau-
tiful in colour, well feathered in leg, and in superb condition ;
second a good bird; third capital in colour; fourth neat. The
competition between third and fourth with several cf the highly
commended pens was very close, but we agree with the Judgein
his selections. The Partridge cards were not issued un7il it was
too dark to make an inspection. Whites——Cocks.—First and
second both beautiful birds, very pure in colour; first a trifle the
larger, but each clear away from all others in the class.
erels.—First a fair bird but rather hocked; second neat; 820
showed a little white in the lobe, or it would donbtless have been
in the prize list. Hens.—Good. Pullets —First and second
nice birds; third small; $54 a large bird, pure in colour, heavily
feathered but hocked, we presume too heavily for the Judge.
Black classes were fairly represented.

Malay Cocks.—First a fine bird; second larger, and showed a
greater strength of limb. Cockerels.—First a neat bird, but we
thought him deficient in limb; second a stouter bird, but not
so well made. Hens a fair lot.

Créve-Ceur Cocks.—First and second good birds, the compe- }

tition being extremely close. Cockerels.—Entries of only
average quality. Hens.—We did not like the winner; she was
bad in colour, and appeared to have only size to recommend her.
The second we thought should have been first, and pen 1037
(unnoticed), second.

Houdan Cocks.—The winner was a large bird, but had an
ugly one-sided comb. We preferred 1065 (unnoticed) to any pen
in the class. Cockerels.—Virst a large bird, fair crest, but toes
pointing in all directions. Pullets.—We thought the winners
correctly selected.

Spanish Cocks.—Five birds only put in an appearance, but
they were all good, and those not obtaining a prize were other-
wise distinguished. The first had 2 splendid lobe and was well
shown ; second was nof quite over his moult. We thought the
occupant of pen 1136 possessed a better face. Cockerels—Very
inferior to the exhibition at the Palace. First bad an oper
face and a good quality of white, but scarcely the length of lobe
we expect in a first-class show. Second the Palace wianer very
much out of condition; we considered he should have given
place to his near neighbour, the very highly commended pen.
Hens.—First had a very heavy face of beautiful quality. 1155
good lobe, but out of condition; pen115lan average bird. With
these exceptions they were a very poor lot. Pullets.—First a
large-faced bird, with a good lobe, but a little out of condition;
second coarse, rest very moderate.

_ Polish.—Black Cock.—First a fine crested bird in lovely condi-
tion; second had a large crest, but too open. Cockerel.—First
well crested; second larger, but not evenly parted. Hens.—
First a beautiful bird, with a very close crest; second good;
1354 a large crest, but not even. Pullets—We think one of the

Cock- |

| the usual Birmingham standard.

prizes should have been withheld. Only two birds made an
appearance, one of them being blind with roup. Golden cocks
were fair. Hens.—In this class we thought pen 1377 the best
in colour and crest, but our attention was called to a growth of
small feathers on the leg, which kept her out of the prize-list.
The winner was a well-marked bird; the second appeared a
little wry-tailed. Pullets—Second best in colour, but deficient
in crest. In Silver ptllets the first-prize bird appeared up in
the back.

Andalusians.—This variety was shown in pairs.
were well matched and in excellent trim.
but ont of condition.

Game.—Black Red Cocks.—First good and fine in all points,
especially fine head and hard feather; second good colour and
fine quality, hard condition; third hardly so long in limb, but
deserving his place; 1468 fourth, fine head, rich colour; 1472
and 1473 empty. Cockerels only a poor class, and far inferior to
First-and-cup good in quality
of feather and colour, but very flat-shinned; second rusty-
coloured but neat style; third rusty fluff but stylish, the Alex-
andra winner; fourth flat-shinned bat tall and stylish, cut too
close underneath throet; fifth a tall and reachy bird, good in
colour and heed. The principal failing in Black Red hens and
pullets was the prevalence of dark eyes, which are too common.
Tn hens all three winners: have Gark eyes, but are tall and good-
shaped hens. Mr. Dutton’s highly commended is good in
colour and has rich red eyes, and style enough to merit a higher
place. In pullets the cup winner is an extra smart one, but
rather foxy; second is the Palace winner ; third and fourth two
very pretty coloured and neat pullets ; and fifth a tall and pretty
bird of good colour. This was one of the best classes in the
The old Brown Red cocks were a good lot, first
being a winner here last year, but not one of the modern lemon
shade, still he is a handsome and stylish bird; second is the

The winners
1422 a capital pen,

é | true lemon Brown Red, and won at the Palace; third too long
and rather leggy; second a neat bird, but we found nothing in the |

in hackles and very dark in breast; fourth a very similar bird
to second. Mr. Watson’s highly commended is also a very good
one. Cockerels.—First-and-cup, also the champion cup, is an
extra good one in fine bloom, rich lemon, beautifully laced
breast, splendid tail; a2 trifle more size would improve him~
Second and third similar in colour and fine quality; tha third a
little too feathery ; fourth good in upper colour, but rather light
underneath and too heavily laced, good in head and style; fifth
a good stylish bird cf quite another stamp, being reddish, but
tall and reachy, rather flat-shinned. Ths Brown Red hens and
pullets were shown in 50 dark a place that criticism is almost
impossible. The winners all appeared good in style, but some
of them too dark ccpper-coloured in hackles, especially the cup
and third hens and some of the highly commended pullets.
Olid Dackwing Cccks.—Cup to the bird which took second at the
Palace; second a good and strong-framed bird with rich orange
back; third a nice tight bird with full orange back, hardly so.
limby as winners. The cockerels were good; first and second as
at Palace; third good shoulders, but not fine enough in head.
Harley’s highly commended (1689) is a better bird by far than
third. In old hens Harley wins easily, a big strapping bird
with immense reach; second very good, but smaller; third
carries her tail too high. Duckwing Puliets.—First-and-cup the
Palace winner, still unbeaten; second was also good and stylish,
but dark-eyed; third a very pretty pullet, too long in body.
The Blacks are falling off, only two cocks and two cockerels ;
all good, however, except the second old cock, which was very
round-backed, quite enough to have thrown him. The winning
hens and pallets were all smart and good, but darker in face and
eyes than used to be considered correct; in fact the red-eyed and
faced ones seem to be lost. Old Pile Cocks.—First the Palace
winner; second too high in tail; 1746 good butsmall. The first
cockerel is good and stout; second stylish, but bad-coloured.
Pile hens and puillets both good in the winning birds and well
judged.

, Bantams.—Sebrights.— Winners 2 neatly laced pair of Silvers,
cock a little faded; second Silvers also, cock not well marked,
the hen we thought the best in the class; third Gold, very pale
in lacing; 1822 were a well matched pair, and both clearly
marked, but the hen was out of condition. Whites.—Five
entries, nearly all good. First very pure in colour; second also
nice in colour, smarter than the first, but blue-legged. Blacks
with the exception of the winners were poor. The Game awards
were not out at the time of our leaving, but we noticed a very
handsome pen of Mr. Brownlees, that we expect will be fore-
most among the Piles. Any other colour.—Only two entries.
Black feather-lezgged.—We liked the second best, the first being
very red in saddle.

Ducks.—The heaviest White Aylesburys weigh 21 lbs. 10 ozs.
the drake and Duck; the heaviest Rouens are 23 lbs. 8 ozs. the
drake and Dack.

Geese.—The heaviest White Goose and gander of Messrs. J.
K. & R. R. Fowler weigh 48 lbs. 12 ozs., the heaviest Grey Goose
and gander 49 lbs F

Turkeys —The heaviest Turkey cock 35 lbs. 7 ozs., the heaviest

eae tll

December 6, 1877. }

Turkey cock hatched in 1877 weighs 28 lbs., the heaviest of Turkey
hens 20 lbs. 6 ozs. each, and the heaviest Turkey hens hatched in
the present year 17 lbs. 3 ozs. each.

PIGEONS.

As regards the general arrangements of the Pigeon depart-
ment of this great annual gathering we have nothing new
to add. The same extraordinary and inconvenient up-and-
down manner in which the pens are numbered is still carried
out, and consequently the same disagreeable amount of dodging
backwards and forwards and hunting up and down to follow the
numbers consecutively has still to be undergone. How heartily
we wished before we had done the Council would try to make
some improvement in this respect. One excellent arrangement,
however, we were very pleased to meet with again, and we
know that the exhibitors generally will share with us in the
feeling, in finding the birds again placed under the able and
assiduous care of Mr. J. W. Edge as Superintendent of this
department. He never seems tired of attending to their re-
quirements, and wherever one looks cleanliness and comfort is
everywhere perceptible. Weknow thatthe great length of time
which birds have to be away from home at this Show keeps
hundreds away which would otherwise be there, and we know
also that before a superintendent was specially appointed many
have suffered severely by sending their birds; but we can now
say that every care and attention which an old and experienced
fancier can possibly bestow upon them is bestowed, and beyond
the mere length of time the birds are away from home we think
exhibitors who would otherwise like to exhibit there have now
nothing to fear in sending to Bingley Hall. Several altera-
tions have been made this year in the schedule. The classes
for Short-faced Balds and Beards are again amalgamated, as the
change did not come up to the anticipations of the Committee.
An additional prize is given to the Tun-blers of Any other variety,
and the Trumpeters are divided into two classes, Mottled and
Any other colour. The silver cup hitherto given to Runts,
Archangels, and Fantails is now competed for by the two former
breeds only, and an extra one is given to the Fantails, and a
third prize is also given to Fantails of any other colour. An
additional cup is given to Jacobins, and that hitherto competed
for by Jacobins, Turbits, and Owls is now devoted to the two
latter kinds. An extra silver cup is given to the Dragoons and
also to the Antwerps, and a selling class is opened for a pair of
any variety of Pigeon with prizes of £2 and £1, the price of
each pen not to exceed £2. The entries this year number
629 pens against 670 last year, and in many oi the classes we
fancied the quality was not quite up to the usual standard.

Carriers, as usual, head the list, and bore especially we noticed,
as in fact we did at the Palace, a great falling-off in the quality
of the specimens, and our opinion in this respect in regard to
both Shows was coincided in by several well-known Carrier
breeders. We hops that this decline isnot generally perceptible
throughout the lofts of the country ;. but we fear that the innumer-
able shows which are now and have been held during the last
year or two, and the high prices which are offered to breeders
for their best specimens, are now beginninp to tell sad tales. A
good young bird now, soon after he is reared, is hurried into the
show pen, and any experienced breeder knows that constantshow-
ing and successful breeding are incompatible. But now to
the Show. Old Black cocks mustered nine, but beyond the
prize birds there was nothing in the class worthy of notice.
First was, we think, the second-prize Palace winner, a fine
bird with good properties generally, but a little wedge-shaped
in head, which rather detracted from his other good points;
the second bird, belonging to the same owner, was better in
beak wattle and narrower in skull, but the birds were no doubt
rightly placed. Black hens only mustered six, Mr. Fulton
taking first and the cup and second, but in our opinion the two
birds should have changed places, for beyoad having good head
points we saw nothing in the cup hen to admire, while the
second hen was not only good in head but in all her other pro-
perties as well. We thought her a charming bird. We also ad-
mired 2086 (Maynard), and althongh not in the competition with
her heavier cormpetitors, still 4 very handsome bird with youth
ou her side. Duncockshad onlyfour entries. Fulton first with
an old and well-known winner, but which beyond his beak
wattle is not a bird to be admired. 2092 (Maynard) second,
though not so heavy very much more to our taste, a little
short in face, but a good stout beak, capital colour, and for
style a Carrier all over. Dun hens were a very good class in-
deed, most of the birds being large-bodied birds, stout in bill,
and with plenty of wattle and style. Mr. Fultov, however, was
an easy win with a very fine specimen which tok our fancy
immensely. Mr. Maynard’s second, capital in her points, though
not so well developed as her more successful rival, and grand
in colour. Mr. Falt.n’s highly commended specimen will also
boar examination. Altogether we considered the Dun hens the
best class of the lot. Carriers any other colour were a fair class,
mostly Blues, first being Mr. Stretch’s Palace cup-winner, and
no doubt in his right place here. 2106(Waterbouse) an excellent
bird, but out of condition. Second was a White, and as a White

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

445

Carrier a very good bird indeed. Young Black cocks numbered
a dozen entries, first being the Palace winner, and both here
and there we heard many expressions of doubt as to his age, and
at Oxford, where he was shown, we understand he was passed
over with several others as being over age. Whether such is
the case or not we of course cannot say, but he certainly is as
well as one or two others in the class, remarkably well developed
for a bird of this year. We, however, liked 2117 (Billyeald),
highly commended, a good, long-faced, stout-billed, stylish bird,
capital in colour, pleaty of distance between his eye and wattle,
both of which were good, and a genuine young one; and 2120
(Mrs. Hallam) also highly commended, also a fine large bird,
remarkably narrow in skull, and an excellent beaked bird, as
well as any in the class. In young Carriers any other colour,
first and the cup a young Dun hen, undoubtedly remarkably
stylish, long in face, straight in beak, and stout for a hen, capital
in eye—in fact, we thought altogether a beautifal bird, but withal
a peculiar something about the shape of the back of the head we
did not quite like, but no doubt, considering all things, she was
in herright place. Second another Dun hen apparently, stylish,
but rather fine. Rest of the class very poor.

Pouters taken as a whole were a very good show indeed,
although rather small in the entries in the respective classes
the class for any other coloared birds, which with one exception
were all Black, being undoubtedly the besé of the lot. The
Whites were also exceedingly good. In Red or Yellow cocks
first was a Red, very good in colour but sadly out of condition ;
he, however, carries his flights much too low—quite under his
tail. No doubt when he was in condition he was a good bird,
but he looks past it now. Second also was a Red, not so good
in colour, but a fine cropped bird, his chief fault being too wide
in the limbs. 2134 (Pratt), highly commended, we should have
put higher up, being a tall stately bird with the most Pouter
properties of any bird in the class, but being rather badly
bishoped on one side no doubt threw him out. 2133 (Fulton),
a Yellow, rather thickin girth and short of toe-feathering. Red
or Yellow Hens.—First a Yellow, a very stylish bird, but short
of marking on the crop, but a good first for all that. Second
also a Yellow, the second bird at the Palace. 2138 (Fulton),
another good Yellow. Blue Cocks.—Firat a good cropped bird

| with good limbs, and in fact a good bird throughout, but slightly

bishoped on one side. We could, however, see little to choose
between this bird and the one belonging to the same exhibitor in
pen 2146, both highly commended and both very stylish birds.
‘The second-prize bird was very good in his marking but rather
too dark in colour. Blue Hens.—First rather thick in girth and
droops her secondary feathers too much. We should have pre-
ferred the second-prize in her stead, being better in marking
and a more stylish bird throughout. White Cocks.—First a
very neat bird indeed, and we think the Palace winner. The
second-prize we consider should not have been in the list, oither
pen 2152 or 2160 (both Pratt) being far superior birds, the former
being the bird which was second at the Palace Show in the old
class, although itis a young bird of this season. 2161 (Lang),
highly commended, rather a taking bird and upstanding, but
short of crop and limbs placed too wide apart on the body,
although they are near enough at the hocks. White Hens.—
First a very neat bird but short of limb, the Oxford cup-winner,
we believe, and third at the Palace. Second also a good bird,
bat, like the former one, deficient in limb but a nice crop.
2166 (Fulton), highly commended, the hen which won so much
twelve months ago, bat now we think a very ugly bird and
carrivs herself like a Duck. 2167 (Pratt), a very neat stylish hen
in splendid condition; and 2169 (same owner), about the largest
hen in the class, but somewhat out of condition. 2170 (Lang),
a bird of this season, which promises to make a very good one.
Any other colour cocks were all Blacks. First (Fulton) a well-
known bird, but to our mind wanting in style. Second the best
marked bird in the class and good in colour. 2174 (Fulton),
highly commended, another good bird, but nearly swallow-
throated. 2171 (Pratt), highly commended, the old champion
Black now getting rather old for show. Any other colour Hens.
—First-and-cup a stylish Black, excellentin colour and marking,
and limb also fairly covered. Second also Black, a very long-
limbed stylish hen, which we should prefer to the winner,
although not quite s0 good in colour or marking. 2178, highly
commended, Fulton’s well-known Black hen which won the cup
at the Palace, now altogether out of condition. To our mind
she is sadly too thick in girth, and limbs too wide apart. In
fact we cannot possibly see anything in her which in our opinion
justifies her former achievements in the show pen. 2176 (Fulton),
a very stylish mealy hen and very well marked.

Almond Tumblers were oniy a small class of some half-dozen
birds, but there was nothing to approach two such birds as were
shown by Mrs. Hallam. First and the cup was the charming
bird, which was unanimously selected by all the critics as
the bird which should have won the cup at the Palace. Second
a rather larger bird, bat beautifal in colour and spangling.
Mr. Yardley also showed a charming little hen, a well-known
winner; and a capital headed and well-coloured cock, which we

446 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

have more than once seen at the head of the prize-list, but now
not quite in his usual trim. Short-faced Tumblers were a
capital class of ten, first being a beautiful-headed Yellow Agate
cock (Weston) and a well-known prizewinner, a little lighter in
colour than when we saw him last, but a Short-faced Tumbler
all over. Second was a Black Mottle, but we thought there
were several other birds in the class which might well have
filled its place. The Judge marked this as a very good class,
but it would be interesting to know for what reasons. Balds and
Beards had only three entries, first being a pretty Blue Beard
and second a Red Baldhead. The other bird was a capital Blue
Baldhead, rather low cut, but a splendid-headed little fellow.

Flying Twmblers.—Muffed Tumblers (Rosewing).—The cup
went to a very handsome Red; second also Red Rosewing.
Mottled.—Not much to say of this ciass ; first a Black, apparently
a hen. Muffed Tumblers, any other variety —A most extra-
ordinary class, containing a great variety of beautiful birds.
About the best class of the kind we remember to have seen,
/ ad it is a pity the Judge had not more prizes to award here,
which he could easily have done. First a handsome Red Badge;
second a Blue Saddle, very heavily feathered ; 2230 (very highly
commended) was a pure white bird, pearl-eyed, very handsome,
and heavily feathered, which took our fancy immensely. In
class 163 (Tumblers, any othsr variety) the first and second
prizes went to Mr. Yardley’s well-known and handsome Yellow
Mottles, the hen, a specially handsome bird, running the cup-
winner very hard for his honour.

Barbs were not well represented, the cup going to a Red,
rather large, but with excellent beak and eye properties. The
young birds competed with tha old for the cup, and two good
specimens were first and second respectively. Many persons,
however, preferred 2270 for first, but he was dark in bill, and
donbte were expressed as to his age.

Trumpeters only brought five entries, among them, perhaps,
the best White ever exhibited, the property of Mr. Shaw. The
celebrated Mottle carried off the cap.

Jacobins.—Reds and Yellows competed together, and some
exeellent birds were exhibited in the class; the cup going to
one of the long-feathered birds lately introduced. Second a
small and charming Yellow, but which does not carry its hood
so close. Any other colour,—A Black is first with an ugly flaw
in hood, a very nice little Black second, and a good White third.

English Ow/s only brought three entries, the falling-off in this
variety being something remarkable. First a Blue, which we
did not like, and which we think should have changed places
with the second-prize bird, a beautiful Silver in splendid con-
dition and colour, but rather lacking in rose, otherwise a wonder-
fulbird. Foreign are nota fine class. The two winners are a
White and a Black; both good.

Dragoons were well-filled classes throughout, the Blue cocks
being about the best in quality; and the Blue, Red or Yellow,
and Silver cocks were well judged, but in Dragoons any other
colour we should unhesitatingly have placed the third-prize first.
He is the old champion Grizzle; and we should have placed
2453, not noticed, but the best Blue in the class, second; and
third to 2488, another Blue Chequer. In hens, any colour, the
Oxford and Palace cup hen won the cup here, second being a
Blue; both rightly placed. Dragoons hatched in 1877 were a
fair class, but we consider the first-prize bird was a mistake, its
next neighbour, pen 2467 (Wood), being an easy win.

Antwerps were also large and well-filled classes, the Silver
Duns especially so, but badly judged. If any of the three winners
were entitled to a position the third-prize bird was the best.
In Blues we thought 2505 (Hubbard), highly commended, and
2508 (Yardley), unnoticed, should have been first and second.
Red Chequers.—Here we thought pen 2528 better than the third-
prize bird. First was the old Red Chequer champion, which also
won the cup as the best Antwerp cock. The Blue Chequers
were well judged. Silver Dun or Blue hens.—We thought 2556
(Bradley), a Silver Dun, the best hen in the class; 2567 (Lud-
low) was undoubtedly second, as placed; but we should have
placed 2563 (Copeman) third. Red or Blue Chequer hens.—No
fault to find here. Silver Dun or Blues, hatched in 1877.—The
first-prize bird won by his colour only, being on a small scale
throughout. Decidedly the best pen in the class was 2597
(Bradley), highly commended; while 2595 (Mapplebeck), highly
commended, and 2596 (Slater), unnoticed, should have been
amongst the winners. Young Antwerps, Red or Blue Chequer,
hatched in 1877, were fairly judged. Speaking generally of the
Antwerp judging we may say that the Judge has, in the majority
of cases, entirely departed from the Birmingham standard and
gone for small pretty birds, colour and condition having carried
Lim away.

Aunts are estimated rather in the scales than by the eye; the
Silvers at present outweigh the Blues. <Azchangels are a good
class. We like Mr. Harrison Weir’s judging of them. He looks

to other points besides a black tail, though we wish birds |

adorned (?) with aid of the grease pot were excluded. First is
a very dark bird; third a good sheeny copper, a bargain at 30s.
Fantails—White.—All here goes to flat round tails, while

[ December 6, 1877.

style and motion seem disregarded. First has a large and
splendid tail, though the feathers are very thinly set; the tail
of third is particularly flat. Among the unnoticed are some
capital birds of the Scotch style, among them the cup hen a¢
the Alexandra and Crystal Palaces. The two winning Blues
did not show to advantage when we saw them, for they carried
their tails over their backs too much.

Nuns.—All the winners were Blacks. The first the only one
that pleased us in flights. Swallows.—First a capital Black,
second a Yellow, third a Red. To the latter we much preferred
its owner’s Black, 2339. Magpies.—An extra good Black is cup-
and-first, a rich Red second, and a very high-cut Yellow third.

Turbits.—Red or Yellow are a very good class, most of the
birds being remarkable for smallness and neatness. First-and-
cup the little Yellow hen with marvellous frill, which scores
her third victory at Birmingham at two and a half years old;
second a Red, very dull in colour, but good in head and frill;
third a small down-faced Yellow. In the other class a coarse
foul-thighed Blue Shell is first, and a well known tiny Blue hen
second. Among the unnoticed are aremarkable White (Fulton),
and a remarkable Black (Cresswell).

The Variety class, as it always is at Birmingham, was a most
attractive and interesting section of the display, and we thinks
it was this year exceptionally so. Duplicate second and third
prizes were awarded, but the duplicate first we are sorry to see
this year is discontinued. First was the Satinette which was
second at Southport; one second a Blue Domino, and the other
second a Blondinette; the two thirds were a plain-headed
Silverette and a clean-legged Blondinette, grand in head, and a
beautiful bird in crest, colour, and markings. Among the many
other birds in the class cailing for notice was 2643 (Bott), a
beautiful Satinette, which ought to have been noticed; and
2633, highly commended (Ludlow), a Blue Vizor, the bird which
won at Southport, and which is, we believe, the winner of four
silver cups among his other many achievements; but he was
no doubt thrown out here on account of the soiled state of his
flights and tail through the wires of the pens having been cleaned
with grease, a great mistake, which has left a lasting mark for
this year at any rate on many beautiful birds.

POULTRY. ;

BrauMa Poorras.—Dark.—Cocks.—Cup and 2, Horace Lingwood. 3, R.
Hargreaves. 4, E. Pritchard. vhc, F. Bennett. Cockerels.—Cup and 2,
Horace Lingwood. 3,L. CU. C. R. Norris. 4, C. H. Tindal. 5, R. P. Percival.
Hens.—Cup, Rev. J. D. Peake. 2, K. Pritchard. 3, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright. 4,
Horace Lingwood. vhe, T. Pye. Pullets.—Cup, 2, and 4, R. P. Percival. 3,
Rev. T. C. Peake. 5, E. Kendrick, jun. Light.—Cocks.—Cup, P. L. Mills. 2,
Lady Gwydyr. 3,H.C. While. 4, W. Tedd. vhe, R. E. Horsfall. Cockerels.—
Cup and 8, P, Haines. 2,M.Leno. 4and5,R. P. Percival. vhc, Horace Ling-
wood. Hens.—Cup and2, H.C. While. 3, Horace Lingwood. 4,M.Hall. vho,
R. P. Percival. Pullets—Cup, Horace Lingwood. 2, J. & W. Birch. 3, G. W.
Petter. 4,M.Leno. 5, P. Haines. Selling Classes.—Light or Dark.—Cocks,—
1, E. Kendrick, jun. 2, C. Morris. 8, W.McMath. Hens or Pullets—1, Rev. 3.
D. Peake. 2%, Mrs. H. Ffoulkes. 3, E. Kendrick, jun. vhe, W. Tedd, S. Lucas,
Rev. T. C. Peake. 2

Dorxt1nas.—Coloured, except Silver-Grey.—Coosks.—1, Mra. F. S. Arkwright.
2, L. Pilkington. 3, R. Gladstone. Cockerels.—Cup, L. Pilkington. 2, Miss J-
Milward. 8and5, Mrs. F.S. Arkwright. 4, Mrs. T.W.L. Hind. Hens.—l, E.
Snell. 2,B. Smith. 8,T.C. Burnell. Pullets.—Cup, T. C. Burnell. 2, Mrs. FE.
S. Arkwright. 8, Henry Lingwood. Silver-Grey.—Cocks—Cup, T. C, Burneli.
2, C. L. Boyce. Cockerels—l, Miss G. S. Pasley. 2, Lady Bagot. 3, Mrs.
Whitwell. Hens.—Cup. T. C. Burnell. 2,C.L. Boyce. Pullets.—1, W. Biddle.
2, O. E. Cresswell. White. — Cocks.—1, Mrs. Hayne. 2, R. A. Boissier.
Cockerels.—Cup, O. E. Cresswell. 2, Mrs. Hayne. Hens.—Cup and 2, 0. Ey
Cresswell. Pullets—l, R.A. Boissier. 2, Miss E. Williams. Selling Classes.
—Cocks.—1, Miss J. Milward. 2,L. Pilkington. Hens or Pullets.—1 and 2, We
J. Drewry.

Cocutn-Cuins.—Cinnamon and Buff —Cocks—Cup and 2, G. H. Procter. 3
J.E. Taylor. vhe,C.H. Tindal. Cockerels.—Cup and2, G.H. Procter. 3, T.
Pye. 4,C.Sidgwick. 5, W.A. Burnell. vhc,H. Tomlinson. Hens.—Cup and
2.G. H. Procter. $,A. Darby. 4,B Smith. vhc, C. Bloodworth, Mrs. Allsopp,
F. Robertson, J. Bloodworth, J. Walker, W. A. bindley. Pullets—Cup, G. H.
Procter. 2 and 3, W. P. Rylands. 4, J. Nelson. 5, W. A. Burnell. vhe, d-
Nelson, A. J. E. Swindell; W. P. Ryland, Rev. G. F. Hodson. Brown and
Partridge-feathered-—Cocks.—Cup, F. Robertson. 2, R. P. Percival. 5, J.
Hendrie. Cockerels.—1, 2, and 3. k. J. Wood. vhc, H.C. While, J. K. and R. R.
Fowler, E. Tudman. Hens.—l, E. Tudman. 2, R. J. Wood. 38,R. P. Percival.
whe, R. Jones. Pullets.—Cup, R. J. Wood. 2, T. Stretch. 8,E.Tudman. vhe,
H. Tomlinson, J. E. Taylor. White.—Cocks.—Cup, A. Darby. 2,R. P. Percival.
8, Lady Gwydyr. Cockerels—1, C. H. Tindal. 2 and vhe, R. Chase. 8, A-
Darby. Hens—Cup, A. Darby. 2, H. Tomlinson. 3, R. Chase. vhe, Lady
Gwydyr, C. H. Tindal, Rey. A. W. Warde, Mrs. H. Shutt, H. Tomlinson.
Pulleis.—1, G. B. C. Breeze. 2, H. Tomlinson. 8, R. P. Percival. vie, J. K-
and R. R. Fowler. Black —Cocks.—1, Lady Gwydyr. 2. Mrs. F. J. Cotterell.
Cockerels.—1 and vhe, A. Darby. 2, E. Kendrick, jun. Hens.—Cup, A. Darby.
2, J. Turner. vic, A. Darby, N. Cook. Pullets.—1, Lady Gwydyr. 2, R. B.
Wood. Selling Classes —Cocks.—1 and 3, H. Tomlinson. 2, J. E. Taylor.
Hens or Pullets —1, H. Yardley. 2, W.A.Burnell. 8, H.C. While.

Mauays.— Cocks.—Cup and 2, E. Stanley. Cockerels.—1, G. Burnell. 2, T. B.
Lowe. Hens.—l,G. Burnell. 2,E. Stanley. Pullets.—1,T. Eaves. 2, G. Burnell.

CREVE-Ca@urRs.—Cocks.—Cup, R. B. Wood. 2, I. Ward. Cockerels.—1, I.
Wari. 2, H.P. Garde. Hens.—l, H. Stephens. 2, I, Warde. Pullets.—1, H.
Stephens. 2, W. Roberts.

TOUDANSe: Cocke==Cunt Mrs. D. Lane. 2, T. J. Levett. Cockerels.—l, 3.
Ward. 2, W. O. Quibell. 8. Mrs. Vallance. Hens.—l, C. Morris, 2, Mrs.
Vallance. Pullets.—1 and 2. W. 0. Quibell. 3, Mrs. Vallance,

SpanisH.—Cocks—Cup and2,B. Jones. vhe, D.M. Mills. Cockerels—1, E.
Jones. 2,J. Powell. vic, J. Aldridge. Hens.—Cup, E. Jones. 2, J. Aldridge.
Pullets.—1, J. Powell. 2, J. Aldridge. vhe, Mrs. Allsopp.

Hampurcus.—Black.—Cocks.—1, Miss E. Wilson. 2, J. Long, whe, H-
Beldon. Cockerels—Cup,. R.L.Garnett. 2,J.Long. Hens —1,J.¥. Smith. 2,
H. A. Clark. Pullets—i, Rey. W. Serjeantson. 2, Robinson & Jagger. Golden-
pencilled —Cocks.—Cup, G. Ashpole. 2, H. Pickles. Cockerels.—1, J. Stuttard.
2, H. Pickles. Aens.—i, H. Pickles. 2, A. Beidon. Pullets—i, H. Pickles. 2,
J. Stuttard. Silver-pencilled-—Cocks.—l, J. Stuttard. »¥, H. Pickles. Cockerels,
—Cup. Robinson & Jagger. 2,H Beldon. Hens—i,H. Pickles. 2, J.Stuttard.
Pullets—l, H. Beldon. 2, J. Stuttard. Silver-spangled.—Cocks. — Cup, S.
Fielding. 2,H. Beldon. Cockerels.—l, J. Fielding. 2, J. Stultard. Hens.—l,
H. Beldon 2, Robinson & Jagger. vhc, Miss E. Browne, Ashton & Booth.

——_

December 6, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

447

Pullets—1, Robinson & Jagger. 2, J. Stuttard. Golden-spangled.—Cocks

S. Fielding. 2, H. Beldon. Cockerels—Cup, S. W. Hallam. 2, W. A
flens.—1, W. 4. Hyde. 2, H.Beldon. Pullets—l,H, Beldon. 2, J. Jac’
PotisH.—Black with White Crest.— Cocks.—1, S. Shaw. 2, J. Stuttard.
Cockerels.—1 and 2,S. Shaw. vic, J. Stuttard. Hens—land v Shaw. 2,
T.B.Manley. Pullets—1,S.Shaw. 2,J. Stuttard. Golden.—Cocks.—l, A. and
W.H. Silvester. 2, T. Webb. vic, E. Burrell. Cocke 1, J. Partington.
9, J. Stuttard. vhc, E. Burrell. dens.—l, E. Burrell. 2,J.1. Scott. uke, G. W.
Boothby. Pullets.—1, J. Partington. 2, A. & W. H. Silve whe, G. OQ.
Adsins. Silver.—Cocks.—1, G. C. Adkins. 2, C. Bloodworth. v Countess of

Dartmouth. Cockerels.—1, EB. Burrell, 2,G,C.Adkins. Hens.- Cup, Countess
of Dartmouth. 2andvihc,G.C. Adkins Pullets —1 and 2, G. C, Adkins.

Sruxtes.—], O. E. Cresswell. 2, Rev. R. S.S. Woodgate.

ANDALUSIANS —1 and 2, J. H. Fry. ;

LancsHans.—l, A.C. Croad. 2, A.J. Storer. Chickens.—l, Rev. C. W. Cox.
2,E. Skelton. 8, J. Rogers.

LeGuHorNSs.—1, W. Mort. 2, Mrs. W. P. Hughes.

Troughton. 2,J. Howard.

ANY OTHER VarreTy.—l. Mrs. 8, H. Stephens.

GAmE.—Black-breasted Red —Cocks.—1, 8. Matthew. 2,D. Harley. 8, W.Jd.
Pope. 4,T.P. Lyon. Cockerels--Cup and 2, S. Matthew. 8, J. R. Pratt. 4,
Major G. Newdigate. 5, Hon. and . F. Dutton. Hen MPATiyon:. #2;
W.J. Pore. 3,8. Matthew. Pullets—Cup, 3, and 4, W. J. T. P. Ly dn.
5, D. Harley. Brown and other Reds, except Black-b (s—1, J.
Palmer. 2, W.A.F. Fenwick. 8, C. W. Brierley. 4,J. Co Cockerels —vuup

and Extra, R. Garnett. 2, S. Matthew. 8 and 4, H. Browne. 5, J, Palmer.
Hens.—Cup, C. W- Brierley. 2, T. Mason. 8, W. Perrin. Pullets —], H. E.
Martin. 2. S. Matthew. 8, W. Perrin. 4. T. Mason, 5, J. Cock. Duck g
and other Greys and Blues.—Cocks.—Cup, S. Matthew. 2,J.A.& H.H. Stave!
8, Hon. and Rey. F. Dutton. Cockerels.—1, H. E. Martin. 2, 5. Mattbew. _
W.E. Oakeley. Hens.—1, D. Harley. 2,J.A.&H.H. Staveley. 3,J. Goodwin.
Pullets—Cup, J. A. & H. H. Staveley. 2, T.P. Lyon. 3, 5. Matthew. Black
and Brassy-winged, except Greys.—Cocks—Cup, C. F. Montresor. 2, Major W.
G. Webb. Cockerels.—l, C. F. Montrésor. 2, E. Kendrick, ju Hens.—1, C.
F. Montrésor. 2, C. W. Brierley. Pullets.—l, C. F. Montrésor. 2, C. W.
Brierley. White and Piles.—Cocks —Cup,J. Cock, 2,W.&R. Smith. Cockerels
—1, J. Halsall. 2,T.P. Lyon. Hens.—l, J.Cocx. 2, W. & R. Smith, Pulle
—1, R. Walker. 2, J. Frith.

SELLING CLASsEs.—Any variety except Brahmas,
Bantams.—Cocks.—1, G. W. Boothby. 2, W. KR. Bull.
Morris. 2, W. R. Ball. | :

Bantams.—Gold or Silver-laced.—Cup, Countess of Dartmouth. 2, M. Leno.
whe, Rev. J. Hill. White, Clean-legged —1, Rev F. Tearle. 4, J. W. Crowther.
Black, Clean-legaed.—l, J. W. Crowther. 2,N Cook. vhec,H Draycott. Game,
Black-breasted Keds.—l, W. F. Entwisle. 2, E. Morgan. 3, Capt. Wetherall.
4, R. Swift. Game, Brown-breasted Reds.—Cup, J. R. Fletcher. 2, W. fF.
Entwisle. Game, Duckwing.—l, J. R. Fletcher. 2, W. F. tntwisle. Game,
White or Pile —Cup and 2, R. Brownlie. Any other variety.-1, H. TY. Hincks.
2, N. Cook, Selling Class.—1, W. Roe, jun. 2, W. F. Entwisle. vhe, W. F.
Entwisle. vlc, W. F. Entwisle, C. Morris ;

Ducks.—White Aylesbury.—Cup, J. Walker. 2 and 3,J. K.& R. R. Fowler.
whe, EB. Snell. Rowen.—Cup, J. Walker. 2, T. Wakefield. 8, R. Gladstone. 4,
R. Shaw. Black Last India Cup and 2, J. W. Kelleway. 8, Miss E. Browne.
Mandarin or Ornamental Waterfowl.—Cup, Mrs. F. S. Arkwright, A. & W.
H. Silvester. Carolina, or Ornamental Waterfowl.—l, Rev. W. Sejeantson. 2,
W.Boutcher. Call, or Ornamental Waterfowl.—1 and 2, R. Gladstone. vhe,
Miss L. CG. Lawson. Any other variety, or Ornamental Waterfowl.—}, C. W.
Brierley. 2, Rev. W. Serjeantson. vic, E, Pinter. Selling Class.—l, W. H.
Copplestone. 2, Mrs. Troughton. 8, T. Wakefield

GEESE.—White.—l, J. K. & R. R. Fowler. 2 Capt. L. Anyon.
Mottled.—Cup, G. Pounder. 2, J. Walker. 38, T. Watson.

TuRKEYS.—Cocks.—Cup, W. Wykes. 2, E. Kendrick, jun. 8, Hon. Mrs. Col-
vile. vhe, E. Kendrick, jun., J. Parker, Mrs. Monckton. Young Cocks.—Cup
and 2, W. Wykes. 8, E. Kendrick, jun. vhe, H. Bradburne (3), T. Watson,
W. Wykes. Hens.—Cup, W. Wykes. 2, E. Kendrick, jun. 8, Mrs. Monckton.
whe, R. Gladstone, F. Warde, W. Wykes. Young Hens,—Cup, W. Wykes. 2
and 8, E. Kendrick, jun. vhc, T. Watson, W. Wykes.

k Mo WME, M a. H Cc d2,R.
ERS.—Black.—Cocks.—1 and 2, H. M. Maynard. Hens.—Cap and 2
rie Young.—1, R. Fulton. 2 and 8. H. M. Maynard. Dun.—Cocks.—1, R.
Fulton. 2, H. M. Maynard. Hens.—l, R. Fulton 2, J. Siddons. dny other
colour.—1, R. Fulton. 2and8, H. M. Maynard. Young.—Cup, A. Billyeald. 2,
. M. Maynard.
Sa aaaen or Yellow.—Cocks.—1, R. Fulton. 2, H. Pratt. Hens.—l, R.
Fulton. 2, H. Pratt. Blwe—Cocks.—Cup, R. Fulton. 2, H. Pratt. Hens.—1l
and2,R.Fulton. White.—Cocks.—1 and 2, R. Fulton, Hens.—1,. J.D. Lang. 2,
R. Fulton. Any other colour.—Cocks.—l, R. Fulton. 2, H, Pratt. Hens.—Cup
. Pratt.
SET aeedimonde-Cup and2,T. Hallam. vhe,H. Yardley. Short-faced.
—1,M. Weston. 2, R. Fulton. vic, R. Fulton, M. Weston. Balds or Beards,
Short-faced.—1 and 2, H. Yardley. vhc, A. & W. H. Silvester. Musfed. Rose-
wing.—Cup, W. Gamon. 2, E. R. Doughty. vhc, E. D. Careless. Muffed,
Mottled.—1 and 2, B. D. Careless. Muyed, any_other variety—1. C. Hadley,
jun. 2, E. R. Doughty. vhe, J. Baldwin, J. M. Bott. Any other variety,
including Long-faced Balds and Beards.—1 and2, H. Yardley. 3, W.B. Mapple-
EG eer R. Fulton. 2,H.M. Maynard. Young.—l and 2. R. Fulton.
TRUMPETERS.—Mottled:—l, J. Lederer. 2, J. Wood. Ang other colow’.—l
a2, S. Shaw. ¥
SECT H. Stephens. 2and vhe, H. Yardley. 3,J.S. Price.
AroHaNGELs.—l, FE. J. Hicks. 2, E. Horner. 8, H. Jacob.
8, Rev. W.
2, F. H. Paget. vhe, H.

Cochins, Dorkings, and
Hens or Pullets.—1, C.

Grey and

Fanraits. — White.— Cup, J. Walker. 2, J. F. Loversidge.
Serjeantson, H. Yardley. Fanrars.—l, S. shaw.
Yardley.

Nuns.—1 and 2, E. Horner. 8, S. Shaw.

Swattows.—l, E. Horner. 2and 8, F. P. Bulley. ’

Maapies.—Cup and 2, Ee pills 8, R. Woods. vhc, H. T. Hincks, H.
LT. Aincks, H. Jacob, H. W. Webb.

Jacoprns.—Red or Yellow.—Cup and 8, R Fulton. 2, T. Holt.
colour.—1, T. Holt. 2, R. Fulton. 3, J. Thompson.

Tourpits —Red or Yellow.—Cup, O. E. Cresswell. 2,S.Shaw. 8, C.A. Crafer.
whe, T.A. Bickley. Any other colour.—l, J.S. Collier. 2, T. C, Burnell.

Owzs.—Foreign.—l, J. Hawkins. 2, R. Fulton. Foreign.—l, H. D. Stretch.

Any other

JupcEs.—Poultry: Mr. J. Baily, Mount Street, Grosvenor
Square, London; Mr. J. Dixon, North Park, Clayton, Bradford;

Mr. E. Hewitt, Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham; Mr.
W. R-Lane, New Street, Birmingham; Mr. J. H. Smith, Skelton,
York; Mr. R. Teebay, Fulwood, Preston. Pigeons: Mr. Charlton,
Carriers, Pouters, and Autwerps; Mr. Child, Muffed and Long-
faced Tumblers; Mr. Esquilant, Barbs, Trumpeters, Jacobins,
Dragoons, and Selling Clusses; Mr. Harrison Weir, Short-faced
Tumblers, Runts, Archangels, Fantails, Nuns, Swallows, Mag-
pies, Turbite, Owls, and new varieties.

DORKING POULTRY SHOW.

Tue eighteenth annual Show of the Dorking Poultry Society
was held at the Public Hall, Dorking, on the 29th ult., when
the following prizes were awarded :—

POULTRY.—Dorxinas.— Coloured —Equal Cup and 2, Rev. E. Bartrum. 8,
H.R. Peel. Cluickens.—1. R. W. Beachey. 2, Rev. H. R. Peel. 3, J. Taylor.
Cuckoo or Blue-speckled.—l, R. Pittard. 2%, M. Putney. 8, Lady Grace Gordou
Chickens —Cup, &. Pittard. 2 and 8, Countess of Dartmouth. Silver-Grey.— ,
Countess of Dartmouth. 2,F.Cheesman. White.—1,.Countess of Dartmouth.
Selling Class.—l, H. Kelsey. Cheesman. 8, J. Taylor.

POULTRY (Locat).—Dork —Coloured.—i, J. H. Putney. 2, W. I. Pad-

wick. 8, J. Atkinson. Chickens.—Cup. J. Taylor. 2, J. Ivery & Son. 8, G.
Ellis. Cock.—1,J. Taylor. 2and8,G. Ellis. Mens.—land8,J.Taylor. 2, H.
Mills. Blue-specklea.—1,R. Pittard. 2.J.L.Playfoot. 8,C. Pitts. Chicken
Cup C. Pitts. 2,R.Pittard 8,J. L Playfoot. Cock.—l,J. L. Playfoot. 2, HB.
H. Young. 8,R Pittard, Hens or Pullets—1, Virgoo. 2, J. H. Putney. 8,
Wood. White—Cup, G. Cubitt,M.P. 2, H. Stilwell. 3,G.Allen. Chickens.
1, J.Ivery & Son. 2and8,G. Allen. Branmas.—l, J. Bradshaw. 2, F. Peake

8, Rev. W. Pearse.
L. Playfoot.
W. Pearce.

GaME.—1 and 2, J. Knight. 8,J. Rose. Hampurcus.—s,
BantTams.—l, 2, and 3, G. Vigers. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—l, Re
i 2,J. Bixby. 8,A. W-. Ashby. SELLING Cxass.—1, G. Ellis. 2, /
Knight. 8, C. Pitts. Ducks.— White Aylesbury.—1, Rev. W. Pearce. 2, H
Stilwell <Any other Breed.—1, J. W. Taylor. 2, J. Atkinson, GEESE —1l.
Lieut.-Col. Seymour. 2, W. Attless. Turkeys.—l, J. W. Taylor. 2, W. Philps,

JupGce.—Mr. M. Leno.

Jupainc Pouttry.—That good judging must be more than
anything essential to the healthy condition of the poultry fancy
is so self-evident as almost to be atruism. Almost everything
depends upon it, for let there once arise a well-founded convic-
tion that judging is not at least fair and impartial, and the
whole system must rapidly come toanend. That it does not,
but that shows multiply in number and increase their entries
on every hand is conclusive proof that, on the whole, the judges
chiefly employed deserve the confidence reposed in them by
exhibitors. Mistakes cannot of course be always avoided, and
we have ever found the most honoured judges in England tha
most ready to acknowledge suchif fairly and courteously pointed
out. Considering the hours of special study it sometimes
requires for an amateur to decide which is the best of even his
own birds which he has himself reared from the shell, it is
simply impossible that judges should in one day decide abso-
lutely without error amongst such heavy classes as are now
frequently subjected to their awards. The ‘ordinary run” of
birds are often now superior to those which took prizes in the
early days of the poultry fancy, and the difficulty of deciding
between them is proportionately increased. When, therefore,
an outcry is raised for “correct awards,” if it is meant that
every award is to be beyond challenge, the demand is simply
impossible of satisfaction; no system and no judges can ever
satisfy it. What may be demanded are, the strictest integrity,
the highest ability, recognised principles of arbitration, aud fair
time to bring these to hear.—(The Illustrated Book of Poultry )

IS IT WELL TO HAVE THREE HARVESTS OF
HONEY ?

Hayne perused your Journal for three years, as well as Mr.
Pettigrew’s valuable book on bees, I am still at a loss to carry
out what I think might be done as regards harvests of honey.
I will just put what I desire to knowin a brief form. Assuming
that I use Pettigrew’s 16-inch hives and drive my bees twenty-
one days after they swarm (I then get honey harvest No. 1), can
I not drive them again when they have filled their new hive,
instead of deferring it until September when the swarms them-
selves have to be driven out and fed up? I should then ba in
possession of harvest No. 2. If I drive them, say on August 1st,
and leave them until September Ist, and drive again, I should
then be in possession of harvest No.3. What I wish to know
is if these things are practicable. Again, when bees are fed up
from September lst, do they swarm the following spring es
though they had not been interfered with? You will now per-
ceive that I am meditating having three honey harvests, which,
if attainable, would make bee-keeping more interesting and pro-
fitable.—S. Woopuouse, Nottinghamshire.

[These questions are very plainly and briefly put by your cor-
respondent. He asks, lastly, if the mode of management he
has marked out be practicable. Doubtless Mr. Woodhouse
means profitable, for bad management is as practicable among
bees as good management. Our seasons of honey-gathering are
too short and uncertain for three harvests of honey, and it is
always bad policy to take bees from hives when they are fall of
brood for the sake of honey. Three weeks after swarming there

448

JOURNAL Us HORTICULTORE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ Desembor 6, 1577.

is no brocd in a hive, as the young queen has not then begun
to lay. In taking honey from the hive then nothing is destroyed
but the combs. ‘The honey is obtained, generally speaking,
withont the destruction of a cell of brood. The bees driven into
an empty hive commence to build comb at once, and the young
queen soon begins to lay. In fine weather combs are rapidly
built and as rapidly filled with brood in the hive of the turn-out
swarm; bat to interfere with it while it isin 2 state of prosperity
in every sense—breeding bees, building combs, and storing
honey would be well-nigh ruinous. Very little honey would be
obtained, all the brood of the hive would be destroyed, and the
poor bees would have to commence housekeeping end house-
furnishing at a later and more unfavourable season. Your cor-
respondent will do well to abandon the idea of having three
harvests of honey annually, or of driving bees from their hives
twice in a season after swarming. In fine seasons a second
harvest of honey may be obtained from first and early swarms
by treating them like old stocks—viz., by taking swarms (called
virgin swarms) from them as soon as they are ready, leaving
bees enough in them to hatch the brood; then, three weeks
later, turning all the bees into empty hives. But I do not take
virgin swarms, neither do I recommend others to take them,
I find it more profitable to super or eke swarm hives than it is
to take virgin swarms from them. It should be borne in mind
that in filling hives with combs bees have to consume a good
eal of honey. Svinte
: Bees Bhatia fed-up with syrup and have their hives pretty
well filled with combs in September make the best of stocks
and the earliest swarms on the followingseason.—A. PETTIGREW. |

MR. PHTTIGREW’S LARGE HIVES.

I ruink “B,& W.” misunderstands Mr. Pettigrew’s argument
as regards large hives being equally good for poor as well as
zich honey districts. I have always understood his argument
to be as follows :—The egg-laying powers of the queen are almost
unlimited. A small hive restricts those powers, and conse-

quently affords only a small population. A large hive gives full |

scope to those powers, and consequently supplies a large popu-
lation, and a large population will gather more honey in any
district than 1 small one. But Mr. Pettigrew further teaches
that large hives require large swarms, or, failing these, two or
three swarms in the first instance to stock them; and, as heat
is required for a large early population as well as room for the
queen’s laying power, he strengthens his large hives by the
addition of condemned stocks in the autumn. Have those who
have failed with large hives thus fully carried ont Mr. Pettigrew’s
system? Ido not follow his system, but have with advantage
adopted much of his teaching, which is applicable to bar-frame
as well as other hives. The question, and it is an important
one, is simply this: What is the best size of bar-frames and
shape of hives to secure the largest early population, and what
is the best system for their successful management ?—O. B. —
P.S.—It would greatly help to the settlement of this question
if some bar-framists would give a fair trial to a really Jarge frame,

Tur Swans on THE THAmes.—The report of Mr. E. C. Robins,
Swan warden of the Dyers’ Company for the current year, states
that an interview was had with the Lord Chamberlain with
regard to the objections of some of the residents and anglers on
the banks of the Thames that the Swans ate fish and spawn;
and it was satisfactorily proved by the analysis of Mr. F. Buck-
land that the outcry was much exaggerated. The birds do not
eat the fish or spawn by preference, but only incidentally while
feeding upon the vegetable matters with which the river abounds.
However, the Crown has decided not to increase the number of
Swans, but to maintain the total of grown birds and cygnets at
about 400, those of the Dyers’ Company at sixty-five, and the
Vintners’ at forty-five, which was the average of the last seven

years.—(City Press.)
OUR LETTER BOX.

MINI Fown1s (C.).—The Dominique is like a Rose-combed Cuckoo
none ih bright he legs and lacking the fifth toe, They are not
more profitable layers than the breeds youname. Their eggs are of fair full
size. They are hardy and do well in confinement, but we know no respect in
which they are better than those breeds we already have. Their yellow legs
are 2 disadvantaze if they are intended for market; they make a considerable
difference in their value. y :

DorkEING AND BranMA Cross (Idem).—A Silver-Grey Dorking cock will do
ag well to cross with Brahma hens as an ordinary Grey. Nothing is, however,
ained by it, and as a good Silver-Grey is worth certainly twice as much az a
Saran Grey, it would seem, as you seek profit, more conducive to that end
to cell the expensive bird and buy a cheaper. You must, however, recollect
a Silver-Grey must not have a speck of white on the breast or a shade of
white in the tail. If it has it forfeits all claim to the class. ae
ns (Idem).—It is very desirable that the cock and p let in a pen
Pe oee ane ie other as closely as possible. If the birds, although of
different shades, are equal in other points, there can be no hesitation. Pat 8
dark hen with a dark cock, and vice versd. But it is well to say the point is
not so material with one hen as with two. Two hens or pullets put with a

cock must match. A dark and a light one put in the same pen would haye
little chance of suecess. Considerable latitude may be and is allowed for the
difference in shade between cock and hen provided the points that prove
parity of breed are undeniable. Nevertheless we repeat, if all other points
are equal it will be advisable to match cock and pullet ag closely as you can
in every particular.

Lick on Fowns (Ledbury).—Dusting them with Scoth snuff under the
feathers will destroy the vermin.

Mis-sHAPEN Eoes (2. W. B).—We should think from your fowls one
after the other laying the same mis-shapen eggs that some of the materialg
necessary for the formation of the shell were wanting. We say some
of them, because unless the shell were partly formed there would be no
shape at all; but the egg, as is frequently the case, would be quite soft
to the touch. Time is a necessity, and it is most profitably given by
throwing down in their haunts a barrowload of bricklayers’ rubbish, old
plaster, ceilings, &e. This not only supplies them with what they want, but
it also amuses them, causing them to turn over, scratch, and search for the
necessary ingredients. Ground cats (such as they haye in Sussex), they also
form shell, as they contain chalk. Where all these appliances exist and yet
the eggs are faulty in shell, there is some mistake in feeding, or the birds are
out of health, and the secretions are at fault. The food should ba barleymeal
or ground oats slaked with water morning and evening; whole corn, barley,
or maize, varied at times with kitchen scraps, for the midday meal. If they
are in confinement they must be supplied with good-sized sods of growing
grass. We believe this will be found a remedy.

Fowts Decuinine (W. D. H.).—We believe there is something your fowls
eat which disagrees with them. There is but little of it, and they have not
all access to it, or all would suffer alike. Or it may be your food is wrong,
and those that are weak or sickly become victims, What is the flooring of
the houses? If wood, stone, or brick that will ina great measure account
forit. Even in the healthiest yards there is sickness at this time of year
and some die, but it appears you have been suffering for months. At this
season of the year the fowls should be fed three times per day. There is little
for them to find except when there is thrashing going on and the barn door
is open. The change of weather, the damp, cold, and the long nights are
trying tothem. We advise you to feed as we have named in the preceding

answer. Let your house have an earthen floor and we believe the deaths
will cease.
METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CampDEN SquaRE, Lonpon, _
Lat.51°32’40" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.
Date. 9 A.M. IN THE Day.
= | SI
oh Hygrome- ase) ©¥8.;/Shade Tem-) Radiation Cet
Ee eS 5 3 Fae) 3 | perature, Ppawaciation sy es
Noy. SS ol Sieg | oe reer
| He | oa In On
Dee. i ac |& Max.) Min.| sun. |grass-
|
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg. | deg. deg. | deg.| In.
We.28 | 29278 | 49.6 | s8.7| W. | 43.0 | 50.2 | 372 | 700 | 31.6 | 0.200
Th. 29 | 28.832 | 45.2 | 44.3 | S.S B.| 42.8 | 49.1 | 40.0 63.1 | 360 | 0.050
Fri. 30 | 29.069 | 406 | 89.5 Ww. 42.1 | 46.5 | 39.1 67.1 | 33.0 | 0053
Sat, 1 | 29.224 | 42.0 | 42.0 S.W. | 41.9 | 47.1 | 40.0 67.8 | 833 | 0.017
Sun. 2} 29930 | 40.3 | 89.9 | N.E. | 41.3 | 48.5 | 36.7 76.8 | 28.8 | 0.010
Mo. 3 | 80.167 | $46 | 44.8 | S.E. 420 | 467 | 39.4 50.0 | 83.6 | 0.045
Tuo. 4 | 80.019 | 43.8 | 42.9 N. 43. 46.7 | 42.4 51.2 | 41.4 | 0.014
Means] 29.503 | 42.4 | 41.7 42.3 | 47.8 | 39.3 63.7 34.0 | 0.389
REMARKS.

28th.—Bright sunny day throughout, colder; wind and rain commenced at
11P.m.; gusty during the night. i
29th—Heavy rain and windy in morning; fine and bright afternoon; star-
light evening, but rain at 11.15 p.m. 2
80th.—Fine morning; rainy and dull afternoon; _clear at night.
1st.—Dark, foggy, rainy morning ; sunshine at intervals after 11 4.m., but a
damp day ; starlight evening.
2nd.—Rather fine morning, bright sun af times, but on the whole a raw
damp day.
8rd.—Dark dull day, with rain at intervals.
4th.—Dull day, but no rain till5 Pp u.; showery afterwards.
A dull damp week, with very little range of temperature.—G. J. Syatons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—DscEmMBER 5. .

Our market still remains quiet, and though the supply of first-class goods
is getting very short prices do not vary.

FRUIT.

s.d. 5, 5.d. s.d

2 6tod 3 0told 0

00 0 00 00

06 O lies)

16 8 16 50

s, hothouse.. 16 6
Lesnaee TO BONED 00 00
Melons............ each 1 6 4 50 80
VEGETABLES.
5. d. 8. d. on ep ce Bac
i 3.e-+0. dozen 2 Oto4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle
eee bushel 0 0 O 0} Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
Beet, Red . dozen 1 6 $3 0} Onions ........ bushel 0 0 0 0
Broccoli ... . bunale 0 3 4 A meen ES pusnare Q a A i
i arsley.... .

Brucaele Sprouts aeve ; 0 2 0 Daan + dozen 00 00
0 4 O 8| Peas.... » _quart 06 10

Capsicums 16 a i potatoe S pasbel 5 B i

i Bada.) 20 Gdney ..... ushel

Ganliiowers eae UG TEE) Radiahes es doz.bunches 1 0 1 6
2 0 4 0} Rhubarb........ bundle 0 6 10

0 9 1 8/|Salsafy ........ bunde 09 1 @

1 0 2 0] Scorzonera .... bundle 1 0 0 6

0 83 O 0} Seakale ... basket 20.2 6

0 6 O 0} Shallots... lb. 08 08

0 2 O 0] Spinach.. bushel 2 6 4 0

5 1 0 2 0} Turnips.. bunch 0 8 OQ 4

Leeks ......0... bunch 0 4 0 0| Veg. Marrows,. each 0 2 0 6

December 13, 1877. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 449
WEEKLY CALENDAR.
Day | Day Average | k
ae we Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon's | Clee Day
noe wee DECEMBER 18—19, 1877. DETER ETERENE near | mises | Sets Rives’ | Sets. Age. | Beton aoty
e |
| | ‘ Day. |Night. Mean.| h. m.| h. m.| bh. m | bk. mm. Days maids
13. | TH | Royal Society at 8.30 p.at. 47.5 | 36.5 | 40.2 8 0; 3 49] 0 18] Morn. 9 5 28 | 317
14 |/F ; Prince Albert died, 1861. 469 | 348 | 406 | 8 1/ 38 49 0 24 | 1 13 10 4 59 | 348
15 Ss | 47.0 | 83.6 | 40.3 8 2 3 49 o 36| 2 14 11 4 380 | 349
16 | Sun | 8 SunpAY IN ADVENT. 465 | 82.9 | 89.7 | 8 8] 8 49] 0 52 | 8 28 12 4 1/1] 830
17 M 45.9 | 840 | 89.9 | 8 4] 8 49 118] 4 47 18 8 3c | 851
18 Tu i 45.8 | 33.7 | 39.7 8 4 3 49 1 43 67; 14 3 2 | 852
19 WwW Society of Arts at 8 p.x. 45.4 | 32.5 | 89.5 8 5 | 8 50 2 26 | 7 24 15 2 32 | 358

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 45.3°; and its night temperature

HARDY AZALEAS.

REENHOUSE Azaleas as represented by |
the beautiful varieties of A. indica are es- |
teemed indispensable in every conservatory
where spring flowers of high quality are
appreciated. The value of these handsome
flowers is admitted by the extent—almost
universality—of their culture; nor is this
preference to be wondered at, for whether we |
regard the massive grandeur of the richly- |

es Wess :

coloured varieties—glowing pyramids, bril-
liant globes or dazzling standards—or the soft and de-
licate tints of the neutral colours—pillars of beauty,

chaste yet gay, they command admiration wherever they |
are seen in the fresh bright garb of perfect health. No
wonder, I say, can be expressed that these beautiful plants |
are £o popular, but there is room for surprise that another
branch. of this floriferous family is so systematically |
neglected—I mean the beautiful varieties of Azaleas
pontica and mollis. I hesitate not to say—and I am
certain all who are acquainted with the best varieties of
the sections named will give acquiescence—that these
charming hardy shrubs are of at least equal importance
as the greenhouse varieties, the fame of which is so firmly
established.

Many are the lovers of flowers who possess gardens but
not greenhouses, and to those the Indian Azaleas are
prohibited plants; but no one who has the means of
growing a Laurel, Rhododendron, Dahlia, or Rose need

be denied the enjoyment of the beautiful hardy Azaleas !

referred to. Neither are they exclusively adapted for out-
door display. They are charming as seen in beds or
borders, as all must admit who have seen them in good
condition ; but they are equally striking when the flowers
expand under glass. Each head of flowers of some of
the pontica varieties and their crosses is set in a fringe
of the freshest of fresh green foliage, which enhances its
beauty. These charmingly “encircled heads” of attrac-
tive flowers are not only extremely beautiful, but some
of them are as sweet as Honeysuckles, and nearly all of
them emit a delicate perfume. They are thus conserva-
tory flowers of the first order of merit, and are equally
valuable for cutting for room and vase decoration. ‘Their
colours are extremely varied, yet are distinct from those
of most other plants flowering at the same period.

The effect produced by the varieties of A. mollis is of
a different character—more bold and more imposing.
So floriferous are these plants that they appear when at
their best as being all flowers. So dense are their masses
of colour that it is necessary to have green-foliaged plants
to afford them relief—to set them off. They are gorgeous
but not gaudy, for even the yellow varieties possess a
peculiar softness of tint which subdues but does not
impair their brightness.

Both the pontica and mollis varieties are forcing plants
of undoubted merit, and should be employed in decoration

wherever such shrubs as Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Lilacs,
Roses, &c., are grown for conservatory embellishment in
No. 872 —YoL. XXXIII., NEw SErIEs.

early spring. These deciduous Azaleas force as well, but
perhaps not quite so quickly, as any of the shrubs named,
and with which they are quite worthy of being associated.
Well-budded plants obtained from the nurseries at the
present time and firmly potted in light soil and brought
on gradually in a vinery or forcing house will in due time
give a reward commensurate with the attention that has
been bestowed on them.

For forcing purposes the plants may be obtained from
any nursery at home or abroad, and may be potted and
placed in gentle heat forthwith, and they will flower
satisfactorily within a few months from being potted. If
judiciously treated after having flowered and their buds
are set and foliage kept nealthy throughout the summer
they will flower still earlier the second season. I have
had plants both from English and Belgian nurseries
which have arrived in such good condition that they have
flowered equally as well as have others which have been
potted from the reserve garden at home. Thus they are
tractable plants, easily managed, and as certain in pro-
ducing good results as any plants can be that are accele-
rated in growth, and made io flower some time before
their natural season.

For shrubbery and general garden decoration they are
admirably adapted. When associated with Rhododendrons
they enhance the effect of those gorgeous shrubs by tise
distinct colours imparted, and which show to great advan-
tage amidst the rich foliage of those queenly evergreens.
Azaleas of the pontica and mollis types are, too, for any-
thing that I know to the contrary, as hardy as Rhodo-
dendrons; at any rate I conceive they are sufliciently
hardy to pass uninjured through the ordinary winters of
any district in Great Britain and Ireland.

‘These valuable hardy flowering shrubs and excellent
forcing plants cannot be considered without associating
with them the memory of a famous horticulturist—the
late Mr. Louis Van Houtte. It is to his enterprise,
sagacity, and the skillretained in the celebrated establish-
ment at Ghent that we are chiefly indebted for the finest
varieties that have been distributed. In a recent isste
of the Journal reference was made to an English Memorial
Committee who are in possession of funds enabling them
to offer prizes at the next Ghent Quinquennial Exhibition
in honour of the man to whose skill and energy the horti-
cultural world is so greatly indebted. That is a graceful
tribute to real worth; but a greater memorial than even
that of the remarkable man whom all delight to honour
is found in the fine varieties of hardy Azaleas which he
originated and which will remain as bright records of
his fame—mementos of a man whose name, like that of
the genus of plants with which it is so intimately asso-
ciated, can never die.

Those who have not seen the thousands—the acres—
of these plants in the grounds at Gendbrugge can form no
conception of the magnitude of the trade in them—trade
which extends to all tne nations of the civilised world. I
have seen that great collection at different seasons of the
year—in early summer when the plants have been flower-
ing, presenting a sea of bloom, and in the autumn when

No. 1524.—Vou. LVIII., OLD SEnies.

450 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 18, 1877.

they have been taken up, ‘‘ mossed,” and dispatched to the
different kingdoms of Europe and to America, and it is not
easy to determine which sight was the more imposing; but
either affords sufficient evidence of the great importance of
the plants in question.

Yet these Azaleas are not seen everywhere. They are still
eomparatively scarce in the gardens of this country, because
in the great majority of them they are not represented at all.
From many, very many conservatories, too, Ghent Azaleas
are absent, a circumstance that can only be explained by
assuming that the finer varietie) of them are not known.
Neither have the hardy Azaleas been extensively exhibited at
spring and early summer shows. We read occasionally that
ts Messrs. Rollisson sent a fine group of Azelea mollis;” or
that ‘‘ Messrs. Veitch contributed a splendid collection of
Rhododendrons, interspersed with effective plants of Azaleas
pontica and mollis in variety.” The last-named firm, which
are always well abreast of the times, have recently obtained a
first-class certificate for a new variety of much promise named
Couleur de Paiile. It belongs to the mollis section, and is
very rich in colour, as if partaking of the nature of the old
and valuable Chinese Azalea sinensis, which is so effective for
decorative purposes, and even for exhibition. Since the ice
is fairly broken it is more than probable that other new va-
vieties will be raised or introduced by English growers, which
will do much to popularise this useful family of hardy flower-
ing shrubs.

In a future communication I will refer to some new and
old varieties.—Noumap.

THE APPLE AND THE ROSH HLECTIONS.

As one interested in the Apple and its manifold varieties I
desire to thank Mr. Killick for the very useful and intelligible
form he has given us in the election of some of the choicest
sorts. For many years I have been anxious for something of
the kind being done, and must admit being much disappointed
at the Rose being more than once honoured with the distinc-
tion of its varied forms being paraded to the world while the
Apple remained neglected. It may be all very well to call the
Rose the queen of flowers, and I suppose it would sound very
much like floricultural treason to dispute the assertion; bat
have not other florists’ flowers held a very high position at
the court of the Goddess of Beauty, and have not the flowers
fallen into neglect and disregard? and who is there that can
say the Rose will not follow them? Much as the latter is and
has been admired, I do not think that the most enthusiastic
ef its admirers have gone so far in giving fabulous prices for
their pets as did their grandfathers for their favourite Tulips
and some other kinds of flowers fashionable in their day; and
when we take into consideration the much greater abundance
of wealth of the present day to what there was formerly, the
honour of riding a hobby very hard in the cause of floral dis-
play belongs more to a past generation than to the present.
But I will not pursue this matter further, but rather let us
take the case of the Apple and see what claims it has on our
attention.

Ido not think I am speaking beyond the bounds of general
acquiescence when I pronounce it the most important fruit
eultivated in this country, and certainly of the most import-
ance, not the least of its claims being its antiquity, for we are
told our Saxon ancestors had their orchards, their cider, and
other luxuries furnished by this fruit. What improvements
have taken place in the culture and management of the Apple
are but very imperfectly handed down to us, and how much
altered is the Apple of to-day from the fruit of Saxon times it
is difficult to conjecture; and it is not at all complimentary
to writers on gardening matters to find the merits of Roses so
freely discussed while Apples remain comparatively neglected.
Nurserymen’s lists, although some of them are highly credit-
able, do not furnish all the information needed. Cannot fruit-
growers, therefore, give us their own opinions of the respective
varieties? The growers of Roses dilate on the beauty of their
Maréchal Niels, their Alfred Colombs, and the other thousand
and one names, and why cannot the merits of fruit be dis-
cussed with the same freedom? An Apple may and often
does present a certain beauty of form which may to its ad-
mirers equal that of any Rose, while on the score of utility the
comparison is of course all on one side.

The Apple which has attained about the highest position in
this immediate neighbourhood as a good-sized fruit and early-
bearing varicty hos been adyerted to by Mr. Killick, and is

best known in the locality as Stone’s Apple, the original tree
growing on the farm of a gentleman of that name, the name
of the farm being Loddington. I see it has also been called
Loddington Seedling; but as Mr. Killick has so well described
its general character I need add but little, except my mite of
recommendation to its worth es an early fruit, of its good
bearing qualities as a tree, and its general good appearance as
an Apple, added to which it keeps better than most Apples
that come into use in August and September, for I see it was
one in a collection of twelve sent by Mr. Skinner, an extensive
grower in the neighbourhood, and whose collection took the
first prize at a recent exhibition.

Now, an Apple that is one of the favourites at market in
August and still in good condition in November is in itself a
sufficient reeommendation, but its good bearing qualities are its
most important claims to notice, and so good ig it in that
respect that it is seldom one meets with a large tree of it,
although, perhaps, no single variety has been planted so ex-
tensively in the neighbourhood of Maidstone, and its popu-
larity does not seem in the least diminished. Its most im-
portant opponent as a fruit to send to market in August and
September is Lord Suffield, but by many it is considered supe-
rior to the last-named popular kind; and I expect it would be
difficult to find specimens of Lord Suffield to exhibit with
other kinds at the end of November. It has, however, its
admirers.

I have often urged the claims of the Apple as being quite as
important as that of the Rose for consideration through the
medium of a gardening periodical, as local varieties are not
often known beyond the bounds of the district where they
originated. Whether this one originated as Mr. Killick sug-
gests is uncertain. I have frequently seen the original tree,
as I lived within a quarter of a mile of it for more than twenty
years. It is impossible to say whether it has been grafted or
not, but it has been pretty widely distributed during the last
few years. One of its names, given to it I believe by a London
fruit salesman, was Mapson’s Seedling; and so high a cha-
racter did Mapson’s Seedling obtain, that there is a story told
in the neighbourhood of an extensive fruit-grower having heard
of its productiveness procured some grafts, and gave instruc-
tions for his Stone’s Apple and others to be cut down and
grafted with the kind, when after the second year it was found
to be identically the same variety that he had cut down—viz.,
Stone’s Apple! Such things I believe have occurred with
other fruits; but when tho result is such a good fruit as the
one in question it is all very well. As a worthy friend of mine
said many years ago when new Grapes “ so called” turned out

lack Hamburghs, there was no harm done.

A variety of Apple which seems to be an especial favourite
with Mr. Killick, and is also much esteemed by many others,
is the Cellini. Mr. Killick will, I am sure, forgive my differing
from him in reference to this fruit; for although it is un-
doubtedly a fine-looking Apple, it is too tender to carry to a
distance well, and consequently when the baskets of it are
opened at market the produce does rot look go well as when it
left home. This defect may perhaps have no weight with
many of your readere, but it is important to the growers for
market. I simply mention this, not with any view of dis-
paraging a really good bearing and pretty fruit, but in fairness
the good and bad quelities of each ought to be impartially
recorded. Ata future timeI may possibly advert to the merits
or demerits of other varieties of Apples, and I should be very
pleased if others would do the same, for it is only by records
of experience that we can determine the sorts best suited for
different purposes and different districts. I do not want less
of Ross lore, which so many enjoy, but more of hardy fruit
experience recording, which cannot fail to afford both pleasure
and instruction.—J. Rosson.

PICEA NOBILIS SEEDLINGS.

On clearing a border on which I have a very good and tall
Picea nobilis my gardener found three seedlings from it,
evidently of one, two, and three years’ growth, grown under
some Holly trees which stand close by. I am well acquainted
with growing seed of this tree, as I now have seedlings 6 feet
high, but to do this they have to be sown and carefully pre-
served under cover until fit to move.

Iam given to understand also that the seed never ripens
properly in this climate, but my experience appears to point to
the opposite. The parent tree itself gives every year large
numbers of cones which have to be cut away, or their weight

December 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

454

might break the branches if allowed to remain. Have any of
your correspondents met with a similar occurrence—viz., trees
growing from seed without any protection ?—Frep. WaLTon,
St. Cuthbert’s, Albrighton.

NOTES ABOUT GLADIOLI.

Hirurrto we have not seen the Gladioli grown to that
extent which on its merits it deserves to be. The great
destruction to the corms by disease has necessitated their
being sold at a price which has put them beyond the reach of
many who would gladly grow them. We are told about and
read of the Tulip mania which once existed, when the bulbs
were purchased at fabulous prices. Fortunately things are
now changed, and a common-sense price is all the publie will
go to. Our endeavours towards making the Gladioli still
more generally the popular flower it deserves to be renders it
incumbent that this disease, which so devastatingly attacks it,
ought to command our closest observance. Once secure for
the Gladiolus a more hardy constitution, then for this noble
flower we might safely predict a bright future. One day, or
rather one year, we are delighted with magnificent spikes and
of the finest form and colour; the time comes round again,
and it may be that we may reap again, but more than probable
for our much-prized beauty wo look and Jook in vain. It has
gone without so much as leaving a small offset behind.

T have frequently thought that hybridisers were ruoning too
much after flowers of high quality, and that constitution very
apparently was almost if not altogetherignored. We all know
how hardy is the old Brenchleyensis, and also that fine soft
sweet flower of much better class, old Penelope. Were I to
commence to raise seedlings, this latter crossed with others
of higher colour and of the best constitution I could procure
would be those I would breedfrom. Regarding Penelope, who-
ever yet saw a well-grown spike disgrace a stand? It shows
@ greater breadth of bloom than have its compeers, and I have
seen ladies pick it out admiringly when staged with others at
fifty times its cost. When we secure varieties of equally good
quality also as hardy, then nurserymen will be able to supply
bulbs at half the present average price, and the public will
materially increase their purchases.

In the way of finding a remedy I ask, Where does the
disease first commence its attack? Many will say in the corm.
My decided opinion is that the diseased bulb is only he effect
of the disease, which I contend first attacks and then destroys
all or many of the roots. The first outward sign is the
foliage turning to a sickly yellow. Now, as soon as you like
after first noticing this, let the plant be taken up and if will be
found that the points of the roots are also sickly and yellow,
and soft and mushy. Certainly we have the diseased roots
before we have the diseased corm, or at least I have always
found it so, and for an amateurI have grown a large collection.
Of grubs the wireworm is occasionally a pest by its eating
through the heart of the spike just above the corm, but per-
haps I suffered less this way than some by using liberally
nitrate of soda.

Regarding suitable soil, arather stiff loam I think suits them |

best, and after experimenting I at last used only new cow manure,
both dug-in and for mulching during summer. Of varieties my
practice was to grow a few of each of the best-named sorts and
then to grow largely of purchased seedlings. The French seed-
lings were no good. I may or may not be correct iu my sur-
mising, but I have many times thought that the stock of named
varieties was largely made up from seedlings; and with child
so like parent, and hundreds of parents with no children raised
by the ordinary way of offsets, there is all the more empty bags
to select from into which a corm of an ordinary good flower can
be placed, and for which « fair price can be obtained. Have
you never noticed from half a dozen corms having flowers much
alike but not the same? With the Messrs. Kelway’s seedlings
at 20s. a hundred I was much better pleased. I had from them
many very good exhibition flowers. The corms and spikes
generally were of good size, and with many judges size goes a
great way. I daresay I have had thousands of corms raised
by Mr. Banks of Deal, and without in the least colouring

from many of them, but flowers of finer or better quality.

I never saw. A few years ago I exhibited rather largely (not
these last three years), and once had the pleasure, at the
International Show held at Manchester, of drawing the atten-
tion of ‘‘ D., Deal,” to my stand of thirty-six spikes nearly all
cut from Mr. Banks’s seedlings, and which very nearly contained
every flower I could command. My turn was second, Messra.

Kelway first, and a Scotch firm third. Mr. Banks, it may be
well #0 uote to save so worthy a gentleman trouble, sells none
of his corms retail; he disposes of them to the trade. Those
wishing to plant Gladioli in their borders, I strongly recom-
mend them, save Brenchleyensis, not to buy cheap named
sorts, but to buy seedliogs from any of our English raisers ;
and those wishing in a cheap way to grow for exhibition I
recommend them to follow the plan I followed.

Just another thing I would draw attention to. All flowers
look best when exhibited on green; over and above some fresh
green foliege of their own behind each spike, let them stand
deep amidst Asparagus foliage stuck amongst the water in the
tubes.—J. WiruErspoon, Red Rose Vineries, Chester-le-Street.

PROTECTING CHERRIES.

Few who have had experience among Cherries have not at
times been much concerned about how to protect them from
birds. This accomplished, other difficulties come within the
grasp of the experienced cultivator. Explicit and practical ag
‘(A NortHERN GARDENER”? made the espalier system in the
Journal of 22nd ult., yet while many may have their arrange-
ments go complete, with others the system detailed may be
almost impossible; and excellent as the plan is they cannot
carry it out.

In my own experience I have seen Cherries kopt from the
pets (for so they are here), no difficulty being in the way, only
a scarcity of old herring nets. These nets can be procured
from fishermen when they have done with them for a nominal
price, their width being from 12 to 14 feet. I once had under
my care a number of trees planted against a brick wall about
12 feet high, which were closely netted with some of the above-
described nets as soon as the fruit began colouring. The nets
were looped on tacks at the top, ends, and bottom. When we
wanted to gather a dish we had only to remove a few loops along
the bottom, go under the uet, and pick away without the least
inconvenience. I have seen the trees so loaded with fruit
that they would have charmed the heart of any gardener who
had employers who were fond of Cherries. The variety wag
May Duke. -

On the other hand standards are not co easily protected
from blackbirds, thrushes, and jackdaws, none of which will
take any affront except shooting at them with intent. An
orchardist close by here has a few very large Cherry trees,
as large indeed as forest trees; just as the fruit commences
colouring he makes it a point to have a watch on about 3 a.m.
In the open side of the approach to the trees he has a sconce
erected, so as the watch can advaacs without being observed
by the birds. Gunino hand the first enemy seen is fired at,
and if not detained is go frightened is not likely to return for
some time without much caution. Provision is made for the
cautious birds by placing a bare branch on the top of one of

| the trees near the Cherries, so as the timid birds may alight

first on the bare or naked branch, where it will have the best
view from, and while it is looking sbout it the man in the
sconce can fire with impunity as far as the Cherries are con-
cerned. This plan may at first sight appear a difficult one,
still in the long run it ig better to give a little attention when
the fruit is ripening than having the dissatisfaction of secing
a crop destroyed after a whole year’s care and attention.—
B. G., Go. Down.

THE OLD ROSES.

Yes; a5 Mr. Witherspoon says let us have some Moss Roses. 1
would not say a word to damage the reputation of the beautiful
Roses that we now hear and see so much of; they are worthy
of all the praises lavished upon them, but by all means let ug
have some Moss Roses. It is to be regretted that those charm-
ing old favourites of the past have fallen into comparative
obscurity, and are fast becoming ‘‘ things of the past.” The
bards of all nations have sung their praises with all the glow-
ing eloquence that is lavished on the present race of new
Roses. I maintain that in point of beauty none can surpass
our glorious old Moss Roses. What language can do justice
to the plant designated the ‘‘ daughter of heaven,” the “ glory
of spring,’ ana the ‘‘ ornament of the earth?” No other
hardy flower gives such beauty combined with such fragrance
as the Rose.

One of the choicest of Roges (old though it be) is the Pro-
ving, Rosa provincialis, said by some to be from France, while
others say Holland is its native home ;‘ others again assert that

452

JOURNAL OF HO®TICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 13, 1877.

it belongs to the vicinity of Damascus. It is also known as
the Cabbage Rose. We have no certainty as to when we came
in possession of it. The old Damask Rose, Rosa damascena,
appears to be almost lost to cultivation, and yet in bud we
have not a more desirable Rose. The York-and-Lancaster
Rose has been referred to; it is sometimes met with, and
moay be restored to favour again. No Rose in the bud is
more beautiful. We used to have another striped Ross in
Perle des Panachées, also the Old Village Maid and New Village
Maid, but they appear to have fallen into disuse, why I am
not able to say. But to my mind the Rose of Roses is Rosa
smuscosa. There is some doubt as to its origin. Some think
that it is an offspring of the Provins Rose, others attribute it
to Rosa centifolia.

Why the Moss Roses find so little favour Iam not able to
gay. They are not difficult to cultivate, and Ithink they should
have a class to themselves at exhibitions. They are often seen
in all their glory by the cottage homes of Kugland.

They are best increased by layers, but they may be increased
by budding on other stocks, yet they like their own roots best.
They often send up strong suckers. These with care make
good plants. The white varieties are a little delicate, but with
care they can be successfully cultivated. There are several
kinds of Moss Roses that are worthy the notice of cultivators.
One of the very choicest is the Crested Provins, then we have
Rouge de Luxembourg, Malvina, Baronne de la Fléche, Comtesse
de Murinais, Alice Leroy, Moss Lanei, Baronne de Wassenzér,
and Capt. Ingram, with others that might be named, and which
ought to be more freely cultivated.—A Lover or Oxp Roszs.

ECONOMY IN HEATING GREENHOUSES.
PATENT STOVES y. FLUE.

“ Respice Finzm” (page 416) does not seem to like my
saying that the cost of heating his small house was, as com-
pared to mine, excessive. First of all he tells us that my ad-
vocating the flue is, to say the least, retrospective, and had I
done so I could not do otherwise than admit the force of his
argument; bui the fact is I never did advocate the flue as the
best means for heating. Were I to advocate any particular
apparatus I should decidedly advocate that which I think every
person possessing a knowledge of floriculture and its require-
ments for attaining success would do—namely, a boiler and
hot-water pipes. ‘‘ Respice Finem’’ appears all at once to
have discarded the patent stove, and in preference thereto has
adopted one of his own design. Why does he not give us the
warticulars thereof, that others may derive some benefit from
this knowledge and experience ?

But to answer his queries. The question of growing any
particular plant, such as Gardenias, Gloxinias, Stephanotis,
c., was not raised by me. All I did was to criticise his ex-
penditure for heating a house not larger than 10 feet long by
§ wide to the extent of 50°. My house is one-third larger ; it
is sheltered only from the east wind. The temperature is the
same; and although the plants are not the same they are such
as require for their well-being a constant temperature of 50°.
But has anyone ever heard of an average temperature (a term
used by me in my former paper) of 50° for horticultural pur-
poses meaning 20° at one time and 80° at another? What
plants does ‘‘ Ruspice Finem”’ think would exist under euch
conditions ? To my mind such an average temperature means
‘Keep as near to it as you possibly can; neither let your ther-
mometer register many degrees below nor above it.

For many planisin a greenhouse it is exceedingly injudicious
to raise the temperature above 50° during winter. If it is
plants will grow weakly, and as a consequence they cannot
rank amongst the number of well-grown plants, which after all
is the first consideration whatever plant it may be.

Let me in conclusion tell ‘‘ Rusricr Finem ” that my green-
house is not one simply for the preservation of Geraniums
over the winter.—L. Haxpman.

CAMELLIA FIMBRIATA.

I rorwarp to your notice a flowering twig of Camellia fim-
riata. It is from a bush plant, about 6 feet in diameter,
growing ina pot. You may observe that the tendency of pot
culture when the plants are in good order is to give plenty of
flowers. The plants do not grow so strong as those planted
out, and the foliage is not so large either, consequently the
flowers show rather better. It might be said that the principle
that governs the flowering of the Camellia well is just the

same that is required for the perfection in blossom of an Apple
tree, or indeed any other plant; without the wood is well
ripened the same perfection is not attained. The plant from
which I cut this spray is certainly rot so thickly flowered all
over the plant; still the buds, opening and to open, are plen-
tiful.—R. M. A.

[The spray, although not more than 6 inches in length,
contains four expanded flowers and as many unopened buds ;
the foliage is also glossy and healthy. We never saw a better
example of culture of this beautiful Camellia.—Eps.]

HOW TO PLANT AND COOK POTATOES.

In the first place the land requires drainage, in the second
place trenching 18 inches deep, and in December or January
quicklime should be applied at the rate of 1 ton to every
10 poles; or gas lime, which will answer equally well, at the
rate of lton for every 10 poles of ground. When the land is
dreseed all over with the lime the next thing is to ridge up the
ground 2 feet apart and to let the ridges remain so until the
1st of March, when the Potato planting may be commenced if
dry ; if not, wait for another week or two, beginning with the
earlier sorts, such as the Ashleaf and Harly Rose, and finish-
ing with the late sorts, such as the Jersey Blue: that will be
about the Ist of April. I am afraid it would take up too
much of your valuable space to mention the different manures
i have tried for the last thirty years, but I have found where
the lime was put at the rate of 1 ton for every 10 poles of
ground the Potatoes were good and free from disease. If
anyone should doubt this let them try 1 pole with 2 cwt. of
gas lime. Storing Potatoes is best done out of doors in pits
with a good sprinkling of common sand, and then they can
be covered up with straw and earth to the thickness of a foot
or more if the weather should be severe.

For cooking Potatoes have plenty of water, salt, and a good
fire, and whenever the first crack is seen pour the water off and
steam them till they are ready, and they will turn out like
“balls of flower.’—J. G., Lynewood.

CANDYTUFTS.

Amonest the many kinds of hardy plants suitable for the
decoration of flower gardens in spring and summer there are few
that will surpaes the genus Iberis. The majority of the species
are perennial, but some are annuals, and a few are biennial,
are found in the mountainous districts of the south of Europe,
and have a dwarf, shrubby, spreading habit, seldom rising in
height more than 18 inchss, and usually have white flowers.
The most suitable position in the garden for them is a rockery,
but for the mixed flower border or for an edging to beds they
are also very effective.

One of the best known kinds is I. saxatilis (synonymous, I
believe, with corifolia), a plant unequalled for an open rockery,
and when in bloom it forms a compiete mass of white; but to
do it justice it should have a good soil, and if large boulders of
stone are placed about it, it will spread over them, and ina
few years will make a handsome plant, associating well with
Arabis alpine, Aubrietia purpurea, Alyssum saxatile, Saxifragas,
Sedums, and other alpine plants.

Iberis Garrexiane, J. sempervirens, I. gibraltarica, I. Te-
noreana are all fine species, and are equally good (though old-
fashioned) as pot plants for indoor decoration. They strike
readily from cuttings taken off after flowering, inserted in
sandy soil, and placed in a close frame till rooted; they may
then be divided and planted in rows outdoors, and the year
after may be planted where they are wanted, there to remain,
as the less they are disturbed about the roots afterwards the
better. The Iberis may algo be raised either from seed sown as
soon as it is well ripened, or in the spring, placing the seed pans
in a close frame, aud gradually hardening the young plants till
June, when they may be planted out, but be taken care of till
well established and sufficiently strong to take care of them-
selves,

The annual kinds should find a place in every garden, how-
ever small; for what is more gay when in bloom than white
and crimson Candytuft? and useful for cutting as well. They
may be had in bloom from June till November by successional
sowings. If sown the latter end of August and protected a
little from hard frost the bloom will be a little earlier than
spring-sown geed; but the beginning of April is quite early
enough to sow in the majority of gardens, for if the winter is
very cold and wet the majority of the young plants perish.

December 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

453

The seed should be scattered thinly in well-pulyerised soil,
covering the seed slightly, and when the young plants are
about an inch in height thinning them to 4 or 5 inches apart
will strengthen and greatly improve those that are left; sow-
ing annuals thick and leaving them like eo much Mustard and
©ress only causes poor growth and short duration of bloom.
ff another sowing is made the early part of June in a damp

Fig. 85.—Iberis corifolia.

smd more shaded aspect a good supply of bloom may be hed

dill November. The white and purple Rocket Candytuft are
good and cheap kinds; and C. Dunnettii is a fine crimson
wariety with a good robust habit.—A. Harpine.

{The Iberis figured above is the true corifolia, but there is
another often confounded with it from a similarity of names
galled correxfolia, that has much larger flowers and broader
leaves, which is probably the sort referred to by Mr. Harding.
The preferable name for corresfolia, which is a garden hybrid,
ds its synonyme coriacea, by using which much confusion will
be prevented.—Eps. ]

NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, DECEMBER 675.

In accordance with one of the rules of this Society that the
annual Meeting be held cn the first Thursday in December,
about twenty members assembled in the comfortable room of
4he Horticultural Club on the afternoon of the above date,
amongst whom, besides the Hon. Secretaries—Rev. H. H. Dom-
brain and E. Mawley, Esq.—we noticed the Rev. C. H. Bulmer,
Dr. Hogg; Messrs. Jowitt, Scott, McIntosh, Cant, W. Paul,
G. Paul, Turner, Cutbush, Mayo, Dean, Hawtrey, and Corp.
Mr. Jowitt, the winner of the first chance for the fifty-guinea
‘challenge cup offered by Messrs. Cranston & Co, was unani-
mously elected Chairman of the Meeting. Letters had been
received from some distant members, including the President,
ev. Canon Hole, expressing regret at not being able to attend.

The minutes of the last meeting having been read, a letter
fwas read from Rev. J. B. M. Camm tendering his resignation
.as additional Hon. Secretary, he being unable to continue in the
position to which he had been recently elected ; and Mr. G. Paul
moved and Mr. Bulmer seconded a motion that Mr. Camm’s
xesignation be accepted, which was carried nem. con. After a
‘desultory conversation it was not considered necessary to appoint
an additional Secretary.

The next subject brought before the meeting was the balance
sheet. Ata previous meeting Mr. McIntosh had kindly under-
taken to audit the accounts, but as he had not received the
balance sheet until Tuesday evening and had not had an oppor-
tunity of examining the vouchers he was necessarily not able

to discharge the duty he undertook in time for the meeting.
The accounts, however, had been audited and signed by a
professional accountant. The income of the year amounted to
£417 12s. 4d, and the expenditure was returned as £417 8s. 2d.
After discussing some of the items of expenditure, all of which
Were considered necessary, it was suggested that further dis-
cussion on the subject be deferred until the vouchers had been
examined; whereupon Mr. W. Paul proposed and Mr. Mayo
seconded a resolution that the balance sheet be examined and
submitted to an adjourned meeting, which was passed without
a dissentient,

The important question of ‘ the future,” and especially as to
where the next National Rose Show should be held, led to pro-
longed discussion. The Hon. Secretary had been in commu-
nication with the authorities of the Agricultural Hall, the Floral
Hall, the Westminster Aquarium, and the Crystal Palace. The
Agricultural Hall could be had for one day for £50, or free by
taking the Company into partnership, sharing the expenses and
profits. The Floral Hall could be had for the same time ata
rent of £100, a suggestion being made thet if the Show was
held at the time of an operatic performance an arrangement
might be made for the andience visiting the Show. The Manager
of the Crystal Palace offered the Society a hundred guineas and
to provide all conveniences for the Show to be heid there; and
a similar offer was made by the Westminster Aquarium Com-
pany. After considering the nature of the several propositions
it was eventually decided on the motion of Mr. Cant, seconded
by Mr. Turner, that the offer cf the Crystal Palace Company
be accepted, the Secretary of the National Rose Society being
directed to negotiate with the Palace authorities to obtain a
day in the last week of June, if possible other than Saturday,
Mr. Bulmer having etrenuously urged the inconvenience of that
day to clergymen, many of whom are ardent patrons of Rose
shows. If a Saturday is insisted on by the Manager of the
Crystal Palace, then June 29th to be the day of the Show. The
chief, indeed almost the only objection to the Palace, was the
inconvenience of trains from the west of England, which do
not arrive in time for the exhibitors from that important district
to stage their collections by the usual hour of judging; and on
this account Mr. G. Paul suggested that an extra hour should
be allowed in the morning for staging, so that Roses from the
west, always so formidable in competition, should be fully re-
presented. The whole matter was eventually leit in the hands
of the Secretary, who being in possession of the views of the
meeting was desired to make the best arrangements possible for
a one-day show at the Crystal Palace. In the event of ths
National Rose Show being held as proposed it is understood
that there will not be a Rose show in addition at the Crystal
Palace, thus there will be one metropolitan show the less, which
was considered by most or allof the exhibitors present to be
an advantage rather than otherwise, the general impression of
the meeting being that there are “ too many shows.”

The question of a provincial show received the long and
earnest consideration of the meeting. A. strong and general
wish prevailed to afford the northern growers an opportunity
of exhibiting. It having been ascertained that Roses were in-
cluded in the schedule of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Show
which will open at Preston on July 9th, and continue for five
days, it was the general opinion of the meeting that the National
Rose Show should be held prior to the Preston date. <A strong
feeling prevailed against the ‘‘ clashing” of shows, and, as Mr.
G. Paul said, ‘‘ both interest and loyalty must prevent them
running against that of the Royal Horticultural Society.”

Attention was directed to the suitability of several places, but
Manchester appeared to meet with by far the most favour as
the place for holding the first provincial Show of the National
Rose Society. Cheltenham, Bath, and Birmingham were also
mentioned, and one or the other of them would probably have
been more strongly urged as the place of meeting had not the
feeling prevailed that they are beyond the radius of the northern
growers. Manchester having been decided upon, the question
arose and was seriously discussed as to whether the Show
should be held in association with, or independent of, a local
horticultural society. Mr. Bulmer was strongly disposed to go
‘on their own hook,” and his views were promptly endorsed
by Mr. Mayo. Other members were also inclined to make the
“venture,” but the majority deemed it advisable to adopt a
safer policy for the first time and to gather experience. The
‘own hook” experience of the past had evidently a sobering
effect on the meeting, and its advocates did not gain enthusiastic
support. It was eventually decided, on the motion of Mr. G.
Paul, seconded by Mr. Cant, that the Secretary communicate
with the Council of the Manchester Botanical and Horticultural
Society with a view to negotiating for the Show to be held under
their auspices on the same principle as the Crystal Palace Show ;
the Manchester Show to be held for one day during the first
week in July. It was further decided that in the event of
arrangements not being made for holding the Show at Man-
chester, that Cheltenham ‘‘be tried,” and should that fail also
the provincial Show for 1878 to be abandoned.

454

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Decembez 18, 1877.

The last question on the agenda paper was the appointment
of the Committee. After a short discussion it was unanimously

agreed that the Committee continue as af present constituted |

with the addition thereto of the names of Mr. Burnaby Atkins,

Mr. Jowitt, Mr. Arkwright, and Messrs. Keynes, Prince, and |

Corp. It was admitted that while many of the members were
necessarily unable to attend the meetings in London they were
stlil able and willing to do the Society good service in the
respective districts. The Secretary suggested that in addition
to the large General Committee a smaller Executive Committee
be appointed to transact the routine business of the Society. The

suggestion was promptly agreed to, and the following amateurs |

and nurserymen were duly appointed—namely, Rev. Alan
Cheales, Capt. Christy, Mr. Jowitt, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Hawtry,
and Messrs. Cant, Cutbush, W. Paul, G. Paul, C. Turner, and
the two Secretaries, this Committee to carry out all practical
details of management, and to summon a General Committee
meeting when they deem it desirable to do so. At @ previous
meeting Dr. Hogg and Rev. J. T. Boscawen were appointed Vice-
Presidents of the Society, but on the minute being submitted
for ratification Dr. Hogg pointed out that in consequence of his
many and urgent duties he felt it incumbent not to accept any
more official positions, however much his sympathies were with
the objects with which his name might be proposed. He
further, on reference to the rules, observed that only one Vice-
President was requisite, ‘‘ and where,” he added, ‘ can you
find a better than Mr. Boscawen?” “Nowhere” was the
response, and that gentleman’s nomination was unanimously
ratified, Rev. Canon Hole, of course, remaining the President.
A proposition having been made cf the desirability of appoint-
ing a Treasurer, Mr. Scott, on being requested te doso, consented
to accept the position, expressing his willingness in reply to a
question to “do any amount of work within his power to further
the interests of the Society;” Mr. Scott thereupon was duly
appointed.

Mr. Cant towards the close of the meeting expressed some
sound observations on the necessity of suggesting some rules of
guidance for judging; a matter so important ought not, he
thought, to be left to the various fancies of different men whose
tastes on some points varied so extremely. Mr. Cant’s remarks
met with general acquiescence, and it was freely admitted that
“something should be done in the matter’—a hint for the
Executive Committee. Mr. Mayo also directed attention to
the importance of some suggestions that had appeared in the
Journal of Horticulture on the advisability of offering prizes
for Roses grown within » short radius from London; also on
the importance of publishing the names of the judges previous
to the show. Several members concurred in the remarks of
Mr. Mayo—another hint to the “executive.” Mr. George Paul
then gave a broad hint to the members by purchasing a copy of
the “‘ Rosarians’ Year Book,” for the cost of which Mr. Dombrain,
not the Society, is responsible. The “hint” and several copies
were at once “ taken.”

A cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated a har-
monious and united meeting.

BRITISH PLANTS WORTHY OF CULTIVATION
IN GARDENS.

Wiprines that adorn the dewy meads, deck the moorland in
beauty, spangle the swamp, and adorn the water are ever
welcome; each has some peculiar beauty, every geological
strata, each change of landscape has its special flowers; some
are curious, others quaint, all acceptable. The wildings of
Nature combine ornament with use, each plant having some
peculiar adaptation. Unlimited luxury is found inthe behold-
ing of our native gems which are attractive in spring, summer,
and autumn by their blossoms, foliage, and frnit. The study
of plants in Nature not only affords pleasure, but enlarges the

ideas, expands the mind. Cultivated plants contribute in a)

higher degree to the enjoyment and comfort of man, inasmuch
as they are made to afford to the fullest extent the necessities
as well as luxuries of civilised life.

Wild flowers, I mean native plants, have to a greater or
lesser extent been cultivated from time immemorial. Some in
their original, but » greater number in improved form, are at
present found in gardens. A majority of cultivated plants are,
however, exotic—many very beautiful, but some it must be
said pale into insignificance before our native beauties. We
ransack every clime of its floral treasures; while beautiful
plants growing at our doors aro passed by—neglected. Some of
them are common, and a few are rare; therefore the cultivator
of native plants may have equal cause to be proud of his collec-
tion as one whose plants are principally exotic. The lover of
the curious, choice, and rare has his wants catered for in hardy
native plants as well as in tender, in exotics, which I will
briefly endeavour to show.

|
\

Orchises.—Some of the loveliest of ell the plants that adorn
our fields and woods are found in the Orchid family, adding in
no small degree to the ‘‘ motley meadows glory and delight.”

Orchis mascula (Male Orchis or Early Purple Orchis) is found
in moist meadows and open or only partially shaded spots in
woods, in rich moistloam of medium texture, its leaves spotted
black, its flowers in May bright pinkish purple, lip spotted.
The flowers are deeper coloured in the open than in shade, the
higher-coloured flowers not unfrequently fragrant. It attains
to a height of 9 to 12 inches. This forces well, and is very
handsome as 2 pot plant, quite charming among Hyacinths.

Orchis morio (Meadow Orchid) is profusely distributed in
damp meadows in medium-textured loam. Its flowers in May
form a lax spike 8 or 9 inches high, the flowers being purple,
white, and green, lip marked with dark spots. This also forces
readily, and is a superb pot plant. It is the commonest of our
native Orchises, but is nevertheless very handsome.

Orchis maculata (Spotted Orchis) has pale purple or flesh-
coloured flowers spotted or streaked with darker tint or lilac
purple in June, attaining to a height of 18 inches, is one of the
finest, thriving in partially-shaded moist ground in rather
strong loam, but prefers moist healthy pastures. Does well in
pots.

Orchis latifolia (Margh Orchis) is found in moist meadows,
having broad spotted leaves and pinkish flowers, purple-crim-
son spotted, in June 12 to 1Sinches high. The finest plants I
have seen were in dampish partially-shaded ground facing east,
soil 1 to 2inches of vegetable debris overlying strong loam. It
is fine for pots.

Orchis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchis) is found in meadows
in heavy loam overlying chalk, but I have found it in heavy
loam upon the liag formation. Its fine spikes of rosy purple
seen in the grass shine like amethysts set in emerald. It
flowers in June and July, and is very handsome.

Gymnadenia conopsea (Gnat or Fragrant Orchis) is found in
meadows on high or hilly ground in July with rose or red
spikes of flowers, in heavy loam overlying chalk, but not un-
frequently without a limestone stata. It is very sweetly
scented and grows 1 foot high, flowering in June and July.

Gymnadenia viridis (Frog Orchis) has green flowers, and is.
certainly singular, 9 to 12inches in height, and is found in
meadow pastures in moderately strong loam, usually in com-
bination with vegetable debris in June and July.

Gymnadenia albida is a pretty white-flowered kind and sweet,
about 6 inches high, appearing to prefer a soil composed of &
peaty loam, flowering in June and July.

Habenaria bifolia (Butterfly Orchis), white, 1 foot high,
May and June, flowers sweet, partially shaded ground in woods,
in loam, with vegetable debris over the loam or intermingled.

Listera ovata (Twayblade or Wood Orchis), flowers green,
smal, in a slender raceme about a foot high in May and June.
Heavy loam and moist, covered with vegetable debris.

Epipactis latifolia, purplish spotted yellow, 18 inches high,
wet ground partially shaded.

Ophrys muscifera (Fly Orchis), lilac purple, May, in heavy
loam over chalk, 9 inches.

Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchis), lilac purple, with a velvety
centre (bee), 9inches, heavy loam, and rich. June and July.

The preceding all thrive in an ordinary border of rich loam

| free of stagnant water, for though moisture-loving it is moisture

percolating through the soilin their habitats, the rich soil of
our borders compensating in a measure by the humus for the
apparent greater moisture of the soil where the plants grow
naturally ; indeed, the plants are much finer, develope wonder-
fully under cultivation. Orchis mascula, O. morio, O. macu-
lata, O. latifolia, O. pyramidalis, Gymnadenia conopsea, and
Habenaria bifolia are splendid border plants, the first-named
three being very much finer under cultivation than wild.
Orchis morio, which had spikes not over 8 inches in length
gives them over a foot in length, finer alike in foliage and
bloom. My only regret is that I did not in the flowering

| season ‘‘spot” more plants of O. mascula, O. morio, and

O. maculata, of which there apparently are several forms, some
nearly white; in fact, we collected eight apparently distinct
forms of the three species, the woods being very profusely
sprinkled with these plants. By spotting I mean marking where
the plants grow, for I find it does not answer to lift the plants
when in flower, that being best deferred until the stems fade,
then lift with a ball, going deep enough to seeure some soil
beneath as well as around the roots. The roots are usually
2 to 3inches beneath the surface, seldom over 4 inches deep.
We merely remove the surface soil so as to free it of grass or

December 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

weeds, and pot or plant as the case may be from 2 to 3 inches
deep, using rather strong fibrous loam and leaf soil. Water
freely if grown in pots when in growth and until the foliage
commences to decay, then plunge in ashes in a sheltered
situation, the site being well drained; the rains will after this
be sufficient moisture. Introduced to gentle heat in January
they will come in with spring bulbs, and are truly grand, their
handsome foliage and superb spikes of bloom being charming.
I will note a few more that are, perhaps, more curious than
ornamental, and which so far as I know do not succeed in an
ordinary border.

Orchis fusca (Lady Orchis or Brown-winged Orchis).—The
upper part of the flower brownish purple, lower lip white,
finely spotted. Sometimes it is not over a foot high, but ona
peaty loam and rather strong over chalk, is 2 to 3 feet in
height, with flowers proportionately large.

Orchis ustulata (Dwarf-winged or Scorched Orchis) is found
in chalky pastures. Its brown or rusty purple flowers with
¢oarse spots, and low close growth distinguishit. Three to four
inches high, flowering in May and June.

Orchis tephrosanthos (Ash-coloured flowsred or Monkey
Orchis).—F lowers lead-coloured, more or less variegated, on a
tall spike about 18 inches high. Found on chalky hills in
peaty loam, flowering in May and June.

Mataxis paludosa (Bog Orchis) is found in peat or turf bogs,
having yellow and green flowers in August or September, grow-
dng 3 or 4 inches high. Does well on the margin of a pond
in sandy peat.

Ophrys aranifera (Spider Orchis) has green flowers in May.
Very singular, growing about 9 inehes high, and is found in
light soil on chalk.

Opkrys fucifera (Drone Orchis).—Purplish and green flowers
dn May and June. Nine inches to a foot in height. In chalky
pastures in heavy loam.

Ophrys arachnites (Cobweb Orchis).—Brown flowers tinged
blue. In May and June. About 9 inches high. Heavy loam
among chalk.

Neottia spiralis (Lady Tresses or Ladies’ Traces) has spikes
of whitish flowers in August and September, and sweet, the
flowers all pointing one way. Seldom over 8 inches in height.
It grows in chalky upland pastures.

Neotiia nidus-avis (Bird’s-nest Orchis) is found in chalky
woods in loam with a surface-covering of. vegetable debris, and
differs from a majority of British Orchises in the roots being
fibrous instead of bulbous. Its appearance is not unlike a
drooping Oak leaf, the roots crossing each other like the sticks
of a bird’s nest. 2

Aceras anthropophora (Greon Man Orchis) has its flowers in
2 lax spike, greenish yellow, with a reddish border, but is very
unlike man unless it be a hung traitor. Chalky pastures in
strong loam. Flowers in June, attaining to a height of
412 inches.

Cypripedium Calceolus (English Lady’a Slipper).—Purplish
‘brown, slipper (lip) clear yellow. Leafy stems 12 to 18 inches.
Heavy loam and limestone.

Cephalanthera rubra —Flowers purplish red, 18 inches or
more in height, flowering in June and July in heavy loam
over limestone, but not unfrequently over grit, with a little
vegetable debris. Woods in partial shade.

Goodyera repens has white sweet flowers in July and August,
end is found in woods at considerable elevation partially
shaded, in leaf soil or decayed vegetable debris, interspersed
with sand, the debris being that of moss as well as leaves.
6 to 9 inches.

All Orchises have more or less of shade; if in the meadows
the grass affords protection from the scorching sun, and in
woods they are more or less protected from the sun by the
trees; yet the best specimens are found in partially shaded
Situations only. Those described as growing in loam over or
among limestone or chalk should have pieces of that substance
mixed with heavy loam, a good depth of limestone be placed
atthe bottom in good-sized lumps about 9 inches thick, and
over this $ inches depth of the loam and limestone mixed in
about equal proportions, employing surface loam preferably
to that taken from a depth. The site must be well drained,
and the exposure facing east, with a projecting rock or bush
that will shield the spot from cutting winds. The soil must
be kept moist, water being given copiously during growth,
pouring it between the plants and not over their foliage; and
after flowering a slight mulch of cocoa refuse may be given.
Those growing in woods should have shade from midday sun,
the several requirements of the plants being met at the base

455

of rockwork having different aspects; good drainage being
essential, with a thorough moisture of the soil; none of our
native plants experiencing a dry season, yet the moisture they
receive is percolating and thorough. The roots are not un-
frequently in contact with the limestone, from which they
may derive support.—A.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

Tue ordinary monthly meeting of this Association was held at
5, St. Andrew Square, on the evening of the 4th inst. There
was a large attendance of members. The President (Mr. M,
Dunn of Dalkeith Palace Gardens) occupied the chair. Fifteen
new members were duly admitted, and seventeen new names
were proposed and seconded for admission as members at the
next meeting.

The subject treated was the “kifchen garden” by Mr. Law-
rence Dow of Laughton Hall Gardens. At the outset he urged
upon young gardeners the necessity of devoting great attention
to the proper management of the kitchen garden, so as to keep
up @ constant supply of first-class vegetables. Some were very
apt to overlook this department in their anxiety to have a fine
display of bedding and greenhouse plants. He then in a prac-
tical and lucid manner described the different methods of treat-
ment by which he had been most successful in growing Potatoes,
Onions, Jerusalem Artichokes, Parsley, and Asparagus. Several
members expressed concurrence with Mr. Dow’s views as to the
importance of the subject, and also as to the modes of culture
pursued. Mr. Dow received the thanks of the meeting for his
paper, and at their request agreed to continue the subject at a
future time.

A communication from Mr. James Morrison, Preston Hall
Gardens, was read advocating the autumn planting of the Potato,
and attaching great importance to the proper ripening of the
seed tubers. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Morrison for
his excellent contribution. The subject for the next meeting was
announced to be the ‘‘ Phlox and Pentstemon” by Mr. James
Grieve, Pilrig Park Nursery.

NEW BOOK.

The Rosarian’s Year Book for 1877. Edited by the Rry. H. H.
Domprain. London: William Blackwood & Sons.

Tuts little volume furnishes information that must be ac-
ceptable to all Rose-growers, for it contains contributions from
Rev. A. Cheales, Rev. Canon Hole, Mr. G. Paul and others.

The object of the editor, we presume, has not been to diffuse
practical instruction so much as to furnish pleasant reading
on @ congenial topic; yet Mr. Paul’s contribution on stocks,
supplemented by observations by Canon Hole, is eminently
useful. The opening chapter on Rose-showing by Mr. Cheales
is as fresh as the blooms at 4 A.m.—the hour recommended for
cutting for the show. After enumerating the delights of pre-
paring, exhibiting, and winning, the other contingency, losing,
is thus referred to—

Do not abase the judges. They have done their best, and
deserve our sincerest sympathies. Judging Roses is no bed of
Roses. ‘‘ Truth should be told,” say the Turks, ‘‘ with one foot
in the saddle.” But it should not be essential after judging to
take the first train and get off as soon as possible! Neither,
again, come down upon your unfortunate gardener. He cannot
help it if somebody else’s soil’is better. Let us carry our
Christianity even with our Rose-growing, and learn to rejoice
in the gain of another, even though it involve our own dis-
appointment. One thing more, one more delight I must
mention, and that is the delight of giving away the prize Roses.
Send to those who have not any. During the rest of the season
help one of the flower missions. If you so much enjoy those
splendid flowers about your drawing-room, think of the bright-
ness they must shed round the sick-ward of the hospital! Let
these lead them—have they led us ?—to thank the Great Giver
of all good things. That is to carry love of Roses beyond the

world.
Rose! for the banquet gathered and the bier ;
Rose! coloured now by human hope and pain ;
Surely where death is not, nor change, nor fear,
Yet we may meet thee, joy’s own flower, again !

NEWTON HALL.

NorTHUMBERLAND is by many regarded as a ‘‘ county of coal”
almost exclusively. It is pictured as honeycombed with mines
and surface-strewn with black refuse. Its atmosphere igs re-
garded as repulsive—contaminated with smoke, which obscures
the light of the sun, rendering the trees stunted and the
pastures barren. It is true that these conditions exist, but
only to a very limited extent in comparison with the aggregate

456

area of the county. Some districts are black enough, and, to
coin a term, are vegetably destitute, but others are both pic-
turesque and fertile. It is true there may be mines below,
but there are verdant hills and fruitful valleys above them.
If there are trees black and stunted in one place there are
splendid specimens green and luxuriant in others, and these
largely predominate. If one locality is dismally garnitured
with coal heaps, others far more numerous smile with fruits
and flowers. If long rows of pitmen’s cottages break the soft
flowing lines of the landscape and stir not the soul of the
artist and poet, they shelter many a contented, thrifty, bread-
earning and wealth-winning family—wealth which is seen in
many a stately mansion, many an extensive and well-wooded
park, many an excellently appointed and ably managed garden.
Northumberland may be a black country, but it has neverthe-
less a very bright side, for in few counties are the industrial
classes better off or the affluent more genuine and generous.
Some of the bright places of the county have from time to
time been noticed, and one worthy of being added to them is
Newton Hall.

It may be said at the outset that Col. Joicey is the owner of
Newton Hall and an extensive tract of land surrounding it,
and Mr. Wardle is the gardener. The greatest honour per-
taining to the owner, an honour which commands the respect
of all men, is that he has won his position by his own efforts.
Laborious, persevering, and far-seeing beyond his fellows, he
has rigen and risen until he has found his level, and that a
high one. Perhaps no county has afforded more striking
instances of industrial and commercial successes than North-
umberland. Instances are afforded by names that will never
be forgotten, for they are indelibly engraved on the historic
tablets of the nation—George Stephenson and Sir William
Armstrong. Equally signal, and achieved by means not less
honourable if necessarily more obscure, have been the successes
of many others, and amongst them Col. Joicey. His grand
inheritance is indomitable work; his reward, not vast pos-
sessions and great wealth only, but in rendering assistance to
deserving objects public and private, and meking those about
him happy and contented.

Mr. Wardle, like his employer, is a man of ability and per-
severance, and is a successful representative of his calling.
Not only is he a skilful cultivator, but is a raiser of new plants,
and one, of which many gardeners know the value, bears his
name—Allamanda Wardleana; he has further considerable
competency as a landscape gardener, as many recent improve-
ments in the gardens and grounds testify. Alterations have
for a considerable time been carried out on an extensive ecale;
indeed, the place has been entirely remodelled since Col. Joicey
purchased it nine years ago.

One of the latest improvements has been the formation of
a suitable spproach to the mansion. This has been a work of
no small magnitude, for the carriage drive is fully a mile in
length, proportionally broad, and traverses an undulated park-
like district. This fine road has not only been thoroughly
drained and well constructed with a sufficient depth of ‘‘ metal”
rurfaced with gravel to render it firm and clean at all times,
but it has been made as level as a railwsy by excavation—
lowerirg the hills and raising the valleys. The margins of
the drive have been boldly treated and planted. The tempta-
tion here must have been great to have planted a formal mixed
shrubbery ; but correct taste would have risen in rebellion
against the adoption of a gardenesque style to which the sur-
roundings are so manifestly inappropriate. On both sides
of the drive the plants end shrubs are arranged in irregular
groups. Hardy Heaths have been extensively employed for
forming asemi-wild carpet, also Periwinkles, dwarf Hypericums,
Ivy, and low-growing plants of that nature. There are aleo
large groups of Furze, Broom, &c., with breadths of ehrubs of
different kinde. Where excavations have been done the side
bavks are planted with such trailing plants as Cotonessters
and others of that nature, and even Brambles are not ignored.
Conifers are also planted in groups at appropriate intervals
and in suitable situations. Everything is planted closely in
order to cover the ground quickly and to produce a semi-wild
effect, which is so pleasing when, as is the case here, the pozi-
tion is suitable. Many thousands of trees, shrubs, and
Conifers have recently been planted on the estate, and the col-
lection of them is regarded as the most complete in the north
of England.

This natural system of planting referred to is not altogether
a new feature at Newton Hall, for of older drives near to the
mansion the sides afford examples of the plan which may

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 13, 1877.

be said to be in a matured state. The distinct groups, irre-
gular thickets, and bold masses of shrubs (chiefly perhaps
shrubs of dwarf and procumbent growth with the striking
contrasting hues of foliage) produce an admirable effect—very
different and much more imposing than if they had beer:
arranged on the patched and dotted system that usually pre-
vails. The mode of planting adopted is evidence ihat the
teachings of Nature have not been ignored, but, on the con-
trary, have been followed with greater freedom and fidelity
than is generally fashionable. Colonel Joicey will in a few,
very few, years be the gainer by the adoption of this free and
easy style, end his gardener’s reputation will be proportionally
enhanced.

The mansion is a much larger structure than is represented
in the distant view of it as seen in the engraving. It has been
considerably enlarged, and further additions to it are con-
templated. Internally its fittings and decorations cannot fail
to arrest the attention of the observer. The paintings alone
have involved a cost of £80,000; they are incidentally alluded
to because they were brought under notice by traversing the
corridor leading from the conservatory which conducted us
into the interior of the mansion.

The conservatory, which is partly shown on the left of the
mansion (fig. 86), is noteworthy both for its size and contents,
also because it was erected by Col. Joicey’s own workmen under
the instructions of Mr. Wardle, who supplied plans and work-
ing drawings of the several details. It is 140 feet in length,
40 feet in width, and 39 feet in height. It is encircled by a
gallery, to which access is had by a spiral staircase. In ap-
pearance it is plain yet very light, being simply a large lofty
span-roofed structure, the roof being supported by light pillars
and braced with cross ties and girders; these are draped wlth
climbere, which hang in festoons and contribute materially to
the ornamentation of the building. The more conspicuous of
the roof plants are Cobceas, Passifloras, and Tacsonias, T. Van-
Volxemi being represented by a variety having flowers unusu-
ally rich in colour. The main body of the house is occupied
by a large bed containing many plants which are noteworthy
on account of their size, cleanliness, and luxuriant health.
Only a few of the plants can be referred to. Those which
chiefly arrest attention are perhaps the Tree Ferns. Dicksonia
antarcticas raised from spores by Mr. Wardle are now towering
specimens having a spread of fronds of 15 to 20 feet. Equally
fine is D. squarrosa. These are remarkable specimens con-
sidering their age, and are in exuberant health. A pair of
Cyathea dealbata are about 11 feet high, with a spread oz
fronds of 18 feet. Some fine Palms also command atten-
tion, notably splendid specimens of Chamerops Martians
and Fortunei. Camellias are in remarkably fine condition; a
plant of Alba plena annually produces two thoueand blooms.
The green-folisged specimens are relieved by variegated Yuccas,
Aralia Sieboldi variegata, and the conspicuous Enrya latifolia,
which is 7 feet high and 34 feet in diameter and excellently
furnished in every part; it is highly effective. Some well-
grown examples of Arauearia excelsa also show to great ad-
vantage. The specimens noticed are planted ont sufficiently
thinly to develope and to show their fine proportions, and their
good effect is enhanced by the carpet of Lycopodium denticu-
latum which covers the ground. On a side stage specimen
ornamental-foliaged and flowering plants are arranged.

At the end of the conservatory farthest from the mansion
is afernery. It represents a wild cavernoue-like arrangement
of rocks with rugged passages. Plants are arranged in appro-
priate nooks, and are thriving admirably. Conspicuous is @
fine example of Cyathea medullaris, and Monetera delicioga is
growing luxuriantly and fruiting freely. Woodwardia radicans
is growing in baskets associated with other suitable plants.
It is a cool retreat—a pleasing change from the conservatory,
and is made additionally enjoyable during a sultry day by the
constant trickling of water into a pool at the base of the rocks.
It is proposed to extend the conservatory, ro that this enjoy-
able fernery will be under the same roof and become a part 02
the same structure.

Further on—travelling westwards—we arrive at a large and
lofty structure devoted to stove plants. Some of the specimens
would be formidable antagonists if brought into the exhibition
tent. Crotons variegatum and avgustifolinm 10 feet high,
handsomely fcrmed and in superb health and colour, are not
to be slighted. Allamanda Wardleana, 7 feet by 43—the true
kind—covered with flowers S inches in diameter, is not to be
despised. Rondeletias, Clerodendrons, and other flowering
plants are similarly large and fine. Palms, Dracenas, Crotons,

December 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

457

&e., are represented by healthy plants of recent introduction ; | garden, which in eummer is occupied with bedding plants of

for instance, Mr. Williams’s attractive Croton Queen Victoria
has found its way here, and Messrs. Veitch’s fine golden tri-

lobed variety Earl of Derby. Other plants must be passed ; but |

one, an old one, demands notice—Cissus discolor. This plant,
with leaves nearly a foot in length and in rich colour, is a
fine feature in this house. It clothes the end wall, and for
the purpose for which it is employed no plant in cultivation
could produce a better effect. Adjoining the stove is a large
vinery. It is 150 feet long and wide in proportion, and at the
end of the vinery is a large span-roofed house devoted to
Heaths and other hardwooded plants. This important range
of glase, being in immediate connection with the mansion,
renders the vinery somewhat incongruous, and since others
are now erected in the kitchen garden this house will be taken
down and its site be turned to an ornamental purpose.

At the front of this range of glass structures is the flower

| the view from this walk is most extensive.

the usual type; the modern style of carpet bedding is also
well carried out. Spring bedding is also adopted, end a
hundred thousand plants are annually provided. A terrace
walk 200 yards in length conducts us past the mansion, and
Contiguous to the
walk are several acres of open lawn, which slope to the park,
and this in turn has a gradual descent to the lake. Beyond
the lake is a belt of woods, and beyond the woods a range of
hills—bold and extremely picturesque. The west end of the
terrace walk terminates in an avenue of Limes. This avenue,
which is 400 yards long, merges into a wilderness walk, which
extends to the woods beyond the lake.

The kitchen garden is about a quarter of a mile from the
mansion. It is three acres in extent and nearly new. It
slopes sharply to the south, and overlooks a fertile valley.

The prospect over this valley to the distant hills is a splendid

——_——_<—__—__—-

Fig. 86.—NEWION HaLL.

one, is indeed probably unequalled by that from any kitchen
garden in the kingdom. The walls are being well furnished
with fruit trees, and the sides of the walks are wired for

espaliers. Very substantial provieion is made for protecting |

the fruit in this garden from birde, for permanent three-quarter-
inch iron bows are affixed over the beds. These bows are
6 feet high for Gooseberries and 4 feet for Strawberries.
have a neat appearance, and nets thrown over them render
the fruit safe. The south wall of this garden is covered with
glaes, the range being 200 feet long and devoted chiefly to the
cultivation of Vines, Peaches, and Nectarines. The growth
of the Vines and trees is of the most satisfactory kind, and
Royal George Peaches were gathered during the summer
weighing 10 ozs. Forcing pits are conveniently arranged near

Mr. Wardle’s residence, and are in full working order. About |

two miles of pipes are requisite for heating the several struc-
tures, a combined saddle and tubular boiler with water bars
doing its work efficiently.

The lake has been mentioned, but it demands more par-
ticular notice. It is an artificiul sheet of water seven acres
in extent. It was designed with much taste by Mr. Hancock
of Newcastle, who also assisted in the formation of the principal
walks and drives; and the work was executed by Mr. Wardle,
who was also entrusted with the planting of the estate. Al-

though the lake is still unfinished it has the appearance of |

They |

having been formed by nature and to have exiated from time
_ immemorial, so skilfully has it been conceived and executed.

But something more remains to be gaid in connection with
that lake. Its owner, a sturdy Northman who has fought
successfully the battle of life, is naturally an admirer of those
| of humble birth who have, equally with the victorious warriors
of noble lineage, deserved well of their country. Before him
every day he has a cherished memento of an act of true
heroism which of its kind is perhaps without a parallel in any
country. Do you see the boat moored on the placid waters of
the lake? ‘‘ Yes. What aboutit?” Look at it again; it is
but a rude little cobble, but is worthy of a second glance.
That is an hietoric boat, the possession of which many might
be proud of owning. That boat has not always been moored
on the lake at Newton; it has not always been empty; no, it
has been battered by the waves of a sea aS rough as ever
| foamed, and hus been manned by a form as gentle and brave
| as ever breathed. It has more than once snatcbed precious
lives from the jaws of death, and deprived the angry sea of its
victims. One of the crew of that boat performed a dsod—
a daring benevolent deed—which excited the admiration of

| ‘England and the Isles,’’ which gained for the humble

individual who manned it the friendship of a noble duchess,
and obtained a personal tribute of approbation from our present
Queen. A broken plank from that boat has been divided inte

.

458

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ December 18, 1877.

mere fragments, which are preserved by the possessors of them

as relics associated with an exceptionally brave and noble act. | a rather rusty and stunted appearance.

The act at the time was in all men’s minds and mouths, and
now it is recorded in books of story for the edification of yovth.
Do you yet ask ‘‘ What boat is it?’ or do you anticipate its
name? Name! it has no name, but that does not matter, for,
as many northerners know well, that boat was Grace Darling’s.
Yes, the veritable craft which on that eventful morning, Sep-
tember 7th, 1838, the intrepid girli—for she was only twenty-
two years of age—against a mother’s tears implored the aid of
her father to rescue the remnant of the crew of the steamer
Forfarshire, who had given up hope and were clinging in
despair to a portion of the ship and the rocks of one of the
Farne Islands. By a desperate effort the father was landed on
the rock and the daughter was left alone and kept her cobble
afloat by rapidly pushing back from the rocks to prevent the
boat being dashed to pieces against them. With much skill
and true courage the whole of the wrecked, nine in number,
sere placed in that little boat and were eventually landed at
the lighthouse—the humble but hospitable home of the Dar-
ling family. It was this brave act that rendered the boat
famous which is now moored on the Jake at Newton, and
which raised the modest maiden from obscurity to renown.
Presents were sent to her from all districts, a public subscrip-
tion amounting to £700 was prezented to her, and it is recorded
that the managers of a London theatre offered her £800 for
eight nights to sit in a boat on the stage. Her reply to this
and similar offers deserves to be remembered. It is to the
effect that ‘‘ghe doubted not that if she saw lives in jeopardy
she would feel it her duty to do again what she could to save
them, but she could not think of exhibiting herself for gaia.”
‘Well might the public, from the Queen to the peasant, be
proud of one so noble-minded, and well may her little boat be
so jealously preserved. ‘‘It was,’ says Arthur’s Life of
Grace Darling, published by Adam & Co., Ivy Lane, Pater-
noster Row, London, “ for a number of years in the possession
of Mr. George Dariing, brether of Grace, of North Sunderland,
who seems to have taken some care of it, knowing that the
public set a high value on it. Many persons wished to pur-
chase it, but he always refused to sell it till a few years ago.
Aiter several applications by Major Joicey he was induced to
let that gentleman have it, believing that it would be well
taken care of.’’ The sum given for this little craft was a large
one. It is a prominent and interesting object in the lake
during the summer, and any notice of Newton Hal! would be
unpardonably incomplete without a brief refercnce to ‘‘ Grace
Darling’s boat.”

Such is Newton Hall—its grounds, gardens, and features of
interest; at least such as can be remembered of them froma
two-hours visit in September, when the pouring rain rendered
mental notes the chief resource. Many impressions then
gained have doubtless vanished, but not those of the singular
completeness of the place and its excellent order, nor of the
manifest solicitude of Col. Joicey in providing for the welfare
of those around him. A beautiful new church, which has been
erected and liberally endowed, also a commodious parsonage
and excellent schools, are remembered—a noble gift. New
and well-appointed living rooms and library for the under
gardeners and model cottages for the labourers are also
remembered ; and the house—and ‘‘ home”’’ as well as house
—of Mr. Wardle and the kindly welcome met with there are
mot likely to be forgotten.

Newton Hall is about three miles from Stocksfield station,
which is reached in about half an hour by train from New-
eastle.—J. WRIGHT.

CONIFERZ AT MELLS PARK, SOMERSET.

Tue late Rey. J. S. H. Horner was well known as an ardent
lover of trees and an enthusiastic admirer and collector of
‘Conifers, with which he commenced forming a pinetum at his
seat, Mells Park, Somerset, about the year 1845, in which he
planted most of the Conifer then known to be hardy enough
to withstand the climate of Great Britain. His son, the
present worthy proprietor, is an equally enthusiastic admirer
of Conifers, and is continually adding some rare or choice
specimens to the alreaiy rich and extensive collection.

The pinetum occupies one of the hanging portions of the
park, with a fine exposure and a good soil; but unfortunately
the subsoil is one of the Jeast favourable upon which to
establigh a collection of Conifers, the large proportion of lime
it contains being too great for them to flourish in perfection,

the result of which is that some of the oldest specimens present
There is a great
variety of the choicest Conifers grown, as may be judged from
the annexed list, some of which are rather uncommon, and
decidedly merit a few remarks. Pinus ayacahuite is a distinct
and beautiful variety, and is a healthy and thriving specimen.
This tree somewhat resembles Pinus excelsa in its habit and
the length of its leaves, but the colour of the latter is nearer
to that of P. Strobus. It is, I believe, a very rare specimen—
indeed, it is the largest and finest specimen of the kind I ever
remember to have seen. P.romana is a distinct variety, its
globular-shaped head of very dark green foliage being exceed-
ingly striking and conspicuous. P. montizola is a beautifully
neat and pretty-looking Conifer; it is healthy and thriving.
P. searina, P. Lemoniana, P. Pallasiana, and P. pyrenaica
are robust specimens; they are, however, to my mind coarse-
growing trees of the Pinaster type. Wellingtonia gigantea is
thriving beautifally in the clay of the coal measures, and the
specimens exhibit healthy robust pyramids of foliage.

Probably if the pinetum had been formed on the clay instead
of the conglomerate and limestone formation, the Conifers
generally would have been much larger and healthier now than
they are. Picea grandis, P. cephalonica, P. Nordmanniana,
and P. Pinsapo are all. beautiful varieties, and they are each
making a clean, free, rapid growth, and promise in time to
make grand specimens. i

Abies Albertiana is growing freely; it is the most graceful
of all the Spruce species, and itis at the same time a rapid
grower and does not possess such a strong tendency to a
bushy habit of growth as is exhibited by its congener the
Hemlock Spruce (Abies canadensis); its foliage, too, is a
darker and better green than the latter. Abies orientalis is a
pretty specimen, and it is a most eligible subject with which
to adorn a lawn. Its short, neat, soft green foliage and
symmetrical habit of growth are its most distinct and attrac-
tive features. Abies Douglasii and A. Smithiana are of a
robust habit of growth, but both are graceful and handsome
specimens. Taxodium sempervirens is well represented by a
fine vigorously grown tree. It would have been probably the
tallest specimen in Britain had it not lost its leader for several
years; it has, however, now formed a new leading shoot, and
promises to thrive well. The three Cypresses are elegant and
noteworthy specimens, each presenting a distinct and beauti-
ful habit. The Araucarias are good specimens, but are not
in avery healthy state. Fitzroya patagonica has a very grace-
ful drooping habit, but its folisge presents a rusty appearence;
indeed, I never saw a plant of Fitzroya otherwise, and I doubt
if it is at all suited to our climate, unless in the very mildest
and moist localities, with a climate approaching its native
habitat on the Pacific slopes of the mountains of Patagonia.
There is also a large collection of the newer kinds of recent
introduction, many of which give good promise of forming
beautiful specimens in the course ofa fewyears. To all lovers
of Conifers a visit to Mells Park and an inspection of its fine
collection of rare and beautiful trees cannot fail to be both
instructive and interesting.—GrorGE Brrry, Forester, Longleat.
—(Journal of Forestry.)

CHAPTERS ON INSECTS FOR GARDENERS.
No. 20.

Tur valuable but native Silkworm Moth (Bombyx Mori), is
in some respects a fair representative of the family Bombycide,
sluggish both in the moth state and in the larval condition,
our British species of the family generally resembling it in the
former regpect though not in the latter, Our species are also
spinners of silken cocoons; it is not, however, found possible
to make their silk available for economic purposes even by
carding. That handsome but local species the Emperor Moth
(Saturnia Carpini), is noted for producing a peculiarly-shaped
cocoon, with one end formed on a modification of the lobster-
trap plan, s0 that while the moth can get out its parasitic
enemies cannot get in. Sometimes, though, by way of antici-
pation, they deposit eggs on the caterpillar, which then en-
closes its foes with itself in the cocoon and comes to an inglorious
end. The moth has beautiful eye-like markings, yet one cannot
perceive an appropriateness in the imperial name applied to it.
Another and still larger species, the Lappet (Lasiocampa quer-
cifolia), has, while a caterpillar, curious tubercles along the
sides partly hidden by hairs, originating the singular name;
and the cocoon, though formed of a kind of silk, assumes a
| black hue and leathery appeerance. That of the Drinker (Odo-

——

a

December 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

459

nestis potatoria), is also leathery but yellow. The gaily adorned
caterpillar is well clothed with hairs, which cover even the feet,
and by which the creature bids defiance to our changeful
winter, feeding on grasses at intervals from September till
May, butis not in any degree prejudicial to fields or lawns, pre-
ferring as it does the growth along hedgerows. An exceptional
circumstance in caterpillar history is the partiality shown by
the caterpillar of O. potatoria for the drops of morning dew,
which it will sip with pleasure, though most caterpillars evi-
dently entertain quite different opinions about moisture.. Damp
weather, indeed, appears to be the cause of one of the most
fatal ailments prevalent amongst caterpillars, nor do the hairy
Species, as a rule, escape its influence. In several of these
species the moths have been called “‘ Eggers,” from the egg-
like form of the cocoons; and in one species, the Eriogaster
lanestris, notable for its gregarious caterpillars, the chrysalis
condition has been observed to last two, three, or even five
years. Only a single moth in the family (Bombyx neustria),
is to be reckoned among injurious species, and the favourite
food of the caterpillar is Hawthorn, though it is occasionally
to be seen on Elms, and on Apple trees in orchards. Feeding
when young in companies, these caterpillars scatter about after
the last change of skin, and the blue head showing two dark
spots with the striped body render it easily recognisable.
Rennie has remarked on the circumstance, that a party of
them if startled by a noise all jerk their heads in the same
direction, an indication that their hearing is good. There are
three if not four suppositions as to the meaning of the name
*‘Tiackey ” applied to this species.

The family of the Cuspidates, also called Pseudo-Bombyces,
I take next, though it is sometimes placed after the Geometers,
that extensive and well-known family of moderate-sized moths
with slim bodies. In appearance the moths of the Cuspidates
closely resemble the Bombycidsw. Though some of them can fly
with tolerable swiftness, their figures do not suggest rapidity
of motion generally ; the singular species denominated ‘‘ Hook-
tips,” have, however, slim bodies, and prefer taking excursions
by day. The caterpillars may be subdivided into two groups—
those that are more or less humped or otherwise eccentric in
form, often with, in addition, one or two points at the ex-
tremity of the body, of which the Puss (Dicranura vinula), is
@ handsome example; and those of the ordinary cylindrical
type, less in number, like that of the Figure-of-8 (Diloba ceruleo-
cephale), whose bluish-green cranium has given rise to its very
resonant Latin specific name; and, dismissing it in a word,
we may note that the caterpillar is one of the host that feed
on the Hawthorn, being more conspicuous by the black warts
even than by the head, but not abundant enough to be harm-
ful. The small compact cocoon is curiously made-up of gnaw-
ings from the bark of the twigs mingled with bits of leaves
and silk. Another caterpillar of the customary shape is that
which ultimately produces the Buff Tip (Pygera bucephala), an
ubiquitous species, which makes itself thoroughly at home in
our London suburbs, maliciously anticipating the effects of
autumn upon the trees in our parks and shrubberies by baring
them of their leaves during July. It is, though, almost the
only species of the Cuspidates that can be deemed troublesome
to mankind, and in its favour we may state that the cater-
pillars seldom touch fruit trees, but feed freely on Lime, Elm,
Hazel, Willow, and of course Hawthorn. The dull yellow
body is marked with bright orange, white, and black, and
when in repose, like most Cuspidates, they like to raise the last
pair of legs in the air. The head has certainly a ‘“ truculent ”
aspect, and the Buff-Tip caterpillars manifest an exceptional
sourness of disposition, for one of them if in the least offended
turns its black head sharply and attempts to seize any person
or thing within reach. As the chrysalis is simply laid on the
surface of the ground without any protection it is easily found
by fowls, and Mr. Newman credits these with good service in
reducing the number of moths. He says, ‘‘ These chrysalids
constitute a favourite food for poultry, and are sought for with
great eagerness. Dame Partlet may often be seen scratching
for them in my own neighbourhood under the Lindens.’’ The
moth, too, conspicuous by its buff tip, may be readily captured
in June ere the eggs have been deposited.

The Puss (D. vinula), already referred to, which occasionally
excites wonderment when it is seen as a caterpillar on the
Poplar or Willow, is not common enough to do damage, though
its menacing horns scare-off children who would otherwise re-
move it from ite food. These horns or tentacles are really
harmless, but this caterpillar has a means of defence in an
acid liquor which it can eject at will from an aperture just

under the head, The tenacity with which the ‘ Puss’’ and its
small relatives the ‘‘ Kittens ’’ cling to the leaves or twigs is
remarkable ; they are seldom dislodged by the highest winds in
exposed situations, though the caterpillars do not prefer suck
spots. So tough is the cocoon this species constructs that it
will turn the edge of a knife, yet the moth manages to escape
from it uninjured. Strangely shaped, again, is the ‘‘ Lobster’”
caterpillar (Stauropus Fagi), the lengthened second and third
pairs of legs, the singular head, the deeply-marked segments,
all suggesting a creature which one would scarcely know how
to class if the moth did not closely resemble in structure the
reat of the family. Several of tho Prominent moths have
ecceniric caterpillars, that of the Notodonta Ziczac for example,
doubles itself up in a zigzag manner, which would be prejudicial
to its circulation had it any blood. The Willow, Sallow, and
Poplar are trees much resorted to by the Prominents, some of
which are of such rarity that collectors travel many miles in
search of them. These, and others in the Bombycid@ also,
are conclusive instances against a theory lately put forth, that
most gaily-coloured caterpillars feed on poisonous plsnts. The
largest of the Prominents (N. trepida), oecurs in Oak woods,
and sometimes flies into houses, attracted by the glare of lights.
Honey or other sweets do not, however, hold out any tempt-
ation to moths in this family, as the organs of the mouth are
very small, and in most species no nutriment is sought by the
perfect insect. In the caterpillar of the Great Prominent the
circumstance is worthy of notice that we have a display of
seven oblique stripes on the sides, as in many species of the
Hawk Moth family; but in this caterpillar the stripes slant
in just the opposite direction to the uniform mode amongst the
Hawk Moths. Hach stripe is regularly divided by two tints,
half being pink and half whitish yellow. There are algo various
additional markings on the light green ground colour, so that
altogether it may bear comparison with any caterpillar as regards
beauty, though to some people it may seem ludicrous to apply
that word to a creature which is popularly aseociated with
repulsive ideas.

In the month of May, and again in August, on tapping
slightly one of the mixed hedgerows which give a charm to the
lanes in most of our English counties, the little moth, Ciliz
spinula, either flies tardily out or falla like a snowflake on the
path. This species, also known as the Chinese Character from
some peculiar silvery rays on the fore wings that have been
fancifully compared to Chinese letters, is the smallest of the
Cuspidates, and of very delicate structure. The caterpillar
keeps close under the leaves of Whitethorn or Bramble, having
a head cleft on the crown, and a body curiously wrinkled and
studded with warts; the anal extremity has no claspers, but
instead a solitary spike or filament. One group of small moths.
have so puzzled naturalists that it has been debated whether
they are moths or flies. These insects, the Psychide, are now
generally placed next the Cuspidates, the males having stout
bodies and pectinated antenne, the wings extending from half
an inch to an inch. The females are without wings, and even
in the species of the genus Psyche minus antenne and legs,
therefore worse off than the caterpillar, for though that lives
in a case it can travel about with its domicile from place to
place. In or near gardens the case of P. nitidilla may be
observed during spring on Sallow, Hawthorn, and other low
shrubs, this case, however, not being formed of portions of the
food plant, but of evenly-chopped bits of grass connected by
silk. The moths come forth in June, the females sitting on
the outside of the cases upon which they lay their eggs. In
Psyche the females are, of course, unable to quit the larval
case at all. P. fusea, which used to be caught at Hornsey
Wood in the “good old times,” makes a case of variegated
appearance as fragments of leaves and grass are crossed
ingeniously.—J. R. 8. C.

GLAZING WITHOUT PUTTY.

In answer to “EH. W.8.,” respecting glazing without putty,
I did so glaze a vinery and afterwards = conservatory, and
with the latter, which has been erected three years, I am per-
fectly satisfied. The builder spoiled the roof of the first by
neglecting to carry out minutely the instructions given on one
point which is absolutely essential to prevent drip. That
being attended to in the conservatory the house turns rain like
a bottle. The rafters may be from 15 to 20 inches apart and
must be formed thus: The groove shown is to convey drip
to the face-board and eaves-trough, and the outer edge of the
rafter at points marked x must be clear of the glass, or drip

460

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 13, 1877.

will run down the rafter into the house. It is difficult to
make joiners see this, as it involves a little more work and
appears so trivial a matter, yet neglect of it will cause all the
work to be done a second time, as in my first house.

Fig. 87.

Tt is not essential that the glass be eut with great exactness,
though better that it should be. If there be even space to
thrust a kuife blade between frame and pane I have found the
drops of moisture travel easily from one to another, and a
little top ventilation is conducive to the health of plants.
Sach pane is secured by small indiarubber rollers put on with
screws, aud three-eighths of an inch thick. Ths last row of
aheets should not rest upon the face-board, but be raised up
by a very thin wedge, just to allow the drip free access to the
eaves-spouting, and the grooves of the rafters should die out
upon the face-board for the same purpose. The front and
doors are glazed in the same way as the roof, and a broken pane
can be replaced at any time with great ease.—J. W. Laycocn.

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY OF THE AIR
AT DIFFERENT HEIGHTS.

A mMEMoIR on the temperature and humidity of the air at
different hours, by Dr. H. E. Hamberg, based on observations
made by him during the summer of 1875, at heights varying
from 2 inches to 22 feet above the ground, was published
recently in the ‘‘ Transactions’? of the Royal Society of
Sciences at Upsal. The memoir is a valuable one, and is of
interest to more than the mere meteorologist, it being evident
tha’ the inquiry is so handled as to bring it into close connec-
tion with such difficult questions as convection currents in the
éree atmosphere and the diffusion of vapour through the air.

In clear weather the temperature of the air nearest the sur-
face was lower than that above it, from two to three hours
before sunset to at least two or three hours after sunrise. At
all the six heights the temperature jell to the minimum at the
same Lour—yiz., about 34.™.; but while it continued from
this time to rise steadily at all the heighis, the lowest tem-
peratures continued to be observed in the strata nearest the
ground till several hours after sunrise. From this remarkable
result Dr. Hamberg concludes that the increase of temperature
in the lower strata of the airin the early part of the forenoon
is not an immediate and direct consequence of the heating of
the ground, but is rather to be attributed to the absorption by
the air, or more strictly by its aqueous vapour, of the heat
zeceived from the sun’s rays or refiected from the ground.

Over uneven ground covered with vegetation the temperature
mear the surface is generally higher over those parts of the
field which rise aboye the general level. Thus even slight
elevations ef only 1 or 2 feet have the air immediately resting
on them often 2° higher or more, whilst on the other hand
a trench or depression 1 or 2 feet below the general level
has the air resting on it often 2° or more lower than the air
over the level portions of the field, a result of considerable
sractical importance in agriculture and horticultvre.

The latent heat set free on the formation of dew appears
from the observations clearly to retard the lowering of the
¢emperature, but not to the extent which might have been
expected. When, on the deposition of dew, the temperature
of the air near the surface has fallen below 32°, as soon as the
dew is congealed into hoar frost the temperature of the lowest
stratum of air in contact with the ground instantly rises to
32°; but at the same time the temperature of the air higher
up steadily remains lower than 32°.

The absolute humidity of the air on clear nights on which
no dew is deposited decreases from the ground upwards, just
as happens during the day; but on the other hand, with dew
the humidity is least nearest the ground, and increases with
she height; and this influence of dew in diminishing the
humidity extends upwards to at least 22 feet, the height to
which the observations were carried. Since his observations
clearly show that the absolute humidity begins in the evening,
¢o diminish near the ground before any dew is observed to be

deposited, and also diminishes at all heights on those nights
during which no dew whatever is formed, Dr. Hamberg is of
opinion that the diminution of the humidity of the air during
night is to be sought for in other physical causes than the
deposition of dew.

Several of the points discussed will doubtless be made sub-
jects of further investigation by others. In all cases it is most
desirable, indeed absolutely necessary to a critical valuation
of the observations, that the authors give woodcuts and de-
scriptions of the exact position and mode of protection adopted
in the case of each thermometer employed in the observations.
For such refined inquiries the method of observation must
neceseatily be a refined one; in other words, such as will
certainly secure the necessary comparability among all the
instruments.—(Nature.)

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

At a general meeting of the Rorsan HorticunturaL Society
held on Tuesday the 4th insi., G. T. Clark, Heq., V.P., in the
chair, the following candidates were duly elected Fellows—
viz., Mrs. Bostock, Lady Cunynghame, Mrs. Going, Mrs.
Robert Maxwell, Sir George Meyrick, Bart., R. J. Pettiward,
F. J. Smith, Mrs. D. Hall Willats. Mrs. F. Gallup and Mrs.
Lowis were admitted guinea members.

Tue Veitch Memorial Trustees at a meeting held on
the 4th inst. confirmed their provisional resolution to place a
VEITCH MEMORIAL MEDAL with a prize of £5 at the disposal of
each of the pnder-mentioned societies for the several subjects
specified, it having been ascertained that the exhibitions in
1878 of the respective societies will take place at a period of
the year when these subjects can be produced.

MancHESTER, June 7th —For the best specimen Orchid in bloom.

York, June 19th—2lst.—For three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes.

Cuay Cross, August 13th.—For a dish of Peaches and a dish of Nectarines.

HEREFORD.—For twelve cut blooms of the best new Rose sent out within
the last five years.

EXETER, August 23rd.—For a collection of twelve kinds of vegetables, dis-
tinct.

BRIGHTON, in June.—For one bridal and one ball-room bouquet.

WoovsrinGe, July 11th.—For three stove or greenhouse plants in bloom,
distinct.

READING, May 23rd.—For three stove or greenhouse plants in bloom, dis-
tinct.

Dosim, Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, in August.—For three
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes.

BELFast.—For twelve cut blooms of the best new Rose sent out within the
last five years.

The prizes are to be open to competition amongst bona-fide
gentlemen’s gardeners eligible to compete at the several shows,
and the subjects exhibited are in all cases required to display
superior cultivation.

Amonest berry-bearing plants for stove and greenhouss
decoration during the winter few are more effective than well-
grown examples of ArDIsIA cRENULATA. The system adopted
by those who grow this plant largely and well is to raise seed-
lings, and, when large enough, to cut off their tops and strike
them in a close well-heated frame or propagating house.
When rooted the plants are grown rapidly and close to the
glass, and they eventually flower profusely and produce their
brilliant berries in great abundance while the plants remain in
a dwarf state. They continue ornamental for many months,
and are admirable for vase and room decoration.

THe new Zonat Geranium Dr. JouN Denny, raised by
J. Sisley of Lyons and exhibited by Mr. Cannell, has, writes a
correspondent, quite set at rest the probability of a blue or
purple variety being produced, and great honour is due to its
distinguished raiser. Besides its prevailing purple colour the
base of each petal is bright crimson tinted with orange, which
gives it a striking appearance; this, together with its fine
trusses, free growth, and shape of blooms, renders it one of
the best for pot or house decoration.

Tuer glaucous form of PicEa NoBILIS, as exhibited by
Megars. W. Paul & Son at the Royal Horticultural Society, is
extremely ornamental. We have recently seen the same
glaucous form of this fine Conifer in the collection of Mr.
Richard Smith at Worcester, and of Messrs. Cranston & Co.
at Hereford. The grafted specimens of this variety are very
distinct, and are much more striking than the usual seedling
forms of this popular Conifer: both varieties are, however,
sufficiently ornamental to be included in all choice collections
of ornamental trees.

Ir may be useful to note that the striking and floriferous
examples of the cld and cficctive Fucusras Domiyiana which

December 18, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

461

wore exhibited by Massrs. Veitch at South Kensington last
week had been potted from the open ground. The cuttings
had been struck in March and eventually planted out. In the
autumn when the flower buds were showing the plants were
potted in rich soil, and they will in all probability continue
fowering throughout the winter. Since this simple mode of
culture has been proved so successful, this distinct and highly
ornamental variety should become very popular for decorative
purposes during the late autumn and early winter months.
The beauty of its bright trumpet-shaped flowers is enhanced
by the rich dark foliage, which is much finer than that of most
other Fuchsias.

Tue great Exhibition now being held in the Agricul-
taral Hall, Islington, is highly worthy of inspection by all who
are interested in the cultivation of the soil. Besides the live
stock and implements for the farm, garden, and household the
remarkable collections of Roors exhibited by Messrs. Suttons,
Carters, Webb, Harrison, Gibbs, &c., cannot fail to possess
interest to many of our readers who are more or less identified
with agricultural pursuits.

Tue ADULTERATION oF SEEDS Act is evidently not to be
any longer regarded as being inoperative. A firm of seedsmen
composed of Messrs. Walter Jacob Maas, James Frith, and
Alexander Frith, were summoned before the Magistrate at
Southwark Police Court on the 10th inst. for selling to Mr.
Alexander Francis 2 ewt. of White Clover seed dyed with intent
to defraud him. Evidence having been given of the purchase
of the seed, Mr. Bernard Dyer, F.C.S., member of the Society
of Public Analysts, proved the existence of a practice for ren-
cering worthless seeds saleable by subjecting them to sulphur
fames, which changed the appearance of theseed. Mr. Edmund

Clarke, who appeared for the defendants, contended that under |

the wording of the Act no illegality had been committed. Mr.
Benson, the Magistrate, regretted that such appeared to be
the case and felt bound to dismiss the summons, but offered
to state a caso for appeal to the Court of Common Pleas. It
is clear that those who now tamper with seeds are playing a
dangerous game, and they cannot pursue their nefarious prac-
tices with impunity. If the weakness of the Act has been
pointed out it can only have one result—the Act must be
amended.

We have received a pamphlet entitled ‘‘ Tur Porato
Disease, illustrated by photo-micrography,’’ by Robert Bell,
M.D., &. It comprehends much information. We make
two brief extracts. ‘‘ There can be little doubt in the fact that
a great amount of Potato disease is due to bad situations being
chosen for the crop, and sowing it in other instances in soil
which is rendered unfit for its culture, either by being naturally
too heavy or badly drained. . What are the means which
should be adopted to preserve our Potato crops? First, it is
mecessary to select a light soil so that the tuber may be kept
as dry as possible, a condition which is essential to the health
ef the Potato. When the ground is heavy, and consequently
retentive of moisture, the Potato becomes watery and unhealthy,
and therefore more liable to become a prey to disease. Secondly,
Potatoes in a moist climate like ours ought always to be planted
on an elevation, never in a hollow. Every sunbeam should be
able to shed its influence on the plant, and every breath of
wind ought to be able to find access to its leaves and stems.
Another most important consideration which requires the
Potato cultivator’s most watchful care, and that is to be certain
that he procures his seed from an entirely different locality
from that in which he intends planting his crop. It is most
essential that the seed be as new to the soil as possible, as by
this means a much more vigorous plant is reared, and there-
fore it will be less prone to disease. Too much cannot be
said upon the error of planting crop after crop from seed taken
from ground in the immediate neighbourhood. It is sure to
degenerate, the weakness of the parent becoming intensified
in the offspring. The question is often asked, How is it if a
fangus, which you maintain is ever present, be the cause of
the disease, it did not manifest itself till 1836? I believe not
renewing the seed sufficiently often has a most important pre-
disposing cause, another I believe to be the overcrowding of
the plants. It may be asked with equal force, How was it
that certain diseases did not develope their symptoms in man
‘before the dates which history tells us were the periods when
they first unmasked themselyes? A like answer may be given
—the social and sanitary conditions of man had go far de-
toriorated that favourable conditions for the generation of the
various specific diseases sprang into existence, and it is—as

| manufacturing fairly good Vegetable Marrow preserve.

far as science can prophesy—certain that if we undo all the
evils which have provoked the various zymotie poisons into
activity, they will recede into the passive existence which en-
veloped them in the past. Keeping the essentials just men-
tioned before us we should endeavour to plant the rows in the
direction of the prevailing winds, and they should be very
wide apart, at least twice the ordinary width, so that a row of
Turnips could be sown alternately with a row of Potatoes.
This, [am convinced, would tend very much to preserve the
Potato crop. The two crops could be grown together with
great advantage to each other. But suppose the disease has
maxifested its presence on tne plant; then immediately every
stem should be cut off close to the earth, and the cut surfaces
sprinkled with lime or soot.’’

—— Mk. 8S. Parsons, writing in the Rural New Yorker on
WINTER PROTECTION, remarks—‘‘ A strong temptation to cover
up plants for winter presents itself to the inexperienced during
the first cold snapsof November. Theground is firmly frozen,
and now if seems natural to suppose the time for winter
covering has arrived, but there never was a greater mistake.
Such early spells of cold usually last but a short time, and
may be succeeded by much warm weather, thus exciting the
sap of the plant under cover, and thereby exposing it to injury
from a succeeding heavy frost. The hardening-off process is
as necessary to the plant in the open ground as under a proper
system of greenhouse culture. Several really cold periods in
sarly winter brought to bear on the uncovered plant serve to
prepare and adapt it for the endurance of subsequent hard-
ships. Little injury, moreover, occurs from cold in December
to any tolerably hardy plant. It is the proper season of rest,
and the diminished power of the sun works the less damage
because dawn and midday present no such violent contrasts of
temperature as are wont to appear in early spring. A large
majority of all plants that die from the effects of cold, die,
therefore, in March and April, and hence the danger of remoy-
ing covering too early in spring.”

—— ‘“F. W. B.” writes in ‘‘ The Gardener” on VEGETABLE
Marrow PRESERVE :—‘‘ When in a provision shop, a few even-
ings ago, I observed that several poor persons bought in small
quantities a kind of mixed preserve of a questionable character,
which, although flavoured with essence of Raspberry, looked
as if compounded of Beetroot and molasses: this was pur-
chased freely at 6d. per 1b. Acting upon this hint, I determined
to do my best to arrive at some near estimate of the cost of
The
constituents were as follows:—A good-sized Marrow, costing
3d., when peeled and freed from the seed vessels, gave 5 lbs. of
usable material; to this were added 3 lbs. of loaf sugar at a
cost of 1s., and a Lemon and spoonful of ground ginger at a
cost of 3d., making a total cost of 1s. 6d. This mixture,
boiled nearly two hours, gave us a most pleasant and whole-
some preserve, just 5}1be., at a cost of about 34d. per lb. OF
course this does not include labour or firing, but that in the
present case was almost too small to be included. What I
want to show, however, is this, that I can manufacture an
article such as my family and friends pronounce to be excel-
lent for 3}d. per lb.” The Marrows should be nearly full
grown for preserving.

NOTES on VILLA anv SUBURBAN GARDENING.

CuRYSANTHEMUMS are favourite flowers of many a villa gar-
dener, and are admirably grown by amateurs in the vicinity of
the metropolis, indeed London may be said to be the head
quarters of this queen of autumnal flowers. The well-known
and far-famed Temple Gardens give an impetus to Chrysan-
themum culture, and the numerous exhibitions springing up
around us speak well for the increasing popularity of this
useful flower, which is in beauty at a time when flowers are
becoming scarce. It spans the passing season of outdoor bloom
with the forcing season of indoor display, and makes our con-
servatories for six weeks exceedingly attractive; indeed there is
no other flower which repays the cultivator better than the
Chrysanthemum.

Now is the time to commence operations for a good display o
well-formed flowers next autumn; but cuttings can be struck
at any time from now till May and make useful plants, yet
those taken off now while they are short and stubby, and
inserted in light sandy soil around the sides of some 60-sized
pots, will strike very readily. When sufficient are taken off the
old plants can be either planted out or thrown away. The pots
will be found useful for other plants, and the stock is reduced
to the smallest possible space.

The best cuttings are those thrown up from the base of the

462

JOURNAL OF HOKRTICULTORE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ December 18, 1877.

plant, and they can generally be attached with a small particle
of root, which is an advantage. If these cuttings when inserted
are placed in a cold frame they will keep quite healthy ana very
few will damp off. We prefer at this season of the year placing
them in a cold frame rather than incitirg them by fire heat,
unless it be for the purpose of growing very large specimens.
After the cuttings are inserted they should be kept tolerably
close, but afterwards air must ke given on all favourable oppor-
tunities, and on very fine days removing the lights altogether.
Protection is required during frosty nights, otherwise the soil
would become frozen and would injure the tender rootlets.
The after-treatment of this flower will be referred to in future
calendars. The following forty varieties are the best both for
exhibition purposes and home decoration. Incurved—Antonelli,
Alfred Salter, Aurea Multiflora, ¢Barbara, Beethoven, Bronze
Jardin des Plantes, Beauty of Stoke Newington, Cherub, fEve,
yEmpress of India, +General Bainbrigge, Guernsey Nugget,
Gloria Mundi, +Golden Beverley, tGolden Empress of India,
+Golden Eagle, Golden John Salter, Doctor Brock, +Isabella
Bott, fJardin des Plantes, jJohn Salter, }Lady Hardinge, Lady
Talfourd, Lady Slade, Miss Mary Morgan, Mr. Branlees, Mr.
Gladstone, tGeorge Glenny, }Mrs. G. Rundle, ~Mrs. Dixon,
7Mrs. Heale, tMrs. Haliburton, ,Prince Alfred, ~Prince of
Wales, tPrincees of Wales. +Princess of Teck, {Queen of England,
Venus, tWhite Venus, tWhite Globe, and White Beverley.
The best twenty-four are those marked by a dagger (ft). Of the
reflexed varieties Triomphe de Nord, Progne, Alma, Hereward,
Dr. Sharp, Cloth of Gold, Christine, Crimson Velvet, and Julie
Lagraviére are all worth growing, end the following will be found
the best of the lerge-flowering Anemone varieties :—Acquisition,
Bijou, Empress, Fleur de Marie, Prince of Anemones, Lady
Margaret, Gluck, Mrs. Pethers, George Sand,and Louis Bonamy.

The Japanese section is increasing in favour, and for house
decoration and cutting purposes they surpass the incurved
varieties. A very good and useful selection is as follows :—
jyElaine, tJames Salter, }Fair Maid of Guernsey, {Gloire de

Toulouse, Red Dragon, {Bronze Dragon, tYellow Dragon, The |

Sultan, +The Mikado, Garnet, Chang, Baronne de Prailly, Mag-
num Bonum, {Fulton, fFulgore, La Nymph, Nuit a’Hiver,
Laciniatum, Cry Kung, Bismarck, Oracle, ;Meg Merrilees, Peter

the Great, }Grandifiora, and The Wizard. The best twelve ve- |

rieties are denoted by a dagger (f).

Of Pompons Antonius, Cedo Nulli, Golden Cedo Nulli, Bob,
Madame Hugéne Domage, Marabout, Mdlle. Marthé, Madame
Montels, Model of Perfection, Miss Nightingale, Mr. Astie,
Marie Stuart, Firefly, Dick Turpin, Miss Julia, St. Michael,
Calliope, and White Trevenna are varieties of proved excellence.
—J. W. Moonman.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WHEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

WE are still working amongst standards and dwarf-trained
trees and bushes, pruning them and digging amongst Rasp-
berry bushes after dressing the ground with good manure.
Digging among the roots of fruit trees requires to be done with
care; a careless workman will probably do more harm than
good, and one not acquainted with the nature and requirements
of the trees or bushes should not be trusted amongst them.
Take Raspberry bushes, for instance. A good dressing of ma-
nure has been spread over the surface. The rows are 4 feet
apart, but round each plant there is a mass of fibrous roots
quite close to the surface. Our plan is to take an opening out

at one end of the row, and the centre 2 fect is dug out one spit |

deep, merely stirring up the soil round the plants and mixiug it
With a little good manure, the largest portion of the manure
being buried in the centre. Gooseberry and Currant bushes
also require a good supply of manure, and it ought to be dog-in
much in the same way. If the Gooseberry bushes were infested
with the caterpillar during the growing season it will be neces-
sary to pare off about 3 inches of the surface of the soil under
the bushes, and bury it about a foot deep in the centre of the
rows. The soil from the bottom ought to be spread under the
bushes, and this, of course, will be free from eggs of the cater-
pillars.

‘When the weather is favourable the work ought to be pro-
ceeded with on walls. A man may be able to prune with a pair
of gloves when the weather is cold, but nailing should not be
proceeded with when the thermometer falls below the freezing
point. Plum, Pear, and Cherry trees are done first. It is best
to attend to such work as soon as possible; indeed all sorts of
work require to be brought forward, whether it is nailing,
pruning, or digging; severe weather may set in and puta stop
to the whole until February or March.

PEACH HOUSES.

The late houses maybe prepared for starting by taking the
trees down from the trelliswork and tying the growths up in
bundles. This is done purposely to prevent the flower buds
from being rubbed off when the glass and woodwork are being

cleaned with weak soapy water. We have seen gardeners doing
such work with old shading or other rags that come first to
band; this is not economy even, and the work cannot be well
done. The best material to use is washleather, and the wood
or glass can be rubbed clean and dry with this as the work
proceeds. The walls should first be well scrubbed with clean
water and then be done over with limewash. We have used for
this two parts of lime fresh from the kiln and one part of flowers
of sulphur ; it should be laid on while hot, as in this state itis
sure to effectually destroy eggs of insects or the insects them-
selves, which find a lurking place in the crevices. After the
house has been made clean the trees must be dressed, and it
may even be necessary to wash them curefully first, especially if
there has been any scale upon the young wood. This pest can
easily be removed by washing it off witha sponge. The mixture
that we use to dress the trees is composed of sulphur dissolved
in soapy water, and to it is added a little tobacco water; a large
wineglassful to a quart is sufficient, as the stuff is strong. In
applying it to the main branches it should be scrubbed well
into the interstices of the bark; the small branches containing
buds should be done carefully, as the buds are easily rubbed off.
The border next claims attention, and our experience goes to
prove that a hard surface is better for the trees than a loose one,
but it depends something on the character of the soil whether it
becomes firm or not. In a loose soilno roots will be found close
to the surface, while a firm surface composed of good clayey loam
will be found interlaced with healthy roots. If there are plenty
of healthy roots near the surface we remove as much of the soil
as possible without doing them any injury, then place a layer of
rich decayed manure about 2 inches over the surface, and over
this come good turfy loam. We have previously alluded to
the danger of allowing the borders to become too dry, as the
blossoms will probably drop. Another cause of the flowers fall-
ing off instead of setting is the mixture with which the trees are
dressed being toostrong. What would not cause the least injury
to Vines would utterly ruin the prospects of a crop of Peaches.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

The Chrysanthemums are still beautifully in flower, and they
will probably keep the house gay untilthe new year. They were
later to flower, and the blooms are lasting longer in beauty this
year than ususl. The usual time to take cuttings is in the
spring, when they are growing freely; the succulent tops are
cut off and the cuttings inserted in small pots; they will be
rooted plants in a few days if the pots are placed in a frame
with a brisk bottom heat, Another plan is to place the cuttings
in cold frames, merely plunging the pots in cocoa-nut fibre
refase. We have seen many good flowers in the neighbourhood
of London during the last dozen years, but we are not sure that
they have been superior if equal to those grown in Scotland
twenty years ago by Mr. Laing of Dysart, Fifeshire, now of
Stanstead Park, Forest Hill. Mr. Laing’s plan was to insert
the cuttings in December and strike them in cold frames; he
placed one cutting in the ceutre of a 60-sized pot, and when they
were well rooted, say in April, he potted three plants ina 15-inch
pot and took about three flowers from each plant. His compost
was good turfy loam and decayed stable manure with pounded
oyster shells, which kept the compost open; it is also a good
plan to drain the pots with oyster shells.

Hardwooded plants that flower at this season are very valu-
able. Camellias, of course, are in all collections of greenhouse
plants, and if they have been treated as recommended in summer
there will now be plenty of flowers. The Double White and

| Fimbriata are the finest and most useful of a!l, but many of the

coloured corts are used where the white would not answer. It
may be necessary to look over the plants to wash the leaves if
they are black on the upper sides with 2 gummy substance,
caused by scale; this is easily removed by a sponge and soapy
water.

Epacrises of sorts are extremely useful from now till March,
and even to midsummer, but by that time other flowers are
plentiful, and they are not heid in so much esteem. We have
E. miniata splendens and EH. Eclipse in flower now, and they
have produced occasional sprays since midsummer. The rose
and white-flowered varieties of EK. hyacinthiflora are our most
valued flowers in winter; but there are many others, each dis-
tinct and good in their several varieties. The winter-flowering
Heaths comprise the section E. hyemalis and the very pretty
E. melanthera, its graceful sprays of small white flowers are
very pretty in small glasses. When time can be spared we are
training hardwooded specimens of Cape Heaths and New Hol-
land plants, and no one can attain to success in this who does
not study the natural habit of the plants themselves. Our large
exhibitions ought to be one place where this could be done, but
it is not so; even the first-prize collections have contained plants
far too severely trained to show anything like the natural habit
of the plants. A good rule to go by is to use as few sticks and
ties as possible, and if the plants can be trained into shape with-
out them it will be much more satisfactory.

Stage Pelargoniums are growing freely since they were potted
into the blooming pots. We have fastened a string under the

December 13, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

463

rim of the pots and tied down the growths to this.
were too thickly placed they have been thinned out.

FLORIST FLOWERS.

The damp mugzy weather is very unfavourable to the growth
of Auriculas. The season of rest has come, and the lights are
removed on every favourable occasion, and air is also admitted
at night. What we want now is a succession of frosts to bring
on that natural rest required by the plants. It is necessary to
look over the plants once a-week at least and remove the decay-
ing leaves. Now is the time to get rid of green fly, either by
fumigating with tobacco smoke or brushing them off with a small
camel-hair pencil. Carnations and Picotees require very similar
attention, and, like the Auriculas, the plants aro making rather
too much growth. Occasionally we stir the surface soil of the
pots and remove the dead leaves. Considerable care is neces-
sary a8 regards watering. The plants suffer if allowed to become
too dry, and on the other hand if they are saturated with wet
the leaves become'yellow and the plants will not produce good
Aowers. Injury is alsocaused by drip. If this cannot bestupped
the plants must be removed from underneath the place, else they
will be much injured, probably killed. Pinks and Pansies in
beds are growing very freely, and, the ground being saturated
with wet, a sharp frost setting in would throw many of them
out of the ground, but a mulching of manure prevents this.
Choice Hollyhocks in frames are apt to be injured by damp.
Mould gathers on the injured portions and spreads rapidly if it
is not removed and the decayed pari dusted with lime. Dahlias
should also be examined to see if there is any damp or mould
near the base of the old stem, which sometimes spreads to the
tubers. A vigilant eye is required to look over all classes of
these plants. Admit air freely on all occasions, and do not allow
decay to remain on any plants, nor weeds or green mould on the
pots or surface of the soil.—J. Douenas.

Where they

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Dickson & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester.—Cata-
logue of Forest Trees, Covert and Underwood Plants, Orna-
mental Trees, Hvergreens, d:c.

W. Lovel, Weaverthorpe, York.—List of Strawberry Plants.

Dicksons & Co., 1, Waterloo Place, Edinburgb.— Catalogue of
Forest and Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Conifere, Rhodo-
dendrons, &c.

Ant. Roozen & Son, Overveen, near Haarlem, Holland.—
Catalogue of New Gladioli and Dahlias, with list of Miscel-
taneous Plants and Bulbs.

Ernest Benary, Erfurt, Germany.—General Trade Catalogue
of Vegetable, Agricultural, Flower, and Tree Seeds.
fe Putz & Roes (successors of Ferdinand Jiihlke), Erfurt, Ger-
many, and 50, Great Russell Street, London.—Annual List of
Flower, Shrub, and Tree Seeds.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to “The
Editors,” or to ‘“‘The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Faurr Manvat (Rus in Urbe).—It does not contain the classification.
CHRYSANTHEMUMs (H. A. L.).—A list is detailed on page 428.

i PEAR La QuintinveE (F. J.).—We have had no experience of this variety
in this country.

Cucumbers DisEAsED (G. P., Devon).—There was not the least trace of
disease on the leaves sent. Portions of them seemed to be scorched. We
‘haye seen the same appearatca on the leaves in winter when the atmosphere
Was overmoist. If you follow directions in “ Doings of the Last Week”
you will succeed. Also omit the “ weeds and garden refuse” {rom your com-
post. The temperature at night should be from 65° to 70°.

CULTURE OF OUTDOOR GRaPES (G. C.).—The plan you have adopted is an
excellent one. We have seen your plan before, and highly approve of it.
Follow it out and let us know how you succeed.

PEARS FoR WaLL Facina Norta-west (Amateur). —In your district
Pears might succeed. Louise Bonne of Jersey and Marie Louise would be

the best. The best Grapes for your pu ld be Ri i
BMH sande, iD your purpose would be Royal Muscadine and

CULTURE oF Bovvarpias (G. S.).—These plants are a3 easily grown as
Pelargoniums, and they do well in the same compost as Pelargoniums are
usually potted in. We grow them in cold frames all the summer and remoye
them to the greenhouse in September. Oars are uow in fine flower.

Privet Hepce Prunina (M. B).—The best time for pruning thi
is early in the spring. 4 Sas tana

PINE APPLE Cunrure (P. A.).— The Pine Apple Manual.” You can
have it free by post from our office if you enclose thirty-two postage stamps
with your address.

NaMes or Roses (W. S.).—It would be of no avail to spell the names
phonetically. The only practical mode of ascertaining the proper pronuncia-
tion is to apply to an educated cultivator of the flower.

NaMEs oF CHRYSANTHEMUMS (Constant Reader).—See “Notes on Villa
Gardening” on page 461.

MusHroom House ManaGEMENT (J. L.).—A steady temperature of 55° is
quite enough for Mushrooms in winter, 5° higher is a maximum which we
should not much like to reach—certainly not to exceed, and you are probably
right in attributing the loss of your young Mushrooms to the parching effects
of excessive heat. There are, however, other causes of failure which may or
may not have some bearing on yourcase; neglecting to water till the surface
becomes so dry us to throw off the water when it is given; using water of alower
temperature than that of the bed; watering with warm water and letting ia
a cutting draught of air immediately afterwards, are all fertile causes of
failure, especially at this season of the year.

WINTERING SEDUMs (S. H.).—The Sedums in your list are quite hardy,
and in well-drained, light, gritty soil they may be left fally exposed throughout
the year, but ia low-lyiog. damp, heavy soils they are often killed by a few
degrees of frost, continued cold and wet beiug fatal to them. Let this be
your guide, and if you have any doubt: as to the nature of your soil, give the
Sedums the benefit of it by taking them up and planting thickly in coal ashes
ina cold frame from which the glass lights are withdrawn except in very
wet and frosty weather.

WaTERING AzaLEAs (A. A. M.).—By all means water your Azaleas regularly
or you will lose the flower buds, but do not syringe at this dull season of
the year. Soot may be used upon the surface of the soil. Cow-dang water
does moat good if given when the plants are growing freely, and especially
when the flower buds start into growth in spring. Now, while the plants
are comparatively quiescent, cleur water is best.

Liguip Manure For SrrawserRies (Idem).—Any rich fertiliser in a
liquid state may be given advantageously to Strawberries in pots during the
process of forcing till the fruit shows colour, when it must be discontinued.
House sewage is one of our best manures, and if enough of it can be had we
should really regard an outlay for guano or aoy similar prepared substances
quite unnovessary.

CHILD oF HaLE Grape (R. C.).—It is not « Grape worth growing under
glass in this country whatever it may be abroad.

Names or Fruits (B. 4. H.).—1, Wysen Pippin; 2, Flat Nonpareil; 3,
Yellow Ingestrie. (Hdward Sheerman).—1, Beachamwell; 2, Hanwell Sour-
ing; 5, Hanthouse; 6, Bedfordshire Foundling ; 7, Greaves’ Pippin.

Names or Puants (Ff. B. H.).—It is impossible to name your plant from
the specimen sent. (P. P.).—1, Desfootainia spinosa; other specimens in-
sufficient. (7. Cleary).—Appareotly Tradescantia discolor.. (Sussex Gar-
dener).—1. Adiantum cuneatum; 2, Lomaria sp.; 4, Peperomia arifolia, var.
argyrea (Bot. Mag., t. 5634); 6, Justicia sp. (Stirling).—Tricyrtis hirta.
(dirs. Day).—Lygodium seandens. It is a native of the Hast Indies.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE.

GUILDFORD POULTRY SHOW.

Tuts Show opened on the 10th inst., and was held in the
Green Market. It was a capital meeting, and the quality of the
birds was good all round. The pens were Turner’s, and the
chaff in them, with the feeding arrangements, were all good.

Dorkings opened the list, as in Surrey they should do, and
twenty-three pens of more than average quality competed. The
cup went to a fine pair of Coloured chickens, good in bone,
claws, and comb; second were fine Silver-Greys. In the next
class a pair of large Coloured Rose-combs were first; second
and third were good Coloured chickens. In Whites the winners
were excellent, the cockerel being, we believe, the bird first at
Oakham, with a great squure-bodied hen. In Cuckoos the first-
prize pen was the only pen really Cuckoo-coloured all over, and
we do not think they had a white feather in them, while the
remainder of the class, though large birds, had a great deal of
white in ports of their bodies. In Cochins a good pen of Whites
were first and pretty Buffs second, while Partridges had third
place. Dark Brahmas were only moderate, and the Lights,
though few, were of fair quality. Of Spanish only one pen
appeared, which were but of average merit. The Game made a
large class, and to the first-prize pen was awarded the section
cup. They were smart and stylish Black Red chickens, and
cheap at catalogue price of £5 5s. Second were also good Black
Reds, and third Brown Reds. In the French class a good pair
of Créves were first and moderate Houdanssecond. The Golden-
pencilled Hamburghs were excellent, and the winning cockerel
of My. Cresswell’s was of that beautiful bright colour we so
much admire, and was mated with a Birmingham winner, and
they ran the Game closely for second section cup. In the
Variety class Gold Polands were first and Silkies second. The
Game Bantams were good. A pretty pen of Brown Reds won
first, and Black Reds were second, Piles being third; while in
the variety Bantam class Blacks were first and a pretty pen of
Nankins second, the cockerel one of the best we ever saw of
the breed.

The Waterfowl were only of average quality, but the Geese
and Turkeys were excellent. The first adult Turkeys weighed
48 lbs., and the second 42 lbs., while in poults the first were
388 lbs. in weight and the second 35 lbs.

The Pigeons were allin a mixed class; the quality was ex-
tremely good, and forty pens competed. First went to capital
White Fantails, the Weymouth winners we heard ; second were
Yellow Turbits, third lustrous Archangels, fourth Black Barbs,
fifth Black Barbs, sixth Black Carriers, and seventh Black
Trumpeters, while many other good pens came in for cards.

We thought itan excellent county Show, and hope the attend-
ance on the second day was good. ;

POULTRY.—Dorx1xes.—Coloured and Silver.—l and 3,0. E. Cresswell. 2,

464

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COITAGK GAKDENER.

{ December 13, 4877.

G. Ellis. Chickens.—Cup and 2, 0. E. Cresswell. 8,J.Ivery & Sons. White.
—land 2, O.E. Cresswell. 8.G. Aller. Blue.—1,J.L. Playfoot. 2, W. Philps.
Cocuins.—1 and 2, Rey. J. Buckmaster. 3,T.W. Anns. BranMas.—Dark.—
1, H. Glover. 2, Rev. G. W. Joyce 8, Rey. J. D. Peake. Light—land2, J.
Bradshaw. 3, R. D. Anderson. SpanisH—l, A. Critchett. GamE.—Cup and
2, E. Haines. 3 and vhe,J. Knight. Bovpans oR CREVE-C@vxs.—l, Rey. G.
Chilton. 2,Mrs.A. Dundas. HampBuRGHS.—1 and 2,0. E. Cresswell. 3, Miss
F. A. Paget. vhe, J. L. Playfoot. ANY OTHER VABIETY.—], J. Chuter. 2,0. ¥K.
Cresswell. 8,R.J. Brewer. BanTaMs.— Game.—Cup, V. Sandford. 2, Rev. G.
Chilton. 8 and vhe,T.W.Anns. Any other variety.—l, 2, and 3, O. E. Cress-
well. vhe, T. W. Anns. Ducks.—dylesbury or Rouen.—l, J. Ivery & Sons
2,J.H. Webber. 3,J.W.Taylor. Any other variety.—2, A.& J. Wells. 3, T.
Drewitt & Son. GFEsE.—1 and 3, J. W. Taylor. 2, T. Baker. Goslings.—1,
J. W. Taylor. 2. W. Drewitt. Turkeys.—1, G. H. Langford. 2, 0. E. Cresswell.
8, Countess of Lovelace. Young.—l and 3, F. Botting. 2, O. E. Cresswell.
SELLING Cxiass.—l, Rev. J. Buckmaster. 2,G. Elis. 3, fF. R. Jackson.
PIGEONS.—Any Variety —l, 2, 8, and 5, O. B. Cresswell. 4, Burdett and
Walker. 6,B. White. 7,J. Bakewell. vhe, W. Bakewell, jun., C. Pannell.

The Judge was the Rev. R. 8. S. Woodgate.

WATFORD POULTRY SHOW.

Tue annual poultry Show in connection with the West Herts
Agricultural Society was held on the 10th and 11th inst. in the
Agricultural Hall at Watford. Few buildings equal this noble
Hall for exhibition purposes, and we were glad to notice that
the public appreciated the poultry as well as the larger animals,
particularly as the quality of the birds shown was decidedly in
advance of previous years.

In the Dorking classes the cup for the best pen went to the
Rey. E. Bartrum ; his second-prize birds were said to be those
that divided the cup aud second prize with Mr. Taylor at the
recent Dorking Show; the beautiful condition and fine carriage
of the cockerel in the cup pen probably telling with the Judge.
In the Partridge Cochin classes the first and second-prize birds
were very fair, the third-prize poor. In Any other variety the
prizes all went to moderate Buffs. A pen of White highly com-
mended were, as we thought, better than the third. The awards
amovg Dark Brahmas seemed very satisfactory; in this class
some excellent birds were shown. The Light Brahmas were a
good class, old birds taking the prizes; but Mr. How’s pen,
No. 32, should have taken eecond, they being a capital pen of
young birds. The Game were only moderate, excepting the
second-prize birds, which showed the best style. Although not in
full plumage, to our mind this pen far surpassed the cup-winners.
The Hamburgh classes contained some good birds, and the
judging was unexceptionable. We could not see, however, why
the Judge awarded the champion-cup of an agricultural show
to ® moderate pen of Golden-spangled Hamburghs when Mr.
Bartrum’s Dorkings were far ahead of them. In such a show
Dorkings or Asiatics should have the preference. The Bantam
cup went to a pair of White Booted in good condition, but as
regards quality we preferred either the first-prize Black Red or
second-prize Golden Laced. The remaining classes were fairly
filled with good specimens, particularly the Turkeys.

The number of entries was 173, seven pens were empty, and,
Btrange to say, no less than 143 were noticed!

POULTRY.—Dorx1nes.—Coloured.—1, Cup, and 2, Rey. E. Bartrum. 8, Lord
Chesham. White or Silver.—1, C. Snewing. 2, Rey. H.R. Peel. CocHins.—
Partridge.—1, Cup, and 2, G. B. C. Breeze. 8, Lord Chesham. Any other variety.
—1, G._ B.C. Breese. 2,J. Long. 8, J. Allen. Braumas.—Dark.—l, G. B.C.
Breeze. 2,J.Long. 8, W.J. Jervis. Light.—1 and Cup, G. B. C. Breeze. 2,
H. Mitchell. 3,J.Long. Game.—l and Cup, G. Bentley. 2,H. How. 8, Lord
Grimston. Hamprrexs.—Spangled.—l, Cup, and 8, J. Long. 2, G. Bentley.
Pencilled.—l, J. Long. 2.8. Robins. 8,Lord Grimston. Bantams.—Game.—
land8, W. Boutcher. 2,J.Long. Any other variety.—1 and Cup, G. Bentley.
2, H. How. 8, Lord Chesham. Creve-C@urs anD Hotpans.—l, J. Day. 2,
J.H. Brooks. 8,S. Humbert. ANy OTHER BxeEED.—1, J. Long. 2,J. Paimer.
8, P. Clutterbuck, J. Perry. Ducks.—Aylesbury.—l, Lord Chesham. 2. P.
Clutterouck. Rouen.—l, P. Clutterbuck. 2 and 8, W. T. Eley. Any other
variety.—Cup, W. J. Lloyd. 2, H. Allen. 8, H. How. vhe, P. Clutterbuck.
GereEsE.—Cup, J. Long. 2, Mrs. T. Clutterbuck. 8,J. Thurnham. TuREBYs.—
Norfolk and Cambridge.—1 and Cup, Mrs. T. Clutterbuck. 2, R. Dickinson.
8, H. How. Any other vartety.—1, W. J. Loyd. 2, Lord Chesham. SELLING
CuassEs.—Pair of Hens.—1, G. Bentley. 2, Rey. E. Bartrum. 38, G. B.C. Breeze.
Cock.—1, A. Langford. 2, G Bentley. $,G. Heap. Pair of Ducks.—l, G.
Bentley. 2,Lord Chesham. 8, W.J. Jervis. Drake.—1, Lord Chesham. 2,G.
Bentley. 8, P. Clutterbuck.

The Judge was Mr. E. Hutton of Padsey, Leeds.

CANTERBURY POULTRY SHOW.

Tue annual Show of poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits was held
in the Kent County Pavilion on the 6th inst. and following
days. The entries amounted to upwards of one thousand. The
prize cards were very promptly placed upon the pens, and the
general arrangements, thanks to a thorough business Secretary
and to a most indefatigable Committee, were all that could be
desired.

Dorkings, Coloured, cock and hen, only four entries. A fine
pen, both birds large and well on the feet; they could have sus-
tained their position in a much stronger competition. Second
a good pair. Cockerels.—First a large-framed bird, but rather
leggy and very crooked in the breast; second a compact bird,
but behind in size. Pullets a fair lot. Silver-Grey, cock and
hen.—First cock # large bird, good in colour, but bad on the
feet. Cockerels.—Twenty-four entries. The number surprised
us. First a very pretty well-grown bird, a little too long on the
legs; second smaller. Pullets a good class. Any other colour.

—Good Whites first and second. Cochins, cock and hen.—
First in some respects a good pen; the hen we thought a little
mealy. Cockerels and pullets moderate classes. Any other
variety.—First a beautiful pair of Whites, very pure in colozr,
but with feathers in great disorder. Second Partridge cock, a
fair bird; the hen good in size, buf behind the modern standard
of pencilling. Third rather creamy Whites. Brahmas, cock
and hen.—First an easy victory, cock grandinshape and colour,
and hen well pencilled ; next we preferred 122, third, but the
cock had an ugly white patch on his breast, which doubtless
had its weight with the Judge; second we did not like, the cock
was very coarse in the head, and the hen, though well pencilled,
was not quite the proper colour. Pen 117, highly commended,
we fancied better. Cockerels—First good in shape, welh
feathered in the leg and beautiful in colour; second in some
points equal to the first, but he was a trifle longer on the leg,.
and upon close inspection we found a shade of yellow in the
saddle. Pullets—First good size and well pencilled; second a
little light in colour; third darker and well marked, but her
neck was heavy in moult, which gave her the appearance of 2
twisted hackle. Lights, cock and hen, a moderate class. Cock-
erels.—First a good-coloured neat bird, but small; second a
similar bird. Pullets.—First fair in size and colour, but a little
hocked ; second will improve. Pen 178, good in many points,
but creamy. Houdans.—This class disappointed us very much.
We have on former occasions seen classes of French fowls at
Canterbury equal almost to the Crystal Palace and Birmingham,
but since the death of Mr. Dring French fowls, and more par-
ticularly Houdans, appear to have considerably declined, and it
was never more noticeable than at Canterbury; we could not
find one good well-matched pen of any size or pretensions. The
largest were bad on the feet or had a Dark cock mated with a
Light hen. Créves——Only three entries, but better than the
Houdans. Spanish, old birds.—Only five entries, all badly
shown, but very even in quality, and had a little trouble been
taken in washing the faces of either pen the Judge’s decision
might have been reversed in its favour. Cockerels and Pullets.
—First, both birds had a good quality of white and were shown
in good condition. Our remarks with regard to the former class
will apply equally to the remaining birds here. Game, cocks.—
We did not like the winner—a Black; we thought him a coarse
bird, and he appeared very crooked in the neck; second a nea&
stylish Brown; third very light in the eye. We preferred the
second and pens 226 and 227 to any in the class. The latter pen
belonged to the owner of the winners, and we think he must
have been very much surprised at the choice of the Judge.
Hens.—First a good Brown, a little rusty on the wing. Cock or
cockerel, Red, bred in 1877, a moderate lot. Cock or cockerel,
any other variety.—First a stylish bird, but a little coarse in
tail. Hamburghs—Both gocd classes. Bantams, Black Red.—
First a very smart pen. Ary other variety.—Fair Piles firss,
but we liked the third much better; the cock was neater, closer
in feather, better head, and finer sickles; the hen was quite as
superior. In the Any other variety nicely laced Sebrights were
first and second, and a good pairof Japanese third. The Rouez
Duck class was well filled, ard the classes for Turkeys above the
average in quality.

Pigeons.—Carriers.—In the cock class the winner had a large
eye and plenty of wattle. Hens.—A promising young bird ob-
tained the first place. In the class for birds bred in 1877, first &
pretty bird, but we hardly thought he had sufficient stuff about
him to take the cup over the winning Owland Dragoon. Ponterse
were well represented, Mr. Gill contributing some good speci-
mens. Barbs were a@ poor lot, and the Judge might have with
justice withheld all the prizes. Almond Tumblers almost as
poor as the Barbs. Jacobins an improvement. Dragoons.—
Winner a splendid bird, good head, and very grand colour.
This with the winning hen were the only Dragoons wort&
notice. Owls a cgpital class. The winner a well-known bird of
Mr. Barnes; second and third two capital-headed birds.
Foreign Owls.—Charming Whites were first and second, the
former very short in head. Turbits were a fair lot, and we
thought pen 668 deserved a card. Fantails were also a good
class. The winners were beautiful in colour and in magnificent
condition. The class for Homing Antwerp cocks obtained fifty-
four entries.

POULTRY.—Dorsincs.—Coloured.—l, E. Bartrum. 2,E. Rice. Cockerel—
land Cup, H. Brown. 2,E. Rice. 8,4. Burch. Pullet—l, E. Rice. 2, Ww. B.
T. Pattenson. 3, Rey. J. G. A. Baker. Silver-Grey —1, J. Bouliing. 2, Mrs-
Wacher. 3, Major W. Plummer. Cockerel.—l,J. Boulding. 2, F. Cheesman.
8, Mrs. Wacher. Pullet—l, R. A. Boissier. 2and 3, Mrs. Wacher. <Any other
variety.—l, R. A. Boissier. 2, Major W. Plummer. Cocutiys.—Buff.—Cup, Mrs.
A. Christy. 2, F. M. Cobb. 8, T. L. Collard. Cockerel.—l. E. Burrell. 2, A.
Todd. 3, Mrs. W. Paxon. Pullet—1, Mrs. A. Christy. 2, C. M. Stickings. &
G. Dowker. Any other colour.—i, A. E. W. Darby. 2,F. W-Anns. 3, A. Todd.
Braumas —Dark.—l and Cup, H. Lingwood. 2, E. Ayre. 8, Miss E. Shuter.
vhe.B. Pritchard. Cockerel.—l, H. Lingwood. 2, Miss E.Shuter. 3, J. Long-
Pullet—i, H Lingwood. 2,L. C.C. R. Norris. 8, Miss E. Shuter. vhe, J. Aa
. Light.—1, G. W. Petter. 2, G. Dowker. 3, A. Ive. Cockerel—l, C.
i 2,G. Dowker. 3, A. Ive. Pullet.—l and 2, G. W. Petter. 3, C.
vhe, F.B. Cobb. SPpanisH.—l, R Cheesman. 2, W. Hamilton.
Chickens J. Wood. 2 J. Francis) FRENcH.—Houdans—l, A. Ive. 2, W.
Howard, jun. 8, Mrs. Vallance. Creve-Ceurs.—l, H. Stephens. 2, E. Burrell.
3, Miss A: sharp. Game.—Cock.—1, F. Warde. 2, J- Koight. 8, E. Ray. Hen.
—1, V. Sandford. 2, F. Warde. 38, W. Foster. Cockerel—l, F. Warde. 2, V.

December 13, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

465

Sandford. 8,T. Docwra. Any other variety —Cock.—l, F. FitzHerbert. 2, W.
Foster. 8,F. Warde. Hen.—1, F. FitzHerbert. 2, T. Docwra. 3, Harms and
Flliott. Hampurcus —Spangled.—l, A. G. Avenell. 2and3,J.Lony. Peneilled
—1, W. K. Tickner. 2,G.P.Pointer. 8,J,Long. SuLTans.—l and 2, A, Christy.
ANY OTHER VakiETY.—],E. Ayre. 2,C.H. Huish. SELLING CLasses.—Pair.—
], F. Cheesman. 2,A. Todd. 8, Mrs. Brassey. Cock.—l, R.Cheesmau. 2, F.
Cheesman. 8, A. Burch. Extra 8,R. P. Sol'y. Hen.—l,Major W. Plummer.
2, A. E. W. Darby. 8, Capt. Rice. Any number—Equal 1, J. Buckmaster, C.
Hopper. 3,R. A. Boissier. 8, W. Hamiltun. Extra 3,F. Court. BanTams —
Red Game.—Cup, R. Osborn. 2, E. Morgan. Any other variety Game.—l, J.
Harrison. 2, W. S. Marsh. 8, W. Adams. Black or White.—1, H. Siephens
2, W. White. 8,L G. Morrell. Any other variety.—Cup, M. Leno, 3,4. Buss.
3, T. W. Anns, Duoxs.—dylesbury.—l, F. E. Arter. 2, F. Lake. 8, J. Hart.
Rouen.—Cup, C. Ratcliffe. 2,J. Austen. 3, F. Cheesman. Any other variety.
—1, A. Kitchin. 2and8,M.Leno. GzEsE.—land 8, F. FitzHerbert. 2, J. and
‘W. Birch. Torkrys.—l, Col. R.P. Laurie. 2, F. Warde. 8, Rev. F. T. Scott.
Poults—1, F. Warde. 2, Col. R. P. Laurie. 8, W. V. Lister. _

PIGEONS.—Careiers.— Cock.—1, J. K. Cueksey. °, J. Harris. 8.C. F. Shoo-
smith. Hen—1,J.C.Ord. %,H.C. Sutton 8,H.1. Goodman, Yourg.—Cup
and 8, J.C. Ord. 2,H.C.Sutton, PourErs.—Cock—l and 8,M.H.Gill. 3, Dr.
Bowes. Hen—l and 2, M. H. Gill. 8, Dr. Bowes. Harss.—l, W. Belsey.
TumBLERS.—dlmond.—l and 2, H. Curry. 8, C. P. Shoosmith. Any other
variety—1, E. Ayre. 2, F. Winser. 8, W. White. Jacopins.—l and 2, A. G.
Avenell. 8,J. A. Westbrook. Dracoons.—Cock.—l, W. B. Tegetmeier. 2, C.
F. Shoosmith. 8, W. White. Hen.—l, W. B. Tegetmeier. 2, W. C. Couchman,
3, R. Osborn. Owts.—English—l, J. Barnes 2 and 3, T. G. Sprunt vhe, H.
Cc. Sutton, W. White. Foreign.—l and 2, Dr. Bowes. Tursits.—l, W. K.
Stevenson. 2and38.J.Homes. Fantatts—l, H. T. Goodman. 2, C. F. Shoo-
smith. 8, W. J. Burdett. ANTWERP3,—Short faced.—Cock.—l, B. Payne. 2
and 8, J. K.Cucksey. Hen.—1,F.Winser. 2,T.K.Cucksey. 3,J T.Theobald.
Homing.—Cock.—1, T.Gomm. 2, G.L. Lenny. Extra 2. W.S. Marsh. 3 and
Extra, S. R. Pearce. Hen—1, J. W. Barker. 2, J. Winser. Equal 2, W. J.
Palmer. 8, W.G.Tegetmeier. Equal$,S.B. Pearce. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—
J, Dr. Bowes. 4, H. Williams. 4, H.C. Sutton. SELLING Crass (£4),—1, T.
H. Cucksey, 2,3. Harris. 8,H.T.Goodman. £1 10s.—1land 2,J.T. smith. 8,
H. Golden.

Mr. Nichols judged Dorkings, Cochins, Brahmas, Spanish, and
French; Mr. Cannon the remaining classes of poultry; and
Mr, Esquilant the Pigeons.

HUDDERSFIELD BIRD SHOW.
Av open Show, the first of the kind held at Huddersfield, took

place on the 7th, Sth, and 10th inst. The entries, althouxzh not |
numerous, were made up with specimens of good quality |
throughout the classes. Mr. George Atkinson the Seoretary, |
who is heart and soul in the bird cause, and upon whom rested |
the general arrangements of the Exhibition, deserved all praise |
for the manner the birds were staged and attended to. We may |
here drop a hint of the oft-repeated complaint by managers of

bird shows, that exhibitors of cage birds should see taut the |
birds’ water tins bo made to hold water. Some of the vessels
sent to Huddersfield Show leaked like sieves. This matter
not only endangers the lives of choice birds but gives extra
trouble and incurs expense. The Lancashire and Yorkshire
breeds of Canaries exhibited were especially fine. The follow-
ing are the awards :—

CAGE BIRDS.—Coppies.—Clear or Ticked Yellow.—1, 2, and vhe, Wright
and Smethurst. 8, Fleming & Akam. Clear or Ticked Buff —l. 2, and 3,’
Wright & Smethurst. Yellow, Clear, or Ticked Plainhead.—1 and 2, Wright
and Smethurst. 8, L. Belk, Buff, ditto—l and vhc, Wright & Smethurst.
2,L. Belk. 8, Fleming & Akam. YorksHIRE.—Ulear Yellow.—1, Mackley Bros.
2. Wright & Smethurst. 8, M. Holroyd. ‘vhc, M. Holroyd, Fleming & Akam.
Clear Buff—l, M. Holroyd. 2 and 8, Mackley Bros. vhe, J. Wilkinson (3).
Unevenly-marked Yellow.—1, Mackley Bros. 2, J. Wilkinson. 38, G. Turner.
vhe, J. Howroyd, J. Wilkinson, L. Belk. Unevenly-marked Buff —l, Mackley
Bros. 2 and 8. L. Belk. vhc, J. Wilkinson, Mackley Bros. KHvenly-marked
Yellow or Buf.—l, T. M. Reid. 2, J. Wilkinson. 8, Mackley Bros. vhc,
Wright & Smethurst (2), J. Wilkinson, Mackley Bros. (2), G. Turner. Noxrwica.
—Clear Yellow—1 and 2, Mackley Bros. 8, W. Hallam. Clear Buff—1 and
whe, Mackley Bros. 2, J. Cleminson. 3, W. Hallam. Tecked or Unevenly-
marked Yellow.—2 and 8, Mackley Bros Ticked or Unevenly-marked Buf. —2,
W. Hallam. 8, Mackley Bros. Any other variety of Yellow or Buf.—l, J.
Olemingon. 2, 8. and vhe, Mackley Bros. Lizarps.—Golden-spangled.—l, 2,
and8, Wright & Smethurst. vhe, A. Hamer. Silver-spangled.—1, Wright and
Smethurst. 2,J. Cleminson. 3, A. Hamer. Breneran.—Yellow or Buff, Clear
er Ticked.—1 and 8, Wright & Smethurst. 2, L. fownsley. vhc, L. Townsley,
A. Hamer. Cinnamon.—Yellow or Buff'—1, W. Barwell. 2,J Cleminson, 8,
Mackley Bros. Muces.—Clear or Variegated.—2 and 8, Wright & Smethurst.
ANY VARIETY OF BRITISH BiIRD.—], Mackley Bros. 2, Mrs. J. Fogs. vhe, R
Pearson, J. ¥. Powell, J. Wilkinson. Parrors.—Grey, Green, and King.—2, R.
Pearson. ANY VARIETY OF SMaLi. ForEIGN Brrps.—Single or in Pairs.—l,
Mackley Bros. 2, W. Burniston. 8, T. Ramsden.

The Judge was Mr. G. J. Barnesby, Derby.

THE RABBIT HOUSE.

Oxp lofts, lumber-rooms, outbuildings, or stables are often
pitched upon as fit and proper places to keep Rabbits. It is of
course obvious that such places when snug and warm will
answer very well, but they have one great objection. If the
Rabbit hutches are placed in a room used for any domestic
purpose the great objection is that people going in and out will
leave the door open, admit cats and aes, make disturbances,
and sometimes interfere with the Rabbits emselves. It there-
fore pays much better to have a building or lock-up room devoted
entirely to Rabbits. It is by no means necessary to erect a
special building for the purpose, as often an unused room or
building will do just as well. A fancier at St. John’s Wood
keeps a large stock of Rabbits ina bedroom, while several people
utilise collars. A cellar conveys an idea of dampness, and if
used there should certainly be some means of artificial heat, or
the air will be much too damp and cold. A gas jet will often
effect what is necessary, or a large paraflinlamp. A fire in the
old-fashioned fireplace where about 75 per cent. of the heat
e:capes v77 the chimney is not good, because it is impossible to |

- more would not be objectionable.

keep a fire in always the same, and the inmates will be some-
times too hot and sometimes cold. A centre stove with a pipe
to take off the smoke is also open to a similar charge, though
often when used with coke it will fulfil its work pretty fairly.
For Lops the temperature should be kept considerably higher
than for the other and more hardy varieties, though too much
heat is not healthy. For Rabbits of the hardier varieties it is
only necessary to keep the air warm and genial, but damp must
be fought against in all cases.

If a cellar be selected as the future home of Rabbits the floor
shoald be first paved with cement. If there is a brick floor a
very thin coating will be sufficient, which will of course be
naturally thicker at the joints where the damp is apt to rise.
If there is no floor the earth should be carefully levelled and
trampled bard down. If the ground is soft it should be hardened
in some way by the treading-in of small stones, or the cement
will crack owing to its having no foundation. Then a layer «f
cement about half an inch thick should be laid and smoothed
with aboard. The cement need not be pure, as the admixture
of a little sand will do no harm, and sand may be hammered
on the cement in drying. To secure absolute smoothness
two men sbould take a loog board and draw it along the cement
while it isin the course of drying. Great care must be taken
that no one treads on it for the first few hours after it is laid,
and by the next day there will be a floor of strength. If,
however, it is laid on new soil it will not last more than a
few weeks, and will soon break up. It will be as well, if it
can be arranged, for the floor to slope gradually towards the
drain. If this is at the side a sloping gutter can be made, which
should be cemented a little thicker than the rest of the floor.
The walls must be made secure from any draught, but a brick
might be knocked out close to the top and as nearly over the
gas jet or lamp as possible for the purpose of ventilation.

It is best to find some building ready for use with a little
adapting, as otherwise the labour is much increased; but if one
cannot be found it may be built much cheaper than is gene-
rally thought. The first three or four courses of bricks should
be 9 inches, and it would be better to make them that thickness
all the way up, although it is usual to be content with 44-irch
courses for the upper portion. This, however, is not very
strong or durable. A bricklayer who will act under your direc-
tion in the evening will be of great assistance and not muh
extra cost. A corner of a garden or house with two sides reacy
built will be foand to be the best for the purpose, as you will
then save the expense of building two of the sides. Sometimes
the third side consists merely of stout boards hammered across,
but this is not so warm or lasting as brick. Size must deperd
entirely upon inclination and the number of Rabbits intended
to be kept. Six feet is often the limit of height. This is high
enough for the lower end of a lean-to roof, although a few inches
The roof will be hest made
as a leau-to against the highest wall, and should be of slates or
tiles. The latter are best, not being good conductors of heat. The
door is the most difficult and perhaps the most expensive part
of the whole, and it can hardly be managed without professional
assistance. It is often made very low for the purposes of
economy. Those who do not mind stooping may avail them-
selves of the economy, as no harm results from it being low,
except perbaps that of not looking so well. Several little im-
provements will suggest themselves to the builder. A trench
should be made down one side to a drain, and the floor should
be cemented.

These rabbitries will be very handy and useful, nor will they
be dear. The great advantage of cement floors is the ease with
which they can be cleaned. Water should be freely used when
the process is going on, and the drain will take the water well
off. After this is finished sand should be scattered on the floor,
and then all will be sweet and healthy.—Gera.

BrrMincHam Pouutry SHow.—The Secretary informs us that
a Brown Rad hen of Mr. H. HE. Martin’s having been accidentally
left unpenned in her class at the time of judging, Mr. Lane was
requested to look over the class again afterwards, when the bird
was placed equal second.

LARGE versus SMALL HIVHS.

“B. & W.” finds fault with my answers to the questions of
“A KinkENNY BEE-KEEPER.” He says that ‘Mr. Pettigrew
dismisses the subject with an answer which is by no means
complete, and which in fact deals slightingly with the whole
subject.” Iam quite certain that the Editors of this Journal,
who are the most competent judges in this matter, will not
blame me for treating slightingly any question they ever sent
me for answer, and the “ Kinkenny BEE-KEEPER”’ himself has
sent a letter to the Editors in which he very warmly expresses
his thanks for the answers. ‘“B. & W.” does his best in answer-
ing the questions cent to him, and I do my best with those sent
to me; but when all is done that we can do there is much left
undone, for in every question of bee-management there are

466 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

[ December 18, 1877.

manifold and multiform points and aspects which cannot be
compressed in the limited space allowed for our answers and
letters. ‘“B. & W.” says that I have frequently admitted that I
do not understand the management of bar-frame hives. Surely
he has misunderstood some statement of mine, and, therefore,
unwittingly misrepresented my meaning. [or fifteen years I
have believed that there is nothing of importance connected
with bar-framers which I do not understand.

One point or statement in “B. & W.’s” letter I will now
notice rather prominently, for it is of great importance to bee-
keepers generally. He says, ‘‘ Where, as in my own case, the
pasturage is scanty and unproductive, such large hives as Mr.
Pettigrew’s are worse than useless. I have abundantly proved
it to be true.” In my opinion this statement is made in a
reckless manner, and is about as misleading as any statement
that ever fell from the pen of a teacher, for hundreds of en-
lightened apiarians in all parts have found that wherever honey
can be obtained, large strong hives gather it faster than strong
small hives.

Clever and experienced men in the bar-frame school are
moving in the right direction by adopting larger sizes of hives.
Their intelligence and experience will lead them onwards and
upwards. If a large good hive were sent down to the worst
district of Somersetshire, and there placed beside one of
“3B. & W.’s” smaller hives, not one of these enlightened men
would believe that the large hive there ‘‘ would be worse than
useless.’ Fifty reapers can cut and gather together a poor crop
of oats much sooner than twenty-five reapers can, and likewise
e, hive containing 50,000 bees can gather honey in any district
faster then a hive containing only 30,000. Irepeat what I said
before, that wherever large hives are introduced and fairly
msnaged small hives go into disrepute. Many other advocates
of small hives at one time have outlived their ancient notions
and prejudices, and now keep hives of larger dimensions. Pro-
bably ‘“B. & W.” will do the same some day. At any rate it is
rather late in the day to convince bee-keepers that large hives
are worse than useless anywhere. In the bee world there is
ample scope for all teachers, for every school of thought and
practice. ‘B. & W.” has lessons to give, and I have some to
give. Surely we can give those lessons without squabbling.—
A. PETTIGREW.

ENLARGEMENTS OF HIVES—TAKE OF
HONEY.

I Have to tender my thanks to Mr. Pettigrew for kindly
answering my questions. His doing so was doubly interesting to
me, as I have invented a system of bee-keeping rather similar
to his, the main difference between them being, I work mine
with frame hives of my own invexrtion. As I am not well versed
in the technicalities of bee language, I would feel obliged if Mr.
Pettigrew would explain in detail what he means by eking and
nadiring. Iam also very anxious to know the size of his honey
hives, and how many pounds of honey he would expect to get
from a strong hive and its swarms in a good seasun.—A. Kin-
KENNY BEE-KEEPER.

[In my answers to this gentleman’s first letter the size of
hives was stated. Some are 16,some 18, and some 20 inches
wide, and not less than 12inches deep. Some are deeper than
12inches. The sizes I prefer are 16 and18inches wide and 14
deep. The earliest and best swarms are hived in the larger
sizes, and the later swarms in the smaller. In fine seasons for
honey the bees require more room, which is provided and given
to them in supers, ekes, and nadirs. A nadir is simply an
empty hive with a hole in its crown placed beneath a full one.
The door of the full one is closed, and the bees soon commence
filling the nadir with combs and brood; meanwhile almost all
the store honey goes to the top hive, filling the brood cells as
fast as they are emptied. By the end of good seasons the nadirs
have honey enough stored in them to keep the bees through the
winter. In this way both a stock and a honey hive are ob-
tained. If your Kilkenny correspondent will put one of his
own frame hives beneath a full one next spring, say about the
beginning of May, he will see for himself what nadiring is; and
if he put another empty frame hive on the top of both about the
beginning of June, he will learn that a hive may be both nadired
and supered ina season on the non-swarming system of manage-
ment. Thus the nadir becomes the stock hive, while the middle
hive is taken for honey and the top one for honeycomb.

Eking is the simplest and most natural because least com-
plicated of all modes of enlarging hives. By eking we enlarge
or elongate hives, making them 4 or 6 inches deeper at a time.
Riddle rims made the same width of the hives and placed be-
neath them is eking. Eking in Cheshire is generally called
“vaising,” which is a very descriptive term.

In good seasons good first swarms rise in weight to 120, 130,
and 1501bs. each. Old stocks to 80 1bs. and 90 lbs. each. Second
swarms fo 60lbs. and 70lbs. each. The average weight of a
hive, board, and bees, is about 20 lbs., and in estimating the quan-

tity or weight of honey in hives we not only deduct the weigh t
of hives, board, and bees, but allow about 30 per cent. for refuse
of the combs. A hive weighing 120 lbs. gross will thus yield
70 lbs. of pure honey, and the 30 los. of refuse will yield about
3lbs. of wax. From 30 lbs. to 401bs. of honey from either stock
or second swarm we consider a fair average take of honey in
good seasons, and about 2lbs. of wax. _

Instead of eking our first swarms in June and July we gene-
rally super them, and in this way get about 40 1bs. of honey and
a super of 30 lbs, of comb in a honey season from a first swarm.
Your correspondent will now see how difficult it is to keep an
apiary full of large hives, for in good seasons they become too
heavy for stocks—hence they are put down for honey and run into
cash. All our hives containing 30 lbs. of honey in autumn are
run into cash, and the bees are housed in smaller hives, and fed
into stocks at an expense per stock of 5s.each. The average
annual profits of an apiary well managed is about £2 per hive.—
A. PETTIGREW. |

OUR LETTER BOX.

CANARIES HIGH-coLOURED (ZH. W.).—Cayenne pepper mixed with their
food heightens the colour of the feathers. ;

Pia ManaGEMENT.—4n Old Subscriber would be much obliged by fall
directions how best to breed the pig, what sort to keep, and how to fatten.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SquaRE, Lonpon.
Lat. 51° 3240" N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. 9 A.M. In THE Day.
mo -_ 5
dh .| Hygrome-| 2,3 |5+2,;|Shade Tem-| Radiation | 2
1877 Goae ter. 2 aa =| perature. |Temperature.| 3
Dec. |24E5 | g= |Ban In | On
Asa!) Dry.| Wet.| Qo | Max.| Min.| sun. |grass.
Inches.| deg. | deg. deg. | deg.
We. 5 | 29970 | 42.0 | 41.1 N. | 48.2 | 44.8
Th. 6 | 29.511 | 45.2 | 44.6 S. | 43.2 | 54.2
Fri. ‘7 | 29982 | 40.8 | 89.0} W. | 48.9 | 48.1
Sat, 8 | 30.178 | 87.1 | 86.0} W. | 42.9 | 468
Sun. 9 | 30,222 | 45.4 | 48.0 Ss. 42.4 | 488
Mo. 10 | 29.979 | 35.7 | 85.4 | S.W. | 420 | 40.7
Tu. 11 | 30.074 | 84.4 | 84.8 W. | 40.9 | 40.8 k
Means} 29.980 | 40.0 | 89.1 42.6 | 46.2 | 86.2 58.6 | 30.9 | 0.460
REMARKS.

5th.—Damp day, sky a little clearer at times, but rain at night.
6th.—Dark wet morning, finer after 11 a.m., with sunshine; clear starlight
night.

7th.—Fine fresh morning, but dull and rainy after 3 P.M.

8th.—Fine dry day, with several hours’ sunshine.

9th.—Fine and bright throughout.
10th.—Foggy in morning, dry pleasant day, but no sunshine; clear night.
11th.—Very foggy early, and slightly thick during the day.

Drier, finer, and slightly cooler than previous weeks.—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—DrcEemMseER 12.

Our market is now very bare of Pears. The supply of foreign fruit having
considerably fallen off we are now feeling the effects of the light crop ofhome
produce. Late-keeping Apples, such as Blenheims, Wellingtons, and Kings,
though light, are only making average prices, but late sorts bid fair to fetch
their value owing to the indifferent supply of American froit this year. Late
Grapes—such as Alicante, Lady Downe’s, and Gros Colman—are in good
supply, but Black Hamburghs are nearly off our market.

FRUIT.

8. d. s.d. 8. d. s. d.
Apples.......2+- }sieve 2 6to5 O| Melons.......... each 0 Oto0 0
Apricots ....... dozen 0 0 O 0} Nectarines .... dozen 00 00
Chestnuts .. bushel 10 0 20 0} Oranges........ #100 83 0 10 0
}sieve 0 0 O O| Peaches...... dozen 00 00
}sieve 0 0 O O| Pears, kitchen dozen 10 8 0
dozen 00 00 dessert .. 20 60
lb. 0 6 O 8| Pine Apples Gas)
lb. 0 6 O 9} Plums...... 00 00
}bushel 0 0 O Oj} Raspberries 0000
Grapes, hothouse lb. 1 6 8 O| Walnuts........ bushel 56 0 8 0
Lemons ........ 100 6 0 10 0| ditto.......... #10000 00

VEGETABLES.
gs. d. s.d. 5.d. s. a
Artichokes...... dozen 2 Oto4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle 1 6 2 0
Beans,Kidney forced100 1 0 1 6| Mustard&Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
Beet, Red dozen 1 6 8 0} Onions ... 26 8 6
Broccoli .. bundle 09 1 6 pickling 0400
Brussels S § tsieve 2 6 0 0/| Parsley.. 20 00
Cabbage dozen 1 0 2 0| Parsnips.. -- dozen 00 00
Carrots bunch 0 4 O 6| Peas.... -» quart 0 0 00
Capsicums.. #100 1 6 2 0} Potatoes.. -. bushel 3 6 6 0
Cauliflowers.. dozen 20 4 0 Kidney ...... bushel 6 0 7 O
Celery .......... bundle 1 6 2 0| Radishes.. doz.bunches 10 I 6
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 O| Rhubarb. .. bundle 06 10
each 1 0 1 6] Salsafy . pbunde 09 10
dozen 10 2 0] Scorzonera bundle 10 0 0
bunch 0 8 O 0O| Seakale .. 20 26
Ib. 0 6 O 0} Shallots. ib. 0 8 0 6
bunch 0 2 O 0| Spinach.. . bushel 2 6 40
dozen 10 2 0/Turnips........ bunch 0 8 O 4
bunch 0 2 0 4/ Veg. Marrows.. each 0 0 0 O

ae ee

December 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

467

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun | sun Moon | Moon | M »g/ Clock | Day |
of of DECEMBER 20—26, 1877. Temperature near | p- y Rix oon 8 petore of {
nein Week, HF LowaGne Rises. | ali Rises, Sets Age. | Sane Vaart
| Day. |Night.|Mean-| b. m.| h. m.| 4. om.] bh. ma. | Dave m. 3.
20 | TH | Sale of Orchids at Stevens's Rooms. 44.1 | 33.6 | 3889 | 8 G6) 3 50) 8 27] 8 81 2 2) 854
2 | i 82. 8.7 | 38.5 6 1 9 5 8 1 2 | 356
23 | SUNMCSaNDAT LINO ADVENT. 441 SL are 8 7 | 8 52 a 48 10 24) 19 0 32 |°857
24 | M 44.0 | 815 ! B52 L | 10 43 | «20 0-8 | 858
25 | Tc | Carisrmas Day. 43.4 | 29.4 | 864 | 8 8 8 53 | 10 87] 10 58 21 before |. 859
26 | W | Sz. SrepHen. Bank Holiday. 43.2 | 314 | 87.3 8 8 | 3 54 | Morn. | 11 12 22, 0 .57 | 360

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43.9° ;

and its night temperature

KITCHEN-GARDEN NOTES.

XCEPTIONALLY cold and prolonged wet
weather has not been without its effect
upon ‘kitchen-garden crops, all of which
have suffered more or less from the in-
clemzency of the weather.

Porators were late. The early crops
were not particularly large, but good in
quality, and free from disease up to the
middle of August, after which the murrain
became very virulent both in the earlies

and second early varieties, they with the late kinds being

fully three-quarters diseased, and in some instances, par-
ticularly in rich and moist soil, scarcely affording the
quantity of sound tubers equal to the seed. The best
early was Veitch’s Ashleaf, good alike for forcing or out-
doors. Early White Kidney (Fenn) is a capital sort,
forcing well and cropping heavily. I have tried most
early round sorts, but have not found one at all equal to
the kidney kinds either in earliness, quality, or produc-
tiveness. The best second early was the old Lapstone,
it cropped heavily, and was of superior quality. In
second early round kinds Rector of Woodstock bore-off
the palm, and Snowflake was excellent both as to quality
and produce. Those were the best out of over twenty
kinds which had been selected from that number multi-
plied by ten. The kinds named are the very cream of
garden Potatoes, quality and productiveness considered.
Pras.—Late, but excellent up to September. We did
not gather until June 28th from William I., an excellent
sort, and from Shah, which is a wrinkled Marrow, a few |
days later. It is a good cropping variety, about 24 feet
high, and of superior quality. Kirst and Best proved
very good, and is one of the hardiest and most useful of

the first earlies, though for quality I prefer William I.

‘Alpha did not do so well as usual; it, as Mr. Taylor states,

is not so hardy as some of the first and second earlies.

Dr. Hogg far excelled Alpha asa second early, and proved
first-rate. Dr. Maclean did the best of any Pes grown
this year, and I esteem it the best of all Peas for quality
and crop. Standard gave a heavy crop of well-filled pods
of peas of exquisite flavour; but its constitution does not
appear of the hardiest. Marvel had a superior crop of
the highest quality. That good old sort Veitch’s Per-
fection showed what it could do in a wet cold season; it
cropped well and continued bearing for along times. It
is still one of the very best Peas grown. Fillbasket pro-
duced an immense crop, but the peas were said to be old
when in reality they were not so old as Dr. Maclean and
Veitch’s Perfection by several days. It does not boil
well, and is sure to be rejected when the wrinkled peas
of the same age are pitted against it. Prince of Wales
(Dwarf Prolific) yielded to none in profusion and quality.
G. F. Wilson was not good this cold wet season; its pods
were short and badly filled; and Omega was little better.
Premier, preceded by Best-of-All, were both excellent.
Supplanter produced its immense pods sparingly, and

they were’ not very well filled. Of the above, which
No. 873.—Vou, XXXIII., NEw SERIES.

vary from 3to 4 feet in height, I should select, were I
stinted to three kinds, William I., Dr. Maclean, and
Omega or Veitch’s Perfection, the first two named being
the best for producing early and successive crops through-
out the season if only two kinds are required. Amongst
taller-growing sorts Culverwell’s Prolitic Marrow grew
8 to 9 feet high, and gave a quantity of its rather short
well-filled pods of very large peas of unsurpassed quality.
Ne Plus Ultra grew rank; the wet was too much for thie
very excellent late kind, which was not so good as usual ;
indeed wa ceased gathering peas daily after the 16th of
September, and the last dish was obiained on Octeber
12th. The parallel between this year and last as to late
Peas was very marked, both summers haying been cold
and wet.

Broap Brans were tardy in growth, and blanks pre-
vailed in the early crops in consequence of the weak
germinating power of the seed. ‘the late crops that
should have come-in in September were failures owing te
excessive wet which prevailed at the flowering period.
Seville Long-pod must be pronounced a failure in the
north ; it is a scanty cropper, and its long pods tell very
little as compared for productiveness with Harly Long-
pod, which is quite as early. Monarch is a very superior
kind, and a true stock of the Improved Windsor is not
yet surpassed.

Dwarr Kipnry Brans.—With too much wet and with-
out warmth they came to Little. Osborn’s New Forcing
was the best; but when forced, and also for the early
crops outdoors, Williams’s Harly Prolific was good, and
produced longer pods. Negro Loug-podded fully sustained
its character as a good main and late sort, as did Cana-
dian Wonder; but all were very much below an average
yield.

Runner Beans were not equal to a quarter of their
usual productiveness. Scarlet Champion was surpassed by
anew kind which I had for trial with white flowers and
white ripe seed. Premier Runner I have grown during
several years, and though it is very prolific it is not in
favour at table. Mont d’Or Butter Beans have failed;
they require a warmer season than has this year been
experienced in the north.

CAULIFLOWERS have been superb, none surpassing
Walcheren ; indeed nono other need be grown for affording
a succession from June to December inclusive. Veitch’s
Self-proteeting Autumn Broccoli is, however, a hardier and
excellent late kind.

Cappacrs.—It has been a good season for all these.
They started slowly, but afterwards grew luxuriantly.
Heartwell Cabbage sown in spring has given and is giving
grand heads now, very tender and deliciously flavoured.
‘lhere will be no scarcity of Winter Greens, and though
Savoys may be somewhat small in size they are very
firm. Hill’s Incomparable, and Wheeler's Cocoa-nut,
with Heartwell (Carter), I consider the best of Cabbages
for spring, summer, or autumn. In Savoys Drumhead is.
good, but not so hardy as Green Curled. Brussels Sprouts
are shorter than usual, but the sprouts are unsually
compact. The kind grown is Scrymger’s Giant. I sow

No.1526.—Vou. LYIII., OLD SERIES.

£68

Jate in March or early in April where the plants are to remain,
thinning them out to the required distances. The plan
answers equally well also for Savoys, the plants being much
sturdier from the first, and receive no check by transplanting.
Broccout.—The heads were poorer last spring than we ever
had them; they were also late and came in “a glut.” I have
abandoned the culture of “ winter’? Broccoli, not having had
a head but what was damaged by frost for years, for the early
winter sorts do not head with me until late winter, and with
Cauliflower or autumn Broccoli, Veitch’s Self-protecting being
first-rate if lifted when the heads are 3 or 4 inches in diameter
and planted in frames and protected from frost, continuing until
very nearly the time the spring Broccolis come in. The kinds
grown are Veitch’s Spring White, a capital kind, having very
compact medium-sized pure white heads, followed by Cooling’s
Matchless, Leamington, Lauder’s Goshen, and Sutton’s Per-
fection, all first-class. I should not like to dispense with any
of these, but Leamington is perhaps the least satisfactory.
The plants are this year not strong. I have not laid the
plants for many years. None have been ‘“‘legged”’ by frost,
which may be due to the saline manures applied—nitrate of
soda, which is also a powerful agent against slugs; 1 1b. is a
sufficient application to a square rod—30+ square yards.
Carrots.—These have, as they have ever done with me,
grubbed, though I have used wood ashes, and soot and lime
plentifully, and have also grown Onions in the Carrot beds.

They are usually attacked at thinning time, when I usually |

dress with soot, evidently too late, as the eggs of the fiy sre
then deposited, the grub being at work shortly afterwards.
The wood ashes are placed in the drills at sowing time. A
wineglassful of parafiin well stirred into three gallons of water,
let stand forty-eight hours, and then having the oil skimmed
off, I find to be a good preventive both of grub in Onions and
Carrots, applying the water with a rose watering-pot when the
plants have two blades or two leaves besides the seed leaves,
and again just before or immediately after thinning. The
¥rench Forcing Carrot is the best for frames, Early Horn for
use in summer, and Intermediate Scarlet for autumn and
winter. Red Surrey is first-rate for deep soils.

Parsnivs and Brer.—Both crops are fine. Thereis no better
Parsnip than a good stock of Hollow-crowned. Of Beet Dewar’s
Dwarf Red is early and of good form, size, colour, and quality.
Bone others are higher-coloured, but they are not so uniformly
good.
much forked. Jerusalem Artichokes are very uneven in form.
Turnips are excellent, especially Early Snowball, Karly White
Stone or Six-weeks, and Golden Ball. Vegetable Marrows were
practically a failure. Long White was no better than the
Custard. The season has been too cold and wet for them.

Cr.eny is shorter and smaller than might have been expected,
but the quality is good. Sandringham or Incomparable Dwarf

White is the best white, and remains longer in use than any |

other sort. Leicester Red (Major Clarke’s) is the best red,
but it is not so good a keeper as Williams’s Matchless Red.
Lerruces were probably never finer. Harly Paris Market

is a first-rate Cabbage Lettuce for frames and for early use, |

coming in before any other by several days, and appears to be
not only earlier but hardier. Neapolitan is the finest of all
the Cabbage kinds for summer. Stanstead Park is the best
Cabbage sort for standing the winter. Of Cos varieties the
old Bath or Brown Sugarloaf is good, and for frames is un-
equalled, also for early summer use. Hicks’ Hardy White is
a good kind for either summer or winter, but is surpassed in
summer by the Alexandra White Coz, which is simply a good
stock of Paris White.

Enpive.—This is not so fine as usual. The Round-leaved
Batavian and Green Curled are the best. The plants have
often given so much trouble in covering and uncovering with
protecting material that we now plant in frames and cover
with dry leaves, which excludes frost and light. Thelights are
used to throw off wet. A foot thickness of leaves will keep
oe any, amount of frost and cause the Endive to blanch per-
ecily.

Cuicory.—I find it better to leave the roots in the ground
until wanted, as when they are taken up and stored in sand
growth takes place in mild weather, whereas by leaving them
in the ground we take up as wanted without any loss, and
plant in rich soil in a dark place. In a Mushroom house the
heads are fit to cut in about three weeks. Witloof is the same
as Large-rooted Chicory; in fact we have both sorts, and no
one can tell any difference between them. ‘The well-blanched
heads are admirable for winter salad.

Salsafy and Scorzonera are smaller than usual and |

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ December 20, 1877.

Of RapisHEs none are more esteemed than French Breakfast,
which is excellent for forcing; so algo is the White Forcing
Turnip (Sutton’s). Wood’s Harly Frame is all that need be
grown of the long short-tops for frames and early produce, but
in summer it is superseded by Long Scarlet.

TomatoEs.—Plants out of doors have entirely failed. Some
in cold pits had tbe disease badly, and others in a cocl house
were also infected, but others, again, in a warmer and drier
house were not contaminated, though the plants were placed
in contact with iruit blackened by the disease. Orangefield
Dwarf is fine for pots, and Hathaway’s Excelsior for planting
out against walls. Carter’s Greengage is the best of the yellow-
fruited sorts.

Onions have been a good crop and are keeping well, except

| Danver’s Yellow, which does not keep well with me, nor does

it crop so well as Reading, which, with White Spanish, are
the best whites. There is no difference in appearance between
Brown Globe and James’s Keeping, yet the latter will keep
much Jonger than the former, though both are good keepers.
Leeks have done grandly. Carentan is the best; it is an im-
proved Musselburgh.

ASPARAGUS came up very weakly. Some of the heads were
damaged by frost, the supply having been not only scant but
of short duration. Connover’s Colossal was very much better
than the old variety, which will soon be superseded by it.
Artichokes (Globe) have been excellent. The old plants con-
tinued producing heads late in November. Thespring-planted
suckers were not profitable. Summer Spinach was good. The
winter crop is very thin and not at all promising. Seakale
has made good growth and ripened off well. After two
seasons’ experience of Fern-leaved Parsley I find it superior
to any of the curled sorts both for culinary and for garnishing
purposes. Mushrooms, as regards fields, have been a blank.
Beds in the Mushroom house are cropping well and are pro-
ducing very fleshy Mushrooms. Rhubarb excellent; that now
forced is very strong for the time of year. St. Martin’s is the
best for forcing and early. Monarch is the largest eort and ig
of very good quality.—YorxsHIRE GARDENER.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.

GuapLy do I sit down to pen a few hints on Christmas
decorations in response to an appeal from a correspondent who
has annually to decorate a dining-room and a church, for it is
a subject to which the heart warms, beset as it is with plea-
sant associations and cheerful reminiscences ; not, alas! with-
out a tinge of sadness, the mind involuntarily taking a retro-
spective glance to scenes of brightness long since passed away
and dear friends gone to the ‘land of the leal.” How the
sad roll of the departed lengthens with every year of one’s
life! Christmas come again? Soitis. Soon will the little
folks be declaring that it is quite the best Christmas they have
known, and no doubt it will bring with it its own peculiar
delights. Let me therefore not stay to moralise, but turn forth-
with to the assistance of ‘‘ S.,”’ who in the dining-room appears
to have hitherto confined his efforts to wreathing the pictures
with evergreens, and who this year wishes to take a somewhat
higher flight.

Now, let us suppose we have such a room having pictures
hanging upon its walls with certain intermediate spaces, and
to which we wish to impart a festive appearance with simple
and inexpensive materials, and we might treat it very success-
fully inthis way: Between each pair of pictures exactly mid-
way we would fasten to the wall a bracket a few inches higher
than the bottoms of the picture-frames, placing upon the
bracket a vase filled with foliage of Iris foetidissima intermingled
with pods of its scarlet berries drooping down from the long
flexible stalks. Wreaths of Ivy should then be made to sweep
downwards from each side of the bracket in a bold graceful
curve, meeting another wreath from the next bracket in the
centre of the bottom of the picture-frame, where three or four
shoots of Ivy should hang down in the manner of a tassel.
Plants in pots could of course be used instead of vases, and
such other evergreens for the wreaths instead of the Ivy as
taste or fancy may suggest. Failing the brackets a cluster of
berried Holly might be used, but the effect would be neither
so light nor elegant.

Church decoration should, I think, be confined to the em-
bellishment of the pulpit, resding desk, altar, font, pillars,
lamps, window-sills, and perhaps some portion of the walls.
The seats should be left untouched, as also should memorial
tablets and monumental tombs. I am fully aware that here

SS.

Peceub>~ 20, 1877. }

JOTRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

469

T am upon a delicate and vexad subject, and will only say °

generally that it appears to me desirable in this matter to
strive for a happy medium between the florid embellishments
of an extreme ritualism and the vulgarity of a certain old
sexton, whose highest efforts never reached beyond sticking
branches of Holly into holes made in the tops of the partitions
and doors of certain old-fashioned square pews, and in throw-
‘ing a few pieces more Holly upon the window-sills.

Most pulpits are panelled, and I know of no better way of
treating them than to put a neat wreath of evergreens around
each panel with a sacred symbol or monogram upon the panel
itself. I have seon some very pretty wreaths composed of
Holly, Laurustinus, sprays of Conifers, various berries, and
white and yellow Everlasting Flowers. The best shrubs for
really choice wreaths are berried Holly and the rich golden
yellow variegated variety Golden Qaeen, Cotoneaster Simondsii,
Garrya elliptica, Laurustinus, Arbutus, Ivy, Berberis, sprays
of the scarlet Dogwood, Osmanthus, Skimmia japonica, Per-
nettya angustifolia, Euonymus radicans variegatus, and Box.
Moss may also be used and Fern fronds, such as Blechnum
‘boreale and the common Oak Polypody, so pretty at this sea-
son of the year with its yellow fructification, and Iris fcetid-
issima may also be turned to account for this purpose. There
‘is an indescribable charm about a well-made and skilfully-
arranged wreath which can only be imparted when the makers
possess refined and cultivated tastes; and I would counsel
those who are sensible of a deficiency in this respect to avoid
-all ambitious attempts at startling effects or elaborate embel-
lishments. Rather let your materials be few and simple, and
:also let that be the characteristic of your decorations, for then
-you will probably succeed in pleasing in a matter wherein you
cannot reasonably hope to do more.—Epwarp Luckuourst.

JUDGING ROSES.

In the peculiarly interesting report of the meeting of the
‘National Rose Association on December 6th allusion is made
to the desirableness of formulating rules for the guidance of
judges. It is much to be desired. Every man fancies he is a
judge of wine, a judge of theology, and able to judge Roses.

Judging from complaints in print, the office is sometimes
accepted somewhat lightly and unadvisedly. At the large
shows, however, and where well-known names are in office, it
is more than foolish to make any question. Ido not write as
ajadge. ‘I am not the Rose,’ as the French proverb says,
“¢but I have lived near it.’’ I have often been adjudicated
upon, and I can only recollect two or three instances in which
amy partial opinion and that of two or three friends differed
‘from the decision, and then the doubt was at once removed
-on asking for an explanation. After a certain time the faculty
‘becomes almost an instinct. It is not often that boxes run
each other very close; if so, I have observed one way is to
pick oat the weak points first of all. Whoever has fewest
inferior flowers wins. Another plan is to give marks, and this
I apprehend, in coanection with the other, is the one generally
adopted.

Mr. Shirley Hibberd, in his ‘‘ Amateur’s Rose Book,’’ lays
‘down the canon, ‘‘ No new Rose ought to be certificated unless
‘it is Ist, distinct; 2od, of perfect form; 3rd, of good substance
of petal; 4th, each petal shell-shaped and egg-shaped.’ The
same principle will apply when compared in close competition.
Form, colour, size, are the three necessary qualities according
‘to Mr. Michel. Canon Hole, in his royal ‘‘ Rose Book ’’ decrees
much the same. ‘‘ Show Roses require beauty of form, beauty
of colour, and that the Rose having both these qualities shall
‘ba exhibited in the most perfect phase of its beauty and in the
fullest development to which skill and care can bring it.”
“* An exhibition Rose should have,” writes Mr. A. H. Kent
(a name which many have missed of late from the Rose pages
.of our Journal)—‘‘1, Richness or delicacy of colour; 2, Sym-
-metry in form; 3, Size, in connection with 4, Vigorous habit ;
5, Free-blooming qualities.”

Bat perhaps Mr. T. Moore, F..S., in an interesting paper
“Qn Jadging New Plants’’ has given the fullest directions of
vall. Taking one hundred marks as indicating the highest
degree of excellence, he would assign: 1, Form, 15 points;
2, Substance, 15; 3, Smoothness, 15; 4, Colour, 10; 5, Fixity
-of colour, 10; 6, Proportion, 10; 7, Size, 10; 8, Distinctness, 10;
9, Novelty, 5.

I do not myself attach much importance to the idea that
even first-class judges haye their hobbies and sometimes ride
¢nem rather fast. There are three judges in most cases, and

two may be always trusted to keep the third straight. The
suggestion i3 certainly good that the N itional Rose S dciety’s
Committee should ba aaked to codify som3 rules on the subjact.
Lord’s lays down laws for cricket; croquet and lawn tennis
have both their national club rules; how much more should
that which is rapidly becoming one of the fine arts? Only let
those most competent consult together. As Sidney Smith
said to the London Corporation when doubting about putting
down the first wood pavement, though far be it from me to
apply it in his irreverent spirit, ‘‘ Gentlemen, you have only
to put your heads together and the thing is done.”—A. C.

IBERISES.

Mr. Harprne's remarks on page 453 and the note appended
thereto are opportune, a3 undoubtedly much confusion exists
regarding the nomenclature of these attractive spring-flower-
ing plants. LIberises are yearly increasing in popularity, and

Fig. 88.—Iberis Ten -r2ana.

certainly few plants have a more cheering efiect on rocks and
in borders in spring and early summer. Their bold yet chaste
masses of snowy whiteness are extremely conspicuous, and
when the flowers have faded and the plants are neatly trimmed
they are yet even attractive by their fresh cushions of green.

There can be little doubt but that the plant alluded to by
Mr. Harding is I. coriacea, a synonyme of correxfolia; but the
synonyme ought certainly to be accepted as the name of this
very fine variety, and much confusion would be avoided by
two names so similar as corifolia and correwfolia being attached
to two such dissimilar plants. The name of coriacea is with
the more appropriate of the two, for the foliage of the plant to
which it is applied is decidedly coriaceou=, and its flowers are
less flimsy than those of most others of the family. The
foliage of the plant certainly bears a resemblance to that of
some of the Correas, but it is not particularly striking, and
no harm would be done, but, on the contrary, mistakes would
be avoided, by accepting coriacea as the distinguishing name
for the fine Iberis that Mr. Harding doubtless alludes to.

A few years ago a well-known correspondent of the Journal
sent me plants named I. corifolia. These were greatly admirea,

470 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 20, 1°77-

and some visitors on purchasing as they thought the same
variety very naturally had plants of the species figured in
your last issue sent to them. I afterwards ascertained that
my stock was misnamed. Had the name oi coriacea been
generally adopted no such mistake could have arisen.

Mr. Harding is, I think, quite right that I. saxatilis and
I. corifolia are synonymous ; but I. coriasea is much finer than
the species grown under either of those names. It has very
large round flowers and handsome flower heads, resembling
somewhat those of Tenore’s Iberis, I. Tenoreana. The last-
named is a very fine sort, especially for pot culture. Its
foliage is very distinct, on account of the lower leaves being
smooth and entire, those of the upper portion of the stem
being toothed or crenated. ‘The plant is well adapted for rock-
work, and, as suggested, it is well worthy of being cultivated
in pots. The flowers continue for a long time in beauty, and
are very attractive in the greenhouse in spring. For cultiva-
tion in borders I. coriacea is, I think, the finest of all the
Iberises.—A. N. G.

A SELECTION OF THE BEST HARDY FRUITS.

Lise all gardeners who have undergone 2 thorough train-
ing to their profession, when an under gardener I had oppor-
tunities of gaining knowledge from many clever masters in
large and small places, and in widely different localities, both
in north and south. Amongst our evening amusements in
the ‘‘ bothy”’ particular attention was given to noting down
all the work that had been done in each department during
the day; when everything was started into growth how long
it took the produce to mature, which varieties of fruits were
the best bearers, the kinds which hardly ever bore, and those
which seldom missed producing acrop. At that time all this
kind of information seemed scarcely worth the paper on which
it was scribbled, but now I often find it handy az a reference;
and as many are now wishing to know which varieties of fruit
trees they should plant to insure the greatest amount of suc-
cess, I have thought that the following selections from my old
calendars of sorts that rarely failed to produce a crop under
yaried conditions might be found to suit their requirements.
At the same time I may state the lists are not ‘‘ old-fashioned,”
because many of the sorts therein named have ripened very
heavy crops this season when fruit crops were a failure
generally.

Appies.— Dessert.—Margaret, the earliest of all Apples;
Kerry Pippin ; Cox’s Orange Pippin, exceedingly good, the very
best of all the Pippins; Golden Winter Pearmain, nearly as
good, suitable for both dessert and kitchen; Pitmaston Non-
pareil, Golden Pippin, Golden Harvey, and Winter Peach.
Kitchen.—At the Apple election Keswick Codlin headed my
list, and I must give it the same preference here. It has only
one fault—it will not keep late, but fur a sure cropper there is
none to equal it, and it is ready for use at a time when few
Apples are ripe. Lord Suffield, very large; Hawthornden,
very certain; Cox’s Pomona, Stirling Castle, Blenheim Orange,
Bess Pool, Northern Greening, Norfolk Beefin, and Scarlet
Nonpareil. All these will do as standards.

Prars.—Williams’s Bon Chrétien, Beurré d’Amanlis, Au-
tumn Bergamot, Beurré Diel, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Seckle,
Passe Colmar, Glou Morc¢eau, Winter Nelis, and Easter Beurré.
Excepting in very cold exposed localities all these succeed as
standards.

Prumus.—Dessert.—Green Gage, Coe’s Golden Drop, Jeffer-
son’s, Kirke’s, Late Orleans, Reine ClaudedeBavay. Hitchen.
What Keswick Codlin is amongst Apples the Victoria is amongst
Plums, it bears prodigiously either on 2 wall or as a bush;
Early Orleans, Goliath, Washington, White Magnum Bouum,
and Winesour. It is advantageous to place the most of these
against a’wall. The Damson so excellert for preserving may
be grown as a@ bush in either kitchen garden, pleasure grounds,
or orchard. I find this variety requires root-pruning oftener
than any other to keep it in good bearing condition.

Pracues.—Harly York, Hale’s Harly, Noblesse, Royal George,
Barrington, Lats Admirable, and Walburton Admirable. All
these must be grown against a south wall. During some
seasons Peaches do not ripen well in the open air. Many err
in planting sorts which are late in ripening, whereas by plant-
ing early kinds they have a much better chance of ripening
their fruit before the bad weather sets-in in autumn. The
two last-named Peaches are very late.

Necrarines.—Lord Napier, the earliest and excellent; El-
ruge, very fine; Violette Hative, just about as good; Pine

Apple, Victoria, and Pitmaston Orange.
the support of a south wall.

Apricots.— Moorpark and Oullin’s Early. These are the
most uncertain of a)l fruit trees.in cropping, and I must confess
that they are the only varieties in this selection not strictly
what they are represented to be—namely, annual bearers.
Where the two named fail others will not succeed.

Currriges.— Knight’s Harly Black, Black Eagle, Late Duke,
May Duke, and Morello. Ualike any of the other fruits named
these will all succeed admirably against a north wall.

Fics.—Brunswick, Brown Turkey, Brown Ischia, Bourjasotte:
Grise. Figs are not so often grown in the open air against.
walls as they should be. It is very rarely that those named
fail, and the heavy crops of fruit they ripen in the autumn
are always appreciated. The finest Figs I ever saw were
grown on an open wall in a garden in Hast Lothian.

Merpuars.—Broad-leayed Dutch, Small-fruited. As these
are s0 much inclined to spread and are not unornamental they
Bee ere suited to pleasure grounds or fields than the kitchen
garden.

Nurs.—Cosford, Kentish Cob, and Pearson’s Prolific may
be planted with the Medlars.

GoosEBERRIES.—Red.— Champion, Ironmoager, Crown Bob,
Champagne, Lord Derby, Rifleman, and Warrington. Yellow.
—Broom Girl, Pilot, Yellow Ball, and Yellow Sulphur. Green.
—Green Gage, Green Overall, Jolly Angler, and Pitmaston.
White-—Champagne, Queen Anne, and Whitesmith.

Currants.— Red.—lLa Fertile, Knight’s Large Red, Cherry,
Raby Castle, and Red Dutch. White.—Transparent White
and White Datch. Black.—Lee’s Prolific and Ogden’s Black.

RaspBERRIES —Carter’s Prolific, Fastolf, Fillbasket, Yellow
Globe, and White Antwerp.

STRAWBERRIES.—President, Keens’ Seedling, Dr. Hogg, an
improvement on British Queen; Elton Pine, late; Lucas, Sir
Charles Napier, and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury.

Jagt a word to purchasers of fruit trees. Always buy the-
very healthiest and best-grown examples that can be procured.
Stunted weakly-grown trees are very liable to canker, and even
if they escapes that disease they will not by the time they are
fairly into bearing produce half so much fruit as they would
have done had they been healthy trees to begin with—A
KircHEeN GARDENER.

These must all haye

EARLY-FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

I wave for some years been trying to get a collection of early-
flowering Chrysanthemums. I have fairly succeeded, and beg
to give your readezs a description of the best.

1. Precocité.—A beautiful jonquil yellow, 2 inches across.
This is in my opinion one of the best both as to form, colour,.
and for continuous blooming. In flower from the end of
August to snd of November. ;

2. Frederic Pelé——Bronze red. Very like the last variety in
form, growth, and size of flower. Bloomed from August to-
end of November.

3. Nanum.—Creamy blush. Flowers 23 inches across.
Bloomed in August. Very pretty and desirable.

4. Durham.—Pretty primrose. Flowers of good size. Blooms.
from August to eid of October. Last year a plant of this
variety had five hundred blooms. 2

5. Illustration —Colour light pink, changes to almost white.
Blooms from August to December.

6. Adrastus.—Colour a pleasing crimson. Bloomed in Oc-
tober. This will bloom much earlier under more fayourable
circumstances. The plant was raised from a late cutting.

7. Aigle d’Or.—Pretty yellow, cf a large size. Bloomed im
October. A very good variety.

8, 9,10. Jardin des Plantes.—Yellow, pink and white, and
white. All exactly the same in form and growth, dwarf in
habit, profuse in flowers. In bloom from August to the end
of October. The yellow variety also known by the name of
Golden Madame Domage.

11. Madame Bachouxr.—White, shaded light purple. Blooms
in August. Flowers of good size.

12. Madame Pecoul.—There are two varieties of this, light
and dark rose. Bloomsin August. Very desirable.

13. Saur Melanie—French white. Flowers large. This
should bloom in September; with me it was much later this
year. It is an exceedingly beautiful variety.

14. Madame Alphons.—French white. Very like the pre-
ceding variety.

15. Lucinda —Very light pink, in the way of Illustration.

a

December 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

471

16. Golden Button.—Small flower of a rich candy yellow;
entre tipped red. Very floriferous. Flowers from September
to December. Hardy and desirable.

17. Delphine Caboche.—Small flowers of a light reddish
mauye colour. Blooms from August to December.

18. Little Bob.—Small flowers produced im great numbers,
of a dark crimson colour. Very dwarf.

19. Cassy.—Small flowers of a pink and white colour.
Bloomed in October. Habit good.

20. Chromatella.—Orange, tipped red. Bloomed in Oetober.
Small flowers.

21. Ann Mitchell.—Bloomed in October.
a reddish brown colour. Habit good.

22. Mrs. Atkinson.—White, shaded pink. Bloomed in Oc-
tober.

23. La Vogue.—Small
Blooraed November 10th.

24. Esther Emans.—Bloomed in November, of a dark pink
<olour.

25. Salamon.—Bloomed November 7th. Dark rosy carmine.
Very pretty indeed.

26. Argentine.—Small pure white flowers. This should
bloom in September.

27. Jane Elizabech.—F lowers of the button size, of a pale
sulphur colour. This should bloom in September.

28. Lizzie Holmes —Yellow. Should bloom in September.

29. General Canrobert.—Button shape; colour pure yellow.
Bloomed October 25th.

30. Mrs. Hutt.—Reddish brown ;
November 5th.

The above thirty may all be called early-blooming varieties

for the garden borders. ‘The latest of them will bloom, in a
good season, not later than the beginning of October. Most
of them have flowers of a good size, and are handsome, showy,
and of compact habit. They are, too, of easy culture, and
they cannot fail to make our borders very gay and attractive
during the months of September and October, and, if the
weather should be favourable, to the end of November.
- LThope to still further increase and improve my collection.
{ shall be pleased to exchange cuttings with anyone or to know
where other varieties are to be purchased.—l’, Freeman,
Middleton Vicarage, Leeds.

Flowers small, of

yellow flowers; centre orange.

erect habit. Bloomed

AN AMATEUR’S GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE.

IT save much pleasure in contributing to the Journal a few
motes on my garden and greenhouse experience. Before, how-
ever, relating my successes and failures (as a beginner I of
course had some of the latter, and gladly accepted them be-
cause they taught me how to do things better in future) I
ought, perhaps, to state that my garden is not a large one, yet
it is of such a size as to keep me fully employed in all my
spare time, of which friends tell me I have plenty; but then
i rise very early in the morning, which is a great thing. For
gardening, like other work, there is no time so valuable and
-epjoyable as the early morn.

I have no gardener living on my premises. I employ one to
do some of the very rongh outdoor work and to keep the
lawns mowed; but I like to do without him as much as
possible, for the reason that apparently very few of the hired
men of this locality are competent gardeners. With the ex-
ception named I may say that I do all my own work both in
and out of doors. Nearly all persons are fond of flowers, but
there are some amorg them who do not care to do any work
dn order to produce them—they like to have them made like
many other things, and look at them without any trouble to
themselves. To my mind, in acting thus the resl pleasure of
having flowers in our gardens und conservatories is lost, and,
speaking for myself, I certainly prefer to rear them, watch
them, and attend to them, and so have all the pleasures and
delight appertaining to floricultare. In this delightful pur-
suit I regret to say I have not had a very long experience.

Until about two years back I was living in town, and there
much gardening cannot be done; still I had a friend in the
country who would send me annually a large hamper of bed-
ding plants, and with these I made my ‘“ town garden” look
cheerful. When I had left town for my present residence I
gladly aecepted another hamper of plants from my friend for
the first summer, but I felt that, having now a good garden
and pure air, that was not, as our brethren across the Atlantic
term it, the ‘‘O. K.” thing todo. Theplants s0 sent me were
not now sufficient for me; ry love for flowers was increasing,

and I must have more of them. Meantime in the spring I
had amused myself by making a couple of garden frames in
which to raise seedling plants. Although late I sowed some
Pyrethrum, Ten-week Stock, Indian Pink, Phlox Drummondi,
Balsam, and others: these with the contents of the hamper
afforded me in due season a good display of flowers; but my
chief flowers during the summer and autumn were and always
will be Roses, the queen of flowers. Of these I have nearly
a hundred standards and sundry climbers against walls and
fences. The standards are planted on either side of the paths,
thus forming avenues; they are of a great variety, and when
in the months of June and July all are in full bloom they are
a very pleasing sight indeed.

The soil here is not a good one for Roses, being of a very
light character; stiil with a good mulching of old stable
manure in the autumn and an occasional watering with liquid
manure when fresh growth commences in the spring and
throughout the summer, with careful pruning and the heads
frequently played upon with clear water through the garden
hose to keep off green fly, I have not only had some excellent
blooms, but a profusion of them. Taking them all round
they gave me great satisfaction. The following are a few
which, perhaps, did the best—viz., Jules Margottin, Due de
Cazes, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Dake of Edinburgh, John
Hopper, Exposition de Brie, Alfred Colomb, Gloire de Dijon,
Général Jacqueminot, Comtesse d’Oxford, Victor Verdier,
Madame Charles Wood, Madame Jules Margoitin, Baronne de
Rothschild, &c.

hese notes comprise my doings, shortly given, for the first
year of my gardening; it is purely that of an amateur, and
though from the nature of the plants I possessed this year no
great skill was necessary for their well-being, they, notwith-
standing, required considerable attention in order to make the
best of them. The great stumbling-block to my hobby for
flowers, and indeed gardening generally, was that I had no
place in which to preserve old plants and to propagate for
next year’s display. This was a great trouble to me. My
small garden frames which I had made were all very well to
raise a few plants from seeds, but that did not cover my am-
bition. I must have a greenhouse somehow or other. I had
taken my dwelling-honse only for a few years, time was fleeing
fast, and I did not care to go to the expense of erecting a
greenhouse wholly myself, for the reason that in a portable
house there is not that facility for heating as in a permanent
fixture, therefore I placed myself in communication with my
landlady’s representative, and after several months’ delay we
came to terms, which I need not here particularise. This
brings me to late in October; meantime there were great
doubts as to the success of my negotiation, and I felt some-
what reluctant to make any serious preparation for stocking a
house. However, I struck some ten to twelve dozen zonal
Pelargoniums, in the manner so often laid down in these pages,
in anticipation of a house being ultimately erected. It was in
due course completed, but I think I had better defer my doings
therein for publication in your Journal on some later occasion.
—L. Haxeman.

GLADIOLI. )

I was interested in ycur correspondent’s notes about Gladioli
on page 451, because he is in the same position as I was my-
self at one time. He seems to believe that there is disease
inherent in the Gladioli. 1 freely admit that up to the pre-
sent year I also laboured under the impression that the mys-
terious dying-away of the Gladioli was attributable to disease;
but having last spring improved my system of culture by
thoroughly preparing a bed of soil and by what I saw at the
Messrs. Kelway’s nurseries last September, where there was
not the slightest symptom of disease amongst the hundreds
of thousands of corms which they grow spread over six acres
of land, and the perfect immunity from any losses in my own
case when I gave them the soil that snited them, quite satisfies
me that there is no real disease. The mysterious losses so
common in them arise, I believe, solely from an unsuitable
soil or position or an insufficiency of water. For several years
I grew the Gladioli in the common soil of the garden here
and in beds with a portion of the soil removed and good soil
added to supply its place; but I met with indifferent success.
At last I determined to make one more effort, and I planted
them in a well-drained warm border with 2 feet of good loamy
rich soil, and the result was all that I could desire. In this
spot I planted over three hundred corms last spring, and I

472

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ Dezember 20, 2877.

never lost a corm from any cause whatever, and until the end
of November the foliage kept in a fresh healthy conditio2.—
J. C, Charke, Gardener, Cothelstone, Taunton.

A FEW MORE REMARKS ABOUT ROSES.

ALTHOUGH only an amateur I have for years taken great
interest in the cultivation of this lovely flower, and mostly
work my own plants. I reside in the North Riding of York-
shire on the verge of the Hambleton Hills, and cultivate the
Rose for the pure love of the flower. I have been therefore
much struck with the remarks of some of your correspondents
relative to individual varieties of this charming flower. Doubt-
Jess much is to be gained from the opinions of those who study

and cultivate for the intrinsic worth of the plant itself, and |

the experience of growers situated in different parts of our fickle
climate with regard to certain Roses which do or not do well
in different districts and situations ought to be estimated as it
deserves.

In your Journal of the 29th of November the Rev. W. F.
Radclyfie gives his advice as to what Roses he would recom-
mend the public to buy. After giving an excellent list,
selected from a former correspondent, he goes on to recom-
mend some Roses as an addition, and among the rest mentions
Edward Morren. After long experience in this part of the
country I cannot agree with his reeommendation of this Rose ;
although it grows well, it obstinately refuses to open with me,
and I have never seen a satisfactory bloom of it in this part
of the country. I have therefore discarded it from my col-
lection. I am also much surprised to find that two other
favourite Roses here —yiz., Maréchal Niel and Marie Baumann,
are classed, the former as one of the ‘not generally recom-
mendable for the public,” and the latter as one of the ‘‘ gene-
rally bad growers.”

Were I asked to recommend a Rose as a wall Rose in this
part of the country my recommendation would be, Plant
Maréchal Nie], worked on the Dog Rose, against a south wall.
My opinion is that the wild Briar is the stock par excellence
for Maréchal Niel. So vigorous is this grand Rose on this

stock here that it grows hke a Willow and speedily covers a |
large wall, and in due course beautifies it with its attractive

and numerous blooms. I have been the means of its extended
distribution in this neighbourhood, and have not found one
to regret having planted it. With regard to Marie Baumann,
the other unfortunate in your correspondent’s list, it is some-
what singular that Mr. Witherspoon, hailing from a quarter

farther north than myeelf, should in the same number of the |
Journal corroborate what Mr. Radclyfie says. as to the bad- |

growing qualities of this Rose.

Oa the Briar stock this is |

the best grower and the be-t bloomer of any Rose I possess, |

and I have numerous; varieties. At the present moment I
have a standard of it in an open and exposed situation which
is a mass of half-expanded blooms, and it is one of the most
satisfactory Roses I possess.

I cordially agree with the advice of Mr. Radclyffe to go and
see Roses in a nursery or large collection and you will be able
to judge for yourself. Although your correspondent says that
the election of Roses, as given from year to year in the pages
of the Journa), would deceive the elect, I wish to remark
that I have not often been deceived by it, as I have purchased
varieties of Roses entirely through their position in the
election, and the result has been that I have seldom been
disappointed.—Grorce WHITFIELD, Thirsk.

SPRING GARDENING.

Tue following paper, abridged from the Darlington and
Richmond Herald, was read in the Darlington Gardeners’
Institute on November 29th by Mr. Atkinson, from Messrs.
Fisher, Holmes, & Co. :— 5

I have been requested to say a few words to-night upon
spring gardening. I divide my subject into four classes—first,
shrubs; second, annuals; third, herbaceous plants; and lastly,
bulbs.
able, and of which a stock can be procured at any respectable
mnurseryman’s. Amongst the tree varieties of Ivy, Silver Queen
is most effective; Gold-blotched and Regneriana are very fine.
There are two very pretty scarlet-berried plante—viz., Skimmia
oblata and japonica. Euonymus japonica variegata and radi-
cans variegata are useful plants, and also Gold and Silver
Queen Hollies. The Cupressus tribe affords good varietier,
such as glauca and minima yiridis.

I first mention some varieties of shrubs I think suit- |

| themselves best for that purpose.

is undisputably Lawsonia lutea, as it retains its beautiful
golden hue throughout the winter months, the absence of that.
enduring quality being but too common amongst the golden
Conifers. We would also select from the Junipers chinensis:
aurea, hispanica, and excelsa striata. Retinosporas are from
their graceful and compact habit of growth very useful for
spring gardens, and I would choose from them plumosa aurea.
(a very beautiful plant), equarrosa, and ericoides. We would
also recommend Thujopsis dolabrata, Jevigata, and Standishi..
Amongst Yews, elegantissima, pyramidalis variegata, and the
Golden Irish. In green varieties, epacrioides and japonica.
Box, minima, argentea nova, chinensis, and the Handsworth, a
broad-leaved variety, distinct and fine. The Berberis, a grace--
ful type of shrubs, give us Hookeri, japonica, and Fortunei.
Yuccas are very effective in the centre of shrubs, and plicata,
recurva, and stricta are hardy, cheap, and remain a long time
at a manageable size. Many other plants of a kindred nature
might be added, but I think the varieties already enumerated
are sufficient for most gardens, and, combined with the classes.
of plants Iam about to mention, give a warmth and appear-

‘ ance to the spring garden it would be difficult to attain with--

out them.

I now come to the hardy annuals, a class within the reach.
of the humblest cultivator, aud suitable for the smallest
garden. The following, which are of easy cultivation, will be
found effective, especially when jadiciously arranged as to
colour and height:—Silena pendula compacta, pink and also-
white; Myosotis sylvatica, sylvatica alba, azorica and palus--
tris, the last being the most valued in the south of England ;.
Limnanthes Douglassi, yellow; Saponaria calabrica, white and
also pink; and for edging Nemophila insignis, beautiful blue-
The Nemophila forms a charming edging to the other annuals.
In addition to the annuals I have already named I would
recommend a few biennials, such as the Brompton Stocks and
the Belvoir Castle red and dwarf yellow Wallflowers.

I will now deal with the third division—viz., herbaceous
plante, such as Ajuga reptans, Arabis lurida variegata and
albida, Aubrietia greca and variegata, Iberis gibraltarica,
Primulas in both single and double varieties. Polyanthuses.
Saxsifrages, and Daisies are useful and pretty; among the
latter Victoria, white, dwarf ved, large-striped, and aucubefolia.
are good—the last especially for edging. The Dactylis glomerata.
variegata is a most usefol Grass. I now draw your attention
to those most useful spring bedders the Violas and Pansies.
The Great Eastern and Golden Badder Pansies have proved
In Violas, Mulberry Queen,
The Tory, Admiration, and Sensation are conspicuous for
their beauty and free blooming among a long list of others.

Our last division is that most esteemed and brilliant tribe-
the bulb, which comprises the most beautiful flowers that-
adorn the spring parterre, the showy Tulip, the stately
Hyacinth and Narcissus, and the Crocus being most used—
There are also the several varieties of Scillas, Anemones,_
Jonquils, Saowdrops, and Ranunculuses.

I will now describe a bed that I saw last spring at an esta—
blishment where spring gardening is much fostered, as it
affords an useiul hint on arrangement. It was a circle 20 feet
wide, and the centre plant was a splendid specimen of Reti-
nospora plumosa 2 feet high. The first circle which eur--
rounded it was composed of Cupressus minima glauca. Between:
each plant was a double scarlet Van Thol Tulip- Next came
dark blue Hyacinths, followed by a circle of scarlet ones.
Then came Silver Queen Ivy, with a groundwork of single Van
Thol Tulips. Between this line and the centre the bed was-
covered thickly with Myosotis palustris in beautiful bloom.
Next outside came Charles Dickens Hyacinth, porcelain,
followed by Sultan’s Blush, surrounded by a row of white
Hyacinths. The next circle was Euonymus radicans variegata,
alternately with single Van Thol Tulips, carpeted with Golden
Thyme. Following were separate circles of Mauve Queen’
Viola, Ajuga reptans, Golden Bedder Pansy, and Saponaria.
calabrica. The outer line was composed of the Aucuba-leaved
Daisy, the whole forming as charming a combination of spring
gardening as I haye ever had the pleasure of seeing.

DECEMBER FLOWERS AT VEITCH’S.

Havine recently had a day at my disposal for visiting a
London nursery I elected to have a look round Veitch’s. My
object was to ascertain what plants were ‘‘in”’ at this dull
period of the year when the Chrysanthemums are fading,

The best golden variety } when Camellias, Azaleag, and forced shrubs are yet flowerless,,

December 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

473

EEE

and when bulbs, except Roman Hyacinths and a few early
Tulips, have not awakened from their summer’s sleep.

December is proverbially a dull month. The weather is
often dull, trade is often dull, and gardens are generally dull
during the few weeks preceding the great national festival of
Christmas. The country I know is dull at that time, and I
did not find the town particularly lively. The streets were
greasy and the atmogphere was murky ; even that dull structure,
Temple Bar, looked duller than usual, for I found the pre-
parations for its demolition, or at least removal, had just com-
menced. I found too, of course, a crowd watching the pro-
ceedings—a real London crowd that is notorious for good
humour; but the crowd even was not true to its character, for
not a joke did I hear, not a smile did I see, as I elbowed my
way through the solemn or sullen multitude. I arrived at ‘‘ the
office; here at any rate it was not dull, for publishing hap-
pened to be in progress, and boy-loads, and man-loads, and
truck-loads, and van-loads of Journals were being dispatched.
“<Holloa! was the greeting. ‘What! you here! A dull
time for visiting London.” ‘“ But I’m off to Veitch’s; it isn’t
dull there, isit?”’ ‘‘No; at least they came out well at Ken-
sington the other day. But go and see for yourself and let us
know what’s going on.” I went. The greeting was again
pleasant, yet—shall I write it ?—dull, for the first words of the
courteous official were half apologetic. ‘‘ Come in, but ’m
afraid we have not much to show you; it’s a dull time, you
know.” I b2gan to think the dulness was chronic, and that
December had not its name for nought. But dulness after all
is arelative term. What Mr. Taylor, who lives amidst flowers,
may consider dull others may deem cheerful, and certainly 1
found sufficient to cheer at Veitch’s.

The collection of Orchids was first inspected. Here, summer
or Winter, there is always something to attract notice. I saw
the grand Cattleya exoniensis, of which I had read such glow-
ing accounts, and found it more beautiful than I anticipated ;
brilliancy and chasteness are combined in this remarkable
variety.
Cattleyas are also flowering, including a fine variety of C. Mossiz,
but none of them are equal to C. exoniensis. Wherever such
plants are grown there this Cattleya should be. Very conspi-

uous are the Butterfly Orchids, Phalenopsis grandiflora and |

amabilic. Their large pure white flowers are exceedingly
beautiful, and are among the choicest of the choice for Christ-
mastide decorations. P. Schilleriana is showing strongly ;
even without the flowers the plant is attractive by its hand-
some marbled leaves, with themitis superb. In contrast with
the larger forms of this genus the smaller-flowered P. Parishii
is noticeable. Where sufficient. heat can be afforded these
plants are highly worthy of a good share of it. No Orchids
are more free, for even tiny plants in thumb pots throw up
their spikes readily. That remarkabie Orchid Angrecum ses-
quipedale is in fine condition, and is showing several flowers.
It is one of tha plants of which the firm cannot get enough of.
in remarkable contrast is the still more rare A. citrinum. No
wreath can be imagined more perfect than that formed of the
two rows of small creamy white pink-suffused flowers arranged
with the greatest exactitude on the slightly arching stem.
Those who have this plant will treasure it, those who have it
not may be excused for coveting it. Another white-flowered
Orchid now in beauty is Cymbidium eburneum. The massive
texture of this flower and its great purity places it very high
in the scale of beauty; indeed, Mr. Denning places it in the
highest position, for I once heard that well-known cultivator

remark that if he was compelled to name what he considered |

to be the most beautiful flower in creation it would be Cym-
bidium eburneum. The Australian Dendrobium Jokannis is
flowering, but it is more curious than beautiful, yet its dark
twisted sepals render it distinct. Really and unquestionably
beautiful, however, is Lelia autumualis. This is a most
valuable December flower. It is represented by several varic-
ties, ranging in colour from pale lilac to purplish violet. It
grows and flowers freely, and must be ranked as one of the
finest of its season. Somewhat of the same pleasing colour,
and in growth and flowers resembling a miniature Gladiolus,
is Bletia hyacinthina, half 2 dozen plants of which in a7 or
8-inch pot produce an attractive effect. Vanda tricolor com-
mands notice by the health of the plant, the sizeof its spikes,
and the beauty of its flowers; itis very fine. Attractive also
are the elegant racemes of Saccolabium giganteum. A few
Oncidiums contribute their deeper and brighter colours to the
general display. O. varicosum is fading, but the more per-
sistent O. Barkeri continues fresh and cheerful. It has a

Its flowers, however, are now fading. A few other |

fine spike and numerous flowers, the predominating colour
being pale primrose. In contrast with itis the deep cinnamon-
brown O. crispum and the still brighter and finer O. Forbesi,
the yellow fringe of which renders it very gay; and erect and
stately is the darker-flowered O. purpuratum. The good old
Orchid Zygopetalum Mackayi is in excellent condition, having
luxuriant spikes of its finely marked flowers. It is a valuable
“‘back-row”’ plant for this period of the year. Epidendrum
ciliarum is noticeable, not however so much on account of its
beauty as for its remarkable lip, which is fringed like delicate-
textured lace.

Tu the “ cool houses’? a few plants assert their winter decora-
tive value. The well known and deservedly popular Odonto-
glossum Alexandre is showing freely, and the plants are
remarkably fresh and sturdy. So popular is this Odontoglot
that it has to be grown by the thousand to meet the great
demand. O. Rossi majus is also flowering; it is dwarf and
attractive. More stately isO. Pescatorei; and finer still, indeed
exceedingly beautiful, is O. cirrhosum. A more valuable and
important Orchid than this has not been introduced for many
years past. It possesses every quality to render it popular.
It grows and flowers freely in a moderate temperature, produc-
ing fine branching spikes aud flowers of remarkable beauty.
Tt has been imported, too, in such large numbers that it can be
distributed at a cheap rate, and now that it is within the reach
of so many who possess houses in which it can be grown gatis-
factorily I would suggest that, if possible, it be figured, for
although it has been distributed so largely and is well known
to Orchid growers generally there are yet many lovers of De-
cember flowers who are as yet unacquainted with this, one of
the very best of them. Another Orchid—more lowly than
those named, yet much more bright, perhaps even the brightest
of all—is also flowering, Sophronitis grandiflora. This dwarf
epiphyte is growing on cork, but only a few of the plants are
in beauty; their rich scarlet flowers are extremely telling.
Masdevallias are cool Orchids of great value and easy culture.
M. tovarensis, the distinct and charming Columbian species, is
highiy attractive. The habit of the plant is dwarf and com-
pact, and the flowers are of the purest white and continue
fresh for a long time. Equally distinct is the bright golden
yellow M. Davisii, which is about expanding. Other fine sorts
are M. Lindeni, magenta purple; M. Harryana, rich violet
crimson ; and M. Veitchiana, orange scarlet shot with purple.
These dwarf and beautiful Orchids cannot be too ‘highly
commended.”

A notice of this class cf plants would be incomplete with-
out allusion being made to the Calanthes. No ‘* December
flowers” ara more useful than these. Although destitute of
foliage during the flowering period they are yet valuable for
associating with other plants—convenient too, for they can
be placed amongst ‘‘ foliage” plants without crowding. They
are extremely cheerful; indeed one cannot be dull even in
‘‘dull December”? whers well-grown Calanthes are. They are
very serviceable too for cutting, the spikes having an excellent
effect in vases, while the individual flowers are the ‘ very
things’? for button holes. The new variety recently noticed
in your Journal, C. Sedeni,is nowiading. It represents a lucky
cross by Mr. Seden, who has been fortunate in transferring
the rich blotch of C. vestita to the ceutre of M. Veitchii. It is
a remarkable example of the potency of artificial fertilisation.
Besides the two aseful Calanthes named—vestita and Veitchil,
white with a chocolate blotch, and rosy purple respectively—
C. vestita lutea, white with a yellow blotch, and C. vestita
alba, pure spotisss white, are flowering freely. Tho last-named
variety is particularly chaste ; the flowers are of excellent form
and very attractive. These valuable and easily-grown plants
are yearly increasing in public favour, and it is necessary to
increase them largely to provide an adequate supply.

Yet another family of Orchidaceous plants merit special
attention as ‘‘ December flowers ’’—namely, Cypripediums.
Thess plants flower freely at other periods, but they never
show to greater advantage than now. The skill of the
hybridiser has been richly rewarded by 2 succession of new
and distinct varieties, some of which are not yet in commerce.
Amongst those flowering now are C. Harrisianum, a fine dark
flower ; C. Arthurianum, brighter and much spotted; C. mar-
morophyllum, distinct by a suffusion of mauve, rosy stripes,
and fine marbled foliage; C. Schlimii, a lovely light variety ;
C. pardinum, heavily spotted sepals; C. venustum, a similar
yet darker flower; and the valuable and- luxuriant C. Sedeni.
The last named is an established favourite. Another variety
of sterling merit is ©. insigne Maulei. The typical species is

474 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

a good old plant, butis far surpassed in beauty by the improved
vaviety—improved by its larger flower and by the clear white
corona on its upper sepal, which renders it so attractive. Few
plants are more easily cultivated then these; given efficient

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 20, 1877.

drainage, light rough open soil, water as required, and moderate
heat, and they will grow freely and flower with certainty at a
time when their flowers are welcome; they, moreover, last
longer when cut and placed in water than most other flowers—

lasting, indeed, fully three weeks. Thus Cypripediums are
plants of considerable importance for winter decoration. It is
not only the Orchids in flower that merit the approval of
visitors; the great number of plants of all sizes and their
health and cleanliness have a large share in sustaining the
interest, especially of those who inspect the collection for the
first time.

Among other plants now flowering in the nursery Cyclamens,
as may be expected, are largely represented. A houseful of these
plants proluces quite a cheerful effect, and the perfume is de-
lightful. Another lerge house is almost entirely occupied with
“tree” or perpetual-flowering {Carnations, and go admired

~o

Tiz. 89.—OpoONTOGLOSSUM cIRRHOSOM.

are the flowers that they are cut almost as fast as they expand.
Many of the varieties flower freely in 4 or 5-inch pots, and
euch plants are very valuable for various decorative purposes.
The sorts chiefly in demand are Miss Joliffe, fesh colour; La
Belle, white; Czar, mottled scarlet; Rose Perfection, bright
rose; and Mons. Baumann, bright glowing scarlet. There is
also a stock of the good old Souvenir de Malmaison, which
produces such ponderous blooms. A white Dianthus—a variety
of the Mule Pink, D. hybridus—is flowering in emall pota, an@is
very pretty. In the Carnation house a Veronica of great merit
is flowering freely—V. Hendersonii. It is ashort-jointed rather
small-leaved sort, yet not co small as Blne Gem, and has dark

{

Decomber 20, 1877. J]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

475.

blue flowers which are sweet-scented. It is an exesllent De-

cember flower of the easiest culture. Bouvardias are indis-

pensable for December, especially for eifording bouquet flowers,

and are largely grown. Tue most popular varietirs are Vree-

landii, Hogarth, Longidora Flammula, Reine des Roses, and a |
new dwarf bright-coloured sort named Leeiantha. Abutilons |
are nearly always in flower, and perhaps none are more useful |
than the white Boule de Neige. The new yellow Boule d'Or is |
distinct and bright, aud Roseforum is a pleasing variety. |
Fuchsia Dominiana, which has almost been forgotten for years,
is well to the fore. Since it has been seen how easily it can be
grown and how bright and effective it is in December there
bas been ‘quite a run” on it. Heathe—especially: Hricas
byemalia, gracilis, and ecaffra—are December flowers of recog-
nised merit, and cannot well be dispensed with, as also are.

Statices Holfordi and profusa, and Lasiandra macrantha flori-
bunda. The new rosy scarlet Poinsettia has fine heads and
bracts. It is quite distinct from the ‘old sort,” and affords
an acceptable change. The double variety iz not yet in beauty.
Such plants as Euphorbia jacquiniwflora, Centropogons. Plum-
hago rosea, Hranthemums, Amaryllises, double Primulas, and
Epiphyilums violaceum and tricolor, contribute to the general
display. In one of the stoves the fine Ipomea Horefallia is
flowering profusely. Besides the handsome flowers the black
glossy flower buds of this plant are effective. Several small
plants of Ixoras are yielding bright trusses. I. Williamsii and
I. Iraserii are very iree, and flower attractively in 4 and 5-incb.
pots. In the stove also a number of plants of the brilliant
Apbelandra Roezli are showing; also Gesneras, which are not.
much less bright, and are of easy enlture. A ehelf in a, stove

Fig, 90.—ADIANTUM LUDDEMANNIANUM.

will accommodate these plants during their season of growth, |

and when flowering they are worthy oi the most prominent
positions. G. exoniensis, G. refulgens, and G. cinnabarina
combine handsome foliage with beautiful flowers. Perhaps
the last named sort is as useful as any for general decorative
purposes.

Of sreater intrinsic value than many of the planta named
for producing high-ciass flowers during the winter—indeed,
nearly at all seasons of the year, are the jasminifiora-jayanico
type of Rhododendrons. One of the parents of the type,
R. jasminiflorum, is yielding beautiful white flowers now,
while other colours, also better foliage and habit of growth,
are provided by the newer varieties. A beautiful trio are the
following :—Taylori, bright rose, white tube; Duchess of
Edinburgh, scarlet; and Princess Alexandra, white faintly
suffused with rose. Asmaller and new plant which mnst not
be overicoked for winter decoration is Col. Trevor Claxke’s
Begonia Moonlight. It has the dwarf habit and rich dark
foliage of Pearcei, with a profusion of round flowers neither

| white nor yellow, but ‘‘moonlight” colour. It is very froe
/ and attractive. There is a remnant of Lapagerias—a few
blooms of the lovely L. alba, which is quite one of the most
charming flowers in creation. Of Pitcher-plants there is a
considerable display. The flowers enumerated are not grouped
together to produce an imposing effect, but are scattered over
a great number of structures according to the requirements of
the several plants.

Ornamental-foliaged plants—Crotons, Dracenas,’ Palms,
Aralias, Tillandsias, Marantas, Alocasias, and Palms—are very
numerous, and are as beautifal in their way as flowers, and
cannot be dispensed with for winter decoration. Ferns also
areevercharming. Thecrested Maidenhair (fig. 90), Adiantum
Liiddemannianum, is both curious and elegant, and its dwari
habit of growth renders it suitable ag a fringe plant in pro-
usinent positions.

Camellias are swelling their buds; they aro mentioned, how-
ever, for the purpose of directing attention to the examples of
handgome specimen plants in tubs, which illustrate in 2

476 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER, { December 20, 1877.

striking manner the importanca of severe pruning and high cul- |
ture. The plants have at some time or other apparently been
eut down much after the manner of pruning Pelargoniums, and
they are now well-furnished specimens, glossy and vigorous.
A few—only a few—Azaleas ara flowering; but many houses
are required to accommodate the stock of these plants, so
popular are they for spring embellishment. 1

And now a word—not on flowers nor ornamental-foliage
plants, but on trees. Christmas is drawing near, and Christ-
mas trees are an institution. Notaword shall be said against
the familiar and homely Sprucs Fir, for it will aid in making |
glad homes innumerable during the festive season; but for a
Christmas tree more rare and more choice, what can equal a |
fresh, handsome, young specimen of Araucaria excelsa? Of
this beautiful tree it is necessary to provide largely at Chelsea,
and propagation of it is constantly going on. Not alone in
the conservatory is it handsome in the form of a large speci-
men, but in a small state it is excellent for vases, and it is not
more suitable for a Christmas tree and for decorating rooms
in winter than it is ornamental as a ‘‘ subtropical” plunged
on lawns in summer. On inspecting a large collection many
varieties are apparent; some light in appearance, some massive,
but all pleasing. One of ths more sturdy and dense in the
leafiets is named after a noted continental nurseryman—
Napoleon Baumann. A. Cunninghami is more slender in
habit than excelsa, and A. Rulei is much more robust, and, to |
use a nursery phrase, it is full of ‘‘ character.” :

I have now told you, Messrs. Editors, what is going on at
Veitch’s, and have satisfied myself that it is not dull there.—
A CoUNTRYMAN.

NOTES FROM CORNISH GARDENS.
ROSEMUNDY HOUS#, ST. AGNES.

CoRNWALL 2bounds with odd nooks and corners of which the
world knows little or nothing, lying, as most of them do, away
from its beaten tracks and busy haunts—unknown to fame,
unnoticed in guide books, and yet so beautiful with beauty of
a high degree and peculiar order as well rewards an explorer
for his pains in finding them. My readers have already been
made acquainted with one such nook in my description of
Lamorren. Let me now take them to what is literally a
corner—Rosemundy House, the residence of W. Naylor Carne,
Eaq., near St. Agnes Head, a rocky promontory on the north
coast, about as unlikely a situation for a good garden as
well, as was the site of the beautiful grounds at Battersea Park
in its original form of a low flat damp piece of wasie land.

It was by an early train that we set out from Truro, for that
day we had three gardens to visit in the mining districts, but
situated at a considerable distance apart, so there was nothing
better than taking time by the forelock in order to get through
a long day’s work satisfactorily. At the little station of
‘Chacewater we found Mr. Carne had come to meet us, and
glad enough were we, for without his kindly assurance that
better things were in store for us we might have been tempted
to turn back from the melancholy aspect of the bare and
rugged surface among the tin mines through which our road
lay. The mines are soon passed, and we actually revel in our
enjoyment of a natural transformation scene so lovely as to be
worthy of a special journey to see it alone. A minute ago we |
were driving through a district apparently blasted and death- |
stricken without a vestige of vegetation, and now we are in a
flower garden brilliant with full rich summer beauty, for the
road.is fringed on both sides with broad margins of wild Heath
that are just one dense mass of blossom running outwards to
and clothing the face and top of raised-wall-like banks on
either hand—a mingled growth of various kinds, all alike laden
with crimson, pink, and purple bells, those on one patch especi-
ally being so large in size and brilliant in colour that we were
constrained to pause for a closer inspection. For part of the
way belts of trees behind the Heath enhanced its beauty, the
varied greenery of foliage forming a charming foil to the
eushion-like clusters of gay flowers, and then the country
opened out into a vast level expanse—bare of trees, but with
a pleasant air of brightness and animation imparted by the
glistening waters of the Atlantic, visible on either hand, be-
tokening our nearness to our destination, of which we have
still stronger evidence in the sight of St. Agnes Beacon, a
conical hill having an altitude of upwards of 600 feet, and not
far from the foot of which lays Rosemundy in a valley running
from north to south, and therefore not parallel to the coast,
swhich here runs in a westerly direction to St. Agnes Head.

Snug and cosy is Rosemundy, nestling down among the
trees, out of sight and sound of the sea; but it was not so
naturally—the trees had been planted, banks had been thrown
up aud planted too with hardy shrubs to screen both house
and garden from the south-western gales that frequently sweep
inland from the vast ocean which lies so near, and the flourish-
ing condition of the garden afforded ample proof how thoroughly
these simple means of shelter had been applied and how well
they answered.

‘Mine is not a fine garden, but it contains a few choice
plants,” said Mr. Carne, as he led the way into it. A few
plants! save the mark. It is a regular storehouse of floral
gems, all growing in such rude health and vrowded together in
such profusion as to be absolutely bewildering. To catalogue
them all would have been a work of two or three days, and as
my visit hardly extended to as many hours I could only note

| some of the more conspicuous and such as appeared likely to

answer in other gardens.

We first entered a small sunken panel lawn adjoining the
house, snugly enclosed by walls and banks on the other sides.
Many rare climbing plants clothed the walls—the glossy
Chilian Escallonie illinita with white flowers; a handsome
evergreen Hlwagnus, which Mr. Carne called E. japonica ;
Garrya elliptica fcemina, also remarkable for handsome foliage ;

| Eleagnus pungens variegata, very curious; and to these

I may here add Solanum jasminoides, very lovely and
perfectly hardy; and Magnolia Lenne, with very handsome
foliage. Of other notable plants in beds and borders here
there were grand clumps of New Zseland Flax; large tufts of
Plumbago Larpentz, gay with pretty pale blue flowers, an old
but valuable perennial not often met with; Hydrangea panicu-
lata grandiflora, a curious and lovely form with flowers open-
ing white but quickly becoming suffused and blotched with
deep pink. This must take a leading position among dwarf
flowering ehrubs as well as in the perennial border from the
great beauty of its flower clusters. Acanthus spinosus, bold
and effective, having deeply-serrated spinous leaves and tall
flower spikes bristling with spines. It is easily raised from
seed, which is not expensive. Then there was the Double
White Brambie (Rubus flore albo-pleno) in great beauty, and
also the Double Pink variety R. roseo-pleno, both fine trailing
planis growing into large bushes, so ornamental that it ia
matter for regret they are not morecommon. Cornus mascula
variegata, one of our best variegated shrubs, was also good
here, and of Pittosporum undulatum there was a wonderful
example 7 feet high and nearly as much in diameter, the black-
stemmed branches and handsome glossy foliage being even
more striking than the fine form of the shrub, which was in
excellent health, as was a still more extraordinary example of
the Blue Fiddle Wood—Citharexylum cyanocarpum, usually
regarded as a denizen of the stove, but growing freely enough
here in the open garden, the Myrile-like foliage curiously
alternating with spines. Colletia cruciata was also growing
freely, and was apparently quite established. I was not sur-
prised at this, having heard of its answering tolerably well in
some other gardens.

The shrub most used to clothe the banks of this and other
enclosures was the Japanese Privet—Ligustrum japonicum, a
handsome shrub much in favour in the public gardens of
London, and which Mr. Carne has found to grow vigorously in
exposed situations, apparently revelling in the sweeping winds
that prove fatal to so many other shrubs. Certainly nothing
could be more satisfactory than the deep green glossy hue of
its broad handsome foliage, which forms such an admirable
foil to its bold white flower spikes.

Among other enclosures we found whole banks of Cyclamen
and curious lawns composed of a mingled growth of grass and
Primroses of all sorts of colours. Several magnificent speci-
mens of Gunnera scabra, with leaves upwards of + feet in
diameter and numerous spikes of yellow fiowere and seeds.
Hard by there was a fernery, the Ferns being planted among
some rocks in large numbers, comprising, I should think, all
known, and perhaps many unknown, varieties—certainly un-

| known to me. Among them I was glad to see a conspicuous

position given to Lastrea recurya, not very common, but one of
our best hardy Ferns, always beautiful, but especially so in
winter, when its pretty bright green fronds stand out go con-
spicuous while roost other varieties of its species have lost all
beauty. A charming little Alpine plant, Mentha corsica, was
clothing many of the rocks with dense cushions of tiny green
foliage. The Cornish Moneywort, Sibthorpia europza, also

' found a suitable home among the rocks, and I must not forget

December 20, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

477

to mention that the true Cornish variety of Maidenhair Fern |

was well represented.

The garden abounds in snug little nooks and cosy onclosures,
every one of them turned to account to test the merit and hardi-
ness of plants, shrubs, and even trees collected from distant
sources, widespread as the world itself. Near the large fernery
we pause to admire a curious and very beautiful species of
Bramble from Australia—Rubus australis, with hardly any
leaves, the green flexile branches being thickly set with little
white spines. Further on we find an example of the ‘‘ Omboo,”’
the only tree found on the Scuth American Pampas. Then we
come upon an irregular heap of rocks turned to account for a
collection of Alpine plants, a Prostrate Willow brought from
the High Alps being pointed out as worthy of notice for its
pretty spreading growth. Near the rocks some Fig trees
heavily laden with fruit were worthy of special notice, the fine
crop being attributed to careful manipulation of the growth the
previous season, every strong shoot having had its tip nipped
off when it was a few inches long, inducing it to put forth
three or four other shoots, Mr. Carne having thus in his
culture followed the lead of Nature; for as the Fig bears its
fruit near the tips of the shoots made a year before, so ‘‘ the
more shoots the more fruit” was the guiding principle in his
treatment. Of other rare shrubs I may add the Japanese
Desmodium penduliflorum laden with lovely bright purple
flowers, quite hardy here, as indeed it is also in the neighbour-
hood of London; the Silvery-variegated Bramble was also
bright-looking and attractive; Arundo conspicua, too, was in
full beauty. I note this from a desire to see this fine Grass
more frequently; it throws up its elegant plumes quite two
months before the Pampas Grass, and is highly ornamental.

Many other choice plants and shrubs must be left unnoticed,
for the garden is literally crammed with botanical rarities,
affording convincing evidence of a devotion to and success in
collecting and cultivating them that is rarely met with. Mr.
Carne is emphatically a pioneer, 20 thoroughly in earnest as
to propagate and offer plants of his choicest novelties to his
friends and neighbours, for his isno selfishlove. ‘Add to my
pleasure by sharing it with me,” says he; and thus wisely and
well does he strive to foster and render popular a science
which he loves and understands so well.

The glass houses contained planta of a similarly uncommon
character. A collection of such succulents as Opuntias,
Stapelias, Cacti, and others remarkable for the quaint guise
of their growth and the beauty of their flowers were there in
considerable numbers. The most tender sorts of exotic Ferns,
too, have a house specially devoted to them. All were thriy-
ing; not a sickly plant did Isee. And thisis perhaps the most
extraordinary thing about this garden where everything is
extraordinary—that although the whole of the plants were
new, rare, or uncommon, yet the healthy vigorous appearance
of every one of them showed that each received the treatment
best suited to its requirements, and my only regret was that
my hurried visit prevented me from learning more of skill so
well applied and work so thoroughly well done.—Hpwarp
Lucknourst.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS.

Scene Covent Garden Market; date December 18th; time
5 a.m. Weather delightful, as clear and mild as a May morn-
ing. Produce enormous, visitors numerous, vendors noisy,
purchasers active. No time and no place could probably have
afforded such evidence of the magnitude of preparations for
the coming festival, at least eo far as garden products are
concerned. The most striking feature of the Market were the
eas of Holly, richly berried and brilliant in the gas-

ght.

Those who have not seen this year’s Holly harvest as
garnered at Covent Garden can form no conception of its
enormous extent. For some days past small donkey carts,
large horse vans, and railway trucks have been conveying
their loads of Holly to the metropolis. The streets contiguous
to the Market were almost blocked with Holly, which the
““costers’’ scrambled for and distributed over the thousands
of homes of the city and environs. But there was enough for
all and to spare, for the supply was as bountiful as it was
brilliant. Mistletoe was much less plentiful, and was quickly
“collared.” Christmas Trees—young Spruce Firs—were re-
presented by many thousands. Laurel and other evergreens
were not in great request; the trade in these was spoiled by
the extraordinary plethora of Holly.

Fiowrers.—Dear at all times to Londoners are flowers, but
at Christmas they are indispensable. The immense resources
of the market growers and their cultural ekill were admirably
displayed. Primulas sturdy in growth, rich in foliage, and
remarkable for the high “strain” of the flowers, were there
in ‘loads.’ Lilies of the Valley, Dutch Hyacinths, and early
Tulips were in charming profusion; Ericas, hyemalis being
excellently grown; Veronicas, Cyclamens, Poinsettias, Epi-
phyllums, a few Azaleas, Echeveria retusa, and Solanums
were the staple floral products offered, and quickly purchased,,
at this great mart in preparation for the coming festival.
Bouquets were composed chiefly of white Roses, pink Gera-
niums, Camellias, Eucharis, Azaleas, Bouvardias, and Ferns ;.
feathery Grasses in divers colours and Everlastings formed in
tasteful devices were attractively displayed; and, as if these:
were not sufficient, artificial flowers and sprays were almost
as “loud” in their extravagant colours as their vendors were-
in shouting their charms.

Fruir.—How deficient is the supply of British-grown fruit:
for the Christmas requirements of the head quarters of the
nation was evidenced by the tons of Apples sent from America
and the Continent. Pears are large in size but limited, and
Grapes somewhat disappointing. The finest were Gros Col-
mans and Alicantes ; the largest bunches were of Gros Guil-
laume at Mr. Webber’s, who also sustains his fame as an im-
porter of Pine Apples. Bananas, Shaddocks, and Tomatoes
were represented, while Nuts and Oranges were apparently
sufficient to supply a nation, much more a city.

VEGETABLES.—Immense and superior was thesupply. Roots
of all kinds, from the thousands of sacks of Potatoes, piled-up-
loads of Turnips, Carrots, and Parsnips, to the hampers of
Onions and Beet and bundles of Horseradish were provided.
for the million of a quality equal to that at the disposal of the
aristocracy. Savoys, Coleworts, and Kale composed the bulk.
of green vegetables; but Brussels Sprouts were plentiful and
excellent, and Broccoli was also well represented. Rhubarb
and Seakale, all Einds of salads, Cucumbers, Mushrooms,.
and Truffles were provided to meet the demands of a populace
preparing for a feast. Herbs also, especially Parsley and Sage,
were provided on the same scale of prodigality. Yet enormous
as was the display of garden products it was only an instal-
ment, and at least two more similar markets will be held before
the preparations are completed.

The immense provision cannot be contemplated without
recognising how great is the industry of horticulture; how
necessary it is in ministering to the wants and comforts of
life; how important iv is as being the sole means of livelihood
of thousands who are engaged in it; and how great, natural,
and intimate is the alliance between city and country—between
homes and gardens, lords and labourers! Let us hope this
dependance on each other may be more and more recognised,
and the interchange of good wishes incidental to Christmas
will not be peculiar to that period alone. Covent Garden tells
how much of benefit and pleasure gardens afford, and how
worthy they are of the best efforts of all who are engaged in
their cultivation A City Man.

COMPARATIVE MERITS OF PEAS.

Dunine the past season I had the opportunity of testing.
about sixteen varieties of Peas, and possibly a few remarks on
their respective merits may be of service to some who limit:
their seed bill, and consequently the introduction of novelties.
also. S

The past season was, and in this district often is, very un--
favourable to the growth of Peas. Cold easterly winds were
very prevalent till late in May, and from that time till the
middle of September we had not a good soaking rain. Ours
is rich soil on a clayey Joam subsoil, and autumn sowings are.
generally failures. None of the Peas were sown on shallow
soil. Preference was given to double-dug ground, and from.
these sowings we obtained our best and most prolonged pick-
ings. The second earlies and very late sorts were sown on
the ridges between the Celery trenches. They thus obtained
two spits of soil, as the spaces between the trenches were.
previously dug. The remainder were sown in trenches pre-
pared as for Celery. This plan is very well where there is
plenty of water at hand, but such was not the case with us..
The soil in the trench shrank from the sides, and & poor crop-
was the result. In consequence of continued wet weather we
were unable to sow the earlies till the end of February, and
even then had to cut out the drills with the spade and replace:

478

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

{ December 20, 1877.

with drier soil.
grown :—

Dickson’s First-and-Best was first by a few days, and is a
good early, equalling any of the Ringleader type; William I.
is, however, decidedly the best yet tried here for early work.
This variety is strongly recommended for late sowing by a
well-known vegetable grower, and I was informed by a gentle-
man who had tasted this Pea in October that it equalled in
favour any Pea he had tasted through the season. Next
spring I intend sowing this variety on turvyes under glass to
be subsequently planted in ths open border, and seed saved
from the produce will be sown for late work. Early Matty, an
old variety sent me by a friend who had grown it for thirty
years, closely followed William I. for earliness. It is remark-
ably vigorous and productive and of fair flavour.

Dickson’s Favourite was grown this séason as a eecond early,
but will in future be discarded in favour of Dr. Maclean. This
variety has become very popular, especially as an. exhibition
variety. Itis a very useful Pea, being dwarf (2 feet 6 inches),
and very prolific, the pod Jong and well filled, but with us not
quite so well flavoured 2s expected. Hair’s Dwarf Mammoth
is not unlike Dr. Maclean, but not so good. It is very useful
as a second early, and also for late work, but will be discarded
in favour of the Doctor. Huntingdonianis an excellent second
early, height 4 feet, a good cropper, and the flavour unsurpassed.

I will now briefly describe the varieties

It is a type of the Champion of England, but it is in every way |

superior to and will be grown in preference to it. G.F. Wilson
for flayour and size of Peas was unsurpassed, but both this
and Laxton’s Fillbasket could not stand the dry weather,
coming into bearing prematurely. I shall give them another
trial. Veitch’s Perfection still ranks as a first-class Pea either
for main or late crop. Giant Emerald Marrow (Sutton) is a
very distinct and fine Pea. It is very vigorous and productive,
but as the Dachess of Edinburgh (Sutton) comes into bearing
about the same time, and is a better quality Pea, it will be
grown in preferencs toit. The last-mentioned Peais decidedly
a fine Pea, and may be described as an improved and early
Ne Plus Ultra. Williams’ Emperor of the Marrows is another
excellent Pea, and both this and Culverwell’s Prolific Marrow
ought to be grown for late work. The former is the earliest,
but for quality and appearance I give the preference to the
latter. Ne Plus Ultra completes the list, and is the best for
very late work. All five of the last-mentioned Peas are tall;
some of them, notably Williams’ Emperor, reached 7 feet.

Many acres of Peas are annually grown for market in thia
neighbourhood.
tive, and, what is still better, the picking gives employment to
numbers of women and children. The varieties grown for
early picking are principally Sangster’s No. 1 and Caractacus,
the latter being considered the best. Laxtou’s Supreme,
Veitch’s Perfection, Yorkshire Hero, and Blue Scimetar are all
largely grown, and some of the more enterprising growers are
raising a stock of Dr. Maclean and other new varieties.—
W. IaaunpeEn, Orsett Hall, Essex.

-

PORTRAITS OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS.

LiniuM NEILGHERRENSE. Nat. ord., Liliacer. Linn., Hex-
andria Monogynia.—‘‘ This is the only Lily of the mountains
of Southern India. It inhabits the Neilgherries and Pulnies
at an elevation of about 8000 feet above cea level. It is closely
allied to L. Wallichiannm of the Himalayas, L. philippinense
of the Philippine Islands, and L. longiflorum, japonicum, and
Brownii of China and Japan. It was introduced by Mr. Thomas
Lobb in 1862, but failed to become established, and has lately
been imported again in considerable quantity by Messrs. Veitch
and others.”’—(Bot. Mag., t. 6332.)

ALLOPLECTUS PELTATUS.—‘‘ Introduced by Messrs. Veitch
from Costa Rica, where it was collected by the late M. Endres,
and flowers from July to the present month (November) in
our stoves. This is another of those Gesneriads remarkable
in having one leaf of each pair permanently rudimentary.’’—
(Ibid., t. 6333.)

STENOSPERMATIUM Wawuisi. Nat. ord, Aroidex. Linn.,
Icosandria Monogynia.—‘‘ Ose of Mr. Wallis’s important dis-
coveries in tropical America, introduced to cultivation by
Messrs. Veitch ; exhibited two years ago in flower, and described,
together with an excellent woodcut and detailed analysis, by
Dr. Masters in the Gardeners’ Chronicle about the same time.
The pure ivory-white nodding spathes freely developed amongst
the clnatered dark shining green leaves render this plant one
of the most valuable of cur stove Arvids for oruxzmental cu!-

The crop sometimes proves very remunera- |

ture. It belongs to a small genus consisting altogether of but
four or five species peculiar to Columbia, Paru, and northern
Brazil.”"—(Ibid. t., 6334.)

Guapiotus Ecxtoni. Nat. ord.,Iridacew. Linn., Triandria
Monogynia.— This is a most distinct and beautiful species of
Gladiolus, marked by its comparatively dwarf habit, ensiform
leaves, and, as compared with the best-known Cape species,
small flowers, with innumerable minute spots of bright red-
purple on a pale groundwork. It is widely spread in South
Africa, extending from Uitenhage northward through Kaffraria
to Natal, and inland to Basutaland and the Transvaal. As it
ascends to a height of 3000 or 4000 feet on the Katberg we
may fairly expect it to be as hardy in England as any of the
Cape species. For the specimen figured we are indebted to
Mr. Elwes, who flowered it at Cirencester in October. He pro-
cured it from Mr. Wilson Saunders, who had it from Mr.
Thomas Cooper. from the Drakensberg. We confidently ex-
pect it will prove a popular favourite.’’—(Ibid., t. 6335.)

ERANTHEMUM LAXIFLORUM. Nat. ord., Acanthaceez. Linn.,
Diandria Monogynia.—“ For this very desirable addition to our
autumn-flowering Acanthads we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch,
for whom it was introduced from the New Hebrides. Speci-
mens are also in the Kew Herbarium from the Fiji Islands,
collected by the late Dr. Seemann, where, he statez, that it is
frequently cultivated by the European settlers as an orna-
mental plant. It is a shrub or half-shrub, attaining from 2 to
4 feet in height, wholly glabrous.’’—(Ibid., t. 6336.)

NOTHS AND GLEANINGS.

THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE DurHAM, NoRTHUMBERLAND, AND
Newcastie: HorricunturaL AND Borantcan Society was held
at the Alexandra Hotel, Newcastle, on the 17th inst. The
chair was occupied by the Mayor, Mr. Thomas Robinson, in
the absence of Col. Joicey, the new elected President for the
forthcoming year. This Society had for some years only a
feeble existence, but it has suddenly increased to prodigious
dimensions, chiefiy through the indomitable exertions of the
Hon. Sees., Messrs. Taylor and French. The members now
number about four thousand, while the income has been for
the last year nearly £2200; during preceding years it scarcely
ever exceeded £300. The Society has made window gardening
a chief feature, and has assisted the flower missions in the
district. It was a successful meeting of a flourishing Society.

Weare glad to observe from an advertisement in another
column that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society
have decided to appoint an Assistanr SECRETARY, and we trust
they will be successful in securing the services of a gentleman
possessing the necessary technical qualifications together with
the business aptitude requisite for the eflicient performance
of the important duties pertaining to the office.

How valuable Orcurps are for winter decoration, writes
a correspondent ‘‘ I,’ the fine display in Mr. B.S. Williams’
nursery at Holloway affords sufficient evidence. Amongst
those now in beauty are Calanthes Veitchii, vestita luteo-
oculata, and rubro-oculats. Cypripediums comprise Dayanum,
venustum epectabilis, Crossianum, Harrisianum, and insigne.
Odontoglossums are represented by Insleayi, Alexandre, ru-
bescens, Andersonianum, lJuteo-purpureum, Rossii, and Rossii
majus ; Oncidiums by ornithorbynchum, tigrinum, and papilio ;
Vandas by tricolor flava, tricolor superba, and tricolor insignis;
Lelias by autummnalis and prestans; and Dendrobiums by
nobile and bigibbum. Cymbidium Mastersi, ‘Zygopetalon
Mackayi, Saccolavium giganteum, Rodriguezia secunda, Max-
illaria picta grandiflora, and Masdevallias ignea and polysticha
also contribute to the display. Griffinia hyacinthina is also
flowering, and is extremely attractive. Amongst the orna-
mental-foliaged plants Croton falcatum is highly effective by
its fine leaves, which are nearly 2 feet in length and brilliantly
coloured.

A CHESHIRE correspondent states that AczRaTuMs are
still uninjured by frost in his garden, and he has potted a
number of plants, which will yield flowera for entting for the
next two months. Scarcely any plants ‘lift’ better than
Ageratums, and few flowers are more valuable during the.
winter months for vase decoration.

Tur Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen states that the
Inpran SrrawBerRry (Fragaria indica) has become naturalised
in Cornwall. It is a distiact species, with pretty yellow flowers,
and was introduced to tbis country in 1805. F

“W.P.J., Mortlake,” writes apprevingly of Williams’

a eee

December 20, 1877. J]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

479

Marcutrss Rep Cenzry. He describes it as being not only
one of the most hardy sorts grown, but very solid, crisp, and
of unsurpassable quality. It resists both wet and frost, he says,
better than any sort he has cultivated.

— A ‘‘GrRoom AND GARDENER,” writing tous on CHRIstT-
MAS FLOWERS, states that he neither regrets the decay of the
beautiful white Anemone Honorine Jobert nor envies his
neighbour at the Hall the possession of the aristocratic Eucharis
so long as he has half a dozen large clumps of the Christmas
Rose, similar to those recently alluded to by Mr. Robson, and
as many large hand-lights to place over them. With a supply
of these beautiful hardy winter flowers, a few spikes of the
scarlet Schizostylus, protected in the same way, a few sprays
of the bright yellow Jusmine from a south wall, a dozen ex-
panding buds of the old Monthly China Rose gathered from
a bush in a sheltered corner, a little Holly, sprays of Conifer,
and a few fronds of Ferns, he can furnish a vase for Christmas
decoration in such a manner that, as he gays, ‘‘no one need
be ashamed of.” The vase, he suggests, should be filled with
very moist and clean silver sand, in which the flowers, &c., can
be arranged more artistically than in water, and they continue
fresh equally long as if placed in water.

—— ANOTHER Case of SEED-DYEING has been the subject of
magisterial inquiry, and with results that will commend them-
selves not only to purchasers but to all honest vendors of
seeds; indeed, it is gratifying to observe that it is by the
action of seed merchants that the law is being enforced against
dishonest practices in connection with the important trade
in which they are engaged. Mr. W. G. Harley, Guy’s Grana-
ries, Mermaid Street, Borough, was on the 15th inst. fined £5
and the cost of the summons for selling one cwt. of Alsike
Clover seed, which Mr. Bernard Dyer, F.C.S., had analysed
and found to contain 8 to 10 per cent. of foreign seeds dyed
with indigo. He produced specimens of dyed seeds which he
had separated, including Trefoil, Timothy Ribbed Grass,
Thistles, &c. Notwithstanding the defence submitted, Mr.
Partridge, the Magistrate, took a common-sense view of the
matter, and ruled that ‘‘ a purchaser who asked for Alsike was
entitled to that particular species of Clover and no other ?—
hence the conviction, which deals a death blow to “ dyers”
and ‘‘doctors”’ of seeds.

—— Iris not necessary to visit gardens and shrubberies in
the country to obtain evidence of the great crop of Horiy
BERRIES that is produced this year. The streets of London
have recently borne ample testimony on the subject, for piled-
up loads of Holly glistening with myriads of scarlet bead-like
fruits have daily arrived to deck the shops and homes of the
great metropolis during Christmastide. The contrast between
this year and last in the ‘‘commerce”’ of Holly is very striking.
Last year the sprays were nearly fruitless, this year they are
much more thickly clustered with the coveted berries than
we ever remember to have seen them during many years’
observation.

—— WE are informed that the spring Show of the Rrapine
Horticutturan Society will be held on May 23rd, and the
summer Show on August 22nd.

—— THE RAINFALL for last November at the gardens,
Nannau Park, upwards of 700 feet above the sea level, was
11.56 inches. Rain fell on twenty-six days; 1.77 inch fell on
the 11th alone ! ;

—— WE recently recorded that Mr. Cannell was awarded a
first-class certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal
Horticultural Society for White Vesuvius Zonal Pelargonium.
We have seen flowers of another sport which Mr. Cannell has

obtained from Vesuvius, which gives a new colour for bedding,

purposes. As near as its colour can be described it is a very
high-toned salmon, or, in other words, salmon suffased with
scarlet, with a white eye; it is quite different to other salmon
zonals. In habit of growth and freeness of bloom it is iden-
tical with the original, and is a very promising variety.

We are informed that eight prizes were gained at the
Birmingham Show for Potatoes grown with AMIES’ MANURE.
Fine samples of produce were exhibited as having been grown
by the manure on soil which those who have seen the land
describe ag naturally poor and ‘‘ worn-out.” It produced
average crops the first year, and ever since the produce has
been good.

— Werecently incidentally alluded to HucHanis AMAZONICA
as grown by Mr. Denning in Lord Londesborough’s garden at
Norbiton. We never saw such a display of this charming

flower in December as is there produced; and the mode of
culture is of the simplest. The plants are planted-out ina
well-heated pit; they have grown like Rhubarb, and are now
yielding such a crop of flowers as we have never seen equalled
in number nor surpassed in quality. Mr. Denning has as-
suredly made a great ‘‘hit” in thus easily providing a supply
of this esteemed fiower in such profusion for Christmastide
decoration.

Tue AmertcAN DopprEr recently noticed as having
attached itself to a plant of Forsythia suspensa at Glasnevin
is not, according to a closer subsequent examination of it by
Dr. Moore, Cascuta cephalanthi, but C. refiexa.

— Few plants are more worthy of culture for conserva-
tory decoration during the winter months than DarHnEr INDICA
RuBRA. The glossy green foliage and rich rosy flowers are
alike attractive ; but the chief claim of this plant to notice is
its powerful and delightful perfume. The flowers are also
remarkable for their lasting quality, continuing fresh and
enjoyable for three months. Small plants in 4 and 5-inch
pots are particularly valuable for various purposes of decora-
tions in rooms and greenhouses during the months of Decem-
ber, January, and February. This variety is not only the
best in colour, but is the most free in growth of the somewhat
slow-growing section of the genus to which it belongs.

A seLection of flowers of seedling PotyanrausEs from
Mr. Cauldwell, florist, Wantage, suggests how useful these
flowers are for winter decoration. Their vigour and freshness
also affords evidence of the mildness of the weather in Berk-
shire. Many of the flowers are good, some excellent, and all
gay. A crimson self Pansy in the same box is a promising
variety ; the colour is distinct and rich, and the petals are of
great substance.

— Wes have received from Mr. Henry Hooper, Vine Nur-

sery, Widcomb Hill, Bath, a number of Pansies of remarkable
beauty. For size, form, substance, and well-defined colours
combined we regard them as amongst the most meritorious
blooms that have come under our notice. The colours range
from pure white with violet-purple blotch to rich crimson
maroon. The yellow grounds and selfs are also very rich-
The fancy varieties are particularly showy; the blooms are
well formed and the lacings well defined. It is clear that
Pansies are not exclusively northern flowers, but are hardy
flowers for all gardens; and such varieties as those now before
us cannot fail to please when they are well cultivated. We
have not received a brighter ‘‘ Christmas-box’’ than the one
composed of these Bath Pansies.
For bright appearance and excellent quality combined
“A Vinua GARDENER” writes that no variety of Cabbage equals
Sutton’s Gonprn Batu Savoy. It is as bright in colour, he
says. as Golden Feather, and is particularly tender when cooked
and delicate in flavour.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AND WORK FOR
‘ THE PRESENT WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

THERE is not much difference in the details of our work from
what has been previously given. The last two seasons have
shown the importance of an efficient system of drainage, espe-
cially on heavy wet soils, and when other work cannot be pro-
ceeded with this may be done, and it ought to be done well.
A main drain should be laid at the lowest part of the grounds,
and the smaller drains, about 16 or 20 feet apart, should have
their outfall into this. The outfall of the main drain should
always be kept clear, and not be choked with any accumulation
for some distance from its mouth. In heavy wet soils, which
are most retentive of moisture, there will be a continuous flow
of clear water all the winter in such seasons as this. When a
new garden is formed on such soils the first step towards laying
it out is to'begin at the drainage. It may cost a trifle more to
do it thoroughly, but this extra outlay is more than compensated
by the satisfaction of knowing that the work will not have to be
done again after the walks are formed and the trees just estab-
lished in the borders.

It has been our lot to work in gardens composed of the
heaviest soil, such as when it was dug it clung to the spade im
wet weather like marl. We have also had to do with soil of the
lightest description, and where the gravel cropped up to within
a few inches of the surface. We certainly prefer the heavy
soil, a8 it can be much improved by judicious trenching and
manuring. If the ground has not been worked to a greater
depth than 10 or 12 inches it is not wise to go down more than
8 inches more the first time of trenching it, and this can be done

£80

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND

COTTAGE GARDINER. [ Dec2mber 20, 1877.

‘Sy digging it two spits deep, placing two layers of half-decayed
sstuble manure in the trench, one layer at the bottom, and the
-otner after the first spit has been placed over it. If this is done
now, so that the weather can act upon the surface for two or
three months, the ground may be brought into excellent order
for cropping; it will merely be necessary to fork over the surface
toa depth of 3inches. Half-decayed leaves are useful for keeping
‘the soil porous. Road scrapings are alsouseful for this purpose.
‘Of course the very opposite treatment is pursued with regard
‘to light soil; and heavy loam, if it can be obtained readily, may
be laid on the surface to the depth of 6 inches or more, and be
dug in. We advise seeds to be sown rather thickly on heavy
soil, as on such soil they are likely to be injured. The plants
will not grow so freely at first, but they will do so much better
afterwards, especially if the weather is dry.

Young Cabbage plants are blown about by the high gales we
have had, so much so that the plants work round in a basin
formed by the swaying of the stem. This is easily set right by
drawing the soil round the stem with a hoe. Slugs are also
troublesome, but we kill them by dusting the plants with quick-
lime at night. Lettuces suffer most from their attacks.

CUCUMBER HOUSE,

The plants are making very little growth, but they produce
as many fruits as we require. We still hold to Tender-and-True
to produce fruit both in summer and winter. We lost our old
stock, but the seedlings obtained from seed sent by Messrs.
‘Veitch vary but little from the original stock. Mr. C. Turner of
‘Slough sent a single seed of a variety that promises well for

inter work. We have propagated it by cuttings, and it has
borne fruit earlier than any other sort planted with it. This
may be owing to the difference in size of the plants when they
were put out; still it is very free in bearing. It resembles
Telegraph in the size and shape of the fruit, but it is darker in
the skin than that sort, and has black spines. Every year
there are numbers of Cucumbers reputed to be new exuibited
at South Kensington. A large proportion of them are merely
variations of Telegraph; but this good old sort has stood the
test of many years’ trial, and if by careful selection it can be
<mproved or kept up to its own standard we shall not bein
want of a good winter Cucumber. Small fruit about 9 inches
or a foot long are the most useful for winter, as two may be
produced instead of one. Thrips are very troublesome when
the house has to be kept close and the leaves dry. We do not
‘Know any better way to destroy this pest than by fumigating
with tobacco smoke. This must be done with great caution, as
‘the young tender leaves are very apt to suffer from the effects
of it when it is applied too strong. Red spider, another terrible
-enemy, can only be removed by syringing.

VINERIES.

__ The temperature in the early house started last week has not
been increased beyond 45° during cold nights. Our object is
-gradually to increase the heat until in two weeks more it is
about 50°, and not going higher than 55° until the buds are
started. When they have pushed a few inches the temperature
“may be run up a few degrees higher. We do not syringe at all
-after the buds are fairly started. Before this the stems are
merely kept moist by gently dewing them with a very fine
xose. If the water is applied with force it washes off the
mixture, which is not desirable. We keep up the moisture by
fermenting material, and that best adapted for this purpose is
composed of equal parts of leaves and fresh stable manure.
bed of this will throw off a large quantity of steam, and its
xankness will have gone by the time any buds are started. The
steam from fresh manure even in a small quantity is dangerous
to the tender young leaves. We cannot obtain leaves, but we
use Manure insmall quantities, adding about two barrowloads
-at_a time to keep up the heat when it shows symptoms of de-
clining. We also place some fermenting material on the outside
‘borders, and cover it with shutters to keep the wet and frost
«from it. For early forcing the shutters are indispensable, not
only to retain the heat in the fermenting material, but to keep
the autumn rains from saturating the soil before forcing is
‘commenced,

We have cut all the Grapes in one of the late houses, and
placed the stems removed with the bunches in bottles of water
in the frnitroom. They are not cut from the house containing
Lady Downe’s, but from a Muscat house where Muscat of
Alexandria, Gros Guillaume, and Mrs. Pince are cultivated.

PLANT STOVE.

In one of our houses there is a bed filled with tan. Some of
the plants are merely placed on the surface of the bed and others
are plunged in the tan. This is according to the character of
the plants. If they are healthy and the pots well filled with
roots we do not plunge, but a little bottom heat excites root-
action in plants that are newly potted or that do not start
freely. In a few weeks we shall sift the spent tan, retaining the

rough portion and wheeling out the fine, mixing the rough with
some new material. The heat from tan is the most lasting; it
ees not heat very strongly, so that it does not wear out so
xapidly as the more violent heat of stable manure. Oak leaves,

if they can be obtained in quantity sufficient for the purpose,
are excellent for bottom heat.

Clerodendron Balfourii is certainly one of the most useful
plants we have either for training up to cover the rafters or
back stage of the stove or as large or small specimen plants.
It can be recommended, too, for another reason: While some
other climbing plants are very subject to the attacks of red
spider, thrips, or mealy bug—the last the most dreaded enemy
gardeners have to contend with in the stove—the Clerodendron
is never attacked ; insect pests cannot live on if. Our summer-
flowering plants have now thoroughly completed their growth
and we shall remove them into a cool house. Stephanotis flori-
bunda has also made very good growth. The plants in pots
will be kept rather dry at the roots; they wiil have just enough
water to prevent their flagging. There is no need to sing the
praises of Dipladenias as useful decorative plants. The large
showy flowers of D. Brearleyana are esteemed by everyone.
D. boliviensis, pure white with yellow throat, is very useful for
cutting, and its freedom in producing flowers is not the least
point inits favour. Our plants are at present making vigorous
growth. We have tried them by allowing them a season of
rest all through the winter months, resting them in a tempe-
rature of 55° and keeping the soil rather dry, in fact not giving
them any water for six weeks at midwinter; but they do not
succeed so well with this-treatment. They have now a tempe-
rature of 65°, and we water them carefully, as Dipladenias do
not require very large supplies. They should not receive any

| water at the roots, especially in winter, until the soil in the pots

is drier than most plants would like it. These plants, as well
as the Stephanotis, are subject to the attacks of mealy bug, and
if this pest is not destroyed now by careful handwashing it is
unlikely that the plants will do well in summer. Ixoras should
also be carefully exainined and all traces of bug be removed.
Specimen plants intended to flower in June should now be cut
down and be kept in a heat of 65’ as a minimum, increasing it
to 70° in six weeks from now. It will be difficult to keep up
a supply of flowering plants in the stove without Orchids, but

| we have on previous occasions alluded to the easy manner in

which some of the different species may be grown, and the low
price at which Calanthes and some others may be purchased
permits no excuse to be without them.—J. DouGLas.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*_* All correspondence should be directed either to ‘‘The
Editors,” or to ‘‘ The Pablisher.” Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, as doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet ques-
tions 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.

Novice oF Leavine (4 Gardener).—The most correct mode of proceeding
is to give notice of your intention before seeking for another place.

Removine Rose Trees (0. Z.).—Legally a tenant has no right to remove
the trees he has planted, unless he has the landlord’s permission to remove
them.

STOVE IN Puant Hovss (Z. S.).—We kmow of no stove that has no chimney
to carry the smoke or gases emitted into the open air which is not injurious
to the plants in the house.

Buack Manure (J. Davis.\—Not knowing of what it is compnsed we can-
not give an opinion. Quicklime dissolved in water and applied by a brush
will kill the moss on the trunks of trees.

Appies (H. S. Fraser).—Write to Messrs. Webber, Central Avenue, Covent
Garden Market, for the information.

EVERGREEN SHRrusS Newby Puanrsep (H. B.).—Manure spread on the
surface would not injure them.

GREEN ON Watt (4. Braid).—The green on the greenhouse wall is caused
by the damp air. Quicklime and water applied with a brush will remove it.

Preacu TREES FOR OrcHaRD Howse (W. H. B.).—We only know one of
the three you name—viz., Double Montagne. It may do for the orchard
house, but we have not tried it, as there areso many better. Malthese (Malta ?)
is a good Peach and succeeds in an orchard house.

Forcinc RuupBasReB (F. J.).—Place the Rhubarb roots in the bottom of the
barrels with the crowos upwards, adding suflicient soil just to cover the
crowns, that is all. Dress your border of herbaceous plants with decayed
manure, and let the rains wash it in.

Roor-PRUNING Fruir TREES (Inquisitive).—Dig a half-cirele round the
trees at the distance of 8 or 6 feet from the stem, according to the siza of
trees. The largest trees require the greatest distance to be allowed. Cut all
the roots by digging a trench 2 or 3 feet deep, then work towards the trea
with a fork and lift the roots up, cutting off all that descend. You must not
remove the tree entirely, as it will receive too great a check. Place some
fresh loam amongst the roots. .

HEATING GREENHOUSE (D. H. W.).—As it is not convenient to place the
pipes side by side, place one above another. It is of no consequence which
way in yourcase. Wecannot recommend the valves of one firm more thar

Decenhber 2), 1877. 1

JOURNAL 97 HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

* A81

another, Use the wash for the Vines that has been recommended ia“ Doings
of the Last Week.”

Forcing Importep Liny oF THE VALLEY (Inquirer).—It is not unusual
‘for imported clamps to remain dormant if placed, immediately after potting,
inahigh temperature. Pot and plunge them ina bottom heat of 75° and
not exceeding 90°, and cover with inverted flower pots, taking care that the
soil does not become dry. Every crown will grow, and when the spikes are
about 5 or 6 inches high then withdraw the pots from the hotbed and place
‘them in a house with a temperature of 65° by day and 55° at night, in which
they will expand the flowers and develope the foliage. In the new year
they will succeed admirably in a vinery started at that time; but the plants
must be brought on gradually with the Vines or they will remain dormant or
go “blind,” which is obviated by bottom heat or arising temperature, com-
mencing froma low one. If we understand you aright, however, your crowns
potted last year never started iato growth; if so the same crowns cannot be
‘relied on for forcing now.

Porting LILIUM AURATUM AND LANCIFoLIUM (Idem).—The roots at the
base of the bulbs must not be removed, but the stem roots above the bulbs,
also the stems of last year, should be removed. The soil employed for potting
being moist, as it ought, no water should be given until the shoots appear,
when it should be given so as to maintain the plauts in a healthy growing
state, increasing tbe supply with the growth. Plunge the pots in ashes in
acold pit or frame, though they will do outdoors buried ia that material
until March or early April, when they must be placed in a light airy position
‘jn a greenhonse or other structure of moderate temperature.

Dressinc Lawn with QuicKLrMe (Idem).—The lime must be slacke d
pefore placing it upon the grass, as lumps or heaps of lime unslacked will in
slacking be so heated as to destroy the grass it rests on. About eighty
bushels will be sufficient for an acre, spreading it evenly over the surface,
and after a thorough rain remove any stones, rolling well. It will destroy the
worms, also moss, but they will again infest the ground after the lime be-
<comes conyerted into chalk.

BEGonras (Inquirer).—There are hundreds of varieties too nearly alike to
enable their being named from single leaves.

Eartaworm (Country Vicar).—It does not eat the roots of plants. It
draws leaves into the mouth of its hole in the earth to exclude intruders.

AspaRAaGUS NEGLECTED (A Subscriber, Freshfield).—Your best plan will
‘pe to prepare a piece of ground by trenching and enriching with manure.
This fo be done as soon as possible, so that it can be exposed to the action
of frost, and early in the spring, when sufliciently dry to work cleanly, fork
it well over again so as to bring it into a loose friable condition. Imme-
diately you perceive the Asparagas above ground fork up the roots carefully
‘by undermining them, and plant them again in the new bed. This work
must be done with as little exposure as possible to the roots. If they are
transferred without being dried during the process of removal, and are
planted in drills or trenches sufficiently wide so that the roots can be spread
out without being doubled, and an inch or two of light soil, such as decayed
leaves or vegetable soil, is worked amongst them, levelling-in with the ordinary
soil and watering with tepid water, they will grow. They will not grow with
certainty if removed when in a dormant state, and you cannot eradicate the
weeds you name without digging up the Asparagus.

CINERARIAS NoT Expanpina (EZ. S. L.).—As you say the plants are
healthy we think the flowers will open as the season advances. Keep the
roots active, and the plantsin a temperature ranging between 40° and 50°.
“You have perhaps been trying to force them.

InsIDE VINE Borvers (Puzzled).—Good crops of Grapes have been and

are grown when the Vine roots are wholly in inside borders, and at the same ‘

time many failures have occurred, chiefly through imperfect waterings. Inside
borders are often kept too dry, not only in summer but in winter.

WHITE CAMELLIA (Villa Garden\.—For freedom of growth and flowering
we do not think any surpasses the old Double White, Alba plena. Fimbriata
ais very beautifal, but we think a little more delicate than the other.

Ratsinc CocuMBER Puanrs (Amatewr).—As you only require three plants
we advise you to purchasa them, or you might secure the friendly aid of a
neighbouring gardener who has heat at bis command. The most difficult
part of Cucumber culture at this early period of the year is in raising strong
~plants for planting out. You will require as much heat to raise three plants
as three hundred.

CLEANSING VinEs (W. P., Leeds).—As your Vines were infested with thrips
we should simply wash the rods with a strong solution of soft soap or Gis-
hurst compound, dissolving 5 or 6 ozs. in a gallon of water. Let the washing
be thorough. You will find an old spoke brush useful for the purpose, and
the plied may be used at a temperature of 150° immediately the Vines are
pruned.

Names oF Fruits (Young Botanist).—The Apple is Hanwell Souring.
Lycopodium is denticulatum. (G. L.).—Old Colmar.

Names oF Puants (J. W. L.).—We cannot name from such fragments.
{Devonian).—1, Plantain (Plantago major); 2, Hypericum Androsemum.
(Sir Astley)—Adiantum cuneatum and Oncidium flexuosum? (ZT. G.).—
1, Justicia speciosa; 6, Santolina, probably 8. Chamecyparissus ; the others
are florists’ varieties.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE. -

The

THE POULTRY CLUB.

Meretines having been held at the Crystal Palace and Bir-
wmingham, during the time of the late shows, of those interested
in the formation of a Poultry Club, with the object of placing
the exhibition of poultry on a more honourable basis than it has
-of late held, the following code of rules has been agreed upon
as a starting point :—

1. That the Club be called The Poultry Club.

9. That the objects of the Club be—1, The promotion of the
‘breeding and exhibition of poultry ; 2, The suppression of fraud
and dishonourable conduct therein; 3, The advancement and
‘protection of the interests of poultry breeders and exhibitors.

3, That the Club consist of Members whose annual subscrip-

tion shall be a guinea, and Associate Members whose aunual
subscription shall be 5s.; that such subscription be payable in
advance. :

4. That in case the subscription of any Member or Associate
Member shall be in arrear for three calendar months his or her
name shall be removed from the books of the Club, unless some
satisfactory reason be given for the non-payment.

5. That the officers of the Cluh be a President, a Vice-Presi-
dent, two Treasurers, and a Secretary.

6. That the Committee consist of the officers of the Club, who
shall be ex-officio members thereof, and eight other members,
who shall manage all the affairs of the Club; that three of their
number (one at least of whom shall be an officer) form a quorum,

7. That the officers and committeemen be elected annually
on the lst of January by the whole body of members; that
half of their number shall annually retire, but be eligible for
re-election.

8. That the voting for the election of officers and commiitee-
men be conducted by means of voting papers, which shall be
sent by the Secretary to every member.

9. That Associate Members have like privileges wi! Members
save in the election of officers and committeemen, in which
they shall have no vote.

10. That a general meeting of the Club be held annually at
the Crystal Palace at 3.30 p.t. on the second day of the Show
for the discussion of all matters connected with the Club, and
that it be in the power of the Committee to convene extraordi-
nary general meetings.

11. That the Members and Associate Members be elected by
the Committee.

12. That candidates for election send their names to the
Secretary, and that the Secretary forward a list of candidates
for election to all the members of the Committee.

13, That if any Member or Associate Member be proved to
the satisfaction of the Committee to have acted dishonourably,
he or she sball be forthwith expelled from the Club and forfeit
all interest in it.

14. That any Member or Associate Member so expelled have
the right of appeal to a general meeting of the Club specially
convened for the purpose.

15. That the Committee be empowered, inter alia—1, To em-
ploy a solicitor for the purpose of advising or otherwise assisting
its Members and Associate Members ; 2, To prosecute defaulting
committees of shows; 3, To prosecute railway companies and
others for cruelty or other offences; 4, To assist Members and
Associate Members in obtaining the solution of legal questions
of interest to breeders and exhibitors of poultry.

16. That a list of Officers, Committee, Members, and Associate
Members, as well as a balance sheet and report, be annually
printed and sent to every Member and Associate Member, to all
exhibitors at the last Birmingham and Crystal Palace Shows,
and to any other person applying for the same.

17. That the names of original Members be published in the
poultry newspapers, and that the names of additional Members
be published from time to time.

18. That none of these rules shall be altered except at the
annual general meeting, or at an extraordinary general meeting
convened for the purpose. That notice of any intended al-
teration be sent to the Secretary at least two months before the
meeting, who shall give notice to the members of the proposed
alteration.

The Committee chosen to start the Club are the Hon. and
Rey. F. G. Datton, Hon. and Rey. A. Baillie Hamilton, Rev.
Hans F. Hamilton, Rev. W. Serjeantson, O. E. Cresswell,
A. Darby, R. A. Boissier, T. C. Burnell, J. Hinton, R. H. Hors-
fall, T. E. Manby, E. Pritchard, S. Matthew, C. Sidgwick, and
R. B. Wood; and it was resolved that this preliminary Com-
mittee should be considered as the Committee till March lst,
1878, when the Club will elect its future officers and Oom-
mittee. About 120 fanciers have at present signified their wish
to join the Club, and others wishing to do so should send their
names at once to Mr, O. EK. Cresswell, Early Wood, Bagshot,
R.5.0., Surrey.

THE PARIS POULTRY SCHEDULE.

To many of our poultry exhibitors who have for some years
now been accustomed to a small schedule and entrance form for
exhibiting their poultry, the schedule of the Paris Universal
Exhibition of 1878 will probably be confusing. There are fifty-
six classes, or ‘“categories”’ as they are termed, where the
cocks have divisions to themselves while the hens have to be in
trios, except in the case of Turkeys and Geese. In the schedule
the French most properly come first, there being classes for
Houdans, Créves, the Fléche (the La being dropped), Mans and
Bresse breeds, with another variety French fowl class. The
Cochins follow, where, instead of our “‘ Buff or Cinnamon” we
find “ Yellow or Chamois.” Classes there are, too, for Whites,
Blacks, and any other variety of Cochin; Brahmas, Dorkings,
Hamburghs, and Game have no subdivisions of varieties. The

482

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 20, 1877.

“seventeenth category” is for ‘Russian, Malay, and similar
breeds,” which is surely rather abstruse. Polands are called
Padua and Dutch breeds, of which the White-crest2d have two
classes. There is a class for Breda fowls, which we should
have thought should have been grouped with the other French
varieties. Two Variety classes with categories for Geese, Tur-
keys, Dacks, and Guinea Fowls finish the pouliry department.
The Pigeon classification is peculiar. There are but four classes
—one for large breeds used for food and one for smaller ditto,
another for Doves, and the fourth for Carriers. Rabbits have
five classes, one being for Russianus.

The prizes are fairly liberal. An art object of the approxi-
mate value of five hundred francs may be awarded to the finest
collection belonging to the same owner, and a sum of four thou-
sand fraucs and silver and bronze medals will be distributed
among the attendants to whom the notice of the Jury may ba
drawn on account of the intelligent care they have given to the
prize specimens; so there will be a good opportunity for some
of the poultry managers of England to come in for a share of
this £170, and in cases of equal merit the Jury will take length
of service into consideration. Of the other prizes, in the classes
for cocks the prizes are thirty francs, twenty francs, and fifteen
francs, and in those for hens they are forty-five, forty, and
thirty-five francs; besides theee a silver medal will be added to
all first prizes and a bronze medal to all other prizes. No exhi-
bitor can receive more than one prizeineach class. The entries
have to be sent to the Secretary Royal Commission Paris Uni-
versal Exhibition, 1878, Canada Buildings, King Street, West-
minster, 5.W., and being ‘‘on Her Britannic Majesty’s service ”
the postage need not be paid.

One fact will seem peculiar fo our exhibitors; we allude to
the Show being judged by special Juries, the third of which
will judge the pigs and poultry. Save Capt. Heaton we person-

English exhibitors of both pigs and poultry. There is a clause,
however, to gay each Jury may perhaps be divided into sections,
in which case the poultry may possibly have a small Jury to
themselves. The awards will be determined upon by a majority
of votes, and in cases of equality the President will have the

casting vote; their decision will be taken down in writing and |

Signed by the members. All this must appear very strange fo
us and would appear to require a great deal of time, but art. 16

tells us that the Jury will have two days in which to perform |

their duties. Wednesday, June 5th, is set apars for the reception
of the animals, and the Show closes on the 17ih inst. at 5 p.m.
The time of year is a bad one for a poultry show: old birds

ready, though we have seen early chickens win at the Bath and
West of England shows, which are generally held at about
that time. We anyhow hope our exhibitors and fanciers will
patronise the Show, and do what they can for the foreigners to
see that the basses cours of Great Britain have even French
fowls equal to their own in size, points, and general character-
istics.—W.

CARMARTHEN POULTRY SHOW.

THE great number of other shows which were being held in
other counties on the same dates doubtless interfered with this
one, where the classes, though extremely well divided, had not
such tempting money prizes. Some of the classes were small,
such as the Spanish, Light Brahmas, and Gold and Silver-pen-
cilled Hamburghs. There was a class for undubbed Game, with
£5 5s. worth of prize money offered by the Baroness Burdett-
Coutts, but only eight entries were made; and though the
winner was a good bird, stille £3 first prize would have brought
a larger competition from the greater yards we should have
thought. Jlalays were a good class of fiffeen pens, and the
winners were well chosen. In Black Hamburghs the winning
pair (D. Lewis) were very bright and good. Polands only had
five pens, but the winners (Hinton) were very good Silvers, fine
in crests and attractively marked. In the class for Houdans
Myr. S. W. Thomas won second with a pair which were not in the
catalogue from some oversight; third going to a good pen of
Mr. Scott’s. In the other variety French class Créves won all
the three prizes. The first Game Bantams (Parker) were smart
and good-coloured birds, and in the other Bantam class Mr.
Phelps with his three entries monopolised the three prizes. In
the Any other variety of fowl class the Rev. R. Woodgate was
first with a capital pen of Japanese Silkies, second going to
W. Lewis for Black Minorcas. In the Sale class the Rev.
D. Williams was first with a fair Dark Brahma. The local
classes were mostly of average merit, but call for no especial
remarks. Mr. John Martin awarded the prizes, and gave general
satisfaction.

MID-SURREY POULTRY SHOW.

Tue second annual Show was held at the Drill Hall, Kingston,
on Thursday the 13th inst. and following days. The arrange-
ments were an improvement upon last year, but a want of

practical knowledge is still evideut with the management. The
avenues were too small, and, the light not being good, it was a
very difficult task to inspect the birds in the lower pens, and
the inconvenience must have added wonderfully to the work of
the Judges.

Old cock and hen, cockerel and pullet, was the general classi-

| fication of the popular varieties of poultry. Considering the

Space at the command of the Committee, we think they would
have done much better had they been Jess ambitious, and as
the season is now far advanced, made one All-ages class for each
variety, if would have saved a considerable sum in prize money,
and they could have spared a little to have increased the value
of the other prizes, which would have improved greatly the
quality of the birds, as exhibitors do not care to risk gocd
specimens in the chances of an exhibition for prizes of the
value of 20s., 10s., and 5s., unless they are very conveniently
situated with regard to the Show, as was the case with a large
Pigeon exhibitor, who patronised the Show most extensively,
and we noticed in only the first five classes of Pigeons he was
fortunate enough to take thirteen prizes out of the fifteen offered.
We call attention to this in the hope that if the Show is con-
tinued the Committee will see the advantage of condensing
their schedule, expunging some of the unpatronised classes,
and then, by the slight increase we have suggested in the
values of the prizes, the competition will become more general
and an improvement of the quality in many classes will be
secured.

Dorkings, five classes.—The first, a cockerel, we thought the
pick of the lot. The wioning pullet was in some respects good,
but spoilt by sooty feet. Cochins, Partridge.—First good, cock
sound in colour, hens well marked. Buff were generally very
uneven in colour. Inthe Any other variety we found two good

d pot s it € | pens of Whites first and second, and a moderate pen of Black
ally know of no English judge who would give satisfaction to |

third. Brahmas, Dark Cock and Hen.—First, cock rather
narrow, hen well marked ; second a fair pen; third poor. Light
Cock and Hen.—First both good in colour, and the cock had a
very neat comb for an old bird. We could not find another
even moderate pen in this class. Hocked Birds.—The winning
Dark had all that the most extravagant lover of leg feather could
desire for breeding purposes, but the merit of the first Light
hen we could not discover; she was wonderfully hocked, but
very short of leg feather, the third toe being quite uncovered.
Cockerels a poor class. First a pretty bird, second deserved
his position, third crooked in the toe. Pen 89, a pair of Lights,
we much preferred. Pullets—A very evenly-marked Dark

‘ i c y | first; second a well-shaped White, nicely marked in the hackle,
will be ragged and untidy while the chickens will hardly be |

and with a proper quantity of leg feather.
cocks a fair class. Hens.—First 2 very stylish bird, short and
hard in feather. Duckwing—Pen 129 we liked in many re-
spects better than the winner, but he looked out of condition
and soft. The remaining classes were poor, the Any variety. of
hen containing only one entry.. Hamburghs.—Mr. Long -ex-
hibited two or three good pens. The first Leghorns were good.
Polands only one entry. Malays a fairclass. Spanish.—Hirst
deserved their position, the cock had a face of good quality and
was well shown, hen was deficient in lobe. Pen 170 contained
a beantifal hen with a grand face and well-shaped lobe. Pen
171 a cock almost as good as the winner. Both these pens
belonged to the same owner, had he matched them differently
he would have run very close for the first prize. Andalusians,
five entries, all good. Bantams, Red.—We thought the second
pen showed more style than the winner. Any other variety,
Duackwings were first and second. Ducks were generally good.

Pigeons.—Pouters.—In Pied cocks Mr. Herrieff succeeded in
obtaining a second prize with a good Red. This was the only
pen shown in opposition to Mr. Baker in the three Pouter
classes. Carriers obtained more support. Dragoons were
capital classes. Blue cocks first and second, good coloured birds,
and nice and distinct in the bar; third had a good Dragoon
head, but was a little cloudy in the bar. Hens.—First a good
bird, second showed a little too much of the Carrier. Dragoons,
any other colour.—A very sound-coloured Yellow first. A
capital Chequer, a good coloured Red, and several very good
birds were to be found here. Hens.—Yellow first and third,
the competition being close. Jacobins another good class. Mr.
Hardy showed a Red that we thought might have been higher
in the prize list. English Owls, nine entries, and six first-class
pens. Turbits and Fantails were well filled, and so good that
many former prize birds only here obtained a card.

The Show closed on Saturday, a most inconvenient day for
the return of the birds.

Game.—Black Red

December 20, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

483

Cock.—1, Mrs. H. J. Tritton. 2and3,W.Docksey. Hen.—1,T.Docwra. 2,G
H. Harmsworth. 8,J.Montgomery. Duckwing—Qock.—l and 2, W. Docksey.
8, F. Edwards. Hen.—1, W. Docksey. 2,T.Docwra. 8,B.Mollett. Any other
colowr.—Cock.—1, R. Osborn. 2, J. Knight. 8, H. R. Emms. Hen—l, T.
Docwra. HamBurcous.—Golden-spangled.—l, J. Long. Golden-pencilled.—1,
P.G. Pointer, 2,J.Loug. 3, W. L. Bell. Any other colour.—l and 3, J. Long.
2,F. Edwards. Lecuorns.—|, H. J. Tritton. 2, A. Kitchin. 3, Mivs Handfield.
Pouanps.—1l, C. H. Huish. Matays.—l, H. J. Tritton. 2,T. Doewra. 8,J3.F
Strugnell. SpanzsH.—l,J. Woods. 2,G. Thomas 3, A. Atlee. Mrinorcas.—1,
R. J. Brewer. 2,T. Jackson. 8, F.W. Hullett. AnpDALusians.—l, J. Wiggins.
2, W. Brooke. 3, Mrs. M.A. Wilson. FRrENcu.—1, H. Stephens. 2, W.Cutlack,
jun. 8, W. Howard. Banrams.—Red Game—l, G. Vigors. 2, W. Adams. 8,
R. Osborn. Any other colour.—1, F. C. Davis. 2, W. Adams. 8, J. Long.
Sebrights.—1, F. C. Davis. 2, F. W. Hardwicke. Any other variety.—l, H.
Stephens. Equal 8, F. C. Davis G . Ducks.—Aylesbury.—1, Mrs. Rad-
cliffe. 2, Mrs. Brassey. Rouen.—l, P. Ogilvie, 2, Mrs. Radcliffe. Any other
wariety.—l, J.C. Looker. 2,H. Allen. 8, P. Ogilvie.

PIGEONS.—Povurrrs,—Pied.—Oock.—1,J. Baker. 2,J.Herrieff. 8,J. Baker.
Hen.—1, 2, and 8, J. Baker <Any other colour.—l, 2, 8, and vhe. J. Baker.
CaRRIERS.—Black or Dun.—Cock.—l, 2, and 8, J. Baker. Hen.—1, W. Hooker.
2and 8, J. Baker. vhc, T. H. Goodman, G.H, Gillham. Any other colour.—l,
W. Hooker. 2,J. Baker. 8, G.H. Gillham. Young.—Black or Dun.—) and 2,
J. Baker. 8, W. Boxall. vhc, C. Ord, Any other colour.—l,G.H. Gillham. 2,
W. Hooker. 8, C. Ord. Dracoons.—Blue or Silver.—Ceck.—1 and 2, W. B.
Tegetmeier. 8, C. Howard. Hen.—l, J. Baker. 2. Hon. W. Sngden. 8, Cox
and Norrie. Any other eolour—Ooek.—1, A. Leith. 2, T. C. Burnell. 8, J.
Webb. vhc, C. Howard, Cox & Morris. Her.—i, J. Baker. 2,J. edwards. 8,
C. Howard. SHort-rackD TUMBLERS.—Almond.—l, 2, 3, and vhe, J. Baker.
Any other colour.—l and 2, J. Baker. 8, G. H. Stevens. Barss.—l, 2, and $8, J.
Baker. JAcopins.—l and 2, J. Baker. 8, G. Hardy. Owxs.—Znglish—1, J.
Dancer. 2and8,T.G.Sprunt. vie, J. Baker. Foreign.—1, 2, and 3, J. Baker.
TurgBitTs.—Cock.—l, J. Buker. 2, T. C. Burnell. 8, G. Hardy. Hen,—l, C. A.
Crafer. 2,T.C. Burnell. 8,\/W. P. Stevenson. FanraiLs.—l, 2, and8, J. Baker.
ANTWERPs.—Short-faced.—l, J. Baker. ¥, F. T. Vheobald.
Short-faced.—l, C. F. Herrieff. 2, W. Stevenson. 8, B. Brown.
Vanriety.—l, J. Baker. 2 and 3, W. H. Gower.

JupGces.—Poultry: Mr. W. Nichols. ' Pigeons: Mr. P. H.
Jones.

ANY OTHER

LEEDS POULTRY SHOW.

Tus excellent annual Show was held on Tuesday the 11th,
and two following days, in the Smithfield Market sheds. The
great increase of entries has rendered the space at command far
too small for the purpose, and it is contemplated to erect a
grand hall for the Show, and this would be a great boon to both
Judges and exhibitors, as the birds are at present placed three
tier high, which in all cases places many at great disadvantage,
and still the whole is managed in a most exemplary manner.

In poultry the Game, as usual, headed the list with a fine dis-
play; the winners were exceedingly well selected, the cup going
to, a grand Brown Red cock. he larger varieties were well
vepresented, and the Hamburghs, of which there were more
than one hundred pens, a show in themselves, the cup going to
a capital pen of Spanish in the first-named section, although we
have seen the cockerel look in better order. Bantams were
excellent, the cup going to a splendid pen of Black Reds of this
year.

In Pigeons some exhibitors’ entries had been returned, as the
entry fees had not been remitted with them (a rule we would
recommend to the notice of other committees), and in conse-
quence the numbers were not as Jarge as we expected. Pouters
headed the list; the first, a grand young Blue cock in splendid
show, won the cup for the best bird in allclasses; the second (a
White). was a very showy bird. Cavriers.—Virst a good all-
round bird, buttherest poor. In Short-faced Tumblers Almonds
won, but these were not as good as we have seen from the same
exhibitor. Long-fuces a grand class, perhaps the best we bave
ever seen. Owls poor except the first. Jacobins were very fine,
the prizes going to a loft we have never heard of before. Both
were Reds. Turbits were a puzzle, and were placed too high
for areal thorough satisfactory inspection. The firsta Blue and
second a Red, counted pretty near perfection. Fantails good.
For a thankless office commend us to judging a class of Nuns
placed at such an elevation, every bird trimmed, and only a
choice as to which is most perfect with least trimming.
Dragoons very good; both the winners Yellows. Antwerps a
bad lot; the best in Short-faces left ont on account of excessive
trimming, but the Long-faces were very good. Magpies.—The
winners, Red, were excellent. Swallows.—First Red und second
Black, both very good. The Variely class was a good one.
First a Fairy Swallow, such as is rarely seen; and second a
Blondinette.

Rabbits were a good entry, considering that so many other
shows were held at the same time. Lops.—First a Fawn, good
in all points and winner of the Society’s medal; second a Sooty
Fawn, one 234 by 58, and the other 23 by 5. Silver-Greys were
very remarkably even and good. Silver-Cream—or, as for the
future we shall designate them, Silver Fawns—were very good,
and showed great improvement on all we have seen. The first
the richest yet produced, but second better in silvering, and
both very even in colour. Himalayans were very poor indeed.
Angoras very good; the first a grand one, not only in quality
but also in size. Dutch only five, but good, Black winning.
Belgian Hares were an unusually even and good class, almost
all deserving a prize, the winners leading mostly in ground
colour and ear lacing. In the Variety class first was a very
pretty Albino, and second a mongrel}, very large. In the Selling
class a Silver Fawn was first and a Lop second.

POULTRY.—Gamer.—Cock.—l, W. A. F. Fenwick. 2,W. & H. Adams. 3, W-

8, W. Cook. Not |

Any variety.—Cockerel.—Cup, R. Garnett. 2, R. Corless. 8,
Sales. Pullet.—i, J. F. Walton. 2, W. J. Mason. 8, T. & J. C. Parker. Black
Red.—i, R. H. Hick. 2, G. Furness. 8, W. Spencer. Chickens.—1, W- Morley.
2, W- Rudd. 3,E, Jagger. Brown and other Red, except Black.—1, W. Rudd.
2, W. Scholefield. 8, W.& H. Adams. Chickens.—1, W. A. F. Fenwick. 2, J.
F. Walton. 3, W. Rudd. Duckwing.—l, W. Rudd. 2, Holmes & Destner. 8, J.
A. & H. H Staveley. Chickens—l, F.Sales. 2, W. J. Mason. 8, G, Ambler.
Any other variety.—1, J. F. Walton. 2, H. Hick. 8,H.C. Mason. Chickens.—
1, W. Rudd. 2, J. F. Walton. 8, H. Hick. Dorxines.—l, J. Walker. 2, T.
Briden. 8, C. Atkinson. Chickens.—l, R. A. Boissier. 2, A. Jackson. 8, J
Walker, Cocurns.—Cup, W. Mitchell. 2 and 8, T. Aspden- Chickens.—_l, H
Beldon. 2, A. Bamford. 8, H. Tomlinson. Braumas.—Light._l. H. Beldon
2,G. Pounder. Chickens.—!,H.Beldon. 2, T. N. Wolstencroft. 8, H. W. and
H. King Dark.—l, R. Hargreaves. 2, H. Beldon. 8, G. & J. Duckworth.
Chickens —1, H. Wilkinson. 2,P. Hargreaves. 8, J. Brooke. SPaNnisH.—), J.
Thresh, 2,H. Wilkinson. Chickens.—Cup an‘8, J. Powell. 2.,Miss A. Corden.
Hovpans.—1, S. W. Thomas. 2 and 8, G. W. Hibbert. Chickens.—l, R. B.
Woud. 2,J3.W. Thomas. vhe,E. J. Blair. CREvE-Cauas.—l, W. Cutlack, jun.
2,W-.R. Park. 8, G.W. Hibbert Chickens.—l, Robinson & Myers. 2, R. B.
Wood. 8, W. R. Park. vhe, G. Furness. Povanps.—l. H. Beldon. 2, J.
Rawnsley. 8, P. Unsworth. Chickens —1, A. & W. H. Silvester. 2,
worth. 8, H. Bowker. Hamsurcus.—Spangled.—Cup, G. & J. Duckworth. 2
and 8, J- Rawnsley. Gold-spangled.—Chickens—1 and 2, G. & J. Duckworth.
8,H. Beldon. Silver-spangled—Chickens.—\, Robinson & Jagger. 2, J. Rawns-
Jey. 8,3. Preston. Pencilled.—i, H. vickles. 2 and vhe. J. Rawnsley. 8, J.
Preston. Gold-pencilled.—Chiekens —1, H. Pickles. 2,J. Rawnsley. 8, G.and
J. Duckworth. vie, H. Beldon, W. Clayton. Silver-pencilled.—Chickens.—l,
Robinson & Jagger. 2, H. Pickles. 8,H.Beldon. Black.—1,C.Pemberton. 2,
H.Beldon. 38, J. Rawnsley. vhe, S. Booth. Chickens.-1, W. Bentley. 2, J.
Lancashire. 8, Hobson & Robinson. vic, H. Beldon, W. Tate (2), Stott and
Booth. J. Preston, C. Pemberton, W Bentley. Banrams.—Game.—Cock.—1l and
8. W. F. Addie. 2,A.S. Sugden. vhc, J. Blamires, Smith & Davis, W. Basker-
ville. Red.—l, E. Walton. 2, W. F. Addie. 8, W. F Entwisle. Chickens.—
Cup, W. Kkudd. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 38, W. ©. Addie. vic, W. F. Entwisle, W.
Wardle. Duckwing.—l, R. Newbitt. 2, W. F. Entwisle. 8, T. Dowell. Chickens.
—!,E.Walion. 2A. 5. Sugden. 8, J. & J. Lund: Black.—1, W. H. Shackle-
ton. 2, Metcalf& Miluer 8,F. Beanland. White.—l, H. Beldon. 2, W. Pape.
8, J. W. Crowther. Gold or Silver Sebright.—l, T. P. Carver. 2,H. Beldon. 8,
W. Richardson. Any other variety —1, W. Rudd. 2, W. I. Entwisle. 3, H.
Beldon,. Turkeys.—l, J. Walker. 2, G. Mangles. 8, S. H. Stott. Gersz.—l,
J. Walker. 2, G. Pounder. 8, W. Stork. Ducxs.—4ylesbury.—l.and 2, J.
Walker. 8,J.Newton, Rowen.—l, J. Walker. 2.J.Newton. 8, F. G.S. Raw-
son. Any other variety.—l, J. Trickett. 2, A.&W.H. Sylvester. 8, J, Walker.
PIGEONS.—Pourrers.—Cup, A, & Xk. Hutchinson, 2,K.Mawson. vhe,J. E.
Crofts, Miss F. Seanor. CArrrers.—l.E,Mawson. 2, W. Townend. TUMBLERS.
—Short-yaced.—l, H. Yardley. 2. G. H. Wood. vhe, E. Mawson. Any other
variety —1,%. Bankart. 2, W. Lund. vhe, G. Lister, H. Yardley, W. Lund, J.
Thresh, E. Mawson. Owuxs.—l, E, Mawson. 2, H. Yardley. JacoBins.—l and
2,W.Dale vhe, J. Thompson, T. Holt. Trompreters.—l, J. Lederer. 2,5S.S.
Blakey. Turpits.—l, R. Wood. 2, Miss fF. Seanor. viie,'T. Holt, G. Sadler, E.
Mawson. Fantaius.—l, J. F. Loversidge. 2, W. J. Warhurst. Barps.—l, J.
Thresh. 2, E. Mawson. Nuns.—l, J. ©. Crofts. 2, E. Mawson, Dracoons.—
1, R. Woods. 2.E. Mawson. vhe, J Everitt, N. Smallpage, R. Woods. ANT-
weERPs.—Long-faced —1, B. Rawnsley. 2, ©. EF. Hervieff. Short-faced.—l, E.
Mawson, 2,H. Yardley. vic. B. Rawnsley. Macpres.—l, R. Woods. 2,J.E.
Crofts. vhc, J. E. Crofts, Miss F. Seanor, E. Mawson. Swattows.—l, H.

Tillotson.

Jacob. 2,&. Mawson. vic, R. Woods. ARCHANGELS.—l, H. W. Webb. 2, G.
F. Burto: vhe, A. Bew. ANY oTHER VaRiETY.—1,J. EB Crofts, 2,A.& W. He
Silvester. vhe, ©. Aikinson, Miss F. Seanor, A. & W. 4. Silvester. SELLING

Cuass.—l, C. F, Herrieff, R. H. Britton.
JupcEs.—Poultry : Messrs. Dixon snd Teebay. Pigeons and
Rabbits: Mr. EK. Hutton.

Me. E, W. Sourpwoop has purchased the whole of Mrs.
Arkwright’s breeding aud exhibiting stock of Dark Dorkings;
and Mrs. Arkwright retires from the fancy.

A TRIAL OF HIVES SUGGESTED.

Ir will be remembered by some of your readers, that in the
early months of this year a proposal was mude with a view to
test the powers of different kinds of hives and bees. It was
then hoped that some gentlemen would come forward and lend
their aid and advice in an effort to prove or disprove the
alleged superiority of some kinds of hives and the Ligurian
bees. In my opinion there is no other question stirring the
bee-loving community of greater importance than this, and
that if it can be lifted out of and above the region of mere
opinion by a satisfactory trial a result very valuable will be
arrived at. Hundreds of bee-keepers now want to know if some
kinds of hives strongly recommended are really any better than
those they already possess, and whether the Ligurian bees are
really any better than the common sort. Who can at the
present time give them the information they seek? What
earnest honest bee-keepers want is a solid foundation of facts,
and so far as we know such foundation has not been laid by the
apiarians of either Hurope or America.

Amongst the last importations from America was an Hssay on
bees by Mrs. Tupper, in which Ligurians are strongly com-
mended. ThoughI do not attach much importauce to her re-
commendations, she mentions one point which is new to most
people—viz , that the bills or trunks of Ligurians are longer
than those of common bees, and that this may be proved by
filling a jar of honey covered with perforated zinc near both
kinds of bees. After the common bees cannot reach the honey,
the Ligurians continus to fill their sacs with if and carry it
home. If this is a fact they possess one point of superiority.
The main point is, Do they gather more honey? and this we
have to find out yet.

Probably the hive last patented in America is one invented
by Mr. N. C. Mitchell, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, called
“Tho Adjastable Bee Hive,” which according to Mr. Mitchell’s
account beats all that the world has ever seen. He says his
hives ‘fare superior to all other moveable comb hives, and are
so constructed that every idls bee can be set to work, and that

484

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 20, 1877.

in them bees are five hundred per cent. easier handled, and
gather four hundred per cent. more honey than they do in other
hives. This adjustable hive is the only one that will winter
bees in any latitude without loss. Its price is only 75 cents.
We have been selling townships at 25 dols., and counties at
from 100 to 200 dols.” He means the right to sell his ‘‘ Ad-
justable ” hives in townships and counties. Itis to be regretted
that such extravagant statements are ever made, and that any
bee-keepers are so gullable as to believe them. Even in this
England of ours it was stated by a gentleman this year, that
owing to the materials and construction of a hivein his garden
it gathered three hundred per cent. more honey than # straw
hive standing beside it, and donbtless some believed him.

W th a view to enlighten pn): 1 opinion and advance apiarian
Science I beg leave to sagyccu that next year (1878) we may
have a test trial or friendly competition between Italian and
common bees and hives of different kinds. It appears to me
that an enterprise of this kind will be of great advantage to the
bee-keepers of this and other countries. All the reading public
of England would be put into the jury-box to see and hear for
themselves. The story of the trial would be told in every place,
and truth would prevail. If three or four or more gentlemen
on either side or different schools will undertake to provide four
or six hives for trial it would be easy to make arrangements for
@ pubic competition. The conditions should be left to a com-
mitteee and be discussed by the public. Byreasonof the weight
of years resting on me Iam not £0 able and active as I once was,
butif no younger man comes to the front with common bees
and straw hives for the proposed competition I will find some
in my own garden and willingly send them to the arena of con-
test; and I earnestly hope that some of our friends on the other
side will. have the courage of their opinions and be ready to
appear with the Italian bees and hives after their models. In
such a trial honest men have nothing to lose but much to gain.
The best hives and best bees would be put into the top class
by general consent. In all honourable contests and discussions
those that lose the day are the greatest gainers, for they gain
truth by defeat, and truth is better than victory.

As this is the last effort I shall make to bring about a public
competition of bees and hives I should like it to be successful.
I rather fear that some of our friends may not like to venture
their bees in a public trial, and some others would not part
with theirs fora season. HencelI am going to take a liberty by
asking ten or twelve of our friends to promise £1 a-piece to
help to carry out our proposal of testing in a satisfactory manner
the powers of some kinds of hives and bees. I do not want to
touch a penny of money, but in the event of no one appearing
with Ligurians to prove their superiority, that three or four
hives of them be purchased for the proposed trial. If arrange-
ments be made for trial next year, and the season be favourable
for honey-gathering, the bees of eight or ten strong hives would
gather honey enough to pay all the expense and cost of purchase.
I commend the consideration of the proposal to the bee-keepers
of Great Britain, believing as I do that a trial of the kind would
do more to advance apiculture than many bee and honey shows,
and at much less expense.

If we can see our way to secure the hives for the enterprise
satisfactory conditions would be arranged afterwards. I am
quite sure that we have in the bee-loving community means
and energy enough to carry out the suggestion to a successful
issue. Itis a question for the multitude, and the greater interest
will be excited if many people take part in the undertaking. I
shall be glad if the readers of the Journal will give us their
opinions and aid.—A. PrrricRew.

LARGE v. SMALL HIVES.

I nave no sort of wish to do injustice to Mr. Pettigrew, nor
did I think Thad done so. Perhaps if I had written “he has
frequently admitted that he has little or no personally practical
experience of the management of bar-framed hives,” I should
hhave expressed myself more accurately. Such certainly was
what I meant to convey.

As to my “reckless” statement, I shall not “squabble” with
Mr. Pettigrew about it. Nevertheless, it is a fact of my own
experience, and I must adhere to it. I have no doubt that
“wherever honey can be obtained large strong hives gather it
faster than strong small hives.” All I say is, there must be
honey in sufficient quantity to fill these large strong hives,
otherwise the bees will waste both energy and honey in making
an unnecessary quantity of comb, which will not be the case
in smaller and compacter hives. Having tried both larger and
smaller hives in this poor honey-gathering district I again
repeat that ‘‘I have abundantly proved my statement to be
true.”—B. & W.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Dorxine Cock DrarRH@AED (J. S. T.).—The cock is suffering either from
unwholesome food or from imperfect digestion. In either case it is necessary

that purgatives thould be administered in order to get rid of that which
offends. Acting on that which you assure us to be the case, that the bird,
except as regards hiscomb, is in perfect healtb, we should st once administer
a good tablespoorful of castor oil, and after that had operated we would give
some stale crusts soaked in strong ale and a couple of pills of camphor the
size of a small pea. The colour of the comb should then begin to return, If
it does not after two or three days repeat the dose.

Ricz Mra For Fowts (M. B.).—We are very sorry our experience does
not tally with that of your friend. We hold rice to be useless food in every
shape and form. We have tried it not only with poultry but with game and
pigs. ‘he fat put on disappeared at the fire, and the lean of the flesh might
have claimed relationsbip with indiarubber. It is needless to say that in
such condition there cannot be good plumage. We have always found rice to
be so poor in itself that it is favourable to the production of parasites. It
has always done so in our trials. Feed on barleymeal or ground cats slaked
with water morning and evening, midday give barley or maize or kitchen
scraps. If your stock is as good as that of your friend, if the eggs are set at
the same time and the chickens equally cared for, we do not hesitate to say
you will beat the rice,

Prices oF Rassirts (2. M. F.).—Two such Rabbits as you describe can be
put on board a New York steamer ina proper hutch for £510s. This sum
would not include food.

BEES IN Towns (Lex).—By intelligent management and judiciously feeding
the bees a fair amount of success is attainable. We shall shortly publish an
instance of suecessful bee-keeping in London.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.
Lat.51° 82/40” N.; Long. 0° 8’ 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

Date. | 9 A.M. | Is THE Day.
a
ba .| Hygrome-| #4 |S _:|/Shade Tem-| Radiation =
1877. |a= hee 33 (225) perature. |Temperature.| &
3 om a a =
Dec a | 2B Baa| | In | On
= Wet.| Qs |B Max.| Min.} sun. |grass-
| deg. | deg. | 4 . | deg.| In.
: | 411 | 51.6 | 8 :0 | 383 | 0.070
36.0 | 412 | 42.9 | 3% 2 | 305 | —
34.8 } 40.2 | 41.7 | 3 A 26.2) —
32.6 | 39.0 | 438 | 2 2 | 932 | 0-010
439 39.3 | 49.2 | 82 8 | 318 | —
43.9 4u1 | 48.5 | 43.4 | 387 | —
396 417 | 46.7 | 88.6 33.3 | —
40.3 | 39.2 | 405 | 463 | 84S | 57.7 | 81.0 | 0.080
| | | |
REMARES.

12th.—Boisterous and wet in the early morning, but fine by 9 4.M., and sunny
after 10 a.m.

13th.—Bright sunny day but cold; fine night. :

14th.—Fine morning, with thick white frost; fine and bright all day.

15th.—_Morning misty end cold, sky overcast most of the day; buta lunar
halo visible at 6 P M. r x

16th.—Generally overcast, but a pleasant day; rather windy in afternoon;
mocnlight evening.

| 17th.—Misty morning but fine; rather dull all day; finer at night.

18th.—Very fine avd bright throughout, with very high barometer.

A dry fine week, with high barometer. Westerly wind and very little rain.
—G. J. Symons.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—DEcEMEBER 19.

Tuis being Christmas time a little more activity is displayed in our Market
bat as a rule prices are not what might be expected. Pears are making high
prices, but there is no improvement in the value of Apples. Kent Cobs are
higher.

FRUIT.

s.d. 8 de| s.d. s. da
Apples.......... }sieve 2 ot05 0 | Melons......---+ each 0 Oto0 O
Apricots . dozen 0 0 O vu| Nectarines -. dozen 00 0 O
Chestnuts. bushel 10 0 20 0 | Oranges .. on +100 3 0 10 0
-Currants geieve 0 0 OU O/| Peaches.. . dozen 00 00
Black }sieve 0 0 O O| Pears,kitchen.. dozen 10 8 0
Figs ... dozen 0 0 O 0| dessert ...... dozen 20 9 0
Filberts lb. G 6 O S| Pine Apples .... ED G &
(Cops. <0 Ib. 0 6 O 9) Plums.... -. 3Zsieve 00 0 &
Gooseberries ..} bushel 0 0 O O | Raspberries Ib. 0 0 0 0
Grapes. hothou-e lb. 1 6 8 O| Walnats. bushel 5 0 S$ G
Lemons ........ #100 6 uv 10 Oj ditto... Ppi0dd 00 00

VEGETABLES.
s. d. s.d. s.d. 3. a
Artichokes...... dozen 2 Oto4 0|Mushrooms.... pottle 16 2 0
Beans,Kidney forced#160 1 0 1 6 Ss punnet 0 2 O 4
Beet, Red ...... dozen 16 8 0 bushel 2 6 8 6
Broccoli........ bunale 0 9 1 6} quart 0 4 00
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 2 6 O 0! bunches 2 0 00
Cabbage........ dozen 10 2 0} dozen 0 0 0 O
Carrots bunch 0 4 O 6} quart 0 0 O9QO
Capsicums 2100 1 6 20 bushel 8 6 6 0
Cauliflower: dozen 20 4 0 bushel 5 0 7 O
Celery .... bundle 1 6 2 0 bunches 10 16
Coleworts bonches 2 0 ¢ 0 bundle 0 6 10
Cucumbers each 10 1 6 bundle 09 1 @
dozen 10 20 bundle 10 0 O
buvch 0 8 O 0 basket 20 2 6
lb. 0 G6 0 0 lb. 0 8 0 &
bunch 0 2 0 0 bushel 2 6 4 0
dozen 10 20 bunch 0 8 O 4
Leeks bunch 0 2 O 4 each 0 0 O 0

December 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

485

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Day | Day Average Sun Sun Moon | Moon | Moon’s| ,Clock | Day
BER 2 —J, ARY 2, 1878. Temperature near Fi A betore | of

more pores DECEMBER 27, 1877—JANU. p Pe aaEe Rises Sets. | Rises, | Sets. | Age. sup. | Year. |

Day. |Night.|Mean-| h. m.| bh. m.| bh. m.| bh. m. | Days pity: 2K

27 Ta Sr. JoHN THE EVANGELIST. 43.0 | 29.7 | 36.4 8 8 3 55 Oe aha bly Ofs € 1 27 361 |

98 | F | Innocents’ Day. 42.6 | 29.5 | 36.0 | 8 9| 8 55] 1 2/11 39] 24 1 56 | 362 |

99 Ss 439 | 80.0 | 88.5 S19. 3 56 2 49 | 11 56 25 2 26 | 363 |

80 Sun | 1 Sunpay AFTER CHRISTMAS. 44.4 | 81.7 | 88.1 Siler 3 57 4°18 0a19 26 2 55 | 864 |

81 | M | Quarter Sessions begin. | 43.9 | 324 | 382 | 8° 9] 8 58] 6 34] 0 49| 97 3 24 | 365 |

1 To CIRCUMCISION. | 4.8 29.8 | 86.2 Sis 8 59 6 49 181 28 8 52 Ly)

2 WwW \isaee se [pees 8 8 4 0 7 49 2 27 29 4 20 2 |

. |

|

|

From observations taken near London during forty-three years, the average day temperature of the week is 43.0°; and its night temperature

SOME LESSONS OF THE YEAR.

away, a few brief hours only remaining to
us before the tale of its days will be com-
plete and it will be numbered with the past.
‘This is the thought which comes to me as

write a few notes for our Journal, and so it
seems most fitting that my theme should be
a retrospective one ; for undoubtedly now is
the time to review the lessons of the past
twelve months, and endeavour to turn their teachings
to account so far as may be practicable in the coming
year.

January opened mild and wet. A maximum tem-
perature full 10° above the average mean of winter
was registered, and such dripping weather prevailed that
autumn-sown Peas were forced into premature growth by
the remarkable mildness of the weather, and became so
weakly as to succumb to the almost incessant wet ; Straw-
berries too ‘suffered severely, whole beds being killed
outright, thus showing that a very wet winter sometimes
proves as fatal to vegetation asa very cold one. The mild
weather continued till the last week in February, when
we had some snowstorms and a decided change to colder
weather, there being 12° of frost on the 28th of that
month. March was a cold month with a succession of
frosts, inducing us to hope that fruit trees, teeming as
they were with flower buds, would be so much retarded as
to be safe from spring frosts; but our hopes were doomed
to disappointment, for we had a repetition of those bitter
cold north-eastern gales which so frequently occur just as
the opening blossom and expanding foliage are most
liable to suffer from such adverse influences, the result
being that the bulk of the fruit crop was lost, and blistered
foliage of Peach and Nectarine trees was so prevalent as
to convince the most sceptical that cold, and cold alone,
is the cause of blister. ‘lhe foliage was so badly affected
tnat almost the whole of it fell off prematurely, giving
a severe check to the spring growth which all good
cultivators of the Peach like to see flourishing in full
vigour, knowing as they do that a strong early growth
points to full and early maturity in autumn. This failure
of the spring growth and the miserable sickly condition
of the trees rendered the subsequent vigorous shoots of
midsummer all the more remarkable, for in a week or
two the trees were fully clad with large green healthy
foliage, and the robust growth sprang forth with such
rapidity and freedom as to afford a striking illustration
of the vigour of healthy Peach trees. Very little of
the fruit survived this rude assault of untimely cold;
in fact much of the blossom never came to maturity, the
ground being strewed with half-developed buds—a sight
most melancholy to behold, a failure most lamentable,
for the trees were full of promise, and hopes of a fall
crop of fine fruit were proportionately high. The failure
was not a mere local affair, but was general through-
out the country, and I for one frankly confess that my

No. 874 —Vou. XXXIII., NEw SERIES.

AREWELL to the old year, for it is passing |

I sit down for the last time this year to)

| views of Peach culture have undergone considerable
| modification.

Let me be consistent and remind wy readers that I
| have repeatedly appeared in these pages as the warm
advocate of Peach culture upon open walls, and I have
still no reason to doubt that in most years the trees will
yield a good crop of fruit; yet there will always be the
risk of failure from ungenial spring weather, and there-
| fore in all large gardens, which it may fairly be said are
| made with a view of securing an unfailing annual supply
of fruit in its season, the trees should Lave the protection.
| of glass houses of the most simple form and inexpensive
| materials compatible with efficiency. Before turning
| from the fruit I must call attention to the important fact
that while the Apple crop generally was a failure, yet
Cellini Pippin, Wormsley Pippin, Small’s Admirable,
| Margil, and Duchess of Oldenburgh all had good crops,
| notwithstanding that the trees were fully exposed; Ccx’s
| Orange Pippin and King of Pippins having about half
a crop.

Vegetables have been abundant and good. Potatoes
| did not altogether escape the ravages of blight, yet the
past season has again afforded conclusive proof that early
lifting is the only safeguard against disease. The whole
| of the early sorts were quite sound, and not a tuber of
| the late kinds lifted before the heavy rains fel! in August
was affected; but unfortunately we were overtaken by
rain before the lifting was finished, and many of the
tubers subsequently taken up were affected, as has always
| been the case. This, however, valuable as is the expe-
yience it affords, is only one of the evils resulting from
unfavourable weather. A cold, late, wet spring brought
many trials in its train—that terrific gale from the south-
west on the 28th of May left the mark of its scathing
power till the leaves fell in autumn, the foliage cf Larch
Firs having a scorched appearance as if it had been sub-
jected to the action of fire; and Beech trees, with very
few exceptions, had their leaves so muci battered and
lacerated as caused the trees to present a disreputable
browned ragged appearance.

I am in no humour to enlarge further upon the per
~contras of a season that has on the whole proved fairly
prosperous. Trials and difficulties are part and parcel of
our lives. Metin the right spirit they may generally be
overcome and often so turned to account as to lay the
foundation of subsequent success and prosperity. The old
school maxim, ‘‘ Perseverauce conquers all things,” not
only holds good but seems to me to become increasingly
significant as mature experience enables one to understand
cause and effect more clearly, and to see that application
and painstaking is after all the secret of success. In
view, therefore, of that progressive improvement which
should end only with our lives it will be well to turn to
account the few hours of the old year which remain to
us by a calm and thoughtful review of our individual
failures and shortcomings. and thus make ready to enter
upon a new year with earnest healthy resolutions to
strive for improvement in all we undertake; for sure I
am that such resolutions give such an impetus to our

No.1526.—Vou. LVIII., Orp SErixzs.

433 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 27, 1877.

efforts as enables us to enjoy that which I heartily wish every
reader of the Journal—

A Harry New Yrar.
—Epwarp LuckuHursr.

POTATO DISEASE.

Wire much surprise and some pleasure I have read the
articles by ‘‘ Amarpur’? on ‘‘ Speculations as to the Nature
and Origin of the Potato Disease.” Predisposing influences
no doubt there are, but these must not be confounded with the
cause of the disease itself, which it can scarcely be delusion
to believe is now clearly attributable to Peronospora infestans,
known ag the Potato fungus, perhaps not the only one to
which it ia liable or which may help sometimes to produce the
condition of disease. Why should there be any speculation
when authorities who investigate bring forward the result of
their research? Further research surely is the only thing
admissible on which to form an opinion. The writings of
well-known scientific men give evidence of the above cause,
and this we must assume to be trustworthy. I cannot recall
any investigator who has reached any but this accepted con-
clusion. That everybody is not convinced is of no consequence.
The subject is of such a nature that few comparatively are in
a position to say from immediate observation whether a fungus
is the cause or not. There are those who will not or cannot
accept an evident fact. A strange doctrine is not easily re-
ceived or criticised by those who have no knowledge by which
to compare and grasp the new theory or fact. Many absur-
dities have come from those who read to no purpose or do not
investigate for themselves. The word ‘‘investigate” igs used in
its full meaning. In this case it implies the use of the micro-
scope as a preliminary, an instrument which ‘‘ AmaTEUR’’ does
not appear to have used; yetinclining as he does to the fungus
it might, with the help of a little further experiment, place
the matter to his mind beyond the region of speculation, where
it is, I believe, to the minds of the majority of those who are
worth attention.

“ AwaTEUR” says that ‘an able botanist not long ago came
out with the astounding statement that everybody was con-
vineed that the fungus was the disease.” This, he says, is
going a little too far. We have already disposed of ‘‘ every-
body.” Hverybody does not believe in the rotundity of the
earth even in this year of grace. Then as to whether it is in
“the least degree astounding that a fungus should produce
disease, ‘‘AmarruR’’ does not say that it is, and may not
think so. But why review the several speculations when he is
inclined to believe in the fungus, if there is not some diffi-
culty? Ho can scarcely fail to find that it has the best sup-
port, and if so it is the first thing to follow up. What wonder
need there be? It is well known that plants are frequently
the hosts of other and usually lower forms of vegetable life,
very commonly afungus. Mistletoe grows on the Apple tree;
seeing which with the naked eye, we believe and have no aiffi-
culty. It might be called an Apple disease. Innumerable
instances may be cited of all kinds of paracitism down to the
attack of a roadside weed by a fungus. The case of Mistletoe
on the Apple is truly analogous so far that the one is a parasite
destroying more or less the other. That the fungus is micro-
‘scopic does not render it a less likely cause. Nature is great
in the infinitely little, and much of the highest importance
may there be found. We are told of organisms which the
strongest microscope is unable to make visible, yet they live
‘and have their bsing: this on the authority of Prof. Tyndall,
to whom ‘‘ AmarruR’’ refers, about which we shell presently
speak. En parenthése we may remark that these organisms
are known of course only by scientific deduction. Vegetables
growing on vegetables are common enough, but are less won-
derful than the cases of vegetable parasitism on animals, the
human race even being liable to the attack of a fungus.
“Fayus”’ is a dissase caused by the attack of Achorion
Schenleinii, which attacks the part of the human head covered
with hair, into which the spores grow, producing complete and
permanent baldness. We have to believe a great deal that
does not appear possible at first sight. The skin of a pig=it
cannot be well known—will graft on tho human flesh. This
is rather revolting, but necessity knows no law. It has been
used in a case, when the supply of human skin failed, for the
purpose of covering a surface on which the natural ekin could
not grow. It has nothing, whatever, of course to do with
Potato disease, but is useful to mention while wo have proba-
bilities under discussion. A number of different forms and

species of fungus are known which inhabit the body of the
living animal. Instances need scarcely be given. Suffice it
to mention Botrytis Bassiana, an ally of Peronospora, which
causes the muscardine disease s0 destructive to silkworms;
Spheria Robertsii of New Zealand, which grows from the
head of the larva of a moth, itself 2 inches long or little more,
and the fungus 8; and the Chinese S. sinensis on a caterpillar,
having the interest of being used as food. All this being true
there is nothing more natural than a fungus affecting the
Potato even to destruction.

“ AuaTEuUR” steps within the bounds of medical science for
illustration and takes the measles, not appearing to be aware
that infectious diseases do not always result from infection.
Given the necessary conditions and the disease may appear,
then forming a centre of contagion. This would be true for
measles if we accept the theory of the glandular origin of
such diseases, and may be so in any case; but whether Adam
so suffered or not must always remain an open question. Pro-
bably, if he came within the conditions, he did (some one
started with that affliction); then possibly Hve had them by
infection. Eve first ate the forbidden fruit, perhaps she first
had the measles in consequence. I fail to see how the ‘if
not” and “why not’? would be worth the attention of a
medical student.

‘AMATEUR ”? next speaks of Professor Tyndall and sponta-
neous generation, but there falls into error. Professor
Tyndail’s experiments go to prove that the spontaneous gene-
ration theory is untenable, not the reverse. ‘*AMATEUR’’ does
not believe in it, and appears to be right; but how does he
reach his conclusions? Not, it would seem, by deduction from
the experiments of others or by his own research. Speculation
or opinion, will not do, for this or Potato disease so long as
either can be brought under investigation.

Much of the speculation reviewed must be passed over ina
body, not according, as it appears to me, with the light of
present knowledge, and therefore my remarks must be limited
to that which bears on Peronospora. Degeneracy* (debility),
atmospheric influences, &c., may no doubt place the Potato in
@ position less able to withstand the attacks of its enemy, but,
this enemy absent, no amount of ‘ degeneracy” or anything
else will produce its effect. The development of this disease
appears to show that the fungus is the cause and not the con-
sequent. It has been placed before us by authorities who
have investigated carefully, and therefore must be accepted by
all who do not probe the matter as fally themselves. With
regard to spread, it must be remembered that the fungus has
been supplied with the conditions of increase by cultivation of
its host, the Potato. This disease and others of a like kind to
which economic plants are Jiable must be taken as the penalty
man has to pay for cultivating their enbjects in masses, and
he must therefore accept the net result. Plants are widely
affected in a state of nature, but then are comparatively
isolated. Often are flowering plants introduced to other
countries on conditions, where they attain a development un-
known in their original habitat. Very likely it is also the case
with certain fungi. Possibly tha Peronospore grew on another
plant altogether, whether in this country or another, but in
the Potato found a host more agreeable to its requirements.
« AvaTEUR” says very little with regard to origin, and it is in
the above sense no doubt he intends the word to be taken.
Very little indeed can be said, or rather nothing at all, till it
is found truly ana certainly wild. :

To trace the fungus through past time is no doubt an im-
possibility. We have knowledge, however, thus far, that
countless ages ago it may have existed in much the same form
as now. The oldest fungus on record has not long since been
discovered, and it is a remarkable fact that while similar in
other respects its zoospores are the same in form and dimen-
sions with those of Peronospora when measured to the ten-
thousandth of an inch. This is the fossil Peronosporites
antiquarius, found in the vascular structure of the axis of
Iuepidodendron, one of the gigantic Club Mosses of the car-
boniferous epoch.

“ AvarEuR” does not in precise words define his theory,
but from his illustrations it appears to be that of an organism
coming from somewhere—in any case a parasite. What, then,

. * This word must here be used with a limited meaning. It cannot be
admitted with the sense that a variety of a plant propagated by extension of
an criginal individual “runs out” by Jong cultivation, as bas been said of
the Ribston Pippin and cther fruits. Whether they know it or not, p:ople
generally mevn a functional disturka:co or weakness, Which may result from
a variety of causes.

ne

Se

Decomber 27, 1877. }

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER,

487

can the introduction of a flowering plant not a parasite have
to do with the matter? If of any import the fact only need
be mentioned, for such cases are woll known, and others of
very rapid spread besides Avacharis. It is difficult to be seen
what inferences can be drawao from the history of Phylloxera
or the Colorado beetle when (if Iam right) the disease has
never been attributed to an insect. Whether of animal or
vegetable life, however, it is a not uncommon occurrence for
rapid spread to take plave in anew country. While ‘‘ AmarEuR”’
has brought together and reviewed a variety of speculations,
it ig not a little surprising that no mention is made of the
writings of Berkeley, Da Bary, Worthington Smith, or others
who have investigated. An ounce of investigation is surely
worth many pounds of speculation or theory.—PrRoNnospora.

ANNUALS.

Somz years ago, before the bedding-out mania had attained
to the dimensions it has done, annuals received a great deal
of attention, but of late it is difficult in many gardens to find
even the very commonest. The fragrant Mignonette and Sweet
Pea are sometimes not thought worthy of a place, and a scent-
less garden from whencs.not a breath of perfume arises is no
uncommon thing. You may pass farlongs of ribbon bordering,
bed after bed of carpet fashion, arrenged in the most elaborate
and fantastic patterns, but from them all not one delicious
sense of scent arises ; and it is the same of course when the
flowers are cut for the house. Oftentimes tha nosaegay or
vase of tlowers.is tastefully arranged, but the want is felt;
for how-involuntarily when one gets near a bunch of flowers
does ‘the face go down to catch the delicate perfume, which
in so many instances is not to be found. For thig reason,
then, I would say a word for annuals. But there is another:
They afford ’o much variety in form.and colour, that not
only do they please the eye when growing in the garden,
but also add an elegance and lightness to a vase of flowers
which the more formal trusses of Geraniums and other plants
used for bedding-out do not afford. Take, for example, one
of the very commonest—Coreopsis ; how much of elegance do
a few of its brilliant-coloured flowers give to a vase, and how
easily are they to be had! In these notes I would, then,
plead for them, especially as skill and enterprise are continually
adding novelties to our liste.

There is little need now to advocate the cause of herbaceous
plants, they are steadily working their own way once again
into favour; but it is at the same time desirable not to overdo
the addition. I do not think that by a mixed border we are to
understand simply a collection of herbaceous plants. No: I
think fairly enough we may include in it bulbs in spring and
autumn, and annuals and Geraninms in tho summer months;
if the latter, not enough to make their growth a burden or
inconvenience in the winter months. WhatI mean may be
ascertained by going into many greenhouses at this season
where you will find them full to overflowing with store pots
of Geraniums, Heliotropes, &c., instead of plants in which cul-
tural skill can be displayed and varied forms of beauty be seen.

The exhibition of annuals held by Messrs. Carter & Co. of
High Holborn at tho Royal Botanic Society’s gardens this
season must have opened the eyes of a good many to the forms
of beauty they have neglected in their rush after some novelty
for bedding-out; and in the hope of inducing some of the
readers of the Journal to give a small place in their garden to
some of the best of these I would select those which I have
tried in my own little garden, and which have been useful
either for showiness in the borders or for cutting.

Carmine Candytuft.—A very pretty form of this old and
well-known favourite flower with rich carmine flowers.

Calliopsis bicolor, atrosanguinea, dc.—Very common, but
very useful for cutting, especially for the top glass of dinuer-
table stands.

Chrysanthemum tricolor, Burridgi, Dunnetti, c&c.—Theso
annual Chrysauthemums are very pretty and striking in ap-
‘pearance, enlivening a bouquet very much.

Dianthus chinensis Heddewigi.—There are several forms of
‘this pretty and quaint flower, and two have been exhibited
this season by Messrs. Carter & Co.—viz., Haster Queen and
Crimson Belle, which are a great improvement on previous
varieties.

Godetia Lady Albemarle.—A very beautifal novelty, having
‘flowers 4 inches across and produced in the greatest abundance 8
the colour a beautiful crimson with a bluish tinge on the edges
of the petals.

during the summer, cut them 1 foot long each.

Leptosiphon roscus.—A charming little plant, so dwarf that
it may be grown upon a rockery amongst Alpines, and so
bright that it lightens it up wonderfully.

Phlox Drummondi.—A wonderful improvement has taken
place ia this most useful plant. The size of the flowers
has been increased ; and in the compact varicties—uana com-
pacta, rose, red, white, and violet—the Mesers. Carter have
Overcome one of the greatest objections to them—their loose
and straggling habit. Thess flowers are alike useful to those
who have a mixed border or who go in for bedding-out.

Portulaca, Single and Double.—These are very pretty, but
do best when in. some poor soil with a good deal of lime rub-
bish or burnt earth.. If the situation is favourable they will
seed freely and renew themselves yearly.

Silene pendula compacta.—A very compact-growing form of
the old Silene pendula, and during the flowering season is one
solid mags of bloom.

I must also refer to a very usefal bionnial— Campanula
Medium calycanthema. A very striking form of the old
Canterbury Bell, introduced by Messrs. Waite, Burnel), & Co.,
some years ago. Very fine and striking in appearance.

In what are called German flower seeds there has also been
great improvement. What more delightful than 2 good bed
of some of the mavy varieties of Ten-week Stocka? And then
for autumn how fine and useful are our old friends the Asters !
while for brillianey of colouring we have the very handsome
forms of double Zinnias and the African and French Marigolds.
Mr. Betteridge’s Asters with their exquisite forms are very
valuable, Annual Larkspurs have also been greatly improved ;
aud the candelabrum, dwarf Stock-fowered, and Emperor
varieties are especially good. Then of the older annuals the
scarlet Flax, the many varieties of Lupins, Schizanthus,
Nemophila, &c., will readily occur to any who have taken
an interest in gardens, and it will be surely worth while to
renew their acquaintance with them.

A garden of this mixed character never fails to have some
point of interest, and, as some one says, there are always sur-
prises. Things you had forgotten peep up; flowers you had
thought were over give yous bloom now and then unexpectedly.
Your beds are never quite empty; and even in the depth of
winter, when days are short and clouds duil, you may find
something; as, for instance, going round this morning (De-
cember 11tb) I found a fine spike of Schizostylis coccinea in
full beauty, and the earlier varieties of Cyclamen just begin-
ning to show their bloom, and Crocuses beginning to peep up.
Expectations are quickened, and you have a sense of pleasure
in the thought that your garden is even now se thing of beauty,
and that it is continually returning to you something for the
care and loye you bestow on it.—D., Deal.

GOOSEBERRIES.
THEIR PROPAGATION AND CULTURE.

Tue Gooseberry is a native of the north of Europes. Ina
wild state the berries are no larger than a Red Carrant, but
when the bushes are properly cultivated immense crops of
large fruit are produced. The Gooseberry is one of the few
fruits which succeed in any soil or situation, consequently it
is grown, but not cultivated, in every garden. Owing to the
bushes producing fruit without any attention they are fre-
quently never touched, except, perhaps, with the garden
shears ; yet even when thus neglected they produce plenty of

‘fruit, but it is of very inferior description.

The Gooseberry ig one of the easiest of all fruits to pro-
pegate, and the present sexson is the time to do it. When
pruning the bushes select all the strongest shoots made
Begin at
the bottom and rub all the buds off excepting four at tho
top; leave the spines on, as they assist greatly in keeping
the cuttings in their places when they are inserted in the
ground. A quantity of leaf soil cr well-decayed mauure must
be spread over the surface. Insert the rows of cuttings as
the digging proceeds. A space of 15 inches should be allowed
between the rows and 4 inches between the cuttings. Let the
cuttings be 4 inches below the soil, which will leave 5 inches of
clear stem between the ground and the first branch. We
have raised many Gooseberries in this way without losing a
cutting. They must not be disturbed at the root uatil the
following spring. Throughout the summer hoe between the
rows frequently, aud uvever allow them to become choked
with weeds. They should mako shoots from 4 to 6 inches
long the first season. Where the cuttings were all disbudded

488

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 27, 1877.

excepting 3 inches at the top each plant will produce from four
to six shoots. When pruning these, as soon as the leaves have
fallen only cut about 1inch from the point of each shoot.
After this, if it is desired to make large bushes quickly, lift
every other plant in the row, and plant them in a fresh piece
of ground 18 inches between the rows and 10 inches or a foot
between the plants. The ground on which these are planted
should be well enriched with manure. During the second
year’s growth hoe between the rows as formerly, and by prun-
ing time the second season you will have good-sized bushes.
When the shoots are clustered together in the centre they
must be thinned out to be at least 2 inches from each other;

just what is wanted to form a well-shaped bush. All the
shoots left on at this time may be cut back to 6 or 8 inches
from whence they started.

After their third season’s growth they may be pruned as
before, and then they will be ready for planting in their per-
manent fruiting quarters. They may either be planted in a
single or double row along the sides of walks or in one of the
garden quarters. In either case the ground should betrenched
2 feet deep, incorporating with it plenty of manure. Suppos-
ing the ground to have been prepared in November or Decem-
ber, the bushes may be planted in January, February, or March
when the ground is free from frost. At this time the bushes
should be planted at the least 4 feet apart each way. Make
the holes large enough to let the roots in easily, press the soil
firmly about them, and place a strong stake to each if the
situation is exposed. Nothing but hoeing is required to be

done to the soil for twelve or eighteen mouths after the |

bushes have been planted, but never let a winter pass without
pruning them carefully. Always keep the bush in good shape.
Never leave the wood crowded. When the bushes have attained
their full size cut the young wood close in to the old stems
annually. When they have grown in the same soil for four or
five years, after pruning spread some good manure all round
the stem and over the roots, and fork it lightly in. Do this
annually. When the bushes become old and the branches
begin to moss-up and die root them out and plant young
bushes.

As to varieties, I cannot name better sorts than those given
in the list of hardy fruits in last week’s Journal. Whers
many are wanted for preserving grow the red sorts for this
purpose. Where dessert is the object grow white, yellow, and
green kinds. Apart from the uses to which they may be put
when gathered off the bushes, they may be bottled in a green
state and reserved for this season of the year. We are using
some now which were bottled in June, and very acceptable
they are for tarts. Various kinds of caterpillars are most
destructive to the Gooseberry. Nothing proves such an effec-
tual cure for them as gathering them with the hand. We
always keep our bushes perfectly clean by looking over them
frequently from the time the leaves are formed until the fruit
is ripe. Birds are troublesome when the fruit is ripe, but old
nets are cheap and prove an effectual safeguard.—A KitcHEN
GARDENER.

HARDY RHODODENDRONS ror CONSERVATORY
DECORATION.

Harpy Rhododendrons for conservatory decoration during
the early months of the year form very fit associates to the
hardy Azaleas which were referred to in an excellent article on
page 449. The great variety of colour possessed by Rhodo-
dendrons—some of them gorgeous, others delicate—render
those shrubs most valuable. They are also so easy to force
that they become almost indispensable for indoor embellish-
ment during early spring.

Small and moderate-sized plants which are well set with
buds are the most suitable for this purpose, for when they
have grown very large it becomes necessary to reduce thelr
balls to such an extent in order to get them into available-
sized pots, that the plants are permanently injured. Snitable
sized plants for forcing are always to be obtained at very rea-
sonable prices at our leading nurseries, and if the selections
are left to these firms plants suitable for the purpose required
can berelied upon. I append a select list for those who may
prefer to choose for themselves. The sorts named are free
bloomers, and are otherwise attractive and useful.

Having secured the requisite number of plants place themin
pots as nearly as possible of the same size as the balls, retain-
ing as many of the very fine fibrous roots as can be secured. If

the weather is at all open they may be placed out of doors, but
it is much safer to afford them the protection of a cold house
or frame until they are wanted to be forced. An intermediate-
temperature of about 50° will be found very suitable for start-
ing them, and if required to be pushed faster a stove tempe-
rature does not injure them so long as a moist atmosphere is
provided and the plants are well syringed, giving the roots at
the same time a plentiful supply of tepid water.
Rhododendron Nobleanum and its varieties are forced with
the greatest ease, but those that are later in blooming out of
doors in an ordinary way will take a longer time to expand

ee nar EAE DALE Ge ore | their gorgeous blooms of scarlet, crimson, and allied colours
ut do no off any that a: reading outwards, as this is

indoors. If when they are fully expanded they are removed
to the conservatory they will remain in bloom a long time,
producing an efiect that cannot be surpassed by any other
flowers. Remove the flowers as they decay, and keep the
plants under glass until mild weather ensues, when they may
be transferred to the borders or to a piece of ground in the
reserve garden to recruit themselves for future occasions. It
seldom happens that the plants are suitable for forcing the
second year, but the third and subsequent years they will be
generally set with sufiicient flower buds for that purpose.

Of the early-flowering sorts the following may be selected:—
Altaclarense, dark scarlet, very fine; Blanche superbe, pure
waxy white; Broughtonianum, rosy red, immense trusses and
fine foliage; Cardinale, scarlet; caucasicum, a very profuse
bloomer of a yellowieh colour; Coriaceum, white, dwarf habit,
and a free bloomer; Desdemona, very richly blotched with dark
on the upper segments, the lower petals being almost white ;
Limbatum, white, margined crimson; Madame Wagner, bright
pink, white centre, a very pleasing and effective variety ; Noble-
anum in several varieties are all good for early work; Ochro-
leucum, very distinct, of dwarf habit, and pale yellow colour;
Regale, scarlet and rose; Rubescens, bright ruby red and
distinct.

Of the later blooming varieties Alarm, Auguste Van Geert,
Baron Osy, Blandyanum, Brayanum, Hendersonii, Jenny
Lind, Leviathan, Lord Clyde, Lord Derby, Lord Russell,
Madame Titiens, Madame Van de Weyer, Marian, Mirabilis,
Miss Buller, Mrs. John Olutton, Neilsoni, Onslowianum,
Prince Camille de Rohan, Princess Amelia, Parity, The Grand
Arab, and Verschaffelti are all good sorts, and most of them
are generally to be met with in outdoor collections.—J. W.
Moorman.

PICEA NOBILIS SEEDLINGS.

To a question asked by your correspondent Mr. Walton in
reference to seed of this Conifer huving been grown in open
air without protection, I can state that when sojourning in
South Devon my usual practice was to sow seed of Abies
Douglasi, A. nobilis, &c.,in sandy soil properly prepared in
spring, making drills 24 inches deep and a foot apart, the seed
being sown in the same way that Peas are sown and in equally
exposed places. In due course the seed germinated, and
thousands of seedlings appeared. The only after-care for the
first year was keeping the ground clear of weeds. In the
second spring, if the plants have made satisfactory progress,
have them all very carefully lifted and replanted in good sandy
soil about 6 inches apart and 15 inches from rowtorow. If
skilfully managed many of them will be fit for removal to
permanent positions in the third year after sowing. Take
precaution that rats or mice do not eat the seed, which they
will do if hungry. A sprinkling of powdered rosin or red lead
on the seed after it is slightly moistened will act as a deterrent.
A very slight application of paraffin oil will also answer the
same purpose. Where seeds of Coniferx are not plentiful the
better way will be to sow in shallow boxes well drained, and
in prepared soil, placing them in a cold frame or pit near the
glass, carefully attending to the soil being kept in a proper
state of moisture.

In closing, will any of your correspondents inform me if
they have raised Wellingtonia gigantea from home-saved seed?
An answer in the affirmative, adding how it has been accom-
plished, will be interesting to your numerous subscribers and
also to—Rosert BEGBIE.

GuazInc without Purry.—Mr. Laycock has furnished a
lucid description of the rafter required for glazing without
putty. Will he favour us with a more simple description of
how the glass is fixed? Does he intend that the rubber is

JOURNAL OF

December 27, 1877. ]

HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

489

laid on the glass, the screw then passing through the rubber,

thence into the rafter ? If so, should it be placed at the bottom |

of the pane ?—J. R. Cooprr.

ARECA PURPUREA.
Tue Arecas constitute an important genus of a beautiful

family. A. Catechu is the Betel-nut Palm, and A. oleracea the |

Cabbage Palm. It is, however, not on account of their pro-
ducts that Palms are valued in this country, but it is their

|
|

stately elegance of growth and their adaptability to various |

decorative purposes that renders them so deservedly popular.
Mr. B. S. Williams of Holloway states that he raised this Palm

Failure may be due not to some one particular condition, but
rather to a combination of cireamstances, which it would be
difficult to satisfactorily elucidate. The only really sound
advice that can be given in case of canker is to discard the
trees liable thereto and replace them with those found to
succeed.

I haye Ribston Pippin and Hawthornden Apples both on
Crab and Doncin stocks, and the trees not only canker
badly but the fruit is so much spotted, and in a wet season
cracked as to be useless. I have lifted them, changed the
soil, but only with a very slight improvement, and nothing
further, so far as I can see, remains to be done but to clear
them out. Equally cumberers of the ground are Louise Bonne

Fig. 91.—ARECA PURPUREA.

(fig. 91) from seeds sent from Madagascar. He describes it as
an elegant neat-growing Palm; leaves pinnate; the stem and
detioles are of a bronzy purple colour, which makes a very
striking contrast to the pleasing green colour of the leaves. It
as very distinct, at least in the small state, from any Palm in
cultivation; and on avcount of its dwarf and compact habit,
cand graceful appearance, will be found to be admirably adapted
for dinner-table decoration.

FRUIT NOTES.

F Ruiz crops were rendered extremely scant, even in the case |

of many trees worthless, by a few nights of rather severe frost,
but surely other influences must have contributed in some
degree to so general and complete afailure; indeed, I attribute
more of the cause of the failure to the wet and cold previous
autumn than to frost in the spring, the wood not being sufli-
eiently ripened. Canker of the wood is a great enemy to full
fruit crops, and it is nearly as common as frosts in spring.

of Jersey, Beumé d’Anjou, Beurré Brown, and Beurré d’Arem-
berg Pears. They are on both Pear and Quince stocks, and
against walls as well as in the open with a similar result.
Passe Colmar, Easter Beurré, and Beurré Superfin, the latter
in the open only, are no good in this cold exposed position ;
the trees canker, the fruit pits and cracks. Beurré Superfin
against a wall is contrariwise good. An election of fruits con-
stitutes a valuable index to the planter, but it is not sufficient
for all persons and positions. Then I am troubled with kinds
that do not afford profitable crops. It is not a consequence of
injudicions selection but of unsuitability of soil or situation, or
both. Blenheim Pippin stands highin the election, but my trees
have not given any fruits worth mentioning ; yet Cox’s Orange
Pippin fruits abundantly. Surely pyramids 10 feet in diameter
at the base and as much in height ought to dosomething. They
are very healthy, very much nobler-looking than others that
produced more fruit the year after planting than the others
have yielded altogether. Beurré Hardy Pear, though it makes
an imposing pyramid and has a noble appearance against a

490 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGH GARDENER.

{ December 27, 1877.

west wall, has not given frait corresponding to the years
planted, and British Queen, which I much long to see, fails to
afford a specimen. Surely these, and some others which I
need not name, will some day amply reward the patient waiting
and longing for fruit.

The Apples that do well here are Keswick Codlin, Lord
Suffield, Emperor Alexander, Cox’s Pomona (three-year-old
bushes from the graft on Doucin stock gave this year over
twenty full-sized fruit), Cellini, Warner’s King, Holland Pippin,
Hollandbury, Dumelow’s Seedling, Bedfordshire Foundling,
Yorkshire Greening, and Northern Greening. i have the
Greasy-coat (Russian Transparent), which never fails to fruit,
being trained as a horizontal espalier. Lady Henniker
promises well. Dessert Apples doing well are Joanneting
(White), Irish Peach, Red Astrachan, Devonshire Quarrenden,
Kerry Pippin, King of the Pippins, Court of Wick, Cox’s
Orange Pippin, Margil, Reinette du Canada, Dutch Mignonne,
Duke of Devonshire, and Sturmer Pippin.

Pears have not only been a poor crop, but indifferent in
size and quality. I will name a few that succeed :—Doyenné
até, Jargonelle, Clapp’s Favourite, Williams’ Bon Chrétien,
Beurré d’Amanlis, White Doyenné, Comte de Lamy, Seckle,
Doyenné du Comice, Marie Louise, Thompson’s, Beurzé Diel,
Zephirin Gregoire, and Bergamotte Esperen. Those are in the
open, as well as Catillac, the best stewing Pear. Against
walls:—Jargonelle, Beurré d’Amanlis, Gratioli of Jersey,
Beurré Superfin, Hacon’s Incomparable (this was the fullest
in crop and best Pear of the year), Marie Louise, Beurré Diel,
Beurré Bachelier, Passe Colmar, Knight’s Monarch, Winter Nelis,
Joséphine de Malines, Bergamotte Esperen ; and Passe Crasanne,
General Todtleben, Beurré Langelier, Napoleon, Jules d’Airoles,
Dr. Trousseau, Glou Morceau, and Beurré Rance all do well.

Plums have been secant, and the fruit cracked when ripening.
Early Prolific, Orleans, Mitchelson’s, Victoria, Winesour, and
Crittenden or Farleigh Damson are culinary Plums succeeding
in the open. Dessert Plums succeeding in the open are De
Montfort, July Green Gage, Oullins Golden Gage, Green Gage,
Jefferson, and Kirke’s. Against walls—Green Gage, Jefferson,
Transparent Gage, Kirke’s, and Coe’s Golden Drop are the
best of dessert Plums; and Victoria, Prince Englebert, Prince
of Wales, White Magnum Bonum, of culinary sorts.

Apricots ripened very imperfectly. Moorpark is unequalled,
but Kaisha, Royal, St. Ambroise, Hemskirk, and Oullins
Early are good.

Cherries were all but a failure in the open; the only sorts
with a crop were Morello and Empress Hugénie. Against a
north wall Hearts, Dukes, and Bigarreaus were equally pro-
lifie with Morellos,

Peaches and Nectarines were a failure ; even in cool houses

the crop has been very thin, and in not a few instances nearly
nil. Royal George is still the best Peach for every purpose,
and Elruge the best Nectarine.
- Nuts were a good crop, but they filled badly. Bush fruit,
except Gooseberries, which varied considerably in crop in
different localities, were 2 very heavy crop, and almost all of
it rotted on the bushes. Strawberries a full crop, but the
fruit smaller than usual. President was the best by far.

The outlook for another year is not very encouraging, as it
is to be feared the prolonged wet will have retarded the ripen-
ing of the wood, yet there is a great show of bloom buds of
every kind except Pears, which appear only scantily furnished.
I shall prune hard, though from close summer pruning there
is little to prune beyond sappy spray, which it is no use leay-
ing to fall a prey to gum and canker. Notwithstanding the
mildness of the season the buds ere not at all forward, so that
we may, if we have anything of a winter, kope that the
blossoms will escape the spring frosts.

A disastrous season has not been without its effect upon the
crops under glass. Peaches, as before stated, were thin in
late or cool houses, and Grapes, especially late sorts, have
ripened very indifferently and tardily, and I do not expect
they will keep well.

Melons have done very badly; neither early, midseason, nor
late crops haya been at all equal to what we have had in
former seasons.—A YorKSHIRE GARDENER.

Tue New Disinrecrant.—The purifying and antiseptic pro-
perties of the Eucalypinus have frequently been referred to, but
it has been left to Mr. Knigzett to extract them and to place
them at the disposal of the public in the form of the new
disinfectant ‘‘ Sanitas,” which is composed of compounds of

the Blue Gum and Pine trees.
factured at Bethnal Green.

The solution is largely manu-

EXHIBITION ROSES.

Ir may be in the recollection of some of your readers that I
offered Mr. Curtis, if he succeeded in getting the twelve nursery-
men named to select ninety-six exhibition Roses, to try and
tabulate the same. Mr. Curtis has sent me six returns, which
he is anxious shovld appear. These he thinks might be useful,
and accordingly I now send them. He agrees with me, how-
ever, that if is not necessary to tabulate the varieties. The
first forty-eight when not given here will be found in the
Rose election lists in No. 867, November 8th, 1877.—JoszrE
Hinton, Warminster.

Mr. Curtis, Torquay.

List No. 2, continued from list No. 1 (page 358) of the best forty-eight
exhibition Roses.

As so many in this second list of the best exhibition Roses are of equal
merit I have thought it well simply to give them in two divisions—first the

best twenty-four old established varieties, and secondly the newer Roses, as.
under.

49. Alba Rosea 61. Felix Genero

50. Auguste Rigotard 62. Général Jacqueminot

51. Bessie Johnson 63. Gloire de Dijon

52. Cheshunt Hybrid 64. Madame Willermoz

58. Centifolia Rosea 65. Moiré (Tea)

54. Due de Rohan 66. Monsieur Boncenne

55. Devienne Lamy ~* 67. Madame Hippolyte Jamain
56. David Pradel 68. Princess Mary of Cambridge
57. Duchesse de Caylus 69. Paul Neyron

58. Elie Morel 70. Rubens

59. Emilie Hausburg 71. Triomphe de Rennes

60. Edouard Morren 72. Xavier Olibo

78. Abel Carriére 85. Malle. Marie Cointet

74. Amelia Host 86. Marguerite Brassac

75. Annie Laxton 87. Madame Prosper Langier
76. Belle Lyonnaise 88. Mrs. Baker

77. Capitaine Christy 89. Marie Guillot (Tea)

78. Hippolyte Jamain 90. Madame Lacharme

79. Jean Ducher 91. Oxonisn

80. Jean Liabaud 92. Perle des Jardins

81. John Stuart Mill 93. Queen of Waltham

82. Lady Mary Keith 94. Royal Standard

83. La Souveraine 95. Souvenir de Paul Neyron
84. Letty Coles 96. Thomas Mills

Mr. Cuar.tes Turner, Slough.
Second forty-eight, alphabetically arranged.

49. Alba Rosea 78. Madame Margottin

50. Antoine Ducher 74. Madame Nachury

51. Beauty of Waltham 75. Mdlle. Marie Cointet

52. Belle Lyonnaise 76. Mdlle. Marie Rady

53. Black Prizce 77. Mdlle. M. Dombrain

54. Capitaine Christy 78. Mdlle. Thérése Levet

55. Centifolia Rosea 79. Marguerite de Gibot

56. Comte de Serenyi 80. Miss Poole

57. Comtesse de Chabrillant 81. Perle des Jardins

58. Dr. Andry 82. Pierre Notting

59. Duc de Wellington 83. Prerident

60. Dupuy-Jamain 84. Prince Camille de Rohan
61. Elie Morel 85. Reynolds Hole

62 Emilie Hausburg 86. Souvenir de William Woo@®
63. Fisher Holmes 87. Souvenir d’un Ami

64. Francgois Louvat 88. Triomphe de Caen

65. Général Jacqueminot 89. Triomphe de Rennes

66. John Hopper 90. Vicomte Vigier

67. La Daochesse de Morny 91. Victor Verdier

68. La Fontaine 92. Villeret de Joyeuse

69. Le Havre 93. Madame Prosper Langier-
70. Lelia 94. Saltan of Zanzibar

71. Madame C. Crapelet 95. Mrs. Baker

72. Madame C. Woud 96. Jean Liaband

Mr. James WALTERS, Exeter.
Second forty-eight, alphabetically arranged.

49. Annie Laxton 73. Madame Vidot

50. Antoine Ducher 74. Mdlle. Bonnaire

51. Auguste Rigotard 75. Mdlle. M. Dombrain
52. Auguste Nenmaon 76. Maréchal Vaillant
58. Baronne Bonstetten 77. Miss Hassard

54. Boule de Neige 78. Mrs. Baker

55. Comtesse de Chabrillant 79. Oxonian

56. Comtesse de Serenyi 80. Paul Neyron

57. Devienne Lamy 81. Paul Verdier

58. Dr. Hooker 82. Prince Humbert

59. Duchesse de Caylus 83. Princess Beatrice

60. Duke of Connaught $4. Princess Mary of Cambridge
61. Duchesse de Vallombrosa 85. Queen of Waltham
62. Elie Morel 86. Rey. J. B. M. Camm
68. Exposition de Brie 87. Richard Wallace

64. Hippolyte Jamain 88, Sir Garnet Wolseley
65. John Stuart Mill 89. Triomphe de Rennes
65. Jules Margottin 90. Belle Lyonnaise

67. La Ducheese de Morny . 91. Cheshunt Hybrid
68, Le Havre 92. Boule d’Or

69. Louise Peyronny 93. Madame Hippolyte Jamain
70. Madame Crapelet 94. Madame Willermoz

95. Narcisse

71. Madame Georgos Schwartz
96. Rubens

72, Madame Thérese Levet

December 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE

AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 491

. Francois Lacharme
. Duchesse de Morny
. Dac de Roban

. Abel Grand

. Annie Laxton

. Baron Adolphe de Rothschild

Mr. Grorer Paince, Oxford.
Second best forty-eight.

. Mdlle. Thérése Levet
. Malle. Eugénie Verdier
- Baron Haussmann
2. Niphetos

. Exposition de Brie

. Baron Adolphe de Rothschild
. Annie Wood

. Abel Grand

- Sir Garnet Wolseley
. Genéral Jacqueminot
. Gloire de Santenay

. Jules Margottin

. Marguerite Brassac

. Monsieur Boncenne
- Paul Neyron

. Beauty of Waltham

. Claude Levet

. Maurice Bernardin

. Perle des Jardin

. Nerdy Fréres

. Princess Beatrice

. Alba Rosea

. Duc de Wellington

. Elie Morel

73.
74.
75.

76

77.
78.

79

87

8s.
89.
90.
918
92.
93.
94,
99.
96.

Marie Guillot

Sophie Fropot

Madame Georges Schwartz
Auna de Diesbach
Marquise de Ligneris
Etienne Dupuy

. Gloire de Vitry
80.
8L.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.

Felix Genero

Victor Verdier

Lord Macaulay

Antoine Ducher

Madsme Charles Crapelet
Marie Van Houtte
Madame Nachury
Madame C. Wood

La Rosiére

Princess Mary of Cambridge
Souvenir d’on Ami

Anne Ollivier

Thomas Mills

Le Rhone

Le Havre

Souvenir de Arthur Sansal
Marguerite Dombrain.

Mr. Georce Coonrine, Bath.

Jules Margottin
Black Prince

- Centifolia Rosea

. Madame Boutin

. Comte de Nanteuil

. Due de Rohan

. Devienne Lamy

2. Maurice Bernardin

. Due de Wellington

. Elie Morel

. Mdlle. Thérése Levet

Madame Clémexce Joigneaux

. Madame Charles Crapelet
- Madame Rivers

Madame Hippolyte Jamain
Madame Noman

- Madame Vidot
. Malle. Bonnaire

Second best for

ty-eight.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
Sl.
82.
83.
64.
§5.
86.
87.
8s.
89.
90.
915
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.

Marquise de Mortemart
Monsieur Woolfield
Paul Neyron

Prince Camille de Rohan
Thomas Mills

Wuson Saunders
Comtesse de Serenyi
Exposition de Brie
Francois Courtin

La Ville de St. Dennis
La Reine

Meréchal Vaillant
Duke of Connaught
Soupert et Notting (Moss)
Souvenir de Malmaison
Adsm

Catherine Mermet
Cheshuvt Hybrid
David Pragel

Marie Vau Houtte
Perle dea Jardins
Lamarque

‘Triomphe de Rennes
Marie Ducher

Mr. Joun Dursin, Englishcombe;, Bath.
Best twelve exhibition Roses in order of merit:

. John Stuart Mill

. Sir Garnet Wolseley
. Alfred Colomb

. Capitaine Christy

. Oharles Lefebvre

Comtesse de Serenyi

7.
8.

9.

10.
iL.
12.

Etienne Levet
Francois Michelon
Madame Rothschild
Marie Banmann
Mons. E. Y. Teas
Maréchal Niel

Second best twelve.

. Comtesse d’Oxford

. Duke of Edinburgh

. La France

. Louis Peyronny

. Malle. Marie Finger

. Madame Charles Crapelet

19.
20.
21

22,

Madame Victor Verdier
Madillé. Marie Rady
Sénateur Vaisse

2. Xavier Olibo
23.
24.

Perle des Jardins
Dupuy-Jamain

Next best twenty-four.

Duc de Montpensier

. Marguerite Brassac
. Miss Hassard

. Star of Waltham

. Triomphe de France
. Antoiue Mouton

Dr. Andry
Emilie Hausburg

. Ferdinand de Lesseps
. Fisher Holmes

. Hippolyte Jamain

. Jean Lambert

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42,
43.
44,
45.
46.
47.
48.

Lord Macaulay

Louis Van Houtte
Madame Hippolyte Jamain
Mdle. Anuie Wood

Malle. Bonuaire

Malle. Marguerite Dombrain
Marquise de Castellano
Souvenir despa

Sophie Coquerelle
Villaret ‘de Joyeuse
Niphetos=

Camille Bernardin

Second best forty-eight.

. Duchesse de Vallombrosa
. Madame Prosper Langier
- Rey. J. B. M Camm

. Royal Standsrd

. Souvenir de la Malmaison
. Cheshunt Hybrid

. Devonieusis

. Catherine Mermet

- Abbé Bramerel

. Abel Grand

. Anna Alexieff

. Anna de Diesbach

. Beauty of Waltham

- Black Pri: ce

. Comte de Nantenil

. Duc de Wellivgton

. Duchesse de Morny

. Edouard Mcrren

67.
. Vietor Verdier

. Wilson Saunders

. Gloire de Dijon

. Souvenir d’un Ami

. Baron Haussmann

. Princess Mary of Cambridge
. Madame Marius Coté

. Paul Neyron

. Monsieur Noman

. Maurice Bernardin

. Murguerite de St. Amand

. Madams Thérése Levet

. Frangois Lacharme

. Général Jacqueminot

. Gloire de Vitry

. John Hopper

. Jules Margottin

Blize Boélle

85. Julie Tonvais 91. Princess Beatrico
86. La Reine 92. Reins du Midi
87. Madame Nachury 93. Richard Wallace
88. Madame Clémence Joigneaux 94, Thomas Mills
89. Pierre Notting 95. The Shah

90. Prince Camille de Rohan 96. Vicomte Vigier

Mr. B. R. Cant, Colchester.
List cf the best ninety-six exhibition Roses.

- Abel Grand - Marguerite de St. Amand
. Alfred\Colomb 2. Marie Baumann

. Antoine Ducher 3. Marie Rady

. Baronne de Rothschild . Marqaise de Castellane
. Beauty of Waltham Marquise de Mortemart
. Capitaine Christy 56. Maurice Bernardin

. Charles Lefebvre . Miss Hassard

. Comtesse d’'Oxford 5. Mons. Etienne Dupuy

. Comtesse de Serenyi . Mons. Etienne Levet
10. Devienne Lamy . Mons. EK. Y. Teas

11. Dr. Andry - Mons. Noman

12. Duc de Wellington 52. Mrs: Buker

13. Duchesse de Caylus 3. Nardy Fréres

ONWIRTMIBR Wr

14, Duchesse de Vallombrosa 64, Pierre Notting

15. Dake of Edinburgh 65. Pitord

16. Dapuy-Jamain 66. Prinee Arthur

17. Elie Morel 67. Princes Camille de Rohan
18. Emilie Hausburg 68. Princess Beatrice

19 Ferdinand de Lesseps 69. Princess Mary of Cambridge
20. Fisher Holmes 70. Rey. J. B. M. Camm

21. Francois Louvat 71. Royal Standard

22. Francois Michelon 72. Reine du Midi
23. Général Jacqueminot 73. Reynolds Hole
24, Gloire de Vitry 74. Séenateur Vaisse
25. Hippolyte Flandrin . Sophie Coquerelle
26. Hippolyte Jamaino 76. Madame Nachury
27. Horace Vernet 77. Sir Garnet Wolseley
28. Jean Lisbaud 73. Star of Waltham
29. John Hopper 79. Thomas Mills

80. La Dachesse de Morny 80. Vicomte Vigier
31. La France 81. Vils de Lyon

32. Le Havre 82. Victor Verdier
33. Louis Van Houtte 3. Xavier Olibo

34. Louis Peyronny

35. Madame Alice Doreau Tea.

36. Madame Charles Wood 84. Catherine Mermet

37. Madame Olemenca Joigneaux 85. Comtesse de Nadaillac
58. Madame C. Crapelet 86. Devoniensis

89. Madame Ferdinand Jamain 87. La Boule a’Or

40. Madame Georges Schwartz 88. Madame Bravy

41. Madame Hippolyte Jamain 89. Madame Willermoz

43. Madame Lacharme 90. Marie Van Houtte
43. Mdlle. Marie Fiager 91. Niphetos

44, Madame Prosper Langisr 92. Rubens

45. Madame Thérés9 Levet 93. Souvenir d’Elise

46. Madame Victor Verdier 94. Souvenir dun Ami
47, Mdlle. Eugénie Verdier

48. Mdlle. Marguerits Dombrain
49. Mdlle. Marie Cointet 95. Madame Caroline Kuster

50. Marezhal Vaillant 96. Maréchal Niet

In making this selection due reznrd has been had to arrange-
ment of colour; at least one half may bo considered light Roses,
and the remainder dark.

Noisette.

HARDY AZALEAS.

On page 449 I directed attention to the great value of these
hardy shrubs for in’ aud outdoor decoration and to their com-
parative scarcity in Haoglish gardens: Except a few of the
older varieties’ of the Ghent) Azaleas we seldom mest with
examples of these plants either in shrubberies or conser-
vatories. This can only arise, I thiuk, from the newer
varieties not being sufiiciently known. As no opportunities
are, so far as I am aware of, equal to ths Belgian exhibitions
held in the spring for affording a comparizon of the best
varietiss of hardy Azaleas I will note a few which I have seen
there; and which may be fairly regarded as the best yet in
commerce.

Ghent Azaleas:—These are so named because they were first
raised at Ghent by crossing the Tarkish species of A. pontica
with some of the hardy American Azaleas. The best varieties
are quite hardy, and are very beautiful. A few of the more
striking are Bijou de Gendbrugge, pure white border with rose ;
Louis A. Van Houtte, vermilion and orange, very bright;
Sang de Gendbragge, bright reddish crimson; Mina Van
Houtte, rose, white, and salmon; Louis Hellebuyck, ver-
milion shaded with orange; Bouquet de Flore, rose, white,
and orange; Rose de Flandre, bright rose and white; Madame
Alex. Hardy, white, red, and yellow; Auguste Mechelynck,
white, rose, and yellow; Domenico Scassi, salmon rose, white,
and yellow; Guelder Roos, orangeand chrome yellow; and Fritz
Quihow, deep bright red. I think those twelve varieties can-
not be surpassed, and it is noteworthy that nine of them were
raised by Van Houtte. Only the more prominent colours are
given, details of the spots and stripes being omitted. A few
good older varieties are the following :—Queen Victoria, Ardent-

A)2 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. { December 27, 1877.

\\\ \
\ LS
LZ

Z

Fig. 92—AZALEA MOLLIS.

issima, Hilariesima, Canari, Magnificens, Gloire de Belgique,
Versicolor, Bijou des Amateurs, Marie Verschaffelt, Perle du
Printemps, Antoinette, and Houreuse Surprise.

Azalea mollie.—The varieties of this Japanese ‘Azalea are
striking by their large size and various-coloured flowers. The
plants when in beauty appear, as I have previously said, as

December 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

493

being ‘‘all flowers.” The varieties are necessarily limited,
and the following include the very best in cultivation :—Al-

phonse Lavalée, orange, scarlet, and yellow; Chevalier A. de |
Reali, white, yellow, and orange; Dr. Leon Vignes, white and |
orange; Comte de Gomer, rose and orange; Isabella Van |

Honutte, yellow deepening to orange; M. Charles Wambecke,
orange, rose, and yellow; M. Arthur de Warelles, salmcn, red,
and orange; Comte de Quincy, bright yellow deepening to
orange; Comte Papadopoli, rose and orange; and Baron de
Constante Rebecque, bright nankeen orange. All the varieties
named were raised in the establishment of Van Houtte.
conservatory decoration during the early spring months no
plants can produce a more imposing effect than the hardy
Azaleas above named.—Nomap.

[The accompanying engraving is a faithful representation of
the improved class of flowers which have been produced by
cultivation from the original species of A. mollis.—Eps |

HOLME LACY.—No. 1.
THE SEAT OF SIR HENRY SCUDAMORE STANHOPE, BART.

HEREFORDSHIRE is famed for the pastoral beauty of its
scenery, its verdant hills and fertile valleys, the extent of its

For |

|
| Home but to benefit the district. How real and important.

are the benefits which have been conferred will be readily
admitted when it is stated that the firet Lord Scudamore is.
by many suppored to have been the first or chief introducer
of the Hereford cattle, and was the first also to cultivate the
Redstreak Apple and to establish the repute of its famous
cider.

Before adyerting more particularly to the grourds and:
| gardens it may be well to glance at the history of this ancient
place and family. So old are they that both of them are
intimately connected with the Norman Conquest. Holme is
| evidently a modern rendering of the Saxon name Hamme,
| which signifies a house, farm, or village; or of Homme, a

place surrounded with water. The additional name of Lacy
| was derived from Walter de Lacy, a valiant Norman, who
| acquired euch great possessions roon after the Conquest that.
| his son Roger in the reign of William Rufus had sixty-five
lordships in the county of Hereford, chief of which was this.

one of Hamme, now Holme Lacy.

The family of Scudamore is similarly of great antiquity. It
was one of those who followed William the Conqueror into.
England, as is evident from the roll of Battle Abbey, which
contains the name of ‘‘Seint Scudamore.’ Tlis family first

Fig. 93.—HoLME LacY—SouTd FRONT.

fruit orchards, the fine proportions of its timber trees, and the
celebrated herd of cattle which bears its name. These pre-
dominating county features may be seen from one standpoint,
the terrace walk of Holme Lacy, which surrounds on three
sides the ancestral home of an ancient family. On the north
is a sheltering belt of fine timber; on the east a rich and ex-
tensive tract of pasture land and meadows sufficiently wooded
both to render it picturesque and to afford shade for the white-
faced herds which drink at England’s most beautiful river,
the ‘graceful winding Wye,” which meanders in bright curves
through this pleasant valley; in the distance a range of bold
Oak and Pine-clad hille—a noble boundary to a charming view.
On the south is a park of rare beauty, thickly studded with
magnificent trees, having an undergrowth of luxuriant Bracken,
amongst which the fallow deer gambol; and on the west is an
orchard—a real old Herefordshire orchard, also the garden.
Thus the prominent features of an attractive county are em-
braced in the demesne of one of the oldest of county families,
whose arcestors have done so much not only to beautify their

settled in Wiltehire at Upton and Norton, thence cal’ed Uptom
and Norton Seudamore. Walter de Scudamore was lord cf
the manor of the former place, and the latter was granted to
Godfrey de Scudamore by Robert de Ewyas for his homage
and service of finding one white horse every year for the
sentinel of the Castle of Ewyas. The deed conveying this
grant is still extant, and the signature of the first witness to
it of Patrick, who was created Earl of Sbrewebury by the
Empress Mand, and died in 1167, proves its great antiquity.
Eventually the two families of Ewyas and Scudsmore became
united by marriage, and amongst the iseue we find Sir John
Scudamore of Ewyas and Holme Lacy. This place has there-
fore been the residence of the family from a very remote
period.

Passing some eminent representatives of the family and their
worthy deede, we pause to note that Sir James Scudamore (whose
father was a great berefactor to the Bodleian Library) was an
esteemed friend of Sir Thomas Bodley. He was knighted for
his valour at the siege of Cadiz; ard it is recorded that ‘‘no-

494 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 27, 1877.

time will obliterate the brave and generous titie that is given
of him under the name of Sir Scudamore of Spenser’s poem
of the ‘Faéry Queen.’” Sir William had two sons, John and
Barnabas, both of whom have engraved their names on the
history of their country. Barnatas was Governor of Hereford
when it was beseiged by the Scottish forces. He was twice
summoned to surrender by the Earl of Leven, who received the
following spirited replies:—‘‘I am not bound to give up the
King’s garrison upon any summone or letters. . . . I was set
in here by the Kive’s commend, and shall not quit it but by
special order from His Majesty the Prince.” Again: ‘For your
favourable proffer to the inhabitants of the city I shal! return
their thanks and resolution that they intend to suffer with me.
- .. lam sorry to think of it that two united nations should
so much differ, having paid once well for Scotland’s friendship.
My Lord, I am resolved to endure all mizes and storms which
shall ke made against this place, and doubt not by God’s
assistance to render His Majesty a good account of it.”
The city wes not taker. John, the brother of Barnabas, was
great in a different way; he is referred to abovs es the “ first |
Lord Scudamore.” He wes created Baron of Dromore and |
Viscount Scudamore of Sligo by lettera patent July 2, 1628S.
He served his country as 2 diplomatist, and, if I am correctly
informed, wes plenipotentizry at the Hague, and it was doubt-
less from Holland that he obteined the breed of cattle that
has become so celebrated, algo probably the plans for the
Dutch garden at Holme Lacy, which it is very likely—though
of this-I have no direct information—he formed, aud whieh
now conatitutes one of its prominent features. He was also |

Ambassador to the Court of France. He wae a loyal subject |
of the: King iz troublous times, and paid the penalty of his
devotion by having his houze burnié aud his estates sequestrated |
during the civil wars, but subsequently regained them. After |
having attended as a volunteer for the relief of the French |
Huguenots: at: Roshelle ho ratired into private Jife, and then it
was that- he devoted himself to the planting and grafting of
Apple trees; which resulted in his for the first. time briuging
the Redstreak cider into request, which he raised to such per- |
fection that Phillips ia hia poem: “ Cyder,’ speaking of the
Musk, a fine and delicate fruit, says::—
“Yet let her to the Redstreak yield, thationce

Was of the sylvsn kicd, uncirilised,

Of no regard till Sendamore’s:skilfal hand

Improv'd her, end by courtly discipline

Taught her the savage nature to forget;

Henee called the Seodamorean plant whos2 wing

Whoever tastes, let him with grateful hesré

Respect that ancient loyal house,” &e:

Cidexmade> of this: king of fruit was: frequently given: asa
present to foreign princes; by whom: it was hizhiy valued.
ord Seudamore died in 1671, andlit) is: reeordéd of hinr that
«ths died arare-example ofipiety towarcs God, loyalty towards |
his king; hospitelity to his friends, coonomy in his: family,
charity to the» poor, and great munificsnce to the church, |
upon which it is-known he bestowed above £10,000.” A noble |
epitaph.

In 1716 the-titles beesme extinct, 2nd Holme Lacy dezeended |
by a female heir to the Hon. Charles Howard, afterwards Duke-|
of Norfolk, who died in 1815, and the Dachess in 1820, and
leaving no issue the estates devolved upon Sir Hdwyn Frances
Stanhope, Bart:, the father of the present owner, 2x» the lineal
descendant: of Mary the wife of Sir Giles- Bridges: of Wilton
Castle, Lady Brydgee having been sister of John, first Viscount
Scudamore. Sir Henry Scudamore Stanhope has thus not |
only inherited the ancient name of Ssudamore; but has
descended from the old family of Brydges, Da Brugge, or
Brughes, Earls of Carnarvon and Dukes of Chandos. I make
no apology for thus gleaning 2 few facts relative to the history
of an old family, knowing that they will be. perused with
pleasure, for nowhere thanin Britein is honourable antiquity
held in greater respect, 2nd by rone more than gardeners and
horticulturists generally are the ‘‘ old families’ and old estates
of the country more greatly esteemed.

Having referred to the family I may in the shortest possible
manner glance at the mansion, and then more fully describe
the externals of Holme Lacy—the park, dressed grounds, and
gardens. The original mansion was supposed to have been
built within the last ten years of Henry VIIL, as appears by
the badges of Edward VI. when Prince of Wales, which were
found in the house. It was in a great part rebuilt by the
second Lord Scudamore in the reign of William III., and the

late owner, Sir Edwyn Stanhope, made extensive and costly
alterations. Although not so large as it formerly was the

structure is extensive. It has three principal fronts. The
north and east fronts are nearly 200 feet in length, and the
south front 150. It is approached on the north by a terrace
700 feet long and 47 wide; aud the south terrace is 800 feet in
length and 30 feet wide. The arrangements internally are
proportionally imposing. The entrance hail opens into a
gallery 90 feet in length, lighted by stained glass windows, in
which ere depicted the arms of Bridges, Scudamore, and Stan-
hope. The principal rooms are of considerable dimensions,
and communicate with each other with folding doors to the
extent of 130 feet. Tha csilings are extremely elaborate. The
portreits—by Vaadyke, Sir Peter Lely, and others—command
attention, and the superb carvings of Grinling Gibbons are
both extensive and exquisite—euch carving that lad Walpole
to say, ‘* There is no instaucs of a man before Gibbons who
gave to wood the airy lightness of flowers, and chained together
the vavious productions of the elements with a free disorder
natural to each species.’”?” Thereare aleo real flowers and living
plants in every available position, which afford evidence that
the beauties of nature are cherished by Sir Henry and Lady
Scudamore Stankope, and that their garden affords to them
real pleasure, as it assuredly receives their personal supervision
and solicitous care. :

The park at Holme Lacy merits special notice not so much
for its size as for its bold rugged beauty. It afforded the
standpoint for securing the view of the mansion (fig. 93), from
which, as is seen, the ground slopes tothe water. Beyond the
water, as sesn from the terrace, it again rises somewhat
abruotly, forming heavily wooded slopes to an open plateau,
which commands extensive views of the surrounding country,
including the Black Mountains in» Breconshire, the Clee Hills
in Shropshire, the Malvern Hilis in Worcestershire; &e. A
great portion of this: park no doubt consists of thse primeval
forest. Ths giant Oaks of venersble mein and with rugged
trunks suggest that they were there before-even either De Lacy

| or Scudamore won their spurs:at the battle of Hastings:. How

fertile is the soil of thia forest-park is not more evident by the
size of the timber than by the luxurisuce of the Fern(Bracken),
which grows S to 9 feet high, and covers the ground by-acres,
but chiefly as commending attention are the: trees.. Let us
look: at: them. Thet csm the better be done’ since- they are
named and have their dimensions duly registered. First is
the Trysting Osk, a marvellouw relic of olden times, a wonder-
ful example of the longevityand innate vigour of the British
Oak. Itis not the trunk of this:specimen that is imposing so
much asits wide-spreading-head: Its measurement was taken
im 1875, when the circumference: of the trunk at 5 feet from
the ground was: 29 feet 3 inches; at: 4 feet, 27 feet 6 inches;
and at the ground 34 feet: The branches:extend in: a hori-
zontal manner and from 72 feet from the trunk, and: cover'a
space of 1365 square feet; or nearly a querterof anacre; and

| the tree iz estimated to contain 4000 feet of timber:. Another

example, The Monarch, appears as healthy as)a yourg: tres.
Its symmetry has been: somewhat injured by the wind, yet it
is a dignified and mejestic tree: Its-stem at 3 feet girthed
22 feet 3 inches when:messured fouryears‘ago. Other equally
notable specimens are the Normen, the Sendamore; the Union,
the Senesebal, the Chieftain, the Warrior, the Raven’s Oak,
the Harl King, the Qaeen Mab, grotezque by its rugged: cor-
rugations; Robin Hood, representing a giganticleaning tower ;
andthe Weird Sisters; a Yswand Oak, so interlocked: thatione
of them has been embraced todeath by the other. Other trees
than Gaks are similarly noteworthy. One of the Elms which
was measured in 1859 then girthed 22 fect.3 inches at 5 feet
from the ground, and reached a height of 104 feet. Larehes
girth upwards of 12 feet. and exceed 100 feet in height, and
Silver Firs haye attained to nearly the: same dimensions.
Except the Osks, which stand in solitary dignity and which
were “born to the soil”? centuries ago, the other old forest
trees have been planted with considerable taste. They have
been arranged in proves, and the different hues of their masses
of foliage as seen from the mansion producaan excellent effect.
Their trunks also as we walk amongst them, grove merging
into grove—now, Beeches, now Elms, now Chestnuts, now
Ash, now Firs—have,an attraction of their ows, and impart a
sylvan beauty-to.a: singularly and variedly beautiful park. A
few Yews alo are of great size and have, like the Oaks, ap-
parently: been growing for centuries.

The present owner of Holme Lasy owes much to his an-
cestors, who have planted trees so freely yet judiciously ;
but he is not one of those who think the trees will live for
ever, and thatmo duty devolves upon them to sustain and

ee

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JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND OOTTAGE GARDENER.

495

to improve the time-honoured character of the richly wooded
parks which they have inherited. No previous Lacy or
Scudamore or Stanhope have discharged their duty of tree-
planting and preserving more conscientiously than has Sir
Henry Scudamore Stanhope of the Victorian era. Not in
belts, and groups, and groves of deciduous trees only is his
work represented, but the splendid Conifers—Wellingtonias,
Deodars, &¢c.—which are interspersed with the grand old
baronial trees are living memorials of the present-baronet’s
innate love of trees, and his taste in grouping them effectively.
Tt is sufficient to mention one of Sir Heury’s tenets on tree-
planting to satisfy that Holme Lacy’s arboreal fame cannot be
impaired while in his keeping. It is this—that every owner of
property, such as parks and grounds wherein trees are a chief
and natural feature, should plant hardy trees which are intro-
duced to the commerce of this country during the term of his
possession. Fortuately the home-loving, tree-loving, Nature-
loving owner of this fine Herefordshire seat became impressed
with that excellent idea in early life, and even before he at-
tained his majority, now many years ago, he had permission
to carry it out. Hence he sought out what trees were wanted
to render the collection complete, and these he planted in well-
chosen positions. The trees were chiefly Conifers, many of
which are now noble specimens. Some are in conspicuous
Positions and planted singly, others are in groups and groves
partly hidden by the larger trees and which come upon the
visitor as apleasant surprise. Indeed this is a park of surprises,
of varied, bold, and romantic scenery. In one part a bold bluff
surmounted with Pines commands admiration; in another a
deep dell carpeted with Mosses, Ferns, and shaded by forest
giants, compels a sudden pause for appreciation. Now we are
in one of Nature’s retreats with vegetation rampant, and from
the quietude of which the deer, and the hare, and the pheasant
are startled by the intrusion of man; again we emerge and are
in an open plain overlooking the tops of the trees to the spires
and the hills beyond. Such is the nature of this cherished
park where grand old timber trees of this and thriving Conifers
from other countries blend and beautify. All the trees planted
by Sir Henry are duly registered ; their height being entered,
time of planting, and any other point of import connected with
thom. As an instance of their growth we note a Wellingtonia
planted when about 6 inches high in 1855, and in 1875 or
twenty years afterwards it was 37 feet 6 inches high, 6 feet
6 inches in girth at 3 feet from the ground, and 9 feet 94 inches
at the ground line. Cedrus Deodara, Pinuses Cembra, Bentha-
miana, excelsa, and others; also Picea Pinsapo have grown in
the same satisfactory manner.

This unique park as viewed from the mansion down the glade
(which is shown in the engraving) is highly imposing and singu-
larly ornamental. This glade, it can only be said now, is a
portion of the Dutch garden. The terraced avenue masked
with Yews is 45 yards wide and 100 yards long. The mode of
excavation that has been adopted renders the water in the valley
visible from the windows of the mansion. More particular
notice of the dressed grounds, topiary work, ancient and
modern flower gardeus, old orchards and young diagonal cor-
dons, with a reference to an old Paar tree—a travelling tree—a
marvellous and abnormal specimen which has “ travelled” over
an acre of ground, must be deferred.—J. Wnricur.

VINE BORDERS.

Mucu sound advice has been lately given in these columns
by ‘‘A Kircuen GarDENER” on the above subject, but at the
Same time there are some statements which I cannot allow to
pass unchallenged.

In the Journal for October 11th ‘A Kitchen GarpENER”’
evidently proves to his own satisfaction that inside borders
are alla mistake; but to my mind he proves something entirely
different—namely, that all the inside borders which have come
under his observation have been badly managed. On page
281 I read— We will go no further than this season for a
comparison between the two. Look at Vines now with their
roots wholly inside and the fruit hanging on the rods. With
the idea of improving the flavour of the fruit the border is
kept nearly dust-dry.” By whom? I would ask. ‘“ Many of
the leayes are changing colour,’’ he continues; ‘ but not the
colour of slow maturity; they appear as if shrivelled and
scorched. Can this be otherwise than injurious to the future
well-being of the Vines?” Of coursenot. It is the descrip-
tion of Vines under decidedly bad management. If I were to
place a bird in a cage and allow it to dwindle from semi-

starvation it would not prove that a bird could not be kept in
good condition in a cage. I need not follow “A KircHen
GarDENzR” further in this article, because all his reasoning
only proves what I have endeavoured to point out repeatedly—
that inside borders, as a rule, do not have a tenth part of
the requisite quantity of water; but I was not aware till I
read ‘‘A KircHeN GaRDENER’S”’ article that there were in
these enlightened days any quite so badly managed as are
therein deseribed.

As a proof that Vines are not always deficient in vigour
when their roots are confined to the inside of the house, I may
be allowed to refer to the engraving from a photograph in the
Journel for December 21st last year. Not only are the roots
of the Vines there shown confined to the inside of the house,
but till within a fortnight ago they were restricted by means
of bricks and concrete to a space of about 15 feet by 7 for each
Vine, and 2 feet 9 inches deep. I cannot from actual experi-
ence positively contradict ‘‘A Krrcumn GARDENER’? when he
says that ‘‘ Vines will succeed much better through all their
existence when their roots are outside than in,’ because it is
not yet nine years since the eyes were inserted to raise the
Vines shown in the ongraving, and the range of which this
is a portion contains the only instance of permanent inside
Vine borders which have been under my own exclusive manage-
ment; but I can assure ‘‘A KircHeN GARDENER’? that the
Vines show no sign of debility at present; on the contrary,
they, as well as the fruit they bear, improve every season.
Four Vines (Muscate), one at each corner, now completely fill
the compartment, which is 80 feet by 30.

My advice as regards the situation of Vine borders would
depend on the means at command, the skill of those in charge,
and the result expected. If tolerably good Grapes of the
Hamburgh class only were wanted from August to November
with the least amount of labour, I have nothing to say against
the borders being entirely outside; but if very superior fruit
is required of Muscats or other Grapes which take a long
season to ripen, then an inside border has many advantages,
provided those in charge thoroughly understand it. Inside
borders are alse the best for forcing any kind of Grape. On
the other hand, an unskilful man is more likely to meet with
a fair amount of success if his borders are outside, because
Nature will then do her best to make up all deficiencies.

I will now paes on to the Journal for November 29th, where
I notice ‘‘ A KircHEN GaRDENER’’ recommends the moat ex-
traordinary mixture for making Vine borders that I have ever
heard of, and I doubt very much if either he or anybody else
could grow Grapes in it. I have waited some time before
noticing it, thinking possibly there might have been some
printer’s or other mistake which would have been corrected
the firat opportunity, but no correction has appeared at present
to my knowledge. It reads, ‘‘The principal compost .....
consists of moderately heavy loam with one-third decayed cow
dung, the same of wood ashes, and about one bushel of smashed
bones to every cartload of the whole.’ Does ‘A KircHEN
GARDENER” seriously mean to advise equal parts of loam,
cow dung, and wood ashes, or do I misunderstand him? My
compost consists merely of loam with just a sprinkling of half-
inch bones, perhaps about a bushel to fifteen cartloads. I£
the soil were likely to bind I would mix charcoal with it, which
we make ourselves, and which is decidedly preferable to wood
ashes.

The inside border, being completely under command, will
hear to be much heavier and closer than an outside one.—
Wii1i1am Taytor. ‘

OUR BORDER FLOWERS—POPPYWORTS.

Bocconra corpaTa or Tree Celandine is said to have been intro-
duced to our gardens in 1795 from China. It is figured in the
‘Botanical Magazine,’ and was named in memory of Paolo
Boccone, M.D., a Sicilian. How a plant with such attractive
properties »nd stately appearance has so long remained in
the background I am not prepared to say. Now that plants
are 60 much sought after for decorative purposes the Bocconia
under notice is wortby of extensive cultivation. Those who
are searching for hardy plants to produce effect in large open
spaces in shrubberies or in borders, and as single specimens
in ornamental grounds where plants of striking character
are required here and there, will find.in Bocconia cordata a
fine acquisition. It grows freely in a mixture of good loam
and sandy peat in equal quantities, a little leaf soil, and
well-decayed vegetable matter. It is a strong-growing plant,

£95 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

{ December 27, 1°77.

and for the full development of its handsome proportions
should have room affurded it. The soil intended for its
zeception should bs broken up to the depth of 3 feet, and the
above-named compost well incorporated with the best of the
soil where it is intended to grow. It should have thorough
‘drainage, being a gross feeder; when required it should be
supplied with water, all the better for having weak liquid
agnure water now and again; it is increased by division in
the spring when growth is commencing.—V=RITAS.

MARKET APPLES.

Mr. Rosson in his welcome remarks on page 450 has directed
attention to a failing point in the popular Apple Cellini. It
is too tender, Mr. Robson has said, to travel a long distance
well, and the fruit does not turn out of the baskets in good
<ondition. From the fact that Cellini is an Apple of good
appearance and quality, also that the tree has proved a good
bearer even during the past barren season, it is probable that
trees of it may be rather freely planted. It becomes, there-
fore, the more important to give prominence to any bad
qualities that it may possess, that they may either be disproved
or substantiated. I have grown this Apple with satisfaction
to myself and employers, but have not had experience in
marketing its fruit; but I have had the advantage of listening
to a cultivator whose opinions always commanded respect—
the late Mr. J. R. Pearson of Chilwell, whose views coincided
with those of Mr. Robson on the bad travelling properties of
the Apple in question. I have heard Mr. Pearson remark that
Cellini was an excellent Apple for home use, but it would
never be popular as a market Apple. Twelve hours ina basket
and a hundred-miles journey on a railway was in his opinion
quite sufficient to spoil the appearance of the fruit. This is
a matter of such importance to so many cultivators that I
think it unadvisable that the experience of one—for no doubt
Mr. Pearson spoke from experience—should remain unpub-
dished. Those who have had much practice in the gathering
and storing of Apples cannot but have observed how the bruises
vzeceived by one kind will spread and show, while those of
another remain almost imperceptible, and, indeed, apparently
diminish.

The Apple which Mr. Pearson considered one of the most
valuable for early market purposes is the Duchess of Olden-
burgh, an early free-bearing variety of Russian origin. I have
‘heard that gentleman state that no Apple of its season would
travel from Nottingham to Manchester so well as the Russian.
None other, he remarked, could ‘“‘ hide its bruises”? so well;
in fact he observed that it improved in appearance after having
been removed from the baskets, the bruises apparently vanish-
dng, while those of Cellini always increased. The Duchess of
‘Oldenburgh is a handsome Apple—good in size, colour and
<juality; and as it ripens early (August), and the tree is a
healthy grower and great bearer it is worthy of the attention
of cultivators. It forms an attractive bush or pyramid, and
is suitable for small gardens.

A popular market Apple in some districts of the north of
England is a small very richly coloured sort called Lord
Lennox. It is a dessert fruit, but not of particularly high
quality, yet is fairly good. It is chiefly on account of its
round pleasing form and bright scarlet colour that it is
esteemed as a market fruit. The tree is a very clean and free
Grower, and it forms, when unpruned, natural spurs, and pro-
-duces heavy crops of fruit. It roots more freely than most
other sorts, and seems to thrive in almost any sort of soil. I
thave seen it growing almost in a swamp; indeed quite so
during the winter months, and have never yet observed a
speck of canker on either root or branch. It has never occurred
to me before this moment that Lord Lennox would probably
form an excellent stock for the Ribston Pippin, which is yet
the favourite market Apple for dessert purposes, but seldom
‘Seen on account of the proneness of the tree to canker. Will
someone having an opportunity of doing so graft the Ribston
Pippin on the Lord Lennox stock, and in due time report
progress? A few years ago I was compelled to plant twelve
Apple trees in as many sorts in a very low wet soil, and Lord
‘Lennox is the only one that 18 entirely free from canker. It
makes a fine standard tree, and its fruit does not readily blow
off during a brisk wind. It is probably a local Apple, and I
know nothing of its origin or history.

Two other local Apples of undoubted usefulness, especially
as orchard standards, have been favourably mentioned in the
-Journal—namely, the Russian Transparent and Bramley’s

Seedling. I have not yet grown these Apples to a bearing
state, but I have seen them growing and fruiting. They are
both of them fine and profitable Apples that anyone can grow
who has room for full-sized standards. They only require to
be planted, and they will grow and form natural spurs and
bear large fruit of excellent quality for culinary purposes.
They are both of them ‘‘ market Apples’ which, when once in
® bearing state, will pay producers and satisfy consumers as
well as any Apples of their kind and season that lam acquainted
with.

Beauty of Kent is a good ‘‘ market Apple,” but by no means
alocal sort. It is mentioned now by way of knocking away
@ prop, if possible, that supports a popular delusion. This
Apple is supposed to be suitable for the southern districts of
England only. I have seen it flourish in the north and pro-
duce good crops when many other sorts had sueeumbed to the
inclemency of the weather. So far from its being a tender
sort I consider it as hardy as Dumelow’s Seedling, or, as it is
called in the north, Normanton Wonder. Beauty of Kent,
besides being hardy, is a free bearer; its fruit is large, of good
colour, and of superior culinary quality.

Normanton Wonder is a favourite ‘‘ market Apple’ in the
north, not because of its high quality, but because of 1ts firm-
ness in late spring. Asa ‘‘ May-day’’ Apple it is perhaps the
first favourite in many districts. The tree generally bears
heavily, and the fruit usually commands a good price.

Another Apple of great promise as a market sort is the
Worcester Pearmain. The tree is a good grower and bearer,
and the frnit is extremely handsome and highly colourea—
almost blood red, and of the first quality. It can hardly fail
to become very popular, possessing as it does such a combi-
nation of attractions—namely, easy to grow, fire to look at,
and excellent to eat.

Warner’s King is a very favourite market Apple. ‘The tree
is a good grower and bearer ; the fruit is of large size, of good
appearance, and of excellent quality. ‘‘King”’ Apples, as they
are often called, are extremely popular in the north.

I have only mentioned a few usefal market Apples which I
think are not quite so well known as they deserve to be. There
may be others equally good, and which are passed over because
their usefulness is admitted. I will only allude to one that
Mr. Robson has made to look ‘‘ rather small’’—Lord Snffield ;
and of this I will only say that if returns could be kad of the
number of different sorts that are annually grafted and solc,
I believe Lord Suffield would be found to far cutaumber any
other Apple grown in Britain.

I think with Mr. Robson that the Apple is at least as im-
portant as the Rose; but admirers of Apples are not so enthu-
siastic or possess such facile pens as do lovers of Roses, or the
relative merits of varieties of the most serviceable of hardy
fruits would be more freely discussed.

The crops in the north have been scant this year, and much
fruit that set did not attain to more than haif the usual siz-:
it was also so malformed by injury from hail and severe
weather as to be in a great measure unpresentable at exhi-
bitions.—A NorTHERN GARDENER. ;

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

WE are glad to learn that the amount in the funds at the
credit of the GARDENERS’ Koyat BENEVOLENT FuND is now
£11,300, the additional sum of £300 having been recently
purchased. in consequence of the death of two pensioners
having occurred since the election lists were issued two more
will be added on the recommendation of the general meeting.

—— Tue dates for the exhibitions of the Natronan RosE
Society for 1878 are now fixed. The metropolitan Show will
be held at the Crystal Palace on Saturday, June 29th, and the

' provincial Show at Manchester on Saturday, July 6th, in con-

nection with the Manchester Botanical Society. In both in-
stances the Hon. Secretaries regard the arrangements as very
advantageous to the interests of the Society; they have en-
deayoured to get some other day in the week, but were obliged
to give way. The Executive Committeo will meet early next
month to arrange the schedules in order to submit them toa
general meeting of the Committee.

Tue Horricutturau Cuius, which has been located
hitherto on the Adelphi Terrace, are about to migrate to the
Temple Club in Arundel Street. There can be no doubt as
to the change being for the better, and consequently in the
interests of the Club, which have certainly suffered from its

December 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

497

‘connection with its former habitation. Great complaints were
made by members of the Club with the arrangements that
were made for their accommodation, and this was the cause of
‘many resignations. We hope now that these inconveniences
are at an end we shall see the return of the old, and a large
accession of new, members.

— Mr. Joun Wanpte, gardener, Newton Hall, informs us
that his relative, Mr. William Wardle, who was formerly an
amateur gardener at Newcastle, was the raiser of ALLAMANDA
‘WARDLEANA. It is one of the finest of the Allamandas, flowers
having been produced at Newton Hall 8 inches in diameter :
‘tthe plants flower freely in quite a small state and are very
valuable for decorative purposes.

—— WE have received from Mr. George Duffield of Bramp-
ton Lodge a rascrareD stem or DucurssE p—E Morny Rosz.
The stem was quite flat, about three-sixteenths of an inch in
thickness, and was nearly 2 inches wide. The summit was
covered with foliage, and almost resembled a fan.
saw a more striking instance of Rose fasciation. The exuberant
growth suggests that the soil at Brampton is very rich and
suitable for Rose cultivation.

— I po not understand, writes an experienced gardener
to us, after thirty years of practice, the DEFINITION oF A CauLt-
TLOWER oR Broccont. Which is which? My ideas were that
a Cauliflower referred to such as if sown in spring would head
the same summer or autumn, and a Broccoli if sown in spring
would not ‘flower’? the same season. Will some of your
correspondents tell me how to know a Cauliflower from a
Broccoli (not Cape)? If Snow’s Winter and Veitch’s Autumn
Broccolis are only distinguishable from Cauliflowers by ‘‘ flower-
‘ing’’ later, why designate them as Broccoli? Walcheren Cauli-
Mower is also Walcheren Broccoli, but it is as much a Canli-
flower as Early London, Asiatic, Stadtholder, Autumn Giant,
and others boasting the name of Cauliflower. Hither some
‘Broccolis are Cauliflowers or all Cauliflowers are Broccoli.

We have received the schedule of the Priarconium
Socrety’s Suow which is to be held next year at South Ken-
sington on Jane 18th. Every section of the Zonal Pelargonium
is provided for, and liberal prizes are offered in thirty-three
classes. In order to meet the increased expenditure incident
to the expansion of the operations of the Society, members are
invited to exert their influence in obtaining an augmentation
of the subscription list. We are pleased to observe that the
finances of the Society are in a healthy state, and that a
balance in the hands of the Treasurer of £42 6s. Sd. is re-
corded. The Zonal Pelargonium is so popular and useful, is
in fact an ‘‘ everybody’s flower,” that the Society whieh is
established to promote its improvement is highly worthy of
support. Since many of the varieties are proving so valuable
for winter decoration it is worthy of consideration as to
whether prizes should not be offered to be competed for during
the winter months, say at the December and January meetings
of the Royal Horticultural Society. Healthy and well-bloomed
plants are fully more valuable in winter than in summer, and
their successful cultivation during the ‘‘ dark days’’ is worthy
of the encouragement of this patron Society. Mr. Cannell
has shown what splendid flowers some of the varieties produce
in winter; but we should like to see plants as well as cut
blooms exhibited.

—— Ir is with much regret that we have to record the
‘outbreak of a calamitous fire which occurred on the morning
of the 23rd inst. at the works of the eminent horticultural
builders, Messrs. John Weeks & Co. of Chelsea. The branch
establishment destroyed is the one adjoining Mr. Bull’s nur-
Sery, which also, we regret to hear, sustained injury, one
of the houses being burnt, but most of the plants were
fortunately preserved. Notwithstanding the efforts of the fire-
men, engines, and hydrants, Messrs. Weeks’s large building
‘and much valuable machinery were totally destroyed. The
origin of the fire is unknown ; and the loss amounts to £10,000,
of which about £2500 is covered by insurance. A firm so ex-
‘tensive as the Messrs. Weeks do not, however, ‘‘ put all their
eggs in one basket:” they have yet three other establish-
ments for carrying on their business, which we are authorised
to announce will be conducted in the usual way. They have
received much kindness and sympathy from their neighbours,
several engineers and builders having placed their plant, &.,
at the disposal of the firm.

— WE have received a selection of those useful annuals
Lerts’s Drapes. They are in various sizes, from the small

miniature for the vest pocket to a considerable-sized scrap
book. They are conveniently arranged, and contain much
useful information on a variety of topics. We have experi-
enced the value of these familiar diaries, almanacs, and pocket
books during previous years, and can recommend them as
being as good as ever—excellent of their kind.

— Ir is gratifying to know that living plants of the
remarkable WELWITSCHIA MIRABILIS are now in the Kew
Botanic Garden, several attempts to introduce this curious
plant in a living state having failed. Even imported seeds
have failed to germinate.

A visitor to Mr. Bass’s fine GARDEN aT RANGEMORE
informs us that extensive alterations are being conducted by
Mr. Bennett. An additional twelve acres are being taken in
to the pleasure ground. The lake is being enlarged, and much
levelling and planting is being done. The mild weather is

| an immense advantage to the prosecution of the alterations.
We never |

Ovr correspondent, ‘‘A KircHen GARDENER,” writes
to us as follows on the value of the Arpurus:—‘‘ At this
time of year when there is such a demand for berried ever-
greens it may interest some of your readers to know that the
Arbutus far excels every other shrub for the beauty of its
fruitful sprays. We have over a dozen. trees of it, some of
them between 20 and 30 feet high, with clusters of ripe Straw-
berry-like fruit hanging from every branch. The fruit is just
about the size, shape, and colour of ripe Black Prince Straw-
berries. The shrub grows freely amongst other evergreens,
and although it is generally considered to succeed best near
the sea, it is well worth trying in inland gardens.” We may
remark that this beautiful evergreen flourishes well in the
southern counties of England, but we doubt if itis sufficiently
hardy for exposed gardens in northern districts. What does
Mr. Abbey say of its endurance in Yorkshire ?

THE great desideratum in fruit is something very lat®
or early ; it is not always that one sort possesses both proper-
ties. Having been induced to try Surron’s Royan Honrtt-
cuntURAL Prize Menon we cut the earliest on the Ist of May
and sent in the last on Christmas day, my employer saying the
last was as good-flavoured as the first; it is also a good setter
and free grower.—E ROMEGNAR.

—— Respecrine the WEATHER IN SourH WALES, a reader
of the Journal there writes—‘‘ The weather here is very mild
and humid. Since the middle of October it has rained half
the time. Previous to that we had capital weather, and fruit-
tree wood is fairly well ripened. We have had a cold night or
two, but a few Potatoes growing on a south border are as green
in the haulm as in June. Young Cauliflowers and Lettuces
for the earliest crops in spring are strong and healthy out in
the open border. They have never had any protection. Violets
are abundant in the open air. Primroses may be gathered in
handfuls. Last year we could hardly find a single Holly berry :
this year every tree both green and variegated is literally
loaded with them. Last year at Christmas we had armfals of
Laurustinus flowers: this year we have not handfuls. A sharp
frost would do much good, but we do not have much of that
here; and as for snow, we have very rarely the pleasure of
seeing it.’’ :

—— MM. Lecuartier AND BELuAmy give an account in the
Comptes Rendus, lxxxiv., 1035, of some experiments they made
on the FERMENTATION OF APPLES when enclosed in vapours such
as carbolic acid, camphor, and potassium cyanide. From their
results it appears that no fermenting action took place in the
Apples surrounded by vapour of carbolic or hydrocyanic acids,
and a slight action only in the one surrounded by camphor
vapour. The camphor vapour, in fact, diminishes without
entirely destroying the vitality of the cells. In this journal,
also, there ig an account of experiments performed in the
same direction by M. Gayon. He enclosed the Apples in
vapours of chloroform, ether, and carbon disulphide, and his
results agree with those of the first observers. The chloroform
and ether act in the same manner as the carbolic and hydro-
eyanic acids; the carbon disulphide in the same way as cam-
phor, permitting partial fermentation only.—(Nature.)

— A WELSH correspondent sends us the following extract
from the ancient laws of Wales to show the vatur or Yew in
long bygone days, especially when it had been consecrated by
the priests: it then exceeded in price the sacred Mistletoe of
the Druids :—‘‘ A consecrated Yew, its value is a pound; not
consecrated, fifteen pence. A Mistletoe branch, threescore
pence. An Oak, sixscore pence. A sweet Apple, threescore

498 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 27, 1877.

pence; a sour Apple, thirty pence. A Thorn tree, seven pence
halfpenny. Every treo after that, four pence.”

THE weight, says an American writer, affords the
easiest test for the purity or Guano. A bushel of pure Pern-
vian guano, according to most authorities, should weigh al-
most exactly 70 lbs. If heavier than 73 lbs. it is adulterated
with clay, sand, marl, or some other impurity.

Tue Prairie Farmer states that $2,500,000 worth of
American dried fruits have been sold in Kurope during the last
twelve months; also that Obio has 381,000 acres of Apple
orchards, and raised this year 15,000,000 bushels of Apples.
Some few months ago, says the Mercantile Gazette, a
pathetic lamentation went the round of the press, emanating
from M. Piesse, in consequence of the Russo-Turkish war in-
terfering seriously with the manufacture of artar or Roszs.
The last number of the Indian Agriculturist thus comments
upon it :—‘'M. Piesse, of the firm of Piesse & Lubin, the cele-
brated perfumers, writes quite romantically to the London
Times, ‘Come, then, Western Australia! come, then, Queens-
land! come, then, Fiji! all the Roses you can grow will be»
welcome to Britigh commerce. This article is worth alone
£80,000 sterling per annum.’ WM. Piesse had evidently no
idea of the Neilgheries and the Roses that grow upon them.
Ootacamund and Cooncor should be in a position to supply
M. Piesse with a very large quantity of the article he needs.
The manufacture of attar of Roses is simple enough, and no
difficulty will be experienced by those who are inclined to try
it to get the necessary information. This source of industry
may prove the means of relieving many who are now suffering
from poverty on these hills.”’

—— “ Hromecnar”’ sends us the following note of his ex-
perience on the question of LoAM versus PEAT FOR RHODODEN-
DRONS :—‘‘In making some alierations we had to remove a
bed of large Rhododendrons. Ths bed had been excavated
3 feet deep, one half having been filled with peat, the other
loam. There was no comparison in their rooting. Those in
loam had balls as large as the body of a cart; in the peat, on
the contrary, they were not a quarter the size, and you could
tell to a plant how far each kind of soil extended before the
shrubs were taken up.”

NOTES on VILLA anp SUBURBAN GARDENING.

Aut work that has been advised in previous calendars and
not yet completed must be finished without further delay, for
with the ushering-in of the new year garden work and garden
cares commence afresh. Ina very few weeks many operations
will be found pressing to be done at one time, consequently all
work that it is possible to do to facilitate work in the spring
should be done at once. The wheeling of manure, the trench-
ing of ground and layirg it in ridges for the frost to act upon it,
the pruning of all kinds of fruit trees, the sweeping and roJling
of lawns. and the turning of the borders under shruba, all con-
stitute work for the present time. Adapt the work, too, to the
weather, and both master and man will be benefited. For
instance, manure is best wheeled during frosty weather, for
then the paths are hard and firm. Trenching is brisk warm
work for cold dry days, and warm pleasant days are the most
profitable for pruning. After rain the roller will make the
greatest impression on lawns, and is highly beneficial if an even
and thick sward is wished for. It is surprising how great are
the advantages of adapting the work to the weather—working
with the head as well as with the hands.

Peaches and Nectarines on walls should be all unnailed and
the branches be secured to stakes some distance from the
walls, in order to retard the buds as much as is possible, for the
longer the expansion of the blossom can be retarded the greater
is the chance of favourable weather during the setting period,
and of a good crop of fruit resulting.

Apple and Pear trees, whether grown as bush or pyramid
trees or in the form of espaliers by the side of walks, &c., should
be carefully pruned and trained now. A judicious thinning of
the small weak wood is necessary, keeping the centre of the
tree, in the case of standards, open, so as to admit a free current
of air through the trees. The pruning of all small fruits, such
as Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries, must not be delayed
after this time. Gooseberries and White and Red Currants
should have their centres kept open by pruning all side shoots
nearly close to the main branches, removing also the points of
the principal or permanent portions of the bushes; but Black
Currants merely require an old shoot or so to be removed to
prevent overcrowding. Raspberries require to have the points
of the canes shortened, removing also the weakest of the super-
‘fluous canes. Some cultivators secure the canes to stakes,

others have a wire trellis to which they tie them out separately,
while some train them by whatis known as the arch system—
that is, the points of the rods from one stool are secured to the
pointe of another, and by this means the growth is well exposed
to the light. All the modes of training alluded to answer well,
and that one may be adopted which is the most convenisnt.
Gather up all prunings, and those of the Apple and Pear may
be tied in bundles and be reserved'for small flower-sticks,
while the prunings of Gooseberries and such like should be
burnt, when not required to be made info cuttings.

Shrubberies and pleasure grounds are now attractive where
Holly abounds. So numerous are Holly berries on some trees
this season that they almost make the foliags look dull and sickly
by contrast. Jasminum nudifiorum just now clothes the walls
of many a villa home with its clear yellow flowers, while the
Arbutus and Laurustinus are heavily laden with clusters of
white and graceful blooms, and Garrya ellipticais profuse with
its bold and drooping catkins. All of the shrubs impart a
charm to an otherwise dull and dark month, and meke us feel
that, after all, there is always something to admire in a well-
furnished garden be it ever so small.

Vires in houses where there is not much artificial heat have
nearly shed their foliage. They are now ready for pruning,
dressing, and cleaning. The system of pruning most common
as yet is the spur system, according to which the laterals are
pruned back to within about two eyes of the main rod. Employ
a sharp knife for the work, and do not cut too close to the bud.
Wash the rods with soft soap and tobacco water, and they may
also be painted over with a mixture of sulphur, tobacco wacer,
and clay, as thrips and other insects may be lurking within she
crevices of the bark. All inside borders will require a goog
soaking of water, for though the tops are apparently dormant
the rootlets are active. It is well to remember that the finest
Grapes as'a rule are grown where the rainfall is the heaviest.

Bedding Geraniums require to be frequently looked over and
to have all decaying leaves removed. They must be watered
moderately, for nothing is gained by allowing them to become
dust-dry, more especially if a little fire heat isused. Cinerarias
and Calceolarias are growing well, and are as a rule strong and
healthy. They should be kept near the glass and liberally
supplied with water on fine mornings. Continue to bring in
fresh batches of bulbs, Spirwas, Deutzias, Azaleas, Rhododen-
drons, Lilacs, Dielytras, Roses, &c., for forcing as wanted, and
other Roses in pots will reqnire pruning for later supplies.
Before pruning see that the soi) has become tolerably dry, then
with a sharp knife cut away all weak shoots. Place a strand of
cord round the rim of the pot,.and bring gradually down suffi-
cient shoots to lay the foundation for a compact plant. The
shoots so tied down make more breaks than they otherwise
would do if left erect, and consequently will give a greater
supply of flowers. Do not attempt too high a temperature for
forcing the Rose; from 50° to 55° is ample. Syringe frequently,
and ’s growth commences give more water. Itis a very goog
plan to prune some weeks previous to starting the plants into
active growth.

Leaves that have been collected and laid in a heap should be
mixed with some long and fresh stable manure for the purpose
of forming a hotbed for the raising of early frame Cucumbers,
the striking of numerous cuttings, and the raising of seeds
during the spring months. Directions for the making of the
beds will be given in due tims; for the present allow the
materials to ferment and sweeten.

DOINGS OF THB LAST AND WORK FOR
THE PRESENT WEEE.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

We have already given the various details of the work on the
open ground and on walls. There are, however, exceptional
conditions that must be taken into account, such as undertaking
the charge of a garden where the trees have for years been
neglected. It was our own experience to do this once, and we
found weeks of employment in thinning-out the wood where it
was too thick, taking care at the same time to leave a sufficient
number of fruit buds for acrop the following season. In pruning
standard trees the right principle is to thin-out the outer
branches liberally, so that the sunlight may play freely on the
fruit about the centre of the trees. Old and neglected trees
will have very few fruit buds near the centre; they will nearly
all be found on the outer branches. When standard trees are
well managed from the first the inner branches will be furnished
with fruit buds, not to the same extent as those on the onter
side, but they will be evenly distributed over the trees, and the
branches will not be so liable to break with their load of fruit
in seasons of plenty. Neglected wall trees, especially Pears and
Apples trained on the espalier system, are most unsightly
objects. We have seen them with the spurs projecting nearly
half a yard from the main stems. The best thing to do when
this is the case is to cut the spurs back rather closely. Such
treatment may have the effect of very materially diminishing

December 27, 1877. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

499

the chances of a crop of fruit the following season; but the trees
will be made sightly, and by good management they can very
speedily be brought into a bearing condition.

It is not wise to train the horizontal growths too near each
other; 9 inches apart is a good. distancs, and when the walls
are of brick it is easy to train the growths along the seams.
When the wallis quite furnished the only attention required
for such trees is to keep the spurs close to the main branches.
Fan-trained trees are rather more difficult to keep in order as
the trees get old. The fruitful portions are to be found more
and more at the outer verge of the branches, and when the old
trunks become almost destitute of buds it is best to cut them
quite back and to train up young wood that will ultimately bear
freely.

Those who are furnishing new walls with trees will have
done well if they followed our instructions and: selected their
trees in the nursery early in the season. If well-trained four-
year-old trees are planted they will come into bearing the recond
‘year after planting. 1t is the practice with many gardeners to
cut back the young growths of last year very severely. Ifthe
trees are healthy and well iurnished with roots this is not a
wise plan. The young wood should be cnt back to two-thirds
of its length only, aud the branches must not be nailed to the
walls until the ground where the trees are planted has subsided.
Peaches and Nectarines are usually the last to be nailed. If
the young wood has been attacked by apbis or scale it should be
well washed with strong soapy water. All planting should be
finished as speedily as possible. Gooseberry, Current, and
Raspberry bushes should be planted, and the grouad mulched
to keep frost from the roots. If the canes and bushes are planted
in an exposed situation itis well to place a stout stick tv them
to keep them steady in high gales of wind.

PINE HOUSES. :
The time is-now drawing nigh when the succession plant

must be started: About the first week in January wo move all
the plants out of the tan bed, where the roots have been dry,
and ina tempsreture of not more than 75° or 80°. We either
use fresh tan entirely or sift the old stuff to separate the dust
from the rougher portion. After mixing the rough portion that
is left with any that has been obtained fresh from the tan pits
level it down and then plunge the pots to half their depth, if
deeper excessive heat mey injure the roots. In six weeks or
more the heat and tan subsides together. A portion of fresh tan
may be added to the surfave, which will increase the heat again.
The plants ought not to want for water after they are started,
and the temperature of the house, which ranged irom 55° to 60°,
should not fall below 65°. The house should be damped twice
2-day, and the surface of the beds may be occasionally syringed.
In the houses where fruit is approaching the ripening stage, and
others having fruit in various stages of development, the atmo-
sphere must ulso be rather moist, and as yet much care must be
exercised as to watering; if the compost becomes too dry the
stem of the fruit shrivels, which causes premature ripeness and
deficiency of flavour. If too much water is applied there is a
probability of the fruit becoming black at the core. This mis-
chief is also caused by giving too much manure water. We
always apply manure water with caution to Pines, and especially
so in the winter. The house where the young suckers are kept
will not have more heat than 55° or 60° until the first week in
February, when the temperature may be advanced to 65° as a
minimum, After keeping up this temperature uutil the middie
or third week in February the Pines may be potted.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

We have been tying out and placing sticks to plants of various
Kinds, and it is well to push forward all work of this kind when
time can be spared for it. Stage Pelargoniums that were potted
a few weeks ago have now taken hold of the fresh compost and
are making sturdy growths; the plants are not large, else it
would have been necessary to place a stout wire round the pots
at the outer limit of the branches; this can easily be done by
placing sticks across the rims of the pots and making them fast.
in our case it was only necessary to fasten a piece of rope yarn
under the rim and to tie dowa the shoots to this, thinning them
out where they were crowded. Some care is necessary in bend-
ing them down noi to pull the shoots too much, else they are
likely to snap off. We just give sufficient water to keep the soil
moist and not to allow it to become toodry. If too dry the older
leaves are likely to become yellow and must be picked off, and
too much moisture causes spot. Fumigate to destroy green
fly. Cinerarias are growing vigorously, and must be kept in a
house close to the glass; air must be admitted freely, but the
plants are much injured if they are placed in « draughty place.
A dry atmosphere is not suitable for them. Give weak liquid
mauurs water occasionally if the pots are filled with roots. That
made from cow manure is the most suitable. Coronilla glauca
and Cytisus racemosus are valuable for producing flowers now
and onwards until other flowering plants are more plentiful.
The bright yellow flowers are very striking, and the plants are
very easily grown. Heaths and Hpacrises that flower at this
season must be taken care of. ‘Lhe withered and mouldy

flowers must be removed, as they have a tendency to produce
decay.

The first batch of Hyacinths, Tulips, and Polyanthus Nar-
cissus have been placed in gentle heat, and they are growing
freely. Other spring-flowering plauts, such as Deutzias, Spirwja
japonica, and other hardy-flowering shrubs may be placed in
heat, also a few Roses; avery gentle bottom heat with a tem-
perature of 55° will cause the plants to grow freely. But we
find that the growths are weak and flowers are not freely pro-
duced unless the plants are kept rather close to the glass. It is
not wise so early in the season as this to place plants in the
house to force, that have not been properly prepared. They
are prepared by being established in the pots some time before
they are forced, so that when they are excited to grow the roots
are ready to supply sap.

By judicious management and very little expense a fow Tea
Roses may be in flower now. The plants should be placed in
an airy house with a night temperature of about 55°, and air
should be admitted as freely as may be deemed desirable.. The
outer petals are apt to become mouldy if the temperature is.not
high enough and the air about the plants is stagnant: Some of
the Teas are bad openers, and some are not so useful for-cutting
as others. Niphetos and Safrano are the two most employed by
the bouquetists in Covent Garden. Beautiful buds of those
two may now be seen in the windows with. sprays.of Euphor-
bia jacquiniwflora, the small Roman Hyacinths, and. other neat
little flowers ; indeed, many of the small. batton-holebouquete .
are rather overdone with these small flowers. A neat fresh
Rose bud with its own bright glossy green leaves’ would be more
esteemed by a person of taste.

FLORIST PLOWERS;

Little.can be said about these at this time, except ‘that Auri-
culas require to be looked over to remove all the decaying leaves,
and to scratch over the surface of the potsif moss is growing:
Whether or not, it does good just’to scratch the surface each
time the plants are picked over. Thore are few. frames where
drip is not to be found, and we have had valuable specimens
quite sodden at midwinter through being placed under the place
where water has dripped into the pot in wet weather. Carna-
tions and Picotees also reqvire looking over in the same manner.
We have not thought it necessary to protect. the Tulip: beds
from wet; there seems no reason to do this in our district. In
wet heavy soils the growers have iron hoops bent over the beds,
and some sort of canvas is hung over them to throw off the
rains and protect the plants:coming through the ground from
frosts.—J. Doueuas.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECHIVED.

Sutton & Sons, Reading.—Amateurs’ Guide in Horticulture,
and General Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Potatoes,
&c. (highly illustrated).

James Carter & Co., High Holborn, London.—Vade Mecum
and General Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Potatoes,
d&c., (highly illustrated).

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*_* All correspondence should bo directed either to ‘The
Editors,” or to ‘The Pablisher.’’ Letters addressed to
Mr. Johnson or Dr. Hogg often remain unopened unavoid-
ably. We request that no one will write privately to any
of our correspondents, aa doing so subjects them to un-
justifiable trouble and expense. p

Booxs (Fantail).—Leighton’s “Lichen Flora,” and Berkeiey’s ‘ British,
Mosses.” (A Constant Reader).—The two dictionaries are one and the same.
(Cuskin).—‘' Outdoor Gardening” and “ Indoor Gardening.” You can have
them by post if you enclose 3s. 3d. in postage stamps.

Brconra (C. F.).—We cannot name florists’ varieties, they are too nume-
rous and nearly alike.

VINES FOR CooL Houss (R. A. P.).—Black: Black Champion, Black
Hamburzh, Mill Hill Hamburgh, and Black Frontignan. White: Bockland
Sweetwater, Foster's Seedling, Dr. Hogg, Royal Muscadine. We did not
receive yourformer letter. Many letters have recently been wrongly delivered,
and it is only by the coartesy of our neighbours that we have received im-
portant communications which have been addressed tous. Replies to corre-
spondents are usually given in about a week after the questions are received.

ViouEts (&, LZ. P.).—The correspondent you name is not a desler,

Group (4d. Wilson).—It was entirely smashed. Probably it is the grab of
the Daddy-longlegs.

Heat in Vinery at Rest (Amateur).—You may keep the house as a
jwarm greenhouse. Do not let the temperature fall below 45° or rise over 50°
duriug the wiuter. Begonias and many species of Ferns would be safe in
such a house. Roses will be quite safe in a cold frame until spring.

Cropping Vines (Idem).—Old Vines that have been forced: and heavily
cropped for twenty years will be well nigh exhausted. As the roots have
gone down 8 feet below the surface you might try what effect raising them
nearer the surface would have. They will never succeed so well ss young
Vines.

DovubLe PriupLas (Idem).—If you intend to grow double Primulas for
exhibition it will be necessary fur you to obtain all the varieties that you

500

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 27, 1877.

—_—_— eee

can. You must grow them near the glass in a cool house or glass frame
facing north. Good yellow loam, with a little decayed manure, leaf soil, and
lime rubbish, is the best compost for them. The size of the plants must be
an index to the size of the pots. Exhibition plants ought to be large enough
to be exhibited in 8-inch pots,

RosEs FOR Forcine (Sir Ashley).—The first lot to be started in January
from your list should be Anna Alexieff, Madame Victor Verdier, John Hopper,
Paul Neyron, Dupuy-Jamain, Jules Margottin, Vietor Verdier, Dr. Andry,
Malle. Marie Rady, Comtesse @’Oxford, and La France. For the second lot
take Henry Bennett, Madame Lacharme, Baron Haassman, Abel Carriére,
Camille Bernardin, Thomas Mills, Frangois Courtin, Francois Michelon, La
Rosiére, Duc de Rohan, and Maurice Bernardin. For the last lot Duchesse
de Caylus, Pierre Notting, Duke of Wellington, Alfred Colomb, Capitaine
Christy, Sir Garnet Wolseley, President Hardy, Thyra Hammerick, Lord
Macaun'sy, Jean Cherpin, Madame Thérése Levet, Fisher Holmes, Sir J.
Paxton Duc de Montpensier, and Etienne Levet.

WINTE®ING TUBEROUS-ROOTED BEGonrAs (M. A.).—They rest in the
winter, aud should not be excited by being placed in heat. Keep them ina
dry cool greenhouse or cold frame.

CULTURE OF ORCHID (Donna Serafina)—We do not know Dendrobium
Harrisonii. Have you not made a mistake in the name? Send us a leaf
and thst may assist us.

Name oF SEED (M. D. D.).—The seed is from a species of Momordica, and
it is probably M. Charantia. [t answers well to the description you give; and,
further than your letter describes, the seeds are immersed in scarlet pulp.
The bursting of the fruit, especially to expose a brilliant interior, is unusual
in the family of Cucurbits. It requires to be sown in bottom heat about the
middle of March, and, like all of the Cacumber relationship, must have an
unchecked .growth onwards to maturity. A little later sowing should be
made if there is any danger of check. Rough loam enriched with a little
manure forms the best compost. Place two plauts well down to the seed
leaves in a small 60-pot and plunge in bottom heat, thence when required
shift into a 32-sized pot, then into a 24, and at last into as large a pot as
convenient. Let there be good sticks for the support of the stems from the
first, for they never properly recover the bruising of a disentanglement. A
warmer temperature than of a greenhouse is requisite, though stove tempe-
zaiate is rather too high. A greenhouse may be kept close to suit its require-
ments.

Names oF Fruits (Somerset).—The numbers were all shaken from the
Apples when they arrived, the strings having slipped off. The best way is
to stick the numbers on with pins or wrap each specimen in a separate piece
of paper on which the number is written.

NaMEs oF Prants (W. W. 4.).—1, Asplenium marinum; 6, Pteris serrulata;
3 and 4, forms of P. cretica; 7, Selaginella uncinata; Polypodium Phymatodes ;
Pella falcata. (J. T. H.).—1, Cheilanthes myriophylla; 6, Pellea quad-
Tiaurita var. argyrea; 7, Adiantum formosum.

POULTRY, BEE, AND PIGEON OHRONIOLE,

NORTHALLERTON SHOW OF POULTRY, Kc.

TuE first winter Show took place at Northallerton on the 19th
and 20th inst. The entries were unusually large, there being
about 830 pens. The birds, &c., were spread over six rooms, and
no show, owing to the absence of light, was more difficult to
judge. In the large varieties of poultry a pen of splendid Buff
Cochins won the cup, and for Hamburghs, Game, and Bantams a
pen of Piles won. The Selling classes were very good, the entries
large and many birdsclaimed. Pigeons were still worse placed
for light and inequality as to position, some being not less than
8 feet high, while others were near the floor. They were very
good ; the Dragoons contained no less than forty entries.

Cage Birds were neatly arranged in a small room and were a
very pretty display, the Norwich Canaries being specially good
and wellshown. Lizards were all noticed, and Silvers won the
prizes. In British Birds a capital Goldfinch was first, and
Thrushes second and third.

Rabbits and Cats were also well exhibited.

POULTRY.—Braumas.—l, F. Cass. 2,H.Beldon. 38, J.T. Smith. Cocuins.

—1, Special. and 2, G. H. Proctor. 8, J. North. Dorxines.—l, E. Barker. 2
and 8, C. Widdas. FRrENncH.—1, Dr. Macrae. 2, W. Jackson. 38, Rev. G. F.
Dean. SpanisH.—l,H. Dale. 2,J.Thresh. f&xtra 2,G. Thomas. LEGHORNs.
—1, Bradbury Pros. 2,T. W. Richardson. 8, W.T. Robson. Potanps.—l, H.
Beldon. 2, C. Walker. 8, Dr. Macrae. Game.—Black or Brown Reds.—1, W.
Rudd. 2,J.B. Dale. 8, W. Younghusband. Any other variety.—1 and 2, W.
Rudd. 8, C. Venables. HampourcHs.—Golden-pencilled.1, T. P. Carver. 2,
H. Pickles. 8,J.Smith. Silver-pencilled —1,H. Beldon. 2, H. Pickles. 8, G.
Waite. Golden-spangled.—l, H. Pickles. 2,H. Beldon. 8, Holmes & Destner.
Silver-spangled.—1, H. Beldon. 2, G. Waite. 8, G. Alderson. BANTAMs.—
Game.—1, W. Rudd. 2, Mrs. C. Porter. 8,E. Barker. Any other variety.—1, J.
W. Crowther. 2, T. P. Carver. 8, H. Pickles. ANY OTHER VaRieTy.—l and
Special, H. Beldon. 2, T. Newlands. 8, C. Atkinson. Doucks.—Aylesbury.—l,
F. EK. Gibson, 2and8, J. J. Gunn. Rowen.—l, F.E. Gibson. 2,J. B. Braith-
waite. 8, G. Garbutt. Any other variety.—_l, G. Sadler. 2, C. Atkinson. 8,
Rev A.S. Webb. GEESE.—1 and Special, G. Pounder. 2,C.Atkinson. 3, F.G.
S. Rowson. Turktys.—l, T. Parker. 2,J. & W. Birch. 8, J. B. Braithwaite.
SELLING CLass —Price not to exceed 2'3.—1, J. Clayton. 2. Thurloe & Fan-
thorpe. 8, Rev. A.S. Webb. Price not to exceed 40s.—l, W. Dale. 2, G. Alder-
son. 38, G. Pounder.
PIGEONS (StncLE Brirps).—PouTErs.—1 and 2. E. Beckwith. 3, A. P. By-
ford. Carrrers.—l, E. Beckwith. 2, J. Booth. 3, G. Winter. TUMBLERS.—
Short-yaced.—1 and Special, T. Horsman. 2 and 8, E. Beckwith. JacoBins.—
1, G. Alderson. 2, W. Dale. 8, E. Beckwith. Tursirs.—l and Special, EF.
Beckwith. Fqual 1, G. Sadler. 2, G. Alderson. 3, R. Woods. Barss.—l, J.
Thresh. 2, E. Beckwith. 8,H. Yardley. ANTWERPs.—1l and Special, J. Avery.
2,J. Booth. 8, T. & J. M. Cumber. ANY OTHER VARIETY.—1 and Special, G.
Alderson. 2, E. Beckwith. 8, H. Beldon. SELLING CuLass.—Price not to
exceed 203.1. G. Alderson. 2, Holmes & Destner. 8, E. Barker. Price not to
exceed 40s.—Pairs.—l, H. Beldon. 2,J. Booth. 3,J. Ingham.

CAGE BIRDS.—Norwicu Cananres.—Yellow-marked or Clear.—l and 2, H.
Stebbings. 8, Stevens & Tenniswood. Bujf.—l and 2, J. Cleminson. 8, C.
Burton. Evenly.marked —1, J. Cleminson, 2, C. Burton. &, C. Greenwood.
YORKSHIRE CaNaRIES.—1, R. Atkinson. 2, Stevens & Tenniswood. 38. T.
Hutchinson, Lizarp Canaries.—l, J. Cleminson. 2, W. Addison. 8, Stevens

and Tenniswood. Canarizs, ANY OTHER VARIETY.—I, T. Cleminson. 2, Stevens:
and Tenniswood. 8,J. Cleminson. MuLE.—1 and 8, Stevens & Tenniswood.
2. Bell & Slater. GoupFINCH oR LINNET.—1, T. Cleminson. 2, T.Green. 8, T.
Hutchinson. ANy OTHER British Birp.—1, W. Burniston. 2,T.Mayne. 8, We
Archer. PARROT OR PARROKEET.—1, R. Pearson. 2, Mrs. G. Oliver. 8,R. Mais.
ANY OTHER V4RIETY.—1 and 2, W. Burniston. 8,J. Ward,
RABBITS.—Lop-EaRED.—Buck or Doe.—1, G.F.Clarkson. 2, G. S. Nellist.
ANY OTHER VARIETY.—Buck or Doe.—l, Misses Walker. 2, Miss Hailstone.

A. Rymer. 8, J. Hawxwell.
CATS.—ToRTOISESHELL OR TORTOISESHELL-AND-WHITE.—1, E. Horner. 2, C.
Graves. Brown oR RED Tapsy.—l, W. Jenkinson. 2,E.Horner. Buack or

WuirE.—l, W. Bailey. 2, W. Attfield. 8, S.A. Pocock. ANY OTHER VARIETY.
—l, Rev. E. A.B. Pitman. 2, Mrs. R. Chapman.

LOCAL CLASSES.—TorkeEys.—Poults.—1, Mrs. Heslington. 2, Miss Booth.
8, F. Woodhouse. GosLincs —1. T. P. Walker. 2, Miss Booth. 3, J. Collins.
Duckiines.—1l, H. Clay. 2, J. Oliver. 8, J. B. Braithwaite. OHnICKENS.—
Pure Breed.—l, J. White. 2, Rev. J.C. Raw. 3,J. Deighton. Cross Breed.—
1.G.Carter. 2, Wetherill & Rickatson 8, W. Bearpark. SELLING CLAssEs.—
Turkey or Goose.—l, F. Woodhouse. 2. J. Arrowsmith. 8, Mrs. G. Oliver.
Ducks or Fowls.—1 and 8, Wetherill & Rickatson. 2, J. Clayton.

Jupee.—Mr, E. Hutton, Pudsey, Leeds.

RIPON SHOW OF POULTRY, &c.

Tue third annual Show was held at Ripon on the 19th an@
20th inst. in the Rifle Drill Hall. The judging, especially in
the case of Pigeons and Oage Birds, had to be done by gaslight.
Aquatic birds and Turkeys had the best light, as they were
arranged in a spacious tent, where the dressed fowls, eggs, and
butter were placed.

Dorkings were very good, but the Cochins much better. Almost
every pen received a mention in Hamburghs. Game were &
very good entry, as also were the Bantams. The two Selling
classes contained forty entries.

Pigeons were well-filled classes in allcases. Carriers.—First
Black and second Dun cock; a capital Black hen was very
highly commended. Pouters.—First a very large White cock,
very fine in girth and in good play; second Blue, rather short
of wing-marking. Barbs a moderate lot. Oune of the best classes
in the Show was the Almond Tumblers, almost all noticed.
First and special a well-marked cock, the second losing in
ground colour only. Any other Shortfaces, first a grand Agate
and second a Kite, several others well deserving prizes. English
Owls very good, the winners Blue. Foreign, first a very
handsome White. Turbits, the first and special went to a fine
Blue, the second also of that colour, and almost equal in quality.
Trumpeters very good. The Long-faced Tumbler class was @
good one, nearly every pen well worthy of a prize. Nuns were
almost every bird extensively trimmed, consequently many
birds were passed. In Magpies Reds won both prizes. Jaco-
bins were a very good lot, the first very small. HFantails were
one of the best classes we ever saw, the winners being excep-
tionally good in both tail and motion. Dragoons were not as
good as we see at most shows, but the two winners were very
good in head. In the Variety class a very handsome Red Fairy
Swallow was firstand a Blondinette second. The Selling classes.
were very large and good. i

Of Cage Birds there was an excellent display of 150, almost
every one receiving a notice. p

Rabbits had only thirteen entries and these of no special note.

POULTRY.—Braumas.—l, H. Beldon. 2, G.A. Eastwood. Dorxrines.—l, T:
Swales. 2,T.P. Carver. Cocu1ns.—l, Special, and 2, G. H. Proctor. SPANISH.
—1,J. Powell. 2,J. Thresh. Povanps.—l, H. Beldon. 2, Dr. Macrae. Ham—
BURGHS. — Golden-spangled. —1 and Special, W. Dodgson. 2, H. Beldon.
Golden-pencilled —1, H. Pickles. 2, T. P. Carver. _Silver-spangled—l, G.
Alderson. 2, Robinson & Jagger. Silver-pencilled.—l, H. Pickles. 2, Robinson.
and Jagger. Black.—l, Robinson & Jagger. 2,T. P. Carver. Game.—Black
or Brown Red.—1, H.Mason. 2, W. Milner. Any other variety—l and Special,
F.Sale. 2. Holmes & Destner. Single Cock.—1, F. Sale. 2,R. Craven. GaME
BanTaM.—l and special, Mrs. Sellers. 2, W. Rudd. Bantams.—Any variety.—
Cock.—1, E. J. Booth. 2, R. Henderson. Any other variety.—l, C. J. Young.
2, T. P. Carver. FRENCH.—1 and Special, J. Johnson. 2, J. Graham. Any
OTHER VaRieTy.—l, H. Cunliffe. 2, R. Hawkins. SELLine CiassEs.—Cock,.
Drake, or Gander.—1 and Special, T. P. Carver. 2,S. Lucas. Hens, Ducks, or
Geese.—1, G. W. Henshall. 2,J. Sherwin Loca Cuass.—Any variety.—l, Je
Sherwin. 2, T. H. Foden. Turkeys.—i,T. Parker 2, I. Moorey. GEESE.—
land Special, G. Pounder. 2, C Atkinson Ducks.—Aylesbury.—l, C. Atkin-
son. 2, H. Beldon OUST ean G. 5. Rawson. 2, J. Newton. Any other
variety.—l, H. Beldon. 2, G. Sadler. y

PIGHONS (SINGLE Breps).—UCaRpiers.—l, E. Beckwith. 2, H. Yardley.
Povurers.—1 and 2, E. Beckwith. Barps—l!, J. Thresh. 2, E. Beckwith,
TuMBLERS.—Short-faced Almond.—l and Special, H. Yardley. 2, E. Beckwith.
Any other variety Short-faced—l, R. & J. Anderson. 2,J.G. Spendlove. Any”
wariety Long-faced.—l, H. Yardley. 2, Maud & Scott. Owxs.—ELnglish.—l, J.
Thresh. 2, T. H. Stretch. Forewgn.—tl, G. Alderson. 2, J. Booth. TouRBITS.
—l and Special, G. Sadler. 2.G.Alderson. TrumpeTers.—l, J. Lederer. 2, E.
Beckwith. Nuns.—l,H.Beldon. 2, R.S. Magee. Macpies.—l, R. Woods. 2,.
H. Belaon. Jacoprns.—Red or Yellow.—1 and Special, G. Alderson. 2, J.Sher~
win. Any other colour.—l,T. Holt. 2,E.Beckwith ANTWERPS.—l, H. Yardley.
2, J. Booth. Fanrams.—l, E. Horner 2, E. Beckwith. Dracoons.—l, E.
Mawson. 2, J. Booth. Any orHeR Variety.—l, H. Beldon. 2, T. Rule.
Youne Brrps.—land Special. E. Horner. 2,W.Bamforth. SELLING CLASsES.
—Price not to exceed £2.—Single—1, Beldon. 2, E. Beckwith Price not to
exieed £3.—Pairs.—1, T. Holt. 2, H. Beldon. Price not to exceed £1.—Single.
—1l, J. Sherwin. 2, D. Maren ale eae ih RSEAAa 2, S. Hill, Locab

Lass.—l and Special, T. Horsman. 2, and. 3
OSG BIRDS-—CaNakrEs —BELGIAN.—1, T. Scully. 2, Stevens & Tennis—
wood. NorwicH.—Yellow.—l, C. J. Salt. 2, E. Arnold. Buyf.—l, C. Burton.
2, C.J. Salt. Even-marked Yellow.—1, C.J. Salt. 2, Hampton & Cleminson.
Even-marked Buff.—l, C.J. Salt. 2, E. Arnold. vic, Bampton & Cleminson.
Yorksuire.—Yellow.—l, W. Goodhall. 2, J. Waite. Buj—l and 2, G. Turner.
vhe, W. Goodhall. Any other variety.—i, J. Wilkinson. 2, R. Adkingons
CRESTED.—Any variety.—1 and Special, Hampton & Clemineon. 2, C. J. Salt.
vhe, R. Atkinson. LizarD.—Golden-spangied—l, Hampton & Cleminson. 2,.
W. Addison. Silver-spangled.—1, Hampton & Cleminson. 2, J. Wilkinson.
vhe, Stevens & Tenniswood, Hampton & Cleminson, W. Addison. GoLDFINCE.
MuLE.—1, Stevens & Tenniswood, 2, U. J. Salt. Cananies.—Cage of Six.—

December 27, 1377. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1,G.Frank. 2, W. Addison. Any variety, local class.—l, R. Atkinson. 2,T.G.
Wray. vic.J. Waite,R Atkinson, T.G. Wray. Any other variety.—l, T. G.
Wray. 2, C. Burton. vhc, R. Atkinson, Stevens & Tenniswood. ENGLISH
Brap.—l. J. E. Powell. 2,R. Atkinson. ForeicN Brrp.—l, Mrs. R. William-
gon. 2,F. Barwick. Parrot.—Grey.—l, H. Wescoe. 2, G. Strodder. Ary
other variety.—l, R. Pearson. 2,M. Appleton, SELLING CLass.—land Special,
C.J. Salt 2, Hampton & Cleminson.

RABBITS.—Lopr-Eaz.—l, T. KE. J. Fell. 2, J. Taylor, ANY OTHER VABiIETY.
—1l,H.Lund. 2,J. W. Moses & Oscar.

JupeEes.—Poultry: Mr. J. Dixon.
Rabbits: Mr. E. Hutton.

Pigeons, Cage Birds, and

SOUTH LONDON POULTRY SHOW.

Mr. Haut’s third Show was held at the Great National Re-
creation Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, better known as the
Lambeth Baths, on Thursday last and following days. The place
is much better adapted for the purpose of a show than the Ber-
mondsey Working Mens’ Club, the building in which the Show
was held last year. The object of the Show is, we believe, to
give the working men of South London, who are unable to pay
the large entry fees of the other London shows, an opportunity
of exhibiting their specimens. The Secretary was, we believe,
firm with regard to the objects, and would not kill ‘‘the goose
that laid the golden eggs,” and declined the entries of a large
exhibitor, who would have doubtless carried all before him and
left those for whom the Show was specially designed with a
simple card for their entry fees. Many alterations could have
been made that would have contributed to the comfort of tha
birds, but the suggestions have, we believe, been made to the
Secretary, and if the Show is continued we believe an effort will
ye made to accomplish all that is desired.

Dorkings have 50 many requirements that London could
hardly be expected to furnish the winners, which were nice
pirds, but we liked the third-prize much better; the hen in this
pen was worth all the class. Spanish —This was a really fine
class, and also the prizes went to London exhibitors, the first
also obtaining the cup for best pen in Show. Cochins a fine lot;
the winners nice White, a little creamy; second Butfs. Pen 22
we thought should have been in the prize list. Brahmas were
not up toour expectations. Game acapital class. Foreigu.—We
-were ata loss to understand the term. Houwdamns first, but we
did not like them; the cock’s spurs were growing outside his
legs. Pen 71 (highly commended) we thought much the best
pen in the class.

The Pigeons were, as might have been expected, much better
than the poultry, and they appeared well judged.

Rabbits were largely represented, and the quality marvellously
good. The exhibitors here appeared also quite satisfied with the
awards.

Prize Pouttrry.—The fine collection of poultry bred by Mrs.
Acton Tindal of Aylesbury was sold by auction on the 14th inst.
by Messrs. Reader & Son. There was a large attendance of
buyers. The following are some of the prices obtained :—A
Buff Cochin cock, winner at the Crystal Palace Show in 1875,
fetched £11 1ls., bought for Lady Gwydyr. Lot 66 was a
Partridge Cochin cock, which took the first prize at Aylesbury,
first prize at Altzincham, and several other shows; it realised
£5 5s. Several of the Partridge hens and pullets fetched £3 3s.
each. A fine lot of White Cochins brought high prices. One
prize, cock was knocked down for £17 17s., and another for
£13 Qs. 6d.

RABBIT FEEDING.

No animal is so free from disease as the Rabbit when allowed
to follow its instinct in the procuring of its food; but when
shut up between four walls or four boards, and unable to eat
tonic and other herbs which Nature has taught it are necessary
for the preservation of health, its health is apt to be de-
ranged. To prevent this itis necessary to keep Rabbits supplied
with food of such a character as shall keep them in health. The
bowels are easily deranged, so that care should be taken to
guard against any danger in that respect. Too much dry food
will cause constipation and skin disease, while an excessive
supply of green food will relax the bowels and pull the animal
down in health and strength. The quantity of each kind of food
should be kept in proportion, and the whole should be regulated
by the amount of exercise and the health of the recipient.

Passing over the directions for feeding young Rabbits and for
fattening we will direct our attention to the proper supply of
food to adult Rabbits, whether they are breeders or kept for
exhibition. We have in a recent number given full instructions
as to the best sorts of troughs to use, and a good selection of
these articles will save much money and trouble. If ever the
Rabbit refuses to eat great care should be taken to examine the
troughs and see if anything is wrong there. If not, the mistake
must have been made in the food, and a change should be tried.

Every keeper of Rabbits knows that there are two kinds
of food—the dry and the wet. Rabbits are seldom treated to
water. Sometimes a little water is given for a treat now and

501

then, and occasionally, but very rarely, a rabbitry is found
where water forms one of the regular articles of diet. Advo-
cates of water make a great point of the fact that wild Rab-
bits drink a great deal and are often seen near shallow pools.
They forget two very important facts: First, a Rabbit when
wild has much exercise, and can also eat herbs of a drying
nature. Besides this, in damp weather dead Rabbits are often
found in Rabbit warrens, and generally near water. If these
are dissected it is generally found that their death has been
caused by over-drinking. These circumstances should make
the addition or provision of water the question of grave con-
sideration, especially when it is borne in mind that not one
in a hundred of the exhibition Rabbits ever tasted any. The
only time that a little water is advisable is to a doe just before
kindling. A little damp food may be given with advantage, and
milk is better than water in that case.

The staple food should be dry grain, such as oats, barley,
buckwheat, &c. Oats are good for muscle-producing, and at the
same time keep the Rabbit in good condition. Barley is a little
too much inclined to be hot to be given too often. It is more
inclined to fatten than to strengthen, and should not be given
to growing Rabbits. Buckwheat is good bruised. Oats are the
cheapest food; they can be bought at from 4s. to 5s. per bushel,
and a bushel will last a long time in a small collection. They
should be given dry in a trough kept on purpose for dry food,
so that there will be no smell, as the Rabbits are very sensitive
on this point. Some Rabbits take very well to oats, and will
take them before almost any dry food; others do not seem to
care much forthem. In order to make them more savoury it
is as well, and in fact necessary, to adopt some kind of relish.
Tea leaves are very popular with Rabbits, and are very good for a
treat. If a handful is squeezed pretty dry and mixed with the
feed of oats the whole will be eaten with great relish. In this
case care should be taken that the two are well blended, or the
oats will not get much eaten. This mixture should not be given
in an open trough, or the Rabbits in hunting for the tea leaves
will scatter the whole contents on the floor. A safety top such
as that described in a late number should rather be adopted.
Soaked bread is sometimes mixed with the oats and makes a
good change. Barley should be given crushed or soaked.
Bran and pollard are also very good for food; they can be bought
very cheap and should be mixed with meal. A handful of meal,
Oat or barley, to three times the quantity of bran or pollard and
mixed warm with water or milk will make a good occasional
meal, though it is hardly to be recommended for a regular food.
Barleymeal is especially fattening, and should be used more for
putting a Rabbit into condition than as a staple food. Bran
alone is not good for food, being very light and tasteless.

If no liquid food is given to the Rabbits care should be taken
to cater for their wants with herbaceous food. Turnips and
carrots are very useful. Both the tops and the bottoms may be
given. Turnips are very hot and should not form a large share
of the diet, but carrots are both strengthening and may be given
frequently. Scrape the dirt from the roots, and cut out any
decayed portions. The tops may be given pretty freely. Cab-
bage stalks and leaves are very easily obtained and very good,
the former especially. Lettuce, endive, parsley, chicory, anda
score of other plants may be given at discretion. If the leaves
are damp they are very apt to cause looseness; they should
therefore be dried a little before using. Three times a day the
Rabbits should all be supplied with food, which should be of
different sorts so as to create an appetite. If any food is left in
the trough it should be thrown away and the trough carefully
washed. A little oilcake or a dry crust or two may be given at
intervals for a change, Regularity in the times of feeding is
also very important.—Gera.

Dorset Pouutry, PIGEON, AND CaGE-BIRD SHow.—It will have
been seen in our advertising columns that this is to take place
on the 16th and 17th proximo. The prizes amount to £300,
including thirty silver cups and pieces of plate.

BAR-FRAMED HIVES anp tHerrR MANAGEMENT.
No. 2.

PRESUMING, then, that hives of wood are on every account the
most handy, useful, and durable for all purposes of bee- keeping
—proved to be so by the fact that ninety-nine out of every hun-
dred educated bee-masters use them—I pass to the question of
size and shape, as to which there is some variety of opinion.
As to size cannot alter the opinion I have formed after an ex-
perience of many years :—‘‘ Large hives for places rich in honey
pasturage, smaller hives for localities badly furnished with
nectar-producing flowers.” A correspondent in a recent Journal
thinks I have misunderstood Mr. Pettigrew’s argument in
favour of large hives everywhere and under all circumstances.
I do not think I have done so, nor does his explanation convince
me differently. No doubt a hive may be so very small as to
imit injuriously the breeding powers of the queen, but I am

502

JOUKNAL OF HURTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 27, 1877.

no advocate for a very small hive, nor ever have been. Taking
Mr. Woodbury’s average size as the minimum and Mr. Petti-
grew’s as the maximum, there will be no perceptible difference
in the population of those hives when autumn is over, suppos-
ing them to have started fair in the spring with queens of equal
power and bees and food in equal proportions, also supposing
that they are treated exactly alike. They will start alike the
following spring (errors and mishaps allowed for), and the harvest
will be according to the supply, and likewise the. consumption
of food will be more or less according to the population. A
very large hive with a very large population no qoubs gathers
more honey than a smaller hive with a less population ; but
then also ib will consume honey in proportion, and in bad
geasous, or where there is unfavourable pasturage, it will often
starve where the other will live and thrive, not to speak of the
tendency of bees to make an excess of comb, which will be
favourable certainly to a large development of brood, but which
will as certainly cause a wasteful consumption of honey in the
process of unnecessary wax-formation.

Not many weeks ago one of your correspondents gave some
account of what may be called a telescope hive. Being large
in itself it was £0 constructed as to admit of contraction in
autumn by means of dummy slides or partitions. I have just
constructed one of these to carry sixteen bars. Itis of exactly
the same width and depth as the ordinary bar hive of Mr. Wood-
bury. The only difference is in its length, which obviously can
be extended ad libitum. I do not think I have exactly hit the
proper length for the admission of the additional six bars as
described by your correspondent. On examination I find my
hive to be 224 inches long, inside measurement. Here then is a
hive which might be called ‘the peacemaker,” as it combines
the two contending principles and allows scope for the working
of each under varying circumstances of years and pasturage. I
mean to give it a fair trial during the approaching summer, and
have no doubt whatever as to its meeting all the wants of the
educated bee-keeper of century nineteen. It is piain to the
simplest understanding that this hive can be enlarged to the
fullest capacity of the Pettigrew lippen, and comb contracted
to the smallest dimensions consistent with the safe working of
even a weak cash. .

The eight bars in the centre would suffice for winter storage
and use, when the two.ends marked off by the dummy partitions
could be filled with shavings, so making the centre snug against
severe frost. If the bees were exceptionally strong one of these
partitions could be removed and space for twelve bars allowed
to the bees. There is, moreover, ample room overhead for two
large supers or almost any number of sectionals. Nor is it a
mere speculation as to whether this hive is good or not. Its
great success last year in so bad a season verifies literally the
proverb ‘“‘ the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”—B. & W.

BEES IN LONDON.

I po not understand bees, at least in the sense that skilled
apiarians understand them, but I admire their wonderful habits,
their great industry, their sagacily and apparent intelligence.
As a gardener I have tended them, cultivated them perhaps I
may say, for their honey, the same as I have grown trees for
their fruit; but trees I confess have received much more of
my attention than bees. I have never killed the trees when
gathering their fruit, but I have, with pain and regret, assisted
fo kill thousands of bees when gathering their honey. But that
cruelty belongs to the past, and I have not indulged ina practice
so relentless and rude since I commenced reading your pages.
From the bee department of the Journal I have, like other gar-
deners, derived many a valuable hint and have had many an
hour’s pleasure in reading. From the poultry pages, too, I
could not only tell that I have derived enjoyment but profit,
for the putting into practice the advice therefrom gained I have
had the reward of hard cash, which my henwife has duly
appreciated. But I am wandering. My object in writing is to
admit what I feel is a shortcoming on my part, for although I
have been entertained and benefited by reading about poultry
and bees, I have not in return attempted to entertain others.
T have never before written a line on bees, and I am not sure
that the present effort will not exhaust me; and I should not
have written now had I not met with a surprise during the past
summer of a kind that I do not remember to have seen pub-

ished.
terion we read about localities being unsuited for bees, of
pad feeding grounds, and deterrent observations of that nature,
an idea is fostered, I think, that our honey-gathering friends
can only exist profitably on the purple heather-clad hills and
amid fields of white clover. But is not the tone of such sugges-
tions as we occasionally see rather a reproach on the bee-keeper
—or killer, than on the bees? I think so. Bees, I am of
opinion, will thrive almost anywhere if their owners will exer-
cise the same amount of intelligence and industry that are dis-
played by the “insects.” At any rate I know they will prosper
in London, which suggests that they will increase and multiply,

and will store up honey in other places similarly destitute of
clover and heather. When I refer to London Ido not mean
the suburbs, but a central and one of the most busy parts of the
metropolis. Within a stone’s throw of the north-west end of
Charing Cross Railway Station in the Strand—that is, if you
cao throw high enough, is a small but flourishing apiary. The
topmost room of one of the lofty buildings there contains birds
and bees; itis, in fact, an aviary and apiary combined. The
owner, who has a considerable business there, has a fancy for
bees and for birds, which he personally attends to, and the
results are highly gratifying. It was by the courtesy of an
assistant that I was permitted to inspect these thriving London
bees. I happened to attend on the day that a super had been
taken from one of the hives—a splendid super of London-stored
honey, yet bright and clear, which could not have weighed less
than 35 lbs. The bees are kept inside the room and close te
the window, which is closed with the exception of an aperture
at the bottom of the sasii for their egress and ingress. They go
in streams across the Thames and retirn laden with the results
of their smoky expedition. Where their feeding ground is it
is not easy to determine, butitis certain that itis not on the
heather nor among the clover.

The super was removed to a lower room when the door was
closed, and the window was opened for the escape of the stray
bees. They found their way out satisfactorily enough, but the
assistant thought their movements rather slow. At every
casual examination he found bees in the room, until at length
he thought it rather ‘‘ queer,’ and he examined more closely,
and was not a little amused to find a continual stream of bees
as busy as bees could be carrying back the honey from the super
below to the parent hive above. London bees he thought were as
“cute as London boys—always on the look-out for themselves.”
Their ‘‘little game” was stopped, and a fine take of London
honey was secured by the loss of little more than a dozen bees.

This little narrative may perhaps interest your utilitarian bee-
keeper Mr. Pettigrew, and may, perhaps, also encourage others
who hesitate to keep bees because they have no clover. To my
mind it proves how impediments vanish before intelligence and
well-applied industry on the part of the bee-keeper, who, I
think, is generally more to blame than the bees when failure
occurs.—A CounTRY GARDENER.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Stock owns (C. S,).—At this time of year, if all the eggs are required for
sitting, a cock should not have more than four or five hens. In #ebruary he
may have seven or eight, and in April and May a dozen. A cock of different
blood would be desirable; but if the bird you have is in points preferable to
avy other you have in view we advise you to keep him for this year only.

| You need not fear any ill effects from the two cocks running with fourteen

heos, but in May and June you would have to remove one of them. An1876
cock would do well put with the puilsts of last year, and that would enable
you to put the young cock with the heus. The formation of walks in -879,
the different sexes being taken from the different runs, would probably be
very successful.

Fow is HAarD-CROPPED (Constant Reader).—Give each a table-spoonful of
castor oil,

METHOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

THE usual “ meteorological observations ” not having arrived at the time
for going to press their publication must be postponed until next week. Tho
temperature in London has been considerably lower during the last few days
than previonsly, and there was a sight fall of snow yesterday (Wednesday)
morning—the first snow of the winter.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.—DEcEMBER 26.

BusINEsS, as is usual immediately after Christmas, is by no means brisk,
and there is no quotable alteration in prices.

FRUIT.

8. d. 8. d. 8.d. g.a@
2 6to5 0| Oranges........-... #100 8 Otold 0
0 0 O @| Peaches ... «----d0Z 00 0 0
- 0 6 O 8] Pears, kitchen.. dozen 10 8 0
OOS aAaagocuosce = A O) GW gy dessert ...... dozen 20 6 0
Grapes, hothouse... lb. 1 6 6 OQ| Pine Apples.......... WS hy ig
Lemons ......-- 2100 6 0 10 0| Plums.......... }sieve 0 0 0 0
Melons .........--. each 1 6 4 0| Walnuts.......... bushel 5 0 S 0

VEGETABLES.
s. d. s. d. 8.d. s.a
Artichokes...,... dozen 2 Oto4 @|Mushrooms.... potile 16 2 0
Beans,Kidney forced#100 1 0 1 6} Mustard& Cress punnet 0 2 0 4
Beet. Red ...... dozen 1 6 8 (| Onions ........ bushel 2 6 8 6
Broccoli ........ bunile 0 9 1 6 pickling....... quart 0 4 0 0
Brussels Sprouts }sieve 2 6 0 U| Parsley.... doz bunches 20 0 0
Cabbage .....--. ozen 1 0 2 0} Parsnips........ dozen 00 0 0
Carrots .....- bunch 0 4 O 6| Peas 00600
Capsicums y 100 1 6 2 0} Potatoes. 8 6 60
Cauliflowers.... dozen 2 0 4 0 Kidney 60) 70:
Celery .......... bundle 1 6 2 0} Radishes LA OmetaG
Coleworts doz. bunches 2 0 4 0] Rhubarb 06 10
Cucumbers each 1 0 1 6] Salsafy O79 atisio!
Endive en 1 0 2 0 | Scorzone 10 0°06
Fennel. 0 8 O 0} Seakale 20 2 6
Garlic . 0 6 QO 0} Shallots 08s 06
Herbs. 0 2 O 0} Spinach. 26 40
Lettuce 1 0 2 0} Turnips . 08 04
Leeks . 0 2 O 41 Veg. Marrows,. each 0 0 0 0

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